Tuesday, July 30, 2013

الانتخابات البلدية: فرصة ضائعة للتنفيس

وسط كل هذه الضغوط، كان من الممكن أن يكون هناك فرصة حقيقية للتغيير من خلال الانتخابات البلدية ولكننا فوتنا الفرصة مرة أخرى بالإصرار على عدم تعديل القانون
وسط كل هذه الضغوط التي يمر بها "البيت الأردني"،أضعنا فرصة حقيقية للتغيير من خلال الانتخابات البلدية وتعديل القانون الحالي ليضمن التحول نحو درجة أكبر من "اللامركزية" و"الحكم المحلي". - See more at: http://taqaddam.org/opinions/%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A7%D9%86%D8%AA%D8%AE%D8%A7%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A8%D9%84%D8%AF%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D9%81%D8%B1%D8%B5%D8%A9-%D8%B6%D8%A7%D8%A6%D8%B9%D8%A9-%D9%84%D9%84%D8%AA%D9%86%D9%81%D9%8A%D8%B3#sthash.D4ZcHziV.dpuf

وسط كل هذه الضغوط التي يمر بها "البيت الأردني"،أضعنا فرصة حقيقية للتغيير من خلال الانتخابات البلدية وتعديل القانون الحالي ليضمن التحول نحو درجة أكبر من "اللامركزية" و"الحكم المحلي". - See more at: http://taqaddam.org/opinions/%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A7%D9%86%D8%AA%D8%AE%D8%A7%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A8%D9%84%D8%AF%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D9%81%D8%B1%D8%B5%D8%A9-%D8%B6%D8%A7%D8%A6%D8%B9%D8%A9-%D9%84%D9%84%D8%AA%D9%86%D9%81%D9%8A%D8%B3#sthash.D4ZcHziV.dpuf
وسط كل هذه الضغوط التي يمر بها "البيت الأردني"،أضعنا فرصة حقيقية للتغيير من خلال الانتخابات البلدية وتعديل القانون الحالي ليضمن التحول نحو درجة أكبر من "اللامركزية" و"الحكم المحلي". - See more at: http://taqaddam.org/opinions/%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A7%D9%86%D8%AA%D8%AE%D8%A7%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A8%D9%84%D8%AF%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D9%81%D8%B1%D8%B5%D8%A9-%D8%B6%D8%A7%D8%A6%D8%B9%D8%A9-%D9%84%D9%84%D8%AA%D9%86%D9%81%D9%8A%D8%B3#sthash.D4ZcHziV.dpuf

Levy stands firm as Bale attempts to flee the Spurs nest

Gareth Bale has told Tottenham he wants to move to Real Madrid this summer but Spurs chairman Daniel Levy is adamant that he will not sell the 24-year-old.

Will the Spanish club get their man before the transfer window shuts? 

Justin Currie caricature

The Scottish singer from the band Del Amitri

The Goal 50 Superheroes

The winner of the Goal 50 has been announced, and our annual list's top 10 is, as ever, not short of football's biggest superheroes.

Superman Lionel Messi claimed the award for the third time, beating off competition from the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and Robin van Persie.

Thiago Silva and Arturo Vidal also invaded the top 10, along with four Bayern men in Philipp Lahm, Thomas Muller, Arjen Robben and runner-up Franck Ribery.

See the complete Goal 50 here

'Killer' weather rains on Asia Trophy parade

Paolo Di Canio described the pitch at the Hong Kong Stadium as a "killer" before the final day of the Barclays Asia Tropy - stereotypical Italian hyperbole right?

Wrong. After another session of furious rainfall, Manchester City's 1-0 win over Sunderland resembled a fixture from the 1970s as both sides skidded around a drenched, sandy surface.

It had bigger repurcussions for City as Matija Nastasic was stretchered off with an ankle injury, though Manuel Pellegrini refused to blame the pitch, stressing that it could have happened on any surface.

Andre Villas-Boas was less amused with the ankle problem Jan Vertonghen picked up in Tottenham's 3-1 semi-final loss to Sunderland though, adding: "We've lost one player through injury - and if I can be sincere I would prefer not to go ahead, but that's the reality."

Tottenham did go ahead though and escaped further problems as they trounced South China 6-0 in the game preceding the final.

As frustrating as it was for the managers and players involved, the nostalgic pitch provided plenty of entertainment for the observer.  

Buzz off! Tata warns Moyes off Fabregas

Is Manchester United's pursuit of Cesc Fabregas at an end? New Barcelona coach Gerardo 'Tata' Martino has said he wants to keep the Spain midfielder, while vice president Josep Maria Bartomeu has again insisted that he will not be sold for any price.

But will this be enough to keep David Moyes away? After being told to forget about it the first time, he came back with a bigger bid! 

Friday, July 26, 2013

Ronaldinho adds another title to prove Scolari wrong

He may not be the player of yesteryear, and that's undoubtedly a view shared by Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari, but Ronaldinho continues to tot up the titles to prove his doubters wrong.

Atletico Mineiro claimed Copa Libertadores glory on Thursday as they turned around a 2-0 first-leg deficit against Olimpia to secure a 4-3 penalty triumph.

But will Ronaldinho's Libertadores heroics nudge him into contention for World Cup 2014?

The former Barcelona playmaker hasn't played for his country since April, and was left out of the Confederations Cup-winning squad, but will hope that Scolari will take another look before he finalises his squad for the showpiece next summer. 

Thursday, July 25, 2013

Wenger turns to Suarez as Napoli welcome Higuain

Gonzalo Higuain is on the move from Real Madrid this summer - but not to his previously expected destination.

Arsenal tracked the striker this summer and were in advanced negotiations to take the Argentina international to north London.

But Napoli have used funds raised by the sale of Edinson Cavani to Paris Saint-Germain to sign the 25-year-old.

So, while Rafa Benitez welcomes Higuain to Naples, Arsene Wenger turns his attention to Liverpool striker Luis Suarez, who will cost a great deal more to prise away from Anfield.

Konkurranse!

Real Madrid's supporter club from Norway is holding a drawing competition where I'm picking the winner! Read more about it here:
Real Madrids norske supporterklubb, holder tegnekonkurranse hvor jeg velger vinneren! Les mer her:

Cartoons of the season 2012-13

Check out my Goal.com 20 favorites cartoons of the 2012-2013 season:Cartoons of the season 2012-13

 
 

Neymar the closest thing to metrosexual Beckham

He's a style icon as well as a football hero but Neymar insists that he is no "metrosexual".

"That was more something for David Beckham, who was more stylish," claims the Brazilian forward but doth the lady not protest too much? "Yes, it is true that I like to go out and buy new clothes, nice perfumes and hair products," he admits. "I also shave my legs, for example."

Neymar's new colleagues at Barcelona could be in for a surprise at just how much care their latest recruit takes over his appearance... 

الحجب مستحيل: صحافة رقمية وسياسات حكومية خشبية!

لقد تشرفت بالمشاركة برسوماتي الكاريكاتيرية مع موقع تقدم, تقدم هو منصة جديدة اردنية تحمل فكرا تحرريا, تقدميا, انتاجيا, مبدعا بيئيا و معلوماتيا.
الكاريكاتير يتحدث عن تعديلات قانون المطبوعات والنشر التي تم إقرارها في أواخر العام 2012 كانت من الأخطاء الفادحة، فالتعديلات لا تصادر حرية الأردنيين في الوصول إلى المعلومة فقط، ولكنها سياسة محكومة بالفشل أيضاً نظراً لطبيعة الفضاء المفتوح الذي يوفره الإنترنت ولا تفهمه "عقلية الحكومة"!
يبدو أن تعديلات قانون المطبوعات والنشر التي تم إقرارها في أواخر العام 2012 كانت من الأخطاء الفادحة، فالتعديلات لا تصادر حرية الأردنيين في الوصول إلى المعلومة فقط، ولكنها سياسة محكومة بالفشل أيضاً نظراً لطبيعة الفضاء المفتوح الذي يوفره الإنترنت ولا تفهمه "عقلية الحكومة"! - See more at: http://taqaddam.org/opinions/%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AD%D8%AC%D8%A8-%D9%85%D8%B3%D8%AA%D8%AD%D9%8A%D9%84-%D8%B5%D8%AD%D8%A7%D9%81%D8%A9-%D8%B1%D9%82%D9%85%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D9%88%D8%B3%D9%8A%D8%A7%D8%B3%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D8%AD%D9%83%D9%88%D9%85%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D8%AE%D8%B4%D8%A8%D9%8A%D8%A9#sthash.yROrex0Z.dpuf
 

Intervju med Omar Momani

I've been honored to have this interview with RealMadrid.no
RealMadrid.no is a Norwegian website for Real Madrid supporters in Norway
click on the picture to view the interview:

Premier League managers shop at La Liga supermarket

Premier League managers are filling their squads with top Spanish talent this summer.

17 players have left La Liga for England already this summer, with Manchester City signing Jesus Navas and Alvaro Negredo, while Brendan Rodgers has brought Iago Aspas and Luis Alberto to Liverpool.

The spending appears unlikely to stop, as Manchester United continue to pursue Cesc Fabregas, and Arsenal remain in the hunt for Argentina international Gonzalo Higuain from Real Madrid.

And with Tottenham in talks to sign Roberto Soldado from Valencia, there could still be more Spanish flavour heading to the Premier League this summer. 

Monday, July 22, 2013

Life's a beach: Madrid cruise in Bournemouth sunshine

Real Madrid began their pre-season in convincing fashion on Sunday, roundly beating Championship side Bournemouth 6-0 down on the south coast in front of a packed Dean Court.

With it also marking the beginning of Carlo Ancelotti's reign as boss, the Liga side ensured their marquee names were on show and none other than Cristiano Ronaldo grabbed a double in the romp.

Bournemouth erected a temporary stand just for the occasion, allowing as many as 12,000 people to lap up the atmosphere and bask in the aura of the galacticos.  

The Special Don: Mourinho wants to be the Premier League’s Godfather

On arriving at Chelsea first time around Jose Mourinho famously announced himself as the ‘Special One’.

The Portuguese has now returned to Stamford Bridge for a second spell and says he wants to be the “Godfather” of the Premier League.

After the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson, it was pointed out to Mourinho that he is the only Premier League manager to have won the Champions League, leading him to announce: "I am just going to be The Godfather". 

Saturday, July 20, 2013

Arsenal stars left flagging by Wenger's running man

An extremely enthusiastic Arsenal fan went viral earlier this week when he chased down the Gunners’ team bus – on foot and by moped – on their pre-season visit to Vietnam.
After tracking the bus for five kilometers, Vu Xuan Tien's perseverance paid off when he was allowed to join his heroes on board.
Arsene Wenger later explained that the fan is an inspiration for his players, but is he even fitter than them?!

Stuck in the middle with Roo as Premier League heavyweights clash

The transfer window ramped up a notch on Wednesday morning as reports surfaced of a Chelsea offer for wantaway Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney.

Though the initial report claimed Juan Mata or David Luiz were offered in part-exchange, Chelsea refuted the suggestion with a timely statement following news that United had rejected the bid.

However, one thing is for certain; the Blues have identified Rooney as their No.1 transfer target, as Jose Mourinho indicated later that afternoon. For now though, Rooney is left as the man in the middle of Moyes and Mourinho. 

Thursday, July 18, 2013

Cavani signs on despite PSG exodus

Edinson Cavani officially sealed his transfer from Napoli to Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday, speaking of how he wants to win the Champions League in the French capital.

But will that be a realistic opportunity next season? Despite having run Barcelona close last time out, things will be tougher following the exits of Carlo Ancelotti and Leonardo, who helped attract several targets from South America and Serie A.

Speaking of which, the futures of Thiago Silva and Zlatan Ibrahimovic remain up in the air, so has Cavani made the right choice?! 

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Moyes keen to grab Fabregas after failed Thiago pursuit

After spending much of the summer chasing unsettled Barcelona starlet Thiago only to be trumped by Bayern Munich and Pep Guardiola's sudden charm offensive, Manchester United need a transfer rethink.

A midfield playmaker remains a priority and Cesc Fabregas, Thiago's former team-mate at Camp Nou and another long-term United target, has risen to the top of the wanted list.

Barcelona are currently considering a £25.9 million bid from the Red Devils and, while it is unlikely to be accepted, it surely signals just the start of David Moyes' formal pursuit of the disillusioned Catalan.

There are, however, numerous obstacles to a deal. The Spanish champions are unlikely to simply jettison a player they fought so hard to prise from Arsenal, while the Gunners enjoy first option on any move.

Tito Vilanova revealed on Tuesday that Fabregas is happy at the Camp Nou, leaving United facing another difficult - and possibly fruitless - battle in the transfer market. 

Ibrahimovic rejects Paris romance with Cavani

Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s love affair with PSG is set to come to an end, due to the arrival of Edinson Cavani, according to Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis.

Cavani is expected to complete a mega-money move to the French capital imminently, a transfer that has not gone down well with the Sweden international.

De Laurentiis claims Ibrahimovic will say au revoir to Paris as he “will not play with Cavani” and has been promised a transfer by the French champions. 

Ribery stacks up the silverware in bid for Ballon d'Or

Can anyone stop Lionel Messi from steamrolling his way to a fourth consecutive Ballon d'Or title? Well a certain French winger thinks he can...

Bayern Munich star Franck Ribery made his announcement in no uncertain terms on Saturday, insisting that it is he who should be crowned the best player in the world.

"I think I've done everything to be the world's best player," he told the Bundesliga's official website.

"I've played a very, very good season. It's either now or never for winning this prize. I can't play any better than this."

So with the titles stacked up, including a Champions League and Bundesliga title, as well as a DFB-Pokal triumph, is the Ballon d'Or within Ribery's grasp?

Mourinho rides in to rescue Rooney

Despite David Moyes' best efforts to end all Wayne Rooney transfer speculation, talk of the Manchester United striker's potential summer exit continues.

Moyes insists Rooney is not for sale, but that has not stopped Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho declaring his admiration for the former Everton forward.

"Rooney is a player I like very much but I can say no more than that," he said. "Being fast and direct, I like that, but he's a Manchester United player."

Mourinho's comments prompted a response from Old Trafford boss Moyes, who is adamant the Premier League champions will reject advances from potential suitors.

"Unless I was speaking double Dutch, I said Wayne Rooney is not for sale," Moyes said.

"People are entitled to talk about players. I think I have really covered all the things on Wayne. Manchester United is about a team, not one individual." 

Saturday, July 13, 2013

Pep picks United's pocket to steal a march on Thiago

Barcelona youngster Thiago is currently one of Europe’s hottest properties with a number of top clubs seemingly intent on snapping up the Spaniard.

While Manchester United had looked favourites to capture his signature, the 22-year-old now looks destined for European champions Bayern Munich.

Pep Guardiola, who worked with the youngster at Camp Nou, seems determined to land his man telling a press conference: "Thiago is the only player I want, that's what I told them. It'll be him or no one". 

No regrets for Falcao after moving to Monaco

Radamel Falcao has insisted he is making the right move by joining Monaco, despite criticism from some quarters.

The prolific striker scored 52 league goals in his last two seasons with Atletico Madrid, leading to interest from a number of top clubs.

Chelsea were hoping to lure the Colombian to the Premier League after meeting his €60 million buy-out clause but instead Falcao decided that a move to Monaco was a far more attractive prospect.

Thursday, July 11, 2013

Mourinho parks his Chelsea bus on the scrapheap

Jose Mourinho has returned to Chelsea and vowed to bring sexy football back to Stamford Bridge.

The former Inter and Real Madrid coach has often been criticised throughout his career for perceived negative tactics and 'parking the bus’.

However, Mourinho has told Blues fans that he wants to make them happy and that his team will "play with style". 

Ramadan Kareem

Ramadan Kareeem to everyone everywhere from the tasmeemME.com team in collaboration with Omar Momani 

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Mkhitaryan and Villa snub Premier League

Activity in the summer transfer window is starting to hot up with two of Europe’s most wanted men announcing they are on the move.

Barcelona striker David Villa is heading for Atletico Madrid after the two clubs agreed a deal for the Spain international.

The transfer is likely to disappoint many, but particularly Tottenham fans who were hoping to see the striker in Premier League action at White Hart Lane.

Over at Liverpool there is also bad news after Borussia Dortmund confirmed Henrikh Mkhitaryan has completed a move from Shakhtar Donetsk, preferring the Champions League runners-up to Brendan Rodgers' side. 

Goal 50: Class of 2012-13

The countdown to the Goal 50 has begun and the debate is raging over which star performers from the season should be included in this year's list of football's most talented
School is out for much of the football world but the class of 2012-13 can still look forward to the annual prize-giving ceremony that is the Goal 50.

Our brilliant artist Omar Momani has drawn up his vision of the high achievers in contention for the list - which will be announced on July 29.

Bayern Munich trio Arjen Robben, Franck Ribery and Thomas Muller are sitting in the front row accompanied by Brazilian superstar Neymar.

Behind are La Liga legends Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo next to Robert Lewandowski, scorer of four goals for Borussia Dortmund against Real Madrid in last season's Champions League semi-final.

The Premier League may be flagging behind Germany and Spain, but Gareth Bale has stood out. The Tottenham totem sits with enigmatic Liverpool striker Luis Suarez and Mario Balotelli, who has lit up Serie A since joining AC Milan in January.

Assou-Ekotto reads up on latest Tottenham arrival

Known for having absolutely no interest in football, Tottenham defender Benoit Assou-Ekotto may get into a spot of bother when he arrives at pre-season training.

The 29-year-old has admitted he does not know the first thing about Tottenham's latest signing Paulinho, who has arrived at White Hart Lane from Corinthians.

“I don’t know what he looks like,” Assou-Ekotto told Goal. “I don’t know him, I don’t follow this kind of news.

“It’s like two or three years ago, Rafael van der Vaart was there in training one day. I said hello to him but I didn’t know he was Rafael van der Vaart." 

Monday, July 8, 2013

Moyes tight-lipped on Rooney future

David Moyes hosted his first press conference as Manchester United manager on Friday and spent the most part batting away questions on Wayne Rooney's future.

And while he was at pains to point out that the England striker is not for sale, he refused to be drawn on whether he has categorically stated his desire to stay at Old Trafford. 

Inter & AC Milan aghast at Raiola's merger proposal

The summer transfer window is prone to wild speculation but this week has also seen one of the most ludicrous proposals in football.

Mino Raiola, the agent who represents Mario Balotelli and Zlatan Ibrahimovic among others, believes that AC Milan and Inter should merge in order to become a dominant force in Europe.

“The situation Italian football finds itself in is difficult,” he told Gazzetta.it.

“Milan and Inter, instead of competing against one and other, they should join forces.

“Lazio and Roma could have one strong club, rather than only two weak ones.” 

Isco in the doghouse over pet Messi

Real Madrid officially announced the arrival of Isco on Wednesday but the 21-year-old may get a few scornful glances from his new team-mates if he ever brings his dog to training.

It had been revealed that the midfielder's dog is named after Lionel Messi and the Spain Under-21 star insists it will remain that way - despite signing for Real Madrid.

"I also had another dog called Figo. It's just an anecdote," Isco said.

"I'm not going to change my dog's name from Messi now because if I did, he would ignore me." 

Gotze considers Messi an idol

Amid reports suggesting Pep Guardiola will deploy Mario Gotze as a 'false No.9' at Bayern Munich, the Germany international says he keen to aspire towards the playing heights of Barcelona's maestro.

"Lionel Messi is a role model for everyone, including me," Gotze said.

"I don't see the transfer amount as extra pressure. It's something to be proud of having just turned 21.

"Looking back, it wasn't easy when the news broke that I was leaving Dortmund, but that's behind me now. The important thing is to develop myself and I wanted to do that at Bayern." 

Wednesday, July 3, 2013

First day nerves for new boy Moyes

As players and managers report back from their summer break for the gruelling pre-season regime, David Moyes embarks on one of the trickiest jobs in football - succeeding Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United.

For Moyes, the daunting prospect of arriving at Carrington was cushioned by the announcement of his backroom staff as Steve Round follows the Scot from Everton to become the assistant manager at United, while Chris Woods and Jimmy Lumsden have also joined from Goodison Park. 

Ruthless Brazil sink Spain

Brazil claimed the Confederations Cup on Sunday with an emphatic victory over world and European champions Spain.

Vicente del Bosque's side were fancied by many to win the competition, which served as something of a dress rehearsal for the World Cup in Brazil in 2014.

But the tournament hosts raced out of the blocks and led through a Fred goal after just two minutes.

Neymar added a second just before half time, before Fred completed the scoring shortly after the interval.