Shaka Hislop Talks With Kasey Keller
July 29, 2008
ESPN’s Shaka Hislop, had a recent yarn with Kasey Keller, whom gives a stellar insight into playing in three of the biggest football leagues in the world. Keller talks about the training sessions in Germany with over 7000 people in attendance…you’d better hope you’d showed your stripes at that gig! Kudo’s to Steve Amoia for letting me know. Enjoy! Read more
Goalkeeping and Athletic Development – Where do we start?
July 22, 2008
The goalkeeper is an integral part of any football team but unfortunately is one of the most misunderstood players in sport. Coaches the world over are at this minute wondering what do I do with the goalkeeper at training whilst I’m doing work with my other players. Throughout the pre season and other conditioning activities the goalkeeper either takes part in non-specific running or is told to do something else on their own or with another goalkeeper. Read more
Interview with Claudio Rapacioli goalkeeper coach of Piacenza Calcio
July 19, 2008
Steve Amoia has an exclusive chat with goalkeeper coach Claudio Rapacioli of Piacenza Calcio. Mr. Rapacioli gives his insights into what it takes to be the best goalkeeper you can be, and a unique insight into a revolutionary goalkeeping software he created that is utilized by some of the best football clubs in the world.
Volkan Demirel May Sign For Man City?
July 19, 2008
Turkish goalkeeper Volkan Demirel may sign for Man City for this coming Premiership season for what some speculators are claiming may be 10 million Euros. Demirel was sent off during the recent Euro 2008 championships against the Czech Republic for pushing over Jan Koller in the 92nd minute, resulting in a red card. Read more
Gordon Banks Statue Unveiled by Pelé at the Brittania Stadium
July 19, 2008
Gordon Banks Statue Unveiled by Pelé at the Brittania Stadium
by Steve Amoia for Keeper Skool
Image details: null served by picapp.com
Fundraiser for Charity
There was also a friendly game between the Banks XI and the Pelé XI (teams comprised of former players and celebrities) to raise funds for the Gordon Banks Foundation. Mr. Banks has been a humanitarian for many years, and one of his friends, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, was in attendance in the capacity as an honorary manager. The monument appeal was the creative vision of Mr. Don Mullan, the author of “Gordon Banks: A Hero Who Could Fly.”
Two Great Rivals Who Became Friends
Image details: Pele Denied By Banks served by picapp.com
“In 1969 the Brazilian legend scored twice against Banks in the city (Stoke) in a friendly involving his side Santos, a year before the famous World Cup save. Pele said: ‘We become good friends and close friends in the United States.’ Banks, who played for Stoke between 1967 and 1972, said the pair have met at various events, mostly in England. He said: ‘We’ve always had a very fond relationship with each other and we have great fond memories as well.’ ”
Archbishop Desmond Tutu on Gordon Banks
“Archbishop Tutu said watching sport was an inspiration to those in South Africa. ”They (those taking part) helped to make us realise the world wasn’t all awful. There are good people who could be role models for us and Gordon Banks, yes, one knew this incredible goalkeeper.’ “
Source of both quotes: BBC News, 12 July 2008.
British Prime Minister Gordon Brown on Gordon Banks
“Banks’ achievements as a goalkeeper were unforgettable, while his decency as a man was just as responsible for his continuing popularity in Britain and the world of football.”
Video Interview with Sky Sports from the Brittania Stadium
To watch and listen to the comments by Mr. Banks before the statue was unveiled on Saturday, please click here.
Steve Amoia is the author and editor of World Football Commentaries. He has written for Soccerlens and Keeper Skool.
Brad Guzan Hopes High For Villa Start!
July 19, 2008
Early this year, it was a case of “I liked what I saw over at Villa…but…” for 24 year old MLS goalkeeper of the year (2007) and Chivas shot stopper Brad Guzan. It would be like scraping the honey pot, taking a look inside at the golden goodness of a possible career changing move, then heading back home with you tail between your legs.
But, as the above video shows, Brad Guzan holds onto one of the most important values to succeed as a goalkeeper, that of…getting on with the job. It’s one of those traits that we may forget about when the times are rough and you don’t get your way, but Guzan shows that excellence in a league considered “average” amongst the Illuminati of the footballing world (what do they know, right?) creates a platform of success and a pathway to something better in ones football career.
Guzan thoroughly deserves the move (if it all pans out well with the work visa), working with the likes of Martin O’Neill will certainly push his goalkeeping ability to new heights.
Clarence Seedorf and Ali Campbell for Goal4Africa
July 19, 2008
Clarence Seedorf and Ali Campbell for Goal4Africa
by Steve Amoia for Keeper Skool
Text courtesy of Kate Carlisle, ON International.
“On 12 July 8 p.m. Goal4Africa will celebrate its global kick off at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany. We are delighted to invite you to the Kick Off Event and the preceding press conference at 6 p.m.
Established in 2008, the Goal4Africa Global Foundation raises funds for educational and development programmes and promotes the development of soccer throughout the African continent. It is inspired by two major upcoming events: Nelson Mandela’s 90th birthday, on 18 July 2008, and the FIFA World Cup in South Africa, in 2010. By bringing together two forces, education & football, Goal4Africa wants to build sustainable change and a lasting legacy for the future of the continent of Africa. Goal4Africa is endorsed by powerful partners worldwide, such as the Nelson Mandela Foundation and the Peace and Sport Foundation. Top soccer player Clarence Seedorf is Goal4Africa´s first and global ambassador.
During a live event broadcasted in over 60 countries worldwide, the story of Nelson Mandela’s extraordinary life and his dream are told and the Goal4Africa program and objectives are explained. Spectators and visitors are treated to a benefit football match with the Goal4Africa World Team that unites the world´s best football players including Seedorf, Gattuso, and Drogba.
Before and after the match, live acts are performed by world famous artists, such as Ali Campbell, legendary voice of UB40, and many more.
The match will be the first opportunity for spectators and visitors to sponsor each goal scored through (mobile) text messaging and via the Goal4Africa web site.
Press conference
The kick off celebration event will be preceded by a press conference at 6 p.m. in the Press Club of Allianz Arena in which you will be informed about the latest status of the Goal4Africa initiative, its program for the coming months, the fundraising mechanism, the launch of Goal4Africa’s first special projects. As a global ambassador of Goal4Africa, top football player, Clarence Seedorf will host the press conference.”
Steve Amoia is the author and editor of . He has written for Soccerlens and Keeper Skool.
Diego Cavalieri set to sign with Liverpool
July 19, 2008
Palmeiras‘ star goalkeeper Diego Cavalieri is almost in the clutches of Rafa Benitez, as Liverpool has “almost” completed a supposed $5.9 Million transfer fee for the 25 year old Brazilian shot stopper. It will be interesting to see how well he will compete against the likes of Pepe Reina, and the following video gives an inside view of his great ability.
“Cashing In” on Goalkeeping: Oliver Kahn
July 19, 2008
“Cashing In” on Goalkeeping: Oliver Kahn
by Steve Amoia for Keeper Skool
HypoVereinsbank is a premium partner of FC Bayern Munich.
Recently, they began a new initiative with the recently retired Bayern legend, Oliver Kahn. In what may be a first for the goalkeeper’s union, Herr Kahn has a bank card named after him:
Image details: Hypo Vereinsbank Launch Limited Edition Oliver Kahn Cash Card served by picapp.com
Training Session Video
Before he promoted cash cards, he was one of the best keepers in world football. Here is an interesting training video from his days at Bayern Munich. John discussed this video last December; however, it might be helpful to take another look. Especially since we can see the interaction between Kahn and his coach, former German legend, Sepp Maier.
Steve Amoia is the author and editor of World Football Commentaries. He has written for Soccerlens and Keeper Skool.
Awesome video tribute to the best goalkeepers of Euro 2008
July 19, 2008
With the Euro’s just past, I think it was befitting to find a video that sums up the explosive goalkeeping performance of some of the best of a generation, and those whom stand in their wake. Personally, I felt that some of the goalkeeping displayed in this Euro 2008 competition was the very best I’ve seen in quite a while.
From Buffon, Casillas and van der Sar to Akinfeev, the following video runs the gauntlet of some of the best goalkeeping action from this past Euro 2008 in Austria and Switzerland. I’ll let the video paint the picture:
