Liverpool concede late Ludogorets equaliser but still need win to progress

Rickie Lambert, right, scores Liverpool’s opening goal against Ludogorets. Photograph: Michael Steele/Getty Images

Brendan Rodgers spun on his smart black shoes and roared an expletive at the Liverpool bench as a morale-boosting result, respite and three points vanished in the blink of Georgi Terziev’s 88th-minute equaliser for Ludogorets. A Champions League campaign intended to showcase Liverpool’s return among the European elite has produced only torment and there was more in Sofia, but also hope. Qualification remains in their hands. A manager in Rodgers’ position could not have asked for more.
The Liverpool manager did not get the scrappy win he would have accepted before kick-off due to his team’s latest failure to defend a set piece, Terziev heading home a corner from Júnior Caiçara and sparking a chaotic finale that threatened grave consequences for the visitors. He did, however, get the show of character required with Liverpool coming from behind courtesy of goals from Rickie Lambert and Jordan Henderson, and the chance to reach the last 16 with a victory over Basel at Anfield in two weeks’ time.

Liverpool would have needed to beat the Swiss team, who missed their difficult chance to progress with a home defeat by Real Madrid, had they held on to their lead in the Bulgarian capital. A frustrating draw may have altered the mood but not the equation in Group B. Three points at Anfield and progress is assured, though Liverpool need this performance against Ludogorets to mark a turning point in their trying campaign.

This was a tentative step forward compared with the misery of recent weeks but a step forward nonetheless. Raheem Sterling starred on the left, Joe Allen and Lucas Leiva overcame a difficult start to offer the midfield balance that has been absent of late, Martin Skrtel stood firm in central defence, Javier Manquillo was resolute at right-back and, pushed forward at the age of 34 for 90 minutes, Steven Gerrard’s talents were better deployed.
A first win in five matches would have sweetened the night considerably but the outcome did not trouble Rodgers greatly considering the start Liverpool and their goalkeeper, Simon Mignolet, had made against the champions of Bulgaria. So much for the rarified air of the Champions League. The opening exchanges would not have looked out of place in a Sunday league game as both sides traded gifts and showed why they were fighting for survival in Group B.
First up with a calamity was Mignolet, the butt of an ancient joke about Dracula and crosses from Bruce Grobbelaar before the game and subject to further ridicule after presenting a ludicrous goal to Ludogorets in the third minute. The Belgium goalkeeper has endured a torrid campaign and he revealed Liverpool’s lack of confidence with an awful attempt to deal with a long-range shot from Marcelinho.
Ludogorets’ holding midfielder Fabio Espinho instigated their first foray forward with a surging run and crossfield pass that Kolo Touré, once again replacing the £20m Dejan Lovren for a Champions League tie, inadvertently turned into Marcelinho’s path. The shot was straight at Mignolet even after taking a bobble en route but the keeper fumbled and Dani Abalo gratefully converted the loose ball from close range.
To a man, Liverpool stared at Mignolet in disbelief. They had started brightly, with Sterling and Glen Johnson prominent down the left, and here they were complicating life for themselves yet again. The visitors’ saving grace was that their opponents self-imploded too. Only five minutes later Lucas launched a hopeful punt into the Ludogorets’ penalty area that no one took responsibility for. Lambert missed the first header but was given a second bite when Yordan Minev inexplicably stood back and allowed the ball to bounce up in his six-yard box. Lambert sent a slow, looping header in off the far post for his second goal in two games.
Liverpool then enjoyed comfortable periods of possession without troubling Vladislav Stoyanov in the Bulgarian side’s goal. Ludogorets, by contrast, looked threatening whenever they ventured forward due to the alarming amount of space behind Liverpool’s defensive midfield pair of Lucas and Allen plus the full-backs, Johnson and Manquillo, retained despite their respective trials at Crystal Palace on Sunday. All four, however, improved to give Liverpool a degree of control as the game wore on.
Liverpool’s defence was creaking badly in the first half with the exception of Skrtel but a rare incisive counterattack gave Rodgers’ men the foothold they sought. Lambert released Sterling into a three-against-two break, the England winger delivered an inch-perfect cross to the far post and Henderson arrived with perfect timing to send a fine finish beyond Stoyanov.
Sterling was enjoying an excellent game. The 19-year-old was a constant outlet, stretching the Ludogorets defence at will despite some rough treatment and making several important interceptions deep inside his own half. It was Sterling’s left-wing run and cross that gave Lambert an opportunity to extend Liverpool’s advantage but his diving header was blocked on the six-yard line and Henderson skied the loose ball over. His blushes were spared, however, by the referee’s whistle for a push by Henderson on the home goalkeeper.
Ludogorets rarely tested Mignolet in the closing stages but, after Liverpool survived a handball appeal against Allen, Terziev scored from the resulting corner. Rodgers’ outburst aside, it changed nothing. His team may have lost direction this season but Liverpool have an unerring ability to find their way out of a Champions League hole.

The Guides To Fantasy Football

Fantasy football is one of the many fantasy sports that are played throughout the world. It is a game played seasonally. The participants who play in these leagues are basically football fans. They form their own teams and compete with other such teams formed by other players. According to their winnings points are calculated. These points are based on the real life performances of the real players. Now while playing fantasy football there are certain rules and regulations that you have to follow. They are relatively simple enough for anyone to understand.

To begin with a fantasy football league there has to be a minimum of eight teams and a maximum of fourteen teams. There has to be a roster in each team and there must be a total of fifteen players in the squad out of which nine players would play and six players would be available as substitutes. Though this is the normal rule for any fantasy football game but the number and staring position of the players may change from one league to another. Before the league begins the managers has to draft the names of the players who would comprise the roster. These drafts are made live. There is the option of making the draft online too.

The players who are named I the draft belong to a particular team which they cannot change during the league. While the season is on you will be the one who will manage the roster. It will be up to you who will start in your team and who will not. You have to keep in mind that the players who will start for your team will be the ones who will earn points for you. If you think that you are not satisfied with your team then you can always buy players or replace them with the help of free agents.

Before you start with the league there are certain other rules that you will have to follow. Firstly you will have to be a registered user. Secondly you must be at least eighteen years so that you can enroll your name for the competition. Once the league starts you will have to construct your team with quarter backs, running backs, wide receivers, tight end, kicker and a defense. You will also have to keep sufficient players as substitutes just in case your main line players are injured.

Now you will obviously want to be on the winning side at the end of the game. And that is why you have to make appropriate strategies to defeat the other teams. The basic thing is you have to put your best players forward in the matches so that at the end of the week it is your team who will earn more points than the others. On the basis of the weekly counts if you are ahead of the other teams then you will move on to the next level and will be a step closer to playing the playoffs.

Complete Football Training Equipment Is Really Essential

All the necessary football training equipment is essential to assist players to realize the best results. Sufficient money need to be allocated for the purpose of purchasing the recommended kit for all team players. Soccer officials have to make sure that they prepare their players on time before they start the competitions. If this is done, players will gain confidence as they aim at winning over their opponents.

Soccer players are supposed to undergo a series of training for them to be fully prepared. Some of these include teamwork, physical exercise, field approach and pitch attitude. The coach is responsible of doing all these. It is evident that required tools need to be provided for the team to achieve what they actually aim at. If this is not done, it will be impossible for the team to achieve desired results.

A football player needs physical fitness. The right level of this aspect is made possible if the required gear is provided. One of them is gym equipment which is recommended for players. With this, the trainer can be in a position to take the team through some complete exercises for them to gain the required physical strength. To make the task whole, first aid kit and suitable set of clothing should be provided.

There two ways in which field tactics are carried out. These are board room coaching and practical demonstration in the playing field. They equip the player with knowledge on how to challenge the rivals during competition. On top of this, they provide skills that help into delivering a competent game. During boardroom lessons, the right tools are necessary to be provided for by the club managers. Among them are projector, big screen and whiteboard.

For positive engagement to be achieved in any affair where two parties are involved, teamwork is a key element. Soccer team members including the coach and players should collaborate to meet their expectations. They should work to ensure they have a smooth cooperation in and out the playing ground. For this to be made possible, they should be provided with facilities like swimming pool and common changing room which encourages sharing and communication.

Training on off the pitch attitude towards the team is vital and determines long run performance of the club. This includes creating confidence with each other and value for the club. It is the responsibility of the management to provide the facilities required. Club restaurant and other social amenities are crucial in providing platform to develop unified team. This enables the members to feel special to the club and they are also given an opportunity to interact.

By providing the sufficient football training equipment to the team, the management can be sure of good results. This helps the coaches to prepare the team in good time in all aspects. Consequently, the club achieves both short run and long run goals.

What To Consider When Choosing Football Cleats

Whether playing in Winter or Summer, on hard or soft ground, there are certain considerations when choosing a pair of football cleats. Football cleats are a sports shoe designed with permanently studs fitted to the sole, which assist the player in performing to the best of their ability. Here are few pointers when deciding upon a new pair.

Shoe Material

Leather - The most comfortable and durable cleats are those made of leather. Generally they are softer, allowing the feet room to breathe and in turn increasing the comfort. Leather shoes are also more flexible which enhances performance levels. Shoes of this material are normally higher end and more expensive.

Synthetics - For a cheaper option then synthetic cleats are the second choice. The majority of all football cleats have an aspect of synthetics. This is usually to provide added protection in the sole and ankle areas. Synthetics, although not been as durable, are long lasting and require less maintenance than leather.

Type of Cleat

Molded - There are two main type of cleats available, molded and detachable. Molded cleats have studs permanently attached to them. These are specifically used for harder surfaces to provided extra spring and comfort.

Detachable - Detachable cleats use studs which can be removed and replaced as and when required. Those playing on a range of fields will benefit from this type as you have the option to change according to the conditions. Shorter studs are used for dry fields and longer ones when the grass is softer or wet. Detachable shoes have a range of between 6 and 12 studs, which can be of plastic or metal. Of the two molded are, more often than not, less expensive.

Size and Maintenance

Size - When trying for the first time always do so in the afternoon, when feet have swollen from normal daily activity. Trying with sports socks will also help in finding the right pair. This will determine the exact size required. Selecting the right size is paramount to achieving peek performance levels.

Maintenance - Always break in a new pair of cleats as they will feel better once they have been worn a few times. Make sure to regularly check the condition of the studs and replace when necessary. Clean and protect footwear after every game or training session.

In today's market there are hundreds of football cleats to choose from. Whichever pair you decide upon be sure that they are comfortable and able to perform at the highest level.

Soccer Offers A Few Benefits For Your Kids

The simplicity of soccer, its worldwide appeal, and the particular nature of the sport make it ideal for promoting physical health, developing social skills and experiencing a worldview that includes equality.

These are all essential to the growth of children. Introducing an active outdoor sport like soccer will help them develop a love of sport that will encourage a healthy lifestyle for the commitment that the word lifestyle implies.

I frequently find myself bored senseless on the endless treadmill or while pounding the pavement of my local sidewalks. Soccer offers a cardiovascular exercise that can alleviate this repetitive form of exercise. Even at the youngest levels of soccer it has been found that players can travel eight to twelve kilometers during a match. This distance and activity level brings about the same cardiovascular endurance benefits as distance running, but with more fun.

Almost all other team sports have breaks in the action which lessen their effectiveness at increasing cardiovascular health. Think about all the time you see baseball, hockey, and American football players sitting on the bench. Why would you want your child sitting on the sidelines?

The constant movement of the sport, and the many different actions undertaken, lends itself well to gaining muscle tone and bone strength. Don't believe me? The next time you watch a soccer match look at the players legs. The rest of their bodies have that level of definition because of the match-long engagement of all their muscles.

Soccer also works to strengthen bones in much the same way as it improves muscle tone. The entire skeletal structure has weight bearing loads placed on it during every match. This increases the strength of the skeletal frame by increasing bone density.

The importance of teamwork relates to the growth of higher social skills which are essential to a child’s success in school and later in life. In soccer, the entire strategy of scoring goals is centered around the idea that the team works as one. All 11 players work towards a common goal of moving the ball forward towards the opposing teams goal in a coordinated effort. It is unlike hockey and American football where players sub on and off the field of play and can confer with coaching staff. Soccer is about a sustained effort to work together as a team on a rehearsed plan to achieve the goals of the club.

Communication relates to the teamwork mentioned above as the coach can only do so much when the players are out on the pitch. During game play there are no timeouts or huddles, the players have to learn to communicate with one another in real time. This is exactly how the real world functions; there are no timeouts in a board meeting. You must show up prepared and communicate right then at the time what it is you intend to do and what you need to do to accomplish those intentions.

Another aspect of the soccer players communications abilities is with themselves and their coach. Each player must know their own abilities and then communicate this with their coach. It teaches a player to know themselves, their strengths and weaknesses, and then to communicate this so their coach can put them in a position to succeed.

A young athlete playing soccer will see, through their own experiences and through watching world soccer, that people of all genders, races, creeds, and backgrounds are as capable of succeeding at their goals as any other person. The most successful soccer players in the world come from every nation on Earth, every religion, and every socioeconomic background.

I didn't realize how big, how small, and how developed the world really was until I became interested in soccer. North American sports had taught me to follow North American athletes. Soccer changed all that, it showed me people from all over the world working together as equals on the pitch and as brothers and sisters off it. Yes, like any other large society there are still those who are in opposition to equality within the soccer community. They are seen as undesirable fringe elements and the exception to the inclusive rule of world soccer today.

Soccer is a sport like few others. It is simple to play but with the ability to teach complex skills that build a child into an adult. The unique character of the sport will do this for anyone who participates in it wholeheartedly and with their best efforts. Those with lower athletic gifts can still succeed by becoming knowledgeable about the mental aspect of the game. The naturally gifted can learn to put aside their personal ambitions for the betterment of the team, while still having their moments to shine.