Football News : May10

World Cup Boots Spotting!

Editor — Fri, 28 May 2010 10:30:00 GMT

The best players in the world are preparing to descend upon the greatest tournament in football. The football boots they choose need to be the best in the world, so they can perform and impress on football's biggest stage. Here SoccerBible show's you what some of the best footballers on the planet will be wearing at the 2010 World Cup......(read more)

Usain Bolt Puma Tricks Sprint Shoes - Africa Unity

Boot Spy — Wed, 26 May 2010 10:00:00 GMT

When you have the World's Fastest Man(TM) Usain Bolt on your books, you know he's going to generate a lot of attention no matter what he does. So Puma made the clever move of providing Bolt with some special kit for his first appearance in the 2010 IAAF Diamond League Series in Shanghai last weekend...

And thanks to our top friends at Puma, here at the SoccerBible we've finally got hold of a pair of the great man's Tricks-inspired running spikes...

Now the SoccerBible is the global authority when it comes to football boots and new football gear, so when other sports and icons start using soccer related collaborations we'll always do our upmost to bring them straight to you!

Dubbed the Puma Lava Spike, Bolt's race shoes follow the unique colour combination and graphic style seen on the recently revealed Puma PowerCat 1.10 Tricks and speedy Puma v1.10 Tricks football boots!

Puma tell us these are one of the lightest sprint spikes on the market and provides the power and stability that Usain Bolt requires to run at his world record speed (we thought it was chicken nuggets?!) - but they can't be doing him any harm as he stormed to victory in the 200m with a time of 19.76 seconds.

Usain is no stranger to football, confessing to being a big Real Madrid fan, and has featured in several PR events alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, Manchester United and Real Madrid. At the Shanghai meet, the Jamaican superstar said:

“Football is one of my favourite sports and I’m looking forward to watching the World Cup this summer. Last year, I had a chance to meet Samuel Eto’o and some of the other African football players. It’s an honour to wear the same colours during the Shanghai meet that PUMA’s African football teams have been wearing throughout the year. This is one way that I can cheer them on from afar. Whether we play football or run track, we’re all united as part of PUMA family and as proud athletes representing our home countries.”

The "Lava" colour combination featured on these spike shoes and the Puma Tricks series follows on from Puma's Africa movement throughout 2010.

The colour selections are visual metaphors, they have been inspired by the Heat of the Sun, the Vast African Sky and the soil beneath - all powered by the centre of the Earth.

The shoes feature several unique customisations for Usain. On the inner heel collar is the inscription "there can only be one", matched on the outer collar by Bolt's tag line "Who Faster?" (um... no one Mr. Bolt). Finally in between both of these inscriptions is a Jamaican flag tag label. Of course we won't confirm or deny the rumours that the man himself has been helping Puma design a super-fast super-light football boot....!

Completing the head-to-toe look, Puma set Bolt up with a unique Africa Unity inspired race singlet - featuring the same sky to earth colour and Puma's Unity Africa logo.

The Jamaican sprinter’s race singlet bears the same graphics as the Africa Unity Kit - the World’s first continental football kit - which many of Puma sponsored African football teams have been wearing to show solidarity for the continent of Africa.

The Puma Africa Unity Football Kit has been authorised by FIFA as the official 3rd kit for all of Puma's 13 sponsored African teams, four of which have qualified for World Cup (Cameroon, Algeria, Ghana and Ivory Coast).

And when he stepped up to collect his winners medal, it was a simple swap over to a full Puma Africa Unity shirt for the presentation...

Weekend Football Boots Spotting 24/05/10

Editor — Mon, 24 May 2010 10:27:00 GMT

This weekend two of the most valuable games in world football took place; the Champions League final and the Championship play-off final. There were of new and unique football boots on show, so here's the SoccerBible's pick of the action......(read more)

Champions League Final Preview: Dutch Duo

Boot Spy — Sat, 22 May 2010 07:00:00 GMT

In what promises to be a fascinating encounter, here at the SoccerBible we single our the Double Dutch Duo of Arjen Robben and Wesley Sneijder for some special attention. Thanks to Castrol Performance Data, we can also share some unique insights into which of these players could be the decisive game changer...

Having both won domestic league titles, the Champions League will be crowning glory for either player. Bayern Munich - expected to field their new Home kit for the Final - will no doubt look to Robben to deliver some more moments of inspiration as they seek to join the elite group of 5 time European winners.

Robben is expected to continue to wear the Leather Sun/Black adidas F50 adizero Football boots for the Final, but can he out-do fellow F50 player Diego Forlan with the vital goals that would see Bayern clinch the title?

The Castrol Performance data shows that only Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney are more relentless in their shooting than Arjen Robben in the knockout stages of the Champions League this season. The Bayern Munich winger has an attempt every 17 minutes and 23 seconds on average. Compare this to Inter playmaker Sneijder who tries his luck only every 31 minutes and 45 seconds.

Robben also tests the keeper with two of every three attempts, registering an impressive 65% shooting accuracy, way above the Champions League average of 43%. Sneijder is trailing far behind with only a 27% shooting accuracy. Critically Robben’s goals against Fiorentina in the last 16 and against Manchester United in the Quarter finals were crucial in ensuring Bayern Munich’s passage to the latter stages of this season's Champions League tournament.

Infact, the Dutchman's capacity to breeze past players is also highlighted by the fact that only Lionel Messi and Bayern team-mate Frank Ribéry have completed more dribbles than the Robben in the 2009/10 competition.

Wesley Sneijder on the other hand, is less inclined to take players on but is the top creative player in the knockout stages of the Champions League this season. He has delivered the final ball for an Internazionale shot 22 times, including three assists. Overall this season, this means Sneijder has delivered five assists, compared to zero for Robben.

After our bonus boot spotting saw Sneijder training in the Nike T90 Laser Elite foootball boots, it is almost certain these boots (along with other releases in the Elite series) will make their competitive debut tonight in the Madrid final.

Castrol Performance Index have also produced these touch graphics for both Robben and Sneijder's last home Champions League games. Already it's easy to see that Robben is much more attack minded – arguably a reflection of Bayern Munich’s general play – and likes to roam the right flank, cutting in on his left foot to devastating effects as shown against Fiorentina and Lyon.

Sneijder is more defensive – there again reflecting Jose Mourinho’s approach. The graphic below from the Semi Final first-leg against Barcelona doesn't show how much possession the Catalans enjoyed, but it is no surprise to see him occupying a more deep lying position, waiting for the moment to pounce on a loose ball to release Samuel Eto’o or Diego Milito.

Of course, stats can only tell half the story - but they do certainly help to highlight how two of the the excitment and anticipation ahead of the showpiece Final in Madrid.

Either way, the stats can only be good news for the supporters of the Netherlands - as this summer they will get to enjoy both Robben and Sneijder joining forces for the same side!

And, last but not least, kicking everything off in Madrid will be the adidas Champions League FInale X football - the tenth official final match ball from adidas...

Video: Write The Future - The Nike Football Advert

Boot Spy — Thu, 20 May 2010 18:00:00 GMT

We've been waiting to share the Nike football video ever since our DVD landed SoccerBible HQ - so pull up a seat, because you aren't going to want to go anywhere for the next three minutes...

<@PDS_WSVIDEO=nike_wtf_full_superlow_SB.wmv>

Now Nike Football have a bit of a reputation when it comes to epic adverts. From the infamous "Au Reviour Cantona", to the classic "Wall" and even forgotten greats such as "Parklife", the Nike Football ads are a footballing dream.

And as a new tournament year approaches, we're always waiting in anticipation to see what they will come up with next to trump the last iconic vid. Sure, everyone remembers Eric Cantona conducting his Secret Tournament, the samba sounds of Ronaldo and co dancing through the Airport and the skills of Joga Bonito that showered Germany 2006.

So to Write The Future, Nike Football's campaign for summer 2010 and beyond. Starring some of the world’s best players, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Didier Drogba, Wayne Rooney, Fabio Cannavaro, Franck Ribery, Andres Iniesta, Cesc Fabregas, Theo Walcott, Patrice Evra, Gerard Pique, Ronaldinho, Landon Donovan, Tim Howard and Thiago Silva, are featured.

Special guest cameos are made by tennis legend Roger Federer and basketball superstar Kobe Bryant. Homer Simpson completes the star-studded cast of appearances. Directed by renowned Hollywood director and producer Alejandro G. Iñarritu (21 Grams, Babel), this epic football journey unfolds through a match of goal line clearances, game-winning tackles and lightning footwork that literally send a ripple effect across the world.

“This epic campaign really captures the scale, emotion and impact that one single moment in a football game can have on a player, fan or nation,” said Davide Grasso, NIKE, Vice President of Global Football Marketing. “This is just the beginning of the journey. The next stage allows everyone who loves football to engage and interact in an incredible way.”

For example, Cristiano Ronaldo is fouled in a game, and as he prepares to take a vital free-kick for Portugal, we flash forward to see the ripple effect if he scores; a stadium named in his honour and a Film Premiere for a movie of his life.

“Every touch you have in a game has the ability to change the entire course of not just those 90 minutes, but your entire tournament or season,” said Cristiano Ronaldo. “One touch of the ball can be an opportunity to leave your mark on the game and write your own future, or equally a moment missed, that creates a legacy for your opponent with their fans.”

We also get even more glimpses of Nike’s supercharged Elite Series football boots!

Football Boots - Bonus Boot Spotting

Editor — Thu, 20 May 2010 10:00:00 GMT

The domestic seasons are largely over now, so attention focuses on South Africa. Which means plenty of new boots for players to break in! Check out our bonus boot spotting featuring a host of international stars preparing for the upcoming international friendlies, and of course the big tournament in South Africa!


Wayne Rooney (England) Nike T90 Laser III Elite	Emmanuel Eboue (Ivory Coast) Puma v1.10 Tricks
Rooney is the focal point for Nike's T90 campaign so we were in no doubt the England striker would be upgrading to the T90 Laser III Elite boots. We can't wait to see these on pitch!	Debuted in the FA Cup Final, Eboue is the latest player to be spotted with the v1.10 Tricks as the Ivory Coast prepared for their friendly match against Paraguay. We're certain these will make an excellent combo with the Cote d'Ivorie kit!


Cacau (Germany) Nike Tiempo Legend Elite	Shaun Wright-Phillips (England) adidas F50 adiZero
The Stuttgart striker warmed up for a friendly with Hungary sporting the Tiempo Legend Elite. Cacau will be looking to add to his international tally after getting off the mark with a double against Malta last week.	Another player who can surely only benefit from the F50 adizero's lightweight performance is Wright-Phillips, spotted during England training with the Yellow/Black editions.


Wesley Sneijder (Inter Milan) Nike T90 Laser III Elite	Rio Ferdinand (England) Nike T90 Laser III Elite
Whilst many players have already joined up with their international camps, there is still the small matter of a Champions League Final to contend. Our player of the tournament so far Sneijder was spotted preparing for the Final sporting the T90 Laser Elite boots.	Returing to the England setup is captain Ferdinand, who joined a host of other England team mates switching to the T90 Laser Elite boots for the latest training session.


Michael Carrick (England) Puma Powercat 1.10 Tricks	Maicon (Inter Milan) Nike T90 Laser III Elite
They may not be to everyone's taste, but one thing the Tricks series does is stand out on pitch! Carrick was spotted wearing the new PowerCat 1.10 Tricks in the World Cup colourway, and with that lava-inspired sole plate you'll be able to make them out from miles away!	Inter players are gearing up for the epic Champions League Final and have already taken delivery of their World Cup boots, as Maicon shows wearing the new T90 Laser III Elite boots - closely followed by Baloteli (more below)


Aaron Lennon (England) Nike Superfly II Elite	Jermain Defoe (England) adidas F50 adiZero
Along with Theo Walcott, England have arguably two of the fastest wingers in the game today. So defenders will surely be cursing that Nike have given both Lennon and Walcott even faster boots for the World Cup in the shape of the Superfly II Elite!	Defoe is the latest convert to the F50 adizero series, although we were surprised to see him in the player-issue black out versions still as he trained with his England teammates.


Mario Balotelli (Inter Milan) Nike CTR360 Elite	Clint Dempsey (United States) Nike Superfly II Elite
More Inter Champions League spotting, this time Mario Balotelli sporting the CTR360 Elite boots. Another boot we can't just wait to see fully on pitch this weekend!	Now training with the USMNT (US Mens National Team) after his heroics with Fulham. Could "Deuce" be the first player to provide a scoring debut for two new boots in the same season with the Superfly II Elite?


Jonathan Bornstein (United States) Nike T90 Laser III Elite	Stephen Warnock (England) Umbro Speciali
Chivas USA co-captain Bornstein has had to leave domestic action behind and focus on the World Cup. It's not all bad though as the tough tackling defender was spotted like many fellow pro's upgrading to the T90 Laser III Elite boots.	The Speciali series makes stands out with its unrivalled comfort, so is not much of a surprise to see Villa defender Warnock sporting the latest colour release - the chosen boot of several other high profile defenders, including squad team mates Michael Dawson and John Terry.


Ricardo Clark (United States) Nike T90 Laser III Elite	Rory Fallon (New Zealand) Nike Tiempo Legend III Elite
The Frankfurt and USA midfielder has been a long time T90 wearer, so comes as little surprise he was spotted during a USMNT training session having made the switch to the T90 Laser Elite football boots.	The Elite boots are making their way across all corners of the globe! Rory Fallon was spotted with the new Nike Tiempo Elite boots as the All Whites prepared for a grudge match of an international friendly with rivals Australia,


Roque Santa Cruz (Paraguay) Mizuno Wave Ignitus	Chris Wood (New Zealand) Umbro Stealth Pro
OK so not technically a new boot spotting, more of a new kit spotting, so forgive us for highlighting Paraguay's Roque Santa Cruz as he continues to rock the yellow Mizuno Wave Ignitus.	Our second spot from the All Whites with young forward Chris Wood sporting the Silver/Black Umbro Stealth boots. We reckon these will make a nice match with either the Home or Away kit!

If you've seen anything that belongs on this page, mail us at u2us@soccerbible.com putting 'Boot Spotting' in the subject field.

Football Boots - Bumper Boot Spotting Edition!

Editor — Mon, 17 May 2010 10:28:00 GMT

The adidas F50 adiZero football boots made a huge impression this weekend, with a host of major players around the world spotted in these lightweight football boots. Our Boot spotters also found a hotbed of boot activity in South America, and players linking up with their national squads sporting their new football boots......(read more)

WIN! adidas F50 adizero Football Boots Competition Give Away!

Boot Spy — Sun, 16 May 2010 06:00:00 GMT

**COMPETITION UPDATE**

WINNERS: EMILIO GONZALES (UNITED STATES), TOBIAS BRAND (GERMANY) & TOM JOHNSON (UNITED KINGDOM)

Are the lucky winners as the first names out of the hat, who correctly answered that the official F50 adizero launch took place at the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona. Our three lucky SoccerBible fans won their choice of size and colourway for the innovative new adizero football boots!

We received thousands and thousands of entries from over 190 countries - making this a truly global competition. A MASSIVE THANK YOU to all the SoccerBible and adizero fans who took the time to enter this competiton, and commiserations to the many runners up who weren't so lucky this time - unfortunately there could only be three winners! Be sure to stay tuned to the SoccerBible as we have plenty more exclusive competitions coming up very soon!

**COMPETITION UPDATE**

Want to experience the most in-demand football boots first hand? Been watching in anticipation the release and news around adidas's latest boot?

Well now is your chance to join the likes of Lionel Messi, David Villa, Arjen Robben, Jermain Defoe and other top level adizero players thanks to our good friends at Pro-Direct Soccer!

After such a phenomenal response to our last exclusive giveaway, the SoccerBible is offering THREE lucky winners the opportunity to be amongst the first in the world to get your hands on this most wanted pro level boot. The adidas F50 adiZero football boots, launched in showbiz style with David Villa and Lionel Messi, are designed and developed with a host of top players, making this is an amazing prize for football boot fans!

Our top friends at Pro-Direct Soccer have generously sorted out a pair of each of the launch colourways just for you, the lucky SoccerBible readers! All you have to do to enter this competition for FREE, is simply submit your answer and details below. Good luck!

Competiton closes midnight 31st May 2010 GMT. Winners will be notified by email within 7 days after competition close. Please note that this competition is not open to employees of SoccerBible, Pro Direct Sport or their relatives. SoccerBible reserve the right to publish the details of the winner including updates of their progress on relevant web sites. Normal SoccerBible terms and conditions apply.

adidas F50 adiZero Play Test

Editor — Sat, 15 May 2010 06:00:00 GMT

Creating the lightest football boot in the world is an impressive acheivement by adidas, so we couldn't wait to put the F50 adiZero football boots through a rigorous play test. We wanted to know whether adidas have been forced to sacrifice comfort and performance, to create a lightweight product.

Our initial reaction to the adiZero football boots was of genuine amazement, the boots are incredibly light. Quite often with a new boot launch various facts and figures will be touted around, but we can assure anyone who picks up an adiZero boot they will be stunned at how little it weighs.

Once on, our play testers were like excited school child sprinting up and down the pitch, such was the anticipation the adiZero had built up. But we soon had them reigned in as we needed to conduct a thorough boot test to find out how this innovative and unique boot would perform.

Putting the adidas adiZero football boots on, and they do feel surprisingly snug and secure. We had our doubts due to the single layer upper, but these were allayed as the boot hugs the foot. Many boots will claim a glove-like fit, but the adiZero seems to genuinely deliver, aided through internal support bands.

The support bands manage to leave enough flexibility, so you don't feel constrained and have midfoot pain. Unlike some other speed boots we've tested (that shall remain nameless!), the adiZero's didn't need to be broken in. One observation we did make regarding fit, was that these adidas boots run slightly larger to size. For example, one of our play testers wears size 8 adiPure III's, but would be tempted to get size 7.5 UK in the synthetic adiZero.

After a brief warm-up session it was time for some running drills, but to be honest by this point we were blissfully unaware of the boots. Their fit and extreme lightweight nature makes you feel fast and agile, and through the cones and slalom poles the boots were responsive. Whilst turning and changing directtion is helped by the wider sole-plate, which meant the studs could be closer to the outside.

The single-piece Sprintframe outsole is constructed to assist movement by flexing at the forefoot, but being rigid at the midsole. This was noticeable during our sprint sessions, as from a standing start the thin outsole makes you feel like your toes are on the pitch surface!

We were a little unsure on the stud configuration of the adiZero football boots. Ok, we fully understand the concept from adidas - with the triangular shape providing multi-directional traction - but maybe it was because the ground was particularly hard that the studs felt like they could move on the playing surface as they aren't tapered and have a flat surface.

As our play test session progressed the boots were becoming comfier and more fitting, and by the time we'd got to the ball activities the boots felt like they were moulded to our feet. The upper is so incredibly thin that ball feel and touch are simply excellent. Dribbling at speed is improved as the boot allows you the slightest of touches for close control and skill execution.

Of course, the downside of the thin upper is the lack of protection in a game scenario. You feel as though you will always come out second best in a clash of boots, and may therefore pull out of a challenge. Unfortunately, as various members of our play test team still had the odd league or cup game left in the season, we didn't have any volunteers keen on going into a crunching challenge, so let's just say we doubt any powerful defenders will opt for the adiZero.

Next up was shooting practice, which sparked an interesting debate. Because it doesn't seem that long ago, that adidas were adding metallic powder to their boots to increase the weight for additional shot power!

The F50 adiZero's may not have added tech to improve shot power and accuracy, but they certainly have a construction that enables a true connection with the ball. It can be argued that shooting is 99.9% down to the player, and in this department you don't get a much cleaner shot than from the adiZero.

In summary, adidas have created the lightest ever boot by using a very simple design brief, incorporate the football boot essentials; a sole-plate, upper and laces. In essence there isn't much more to the construction of an F50 adiZero, but as far as performance is concerned the F50 adiZero is a ground-breaking boot. The adiZero delivers comfort, gives an unrivalled touch and feel of the ball, with the added bonus that it happens to be the lightest football boot ever created!

RED Laces - SoccerBible Global Gallery XVI

Boot Spy — Fri, 14 May 2010 15:00:00 GMT

It's been away for a while, so we make a welcome return to the world famous SoccerBible Global Gallery - where YOUR boots from around the globe are showcased for all to see!

Ever since we featured these customized Nike Mercurial Vapor football boots with (RED) Laces, SoccerBible fans from all over corners of the World continue to flood our inbox with their own football boots and laces combo.

However, for this sixteenth edition of the Gallery things are a bit differrent - showcasing some of the best non-Nike boots submitted! Have YOUR boots made it into the Gallery?

Check out previous editions of the SoccerBible Global Gallery here. Can't see your boots in this edition? Stay tuned to the SoccerBible for the next edition of the Global Gallery coming very soon!

But we're not just looking for boots with RED laces. We want to see your boots, gloves, collections and more! Send all your boots & laces pics to our inbox at u2us@soccerbible.com, and we'll feature the best ones on the site!