...n.

AS Roma were born in 1927 from the fusion of three different clubs - Alba, Fortitudo and Roman. A fine record in the 1930s eventually led to the first Giallorossi Scudetto in 1942.

Difficult years followed until their one and only relegation in 1951. With an immediate return to the top flight, Roma quickly captured a third place and the 1961 UEFA Cup. The Coppa Italia came in 1964, the first of seven in this competition.

Romas most glorious years were the 1980s as aside from the two Italian Cups, the clubs second Scudetto was lifted by Coach Nils Liedholm in 1983. The following year only a penalty shoot-out against Liverpool at the Stadio Olimpico kept them from winning the European Cup.

Fabio Capellos Roma led the 2000-01 Serie A table from start to finish for their third Scudetto and the clubs first medal in a decade.

Rivals Lazio were founded in 1900 as Societa Spotiva Lazio, a multi-purpose sports club. The Biancocelesti began football full-time in 1906. Winning one wartime Roman title in 1944, the club lifted their first national trophy - a Coppa Italia - in 1958 but were relegated three seasons later.

Several trips up and down the Divisions preceded Lazios first Scudetto in 1973-74 when they were led by the legendary Giorgio Chinaglia. But within five years came the clubs darkest hour as Lazio was relegated for financial irregularities and only a play-off prevented the club from slipping into Serie C in 1987.

Sergio Cragnotti took over the club in 1992 and with his financial backing Lazio have become a force both in Italy and Europe. Since 1997 the Biancocelesti have won their second Scudetto, a Cup-Winners Cup, an Italian and European Super Cup and two Italian Cups. However, only m...more

The Need For speed In Soccer

...preting the actions of the opponents and what that means to the games development.

#3 - speed of reaction

As mentioned in the last bullet, speed of reaction is vital.

Anticipation is one thing, being able to react quickly is another.

Consider the role of the goal keeper, their reaction time to a sudden shot, deflection, switch in angle of attack, flight of the ball must be very acute.

But how does a goal keeper react and what to? In this instance, the goal keeper will react to a number of external stimuli, here's a list:

- The visual element of the opponent with the ball, are they carrying it, have they got backlift as if ready to strike the ball, is the opponent in space and is their a clear line of sight on goal

- The auditory element, do they hear the strike of the ball, is it fizzing, does it take a deflection of a player (thud), a shout from a team mate, maybe a close opponent barracking the goalie " he's going to shoot!"

All of these stimuli will have an effect on the player.

Once stimulated the player should choose the best option available to them to react to that situation.

Again we will use the goalie;

If a shot is fizzing towards them low and hard, the pitch is wet and quick, and there are a number of players the ball has to go through before hitting the target, do they get down low anticipating a clear strike on goal, have quick feet and get their body in line with the expected flight path, do they dive towards the ball, kneel or hack the ball?

The answ...more

Premiership Transfer Window Review - Part Three

...joined from Maccabi Haifa for 100,000 while Deportivo defender Lionel Scaloni has signed a loan deal with the club. If you are fond of speculative punts, striker Marlon Harewood, with six goals in his last 12 Premiership matches, is available at 40/1 to top the Premiership goal scoring charts at the end of the season.

Wigan Athletic

Wigan have had a remarkable first season in the Premiership. They are fifth in the table, one place above former Champions Arsenal, just three points adrift of a Champions League spot and a place in the Carling Cup final secured.

Paul Jewell has worked wonders at the JJB Stadium and it is not surprising chairman Dave Whelan has sanctioned a 2 million move for Brann defender Paul Scharner, the free transfer of midfielder David Thompson and loan arrivals for Liverpools Neil Mellor and Tottenham Hotspurs Reto Ziegler.

It would be foolish to bet against the Latics qualifying for Europe next season but at present they are the only side in the top 10 with a minus goal difference. They are 300/1 outsiders to win the Premiership in the without Chelsea market.

...more

championship Betting Review - 5 February 2006

...>Sheffield Wednesday boosted their battle against the drop with a win at Millwall. Frank Simeks goal secured a win for the Owls at 2/1 and sees them four points clear of relegation.

On Sunday, the Old Farm derby between Norwich and Ipswich produced an away win at tasty 11/4 odds. On loan Jonatan Johansson opened the scoring on his Canaries debut after 33 minutes but Jimmy Juan equalised five minutes later. The match ended in controversy as Danny Haynes appeared to use his hand to bundle in the ball although the goal was officially given as a Gary Doherty own goa...more

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