Here are some words and phrases you can hear on languagecaster’s Full Podcast’s Good, Bad and Ugly section – a review of the footballing news. For more English practice check out our worksheets, football glossary and English for football phrases as well as the Learners’ Podcast.

• To be in full swing – to be up and running, to have started (Olympics)

Example: As everybody knows the Olympics are in full swing as is the Olympic football competition.

• holders – the current champions

Example: Argentina are the current holders of the Olympic gold medal.

• To qualify – to progress, to reach

Both Brazil and Argentina qualified for the quarter final stage at the Olympics.

• Apertura: One of the two titles played for each year in Argentina (and other South American countries) (see Clausura)

Example: The Argentinian apertura usually starts in August with the 20 teams playing each other once.

• To concede (a goal) – to allow a goal in / to let in a goal

Example: Boca have yet to concede a goal in this campaign.

• Face corruption charges – to be in trouble with the law over financial irregularities (eg fraud, bribery, etc.)

Example: Manchester City chairman, Thaksin Shinawatra is facing corruption charges in his home country of Thailand.

• Former player – an ex-player, someone who used to play previously for a team.

Example: Joey Barton, Manchester City’s former player, is facing charges of assault.

• To be banned – to not be allowed to play due to a sending off or other illegal offence.

Example: Michael Chopra has been banned for three games after his red card in a friendly game.

• To blow his top – to become very angry

Example: Manager Roy Keane blew his top and was sent off by the referee.

• To be sent to the stands – to be sent off, to receive a red card.

Example: Roy Keane was sent to the stands for blowing his top at the referee in a friendly match.