http://languagecaster.com Wed, 23 May 2012 21:13:07 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 Welcome to all English language learners and teachers to languagecaster.com and its free football podcast. Every week a new soccer show complete with language support for students who wish to improve their English language skills. languagecaster.com no languagecaster.com admin@languagecaster.com admin@languagecaster.com (languagecaster.com) Copyright © by languagecaster 2006-2012 Free football podcast for learners of English brought to you by Damian and Damon. Interviews, match reviews, predictions all with full language support for soccer fans around the world who wish to improve their English language skills. football, soccer, free football podcast, English language, football language, soccer vocabulary, learn English, Learning English football language http://www.languagecaster.com/wp-content/uploads/site_images/languagecasteritunes.jpg http://languagecaster.com http://languagecaster.com/the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-chelsea-montpellier-napoli-bayern-munich-and-auxerre/ http://languagecaster.com/the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-chelsea-montpellier-napoli-bayern-munich-and-auxerre/#comments Mon, 21 May 2012 06:26:37 +0000 damianf http://languagecaster.com/?p=20667 http://languagecaster.com/the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-chelsea-montpellier-napoli-bayern-munich-and-auxerre/feed/ 0 http://languagecaster.com/who-will-win-the-2012-champions-league-final/ http://languagecaster.com/who-will-win-the-2012-champions-league-final/#comments Wed, 16 May 2012 16:32:29 +0000 damianf http://languagecaster.com/?p=20609 http://languagecaster.com/who-will-win-the-2012-champions-league-final/feed/ 0 http://languagecaster.com/the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-man-city-aston-villa-and-joey-barton/ http://languagecaster.com/the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-man-city-aston-villa-and-joey-barton/#comments Tue, 15 May 2012 21:10:39 +0000 damianf http://languagecaster.com/?p=20592 http://languagecaster.com/the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-man-city-aston-villa-and-joey-barton/feed/ 0 http://languagecaster.com/football-cliche-its-the-hope-that-kills-you/ http://languagecaster.com/football-cliche-its-the-hope-that-kills-you/#comments Tue, 15 May 2012 07:37:06 +0000 damianf http://languagecaster.com/?p=20551 http://languagecaster.com/football-cliche-its-the-hope-that-kills-you/feed/ 0 http://languagecaster.com/main-listening-report-european-season-finale-england-germany-spain-italy-turkey-and-france/ http://languagecaster.com/main-listening-report-european-season-finale-england-germany-spain-italy-turkey-and-france/#comments Sat, 12 May 2012 13:40:00 +0000 damianf http://languagecaster.com/?p=20385 http://languagecaster.com/main-listening-report-european-season-finale-england-germany-spain-italy-turkey-and-france/feed/ 2 Bundesliga,europe,featured,football language,La liga,Ligue 1,listening report,Premier League,Serie A,turkey On this week's main listening report Damian and Damon take a look at some of the key end of season matches in some of the big leagues in Europe. On this week's main listening report Damian and Damon take a look at the end of season matches in some of the big leagues in Europe. You can listen to the report by clicking on the link below, while vocabulary support (in bold) appears at the foot of t... languagecaster.com no 7:02 http://languagecaster.com/the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-atletico-juventus-blackburn-and-granada-ban/ http://languagecaster.com/the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-atletico-juventus-blackburn-and-granada-ban/#comments Thu, 10 May 2012 18:39:09 +0000 damianf http://languagecaster.com/?p=20341 http://languagecaster.com/the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-atletico-juventus-blackburn-and-granada-ban/feed/ 0 http://languagecaster.com/languagecaster-podcast-fa-cup-final-2012/ http://languagecaster.com/languagecaster-podcast-fa-cup-final-2012/#comments Sun, 06 May 2012 23:18:41 +0000 damianf http://languagecaster.com/?p=20243 http://languagecaster.com/languagecaster-podcast-fa-cup-final-2012/feed/ 0 FA Cup Final,football language,Podcast,rivalry On this week's podcast, we take a look at the English FA Cup Final between Chelsea and Liverpool. (http://languagecaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/languagecaster.oleole.4.jpg) On this week's podcast, we take a look at the English FA Cup Final between Chelsea and Liverpool. Remember, you can also: * Listen only to the main report here (http://languagecaster.com/category/main-report/) - complete with transcript and vocabulary Learners of English can review the footballing news from around the world in our good, the bad and the ugly section (http://languagecaster.com/category/review/feed/)of the show Check out a new football expression in English for Football (http://languagecaster.com/football-language-resources/football-phrases/) For learners of English check out our Football Language Resources (http://languagecaster.com/football-language-resources/) page with: A page with all our Football vocabulary (http://languagecaster.com/football-language-resources/football-vocabulary/) posts Football glossary (http://languagecaster.com/football-language-resources/football-glossary/) (a huge collection of football vocabulary, football cliches and football phrases) Worksheets and transcripts (http://languagecaster.com/?page_id=4) from previous podcasts Automatically receive the podcast each week by clicking here (http://languagecaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/feed-icon-28x281.png) languagecaster.com no 10:44 http://languagecaster.com/main-listening-report-the-fa-cup-in-numbers/ http://languagecaster.com/main-listening-report-the-fa-cup-in-numbers/#comments Sun, 06 May 2012 22:20:54 +0000 damianf http://languagecaster.com/?p=20220 http://languagecaster.com/main-listening-report-the-fa-cup-in-numbers/feed/ 0 Chelsea,FA Cup Final,featured,football language,rivalry,wembley On this week's main listening report we preview the FA Cup final between Chelsea and Liverpool by taking a look at the oldest competition in the world through numbers. | (../wp-content/uploads/2009/02/feed-icon-28x281.png) Subscribe: Main Listening Report On this week's main listening report we preview the FA Cup final between Chelsea and Liverpool by taking a look at the oldest competition in the world through numbers. You can listen to the report by clicking on the link below, while vocabulary support (in bold) appears at the foot of the report. There is also a worksheet (see right) for learners who wish to improve their English. (../wp-content/uploads/worksheet-213x300.png) (http://languagecaster.com/wp-content/uploads/qnmbk6-245x300.jpg) 1872 1872 is the year of the first ever Cup final (http://www.thefa.com/Competitions/FACompetitions/TheFACup/History/HistoryOfTheFACup/1872WanderersRoyalEngineers) which took place at the Oval in Kennington in South London in front of 2.000 fans. Wanderers beat the Royal Engineers 1-0 to become the first ever winners of a competition that had invited all 15 members of the Football Association. The Wanderers went on to win the trophy on four more occasions. Other major cup competition founding years include the Scottish Cup which was inaugurated in 1874, the Spanish Cup - Copa del Rey - was first played for in 1902, while the Coppa Italia was started in 1922. 11 (http://languagecaster.com/wp-content/uploads/Manchester+United+v+Liverpool+FA+Cup+final+1996-300x151.png) This is the number of times that Manchester United have won the competition and though they last won it in 2004, this is a record. They also hold the record of most appearances in the final: 18, while poor old Leicester City have appeared most times in a final without ever winning on four occasions. Arsenal are second on the list with 10 victories and their North-London rivals, Tottenham are in third place with nine wins - though they have not won the FA Cup since 1991. United are way behind the teams with most domestic cup titles: Linfield have 41 Northern Irish cup wins, while Celtic have 35 Scottish victories. 7 Ashley Cole has won the FA Cup on seven occasions - three times with his former club Arsenal and 4 times with his current club Chelsea, though he does not hold the record of Cup final appearances - that belongs to Arthur Kinnaird of the Wanderes with nine visits to the final. Cole's Chelsea colleague Didier Drogba holds the record for scoring in most finals - four matches, though he does not have the record for most goals in finals; that belongs to Liverpool legend Ian rush with 5 final goals. 1923 (http://languagecaster.com/wp-content/uploads/220px-Whitehorsefinal.jpg) This was the year that the final first took place at Wembley Stadium after nine other venues had been used to host the final. These included Kennington and Stamford Bridge in London as well as Goodison Park in Liverpool, Bramall Lane in Sheffield and Burnden Park in Bolton. Bolton beat West Ham in that first Wembley final - 2-0 - in front of 127.000 fans though some suggest there may have been closer to 200.000 inside the new stadium. When Wembley was being re-built in the early part of the millenium (2001-06) the finals were played at the Millenium Stadium in Cardiff; Manchester United and Chelsea playing the first final at the 'new' Wembley in 2007, with Chelsea winning 1-0. Vocabulary founding: Starting, beginning was inaugurated : Begun first are way behind: A long way from the millenium: Here it refers to the 2000s languagecaster.com no 2:58 http://languagecaster.com/the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-real-madrid-ajax-manchester-united-and-a-fiorentina-punch/ http://languagecaster.com/the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-real-madrid-ajax-manchester-united-and-a-fiorentina-punch/#comments Thu, 03 May 2012 19:48:40 +0000 damianf http://languagecaster.com/?p=20197 http://languagecaster.com/the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-real-madrid-ajax-manchester-united-and-a-fiorentina-punch/feed/ 0 http://languagecaster.com/languagecaster-predictions-fa-cup-final-europa-league-final-and-title-deciders-in-italy-and-england/ http://languagecaster.com/languagecaster-predictions-fa-cup-final-europa-league-final-and-title-deciders-in-italy-and-england/#comments Thu, 03 May 2012 18:13:20 +0000 damianf http://languagecaster.com/?p=20195 http://languagecaster.com/languagecaster-predictions-fa-cup-final-europa-league-final-and-title-deciders-in-italy-and-england/feed/ 1 http://languagecaster.com/the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-dortmund-champions-dark-days-for-barcelona-and-genoa-fans/ http://languagecaster.com/the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-dortmund-champions-dark-days-for-barcelona-and-genoa-fans/#comments Thu, 26 Apr 2012 12:36:17 +0000 damianf http://languagecaster.com/?p=20112 http://languagecaster.com/the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-dortmund-champions-dark-days-for-barcelona-and-genoa-fans/feed/ 0 http://languagecaster.com/main-listening-report-champions-league-semi-final-preview/ http://languagecaster.com/main-listening-report-champions-league-semi-final-preview/#comments Thu, 19 Apr 2012 23:22:42 +0000 damianf http://languagecaster.com/?p=20033 http://languagecaster.com/main-listening-report-champions-league-semi-final-preview/feed/ 0 Barcelona,bavarian,Bayern Munich,Champions League,Champions League Semi-Final,football language,mourinho,Real Madrid,rivalry,semi final On this week's main listening report we preview the Champions League Semi-final second legs that are both delicately poised: Real Madrid face Bayern Munich while on Tuesday Barcelona host Chelsea | (../wp-content/uploads/2009/02/feed-icon-28x281.png) Subscribe: Main Listening Report On this week's main listening report we preview the Champions League Semi-final second legs that are both delicately poised: Real Madrid face Bayern Munich while on Tuesday Barcelona host Chelsea. You can listen to the report by clicking on the link below, while vocabulary support (in bold) appears at the foot of the report. There is also a worksheet (see right) for learners who wish to improve their English. (../wp-content/uploads/worksheet-213x300.png) Barcelona vs Chelsea (http://languagecaster.com/wp-content/uploads/Ramires-008-300x180.jpg) No team has retained the Champions League trophy since Milan did so in 1994, meaning the already difficult task for holders Barcelona became even more so after their 0-1 defeat in London against Chelsea. It is true that the Catalan side created far more chances than the home team: 13 shots to 1 (with 6 of those on target), while Barca enjoyed 72% possession - a remarkable statistic for an away side - yet Didier Drogba's first half-goal has given Chelsea a real possibility of exacting revenge on Barcelona for their semi-final defeat four years ago. Chelsea defended very well, were brave and maintained their concentration throughout the whole game - the question is can they do it again away in the Nou Camp next week? Many pundits would say that The Blues can not get away with another performance like the first leg but like Inter Milan two years ago they will know that when Barca have to come from behind the pressure will be on. Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich (http://languagecaster.com/wp-content/uploads/Mario-Gomez-pokes-the-bal-008-300x180.jpg) The second semi-final also saw a Spanish side defeated - this time Madrid were beaten by a late goal from German international Mario Gomez to give Bayern Munch a deserved 2-1 lead (http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2012/apr/17/bayern-munich-real-madrid-champions-league). Madrid boss Jose Mourinho was not too downbeat after the game as his side has a valuable away goal meaning that a 1-0 victory in Madrid next week would be enough to secure a place in the final but the Madrid coach also knows that if his side fails to progress to the final then his tenure in Madrid could be over. The fact that this season's final will take place in Bayern's home stadium is an added incentive for the Bavarian side and they will be quietly confident of scoring an away goal which would mean that Real would need at least three goals to win. Before the first leg matches most football fans were predicting an all-Spanish final, a clasico, but after the first legs it is the underdogs - a strange term to describe Chelsea or Bayern - who have the upper hand. Will that still be the case by next week? Vocabulary has retained: Has won the title again, two years in a row to come from behind: To win a match after going down (losing) exacting revenge: To gain revenge the Nou Camp: The home stadium of Barcelona pundits: Experts about football downbeat: Disheartened, disappointed his tenure: His reign, his time as manager an added incentive: More motivation the Bavarian side: Bayern Munich languagecaster.com no 2:37 http://languagecaster.com/weekly-football-phrase-their-name-is-on-the-cup/ http://languagecaster.com/weekly-football-phrase-their-name-is-on-the-cup/#comments Thu, 19 Apr 2012 17:51:53 +0000 damianf http://languagecaster.com/?p=20009 http://languagecaster.com/weekly-football-phrase-their-name-is-on-the-cup/feed/ 0 http://languagecaster.com/the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-muamba-wigan-edinburgh-morosini-and-chelsea-fans/ http://languagecaster.com/the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-muamba-wigan-edinburgh-morosini-and-chelsea-fans/#comments Wed, 18 Apr 2012 23:12:08 +0000 damianf http://languagecaster.com/?p=19989 http://languagecaster.com/the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-muamba-wigan-edinburgh-morosini-and-chelsea-fans/feed/ 0 http://languagecaster.com/languagecaster-predictions-el-clasico-and-champions-league-semi-finals/ http://languagecaster.com/languagecaster-predictions-el-clasico-and-champions-league-semi-finals/#comments Wed, 18 Apr 2012 21:00:48 +0000 damianf http://languagecaster.com/?p=19979 http://languagecaster.com/languagecaster-predictions-el-clasico-and-champions-league-semi-finals/feed/ 0 http://languagecaster.com/the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-dortmund-celtic-robben-and-referee-bashing/ http://languagecaster.com/the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-dortmund-celtic-robben-and-referee-bashing/#comments Thu, 12 Apr 2012 15:49:30 +0000 damianf http://languagecaster.com/?p=19866 http://languagecaster.com/the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-dortmund-celtic-robben-and-referee-bashing/feed/ 0 http://languagecaster.com/languagecaster-predictions-champions-league-and-fa-cup-semi-finals-ions-league-semi-finals/ http://languagecaster.com/languagecaster-predictions-champions-league-and-fa-cup-semi-finals-ions-league-semi-finals/#comments Wed, 11 Apr 2012 00:47:53 +0000 damianf http://languagecaster.com/?p=19809 http://languagecaster.com/languagecaster-predictions-champions-league-and-fa-cup-semi-finals-ions-league-semi-finals/feed/ 0 http://languagecaster.com/languagecaster-podcast-italys-chances-in-group-c/ http://languagecaster.com/languagecaster-podcast-italys-chances-in-group-c/#comments Sat, 07 Apr 2012 16:29:08 +0000 damianf http://languagecaster.com/?p=19916 http://languagecaster.com/languagecaster-podcast-italys-chances-in-group-c/feed/ 0 croatia,Euro 2012,ireland,Italy,On this week's podcast,poland,Spain,ukraine,we preview Italy's chances at this summer's European Championships in Poland and the Ukraine. On this week's podcast, we preview Italy's chances at this summer's European Championships in Poland and the Ukraine. (http://languagecaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/languagecaster.oleole.4.jpg) On this week's podcast, we preview Italy's chances at this summer's European Championships in Poland and the Ukraine. Remember, you can also: * Listen only to the main report here (http://languagecaster.com/category/main-report/) - complete with transcript and vocabulary Learners of English can review the footballing news from around the world in our good, the bad and the ugly section (http://languagecaster.com/category/review/feed/)of the show Check out a new football expression in English for Football (http://languagecaster.com/football-language-resources/football-phrases/) For learners of English check out our Football Language Resources (http://languagecaster.com/football-language-resources/) page with: A page with all our Football vocabulary (http://languagecaster.com/football-language-resources/football-vocabulary/) posts Football glossary (http://languagecaster.com/football-language-resources/football-glossary/) (a huge collection of football vocabulary, football cliches and football phrases) Worksheets and transcripts (http://languagecaster.com/?page_id=4) from previous podcasts Automatically receive the podcast each week by clicking here (http://languagecaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/feed-icon-28x281.png) languagecaster.com no 9:22 http://languagecaster.com/main-listening-report-euro-2012-italy/ http://languagecaster.com/main-listening-report-euro-2012-italy/#comments Thu, 05 Apr 2012 15:51:14 +0000 damianf http://languagecaster.com/?p=19813 http://languagecaster.com/main-listening-report-euro-2012-italy/feed/ 0 croatia,Euro 2012,football language,football phrases,Group C,ireland,Italy,soccer language,soccer words,Spain On this week's main listening report we look ahead to this summer's European Championships in Poland and Ukraine and focus on Italy's chances in Group C. | (../wp-content/uploads/2009/02/feed-icon-28x281.png) Subscribe: Main Listening Report On this week's main listening report we look ahead to this summer's European Championships in Poland and Ukraine and focus on Italy's chances in Group C. You can listen to the report by clicking on the link below, while vocabulary support (in bold) appears at the foot of the report. There is also a worksheet (see right) for learners who wish to improve their English. (../wp-content/uploads/worksheet-213x300.png) Qualifying (http://languagecaster.com/wp-content/uploads/1638600_w2-300x168.jpg)With the best defensive record in qualifying, the Italians made it through to the finals fairly comfortably in a group that included Serbia, Slovenia and Northern Ireland. They were helped somewhat by the poor behaviour of Serbian fans in the qualifying match in Genoa which caused the game to be abandoned and awarded to Italy 3-0 but their qualification was never in doubt. Key Players When manager Prandelli took over he stated that he would build his team around Antonio Cassano who responded with six goals in the qualifying campaign. Cassano however suffered a stroke back in October and despite being given the green light to play football again, he may not feature this summer. With his strike partner Guiseppe Rossi also recovering from a long-term injury the azzurri may turn to Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli as a forward alternative though which Balotelli turns up is anyone's guess. Though Prandelli has brought in younger players he still has an experienced spine running through the side: Buffon, Pirlo and Chiellini and will be relying on them to guide the team through to the quarter-finals. The Manager (http://languagecaster.com/wp-content/uploads/57026985_prandelli2.jpg)Cesare Prandelli has been in charge of the azaurri since 2010 and though he did not win too much as a club manager he has been credited with helping to improve the confidence and spirit in the side - the media has nicknamed the team L'Italia del Sorriso - Italy of smiles. He has also brought in some new blood into the team, for instance, Riccardo Montolivo and Leonardo Bonucci, while keeping faith in stalwarts such as Their Chances This is very much a team in transition with few tipping them to add to their solitary Euro title win on home soil in 1968 but the side is playing with much more confidence and style since the South African World Cup debacle when they failed to win a game. The first game against Spain is a crucial one and if they can avoid defeat then they have every chance of making it to the knock-out stages. They will fancy their chances against Ireland and Croatia though with Italian sides at European Championships we often simply do not know what to expect. Languagecaster is tipping them to come second in the group though they will not go beyond the last eight. Links * BBC Sport's Profile of Italy (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/15846874) * UEFA's Profile of Italy Vocabulary Conceded: Allowed goals in, to let goals in Somewhat: Rather, quite the game to be abandoned: The game was stopped and called off awarded to: Given to responded: Answered suffered a stroke: He had a serious illness (caused by trouble in the brain which affects movement and speech) given the green light: Allowed to, given permission azzurri: The nickname for the Italian side turns up is anyone's guess: We just do not know whether Balotelli will play well or cause trouble spine: The main part of the team – usually down the middle new blood: New players stalwarts: Experienced players, veterans in transition: A team not quite ready, progressing solitary: Only one debacle: Disaster fancy their chances: They think they will do well languagecaster.com no 2:44 http://languagecaster.com/languagecaster-predictions-top-of-the-bundesliga-and-the-madrid-derby/ http://languagecaster.com/languagecaster-predictions-top-of-the-bundesliga-and-the-madrid-derby/#comments Wed, 04 Apr 2012 23:38:55 +0000 damianf http://languagecaster.com/?p=19790 http://languagecaster.com/languagecaster-predictions-top-of-the-bundesliga-and-the-madrid-derby/feed/ 0 http://languagecaster.com/the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-champions-league-sour-grapes-and-fighting-wolves/ http://languagecaster.com/the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-champions-league-sour-grapes-and-fighting-wolves/#comments Wed, 04 Apr 2012 23:08:56 +0000 damianf http://languagecaster.com/?p=19818 http://languagecaster.com/the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-champions-league-sour-grapes-and-fighting-wolves/feed/ 0 http://languagecaster.com/weekly-football-phrase-to-award-a-penalty/ http://languagecaster.com/weekly-football-phrase-to-award-a-penalty/#comments Wed, 04 Apr 2012 19:18:52 +0000 damianf http://languagecaster.com/?p=19799 http://languagecaster.com/weekly-football-phrase-to-award-a-penalty/feed/ 0 http://languagecaster.com/weekly-football-phrase-to-slot-home/ http://languagecaster.com/weekly-football-phrase-to-slot-home/#comments Sun, 01 Apr 2012 22:26:29 +0000 damianf http://languagecaster.com/?p=19783 http://languagecaster.com/weekly-football-phrase-to-slot-home/feed/ 0 http://languagecaster.com/main-listening-report-euro-2012-preview-croatia/ http://languagecaster.com/main-listening-report-euro-2012-preview-croatia/#comments Sun, 01 Apr 2012 19:47:57 +0000 damianf http://languagecaster.com/?p=19751 http://languagecaster.com/main-listening-report-euro-2012-preview-croatia/feed/ 0 croatia,Euro 2012,European Championships,football language,football phrases,Group C,ireland,Italy,soccer language,soccer words,Spain On this week's main listening report we look ahead to this summer's European Championships in Poland and Ukraine and focus on Croatia's chances | (../wp-content/uploads/2009/02/feed-icon-28x281.png) Subscribe: Main Listening Report Download Worksheet Here (http://languagecaster.com/wp-content/uploads/PodcastWorksheetCroatia1.pdf) On this week's main listening report we look ahead to this summer's European Championships in Poland and Ukraine and focus on Croatia's chances. You can listen to the report by clicking on the link below, while vocabulary support (in bold) appears at the foot of the report. There is also a worksheet (see right) for learners who wish to improve their English. (../wp-content/uploads/worksheet-213x300.png) Qualifying (http://languagecaster.com/wp-content/uploads/1716446_w2-300x168.jpg) Like the Republic of Ireland (http://languagecaster.com/main-listening-report-euro-2012-preview-republic-of-ireland/), Croatia had to qualify via the play=offs after finishing two points behind Greece in Group F. They then easily defeated Turkey to progress to the finals after they won 3-0 on aggregate with a 3-0 away win in Istanbul making the second leg at home in Zagreb a formality. It was not always so as Croatia could only manage one point against group winners Greece and also surprisingly lost to Georgia in a rather lacklustre campaign but they hit form at just the right time. Key Players (http://languagecaster.com/wp-content/uploads/56933860_modric-300x181.jpg) Without a doubt the standout player from the Croatian side is playmaker Luka Modrić who, along with his Tottenham Hotspur team mate Niko Kranjčar, forms part a strong midfield that also includes captain and Shakhtar Donetsk player Darijo Srna. Where Croatia may suffer is their lack of a proven goalscorer - Bayern Munich forward Ivica Olić works hard though his return of 15 goals in 77 appearances is not enough, though Everton striker Nikica Jelavić may make an impact from the bench. The Manager (http://languagecaster.com/wp-content/uploads/460BilicTomHeveziAP-300x180.jpg) Former national team player, Slaven Bilić has been manager of Croatia since 2006 and will be the second youngest coach at the tournament at 43, though with 55 games as manager (and only 6 defeats) he will bring a wealth of experience that may prove to be invaluable. This will be his second European Championship tournament in charge of Croatia after helping his team reach the last eight in 2008 and he for one at least feels that they can go further this time round. Their Chances In a group that includes Ireland, Italy and Spain few expect Croatia to progress to the knock-out stages and the first game of their campaign against the Irish is vital - the will need to beat the Republic to stand any kind of a chance of making the last eight. Their lack of a top striker means that despite showing flashes of brilliance the Croatians will end up with a solitary point and finish bottom of the group. Links * BBC Sport's Profile of Croatia (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/15896599) * UEFA's Profile of Croatia (http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/season=2012/teams/team=56370/index.html) Vocabulary via: Through (by) on aggregate: In total a formality: Something easy lacklustre: Not playing well his return : His total a wealth of experience: A lot of experience flashes: Moments they hit form: Started to play better, started to win languagecaster.com no 2:11 http://languagecaster.com/languagecaster-podcast-croatias-chances-in-euro-2012/ http://languagecaster.com/languagecaster-podcast-croatias-chances-in-euro-2012/#comments Sun, 01 Apr 2012 17:57:20 +0000 damianf http://languagecaster.com/?p=19779 http://languagecaster.com/languagecaster-podcast-croatias-chances-in-euro-2012/feed/ 0 croatia,football language,football phrases,Podcast,soccer language,soccer words On this week's podcast, we look ahead to the European Championships in Poland and Ukraine this summer by previewing Croatia's chances (http://languagecaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/languagecaster.oleole.4.jpg) On this week's podcast, we look ahead to the European Championships in Poland and Ukraine this summer by previewing Croatia's chances. Remember, you can also: * Listen only to the main report here (http://languagecaster.com/category/main-report/) - complete with transcript and vocabulary Learners of English can review the footballing news from around the world in our good, the bad and the ugly section (http://languagecaster.com/category/review/feed/)of the show Check out a new football expression in English for Football (http://languagecaster.com/football-language-resources/football-phrases/) For learners of English check out our Football Language Resources (http://languagecaster.com/football-language-resources/) page with: A page with all our Football vocabulary (http://languagecaster.com/football-language-resources/football-vocabulary/) posts Football glossary (http://languagecaster.com/football-language-resources/football-glossary/) (a huge collection of football vocabulary, football cliches and football phrases) Worksheets and transcripts (http://languagecaster.com/?page_id=4) from previous podcasts Automatically receive the podcast each week by clicking here (http://languagecaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/feed-icon-28x281.png) languagecaster.com no 9:49 http://languagecaster.com/the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-estudiantes-neil-lennon-and-a-bradford-brawluch-neil-lennon-and-a-bradford-brawl/ http://languagecaster.com/the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-estudiantes-neil-lennon-and-a-bradford-brawluch-neil-lennon-and-a-bradford-brawl/#comments Fri, 30 Mar 2012 20:25:04 +0000 damianf http://languagecaster.com/?p=19717 http://languagecaster.com/the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-estudiantes-neil-lennon-and-a-bradford-brawluch-neil-lennon-and-a-bradford-brawl/feed/ 0 http://languagecaster.com/languagecaster-predictions-champions-league-quaretr-final-2nd-legs/ http://languagecaster.com/languagecaster-predictions-champions-league-quaretr-final-2nd-legs/#comments Thu, 29 Mar 2012 06:17:16 +0000 damianf http://languagecaster.com/?p=19713 http://languagecaster.com/languagecaster-predictions-champions-league-quaretr-final-2nd-legs/feed/ 0 http://languagecaster.com/weekly-football-phrase-to-turn-in/ http://languagecaster.com/weekly-football-phrase-to-turn-in/#comments Thu, 29 Mar 2012 06:02:39 +0000 damianf http://languagecaster.com/?p=19706 http://languagecaster.com/weekly-football-phrase-to-turn-in/feed/ 0 http://languagecaster.com/languagecaster-podcast-irelands-chances-in-euro-2012/ http://languagecaster.com/languagecaster-podcast-irelands-chances-in-euro-2012/#comments Tue, 20 Mar 2012 08:58:14 +0000 damianf http://languagecaster.com/?p=19565 http://languagecaster.com/languagecaster-podcast-irelands-chances-in-euro-2012/feed/ 0 football language,football phrases,Podcast,soccer language,soccer words On this week's podcast, we look ahead to the European Championships in Poland and Ukraine this summer by previewing the Republic of Ireland's chances. (http://languagecaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/languagecaster.oleole.4.jpg) On this week's podcast, we look ahead to the European Championships in Poland and Ukraine this summer by previewing the Republic of Ireland's chances. Remember, you can also: * Listen only to the main report here (http://languagecaster.com/category/main-report/) - complete with transcript and vocabulary Learners of English can review the footballing news from around the world in our good, the bad and the ugly section (http://languagecaster.com/category/review/feed/)of the show Check out a new football expression in English for Football (http://languagecaster.com/football-language-resources/football-phrases/) For learners of English check out our Football Language Resources (http://languagecaster.com/football-language-resources/) page with: A page with all our Football vocabulary (http://languagecaster.com/football-language-resources/football-vocabulary/) posts Football glossary (http://languagecaster.com/football-language-resources/football-glossary/) (a huge collection of football vocabulary, football cliches and football phrases) Worksheets and transcripts (http://languagecaster.com/?page_id=4) from previous podcasts Automatically receive the podcast each week by clicking here (http://languagecaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/feed-icon-28x281.png) languagecaster.com no 10:49 http://languagecaster.com/main-listening-report-euro-2012-preview-republic-of-ireland/ http://languagecaster.com/main-listening-report-euro-2012-preview-republic-of-ireland/#comments Sun, 18 Mar 2012 16:54:39 +0000 damianf http://languagecaster.com/?p=19455 http://languagecaster.com/main-listening-report-euro-2012-preview-republic-of-ireland/feed/ 0 Euro 2012,football language,football phrases,ireland,soccer language,soccer word,Trapattoni On this week's main listening report we look ahead to this summer's European Championships in Poland and Ukraine. Since it is St Patrick's Day we thought we would focus on the Republic of Ireland's chances. | (../wp-content/uploads/2009/02/feed-icon-28x281.png) Subscribe: Main Listening Report Download Worksheet Here (http://languagecaster.com/wp-content/uploads/PodcastWorksheet-Ire2012.pdf) On this week's main listening report we look ahead to this summer's European Championships in Poland and Ukraine. Since it is St Patrick's Weekend we thought we would focus on the Republic of Ireland's chances. You can listen to the report by clicking on the link below, while vocabulary support (in bold) appears at the foot of the report. There is also a worksheet (see right) for learners who wish to improve their English. (http://languagecaster.com/wp-content/uploads/PodcastWorksheet-Ire2012.pdf)(../wp-content/uploads/worksheet-213x300.png)   Qualifying (http://languagecaster.com/wp-content/uploads/republic-of-ireland-team-007-300x180.jpg) Ireland came second in Group B two points behind Russia and so had to qualify via the play-offs (http://languagecaster.com/main-listening-report-euro-2012-play-offs/). They duly did so in spectacular style dispatching a hapless Estonia side 5-1 on aggregate. It was not always so. At times it was painful, the 0-0 draw at home to Slovakia (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/14701910) was a particularly bad night, while Irish fans still wonder how the team managed to escape with a point in Russia (http://languagecaster.com/football-headlines-republic-of-ireland-mount-the-blockade-to-thwart-wasteful-russia/) after being completely outplayed in the match. They did lose to the Russians in Dublin but that proved to be their only defeat in the campaign, one that saw them win away in Macedonia, Andorra and Armenia, as well as that play-off win in Estonia. Key Players (http://languagecaster.com/wp-content/uploads/56869335_keane3-300x181.jpg) Captain and record goalscorer Robbie Keane is the Republic's talisman with an amazing 53 goals in 115 matches. Though nowplying his trade in the MLS he can still make an impact at the highest level as he proved on his recent loan move to Aston Villa. Experience is the key for the Republic side with five of the probable starting XI having more than 70 caps with Shay Given having 121, Damien Duff 95 and John O'Shea has 75, although manager Trapattoni may spring a surprise and use some of his younger players currently waiting in the wings: McCarthy, McClean and Coleman, though he will more than likely stick with those who helped the Republic qualify. The Manager (http://languagecaster.com/wp-content/uploads/56672734_132348144.jpg) Italian manager Giovanni Trapattoni may be sometimes seen as a figure of fun but the 72 year old has a footballing CV that ranks among the best in world football: AC Milan, Juventus, Inter Milan, Bayern Munich and Benfica, as well as the Italian national team. He will be hoping that this tournament can be a little more successful than the last time he lead a side into the European Championships: his Italian side were knocked out in the group stage in 2004. Trap is nothing if not predictable: he will play a 4-4-2 system (http://languagecaster.com/16938/) and if everyone is fit he, in fact everyone, knows what his starting XI will be. His experience will be invaluable, while his reputation as a lucky manager will be welcome by all the Irish fans. Their Chances In a group that includes Croatia, Italy and World Cup and European Championship holders Spain few would give 'The Boys in Green' a chance but Trapattoni's side tends to raise their game against the better teams. So in a group where teams are expected to take points off each other and few expect many goals then the Irish have a chance, albeit a slim one indeed. There is a fear that the team will be whitewashed and gain no points at all though we at languagecaster are going for two hard-earned points total and a glorious exit for Ireland. Links * BBC Sport's Profile of Ireland (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/15843058) Vocabulary dispatching: defeating, languagecaster.com no 3:16 http://languagecaster.com/weekly-football-phrase-to-have-too-much-for/ http://languagecaster.com/weekly-football-phrase-to-have-too-much-for/#comments Thu, 15 Mar 2012 01:12:48 +0000 damianf http://languagecaster.com/?p=19427 http://languagecaster.com/weekly-football-phrase-to-have-too-much-for/feed/ 0 http://languagecaster.com/languagecaster-predictions-fa-cup-and-derbies-in-greece-and-turkey/ http://languagecaster.com/languagecaster-predictions-fa-cup-and-derbies-in-greece-and-turkey/#comments Wed, 14 Mar 2012 23:30:32 +0000 damianf http://languagecaster.com/?p=19424 http://languagecaster.com/languagecaster-predictions-fa-cup-and-derbies-in-greece-and-turkey/feed/ 0 http://languagecaster.com/reading-worksheet-1-start-of-the-chinese-football-season-2012/ http://languagecaster.com/reading-worksheet-1-start-of-the-chinese-football-season-2012/#comments Mon, 12 Mar 2012 23:59:49 +0000 damianf http://languagecaster.com/?p=19366 http://languagecaster.com/reading-worksheet-1-start-of-the-chinese-football-season-2012/feed/ 0 http://languagecaster.com/the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-messi-apoel-and-rangers/ http://languagecaster.com/the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-messi-apoel-and-rangers/#comments Sat, 10 Mar 2012 00:52:49 +0000 damianf http://languagecaster.com/?p=19306 http://languagecaster.com/the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-messi-apoel-and-rangers/feed/ 0 http://languagecaster.com/languagecaster-predictions-champions-league-and-the-merseyside-derby/ http://languagecaster.com/languagecaster-predictions-champions-league-and-the-merseyside-derby/#comments Thu, 08 Mar 2012 22:58:48 +0000 damianf http://languagecaster.com/?p=19302 http://languagecaster.com/languagecaster-predictions-champions-league-and-the-merseyside-derby/feed/ 0 http://languagecaster.com/languagecaster-podcast-the-offside-rule/ http://languagecaster.com/languagecaster-podcast-the-offside-rule/#comments Sun, 04 Mar 2012 00:36:53 +0000 damianf http://languagecaster.com/?p=19274 http://languagecaster.com/languagecaster-podcast-the-offside-rule/feed/ 0 football language,football phrases,laws,offside,Podcast,referee,soccer language,soccer words On this week's podcast, Damian looks at the language used to describe the offside rule while Damon explains a new English for football expression. (http://languagecaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/languagecaster.oleole.4.jpg) On this week's podcast, Damian looks at the language used to describe the offside rule while Damon explains a new English for football expression. Remember, you can also: * Listen only to the main report here (http://languagecaster.com/category/main-report/) - complete with transcript and vocabulary Learners of English can review the footballing news from around the world in our good, the bad and the ugly section (http://languagecaster.com/category/review/feed/)of the show Check out a new football expression in English for Football (http://languagecaster.com/football-language-resources/football-phrases/) For learners of English check out our Football Language Resources (http://languagecaster.com/football-language-resources/) page with: A page with all our Football vocabulary (http://languagecaster.com/football-language-resources/football-vocabulary/) posts Football glossary (http://languagecaster.com/football-language-resources/football-glossary/) (a huge collection of football vocabulary, football cliches and football phrases) Worksheets and transcripts (http://languagecaster.com/?page_id=4) from previous podcasts Automatically receive the podcast each week by clicking here (http://languagecaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/feed-icon-28x281.png) languagecaster.com no 11:16 http://languagecaster.com/main-listening-report-the-language-of-offside/ http://languagecaster.com/main-listening-report-the-language-of-offside/#comments Sat, 03 Mar 2012 13:17:52 +0000 damianf http://languagecaster.com/?p=19232 http://languagecaster.com/main-listening-report-the-language-of-offside/feed/ 0 english language worksheet,football language,football phrases,laws,offside,referee,soccer language,soccer words On this week's main listening report we focus on some of the language that is used with one of the most controversial rules of the game: offside. | (../wp-content/uploads/2009/02/feed-icon-28x281.png) Subscribe: Main Listening Report | Complete List Here (../2010/08/21/main-listening-report-full-list/) Download Worksheet Here languagecaster.com no 2:44 http://languagecaster.com/weekly-football-phrase-to-romp-home/ http://languagecaster.com/weekly-football-phrase-to-romp-home/#comments Sat, 25 Feb 2012 00:10:30 +0000 damianf http://languagecaster.com/?p=19144 http://languagecaster.com/weekly-football-phrase-to-romp-home/feed/ 0 http://languagecaster.com/languagecaster-predictions-north-london-derby-carling-cup-final-bundesliga-la-liga-and-serie-a/ http://languagecaster.com/languagecaster-predictions-north-london-derby-carling-cup-final-bundesliga-la-liga-and-serie-a/#comments Wed, 22 Feb 2012 18:02:35 +0000 damianf http://languagecaster.com/?p=19134 http://languagecaster.com/languagecaster-predictions-north-london-derby-carling-cup-final-bundesliga-la-liga-and-serie-a/feed/ 0 http://languagecaster.com/the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-milan-arsenal-and-iran/ http://languagecaster.com/the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-milan-arsenal-and-iran/#comments Mon, 20 Feb 2012 22:16:34 +0000 damianf http://languagecaster.com/?p=19112 http://languagecaster.com/the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-milan-arsenal-and-iran/feed/ 0