http://languagecaster.com Tue, 07 Feb 2012 21:12:52 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1.2 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 2006-2011 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/football-language-quiz-5-review/ http://languagecaster.com/football-language-quiz-5-review/#comments Mon, 06 Feb 2012 12:11:55 +0000 grell http://languagecaster.com/?p=18923 http://languagecaster.com/football-language-quiz-5-review/feed/ 0 http://languagecaster.com/main-listening-report-the-bundesliga-is-back/ http://languagecaster.com/main-listening-report-the-bundesliga-is-back/#comments Fri, 03 Feb 2012 06:00:11 +0000 grell http://languagecaster.com/?p=18884 http://languagecaster.com/main-listening-report-the-bundesliga-is-back/feed/ 0 Bundesliga,English,Football,languagecaster,listening report,Vocabulary Our German correspondent is back with a look at some of the teams and players doing well as the Bundesliga restarts. | (../wp-content/uploads/2009/02/feed-icon-28x281.png) Subscribe: Main Listening Report | Complete List Here (../2010/08/21/main-listening-report-full-list/) On this week's main listening report we  catch up with the Bundesliga with Hans von Dietze our German correspondent. You can listen to the report by clicking on the link below, while vocabulary support appears at the foot of the report. The Bundesliga - teams and players (http://languagecaster.com/wp-content/uploads/Bundesliga-Logo-2010-300x257.png)After several weeks of Christmas, followed by training camps in warmer climates, the Bundesliga players have returned to the pitch and games have resumed for the second half of the season. So what do we have in store? Firstly, it is crowded at the top of the table. Three teams are separated only by goal difference, with another just a point back, making this the closest title race in years. Of course Champions Dortmund are there, as are Bayern and Schalke, but surprisingly Borussia Moenchengladbach are also mixing it with them, having already claimed the double over Bayern. You might remember that Gladbach had to survive a tense relegation play off last season to survive the drop to the second Bundesliga. And they have Marco Reus to thank. Have you heard of him? He is 22, plays in midfield for Gladbach, is blessed with pace and great vision and is scoring goals regularly. Nicknamed “Rolls Reus” by the press, he will be moving to Dortmund in the summer. Dortmund have also returned in full force, even beating Hamburg 5-1 away last week. Their ‘find of the season’ in 2011- Shinji Kagawa - who is also 22,  is again putting in superb displays and scoring goals, much to the delight of the many Japanese Bundesliga fans. Bayern have made a slowish start, losing to Gladbach but beating Wolfsburg, but will feature strongly, as always. And so will Schalke, who seem to be having a love affair with Raul, whose goal last season was voted goal of the year (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KogZVNRv1o4). Meanwhile in the basement no less than 11 teams are battling to avoid relegation, amongst them such teams as Hamburg, former champions Stuttgart and my team Freiburg. It is shaping up as an exciting season. My pick is Dortmund. What is yours? Auf Wiedersehen und viel Spass. Vocabulary (the) pitch: the field of play, the park (casual), the surface goal difference: the number when goals against a team are taken away from goals scored (Example: goals for = 35, goals against = 30, goal difference = +5) mixing it with (someone): competing well against, trying hard against play off: a special match to decide which team goes up or down a division etc. vision: the ability to 'read' the game, to be able to make a good pass or run find of the season: best signing, the best player a team bought the basement: the bottom of the League, the relegation zone languagecaster.com no 3:02 http://languagecaster.com/languagecaster-predictions-acn-quarters-and-europe/ http://languagecaster.com/languagecaster-predictions-acn-quarters-and-europe/#comments Thu, 02 Feb 2012 06:30:47 +0000 grell http://languagecaster.com/?p=18873 http://languagecaster.com/languagecaster-predictions-acn-quarters-and-europe/feed/ 0 http://languagecaster.com/the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-liverpool-womens-football-and-violence-in-egypt/ http://languagecaster.com/the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-liverpool-womens-football-and-violence-in-egypt/#comments Thu, 02 Feb 2012 01:54:27 +0000 grell http://languagecaster.com/?p=18864 http://languagecaster.com/the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-liverpool-womens-football-and-violence-in-egypt/feed/ 0 http://languagecaster.com/football-language-quiz-4/ http://languagecaster.com/football-language-quiz-4/#comments Mon, 30 Jan 2012 10:04:08 +0000 grell http://languagecaster.com/?p=18848 http://languagecaster.com/football-language-quiz-4/feed/ 0 http://languagecaster.com/languagecaster-podcast-the-oldest-football-cup-competition-in-the-world/ http://languagecaster.com/languagecaster-podcast-the-oldest-football-cup-competition-in-the-world/#comments Sun, 29 Jan 2012 09:25:23 +0000 grell http://languagecaster.com/?p=18840 http://languagecaster.com/languagecaster-podcast-the-oldest-football-cup-competition-in-the-world/feed/ 0 FA Cup,Football,football ckliches,football language,languagecaster,weekly podcast,worksheets On this week's podcast, languagecaster looks at the FA Cup in England - its history, format and shocks (http://languagecaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/languagecaster.oleole.4.jpg) On this week's podcast, languagecaster looks at the FA Cup in England - its history, format and shocks. 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 10:51 http://languagecaster.com/weekly-football-phrase-a-sweet-strike/ http://languagecaster.com/weekly-football-phrase-a-sweet-strike/#comments Wed, 25 Jan 2012 22:51:55 +0000 grell http://languagecaster.com/?p=18808 http://languagecaster.com/weekly-football-phrase-a-sweet-strike/feed/ 0 http://languagecaster.com/football-language-quiz-3/ http://languagecaster.com/football-language-quiz-3/#comments Mon, 23 Jan 2012 12:00:23 +0000 grell http://languagecaster.com/?p=18743 http://languagecaster.com/football-language-quiz-3/feed/ 0 http://languagecaster.com/languagecasters-predictions/ http://languagecaster.com/languagecasters-predictions/#comments Wed, 18 Jan 2012 18:00:35 +0000 grell http://languagecaster.com/?p=18698 http://languagecaster.com/languagecasters-predictions/feed/ 0 http://languagecaster.com/football-language-quiz-2/ http://languagecaster.com/football-language-quiz-2/#comments Mon, 16 Jan 2012 12:00:36 +0000 grell http://languagecaster.com/?p=18674 http://languagecaster.com/football-language-quiz-2/feed/ 0 http://languagecaster.com/languagecaster-podcast-the-carling-cup/ http://languagecaster.com/languagecaster-podcast-the-carling-cup/#comments Sat, 14 Jan 2012 07:00:51 +0000 grell http://languagecaster.com/?p=18667 http://languagecaster.com/languagecaster-podcast-the-carling-cup/feed/ 0 Carling Cup,English,Football,Football Cliches,football language,Football League Cup,football phrases,languagecaster,Podcast,Vocabulary How much do you know about the Football League Cup? Listen to this week's languagecaster podcast to find out. (http://languagecaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/languagecaster.oleole.4.jpg) On this week's podcast we take a look at one of the domestic cup competitions in England, the Carling Cup, sometimes called the Football League Cup. 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 13:04 http://languagecaster.com/main-listening-report-the-english-football-league-cup/ http://languagecaster.com/main-listening-report-the-english-football-league-cup/#comments Sat, 14 Jan 2012 01:07:14 +0000 grell http://languagecaster.com/?p=18631 http://languagecaster.com/main-listening-report-the-english-football-league-cup/feed/ 0 Carling Cup,England,history,languagecaster,League Cup,listening,Liverpool,Main Report,shocks This week's languagecaster main listening report spotlights the Football League Cup in England - it's format, history, some statistics, and cracking matches. | (../wp-content/uploads/2009/02/feed-icon-28x281.png) Subscribe: Main Listening Report | Complete List Here (../2010/08/21/main-listening-report-full-list/) On this week's languagecaster main listening report we discuss the Football League Cup in ... languagecaster.com no 4:48 http://languagecaster.com/languagecaster-podcast-football-words-of-2011/ http://languagecaster.com/languagecaster-podcast-football-words-of-2011/#comments Fri, 06 Jan 2012 18:00:42 +0000 grell http://languagecaster.com/?p=18467 http://languagecaster.com/languagecaster-podcast-football-words-of-2011/feed/ 0 English,Football Cliches,football glossary,football phrases,languagecaster,Podcast,weekly The Oxford Dictionary reckons 'squeezed middle' was the word of the year in 2011, but what about in the footballing world? (http://languagecaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/languagecaster.oleole.4.jpg) On this week's podcast Damian takes a look at three key football phrases that made the headlines in 2011. 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 12:01 http://languagecaster.com/the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-a-blue-new-year-mosquitos-and-liverpool/ http://languagecaster.com/the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-a-blue-new-year-mosquitos-and-liverpool/#comments Fri, 06 Jan 2012 01:15:41 +0000 grell http://languagecaster.com/?p=18399 http://languagecaster.com/the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-a-blue-new-year-mosquitos-and-liverpool/feed/ 0 http://languagecaster.com/weekly-football-phrase-stay-the-course/ http://languagecaster.com/weekly-football-phrase-stay-the-course/#comments Thu, 05 Jan 2012 11:46:48 +0000 grell http://languagecaster.com/?p=18411 http://languagecaster.com/weekly-football-phrase-stay-the-course/feed/ 0 http://languagecaster.com/languagecaster-podcast-christmas-and-football-traditions/ http://languagecaster.com/languagecaster-podcast-christmas-and-football-traditions/#comments Fri, 23 Dec 2011 00:00:59 +0000 grell http://languagecaster.com/?p=17821 http://languagecaster.com/languagecaster-podcast-christmas-and-football-traditions/feed/ 0 Christmas,English,Football,languagecaster,phrases,Podcast,Vocabulary On this week's podcast it's Christmas and football - stories and traditions. (http://languagecaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/languagecaster.oleole.4.jpg) On this week's podcast it's Christmas and football - stories and traditions. 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 10:18 http://languagecaster.com/main-listening-report-christmas-and-football-traditions/ http://languagecaster.com/main-listening-report-christmas-and-football-traditions/#comments Thu, 22 Dec 2011 00:00:11 +0000 grell http://languagecaster.com/?p=17801 http://languagecaster.com/main-listening-report-christmas-and-football-traditions/feed/ 1 Boxing Day,Britain,Christmas,English,folk football,Football,languagecaster.com,no mans land,No-man-land,truce As Christmas approaches, on this week's main listening report, we take a look at football at Christmas through the years: folk football and rioting, a football game in the middle of war, and Boxing Day. | (../wp-content/uploads/2009/02/feed-icon-28x281.png) Subscribe: Main Listening Report | Complete List Here (../2010/08/21/main-listening-report-full-list/) As Christmas approaches, on this week's main listening report, we take a look at football at Christmas through the years: folk football and rioting, a football game in the middle of war, and Boxing Day. This report has a transcript below, as well as explanations of key vocabulary (in bold) can be found at the foot of the post, while other key phrases (in blue) also have meanings explained. (http://languagecaster.com/wp-content/uploads/225px-Mobfooty.jpg)This weekend will see Christmas celebrated around the world. It is of course a christian tradition, but many non-christians enjoy the holiday. There are many traditions associated with the celebration - Christmas trees, lights, the giving of presents, and so on, but what about association football? Well, football also has its Christmas traditions and stories. Folk Football and Rioting Before it became the game we recognize today, football was a very different and more violent pastime known as folk football (http://languagecaster.com/video-worksheet-folk-football/), played by large groups of men battling each other to move a ball across a large space of ground, often half the village men  would play the other half, or married men fought against unmarried. It was played on holidays such as Easter and Christmas because this was a traditional time for celebration, drinking, eating to excess and letting down your hair, and because the men were not working for several days in a row. This tradition was threatened in 1644 when the Puritan ruler Cromwell banned the celebration of Christmas and the playing of football. This ended up with violent riots in many places as people took their football into the streets and fought with magistrates. The Christmas Football Game in No-Mans-Land During Christmas in 1914 and 1915 as World War I raged across western Europe, there were many unofficial truces at Christmas, where soldiers from both sides stopped fighting and even, in one instance, played an impromptu game of football. Here is how one British soldier described it: “Tommy and Fritz kicked about a real football supplied by a Scot. This developed into a regulation football match with caps casually laid out as goals. The frozen ground was no great matter. The game ended 3-2 for Fritz." The idea that ordinary soldiers stopped fighting and joined together to play football is a powerful image for how the game can bring people with different cultures together - even if they are in the middle of a war. A Boxing Day Feast of Football The day after Christmas, the 26th of December, is known as Boxing Day in the UK. It has long been a public holiday and a day for sport and particularly, football. There is always a full round of football just after Christmas, and while it used to always be on the 26th, recently some games are played on the 27th. Whenever they are played, the Christmas season and Boxing Day has long been connected with football. The Christmas holidays also mark the start of two weeks of games, where as many as five matches may be played. While most European leagues take a break, this is when the English leagues enter their busiest period. So, in Britain, riots, peace and goodwill, and a packed schedule - all traditions associated with football at Christmas! Vocabulary pastime: hobby, activity let down your hair: relax, be uninhibited, forget your problems and enjoy yourself riots: violent protests, mass fights magistrates: police, people who administer the law impromptu: unplanned, informal Tommy: a nickname for British solldiers Fritz: a nickname for German soldiers no great matter: not a problem, not important a full round of football: a week when all teams in the league play languagecaster.com no 3:54 http://languagecaster.com/listening-report-the-club-world-cup/ http://languagecaster.com/listening-report-the-club-world-cup/#comments Sat, 10 Dec 2011 02:26:05 +0000 grell http://languagecaster.com/?p=17494 http://languagecaster.com/listening-report-the-club-world-cup/feed/ 0 Al Sadd,Barcelona,club world cup,Englsih,Esperance,FIFA,Football,Kashiwa,languagecaster,listening,Monterrey,Santos It's Club World Cup time - who is in and who will win? Check out the latest listening report from languagecaster | (../wp-content/uploads/2009/02/feed-icon-28x281.png) Subscribe: Main Listening Report | Complete List Here (../2010/08/21/main-listening-report-full-list/) It's FIFA's showcase for club football this week - The Club World Cup. On this report, we take a look at the team in the competition and who will face who and which teams should get though each round.  There is a report with a transcript below, as well as explanations of key vocabulary (in bold) can be found at the foot of the post, while other key phrases (in blue) also have meanings explained. Report (http://languagecaster.com/wp-content/uploads/ClubWorldCupBadges.tiff)It is time for the Club World Cup, the competition that pits together the champions from the six football confederations - that's from Europe, South America, Central and North America, Asia, Africa and Oceania – And it's back in Japan after a two year break when the tournament took place in the United Arab Emirates. The Club world Cup has had many guises and several host countries in its history. Before 2000 it was known as the Intercontinental Cup and played between the Copa Libertadores Cup and European Cup winners over two legs home and away. In 2000 it became the FIFA Club World Championship and was held in Brazil. 2004, and it was back to the Intercontinental Cup but played in Japan. 2005 saw a new name, the Club World Championship, before 2006 saw it settle on the name and format we have now – the Club World Cup. So, this year which teams will try to be crowned the World’s best side? Well, Barcelona will be flying to Tokyo, after the El Clásico in La Liga, to represent Europe. The Champions League winners are also the Spanish Champions and they are sure to be a huge draw for fans as they have been the stand out team in Europe over the past few years. Pep Guadiola's side are slightly off the pace this season in Spain, six points behind Real Madrid, but they are through to the knockout stages of the Champions League with five wins and a draw out of six. They will be hoping to add to their Club World Cup title of 2009. In that competition they came up against a tough Estudiantes side and were pushed all the way. Only a last minute goal in normal time saved them, and a goal by Messi in the 110th minute sealed the win. The champions from Europe and South America automatically start in the semi finals, so they have a big advantage. From South America and Brazil will be Santos, from Sao Paolo. They have a decent record in international club competitions, but that success was all in the 1960s when they won the Intercontinental Cup twice in 62 and 63 and the short-lived Intercontinental Supercup in 1968 ,where they beat Inter of Italy. In their first title in 1962 Santos beat Benfica over two legs 8-4 with Pele scoring five goals for his side. They come to this year's competition as Copa Libertadores winners, but this season they have finished mid-table in Brazil's top league. However, it is the end of the season for them and traditionally South American sides take this competition very seriously. They will be the biggest threat to Barcelona. Flying the flag from Asia will be Al Sadd from Qatar who were controversial (http://languagecaster.com/the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-apoel-al-badd-and-a-big-away-win/) in their Asian Champions League win. They beat Jeonbuk from Korea on penalties in that final. They will face African champions Esperance in the quarter final - and the winners of this match will go on to face Barcelona in the semis. Esperance from Tunisia have had a fine season - doing a league and cup double at home and of course being the  CAF champions. They have a young squad and if they don't get upset by Al Sadd's gamesmanship, they should beat the side from Qatar. In the other quarter final, Kashiwa, from Chiba, Japan, and the CONCACAF Champions League Winners Monterrey meet to decide which team plays Santos in the other semi final. Kashiwa, languagecaster.com no 4:54 http://languagecaster.com/the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-socrates-corinthian-and-inter-milan/ http://languagecaster.com/the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-socrates-corinthian-and-inter-milan/#comments Fri, 09 Dec 2011 23:08:36 +0000 grell http://languagecaster.com/?p=17463 http://languagecaster.com/the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-socrates-corinthian-and-inter-milan/feed/ 0 http://languagecaster.com/weekly-football-phrase-to-pit-against/ http://languagecaster.com/weekly-football-phrase-to-pit-against/#comments Fri, 09 Dec 2011 22:38:28 +0000 grell http://languagecaster.com/?p=17450 http://languagecaster.com/weekly-football-phrase-to-pit-against/feed/ 0 http://languagecaster.com/languagecaster-predictions-el-clasico-and-the-club-world-cup/ http://languagecaster.com/languagecaster-predictions-el-clasico-and-the-club-world-cup/#comments Wed, 07 Dec 2011 21:41:11 +0000 grell http://languagecaster.com/?p=17445 http://languagecaster.com/languagecaster-predictions-el-clasico-and-the-club-world-cup/feed/ 0 http://languagecaster.com/languagecaster-podcast-the-brazilian-title-race/ http://languagecaster.com/languagecaster-podcast-the-brazilian-title-race/#comments Sat, 03 Dec 2011 08:14:35 +0000 grell http://languagecaster.com/?p=17426 http://languagecaster.com/languagecaster-podcast-the-brazilian-title-race/feed/ 0 Brazil,English,Football,languagecaster,Podcast,Vocabulary,weekly On this week's podcast, Damian looks forward to the exciting climax in the Brazilian championship with a host of derbies and the title in the balance. (http://languagecaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/languagecaster.oleole.4.jpg) On this week's podcast, Damian looks forward to the exciting climax in the Brazilian championship with a host of derbies and the title in the balance. 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 11:27 http://languagecaster.com/languagecaster-podcast-juves-talisman/ http://languagecaster.com/languagecaster-podcast-juves-talisman/#comments Sat, 26 Nov 2011 13:02:33 +0000 grell http://languagecaster.com/?p=17325 http://languagecaster.com/languagecaster-podcast-juves-talisman/feed/ 0 cliches,Del Piero,English,English for football,Football,languagecaster,phrases On this week's podcast, we hail one of the great modern footballers - Juventus and Italy's Del Piero. (http://languagecaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/languagecaster.oleole.4.jpg) On this week's podcast, we hail one of the great modern footballers - Juventus and Italy's Del Piero. 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 11:52 http://languagecaster.com/main-listening-report-del-piero/ http://languagecaster.com/main-listening-report-del-piero/#comments Sat, 26 Nov 2011 10:22:31 +0000 grell http://languagecaster.com/?p=17313 http://languagecaster.com/main-listening-report-del-piero/feed/ 0 Del Piero,English,english language skills,Football,Juventus,languagecaster In this week's main listening report, we salute a remarkable achievement and a fantastic player as Del Piero appoaches 700 professional games. | (../wp-content/uploads/2009/02/feed-icon-28x281.png) Subscribe: Main Listening Report | Complete List Here (../2010/08/21/main-listening-report-full-list/) In this week's main listening report, we salute a remarkable achievement and a fantastic player as Del Piero appoaches 700 professional games. This report has a transcript below, as well as explanations of key vocabulary (in bold) can be found at the foot of the post, while other key phrases (in blue) also have meanings explained. Background (http://languagecaster.com/wp-content/uploads/delpiero-208x300.jpg)This weekend, if he plays for Juventus against Lazio, Del Piero will have pulled on a football shirt in a professional game for the 700th time, and if he scores, he may well remove his shirt in triumph as he celebrates what would be his 284th goal for Juve, a team he has played at all his career except for 14 games for Padova at the start of 20 years of football. In the modern game, it is incredibly rare for a player to spend so much time at one club, Piero has played at The Old Lady since 1993. He is their captain and talisman, replacing Roberto Baggio in the heart of the attack, and top scorer and although he has spent most of his time coming off the bench this season and has not been given a new contract by Juventus, he is the fans' favourite. Highs It didn't take long for Del Piero to taste success - he was part of the Championship winning Juventus side in 1994, and four more were to follow. In 1996, he picked up a Champions League winners medal and in 2006 a World Cup medal - and he showed his worth in that competition capping a brilliant counter with a clinical goal against Germany in the Semis. He is on the FIFA 100 greatest living footballers list, compiled by Pele, and has also won the Golden Foot in 2007, an award that recognises players who have excelled athletically and as personalities in their team. Add to these, top scorer in the Champions League in 1998, two Player of the Year in Italy awards, and other assorted medals and it is clear that Del Piero is a special player. Undoubtedly talented, but also loyal - Del Piero vowed to stay with Juve when they were relegated to the second tier of football after the Calciopoli scandal. Style One word really encapsulates Del Piero, versatility. He is comfortable as an out-and-out striker, a playmaker, just behind one or two forwards, or a second striker linking play from the midfield to attack. But he is probably best known for his role in the triangle with Zidane and Piero supplying Inzaghi under main15.1112coach Marcello Lippi in 2001. Lows In the 1998-99 season, he picked up a serious knee injury playing in a match against Udinese. He was out for six months and Juve after a bright start finished in sixth place in Serie A. We've already mentioned the Calciopoli scandal, where Juventus were found guilty of trying to fix matches and were relegated, this was an obvious low, especially as it came after the glory of a World cup win in 2006. And while not exactly lows, maybe when he hangs up his boots he will regret missing out on  a Champions League title when Juve lost to Bourssia Dortmund in 1997, and also when Italy failed to beat France in the European Championship Finals in 2000. 2011 Juve are currently top of Serie A with their inspirational captain and a new ground to inspire their fans. Wouldn't it be fitting for Juve to win the title in their loyal servant Del Piero's last season. Vocabulary The Old lady: Juventus football club's nickname (in English) talisman: lucky charm, something that brings good fortune capping: ending, finishing counter: a break away attack; an attack after the opponents move has broken down - usually quick with one or two touch passes out-an-out: complete; 100% playmaker: a player that controls the tempo of a game; someone who starts most attacks hang up (his) boots: retire; stop playing football languagecaster.com no 4:04 http://languagecaster.com/languagecaster-predictions/ http://languagecaster.com/languagecaster-predictions/#comments Wed, 23 Nov 2011 01:08:53 +0000 grell http://languagecaster.com/?p=17270 http://languagecaster.com/languagecaster-predictions/feed/ 0 http://languagecaster.com/weekly-football-phrase-to-wind-someone-up/ http://languagecaster.com/weekly-football-phrase-to-wind-someone-up/#comments Thu, 17 Nov 2011 12:25:51 +0000 grell http://languagecaster.com/?p=17138 http://languagecaster.com/weekly-football-phrase-to-wind-someone-up/feed/ 0 http://languagecaster.com/languagecaster-podcast-a-review-of-the-top-leagues/ http://languagecaster.com/languagecaster-podcast-a-review-of-the-top-leagues/#comments Sun, 06 Nov 2011 07:10:15 +0000 grell http://languagecaster.com/?p=17020 http://languagecaster.com/languagecaster-podcast-a-review-of-the-top-leagues/feed/ 0 Bundesliga,English,Football,La liga,languagecaster,Podcast,Premier League Our weekly podcast with a review of the weekly football stories, a main report, an English for football phrase and match predictions. (http://languagecaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/languagecaster.oleole.4.jpg) This week, languagecaster's podcast focuses on what is happening in the Premier League, La Liga and Bundesliga. 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 http://languagecaster.com/main-listening-report-bill-shankleys-10-game-rule/ http://languagecaster.com/main-listening-report-bill-shankleys-10-game-rule/#comments Sun, 06 Nov 2011 01:12:31 +0000 grell http://languagecaster.com/?p=16997 http://languagecaster.com/main-listening-report-bill-shankleys-10-game-rule/feed/ 0 10 year rule,Bill Shankley,Bundesliga,English for football,La liga,languagecaster,Manchester City,Premier League,Real Madrid,ten year rule,Vocabulary Shankley's 10 game rule and how three of the big leagues in Europe stand now - The Premier League, La Liga and the Bundesliga. | (../wp-content/uploads/2009/02/feed-icon-28x281.png) Subscribe: Main Listening Report | Complete List Here (../2010/08/21/main-listening-report-full-list/) (http://languagecaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/200px-Billshankly1-1.jpg)Bill Shankley, the famous Liverpool boss of the late 50s and early 70s once said not to look at the league table until 10 games had been played because it meant nothing. So this week on languagecaster we take a quick look around three of the big leagues in Europe who have reached the 10 game point and see which teams are in the driving seat, which are pushing to challenge for the top spot and champions League places, and which teams, if any, are slipping into the danger zone. The report has a transcript below and explanations of key vocabulary (in bold) can be found at the foot of the post, while other key phrases (in blue) also have meanings explained. First the Premier league with 10 games gone: Leaders - big spenders Manchester City (28 pts), who seem to be coasting. They've stamped their authority on their league with the impressive 6-1 defeat of rivals Manchester United. Fergie's team, the Red Devils (23 pts) lead the chasing pack, followed by surprise package Newcastle United (22 pts), who are stealthily maintaining a record of no defeats and crept above Chelsea (19 pts), who were stunned by 7th place Arsenal last week 5-3. At the bottom? Blackburn (6 pts), Bolton (6 pts) and Wigan (5 pts) all teams from the North West are struggling and the the Trotters and the Latics are already most people's favorites to go down. Next, La Liga also with 10 games gone: No surprise to see the usual suspects, Real Madrid (25 pts) and Barcelona (24 pts) opening up a lead. Leaders Madrid have an eight point gap between them and 5th place Malaga. While it was great while it lasted it looks like injuries and good luck running out are pulling Lavante back down to earth. valencia look well placed on 21 pts to cement a Champions League spot with other teams around them lacking consistency. At the foot of the table? Well, take your pick - 3 points separate 13th from 20th. But Getafe on 7 points and without a win in 5 games and Real Sociedad on 8 and with no victory in 6 must both be very nervous. Finally, the Bundesliga - 11 games played: Again, no surprise to see giants Bayern Munich (25 pts) with a four point cushion over Shalke. Despite the fact that the German Champions are in fact Dortmund, who lie in third on 20 points, it seems natural order has been restored with the most successful club in Germany topping thee table. But don't rule Dortmund out, especially if Munich have a good Champions League run, they may just take their eye of the ball and let their lead slip. Struggling are Freiburg on 7 points and Augsburg on 8. The team above them, Hamburg, has found some form recently, and if you want to look for someone to join them in the relegation zone, Nurnberg look a likely candidate. So, 10 games in and the leagues are taking shape. But a lot can happen between now and next May. Vocabulary coasting: playing well, winning in a relaxed fashion stamp their authority: be so strong that your rivals are nervous; lead the league by a comfortable margin languagecaster.com no http://languagecaster.com/languagecasters-football-predictions-serie-a-italy-and-brazil/ http://languagecaster.com/languagecasters-football-predictions-serie-a-italy-and-brazil/#comments Thu, 03 Nov 2011 13:10:37 +0000 grell http://languagecaster.com/?p=16973 http://languagecaster.com/languagecasters-football-predictions-serie-a-italy-and-brazil/feed/ 0 http://languagecaster.com/weekly-football-phrase-talisman/ http://languagecaster.com/weekly-football-phrase-talisman/#comments Wed, 02 Nov 2011 12:53:06 +0000 grell http://languagecaster.com/?p=16952 http://languagecaster.com/weekly-football-phrase-talisman/feed/ 0 http://languagecaster.com/weekly-english-for-football-to-lay-down-a-marker/ http://languagecaster.com/weekly-english-for-football-to-lay-down-a-marker/#comments Wed, 26 Oct 2011 23:40:19 +0000 grell http://languagecaster.com/?p=16907 http://languagecaster.com/weekly-english-for-football-to-lay-down-a-marker/feed/ 0 http://languagecaster.com/languagecasters-football-predictions/ http://languagecaster.com/languagecasters-football-predictions/#comments Wed, 26 Oct 2011 10:30:05 +0000 grell http://languagecaster.com/?p=16904 http://languagecaster.com/languagecasters-football-predictions/feed/ 0 http://languagecaster.com/languagecaster-podcast-the-j-league-title-run-in/ http://languagecaster.com/languagecaster-podcast-the-j-league-title-run-in/#comments Sat, 22 Oct 2011 06:45:11 +0000 grell http://languagecaster.com/?p=16888 http://languagecaster.com/languagecaster-podcast-the-j-league-title-run-in/feed/ 0 English,Football,Football Cliches,football vocabulary,J-League,language,languagecaster,phrases This week on languageacster.com, we spotlight the run in to the title in the J League in Japan, looking at who can win it and at a big team staring at relegation. (http://languagecaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/languagecaster.oleole.4.jpg) This week on languageacster.com, we spotlight the run in to the title in the J League in Japan, looking at who can win it and at a big team staring at relegation. 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 10:16 http://languagecaster.com/main-report-the-japanese-j-league-the-run-in/ http://languagecaster.com/main-report-the-japanese-j-league-the-run-in/#comments Fri, 21 Oct 2011 13:04:01 +0000 grell http://languagecaster.com/?p=16861 http://languagecaster.com/main-report-the-japanese-j-league-the-run-in/feed/ 0 Football,J-League,Kashima,Kashiwa,languagecaster,Nagoya,sendai,soccer,Urawa Main Report: The Japanese J League - who will clinch the title? And will we see Urawa in J2 next season? | (../wp-content/uploads/2009/02/feed-icon-28x281.png) Subscribe: Main Listening Report | Complete List Here (../2010/08/21/main-listening-report-full-list/) The European leagues are about a third of the way through their seasons and the Champions League is in the middle of the group stages, but what about elsewhere in the world? This week, languagecaster.com takes a look at what's happening in the J-League in Japan, now in its 18th season.The report has a transcript below and explanations of key vocabulary (in bold) can be found at the foot of the post, while other key phrases (in blue) also have meanings explained. (http://languagecaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/149608hp21-300x186.jpg)This weekend will be the 30th game of the 34 game season, so things are reaching a climax at the top and bottom of the table. Let's start at the foot of the table. Surprisingly, one of the best supported clubs, Urawa Reds is in the relegation zone on 29 points, one less than Kofu. It would be a real shock if Urawa do drop down a league, but it looks as though it could happen. The Reds have the best attendance of any club this year, regularly pulling in crowds of over 32,000 to their great stadium in Saitama, built for football and the 2002 Wold Cup. The glory years of  2005~2007, they did the double in 2006,  could be a memory come December. They'll need to turn things around soon, starting with a game against 4th place Yokohama this weekend. Sitting at the top of the table are Kashiwa, from Chiba prefecture and just north of Tokyo. They have never been crowned J League champions, but do have two titles from the 1970s. Could this be their year? It would be a remarkable turn around because they were relegated two seasons ago. They recently beat Kashima 1-0 away, which laid down a marker, as Kashima are the most successful J league side. Currently they lie in 7th place and must be worrying about their direction as they finished 4th last year after three consecutive titles. Challenging Kashiwa for the title are Nagoya and Osaka, both teams with recent pedigree. Of the two, last year's champions Nagoya look the most likely to overhaul the Chiba club. But a key game should be when Nagoya meet Osaka at home on the 11th of November. And before we leave the J League, a mention for Sendai, a team from a prefecture devastated by the earthquake and tsunami in March this year. They are in 5th place with 5 wins from 5. Could they do it? Unlikely, but most neutrals would love to see them lift the championship trophy on December the 3rd. Vocabulary the foot of the table: at the bottom, last pulling in: attracting, getting glory years: a tie of success turn things around: change form, start winning be relegated: go down, drop to a lower division or level lay down a marker: have a good result that warns your rivals that you are strong lie in: be in pedigree: quality overhaul: catch, over take languagecaster.com no 2:33 http://languagecaster.com/weekly-football-phrase-to-shore-up/ http://languagecaster.com/weekly-football-phrase-to-shore-up/#comments Thu, 13 Oct 2011 06:36:44 +0000 grell http://languagecaster.com/?p=16742 http://languagecaster.com/weekly-football-phrase-to-shore-up/feed/ 0 http://languagecaster.com/languagecaster-podcast-south-american-world-cup-qualifiers/ http://languagecaster.com/languagecaster-podcast-south-american-world-cup-qualifiers/#comments Sat, 08 Oct 2011 10:44:49 +0000 grell http://languagecaster.com/?p=16695 http://languagecaster.com/languagecaster-podcast-south-american-world-cup-qualifiers/feed/ 0 cliceh,Football,glossary,languagecaster,Podcast,Predictions,South America,Vocabulary Our review of the footballing news, a main report on the South American World cup qualifiers, an English for football phrase, and predictions. (http://languagecaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/languagecaster.oleole.4.jpg) On this week's podcast we have our review of the footballing news, a main report focusing on the South American World cup qualifiers, an English for football phrase, and predictions.  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 12:45 http://languagecaster.com/the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-korean-clubs-sunderland-and-carlos-tevez/ http://languagecaster.com/the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-korean-clubs-sunderland-and-carlos-tevez/#comments Sat, 01 Oct 2011 14:35:29 +0000 grell http://languagecaster.com/?p=16602 http://languagecaster.com/the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-korean-clubs-sunderland-and-carlos-tevez/feed/ 0 http://languagecaster.com/weekly-english-for-football-phrase-spare-their-blushes/ http://languagecaster.com/weekly-english-for-football-phrase-spare-their-blushes/#comments Fri, 30 Sep 2011 09:14:38 +0000 grell http://languagecaster.com/?p=16565 http://languagecaster.com/weekly-english-for-football-phrase-spare-their-blushes/feed/ 0 http://languagecaster.com/main-listening-report-bayern-munich-bundesliga-powerhouse/ http://languagecaster.com/main-listening-report-bayern-munich-bundesliga-powerhouse/#comments Thu, 29 Sep 2011 08:41:23 +0000 grell http://languagecaster.com/?p=16581 http://languagecaster.com/main-listening-report-bayern-munich-bundesliga-powerhouse/feed/ 0 Bayern Munich,Bundesliga,English,Football,Hans,languagecaster,Main Report,Vocabulary On this week's main report, Hans, our German correspondent spotlights Bayern Munich, a team that has had a fantastic start to the season in the Bundesliga and the Champions League. | (../wp-content/uploads/2009/02/feed-icon-28x281.png) Subscribe: Main Listening Report | Complete List Here (../2010/08/21/main-listening-report-full-list/) On this week's main report, Hans, our German correspondent spotlights Bayern Munich, a team that has had a fantastic start to the season in the Bundesliga and the Champions League. This report has a transcript below and explanations of key vocabulary (in bold) can be found at the foot of the post, while other key phrases (in blue) also have meanings explained. There is also a worksheet with answers. (../wp-content/uploads/2011/09/220px-Bayern_Munchen.png)Most people associate the Bundesliga with Bayern Muenchen. There are other big teams, including champions Dortmund, Hamburg and Schalke, but it is the team from the southern state of Bavaria that is best known. This is probably because Bayern have been the most successful team, winning every possible trophy in their long history, including the European Cup, or Champions league four times and 22 Bundesliga titles. So naturally every season eyes turn to the south to see how they will perform, and in 2011/2012 the word that describes their current form is “unbelievable”. Bayern have been simply unstoppable in recent weeks. Since their only loss in the first round, they have gone undefeated in 6 games, scoring 21 goals whilst not conceding a single goal, and added to this they have won both their champions league games without conceding. So here are my three top reasons for this incredible start. 1. Manuel Neuer. Germany’s No. 1 keeper came from Schalke in the summer. He has added confidence to their defence, is very good at distributing the ball and his long precise kicking sets up the midfielders for fast attacks. 2. Frank Ribery. He is slowly returning to the Ribery of old, enjoying his football and tormenting defences with his attacking play. 3. Strikers. In ‘Super’ Mario Gomez and Thomas Mueller Bayern have the Bundesligas best strikers, both in form and being provided with plenty of chances. They work well together, set each other up and share the glory. Will this be the year for Bayern? The Champions League Final will be played at the Allianz Arena, their home ground, and in the form they are currently in, it will take a very good team to stop them. Enjoy the Bundesliga and see you again soon. Auf Wiedersehen. Vocabulary trophy: cup eyes turn to: the media is interested in, people take notice of unstoppable: unbeatable, impossible to defeat concede: to give a goal away, to allow a goal to be scored against (the team) distribute: pass, spread ~player of old: previous; unusually used to say a player has returned to their previous best in form: playing well set (someone) up: provide (someone) with a chance, give (someone) an opportunity to languagecaster.com no 3:18 http://languagecaster.com/languagecaster-predictions-derbies-bundesliga-and-serie-a/ http://languagecaster.com/languagecaster-predictions-derbies-bundesliga-and-serie-a/#comments Thu, 29 Sep 2011 08:16:11 +0000 grell http://languagecaster.com/?p=16560 http://languagecaster.com/languagecaster-predictions-derbies-bundesliga-and-serie-a/feed/ 0