http://languagecaster.com Thu, 17 May 2012 21:13:23 +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 2006-2011 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/category/main-report/ 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/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/main-listening-report-the-manchester-derby/ http://languagecaster.com/main-listening-report-the-manchester-derby/#comments Sat, 28 Apr 2012 08:34:19 +0000 grell http://languagecaster.com/?p=20141 http://languagecaster.com/main-listening-report-the-manchester-derby/feed/ 0 Derby,English,languagecaster,main listening report,Manchester City,Manchester Utd On this week's main listening report we interview a Manchester United fan and a Manchester City fan and ask them what they think will happen next Monday when their teams clash in the Manchester Derby. | (../wp-content/uploads/2009/02/feed-icon-28x281.png) Subscribe: Main Listening Report On this week's main listening report we interview a Manchester United fan and a Manchester City fan and ask them what they think will happen next Monday when their teams clash in the Manchester Derby. It is also probably going to decide which of them wins the title - City need to win it, United need a draw or a win. You can listen to the report by clicking on the link above, while vocabulary support (in bold) appears at the foot of the report. (http://languagecaster.com/wp-content/uploads/Manchester-Derby1-300x197.jpg)Dave - A Manchester City fan What does your team have to do to win it? I think City have to play with confidence. Very simply. They have a much better team than United. The forwards should be able to take, well Evans and the other one... (Ferdinand) Ferdinand! Well neither of those are particularly good at the moment and I think basically the City front four should run rings around them. And maybe should get four possibly. OK, so you're predicting a 4-0 win. Um, I'm not predicting a win. I'm saying City should win. The problem is when it gets to these big games City tend to be slightly hesitant, right. And because of the build up before this game which inevitably happens the game may well be a big disappointment. So, I think in reality I'd have to say no score, but I like that because I like to think low... low expectations. We'll win 4-0! Alright, and who's going to win the title? I think the title is... the main problem is not the game against United, it's the game against Newcastle away because they're the form team. And because of that, I can't really see City winning too. And I can't really see United losing theirs  too. So it's going to be very tight one point, but I think probably... Citeh! And if you don't win it, will that be a successful season coming second? I think the season has been very very successful. Even though there have been obviously highlights... big big problems involving Tevez and Balotelli, and Mancini obviously needs to be a better man manager in the future. But, you know, if you consider the number of points they've made this year compared to last year it's better; they've scored more goals. If they don't get it this year, I'm fairly sure they'll get it next. Simon - A Manchester United fan The big game is coming up. What does Manchester United have to do to win it? It's a difficult one isn't it. They've given away the initiative. They've just got to forget everything. Just go out there. Play the game. That's it. OK. And do you think they will be victorious. Do you think they'll win it? The thing is, they don't have to win. A win or a draw is fine. But they have to go out and try to win. Really take the game to them. It's the kind of game when they really could have done with Fletcher in the middle I think. It's going to be difficult. And beyond that game, do you think Manchester United will win be winning their 20th title? Well, they have to, don't they! OK. If they don't, do you think it will have been a successful season coming second? They have to win it, don't they! Vocabulary run rings around: give your opponent a hard time; beat your opponent easily; take the ball past the opposing player several times the build up: before big games the media often has a lot of coverage - news reports, interviews, features etc. This is called a big build up the form team: the team with the best recent record; the team that is winning a lot of games recently a man manager: someone good at dealing with people; a manager that can deal with players' egos the initiative:if a team has the initiative they are in the stronger position take the game to: attack the opposition; play an aggressive game; not defensive         Vocabulary languagecaster.com no 3:27 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/main-listening-report-two-semi-finals-two-derbies/ http://languagecaster.com/main-listening-report-two-semi-finals-two-derbies/#comments Sat, 14 Apr 2012 11:17:16 +0000 grell http://languagecaster.com/?p=19895 http://languagecaster.com/main-listening-report-two-semi-finals-two-derbies/feed/ 0 Chelsea,derbies FA Cup,English,Everton,FA Cup,football language,languagecaster,Liverpool,rivalry,semi final,spurs,Tottenham On this week's main listening report we look ahead to this weekend's FA Cup semi-finals which sees both games involving two local rivals. | (../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 weekend's FA Cup semi-finals which sees both games involving two local rivals. Damian and Damon's teams are also involved to add to the spice of the occasion! 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) Everton vs Liverpool History (http://languagecaster.com/wp-content/uploads/59647016_kenny_dalglish_getty-300x168.jpg) So Everton meet derby rivals Liverpool in the first semi-final of the FA Cup this weekend. Everton, the oldest of the two clubs, also won the FA Cup before their bigger neighbours way back in 1906. Since then, they have won it four more times, most recently with a 1-0 win over Manchester United in 1995 thanks to a goal by Paul Rideout. Since then, the trophy room has not been added to, although they did come close in 2009 but were beaten at the final hurdle by Chelsea in the final. Five wins is nothing to be sniffed at, but Liverpool have seven. Interestingly they have won an FA Cup at least once in every decade since the 1960s. Could that be an omen? Their last victory in 2006 is up there with one of the most dramatic of all FA Cup finals. Liverpool needed an injury-time equaliser, a pile driver by Gerrard, to force extra time and penalties against West Ham. Liverpool have also beaten Everton twice in FA Cup finals: in 1986 and most famously in 1989. The last win was five weeks after the Hillsborough disaster in which 96 Liverpool, fans died in a stadium crush. The Road to the Semis Both teams will believe they deserve their place in the semis. Everton have beaten two Premier League sides on the way - Fulham and Sunderland - and also had a potential banana skin when they faced Blackpool in the fifth round. Liverpool also beat Premier League opposition in Manchester United in the fourth round and Stoke in the sixth. The Reds scored 15 goals and conceded 4 on their way to the semis, while Everton netted nine times and let in 4. They did need a replay to overcome Sunderland, but both teams have looked good so far in the competition. Chances Let's look at the form of the teams. In the last 10 games in all competitions, Everton have won 5, drawn 3 and lost 2, while Liverpool have won just twice and lost six. They've been beaten by teams in the relegation zone, such as QPR and Wigan as well as to their bitter rivals Manchester United. Everton, on the other hand, have put a great run of form together, and they have just hammered Sunderland 4-0. But head-to-head Liverpool have the advantage. In the last five meetings, the Reds have won 3 and Everton just 1. Liverpool have also done the double over the Blues this season. The game is a day before the anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster and is bound to be an emotional affair. So Everton have the best league form, but Liverpool edge it on history and head to head, but as everyone knows, the form book goes out of the window in derbies! Chelsea vs Tottenham (http://languagecaster.com/wp-content/uploads/cq5dam.thumbnail.490.338.margin-300x206.png) History The second semi-final features another local derby, this time a London rivalry involving West London side Chelsea and North London's Tottenham. This will be the 146th time the two sides will have met and they have played each other in the FA Cup on seven previous occasions. Chelsea won 2-1 the last time they met in the Cup in 2007, though Spurs have managed to defeat their rivals in the final way back in 1967. Tottenham have a proud Cup tradition having won the trophy on nine occasions though they have not won it since 1991. languagecaster.com no 5:40 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/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/main-listening-report-the-champions-league-quarter-finals/ http://languagecaster.com/main-listening-report-the-champions-league-quarter-finals/#comments Sun, 25 Mar 2012 00:39:59 +0000 grell http://languagecaster.com/?p=19618 http://languagecaster.com/main-listening-report-the-champions-league-quarter-finals/feed/ 0 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/main-listening-report-how-do-recent-chelsea-managers-rank/ http://languagecaster.com/main-listening-report-how-do-recent-chelsea-managers-rank/#comments Sat, 10 Mar 2012 05:36:46 +0000 grell http://languagecaster.com/?p=19326 http://languagecaster.com/main-listening-report-how-do-recent-chelsea-managers-rank/feed/ 0 On this week's main listening report we take a look at Chelsea and the team's recent managers (w/worksheet). | (../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 7:05 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/main-listening-report-the-premier-league-run-in/ http://languagecaster.com/main-listening-report-the-premier-league-run-in/#comments Sat, 25 Feb 2012 00:49:06 +0000 grell http://languagecaster.com/?p=19158 http://languagecaster.com/main-listening-report-the-premier-league-run-in/feed/ 0 http://languagecaster.com/main-listening-report-the-language-of-relegation/ http://languagecaster.com/main-listening-report-the-language-of-relegation/#comments Thu, 16 Feb 2012 21:30:20 +0000 damianf http://languagecaster.com/?p=19051 http://languagecaster.com/main-listening-report-the-language-of-relegation/feed/ 0 football language,football words,relegation,soccer phrases,soccer vocabulary On this week's main listening report we look at relegation and the language used to describe it. | (../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 look at relegation and the language used to describe it. You can listen to the report by clicking on the link below, while vocabulary support (in bold) appears at the foot of the report. (http://languagecaster.com/wp-content/uploads/article-1272372396538-094CED5B000005DC-871569_636x396-300x186.jpg)It is almost spring here in Europe which means that we are approaching the business end of the season when championships are decided, teams are promoted and of course relegated. Teams at the bottom of the table begin to worry as they fear that their place in the top tier is under threat. and that maybe the following season they will be playing in a lower division. What is relegation? This occurs when teams finish in the bottom places in the league and are forced to play in a lower division or league the following season. In England this means that the three bottom teams - those in 18th, 19th and 20th positions - are relegated to the Championship or the second tier. This means that teams and players will receive less money, less TV exposure - they will not be on television as much - and play in front of smaller attendances. But money is not the only issue involved - just ask the fans of a relegated club how traumatic going down can be. Before the season starts some teams are favourites to go down - they are tipped to struggle throughout the season and eventually be relegated, while for others it is more of a surprise as the pundits feel that they are too good to go down - just ask Newcastle and West Ham in recent years in England and River Plate in Argentina last season. The relegation battle begins around February as the teams occupying the bottom spots begin to realise that they are in a dog fight with their fellow strugglers - points are hard to come by as they attempt to reach the magical 40-point mark - this is more or less a guarantee of safety in England. Some teams seem to be always involved in the relegation battle, think of teams like Wigan and Wolves in England both of whom have been involved in some final-day escapes in recent seasons, while other teams are known as yo-yo sides as they constantly move up and down between the leagues - think of West Brom for instance. Undoubtedly there will be many twists and turns before the season is over as the relegation battle takes shape - there will be tears both of relief and of sadness. Hopefully they will not be yours. Vocabulary tipped to go down: Many feel the team will be relegated before the season starts Too good to go down: Pundits suggest that the team has too many good players or a strong tradition and therefore should stay up To relegate: When one team puts another team down To be relegated: When a team is demoted to the lower division for finishing in the bottom places At the foot of the table: At the bottom of the league To be safe: The team will not be relegated this season 40-point mark: In England many clubs feel that 40 points will be enough to keep a team safe The trap door: The bottom, another name for relegation (the team will fall into the lower division) The relegation battle: The part of the season when a group of teams have to fight to stay alive To languish: To be in a bad position, to struggle To prop up the table: To be bottom, last Lowly: A word to describe a weak side To struggle: To perform badly Fellow strugglers: Other teams that are not doing so well To lift them off the bottom: Sometimes a win can move a team out of the relegation zone The bottom three: The last three teams in a division Relegation spots: The last positions in the league final-day escapes: The team survives on the last day Relegation places: The last positions in the league A dog fight: A scrap, languagecaster.com no 30 http://languagecaster.com/main-listening-report-the-clausura-season-in-argentina-2/ http://languagecaster.com/main-listening-report-the-clausura-season-in-argentina-2/#comments Fri, 10 Feb 2012 08:53:25 +0000 grell http://languagecaster.com/?p=18959 http://languagecaster.com/main-listening-report-the-clausura-season-in-argentina-2/feed/ 0 argentina,Boca,clausura,contenders,languagecaster,Main Report,Velez Sarsfiled Time for a spot of Argentinian football - we feature a preview of the clausura 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/) This week the clausura season kicks off in Argentina and we take a look at some of the teams that will feature at the top and at the bottom of the table in 2012.. You can listen to the report by clicking on the link below, while vocabulary support appears at the foot of the report. Strong contenders (http://languagecaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2011125151429165580_20-300x198.jpg)Boca Juniors, from the capital Buenos Aires, won the apertura season convincingly and went unbeaten in that campaign. That form makes them favorites. But winning both half seasons is not an easy thing to do, indeed, not since Boca themselves in the 2005/06 season has a team managed back to back titles. Can they do it again? History suggests they won't and pressure from fans to have a good cup run in the Copa may mean that they take their eye off the title battle. Velez Sarsfield will be a big threat to Boca's hopes. They won the clausura title last year, showed they can fight on two fronts by going to the semi finals in the Copa Libertadores while managing to finish third in the apertura season. They will be there or there abouts. Racing, have former player and manager Basile back this season and may be able to build on a strong showing in the apertura. They also have the benefit of no Copa Libertadores to distract them. Play maker Giovanni Moreno should help the team from the south of Buenos Aires do well this season, as he'll suit Basile's attacking style. Dark horses Teams that are in with a shout should be Colon from Santa Fe and Lanús, but both teams lack consistency. And as an outside bet, how about Belgrano from Cordoba? This year the league will probably be named Crucero General Belgrano Primera División, after the battleship that was sunk by the British in the conflict over the Falkland Islands in 1982, 30 years ago. That ship was named after Manuel Belgrano, a general in the Argentine wars of independence, as is the team from Cordoba that managed a very respectable 4th place finish in the apertura season. Strugglers Relegation from the top division is complicated and based on performance over the last three years. The two teams with the lowest points average go down and the next two teams, 17th and 18th in the relegation table, take part in play-offs, called Promoción, with the 3rd and 4th placed teams from the second division. In big trouble at the moment are Tigre and Olimpo. While Olimpo look doomed, Tigre may just squeak into the play-offs and get a second chance at survival. Finally, if All Boys have another poor season, they could quite easily drop out of the top division, too. Final note While most eyes will be on the top division, many football fans in Argentina will be watching the form of River Plate, with Boca their massive rivals the most successful side in Argentina, who are fighting for promotion back to the Primera league after a surprise relegation last year. Vocabulary form: a club's form is its recent results: good form means the team has been winning, bad form indicates the team has been losing take their eye off the title battle: not concentrate on winning the league; lose concentration (be) there or there abouts: in this context, close to the top of the league; a possible winner of the league (be) in with a shout: to have a chance play offs: matches to decide which team will progress: in this case which team will be relegated or promoted look doomed: will probably be relegated squeak into: just get into; achieve something narrowly languagecaster.com no 3:45 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/main-listening-report-the-fa-cup/ http://languagecaster.com/main-listening-report-the-fa-cup/#comments Sat, 28 Jan 2012 11:39:34 +0000 damianf http://languagecaster.com/?p=18826 http://languagecaster.com/main-listening-report-the-fa-cup/feed/ 0 FA Cup,giant killing,wembley,worksheet On this week's main listening report we take a look at the FA Cup: the format, its history and its giant killing. There is a worksheet with this report and you can listen to the report by clicking on the link below, | (../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 take a look at the FA Cup: the format, its history and the giant killing (http://languagecaster.com/english-for-football-phrase-week-10-2007-giantkilling-underdog/). There is a worksheet with this report and you can listen to the report by clicking on the link below, while vocabulary support appears at the foot of the report. The FA Cup (http://languagecaster.com/wp-content/uploads/450px-The_FA_Cup_Trophy-225x300.jpg) The oldest football competition in the world is the English FA Cup, the Football Association Cup, which first started in 1872. The format of the tournament is very simple – it is a knock-out competition which means that the winner of each tie, or game, passes through to the next round while the loser is knocked-out and does not play again until the following season: it is a winner-takes-all format. To add to the excitement there is no form of seeding, which means that games are decided by an open draw and that one team can be drawn to play against any other side in the tournament. In England the competition is open to all clubs affiliated, or belonging to, the FA, which means there are a total of 14 rounds that have to be played and the first of these takes place at the beginning of the season in August. The professional clubs from the top four divisions do not have to play in these rounds with the teams from the top two divisions (The Premier League and the Championship) joining the Third Round in January when 64 teams remain in the tournament. Often at this stage of the competition a few non-league sides are still in the cup – these are teams from outside the Football League – and they attract a lot of attention as they might be drawn against a higher-ranked side and cause an upset or surprise by beating this team: this kind of victory is known as giant killing. Some of the most famous acts of giant killing have included Fourth Division Wrexham defeating the League Champions Arsenal in 1992 and non-league side Sutton beating top-flight team Coventry in 1989. In recent times however the top sides have fared better and it is unusual to see a team from outside the Premier League in the final at Wembley Stadium (http://languagecaster.com/learners-podcast-25-wembley/). The final usually takes place in May and is a big media event in England – the traditional end-of-season game. In England the most successful team in FA Cup history is Manchester United – they have won the cup on eleven occasions, while the second most successful club is Arsenal with ten wins. A total of 42 teams have won the trophy though some of those clubs are now no longer in existence, including Wanderers who were the first winners of the trophy. Other countries have their own version of the FA Cup – the Emperor’s Cup in Japan and the Copa del Rey in Spain but the most famous of all of these is still the FA Cup. Vocabulary format: The way that the competition is organised tie: A game, a match seeding: This prevents teams from meeting each other in the competition at an early stage can be drawn to play: The games are chosen randomly the team names are taken (drawn) out of a bag affiliated: Belonging to, forming part of non-league sides: Teams from outside the top four professional divisions in England top-flight : The top division (now the Premiership) have fared better: Have done better no longer in existence: The teams have disappeared languagecaster.com no 3:05 http://languagecaster.com/main-listening-report-preview-of-the-2012-africa-cup-of-nations-tournament/ http://languagecaster.com/main-listening-report-preview-of-the-2012-africa-cup-of-nations-tournament/#comments Sun, 22 Jan 2012 17:39:42 +0000 damianf http://languagecaster.com/?p=18732 http://languagecaster.com/main-listening-report-preview-of-the-2012-africa-cup-of-nations-tournament/feed/ 0 Gabon and Equatorial Guinea,On this week's main listening report we preview the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations Tournament On this week's main listening report we preview the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations Tournament being co-hosted by Gabon and Equatorial Guinea | (../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 preview the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations Tournament be... languagecaster.com no 4:09 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/football-review-of-2011-part-2-july-december/ http://languagecaster.com/football-review-of-2011-part-2-july-december/#comments Fri, 30 Dec 2011 16:39:36 +0000 damianf http://languagecaster.com/?p=18017 http://languagecaster.com/football-review-of-2011-part-2-july-december/feed/ 1 balotelli,Barcelona,Copa America,Football review,john terry,Liverpool,luis suarez,Manchester City,Manchester Utd,mancini,racism,Real Madrid On this week's main listening report we look back at some of the big stories from the football world in 2011. This is part two which will focus on July to December. | (../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 look back at some of the big stories from the football world in 2011. Part one will feature January to June (http://languagecaster.com/football-review-of-2011-part-1-january-june/) while part two will focus on July to December. 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. July-August Two major international tournaments took place in July: the Women's World Cup from Germany and the Copa America from Argentina. The big surprise package in the women's World Cup was the Japanese team, nicknamed Nadeshiko, who managed to defeat the pre-tournament favourites the USA - though they did need penalties to do so. This was the first title for the Japanese who stunned Germany and Sweden in the knockout stages to claim their berth in the final before dedicating their title to those who lost their lives in the March earthquake (http://abcnews.go.com/International/japan-world-cup-soccer-victory-helps-country-earthquake/story?id=14093457). (http://languagecaster.com/wp-content/uploads/Final-copa-america-uruguay-king-of-South-America.jpg) July also saw Uruguay winning their record-breaking 15th Copa America title after thrashing Paraguay 3-0 in the final at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires. La Celeste, or the Sky Blues, had the player of the tournament in Luis Suarez, they did not lose a match and they also knocked-out hosts and favourites Argentina proving that their third place in the 2010 World Cup was no fluke at all. (http://languagecaster.com/wp-content/uploads/Real-Madrid-manager-Jos-007-300x180.jpg) August saw the start of the European football season although in Spain (http://languagecaster.com/main-listening-report-preview-of-la-liga-2011-12/) this did not begin until the end of the month thanks to a strike called by the players' union (http://languagecaster.com/the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-la-liga-strike-is-over-mourinho-and-nasri/) over insurance issues. By then, the first clasico of the season had taken place with the Spanish Super Cup and the animosity between the two sides re-surfaced when Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho appeared to poke a Barcelona staff member in the eye (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/la-liga/8809050/Jose-Mourinho-handed-two-match-ban-for-Super-Cup-eye-poke.html). This would not be the last time that Barcelona got under the skin of the Portuguese manager of Madrid. (http://languagecaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Wayne-Rooney-and-Ashley-Y-007-300x180.jpg)The final weekend of August also saw two incredible results from the Premier League. First up was a statement of intent from Manchester City in their 5-1 hammering of Tottenham at White Hart Lane while a couple of hours later Manchester United thrashed Arsenal 8-2 - a slaughter of the innocents (http://languagecaster.com/football-headlines-rooney-leads-slaughter-of-the-innocents/) as one newspaper called it. Good news for the two north London sides (http://languagecaster.com/the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-manchester-vs-londo/) was that they did not have to play again for two weeks thanks to the international break. September-October (http://languagecaster.com/wp-content/uploads/Juan-Mata-007-300x180.jpg) The European Championship qualifying rounds (http://languagecaster.com/main-report-preview-of-the-2012-european-championship-qualifiers/) reached their decisive moments in September and October with more than 20 nations still in with a chance of progressing to the finals next summer in Poland and the Ukraine. Current World champions Spain easily qualified along with pre-tournament favourites Germany, as well as the Dutch and the Italians, while England, languagecaster.com no 8:18 http://languagecaster.com/football-review-of-2011-part-1-january-june/ http://languagecaster.com/football-review-of-2011-part-1-january-june/#comments Wed, 28 Dec 2011 20:59:58 +0000 damianf http://languagecaster.com/?p=17872 http://languagecaster.com/football-review-of-2011-part-1-january-june/feed/ 0 AC Milan,Ajax,Arsenal,asia cup,Australia,Barcelona,Birmingham,Capello,Carling Cup,Champions League,dortmund,english langusge podcast On this week's main listening report we look back at some of the big stories from the football world in 2011. Part one will feature January to June while part two will focus on July to December. | (../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 look back at some of the big stories from the football world in 2011. Part one will feature January to June while part two will focus on July to December (http://languagecaster.com/football-review-of-2011-part-2-july-december). 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. January-February January was a fairly quiet month for football in Europe with most European leagues on a winter break and England suffering from heavy snow that caused havoc with the fixtures. However, the sun was shining in Qatar where the15th Asia Cup (http://languagecaster.com/main-listening-report-review-of-the-asia-cup/) was taking place with Japan winning their 4th continental title by defeating Australia 1-0 in extra time (http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/jan/29/japan-fourth-asian-cup-australia). The Japanese side, under Italian coach Zaccheroni, showed impressive spirit throughout and were worthy winners though a special mention should also be made for outsiders Jordan who qualified for the knock-out stages by drawing with Japan and beating Saudi Arabia. (http://languagecaster.com/wp-content/uploads/51283414_gattuso_jordan_460x260getty.jpg)Two big stories dominated English football at the start of the year: first, two TV pundits in the UK were fired for making sexist comments (http://languagecaster.com/week-25-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-3/) about a female referee's assistant, while the battle for the Olympic Stadium (http://languagecaster.com/main-listening-report-west-ham-tottenham-and-the-olympics/) raged onwith West Ham finally winning the decision over Tottenham to move into the stadium in East London. Tottenham were faring better in the Champions League where they eliminated seven-time winners AC Milan in a tempestuous match that saw Milan captain Gattuso attack Spurs coach Joe Jordan (http://languagecaster.com/the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-tottenham-gattuso-and-barcelona/ ). February saw the retirement of one of the greatest strikers of this generation, O Fenômeno, Ronaldo. He finished his career in Brazil with Corinthians but it was his time in Europe that really made his name. He first came to prominence in Holland with PSV Eindhoven but moved to another level with Barcelona in Spain before really taking off in Italy with Inter Milan. Unfortunately his career was blighted by injuries but he sealed an amazing comeback with the national side in the 2002 World Cup when he scored the winning goals in the final to give him an amazing record-breaking 15 goalhaul in overall World Cups. March-April March and April are known as the business end of the season, or what Sir Alex Ferguson terms squeaky-bum time (http://languagecaster.com/squeaky-bum-time/) as teams battle to win the title, progress in the cups and avoid relegation. The first domestic trophy of the season in England was decided in early March when lowly Birmingham City caused a huge upset at Wembley to defeat Arsenal 2-1 (http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/feb/27/arsenal-birmingham-city-carling-cup-final)to win the Carling Cup - their first silverware since 1963. Ironically both sides then suffered dips in form with Birmingham ending up relegated to the Championship while Arsenal went out of the Champions League to Barcelona, lost to Man Utd in the FA Cup and then fell away in the title race - a bad March for the Gunners. (http://languagecaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/232420-old-firm-mayhem-34-people-arrested-at-celtic-and-rangers-match-410x230-300x168.jpg)North of the border in Scotland the traditional Celtic-Rangers dominance continued but this year it seemed to have taken on a new ferocity. languagecaster.com no 6:47 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/main-listening-report-the-top-four-foreign-players-in-the-premier-league-era/ http://languagecaster.com/main-listening-report-the-top-four-foreign-players-in-the-premier-league-era/#comments Thu, 15 Dec 2011 22:36:36 +0000 damianf http://languagecaster.com/?p=17665 http://languagecaster.com/main-listening-report-the-top-four-foreign-players-in-the-premier-league-era/feed/ 0 In this week's main listening report, we ask who has been the best ever overseas player in the Premier 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/) In this week's main listening report, we feature four of the best ever foreign imports to have played in the Premier League. Who do you think has been the best overseas player in the Premier League? 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. Eric Cantona (http://languagecaster.com/wp-content/uploads/ericcantona-1-300x200.jpg) When Leeds United sold Eric Cantona to rivals Manchester United in 1992 few could have predicted the impact that the mercurial Frenchman would have on Manchester United over the next five years. He helped United to their first title since 1967 and then won another three with the Red Devils, along with 2 FA Cups, while he was also Player of the Year on two occasions. Cantona was never far from controversy but his manager, team mates and fans were all sure that he was worth it. Cantona played 185 games for United scoring 85 goals including the winner of the 1997 FA Cup final. Thierry Henry (http://languagecaster.com/wp-content/uploads/henryarsenal-300x200.jpg) Now he (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/16118791.stm)arrived at Highbury in 1999 hoping to re-build his reputation after a torrid time in Italy with Juventus. He left 8 years later having become the club's highest ever scorer with a remarkable 226 goals in 370 appearances. The 1998 World Cup winner also won two Player of the Year awards, two league titles, three FA Cup wins and was top scorer in the Premier League on four occasions. A true Arsenal legend. Peter Schmeichel (http://languagecaster.com/wp-content/uploads/peter-schmeichel_1407911c-188x117.jpg) Schmeichel arrived in England in 1991 for what his manager later called a 'bargain' fee of £500.000 and the Danish international - he won the European Championship in 1992 - went on to play more than 290 times for Manchester United. He won five league titles, two FA Cups, a League Cup and in 1999 a Champions League final. Now Schmeichel was a strong character who dominated his penalty area and organised his defence; he was also one of the best an shot-stoppers around. Gianfranco Zola (http://languagecaster.com/wp-content/uploads/article-0-011DFEC0000004B0-197_468x620-226x300.jpg) Zola joined Ruud Gullit's Chelsea from Italian side Parma in 1995 and helped to transform the London side into serious title contenders in England. Zola played the game in such a way that fans everywhere loved him, particularly the way that he could break down defences with a pass or a dribble. Zola won the FA Cup twice with the Blues, the League Cup once and the Cup Winners Cup in 1998 when Zola scored the winning goal. Zola made 312 appearances for Chelsea and scored 80 goals.   Vocabulary mercurial: magical the Red Devils: The nickname of Manchester United never far from controversy: a temperamental character a torrid time: A difficult time legend: A very famous player, one loved by many fans title contenders: Teams that have a strong chance of wining the title languagecaster.com no 3:01 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/listening-report-brazilian-league-2011-everything-to-play-for-on-the-final-day/ http://languagecaster.com/listening-report-brazilian-league-2011-everything-to-play-for-on-the-final-day/#comments Fri, 02 Dec 2011 00:15:58 +0000 damianf http://languagecaster.com/?p=17391 http://languagecaster.com/listening-report-brazilian-league-2011-everything-to-play-for-on-the-final-day/feed/ 0 In this week's main listening report, we feature the final game of the 2011 Brazilian season. Nothing has been decided with the title, Libertadores places and relegation all going down to the wire. | (../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 feature the final game of the 2011 Brazilian season. Nothing has been decided with the title, Libertadores places and relegation all going down to the wire. 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/COR_HR_JPEG.02713315-300x226.jpg)This weekend sees the final round of the 2011 Brazilian championship taking place and the Brazilian federation have decided that the best way to avoid any suspicion of teams 'throwing games' is to schedule a host of derby matches. Rivalry among teams from the same city or area in Brazil is huge so in Rio de Janeiro Flamengo take on Vasco and Botafogo play last year's champions Fluminense. In São Paulo, Corinthians host Palmeiras and Santos are at home to São Paulo, while Internacional take on Grêmio in the Porto Alegre derby and América (MG) face Belo Horizonte rivals Atletico MG. Nothing has been decided yet with the title, final Libertadores places and relegation spots; they're all going down to the wire. The Title Only two teams can still win the title on the final day: Corinthians from São Paulo and Vasco da Gama from Rio de Janeiro. Corinthians are two points clear and crucially have two more victories than their rivals which means that if the two teams are tied on points then Corinthians will take the title. They take on their São Paulo rivals Palmeiras this Sunday knowing that a draw will be enough to claim their first title since 2005 - their fifth overall. Vasco are taking on their arch-rivals Flamengo knowing that only a win and a defeat for Corinthians will be enough to secure their own fifth Brazilian Championship. Can Vasco squeeze one more performance out of their aging side - a side that has also won the Brazilian Cup and is still in the South American Cup semi-final? It has already been a great year for the Rio club but if they manage to win their remaining three games (one in the league, one continental semi-final second leg and a possible final) then it could be an historic one and for that alone I am going to go for them Vasco to snatch the title away from Corinthians. Libertadores Qualification Much like their English counterparts there is a top four battle in Brazil to determine who will qualify to play in next season's Libertadores competition. However, thanks to Vasco's Cup win and Santos being the reigning Libertadores champions the team that finishes in fifth and sixth spots will also make it to the continent's biggest club tournament. Currently, four teams are fighting for the remaining three spots: Flamengo are in 4th on 60 points, that's three ahead of surprise package Coritiba, Internacional and Figueirense. Coritiba have been the form team in November and I tip them to sneak into the top 5 along with Internacional and Flamengo. Relegation At the bottom, Avaí have already been relegated while América and Paranense look odds-on to join them. However, the big surprise of the year is the fact that one of the big teams in Brazil, Gremio, face a real battle to stay up. Their draw with Ceará in the last game ensured that their fate remained in their own hands but they will have to secure a win against their city rivals Internacional to be sure of playing in the top flight next season. Internacional of course are not only playing for Copa Libertadores qualification but would love the opportunity to send down their rivals. The tension of the final day will be immense with a title to be won, relegation to be avoided and Libertadores places to be secured in addition to a day of super derbies. It promises to be a cracker. Vocabulary languagecaster.com no 3:51 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/main-listening-report-four-sepp-blatter-controversies/ http://languagecaster.com/main-listening-report-four-sepp-blatter-controversies/#comments Sat, 19 Nov 2011 11:06:38 +0000 damianf http://languagecaster.com/?p=17152 http://languagecaster.com/main-listening-report-four-sepp-blatter-controversies/feed/ 0 Blatter,corruption,ferdinand,FIFA,football language,gay,qatar,race,racis,technology,Women's football,World Cup In a week when FIFA president Sepp Blatter was embroiled in yet another scandal: this time about race, we report on four of the many controversies that FIFA's leader has been involved in. | (../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 a week when FIFA president Sepp Blatter was embroiled in yet another scandal: this time a... languagecaster.com no 3:30 http://languagecaster.com/main-listening-report-euro-2012-play-offs/ http://languagecaster.com/main-listening-report-euro-2012-play-offs/#comments Fri, 11 Nov 2011 10:58:37 +0000 damianf http://languagecaster.com/?p=17075 http://languagecaster.com/main-listening-report-euro-2012-play-offs/feed/ 0 bosnia,cristiano,croatia,Euro 2012,football cliche,football language,ireland,Modric,play off,poland,Portugal,Ronaldo With 12 team already qualified for next summer's European Championships in Poland/Ukraine the remaining four spots will be filled on Tuesday after the two-legged games between the best runners-up in the qualifying groups. | (../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 report we focus on the four play-off ties that will decide the last four spot... languagecaster.com no 3:40 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/16938/ http://languagecaster.com/16938/#comments Sat, 29 Oct 2011 12:35:34 +0000 damianf http://languagecaster.com/?p=16938 http://languagecaster.com/16938/feed/ 0 languagecaster.com takes a look at how teams line up and how formations affect a game.,Why are football formations important? What is the difference between 4-4-2 and 4-3-3? This week Why are football formations important? What is the difference between 4-4-2 and 4-3-3? This week, languagecaster.com takes a look at how teams line up and how formations affect a game. | (../wp-content/uploads/2009/02/feed-icon-28x281.png) Subscribe: Main Listening Report | Complete List Here (../2010/08/21/main-listening-report-full-list/) Why are football formations important? What is the difference between 4-4-2 and 4-3-3? This week, languagecaster.com takes a look at how teams line up and how formations affect a game. 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/2011/10/41705404_4_4_2_416-300x216.gif)Back when I was playing football for my school way back in the 1970s things were so much simpler. Before each game the teacher read out the names of the players along with a number that represented a position: Number 1 was the goalkeeper, 2 and 3 were the full backs (left and right), while 5 and 6 were the centre halves - the biggest and toughest school kids usually had the privilege of playing there. Numbers 7 and 11 played out wide; while numbers 8 and 10 were in the midfield, number 10 being a much-coveted shirt as we all knew that the best player in the team wore number 10 - think Pele, Maradona and of course Glenn Hoddle! That left number 9 as the striker, the centre forward, the goal scorer. We never questioned these positions, tactics or the formation that the teacher sent us out to play in - in fact, I am not sure we even knew that this particular formation had a name, though, particularly after the 1966 World Cup win, it has become synonymous with the English game: 4-4-2. Of course, there have been a multitude of tactical formations throughout football's long history. When England played Scotland in the first ever international in 1872 the English played with 1 defender, two midfielders and 7 forwards - 1-2-7, while the Scottish team decided that they would take advantage of the space on the pitch and pass the ball rather than relying on dribbling and force and so they played a more 'reserved' 2-2-6. Fifty or so years later the game had expanded across the globe and this lead to variations in how the game should be played. In England the 3-2-2-3 system (or W-M) was common but in Central Europe and specifically in Hungary a more fluid 3-2-3-2 model was used one that crushed England 6-3 and 7-1 in a set of friendlies during the mid-1950s. In the following decade Italian sides dominated the recently-created European Cup with a defensive system known as catenaccio (literally meaning the door bolt) that played an extra defender behind the back four. This player was known as a sweeper or libero and made it extremely difficult for the opposing side to break them down. Perhaps it was the rigidity and discipline of the catenaccio system that lead to the anarchic and some might say chaotic ideals of Total Football - a theory of football which Dutch coach Rinus Michels suggested came about as 'football makes itself on the pitch'. Players simply moved around the pitch to cover or to attack as the need arose creating a fluid nature to the game. Since then more defensive formations have been used with 4-5-1 fairly prevalent in Europe during the early part of this century - the extra man in midfield became known as the 'holding midfielder' as he tended to sit in front of the back four in order to allow other, more creative, players to attack. 4-2-3-1 is another variation of this system except that it has two holding midfielders - something that France employed in their 1998 World Cup win. What about today? How will this decade be remembered for? Many teams, particularly at international level, turn out in a 4-1-2-2-1 formation but with players being fitter, faster and stronger than before the emphasis is very much on fluidity and flexibility and so often teams may employ a variety of formations during the same game. Maybe that 4-4-2 system was simple after all. Vocabulary the privilege: The honour languagecaster.com no 3:48 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/main-report-liverpool-versus-manchester-united-in-numbers/ http://languagecaster.com/main-report-liverpool-versus-manchester-united-in-numbers/#comments Thu, 13 Oct 2011 23:17:13 +0000 damianf http://languagecaster.com/?p=16777 http://languagecaster.com/main-report-liverpool-versus-manchester-united-in-numbers/feed/ 0 http://languagecaster.com/main-report-2014-south-american-world-cup-qualifiers/ http://languagecaster.com/main-report-2014-south-american-world-cup-qualifiers/#comments Fri, 07 Oct 2011 23:27:20 +0000 damianf http://languagecaster.com/?p=16674 http://languagecaster.com/main-report-2014-south-american-world-cup-qualifiers/feed/ 1 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/main-listening-report-preview-of-la-liga-2011-12/ http://languagecaster.com/main-listening-report-preview-of-la-liga-2011-12/#comments Thu, 22 Sep 2011 23:50:06 +0000 damianf http://languagecaster.com/?p=16494 http://languagecaster.com/main-listening-report-preview-of-la-liga-2011-12/feed/ 0 Barcelona,Boqueron,Champions League,del nido,football language,La liga,malaga,messi,mourinho,pep,relegation,Ronaldo This week's main report takes a look at this season's Spanish League: La Liga 2011-12. This report has a transcript and explanations of key vocabulary | (../wp-content/uploads/2009/02/feed-icon-28x281.png) Subscribe: Main Listening Report | Complete List Here (../2010/08/21/main-listening-report-full-list/) This week's main report takes a look at this season's Spanish League: La Liga 2011-12. This ... languagecaster.com no 5:37 http://languagecaster.com/main-report-footballs-best-ever-xi-tottenham-1961/ http://languagecaster.com/main-report-footballs-best-ever-xi-tottenham-1961/#comments Sat, 17 Sep 2011 22:44:58 +0000 damianf http://languagecaster.com/?p=16431 http://languagecaster.com/main-report-footballs-best-ever-xi-tottenham-1961/feed/ 0 1961,blanchflower,football language,glory game,Hotspur,learning english,spurs,the double,Tottenham,worksheet Who is the greatest player to have played for your favourite team? What was your greatest moment as a fan? Who has been your favourite manager? These and other similar questions are often asked by football supporters all over the world and so on this w... | (../wp-content/uploads/2009/02/feed-icon-28x281.png) Subscribe: Main Listening Report | Complete List Here (../2010/08/21/main-listening-report-full-list/) Who is the greatest player to have played for your favourite team? What was your greatest mo... languagecaster.com no 3:49 http://languagecaster.com/main-report-the-champions-league-group-stages/ http://languagecaster.com/main-report-the-champions-league-group-stages/#comments Wed, 07 Sep 2011 23:01:15 +0000 grell http://languagecaster.com/?p=16263 http://languagecaster.com/main-report-the-champions-league-group-stages/feed/ 0 AC Milan,Arsenal,Barcelona,Bayern Munich,Champions League,dark horse,group of death,group stage,Man City,Manchester Utd,Real Madrid It's Champions League Group Stage time! Which one is the group of death? Which teams are the dark horses? And which big teams have the easiest rides? We've got it all at languagecaster.com | (../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/2011/09/180px-UEFA_Champions_League_logo_2.svg_.png)It's Champions League group stage time - from now until the beginning of December Europe's elite clubs will be going up against each other trying to reach the knockout stages and of course the money that playing in the later stages brings.  The group stages are often criticized for being boring, with few upsets and the big teams going through as a formality. Looking at last year's Champions League group stages, this seems to be true to a certain extent - with all the fancied sides going through. Will it be the same this year - probably - but let's take a look at the groups anyway. Which one is the group of death? Which team is a dark horse? And which big teams have the easiest rides? There's vocabulary support at the bottom of the page, and words highlighted in blue and red have explanations too! The Group(s) of Death Most pundits are picking group A as the toughest. German giants, Bayern Munich, Italian outfit, Napoli, Spanish side Villarreal and the richest club in the world, English side Manchester City, all must fancy their chances of getting one of the two top spots. Surely, City's squad of superstars and their collective European experience can help overcome the club's relative inexperience at this level. On paper it's City and Bayern, but look for Napoli to put up a fight. Prediction - Manchester City top, Bayern Munich second Group A is tough, but group F should also be a challenge for Arsenal, Dortmund, Olympiakos and Marseilles. Arsenal, of course, are going through a mini-crisis of sorts, losing some of their key players Cesc Fabregas and Nasri to Champions League rivals Barcelona and Manchester City respectively. They'll be hoping their new signings will bed in quickly. If they don't they could end up in a scrap for the second spot. Bundesliga Champions, Dortmund, will hope they can top this group, while Olympiakos and Marseilles are no pushovers. Prediction - Dortmund top, Arsenal second What about dark horses? Well, in group B, little Lille, last year's Ligue 1 winners, could easily find themselves through to the knockout stages, and then anything is possible. Especially if they keep hold of Hazard, their Belgian striker, in the January transfer window. You would expect Inter to top the group but CSKA Moscow might find it difficult to join them, and Trabzonspor - a late replacement for disqualified Fernebache, may just enjoy the experience. Predictions - Inter top, Lille second Another club with a decent chance of upsetting the odds is Ajax in group D. Real Madrid have this group sewn up, although they have struggled against Lyon before, but with Dynamo Zagreb out of it, Ajax will hope to sneak past Lyon and make it to the last 16. Predictions - Real Madrid top, Lyon second Easy groups When we talk about easy groups, we mean easy for the 'big' team. These groups can also be very open, with three teams vying for the second spot. The easiest group seems to be Group C, with Manchester United, Swiss team, Basel, Benfica and Otelul Galati from Romania. United will breeze through this group with Basel and Benfica fighting it out for the scraps. Prediction - Top, Man United, and second, Benfica The other English team finds itself in a pretty easy group, too. Chelsea, in Group E,  face Bayer Leverkusen, Valencia and Genk. This shouldn't pose too much of a problem for the Blues. Prediction - Chelsea top, Valencia second What about the other groups, G and H. Porto and Shaktar Donesk should come out top and knock out Zenit and APOEL in group G, and the two European giants, Barcelona and AC Milan will overshadow BATE and Viktoria Plzen in group H. Vocabulary upset: a surprise result, languagecaster.com no 3:48 http://languagecaster.com/main-listening-report-preview-of-tottenhams-2011-12-season/ http://languagecaster.com/main-listening-report-preview-of-tottenhams-2011-12-season/#comments Sun, 28 Aug 2011 13:48:22 +0000 damianf http://languagecaster.com/?p=16009 http://languagecaster.com/main-listening-report-preview-of-tottenhams-2011-12-season/feed/ 0 http://languagecaster.com/main-listening-report-preview-of-liverpools-2011-12-season/ http://languagecaster.com/main-listening-report-preview-of-liverpools-2011-12-season/#comments Thu, 18 Aug 2011 20:23:05 +0000 grell http://languagecaster.com/?p=16040 http://languagecaster.com/main-listening-report-preview-of-liverpools-2011-12-season/feed/ 0 Anfield,Dalglish,Liverpool,Preview,The Reds The Premier League has just kicked off and Damon and Damian take a look at their respective team's chances. First, Damon, looking ahead to his team's Liverpool's 2011-12 season. The Premier League has just kicked off and so Damon and Damian take a look at their respective team's chances. Here is Damon looking ahead to his team's Liverpool's 2011-12 season. There is a transcript below, while explanations of key vocabulary (in bold) can be found at the foot of the post, while other key phrases (in blue) and links (in red) also have meanings explained. (http://languagecaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/175px-Liverpool_FC.svg_.png)For Liverpool last season it was a season of two halves - one dreadful and the other very promising. Despite that finish, the Reds still ended up in 6th place with no silverware. Will this season be different? I'm not so sure. But first the pluses: Liverpool have new owners and stability - that must be a good thing. They have a new manager, Kenny Dalglish, a fans' favorite. The ex-player and manager was effective in turning around last season and has brought an exciting style of football back to Anfield. There have been new additions to the squad on top of the two big buys last season Suarez and Carrol, the Reds have added some width in the form of left-sided Downing, some experience and passing in the centre of the park with Adams, a youthful midfielder, Henderson, and a quality left back with Enrique. This on top of the reserve team players coming through the ranks. So, the club has no debts, sensible owners, a strengthened squad, and optimism with a new manager. What about the downside? Well, the squad has been improved, but it also still bloated with a surfeit of midfielders on high wages, and a lack of depth in the centre of midfield - an aging Carragher, an injury-prone Agger,  and a reliable but not great Skrtel the main three. The Reds also face stiff competition from Tottenham and Arsenal for the 4th spot in the Premier League - I think it's a given that Chelsea, Man United and big spenders Man City are the 'Big Three'. There is also the worry that without a decision on a new Stadium or an expansion for Anfield, Liverpool will fall further back in the revenue table and drop out of contention permanently - money talks in the Premier League. With their first choice squad, Liverpool will give any team a game, but they still lack top quality in all the back up positions. So, predictions. Champions? No way Top four? Very unlikely - 5th Silverware? None Other? The club will decide to build a new 60,000-seater stadium in Stanley park and Gerrard will be gone before next season. Vocabulary to turn around: to stop bad performances and start playing well, to reverse poor form to add width: to have a wide player, a winger, to be able to play from wide on the pitch to come through the ranks: to progress through the youth and reserve teams, to develop and get experience in the youth team and make it to the senior team bloated: too fat - in this context, too big injury prone: easily injured stiff competition: difficult opponents, serious rivals languagecaster.com no 2:39 http://languagecaster.com/languagecaster-review-of-the-2011-summer-football/ http://languagecaster.com/languagecaster-review-of-the-2011-summer-football/#comments Thu, 11 Aug 2011 11:49:16 +0000 damianf http://languagecaster.com/?p=15951 http://languagecaster.com/languagecaster-review-of-the-2011-summer-football/feed/ 0 http://languagecaster.com/listening-worksheet-history-of-the-copa-america/ http://languagecaster.com/listening-worksheet-history-of-the-copa-america/#comments Fri, 15 Jul 2011 18:42:13 +0000 damianf http://languagecaster.com/?p=15739 http://languagecaster.com/listening-worksheet-history-of-the-copa-america/feed/ 0