On this week’s show we feature the World Cup of 1950 when Uruguay upset all the odds to win their second tournament and send Brazil into mourning. Remember you can also:

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On this week’s show we ask, ‘why hasn’t football taken off in India, the second most populous nation on Earth?’. Remember you can also:

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On this week’s show we feature five questions about football derbies, including which one is the fiercest in world football. Remember you can also:

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On this week’s show we have another in our series on World cup stars. We also review the footballing week, introduce another English for Football phrase and look ahead at some of the big games coming up in the next week. Remember you can also:

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On this week’s show we feature the Champions League knock-out stages as 16 teams battle it out to make the final in Madrid come May. Remember you can also:

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On this week’s show we focus on the premier League in England. There are 12 games to go and it’s becoming clearer who are title contenders and who are looking at the drop. Remember you can also:

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On this week’s show we feature the Spanish League as it has reached the half way stage of the season so we thought it would be a good time to review what has been happening in La Liga and also to predict how it may all end come the end of the season. Remember you can also:

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On this week’s show Hans, our German correspondent talks about the runners and riders in the Bundesligaa. Remember you can also:

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On this week’s show Damian takes a look at one of the African sides that has made it to South Africa – Algeria. Remember you can also:

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On this week’s show Damian and Damon take a look at one of the biggest football competitions in the world – The African Cup of Nations. Remember you can also:

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On this week’s show Damian and Damon look back at some of their FA Cup memories – the highs and the lows of supporting Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool in the FA Cup. Remember you can also:

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Transcript
Liverpool have a good history in the FA Cup although, strangely they didn’t have much success during their Golden Age from the mid-seventies to the mid-eighties. For me, one of the best FA Cup moments was when Ian Rush’s second sealed a 3-1 win over Everton – a beautiful sweeping move which was started by Rush in his own half and finished in clinical style. The whole atmosphere of that game was great, too. Both sets of fans from Liverpool, a city going through a lot of problems in the 80s with Margaret Thatcher’s government in power, seemed to take the opportunity to make a statement for the city their teams both play in – obviously better for Liverpool who won, but still a great FA Cup afternoon.

But the best is the fantastic 2006 final against West Ham, when Liverpool again came from behind to seal a memorable victory with echoes of the Champions League win against AC Milan the year before. I watched it in an empty bar in Tokyo in the early hours of the morning with one other football fan – a West Ham supporter. We both went through the mill watching as each goal went in, 3-3, then extra time, then penalties. Fantastic drama, own goals, smashed volleys, flukes, last-gasp equalisers, cracking saves – it had it all at the Millenium Stadium in Cardiff. One of the best FA Cup Finals ever.

Bad? Take your pick from the last few years – comfortably beaten by Arsenal 1-3 in 2007 in the third round – followed by a trouncing in the League Cup by the same side; out to Barnsley in 2008 after struggling throughout the competition; losing to cross-town rivals Everton in 2009. Fingers crossed this year in Liverpool’s tie against Reading!

Like Liverpool, Tottenham have a pretty impressive Cup tradition though they have not been in the final since 1991 when they beat Nottingham Forest in a real topsy-turvey battle that is best known for Paul Gascoigne’s tackle and subsequent serious injury but also featured a missed penalty, an own goal, extra time and a come from behind 2-1 win for us. Like Damon watching Liverpool in 2006 I also saw the game in a bar but not in Japan but rather in Spain alongside two former England captains, Terry Butcher and Mick Mills. A great day indeed. The following year saw one of my lowest moments in the Cup when local rivals Arsenal beat us in the semi-finals. They did so again in 2001 despite us going 1-0 up early on and since then Tottenham have not really come near getting to the final.

But perhaps my greatest FA Cup memory is the 1981 replay that saw Spurs beat Manchester City 3-2 with a wonder goal from Argentinian star Ricardo Villa. His mazy run and finish possibly ranking as the greatest ever winning cup final goal. How about this year? Well, it depends what our manager wants to do – we are currently in a Champions League position and he may want to rest senior players rather than risk injury and fatigue by playing them in the Cup. I hope not because the glory of the FA Cup is still important to all Spurs fans. This year we play Championship side Peterborough at home and hopefully a victory can be the start of another enjoyable cup run.

On this week’s show Damian and Damon take a look back at 2009 and how their team’s – Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool did – the highs and the lows and a look forwards. Remember you can also:

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On this week’s show we feature this season’s FIFA Club World Cup that is taking place in the UAE this weekend. Remember you can also:

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On this week’s show we ask five fans what they think of their teams’ chances at the World Cup next year and to comment on their groups. Remember you can also:

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Leo Messi and the World Cup draw dominate this week’s show as we congratulate the Argentinian forward and look forward to the finals in South Africa next summer. You can also:

This week we continue our look at the qualifiers for next year’s World Cup. And this podcast is all about Slovakia, who have qualified for the first time in their history.

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The World Cup dominates this week’s show as we take a look back at the dramatic play-offs and we also have two England fans looking forward to the finals in South Africa next summer. You can also:

On this week’s show we take a look at Folk Football and discuss its influence on the Beautiful Game. In addition:

• Read our football news review in the good, the bad and the ugly
• Check out a new football expression in English for Football
• Follow the weekly predictions battle between Damon and Damian in the Predictions competition
• For learners of English check out our Football Language Resources page with:
• Football glossary (a huge collection of football vocabulary, football cliches and football phrases)
• Worksheets and transcripts from previous podcasts
  

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On this week’s show we put the spotlight on Honduran football as we continue to take a look at the countries that will be competing in next year’s World Cup.

• Read our football news review in the good, the bad and the ugly
• Check out a new football expression in English for Football
• Follow the weekly predictions battle between Damon and Damian in the Predictions competition
• For learners of English check out our Football Language Resources page with:
• Football glossary (a huge collection of football vocabulary, football cliches and football phrases)
• Worksheets and transcripts from previous podcasts
  

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On this week’s show we take a look at the world governing body of football FIFA

• Read our football news review in the good, the bad and the ugly
• Check out a new football expression in English for Football
• Follow the weekly predictions battle between Damon and Damian in the Predictions competition
• For learners of English check out our Football Language Resources page with:
• Football glossary (a huge collection of football vocabulary, football cliches and football phrases)
• Worksheets and transcripts from previous podcasts
  

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The dust from the World Cup qualifiers has settled, and this week we have Part III in our series on the World Cup greats – the Russian, Lev Yashin.

• Read our football news review in the good, the bad and the ugly
• Check out a new football expression in English for Football
• Follow the weekly predictions battle between Damon and Damian in the Predictions competition
• For learners of English check out our Football Language Resources page with:
• Football glossary (a huge collection of football vocabulary, football cliches and football phrases)
• Worksheets and transcripts from previous podcasts
  

The final set of World Cup qualifiers takes place in Europe, South America and Africa this week and so on this week’s podcast we feature some of the major stars who might not make it to the finals in South Africa next June.

• Read our football news review in the good, the bad and the ugly
• Check out a new football expression in English for Football
• Follow the weekly predictions battle between Damon and Damian in the Predictions competition
• For learners of English check out our Football Language Resources page with:
• Football glossary (a huge collection of football vocabulary, football cliches and football phrases)
• Worksheets and transcripts from previous podcasts
  

During the build up to the World Cup in South Africa, languagecaster will take a look at some of the countries taking part as well as taking a look back at some of the great players in World Cup history. This week we turn the spotlight on one of the less famous South American countries, Paraguay.

It’s also your last chance to sign up to our newsletter and have a chance of winning a Brazilian shirt!

• Read our football news review in the good, the bad and the ugly
• Check out a new football expression in English for Football
• Follow the weekly predictions battle between Damon and Damian in the Predictions competition
• For learners of English check out our Football Language Resources page with:
• Football glossary (a huge collection of football vocabulary, football cliches and football phrases)
• Worksheets and transcripts from previous podcasts
  

This week languagecaster.com takes a look at the Bundesliga with Hans our German football correspondent.

• Read our football news review in the good, the bad and the ugly
• Check out a new football expression in English for Football
• Follow the weekly predictions battle between Damon and Damian in the Predictions competition
• For learners of English check out our Football Language Resources page with:
• Football glossary (a huge collection of football vocabulary, football cliches and football phrases)
• Worksheets and transcripts from previous podcasts
  

This week languagecaster.com takes a look at Serie A – who are the favourites, the dark horses, the newcomers? We also take a look at all the football news from the past week and look ahead to some of the big games this weekend.

• Read our football news review in the good, the bad and the ugly
• Check out a new football expression in English for Football
• Follow the weekly predictions battle between Damon and Damian in the Predictions competition
• For learners of English check out our Football Language Resources page with:
• Football glossary (a huge collection of football vocabulary, football cliches and football phrases)
• Worksheets and transcripts from previous podcasts
  

After the excitement of World Cup qualifiers we turn our attention this week to the Champions League group stage which kicks off next week.

• Read our football news review in the good, the bad and the ugly
• Check out a new football expression in English for Football
• Follow the weekly predictions battle between Damon and Damian in the Predictions competition
• For learners of English check out our Football Language Resources page with:
• Football glossary (a huge collection of football vocabulary, football cliches and football phrases)
• Worksheets and transcripts from previous podcasts
  

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This week is World Cup qualifying week, so we continue our feature which takes a look at some of the great World Cup players through the ages. Second in the series is Argentinian sensation, Maradona who is also in action this week as his country’s coach in a crunch game against arch-rivals Brazil.

• Read our football news review in the good, the bad and the ugly
• Check out a new football expression in English for Football
• Follow the weekly predictions battle between Damon and Damian in the Predictions competition
• For learners of English check out our Football Language Resources page with:
• Football glossary (a huge collection of football vocabulary, football cliches and football phrases)
• Worksheets and transcripts from previous podcasts
  

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La Liga kicks off this weekend and on this week’s show we ask whether the Spanish League is now better than the Premier League.

• Read our football news review in the good, the bad and the ugly
• Check out a new football expression in English for Football
• Follow the weekly predictions battle between Damon and Damian in the Predictions competition
• Listen only to the main report here – complete with transcript
• For learners of English check out our Football Language Resources page with:
• Football glossary (a huge collection of football vocabulary, football cliches and football phrases)
• Worksheets and transcripts

Automatically receive the podcast each week by clicking on the icon

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On this week’s show we start a feature which takes a look at some of the great World Cup players through the ages. Of course next year is the 2010 World Cup, so we hope you’ll enjoy our look at some of the best players to grace any football field. To start we look at Pelé.

• Read our football news review in the good, the bad and the ugly
• Check out a new football expression in English for Football
• Follow the weekly predictions battle in the Predictions competition
• Listen only to the main report here – complete with transcript
• For learners of English check out our Football Language Resources page with:
• Football glossary (a huge collection of football vocabulary, football cliches and football phrases)
• Worksheets and transcripts

Automatically receive the podcast each week by clicking on the icon

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The Premier League season kicks off this weekend which means that languagecaster’s football podcast is back. On this week’s first show of the season we hear from an Arsenal fan on his team’s prospects for the year.

• Read our football news review in the good, the bad and the ugly
• Check out a new football expression in English for Football
• Follow the weekly predictions battle in the Predictions competition
• Listen only to the main report here – complete with transcript
• For learners of English check out our Football Language Resources page with:
• Football glossary (a huge collection of football vocabulary, football cliches and football phrases)
• Worksheets and transcripts

Automatically receive the podcast each week by clicking on the icon

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languagecaster’s produces one podcast every week during the European football season. You can listen to the podcast by clicking here. In this post we focus on how students of English can improve their English listening skills from with these podcast.

Main Elements of the Podcast

• First – a review (Listen to the podcast and read in the Good, the Bad and the Ugly posts)
• Second – a main piece of about 5 minutes (You need to download the worksheet with answers and transcript so you can practice while you listen. languagecaster.com has over 100 worksheets to go with the audio from the podcasts)
• Third – English for football – phrases to help you talk about football (The audio and transcript can be found here)
• Fourth – Predictions (We talk about future games and guess the scores – languagecaster looks at several interesting games each week. You can see the predictions if you check out the D & D’s Predictions posts)

Here is an image to show what is on the podcast.

Download the pdf of the picture with active links

For teachers there is more information and ideas here.

The final podcast of the 2008-2009 season. Damon and Damian take a look back at the good, the bad and the ugly moments of another great footballing year. The next languagecaster.com season starts in August 2009 and it should be a great one with the World Cup in 2010. Subscribe to our Newsletter in the sidebar to keep up with what’s happening.

Transcript

Damian’s Good

Well, it was good for German side Wolfsburg who won their first ever Bundesliga title, while in Brazil, it was great for Sao Paolo who in February retained the Brazilian league title but the big news there was that soon afterwards it was announced that former Brazil number 9 Ronaldo would be joining Corinthians after another long injury lay-off and he has proved to be a huge success – we may even see him in his fourth World Cup next year. Great comeback for him but for my best of the season, I am going for one of Ronaldo’s former clubs, Barcelona who have just completed an amazing season by winning the ‘triplete’, the treble of the King’s Cup, the League title and the club’s third Champions League crown. Not bad for a team that has been described as having a shaky keeper, a weak defence, a midfield that is not physically imposing enough and a forward line that has two players with no hunger for the game or the club, as well as a striker that cannot score goals with his head or against English teams. We wondered in week 13 if this side could emulate the Cruyff Dream Team of the early 1990s. Well, they have more than done so. Barca we salute you.

Damian’s Bad

Well, it was pretty bad for football in the north-east of England as Middlesbrough and more surprisingly, Newcastle were both relegated to the second tier of English football. Newcastle saw three or four (we are not sure) different managers during the season and this win at all costs scenario represents my worst of the season: a real sense of short-termism. In week 27 we featured the managerial merry-go-round which saw West Ham, Tottenham, Sunderland, Portsmouth, Blackburn and Chelsea all lose managers in England, while high-profile managers such as Klinnsmann at Bayern, Schuster at Real Madrid and Claudio Ranieri at Juventus all being given their marching orders.

Damian’s Ugly

Didier Drogba’s post-match rant at the Norwegian referee in the Champions League was ugly – though let’s be frank, it was also pretty funny. On a more serious note there continues to be lots of fan trouble in Argentina but perhaps the worst of the season for me is the continuation of racism in the game. Despite groups such as Kick it Out in the UK – which we featured in week 12 Inter’s striker (and Italian national) Balotelli, Portsmouth’s Sol Campbell and Emile Heskey all suffered – among many others – racist chants and aggression. Ignorance is still rife in the game. Ugly indeed.

Vocabulary

retained: kept, held on to injury lay-off: a long period out of the game with injury a shaky keeper: a weak goalkeeper, a keeper that makes mistakes imposing: strong, dominating, threatening emulate: copy, imitate act in a similar way (often because of respect) short-termism: planning only for a short time in the future, not making long term lans, often panicking (to be given) marching orders: to be sacked, to be fired, to lose your job rant: complain loudly, shout,talk wildly with no control rife: common

On this week’s show we look back at the Champions League final, look forward to the FA Cup final and ask some fans what they really thought of their teams’ performances this season.

In addition we:

• Review the football news in the Good, the Bad and the Ugly
• Introduce a new football expression in English for Football
• And continue the predictions battle in the Predictions competition

For learners of English check out our new Football Language Resources page with:

• Football glossary (a huge collection of football vocabulary, football cliches and football phrases)
• Worksheets and transcripts

Automatically receive the podcast each week by clicking on the icon

Transcript

The football season in Europe is almost over and so on this week’s main report for languagecaster we have three fans talking about how their teams performed during the season just gone by. First up Damon interviews Liverpool fan, Tim which is followed by an interview with Chelsea supporter Simon and finally Ill be talking about the topsy-turvey season that my team Tottenham have just had.

Two points from the first eight games of the season saw Tottenham’s worst start to a league campaign in almost a century. This came despite the fact that many had tipped them to do well, but yet again the club imploded and we failed to turn expectation into reality.

The acrimonious departure of Dimitar Berbatov to Manchester United and Robbie Keane’s shock move to Liverpool meant that we were short of striking options at the start of the season, which meant that a lot of pressure was placed on the new players to perform well. Unfortunately, one of those high-profile signings, David Bentley from Blackburn, proved to be a huge disappointment despite a wonder-goal against Arsenal early in the season.

Manager Juande Ramos was sacked in October without recording a win and in his place came Harry Rednapp from Portsmouth to a sceptical but desperate set of fans. Despite some poor away performances around the turn of the year, he generally did well, helping the club to move away from the relegation zone and reaching the Carling Cup final, losing only on penalties to Manchester United. He also strengthened the side by bringing back Jermaine Defoe and Robbie Keane but perhaps his most important signing was Wilson Palacios from Wigan – the type of player that Spurs have been crying out for for years and one who allowed Croatian midfielder, Luka Modric to finally start showing what he can do. Modric only scored once for the club – the winner against Chelsea in our best performance of the season – but his ability, skill, technique and bravery were there for all to see – our player of the season without a doubt. Harry wants to build the team around him next season and there are hopes and rumours that yet again we might be the team to challenge the ‘big four’ next year. But as Spurs fans know more than most, it’s the hope that kills us…

The leagues around Europe are reaching their climaxes and on this week’s show languagecaster takes a look at how three of the big leagues were decided. We also…

• Review the football news in the Good, the Bad and the Ugly
• Introduce a new football expression in English for Football
• And continue the predictions battle in the Predictions competition

For learners of English check out our new Football Language Resources page with:

• Football glossary (a huge collection of football vocabulary, football cliches and football phrases)
• Worksheets and transcripts
• Vocabulary lists

Automatically receive the podcast each week by clicking on the icon

Transcript

Three of the big European league titles were decided last week as Inter Milan won in Italy, Barcelona in Spain and Manchester United in England. All three teams won before the season actually finished, suggesting it was relatively easy, however, they didn’t completely get it their own way.

Here’s a look back at how these three teams became champions of their respective domestic leagues.

Barcelona won their 19th Spanish title without even having to kick a ball as their nearest rivals Real Madrid lost for the third time in a row giving the Catalan side an unassailable lead. This was their first La Liga in three years and was thoroughly merited by a team that was universally regarded as the best in Spain from the word go. Actually, that’s not quite true as Barca began the season in poor form losing to Numancia in the first game under new manager and former midfield maestro, Pep Guardiola. Little did we know at the time that that would be one of only two small blips to their season that has seen them lose only 4 times. They moved top of the table in week 7 and have stayed there since and that’s despite an unbelievable 17 wins from 18 matches from second place Real Madrid, with at one stage a suggestion that they might catch Barcelona. However, the Catalan side inflicted a 6-2 thrashing on Madrid and that was that.

Barca have scored more goals than anyone else in Spain – 104 – with Henry, Messi and Eto’o accounting for 71 of those goals. They have also conceded fewer than any other team and have a goal difference of + 71. They have also played with a style that has left many wondering if this team is even better than the Dream Team of Cruyff. It certainly plays in a similar manner and of course, there may still be more to come as Guardiola’s team play manchester United in the Champions League final next week which could lead to an unprecedented treble for them.

Talking of trebles, Inter Milan had won the previous three Italian titles before this season started and with a new manager in the charismatic Jose Mourinho in charge it seemed there would be little doubt which side would be lifting the Scudetto title at the end of this season. And so it proved to be as the Nerazzurri won their 17th Italian championship with three games remaining.

They went top early in the season and like Barcelona they have been there since, thanks in part to their wonderful defensive consistency but also due to the poor performances of their rivals. Juventus, AC Milan and Roma were never in the title race and all three clubs will look to new faces – managerial and playing staff – next season.

Inter will also have fresh faces next year but one player who is staying is Zlatan Ibrahimovic, the Swedish striker, who yet again is the club’s top scorer, this time with 22 goals and with the talented Mario Balotelli alongside him Inter’s fans will be hoping for their fifth title next season along with a Champions League victory – their first in forty years.

Like Inter Milan, Manchester United also retained their title, in fact, they won the English Premier League for the third year in a row to give them a total of 18 domestic league titles. This number puts them alongside Liverpool as the two most successful teams in English football history.

Though they won the league with one game to spare, the title race was a close-run affair as their huge rivals Liverpool led for much of the early part of the season. Too many home draws for them and an amazingly consistent run of clean sheets for United after Christmas, meant that Ferguson’s men moved top in January and remained there till the end. Like Inter, much of their success has been built on sound defence rather than all-out-attack but it could also be argued that they have two of the best forwards in the Premier League in Wayne Rooney and 18-goal Cristiano Ronaldo.

They are already favourites to win the title again next year such is the strength in depth of the squad but of course, before all that, they have to defend their Champions League title against Barcelona next week.

While the season in Europe is coming to a close, things in South America are just beginning to hot up, so languagecaster takes a look at the biggest cup competition south of the equator.

In addition we:

• Review the football news in the Good, the Bad and the Ugly
• Introduce a new football expression in English for Football
• And continue the predictions battle in the Predictions competition

For learners of English check out our new Football Language Resources page with:

• Football glossary (a huge collection of football vocabulary, football cliches and football phrases)
• Worksheets and transcripts
• Vocabulary lists

Automatically receive the podcast each week by clicking on the icon

Transcript

The most important club competition in South America is of course the Copa Libertadores and this year is a particularly important one as it is the 50th edition of this prestigious tournament.

Teams from the 10 South American countries that make up CONMEBOL were joined this year by sides from Mexico making a total of 38 teams at the start of the competition way back in January. Since then, the tournament has lost some big names including Argentina’s River Plate and Lanús, as well as last season’s winners, LDU Quito from Ecuador. Two other teams to fall by the wayside were Guadalajara and San Luis, both from Mexico, but neither of which were beaten on the pitch. Instead, due to the outbreak of the H1N1 flu virus in that country, both teams withdrew at the start of the knockout stage. This caused quite a lot of uncertainty and a huge fixture-pile up ensued. This meant  that some clubs are already through to the last 8, and others have played one leg of the first knock-out stage. Two teams, Boca Jrs and Uruguay’s Defensor, have yet to play their last 16 match.

So far, we do know that Brazil already has 3 teams in the quarter-finals with Cruzeiro hoping to make it four if they beat Universidad de Chile this week. Guadalajara’s withdrawal allowed São Paulo to get through and Palmeiras made it in dramatic style after beating compatriots, Sport Recife, on penalties. Argentina should have two teams in the last 8 with Boca Jrs favourites to beat Uruguay’s Defensor and Estudiantes already 3-0 up from the first leg away from home against minnows from Paraguay Libertad. That leaves Nacional from Uruguay, who benefited from the flu outbreak, to make it and surprise package Caracas from Venezuela: though neither side is expected to make it through to the semis. Nacional play Palmeiras, while fellow Brazilians Grêmio play the Venezuelan side.

So who is going win it this year? The Brazilian contingent looks strong, but while Boca are still there the Argentinians always have a chance such is their experience and tradition in the Copa Libertadores. Boca to beat Estudiantes in the semi-final but then to lose out to São Paulo in the final. There, you heard it first on languagecaster.com.

There are only four games left in the Bundesliga and still five teams can win the title. This week’s podcast focuses on the final run-in to an action-packed season in Germany and looks at the battles at the top and the bottom of the league.

In addition we:

• Review the football news in the Good, the Bad and the Ugly
• Introduce a new football expression in English for Football
• And continue the predictions battle in the Predictions competition

For learners of English check out our new Football Language Resources page with:

• Football glossary (a huge collection of football vocabulary, football cliches and football phrases)
• Worksheets and transcripts
• Vocabulary lists

Automatically receive the podcast each week by clicking on the icon

Transcript

Hans: Yes, another very interesting season in the Bundesliga is coming to a close. And at the top of the table, no less than five teams are still in the running for the title.

Right at the top is Wolfsburg. Most people haven’t heard of Wolfsburg but they’ve been in the press this week, very strangely because their coach Felix Magath, former international player, has decided to quit the club. That’s right. Quit the club four days before the end of the season whilst they’re at the top – three points clear of second which happens to be the mighty Bayern Munich.

Apart from Bayern fans, I would imagine nobody in Germany wants them to win. So behind them are Berlin, Stuttgart and Hamburg and either of these three can still sneak up, they are currently playing very well with tough games to go for all teams. So, who is going to win the Bundesliga, Nicholas?
N: I think Berlin is going to win.
H: Berlin? What a good choice! Well, I hope Wolfsburg win but I would love Berlin to win as well.

Now we are going to look at the bottom of the table and there the same number five, five teams are still in line for the drop. Please remember in the Bundesliga a new system kicked in this year. The bottom two drop automatically but third last goes into a play-off with the third best team from the 2nd Bundesliga. As usual, it’s the same old teams down there: Karlsruhe and Borussia Moenchengladbach occupying the bottom two spots but just above them, Bielefeld, Cottbus and Bochum are also in danger of the drop. So, Nicholas, who do you think will get relegated this season?
N: I think Cottbus will go down.
H: Cottbus? Yes, and they’ve been down before. Thank you Nicholas.

As already mentioned, managers are moving at a strange time in the season. Magath’s move to Schalke has taken everyone by surprise but Klinnsmann’s move away from Bayern Munich hasn’t surprised too many people. in Stuttgart, Markus Babbel has just signed a long-term contract, he’s a new young manager and some listeners might remember him from his playing day.

So, to wrap up the Bundesliga according to my son N, the team to win will be Hertha Berlin, going down will be Karlsruhe, Borussia Moenchengladbach and joined by Energie Cottbus. And now Nicholas, which is the best team in Germany?
N: Freiburg.
H: Freiburg. It happens to be my home team – a quick plug – and they are sitting top of the 2nd Bundesliga. See you next season with the big boys. Auf wiedersehen, aus der Bundesliga…

This week, Barcelona visit their great rivals Real Madrid in La Liga’s El Clasico. Madrid are only four points behind the previously unstoppable Barcelona and would love to get closer. On this week’s show we look at the rivalry between these two famous clubs.

In addition we:

• Review the football news in the Good, the Bad and the Ugly
• Introduce a new football expression in English for Football
• And continue the predictions battle in the Predictions competition

For learners of English check out our new Football Language Resources page with:

• Football glossary (a huge collection of football vocabulary, football cliches and football phrases)
• Worksheets and transcripts
• Vocabulary lists

Automatically receive the podcast each week by clicking on the icon

Transcript

This weekend sees one of the biggest matches in world football when Real Madrid and FC Barcelona play at Madrid’s Santiago Bernebeu Stadium. The fact that there are only four points separating the two sides adds spice to the game as the title is very much up for grabs but with such a huge amount of history, tradition, passion and rivalry  between the two sides it would not really matter if they were playing a pre-season friendly. Madrid and Barcelona simply don’t do meaningless games.

Since the early 2000s, the game has become known as El Clásico -  but before that it was simply called ‘El derbi’, the derby of Spain. However, the game is unlike any other derby when local fans hope for bragging rights when their team wins, instead this has national pride at stake and not just because these two sides are the most popular around the country. It’s much deeper than that. Barcelona’s supporters see their team as representatives of the Catalan region – the club motto is ‘mes que un club’ – more than a club, while Madrid fans on the other hand, view their side as Spain’s team.

The first league match was in 1929 with Real Madrid winning away in Barcelona 2-1 though a few months later Barcelona did the same and the rivalry was up and running. Since then, the two sides have met 157 times with Real having won 68 and Barca 59. There have been 30 draws, the last of which was a wonderful 3-3 occasion in Barcelona in 2007.

To emphasise the animosity that exists between the two clubs look no further than their transfer policies. Though some players have played for both clubs (normally from overseas) very few have directly made the crossover. Luis Enrique became a cult figure in Barcelona after his defection from Madrid in 1996. Going the other way in 1994 was Michael Laudrup who won titles in Madrid after being discarded by Barcelona – a huge mistake by the Blaugrana. But perhaps the biggest transfer story was the one involving Luis Figo in 2000. His move from Barcelona to Real Madrid left the Catalan fans feeling betrayed and every time Figo returned to play at the Camp Nou he received a hostile reception including famously a pig’s head thrown at him in the Champions League semi-final of 2001. Figo of course had the last laugh as his side went on to win that season’s Champions League title – the club’s ninth.

Barcelona have also won Europe’s major tournament but only on two occasions – the last being in 2006. They have 18 domestic titles which would be an excellent record in any other country but when your major rival has won La Liga 31 times it means that Barcelona still have some way to go in being top dogs in Spain.  Beating Madrid this week would be a good start.

There are only five games to play in the Premier League and no doubt there will be more twists and turns at this exciting stage of the season and so on this week’s show we take a look at the Premier League title race.

In addition we:

• Review the football news in the Good, the Bad and the Ugly
• Introduce a new football expression in English for Football
• And continue the predictions battle in the Predictions competition

For learners of English check out our new Football Language Resources page with:

• Football glossary (a huge collection of football vocabulary, football cliches and football phrases)
• Worksheets and transcripts
• Vocabulary lists

Automatically receive the podcast each week by clicking on the icon

Transcript
With only five games remaining in the English Premier League, tension is high as three clubs are still in with a shout of winning the title. On this week’s main report we hear the opinions of a Manchester United fan on the final run in that will decide which team will become the 2009 English champions.

Damian: So Brendan, it’s been an important week in the Premier League for the clubs at the
top of the top of the table, hasn’t it?
Brendan: That’s right Damian all of the ‘big four’ in the Premier League were in action.
Chelsea drew with Everton, Manchester United beat Portsmouth but I suppose the standout
game was the game between Liverpool and Arsenal, which ended 4-4. Liverpool really
needed to win that game because going in to the series of matches they were one point
behind Man United and played a game more so it effectively means, with the United result,
that they now lead by three points over their nearest rivals and have a game in hand.
Damian: Yes, you’ve mentioned some of the impact that these results will have on the final
destination of the title, for example do you think Chelsea are out of the running?
Brendan: Well, Guus Hiddink the manager of Chelsea, the newly appointed manager who
also, of course, manages the Russian national team, he has conceded the title. He thinks
now that they trail Manchester United by six points and have played a game more … that
that is too much of a mountain to climb. So, he says they will focus on the Champions
League and the FA Cup.
Damian: OK, how about Liverpool, what do you think about their chances?
Brendan: Liverpool are still in the title race. Alex Ferguson himself said that although
Manchester United are now in a better position than they were on Monday he has been in
the game for too long to, at this stage, say that the title has definitely going to Old Trafford.
They are … there are gonna’ be lots of games to come, there are still five games to go and
anything can happen, one defeat for Man United and a victory for Liverpool and the title race
will be blown wide open yet again.
Damian: So Brendan, who will be holding the Premier League trophy at the end of May?
Brendan: Well, as a Man United, obviously, fan I am hoping that we can win the title at the
end of May. It’s all about consistency at this stage of the season and trying to eke out results
and because we have the experience of players like Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes, who’ve
won the title many times, and also a manager who’s won the title many times I’m hopeful
that that experience will get us over the finishing line, although it will be close.

This week, the FA Cup semi finals is our main piece and we look at why all four teams are in it to win it.

In addition we:

• Review the football news in the Good, the Bad and the Ugly
• Introduce a new football expression in English for Football
• And continue the predictions battle in the Predictions competition

For learners of English check out our new Football Language Resources page with:

• Football glossary (a huge collection of football vocabulary, football cliches and football phrases)
• Worksheets and transcripts
• Vocabulary lists

Automatically receive the podcast each week by clicking on the icon

Transcript

This weekend the FA Cup semi-finals dominate the footballing scene in England, but a look at the four contenders seems to suggest that the romance has gone out of this competition. The four teams in the semis are all in the top six in the Premier League: Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal and Everton. And in the last 10 years, only one team from outside the ‘Big Four’ have won the trophy and that was last year when Portsmouth overcame Championship side Cardiff. While we shouldn’t belittle the achievement of portsmouth in winning, and Cardiff in reaching, the finals in 2008, it did seem as though the teams contending for the Champions League or the Premier League title didn’t care too much about the FA Cup. This year is very different. All four teams have reason to take these semis very seriously indeed.

Let’s start with Everton. The team from Merseyside have had to overcome some tough draws to get here – beating Liverpool, Aston Villa and Middlesboro in the last three rounds. They are still in the hunt for a Champions League spot, but that seems a bit unrealistic with Arsenal flying at the moment. Winning the FA Cup could be just what they need for all the progress they have made under their manager David Moyes. They face Manchester United and there is no love lost between the two sets of fans either, with the rivalry between the cities of Liverpool and Manchester.

Manchester United of course are still chasing the quintuple. They have the Carling Cup and the Club World Cup already in the trophy cabinet and they are top of the league and through to the semi finals of the Champions League. It would be quite extraordinary if they could win all five. Also, they have been a little unconvincing recently and a loss in the semis might have a knock on effect for their push for the Premier League title. Despite the fixture pile up, they are in it to win it and have home advantage against Everton.

Chelsea are also through to the Champions League final and are not far off the top of the Premier League, four points. Could they trump United with a treble? They won nothing last year and will be desperate to have something to show their fans at the end of the season. They are away at Arsenal and if they can go all the way they will have a quintuple of their own – five FA Cup wins.

Arsenal are in a similar situation to Chelsea – they are in the Champions League semis – but there is less pressure on them as realistically the Premier League title is beyond them. They would go equal top of all time FA Cup winners with Man United if the win the semis and then lift the trophy in May on 11 times.

The FA Cup semis and final will definitely be crackers!

On this week’s show we focus on the World Cup qualifying matches that took place in Europe over the past few days.

In addition we:

• Review the football news in the Good, the Bad and the Ugly
• Introduce a new football expression in English for Football
• And continue the predictions battle in the Predictions competition

For learners of English check out our new Football Language Resources page with:

• Football glossary (a huge collection of football vocabulary, football cliches and football phrases)
• Worksheets and transcripts
• Vocabulary lists

Automatically receive the podcast each week by clicking on the icon

Transcript

We are passing the half-way stage in the European section of the World Cup qualifiers with the groups starting to take shape. Most of the favoured teams have positioned themselves at or near the top of the group though one or two surprise teams may be making their way to South Africa in 2010.

Remember, the 53 teams are fighting for 13 places making this footballing region the most competitive. Each of the nine group winners automatically qualify, while the eight best runners up will play off to decide the remaining four teams. That means a team may come second in their group and still not qualify. Asia or CONCACAF it most definitely isn’t!

Group 1 may see a huge shock as Portugal lie in 3rd place seven points behind the leaders Denmark. Amazingly for a side filled with attacking prowess, Portugal have drawn their last three matches nil – nil including this weekend against Sweden. The Swedes are also struggling in fourth place but do have a game in hand over the Portuguese but it is increasingly looking like top stars such as Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Cristiano Ronaldo may not be going to South Africa.

Group 2 is turning into a two-horse race between leaders Greece and second place Switzerland. The Greeks took 4 points from Israel this week and look odds-on favourites to make the finals.

Group 3 is a much tighter affair with any one of five teams still in with a chance of at least a play-off spot. Northern Ireland may be top after their two home victories this week but second place Slovakia must fancy their chances after beating local rivals the Czech Republic away and seeing Poland and Slovenia drop points in Belfast.

Group 4 is a much clearer affair with Germany leading the group on 16 points, which is four more than their nearest rivals Russia though they do have a game in hand and Germany still have to play in Moscow.

Group 5 seems to be wrapped up with European champions Spain beating Turkey home and away this week. That result and the shock double victory for Bosnia over Belgium means that Spain lead Bosnia by six points and are almost certain to make it to South Africa.

Group 6 sees another team with a 100% record so far – England beat Ukraine at Wembley to stay five points ahead of Croatia and though they started the last European Championship qualifying campaign in similar circumstances this England team under Capello looks assured of its place in the finals in 2010.

Group 7 is a rather strange affair with all of the top teams taking points off each other. However, Serbia and France had a good week with the Serbs winning away in Romania and France beating Lithuania home and away. Two points separate them at the top with a crunch game in Belgrade to come that will decide the group winner.

Group 8 is a much more open affair with the three top teams all unbeaten so far. Italy lead by two from Ireland and then Bulgaria are in third a further five points behind though they have a game in hand. On paper it should be Italy but they will not fancy a trip to Dublin in the autumn if they are still only two points ahead.

Group 9 is all but sorted as the Netherlands have comfortably won all five of their matches to sit atop the table eight points ahead of Scotland in second place. In fact, this group is so weak I am tipping that only the winners will make it through.

The next set of games in the European section take place in June by when the picture of which teams will represent Europe in South Africa 2010 will be much clearer.

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