http://languagecaster.com Fri, 03 Feb 2012 21:13:42 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1.2 Welcome to all English language learners and teachers to languagecaster.com and its free football podcast. Every week a new soccer show complete with language support for students who wish to improve their English language skills. languagecaster.com no languagecaster.com admin@languagecaster.com admin@languagecaster.com (languagecaster.com) Copyright © by languagecaster 2006-2011 Free football podcast for learners of English brought to you by Damian and Damon. Interviews, match reviews, predictions all with full language support for soccer fans around the world who wish to improve their English language skills. football, soccer, free football podcast, English language, football language, soccer vocabulary, learn English, Learning English football language http://www.languagecaster.com/wp-content/uploads/site_images/languagecasteritunes.jpg http://languagecaster.com http://languagecaster.com/main-listening-report-the-bundesliga-is-back/ http://languagecaster.com/main-listening-report-the-bundesliga-is-back/#comments Fri, 03 Feb 2012 06:00:11 +0000 grell http://languagecaster.com/?p=18884 http://languagecaster.com/main-listening-report-the-bundesliga-is-back/feed/ 0 Bundesliga,English,Football,languagecaster,listening report,Vocabulary Our German correspondent is back with a look at some of the teams and players doing well as the Bundesliga restarts. | (../wp-content/uploads/2009/02/feed-icon-28x281.png) Subscribe: Main Listening Report | Complete List Here (../2010/08/21/main-listening-report-full-list/) On this week's main listening report we  catch up with the Bundesliga with Hans von Dietze our German correspondent. You can listen to the report by clicking on the link below, while vocabulary support appears at the foot of the report. The Bundesliga - teams and players (http://languagecaster.com/wp-content/uploads/Bundesliga-Logo-2010-300x257.png)After several weeks of Christmas, followed by training camps in warmer climates, the Bundesliga players have returned to the pitch and games have resumed for the second half of the season. So what do we have in store? Firstly, it is crowded at the top of the table. Three teams are separated only by goal difference, with another just a point back, making this the closest title race in years. Of course Champions Dortmund are there, as are Bayern and Schalke, but surprisingly Borussia Moenchengladbach are also mixing it with them, having already claimed the double over Bayern. You might remember that Gladbach had to survive a tense relegation play off last season to survive the drop to the second Bundesliga. And they have Marco Reus to thank. Have you heard of him? He is 22, plays in midfield for Gladbach, is blessed with pace and great vision and is scoring goals regularly. Nicknamed “Rolls Reus” by the press, he will be moving to Dortmund in the summer. Dortmund have also returned in full force, even beating Hamburg 5-1 away last week. Their ‘find of the season’ in 2011- Shinji Kagawa - who is also 22,  is again putting in superb displays and scoring goals, much to the delight of the many Japanese Bundesliga fans. Bayern have made a slowish start, losing to Gladbach but beating Wolfsburg, but will feature strongly, as always. And so will Schalke, who seem to be having a love affair with Raul, whose goal last season was voted goal of the year (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KogZVNRv1o4). Meanwhile in the basement no less than 11 teams are battling to avoid relegation, amongst them such teams as Hamburg, former champions Stuttgart and my team Freiburg. It is shaping up as an exciting season. My pick is Dortmund. What is yours? Auf Wiedersehen und viel Spass. Vocabulary (the) pitch: the field of play, the park (casual), the surface goal difference: the number when goals against a team are taken away from goals scored (Example: goals for = 35, goals against = 30, goal difference = +5) mixing it with (someone): competing well against, trying hard against play off: a special match to decide which team goes up or down a division etc. vision: the ability to 'read' the game, to be able to make a good pass or run find of the season: best signing, the best player a team bought the basement: the bottom of the League, the relegation zone languagecaster.com no 3:02 http://languagecaster.com/languagecaster-predictions-acn-quarters-and-europe/ http://languagecaster.com/languagecaster-predictions-acn-quarters-and-europe/#comments Thu, 02 Feb 2012 06:30:47 +0000 grell http://languagecaster.com/?p=18873 http://languagecaster.com/languagecaster-predictions-acn-quarters-and-europe/feed/ 0 http://languagecaster.com/the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-liverpool-womens-football-and-violence-in-egypt/ http://languagecaster.com/the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-liverpool-womens-football-and-violence-in-egypt/#comments Thu, 02 Feb 2012 01:54:27 +0000 grell http://languagecaster.com/?p=18864 http://languagecaster.com/the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-liverpool-womens-football-and-violence-in-egypt/feed/ 0 http://languagecaster.com/football-language-quiz-4/ http://languagecaster.com/football-language-quiz-4/#comments Mon, 30 Jan 2012 10:04:08 +0000 grell http://languagecaster.com/?p=18848 http://languagecaster.com/football-language-quiz-4/feed/ 0 http://languagecaster.com/languagecaster-podcast-the-oldest-football-cup-competition-in-the-world/ http://languagecaster.com/languagecaster-podcast-the-oldest-football-cup-competition-in-the-world/#comments Sun, 29 Jan 2012 09:25:23 +0000 grell http://languagecaster.com/?p=18840 http://languagecaster.com/languagecaster-podcast-the-oldest-football-cup-competition-in-the-world/feed/ 0 FA Cup,Football,football ckliches,football language,languagecaster,weekly podcast,worksheets On this week's podcast, languagecaster looks at the FA Cup in England - its history, format and shocks (http://languagecaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/languagecaster.oleole.4.jpg) On this week's podcast, languagecaster looks at the FA Cup in England - its history, format and shocks. Remember, you can also: * Listen only to the main report here (http://languagecaster.com/category/main-report/) - complete with transcript and vocabulary Learners of English can review the footballing news from around the world in our good, the bad and the ugly section (http://languagecaster.com/category/review/feed/)of the show Check out a new football expression in English for Football (http://languagecaster.com/football-language-resources/football-phrases/) For learners of English check out our Football Language Resources (http://languagecaster.com/football-language-resources/) page with: A page with all our Football vocabulary (http://languagecaster.com/football-language-resources/football-vocabulary/) posts Football glossary (http://languagecaster.com/football-language-resources/football-glossary/) (a huge collection of football vocabulary, football cliches and football phrases) Worksheets and transcripts (http://languagecaster.com/?page_id=4) from previous podcasts Automatically receive the podcast each week by clicking here (http://languagecaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/feed-icon-28x281.png) languagecaster.com no 10:51 http://languagecaster.com/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/weekly-football-phrase-a-sweet-strike/ http://languagecaster.com/weekly-football-phrase-a-sweet-strike/#comments Wed, 25 Jan 2012 22:51:55 +0000 grell http://languagecaster.com/?p=18808 http://languagecaster.com/weekly-football-phrase-a-sweet-strike/feed/ 0 http://languagecaster.com/languagecaster-predictions-fa-cup-derbies-and-the-african-cup-of-nations-cup-derbies/ http://languagecaster.com/languagecaster-predictions-fa-cup-derbies-and-the-african-cup-of-nations-cup-derbies/#comments Tue, 24 Jan 2012 04:22:14 +0000 damianf http://languagecaster.com/?p=18799 http://languagecaster.com/languagecaster-predictions-fa-cup-derbies-and-the-african-cup-of-nations-cup-derbies/feed/ 0 http://languagecaster.com/the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-manchester-2-0-london-and-unpunished-stamps/ http://languagecaster.com/the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-manchester-2-0-london-and-unpunished-stamps/#comments Mon, 23 Jan 2012 23:04:29 +0000 damianf http://languagecaster.com/?p=18783 http://languagecaster.com/the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-manchester-2-0-london-and-unpunished-stamps/feed/ 0 http://languagecaster.com/football-language-quiz-3/ http://languagecaster.com/football-language-quiz-3/#comments Mon, 23 Jan 2012 12:00:23 +0000 grell http://languagecaster.com/?p=18743 http://languagecaster.com/football-language-quiz-3/feed/ 0 http://languagecaster.com/languagecaster-football-podcast-the-african-cup-of-nations-2012/ http://languagecaster.com/languagecaster-football-podcast-the-african-cup-of-nations-2012/#comments Mon, 23 Jan 2012 00:41:57 +0000 damianf http://languagecaster.com/?p=18778 http://languagecaster.com/languagecaster-football-podcast-the-african-cup-of-nations-2012/feed/ 0 Africa,African Cup of Nations On this week's podcast we look ahead to the African Cup of Nations that is taking place in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea. (http://languagecaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/languagecaster.oleole.4.jpg) On this week's podcast we look ahead to the African Cup of Nations that is taking place in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea. Remember, you can also: * Listen only to the main report here (http://languagecaster.com/category/main-report/) - complete with transcript and vocabulary Learners of English can review the footballing news from around the world in our good, the bad and the ugly section (http://languagecaster.com/category/review/feed/)of the show Check out a new football expression in English for Football (http://languagecaster.com/football-language-resources/football-phrases/) For learners of English check out our Football Language Resources (http://languagecaster.com/football-language-resources/) page with: A page with all our Football vocabulary (http://languagecaster.com/football-language-resources/football-vocabulary/) posts Football glossary (http://languagecaster.com/football-language-resources/football-glossary/) (a huge collection of football vocabulary, football cliches and football phrases) Worksheets and transcripts (http://languagecaster.com/?page_id=4) from previous podcasts Automatically receive the podcast each week by clicking here (http://languagecaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/feed-icon-28x281.png) languagecaster.com no 10:41 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/weekly-football-phrase-to-be-booked-for-dissent/ http://languagecaster.com/weekly-football-phrase-to-be-booked-for-dissent/#comments Thu, 19 Jan 2012 23:34:32 +0000 damianf http://languagecaster.com/?p=18719 http://languagecaster.com/weekly-football-phrase-to-be-booked-for-dissent/feed/ 0 http://languagecaster.com/the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-inter-swansea-pepe-and-scandal-in-swiss-football/ http://languagecaster.com/the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-inter-swansea-pepe-and-scandal-in-swiss-football/#comments Thu, 19 Jan 2012 17:39:18 +0000 damianf http://languagecaster.com/?p=18707 http://languagecaster.com/the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-inter-swansea-pepe-and-scandal-in-swiss-football/feed/ 0 http://languagecaster.com/languagecasters-predictions/ http://languagecaster.com/languagecasters-predictions/#comments Wed, 18 Jan 2012 18:00:35 +0000 grell http://languagecaster.com/?p=18698 http://languagecaster.com/languagecasters-predictions/feed/ 0 http://languagecaster.com/football-language-quiz-2/ http://languagecaster.com/football-language-quiz-2/#comments Mon, 16 Jan 2012 12:00:36 +0000 grell http://languagecaster.com/?p=18674 http://languagecaster.com/football-language-quiz-2/feed/ 0 http://languagecaster.com/languagecaster-podcast-the-carling-cup/ http://languagecaster.com/languagecaster-podcast-the-carling-cup/#comments Sat, 14 Jan 2012 07:00:51 +0000 grell http://languagecaster.com/?p=18667 http://languagecaster.com/languagecaster-podcast-the-carling-cup/feed/ 0 Carling Cup,English,Football,Football Cliches,football language,Football League Cup,football phrases,languagecaster,Podcast,Vocabulary How much do you know about the Football League Cup? Listen to this week's languagecaster podcast to find out. (http://languagecaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/languagecaster.oleole.4.jpg) On this week's podcast we take a look at one of the domestic cup competitions in England, the Carling Cup, sometimes called the Football League Cup. Remember, you can also: * Listen only to the main report here (http://languagecaster.com/category/main-report/) - complete with transcript and vocabulary Learners of English can review the footballing news from around the world in our good, the bad and the ugly section (http://languagecaster.com/category/review/feed/)of the show Check out a new football expression in English for Football (http://languagecaster.com/football-language-resources/football-phrases/) For learners of English check out our Football Language Resources (http://languagecaster.com/football-language-resources/) page with: A page with all our Football vocabulary (http://languagecaster.com/football-language-resources/football-vocabulary/) posts Football glossary (http://languagecaster.com/football-language-resources/football-glossary/) (a huge collection of football vocabulary, football cliches and football phrases) Worksheets and transcripts (http://languagecaster.com/?page_id=4) from previous podcasts Automatically receive the podcast each week by clicking here (http://languagecaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/feed-icon-28x281.png) // languagecaster.com no 13:04 http://languagecaster.com/main-listening-report-the-english-football-league-cup/ http://languagecaster.com/main-listening-report-the-english-football-league-cup/#comments Sat, 14 Jan 2012 01:07:14 +0000 grell http://languagecaster.com/?p=18631 http://languagecaster.com/main-listening-report-the-english-football-league-cup/feed/ 0 Carling Cup,England,history,languagecaster,League Cup,listening,Liverpool,Main Report,shocks This week's languagecaster main listening report spotlights the Football League Cup in England - it's format, history, some statistics, and cracking matches. | (../wp-content/uploads/2009/02/feed-icon-28x281.png) Subscribe: Main Listening Report | Complete List Here (../2010/08/21/main-listening-report-full-list/) On this week's languagecaster main listening report we discuss the Football League Cup in ... languagecaster.com no 4:48 http://languagecaster.com/football-phrase-to-make-a-comeback/ http://languagecaster.com/football-phrase-to-make-a-comeback/#comments Thu, 12 Jan 2012 22:40:10 +0000 damianf http://languagecaster.com/?p=18644 http://languagecaster.com/football-phrase-to-make-a-comeback/feed/ 0 http://languagecaster.com/languagecasters-predictions-the-milan-derby-la-liga-and-premier-league/ http://languagecaster.com/languagecasters-predictions-the-milan-derby-la-liga-and-premier-league/#comments Tue, 10 Jan 2012 22:00:01 +0000 damianf http://languagecaster.com/?p=18516 http://languagecaster.com/languagecasters-predictions-the-milan-derby-la-liga-and-premier-league/feed/ 0 http://languagecaster.com/the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-messi-ballon-dor-winner-and-qpr-fire-manager/ http://languagecaster.com/the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-messi-ballon-dor-winner-and-qpr-fire-manager/#comments Mon, 09 Jan 2012 23:16:37 +0000 damianf http://languagecaster.com/?p=18545 http://languagecaster.com/the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-messi-ballon-dor-winner-and-qpr-fire-manager/feed/ 0 http://languagecaster.com/football-language-quiz-1/ http://languagecaster.com/football-language-quiz-1/#comments Sun, 08 Jan 2012 22:50:06 +0000 damianf http://languagecaster.com/?p=18390 http://languagecaster.com/football-language-quiz-1/feed/ 0 http://languagecaster.com/languagecaster-podcast-football-words-of-2011/ http://languagecaster.com/languagecaster-podcast-football-words-of-2011/#comments Fri, 06 Jan 2012 18:00:42 +0000 grell http://languagecaster.com/?p=18467 http://languagecaster.com/languagecaster-podcast-football-words-of-2011/feed/ 0 English,Football Cliches,football glossary,football phrases,languagecaster,Podcast,weekly The Oxford Dictionary reckons 'squeezed middle' was the word of the year in 2011, but what about in the footballing world? (http://languagecaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/languagecaster.oleole.4.jpg) On this week's podcast Damian takes a look at three key football phrases that made the headlines in 2011. Remember, you can also: * Listen only to the main report here (http://languagecaster.com/category/main-report/) - complete with transcript and vocabulary Learners of English can review the footballing news from around the world in our good, the bad and the ugly section (http://languagecaster.com/category/review/feed/)of the show Check out a new football expression in English for Football (http://languagecaster.com/football-language-resources/football-phrases/) For learners of English check out our Football Language Resources (http://languagecaster.com/football-language-resources/) page with: A page with all our Football vocabulary (http://languagecaster.com/football-language-resources/football-vocabulary/) posts Football glossary (http://languagecaster.com/football-language-resources/football-glossary/) (a huge collection of football vocabulary, football cliches and football phrases) Worksheets and transcripts (http://languagecaster.com/?page_id=4) from previous podcasts Automatically receive the podcast each week by clicking here (http://languagecaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/feed-icon-28x281.png) // languagecaster.com no 12:01 http://languagecaster.com/the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-a-blue-new-year-mosquitos-and-liverpool/ http://languagecaster.com/the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-a-blue-new-year-mosquitos-and-liverpool/#comments Fri, 06 Jan 2012 01:15:41 +0000 grell http://languagecaster.com/?p=18399 http://languagecaster.com/the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-a-blue-new-year-mosquitos-and-liverpool/feed/ 0 http://languagecaster.com/languagecaster-predictions-manchester-and-catalan-derbies/ http://languagecaster.com/languagecaster-predictions-manchester-and-catalan-derbies/#comments Thu, 05 Jan 2012 15:21:10 +0000 damianf http://languagecaster.com/?p=18380 http://languagecaster.com/languagecaster-predictions-manchester-and-catalan-derbies/feed/ 2 http://languagecaster.com/weekly-football-phrase-stay-the-course/ http://languagecaster.com/weekly-football-phrase-stay-the-course/#comments Thu, 05 Jan 2012 11:46:48 +0000 grell http://languagecaster.com/?p=18411 http://languagecaster.com/weekly-football-phrase-stay-the-course/feed/ 0 http://languagecaster.com/football-words-of-the-year-2011-nadeshiko/ http://languagecaster.com/football-words-of-the-year-2011-nadeshiko/#comments Sun, 01 Jan 2012 01:26:40 +0000 damianf http://languagecaster.com/?p=18324 http://languagecaster.com/football-words-of-the-year-2011-nadeshiko/feed/ 0 football word of the year,nadeshiko,word of the year What are the football words of the year? Nadeshiko? Why always me? | (../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 key football words and phrases from 2011. There have been many candidates for word of the year 2011: Arab Spring, planking, phone hacking, bunga bunga have all featured in many end-of-year polls. Global financial difficulties saw both the (http://www.economist.com/blogs/johnson/2011/12/vocabulary)Oxford Dictionary (http://blog.oxforddictionaries.com/2011/11/squeezed-middle/) and The Economist choosing squeezed middle as their word of the year, while occupy is tipped to be chosen by the American Dialect Society (http://www.americandialect.org/woty) as their word of 2011. Here at Languagecaster we've already looked back at some of the big footballing stories from 2011 in last week's main reports (http://languagecaster.com/football-review-of-2011-part-1-january-june/) and though we do not pretend to hold the same influence as some of these media outlets we thought we would come up with a list of some of the words and phrases that have best defined football in 2011 - maybe even Fabio Capello can learn some (http://languagecaster.com/main-listening-report-capellos-100-words-of-english/)! 1. Nadeshiko Japan (http://languagecaster.com/wp-content/uploads/japan-goal-sawa-wcup2011-U.S.-Loses-to-Japan-on-Penalty-Kicks-300x1971.jpg) The Japan Times reported (http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/ek20111226a1.html) that the buzzword Grand Prix for 2011 was Nadeshiko Japan (撫子ジャパン) in honour of the Japanese female football team's wonderful performance (http://www.wsc.co.uk/content/view/8106/38/) in the Women's World Cup in the summer of 2011. A miserable year for Japan was somewhat lightened by the footballing exploits of the women's World Cup winning side as the Nadeshiko, a sweet-smelling flower as well as the nickname of the Japanese side, won the World Cup for the very first time. 2. Why always me? (http://languagecaster.com/wp-content/uploads/article-2052949-0E81FF2A00000578-718_468x286-300x183.jpg) Mario Balotelli has rarely been out of the news since his move to Manchester City and when the young Italian star scored the first goal of the 6-1 rout against Manchester United he raised his jersey to reveal the slogan 'why always me?' which had many of us laughing along with Super Mario. 3. Kick it out (http://languagecaster.com/wp-content/uploads/1286876546_127-300x200.gif) There have been quite a few negative words and phrases used this year - I wonder what kind of language Carlos Tevez and Roberto Mancini exchanged with each other when the Argentine refused to come off the bench in the Champions League? Unfortunately, there have also been far too many examples of racist language this year: Sepp Blatter had to apologise, John Terry is still under investigation, while Luis Suarez has been found guilty of using racial abuse against Patrice Evra and so for these reasons the anti-racism group's slogan Kick it out (http://www.kickitout.org/) needs to be re-introduced to the game. languagecaster.com no 2:53 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/weekly-football-phrase-to-be-complacent/ http://languagecaster.com/weekly-football-phrase-to-be-complacent/#comments Wed, 28 Dec 2011 17:34:36 +0000 damianf http://languagecaster.com/?p=17862 http://languagecaster.com/weekly-football-phrase-to-be-complacent/feed/ 0 http://languagecaster.com/the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-manchester-united-luis-suarez-and-kung-fu-goalkeepers/ http://languagecaster.com/the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-manchester-united-luis-suarez-and-kung-fu-goalkeepers/#comments Wed, 28 Dec 2011 15:15:29 +0000 damianf http://languagecaster.com/?p=17851 http://languagecaster.com/the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-manchester-united-luis-suarez-and-kung-fu-goalkeepers/feed/ 1 http://languagecaster.com/languagecaster-predictions-new-year-premier-league-fixtures/ http://languagecaster.com/languagecaster-predictions-new-year-premier-league-fixtures/#comments Wed, 28 Dec 2011 14:22:22 +0000 damianf http://languagecaster.com/?p=17846 http://languagecaster.com/languagecaster-predictions-new-year-premier-league-fixtures/feed/ 0 http://languagecaster.com/languagecaster-podcast-christmas-and-football-traditions/ http://languagecaster.com/languagecaster-podcast-christmas-and-football-traditions/#comments Fri, 23 Dec 2011 00:00:59 +0000 grell http://languagecaster.com/?p=17821 http://languagecaster.com/languagecaster-podcast-christmas-and-football-traditions/feed/ 0 Christmas,English,Football,languagecaster,phrases,Podcast,Vocabulary On this week's podcast it's Christmas and football - stories and traditions. (http://languagecaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/languagecaster.oleole.4.jpg) On this week's podcast it's Christmas and football - stories and traditions. Remember, you can also: * Listen only to the main report here (http://languagecaster.com/category/main-report/) - complete with transcript and vocabulary Learners of English can review the footballing news from around the world in our good, the bad and the ugly section (http://languagecaster.com/category/review/feed/)of the show Check out a new football expression in English for Football (http://languagecaster.com/football-language-resources/football-phrases/) For learners of English check out our Football Language Resources (http://languagecaster.com/football-language-resources/) page with: A page with all our Football vocabulary (http://languagecaster.com/football-language-resources/football-vocabulary/) posts Football glossary (http://languagecaster.com/football-language-resources/football-glossary/) (a huge collection of football vocabulary, football cliches and football phrases) Worksheets and transcripts (http://languagecaster.com/?page_id=4) from previous podcasts Automatically receive the podcast each week by clicking here (http://languagecaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/feed-icon-28x281.png) // languagecaster.com no 10:18 http://languagecaster.com/main-listening-report-christmas-and-football-traditions/ http://languagecaster.com/main-listening-report-christmas-and-football-traditions/#comments Thu, 22 Dec 2011 00:00:11 +0000 grell http://languagecaster.com/?p=17801 http://languagecaster.com/main-listening-report-christmas-and-football-traditions/feed/ 1 Boxing Day,Britain,Christmas,English,folk football,Football,languagecaster.com,no mans land,No-man-land,truce As Christmas approaches, on this week's main listening report, we take a look at football at Christmas through the years: folk football and rioting, a football game in the middle of war, and Boxing Day. | (../wp-content/uploads/2009/02/feed-icon-28x281.png) Subscribe: Main Listening Report | Complete List Here (../2010/08/21/main-listening-report-full-list/) As Christmas approaches, on this week's main listening report, we take a look at football at Christmas through the years: folk football and rioting, a football game in the middle of war, and Boxing Day. This report has a transcript below, as well as explanations of key vocabulary (in bold) can be found at the foot of the post, while other key phrases (in blue) also have meanings explained. (http://languagecaster.com/wp-content/uploads/225px-Mobfooty.jpg)This weekend will see Christmas celebrated around the world. It is of course a christian tradition, but many non-christians enjoy the holiday. There are many traditions associated with the celebration - Christmas trees, lights, the giving of presents, and so on, but what about association football? Well, football also has its Christmas traditions and stories. Folk Football and Rioting Before it became the game we recognize today, football was a very different and more violent pastime known as folk football (http://languagecaster.com/video-worksheet-folk-football/), played by large groups of men battling each other to move a ball across a large space of ground, often half the village men  would play the other half, or married men fought against unmarried. It was played on holidays such as Easter and Christmas because this was a traditional time for celebration, drinking, eating to excess and letting down your hair, and because the men were not working for several days in a row. This tradition was threatened in 1644 when the Puritan ruler Cromwell banned the celebration of Christmas and the playing of football. This ended up with violent riots in many places as people took their football into the streets and fought with magistrates. The Christmas Football Game in No-Mans-Land During Christmas in 1914 and 1915 as World War I raged across western Europe, there were many unofficial truces at Christmas, where soldiers from both sides stopped fighting and even, in one instance, played an impromptu game of football. Here is how one British soldier described it: “Tommy and Fritz kicked about a real football supplied by a Scot. This developed into a regulation football match with caps casually laid out as goals. The frozen ground was no great matter. The game ended 3-2 for Fritz." The idea that ordinary soldiers stopped fighting and joined together to play football is a powerful image for how the game can bring people with different cultures together - even if they are in the middle of a war. A Boxing Day Feast of Football The day after Christmas, the 26th of December, is known as Boxing Day in the UK. It has long been a public holiday and a day for sport and particularly, football. There is always a full round of football just after Christmas, and while it used to always be on the 26th, recently some games are played on the 27th. Whenever they are played, the Christmas season and Boxing Day has long been connected with football. The Christmas holidays also mark the start of two weeks of games, where as many as five matches may be played. While most European leagues take a break, this is when the English leagues enter their busiest period. So, in Britain, riots, peace and goodwill, and a packed schedule - all traditions associated with football at Christmas! Vocabulary pastime: hobby, activity let down your hair: relax, be uninhibited, forget your problems and enjoy yourself riots: violent protests, mass fights magistrates: police, people who administer the law impromptu: unplanned, informal Tommy: a nickname for British solldiers Fritz: a nickname for German soldiers no great matter: not a problem, not important a full round of football: a week when all teams in the league play languagecaster.com no 3:54 http://languagecaster.com/languagecaster-predictions-festive-fixtures-in-england-and-the-glasgow-derby/ http://languagecaster.com/languagecaster-predictions-festive-fixtures-in-england-and-the-glasgow-derby/#comments Tue, 20 Dec 2011 13:05:24 +0000 damianf http://languagecaster.com/?p=17761 http://languagecaster.com/languagecaster-predictions-festive-fixtures-in-england-and-the-glasgow-derby/feed/ 0 http://languagecaster.com/languagecaster-weekly-football-phrase-rout/ http://languagecaster.com/languagecaster-weekly-football-phrase-rout/#comments Mon, 19 Dec 2011 23:39:13 +0000 damianf http://languagecaster.com/?p=17768 http://languagecaster.com/languagecaster-weekly-football-phrase-rout/feed/ 0 http://languagecaster.com/the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-barcelona-world-champs-sevilla-in-trouble-and-italian-match-fixing/ http://languagecaster.com/the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-barcelona-world-champs-sevilla-in-trouble-and-italian-match-fixing/#comments Mon, 19 Dec 2011 22:25:31 +0000 damianf http://languagecaster.com/?p=17746 http://languagecaster.com/the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-barcelona-world-champs-sevilla-in-trouble-and-italian-match-fixing/feed/ 0 http://languagecaster.com/languagecaster-podcast-best-overseas-premier-league-players/ http://languagecaster.com/languagecaster-podcast-best-overseas-premier-league-players/#comments Sat, 17 Dec 2011 14:07:41 +0000 damianf http://languagecaster.com/?p=17732 http://languagecaster.com/languagecaster-podcast-best-overseas-premier-league-players/feed/ 0 On this week's podcast we ask who has been the best ever overseas player to have played in the Premier League as well as previewing the World Club Cup between Barcelona and Santos (http://languagecaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/languagecaster.oleole.4.jpg) On this week's podcast we ask who has been the best ever overseas player to have played in the Premier League as well as previewing the World Club Cup between Barcelona and Santos. Remember, you can also: * Listen only to the main report here (http://languagecaster.com/category/main-report/) - complete with transcript and vocabulary Learners of English can review the footballing news from around the world in our good, the bad and the ugly section (http://languagecaster.com/category/review/feed/)of the show Check out a new football expression in English for Football (http://languagecaster.com/football-language-resources/football-phrases/) For learners of English check out our Football Language Resources (http://languagecaster.com/football-language-resources/) page with: A page with all our Football vocabulary (http://languagecaster.com/football-language-resources/football-vocabulary/) posts Football glossary (http://languagecaster.com/football-language-resources/football-glossary/) (a huge collection of football vocabulary, football cliches and football phrases) Worksheets and transcripts (http://languagecaster.com/?page_id=4) from previous podcasts Automatically receive the podcast each week by clicking here (http://languagecaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/feed-icon-28x281.png) // languagecaster.com no 11:07 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/languagecaster-predictions-world-club-cup-final-tottenham-chelsea-and-udinese-juventus/ http://languagecaster.com/languagecaster-predictions-world-club-cup-final-tottenham-chelsea-and-udinese-juventus/#comments Wed, 14 Dec 2011 20:06:46 +0000 damianf http://languagecaster.com/?p=17648 http://languagecaster.com/languagecaster-predictions-world-club-cup-final-tottenham-chelsea-and-udinese-juventus/feed/ 0