[print_link] | Subscribe: The Good, the Bad and the UglyIn this week’s review section we look back at some of the big stories from the world of football to help learners of English improve their vocabulary. This week we congratulate Nigeria for winning the Africa Cup of Nations tournament, wonder what is going wrong at Manchester City and share the Inter Milan president’s disappointment at racist chants. You can find explanations of key vocabulary in bold below.
Good
Congratulations to Nigeria on winning the Africa Cup of Nations for the third time in their history and the first time since 1994 after defeating Burkina Faso 1-0 in the final last weekend. It was a special day for Super Eagles’ boss Stephen Keshi as he became only the second person to win the title as a player and coach. Sunday Mba scored the winning goal for Nigeria who will represent their continent in this year’s Confederations Cup in Brazil.
Bad
Manchester City’s title hopes lie in tatters after a 1-3 defeat away at lowly Southampton. A howler by keeper Joe Hart and an own goal from Gareth Barry ensured that City are now 12 points behind Manchester United at the top of the Premier League and retaining their title now looks beyond them.
Ugly
More racist chanting by football supporters: this time Inter Milan have been fined 15.000 Euros after their fans sang derogatory songs about their former player Balotelli who has now moved to their rivals AC Milan from Manchester City. At least Inter president Moratti had the good grace to apologise for the conduct of his team’s followers.
Vocabulary
Confederations Cup: Pre-World Cup tournament for winners of continental titles.
an own goal : A goal scored by a player against his/her own team.
looks beyond them: Looks to be very difficult indeed
have been fined: The have to pay a penalty or a financial punishment
derogatory: Insulting
the conduct: The behaviour
