In good voice:Scotland vs England

The largest sporting event in the world will kick off soon in South Africa. Professional sport and marketing are closely wedded and by the time of the FIFA World Cup South Africa we will be wearing the same gear the soccer players wore during the competition. Scotland is one of the oldest football nations in the world (England the other) and fiercely proud of playing in eight World Cup tournaments. They have qualified on nine occasions and in 1950 took the unprecedented decision to not participate because they felt ill prepared and did not consider themselves worthy as British Champions. Despite the nation’s unenviable record the squad have never advanced beyond the first round of the finals competition. Historically they are considered talented and brave hearted with play sometimes bordering on the brilliant, but the efforts of the qualifying Scottish National Squads have always been fruitless. To the Tartan Army failure to qualify to the World Cup competition is a disgrace. Scotland’s failure yet again this year has left all ‘Jock Tamson’s bairns’ melancholic. The last time Scotland qualified for a World Cup final was in 1998 in France. The only positive note to all of this is we have not been exposed to yet another Scottish Football Squad song.
These events kicked off in 1966 when England won the World Cup (and never been allowed to forget it). The tournament had an official song called 'World Cup Willie'. It was sung not by an Englishman, but by a Scot called Lonnie Donegan. The single did not sell particularly well and remains a curio. Jimmy ‘Greavsie” Greaves, himself a member of the England Squad, was less than complementary about the choice of singer at the time and considered him passé. At the next FIFA World Cup Mexico (1970) Scotland did not qualify. The defending champions England went to Mexico strong in squad and with a team song that would top the UK charts. “Back home” was recorded in a tiny recording studio with all the England team present. The song was written and produced by Bill Martin (Scotsman) and Phil Coulter (Irishman) – well it is Great Britain after all. ‘Back Home’ set the bench mark for all squad songs to follow. A lyric triumphantly proclaiming the trophy was pretty much in the bag and there was not much point in anyone else turning up set to a simple tune. England got knocked out in the quarter finals after a major scandal alleging misbehaviour in the camp. By 1974, Scotland were back in the finals which were hosted in West Germany. To celebrate their return to the world stage the Scottish squad recorded a little ditty entitled “Easy Easy.” Although the single got into the UK Top Twenty, Scotland was eliminated in the first round (What’s new?). England did not qualify for the FIFA World Cup West Germany.

Argentina hosted the World Cup in 1978 and horror of horrors, England again failed to qualify. The Scottish manager, Ally McLeod mistakenly talked up his team strongly inferring it was more or less a foregone conclusion they would win the championship. The ever gullible, Tartan Army thought so too and in the resulting euphoria which proceeded the competition saw comedian, Andy Cameron (born in England) jump on the bandwagon. He recorded Ally’s Tartan Army which became a hit. Determined to do succeed the Scotland World Cup Squad engaged the help of another cockney Jock, Rod Steward. 'Ole, Ola' (Mulher Brasilieira) [We're gonna bring that World Cup back from over there], like Ally’s Tartan Army sold well and both charted in the UK Top Ten. Sadly Scotland faired less well on the field and were dismissed somewhat dramatically from the competition at the end of another scandal filled first week. Rod and Andy did like wise were summarily dismissed from the pop charts. Spain hosted the FIFA World Cup 1982 and old rivals Scotland and England were back in contention. The England World Cup Squad released ‘This time (We’ll get it right)’ (co-written by Chris Norman of Smokie) and the Scottish Squad had “We have a dream” written by B.A. Robertson. Both songs charted but while England went through to the second leg of the competition, Scotland was un-ceremonially dumped at the end of the first week.What’s new?

In 1986 the World Cup was again held in Mexico. Scotland qualified this time but were knocked out in the first round of the competition. England meantime lost in the quarter finals. England’s official world cup song "We've Got the Whole World at Our Feet"/"When We Are Far from Home" and Scotland’s ‘Big trip to Mexico’ both faded quickly. The same song writers wrote both songs. The Old Enemies were back at it in the Italian World Cup finals in 1990. Scotland World Cup Squad’s "Say It With Pride" flopped at the lower end of the Top 50 as the Tartan Army’s team failed to make it through to the second week of competition. World in motion by Englandneworder (England and New Order) topped the charts but the England team went out in the semi finals on penalties.
By the time the 1994 FIFA World Cup was hosted by the US (neither Scotland nor England qualified), so there was no song. Four years on the World Cup France 1998 saw Scotland qualify and this time with the help of Del Ametri and their dedicated single "Don't come home too soon." As usual the song did better than the team and the Scottish squad were back home to listen to it in the Top Twenty. The official song of the England National Football Team was "(How Does it Feel to Be) on Top of the World?" by "England United." This was a makeshift ‘supergroup’ consisting of Echo and the Bunnymen, Space, Spice Girls and the lead singer of Ocean Colour Scene, Simon Fowler. The song was written by Ian McCulloch. The song and the team did quite well but England lost again on penalties and failed to make it through to the quarter finals. Scotland did not qualify for the FIFA World Cup South Korea/ Japan 2002 but England did and once again lost in the quarter finals. The official World Cup song did not involve the squad that fell to the golden tonsils of Ant & Dec with We’on the ball. By this time there was a plethora of other songs and music associated with the competition but most were unconnected to the English Football Association. In 2006 Germany again hosted the World Cup finals. No Scotland, but England was there with World at Your Feet" by Embrace as the official England World Cup song. Did well too but England were knocked on penalties in the quarter finals again.
The 2010 FIFA World Cup will be held in South Africa (and Scotland will not be represented). England will be there but no word yet what the official anthem will be. Work has already begun on the official FIFA and since Germany 2006, FIFA have sanctioned a CD of songs by a variety of artists reflecting contemporary music styles. This year the net profits will be donated to Africa-related charities and all of FIFA's net profits will go to the Official Campaign of the 2010 FIFA World Cup(TM) "20 Centres for 2010."

Worth a listen
Lonnie Donegan
World Cup Willie (1966)

English World Cup Squad
Back Home (1970)
This time (We’ll get it right) (1982)
We've Got the Whole World at Our Feet" / "When We Are Far from Home (1986)
Englandneworder (English World Cup Squad with New Order)
World in Motion (1990)

Scottish World Cup Squad
Easy Easy (1974)
Ole, Ola' (Mulher Brasilieira) [We're gonna bring that World Cup back from over there] with Rod Stewart (1978)
We have a dream (1982)
Big trip to Mexico (1986)
Say It With Pride (1990)

Andy Cameron
Ally’s Tartan Army (1978)

Del Ametri
Don't come home too soon (1994)

England United
(How Does it Feel to Be) on Top of the World? (1994)

Ant & Dec
We’on the ball (2002)

Embrace
World at Your Feet (2006)

Ricky Martin
La Copa de la Vida'(1998)

Anastacia
Boom (2002)

Diamond encrusted boots: Own goal hat trick?

A star-studded VIP party was held back in December to celebrate the launch of Rio Ferdinand's new charity Live The Dream Foundation for the benefit of under-privileged childen. The event was hosted by actor James Corden and Lord Archer acted as auctioneer. Unfortunately because organisers had failed to put a reserve price on the three most expensive items in the auction they were all sold very much under value. Diamond-encrusted (2576 gems) football boots worth £125,000, donated by Wayne Rooney (Manchester United) were sold for just £18,000. A second pair, given by Chelsea skipper John Terry and covered with a dazzling 2,374 jewels, was sold for £20,000 (estimated value) £135,000. Just to complete the hat trick Lord Archer sold a third pair donated by Ferdinand himself and valued at £125,000, for a mere £22,000. As a result of the blunder Ferdinand's Live The Dream Foundation was short of £325,000.

The boots were commissioned by Embee Jewels of London, who also donated the gems. A staggering 7,444 precious stones were added before the boots were independently valued by official testers at the Assay Office in London.

Boot change mid game: What's a foot?

AC Milan’s David Beckham (on loan from LA Galaxy ) played against his old team, Manchester United in the first leg of the last 16 UEFA Champions League play-off. The former England captain took the unusual step (excuse the pun) of wearing two pairs of boots during the game. He started with his signature, colourway Predator_X’s in the first half, then swaped them for his older all-white Predator PowerSwerves at half time. This is a very unusual event in a game ridden with superstition and the deliberate action might serously suggest Beckham was less than comfortable in his new model shoes. AC Milan lost the game a humiliating 4 nil.

New stud technology:Mercurial Superfly Vapor II

Nike’s Mercurial Superfly Vapor II football boots include new model technology and according to the manufacturer could minimize injury caused by moving from hard to soft ground. New studs with "Adaptive Traction Technology" act as normal studs on hard ground, but have internal pegs that can extend by up to 3mm in soft ground. The sole contains a flexible carbon fibre plate which remains static on hard surfaces so the studs keep their original shape. On soft ground the plate flexes which pushes out cores of the studs. As the mechanism works a transparent coating on the outside of the sole stretches and contracts allowing the pegs the space to extend and return. The coating also keeps rain, mud, and grass away from the mechanism. The boots with adjustable studs potentially help players negociate different pitch and weather conditions. Traditionally clubs had ‘bootmen,’ usually retired players, who advised teams on the best studs for prevailing conditions. Now the new studs on the Mercurial Superfly Vapor II offer greater flexibility but it is yet to be seen if the number of ankle and foot injuries reduce. The boots, were launched recently by Cristiano Ronaldo.

Sir Stanley Matthews' boots for auction

A pair of football boots worn by Sir Stanley Matthews in the 1953 FA Cup final are to be sold at auction. Stanley Matthews nicknamed "The Wizard of Dribble", helped Blackpool to a 4-3 victory over Bolton Wanderers. Matthews’ boots were recently found and are up for auction at Bonham’s in Chester. The provenance is after the final the goal hero give his muddy footwear to a fan called Wilf Coomer who kept them as his prize possession. Stanley Matthews was a tour de force in the design of football boots and in 1951 helped the Co-op produce a new pair of boots.
The player wore them for the 1952 / 53 season.
The Stanley Matthews' Foundation helps youngsters succeed in sport.

PredatorX - just in time for Christmas

The Adidas Predator X football boots go on sale on November 14th and marks the 10th generation adidas Predator conceived by Craig Johnston before selling it to adidas. The design of the latest range were helped by former French international Zinedine Zidane. The new boot has, according to adidas, more power in the kick due to a “powerspine” inspired by Fingersave technology used in goalkeepers gloves. According to the manfacturer the extra leverage to the middle metatarsals reduces the kicking flex in the forefoot area and optomises power to the shot. This is also claimed to help reduce the risk of injury by limiting pressure in the mid foot area. The new Predator is designed to improve swerve in the strike of the ball with the inclusion of a rubber-silicon mix on the ‘sweet spot’. The soft compound provides greater control and accuracy in swerving the ball or so it is claimed. Adidas’s Optifit technology ensures the upper materials are as close to the top of the foot as possible in a good fitting boot. Again adidas clain this creates a natural ball feeling. The new boot is made from Taurus leather (sic not kangaroo skin?) and is available in traditional black/red/white and a new white/black/yellow colour way. The soft ground stud configuration has been changed to a traditional 6 stud set up which still provides maximum ground penetration but with an increased forefoot flexibility. Celebrity endorsement for the new boot include: David Beckham (LA Galaxy), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool FC), Raul ( Real Madrid), Michael Ballack (Chelsea ) and Robin Van Persie (Arsenal ) and Karim Benzema (Real Madrid ). Rather like fashion models they will parading their boots at a stadium near you. But spare a thought for the players at Celtic Football Club who will become fashion models at the up and coming Club Culture event at Celtic Park hosted by the Celtic Charity Fund. Danny Fox, Marc Crosas and Celtic ladies team striker, Karen McInally among others will strut their stuff on the runway to raise funds for The John Hartson Foundation and Breast Cancer Care Scotland. The House of Fraser are providing all the outfits for the night.

Sagem/Puma World Cup Phone

The latest must have app involves a collaboration between shoe companies and mobile technology. Already familiar with the Nike+ fitness app and the Samsung Adidas miCoach F110, now Puma have joint the Maxwell Smart set. In clever anticipation of the South Africa 2010 FIFA World Cup have come up with a collaboration of their own. Sagem and Puma will launch the Puma-branded mobile phone next summer. Maxwell Smart fan s will be pleased to see the yet to be named Sagem/Puma phone will incorporate a number of fitness features, such as a a pedometer and heart rate tracker, and a resilient rubberised jacket to prevent against damage. Although specifications are still clouded in mystery the phone may have a GPS receiver and 3G and Wi-Fi connectivity. The Sagem Puma phone will be sold through various mobile shops and Puma outlets.

Shod the world:Boots4Africa

The Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) and Boots4Africa have announced a charitable partnership that will see every member of the PFA donating a pair of their boots in time for the FIFA 2010 World Cup. The PFA has agreed to support the charity, which collects and delivers pre-worn football boots to communities across Africa enabling children and adults alike to play football wearing football boots. Boots for Africa is always on the lookout for donations, so if you can help, or for more information, visit their website

Nomis sells on the road

Nomis has a novel way of selling their boots by travelling around in mobile units.

Making soccer boots

Socceroos - great start to warm up

Harry Kewell is in superb passing form. Good performances all round against Republic of Ireland.

Nomis Boots: Aussie, Aussie, Aussie!

The verdict is out and subscribers to Footy-Boots.com have voted NOMIS as the winner in the prestigious category “Outrageous football boot of the year 2009”. According to the manufacturer the Spark FG NXGEN has proven popular because of a combination of new technologies including one called Dual Control grip enhancing treatment in the tanning process. This allows hi-resolution design to be incorporated onto the NOMIS leather upper. Laboratory tests have shown the Dual Control Technology provides significantly more grip in dry conditions compared to other standard leather boots. The boots’ leather is soft, strong, and breathable, providing excellent sweat resistance and totally colourfast. Again according to the manufacturer this gives better grip gives more control, power, swerve and ultimate performance. Nomis boots also contain sole plates to protect the metatarsals and other key bone structures whilst allowing rotational movement of the foot. Designers have also changed the shape of studs and repositioned them to give greater pressure distribution across the feet without loss to traction and pivot. The boots are made from kangaroo and quality bovine skins and treated to stay the same weight during game play. The outsole is specially treated to reduce the amount of mud, grass, and dirt collected during normal game play. These technologies was been developed over time and with much consultation as well as extensive wear trials to ensure the boots could stand up to demands of competitive football. The Swiss based company NOMIS Sports AG was founded in Australia by Simon Skirrow in 2003. Using patented technologies and quality materials the company focus on delivering the optimum combination of performance, comfort and modern design in a football boot. Nomis boots are available on-line at shopnomis.com

adidas and UEFA: New deal

For the first time, adidas will be supporting all official UEFA club football competitions after the footwear giant and UEFA announced an extension (until 2012) to their partnership for the UEFA Champions League and an agreement for the newly created UEFA Europa League and UEFA Super Cup.

Girls' top boot: adidas Copa Mundial

According to Justsocca their most popular soccer boot worn by women is the Adidas Copa Mundial. Adidas have recently released brought out the model for women and already they are best sellers. Adidas Copa Mundial is made from kangaroo leather.

Stud Release Techonolgy: Johnston calls for more research

Craig Johnston (former Middlesborough and Liverpool) co-inventor of the Predator has joined a growing band of critics to voice concern at the apparent lack of research in stud release technology. Each season more stud related injuries are reported and many involve cleats. Johnston considers a significant number of injuries are caused by poor stud release leaving players feet vulnerable to injury. Johnston claims the new studs are too long for many of the well maintained pitches and because they do not disengage quickly needless injuries result. Ligament tears and stress fractures have noticeably increased with the introduction of boot cleats.

Old Firm fixture downunder

It's the glorious 12th July and as chance would have it Celtic are on a closed season tour of the Big Brown Land. Their fixture today with Brisbane Roar will see captain Craig Moore (ex Glasgow Rangers) matched with Scott “The Poacher” McDonald (Celtic Captain for the game). The rivals are good friends off field and share positions with the Socceroos, however I doubt whether they will allow their friendship ro get in the way of winning the game. Pity Charlie Miller (former Rangers striker) has moved onto Lierse SK. The wee striker would have loved to match himself again against the old enemy the‘Tic.
Brisbane Roar vs. Celtic at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane.

Superlite Boot’ Light on your feet

Now back on the shelves Nike’s Mercurial Vapour SuperLite Football Boot was designed for speed. Using a featherlite (210 gm), aerodynamic one piece Carbon Fibre Chassis the boot is both sleek and supports the kinetic foot. Extra protection and comfort is afforded through the graphite heel cradle. The boots have multi-directional traction studs injected onto the Graphite chassis.

New and improved soccer boots?

As a lead up to the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa footwear companies will be introducing their new lines of football boots. In a highly competitive industry there are few secrets shared but looking across the current range of available boots remarkably there seems little to separate them other than price. Personally I believe the football shoe has been developed as far as it can with only novelty left to appeal to consumers. Concave, a minnow in the market, are about to introduce a new line which they insist will give players at all levels the ability to increase their ball striking skills. Patented technology on the top of the boot gives players 30% better control and 15% more power, according to an accredited university study. The secret is the upper conforms to the convex shape of the ball which effectively increases the sweat spot by as much as four times compared to traditional football boots. Concave boots have a shank balance stabilizer (SBS) to give support and reinforcement to the mid-foot and help control balance between the rear and fore-front. The presence of the SBS may reduce the risk of stress injuries to the metatarsals. To support the concave upper the shoes and protect the foot there is a flexible MetaGuard layer made of Thermoplastic Polyurethane Elastomers (TPU). This might prevent stomping injury. Concave make most of their soccer boots available in a variety of outsole configurations, including soft ground, firm ground, hard ground with blades, and a traditional rounded mold. Meanwhile over at Nike their keenly anticipated Nike Mercurial Vapor Superfly met with teething problems when reports were received the boots ripped in situ. Nike recalled the boots from general sale and set to finding out how the boot design could be improved. Now a version that is less tight lasted will be available on general sale from 1st August and will retail at a cool £224.99 ( $367 US).

Nike takes the lead over adidas?

Time was adidas had the lion share of soccer sponsorship gloabally and Nike found it difficult to muscle in but now the tide has turned and Nike plus subsiduries seems to be in the lead. Excellent resource for information on football boots can be found at soccerbible.com

New soccer boots

New soccer boots from Pro-Direct