Lionel Messi to Chelsea?

       If you know anything about soccer, then you have to know who Lionel Messi is. He is known by many people as the best, or one of the best, professional soccer players in the world. Lionel Messi is, in my opinion, the best striker in the world at this moment in time. Messi plays for one of the best clubs in the world, FC Barcelona. Recently, there has been some speculation that Leo will be transferring to the English club, Chelsea.

          Chelsea is a very successful, English club where many top class players have played. They play in the Barclays Premier League, and are currently tied for first place alongside Manchester City. The club is owned by a very wealthy Roman Abramovich. With Abramovich’s money manager, Jose Mourinho, has put together a very strong squad this year.

          Many people would be very surprised if Messi decided to move to another club considering that he has been with Barcelona since he was 13 years old. He was born on June 24, 1987 in Rosario, Argentina. When he was 13 years old he moved overseas to play for FCB, and he has been playing for them ever since. For this reason, many believe that Messi will never leave Barcelona.

          Two English clubs Manchester United and Arsenal FC have been in cahoots with FC Barcelona, but it is said that Messi doesn’t want to go to either of these clubs. It is said that Lionel wants to wait until the end of the season to move to Chelsea for a 200 million pound deal. One reason Messi would want to move to the club is because his close friend and former teammate, Cesc Fabregas, is on the team, and he wants to link up with him again. Contrary to what many may believe, Jose Mourinho of Chelsea has said that the rumors are false. I guess we will find out.

          Imagine if Messi did move to Chelsea! In my opinion, the team is already uncanny and if they got the best striker in the world, they would be unstoppable. They would have an extreme scoring threat from Messi, Eden Hazard, Willian, Oscar, and many more. Along with the attacking threats the team would receive, their defense is very solid too. I hope that Messi does indeed move to Chelsea, but my hopes are not high.   

Why Was Fantasy Football Created?

                Friends and family, everyone is together, it is a Sunday afternoon, and football is on. There are snacks for everyone, but no one is eating. Everyone is too preoccupied to eat. They’re too busy rooting for their fantasy football players. Fantasy football is a way for friends and family to get together for some friendly competition. Fantasy football is a way for fans to unite as one and try to win something for themselves. Fantasy football is about making your dream team, and trying to beat your best friend’s dream team. Fantasy football is something almost everyone plays. Yet in truth, is fantasy football just a way for the NFL to get more people watching their games, or is it really meant to give people joy? I guess that’s for you to decipher.

            For many reasons, you can consider that fantasy football was brought about to give joy to people. The biggest reason being, that is does. Since fantasy football is a fun thing for people all around the United States, it makes you want to believe that fantasy football really is made for people to have a good time, with a sport that they love. Another reason it may be believed that fantasy football was created for people’s enjoyment is, that since so many people love the sport, the NFL wanted to get them more involved in it. A final reason fantasy football could have been made for people’s enjoyment is, many people like football, but many also don’t. Fantasy football could’ve been made just for a fun way for people to get more into, or interested, in the sport, even if they might not actually like it. If you would like to believe that fantasy football was made strictly for people’s personal enjoyment, then you are very optimistic and I admire you, but honestly was it?

            Many believe, more practically, that fantasy football was just another way for the NFL to get people to watch their games and to make more money. It is a very reasonable idea that this is true, because we all know that in today’s society, money is all that matters to the majority of people. The first reason it is believed, logically, that fantasy football is only a way to increase NFL’s benefits, is that there is a direct correlation between people who play fantasy football, and their attendance at NFL games. Many studies have shown, that people who play fantasy football are more likely to attend NFL games, than people who don’t play. This shows that, the NFL is indeed impacted positively by fantasy football. Many people who play fantasy football watch football games where they aren’t even fans of the teams playing, just so that they can watch their fantasy football players. The NFL had to have known this would happen, which is another reason in which it is suggested that fantasy football was created in order to enhance the NFL.

            People these days may be considered shallow, some of them at least, and that is, sadly, an accurate description. Many people these days only care about money, fame, and success. This way of thinking is associated with most billion dollar associations, such as the NFL. For this reason alone, I believe, personally, that fantasy football was only a way for the NFL to make more money, and generate more fans, and it worked. You may believe differently, but you have to face the truth, money matters.    

Goal-Line Technology

The ball is shot, 25 yards out, it hits the cross bar! It’s bar-down, but wait was it a goal? The referee decides it wasn't, but we can tell from the replays, this it was in fact a goal. You can’t blame the ref though, because that was a hard one to decipher. In 2012, goal-line technology was introduced to soccer leagues, and tournaments, all around the world to prevent things like this happening to teams and games. The idea of goal-line technology is, when there is a difficult decision for the referee to make, whether a goal was scored or not, there is an analyzed video available to them to tell whether or not it was a goal. Within one second, the ref can look at his watch and if it says goal, then it was a goal, if not, no goal. It was a worry from fans, and officials, that the game would be interrupted by the technology, but it was agreed that it wouldn't. What are the pros and cons of goal-line technology?  

Goal-line technology can be a very effective, modern tool in which can help referees in a tough, game situation. There are some down-sides to the technology though. The initial con that many people were, and still are, worried about is the cost to make this all happen. Many cameras would have to be set up in certain positions around each goal, to make this possible. When you think about it, the amount of money it would take to create this on every field in a league, may be just too much to handle. Subsequently, in order for the technology to work, the ball has to be at least 25% visible, and if it is not, then the ref would have to make his own decision, just like before. Although this may be a rare occasion, it is possible, and could make all of the money spent on the technology a waste. Ultimately, the last con to goal-line technology is, the time it would take to show the replays, and proof on television. Which could cause people to miss parts of the game, they probably would like to see. Overall, are the cons too much to make goal-line technology a practical investment?

Will the many pros outweigh the cons of goal-line technology? Initially, the first pro of goal-line technology is, the fact that there will almost always be an accurate call made. Due to crowded penalty boxes and fast shots, it’s not always possible for referees to make logical calls, and goal-line technology is the perfect way to fix this. Subsequently, since the decision is made by technology rather than the ref, bias towards certain teams can be prevented. I’m sure if you’re a sports fan, you have accused a ref of favoring a team, and if the call is made for the ref, he can’t favor a certain team, or player. Fan satisfaction is the final pro to goal-line technology. Goal-line technology can provide the truth to whether a goal was scored or not, it can give the satisfaction to fans that they have always wanted. With happier fans, more will attend games, and more money will be generated from the sport. Goal-line technology, is it a practical idea?

Goal-line technology is becoming what some might call a necessity. It helps refs, teams, leagues, and even fans. Although there are both pros and cons to the technology, I believe, as well as many others, that goal-line technology is worth the time and money that needs to be sacrificed to make it happen. Hopefully, many more, maybe even most, teams will get goal-line technology to make soccer a more accurately refereed game. Goal-line technology in soccer, is a positive thing.

What Can Happen if You Don't Take Care of Yourself during Sports: Dehydration and Muscle Strains

Dehydration:

    

As a 14 year old in high school, and other competitive sports, I have noticed that many people refuse to drink during sports, whether it be water or Gatorade, because they, “aren’t thirsty,” and this can end up in the wrong place. I myself have found it difficult to force myself to drink during sports, but I know it is essential to staying healthy. If your body is giving off liquid through sweat, you have to put it back into your body someway, by drinking. If you do not give your body the fluids it needs, then you can become dehydrated.

                Dehydration can be defined as, an abnormal loss of water from the body, especially form illness or physical exertion. Dehydration can cause things such as; increased thirst, dry mouth, weakness, dizziness, confusion, fainting, and decreased urine output. In extreme cases, dehydration can result in; difficulty breathing, chest or abdominal pain, seizures, no urine with-in 12 hours, and a fever higher than 103 degrees.

                Drinking during sports is very important, even if you don’t feel thirsty, you should know that you have to drink anyways. If you do not drink,it can end very badly, so make sure you keep yourself healthy.   

Muscle Strains:

                 In any sport, or even just when you are working out at the gym, it is very common for people to pull muscles. Pulled muscles are, when your muscle is overstretched or torn. Some symptoms of pulled muscles are; swelling, bruising, redness, pain at rest, pain when muscle is used, weakness of muscle, and/or inability to use muscle at all. Some major causes of pulled muscles are; not stretching properly before physical activity, overexertion and fatigue, lifting something heavy, lifting something in an awkward position, or poor posture.

                In order to heal your muscle, you have to do a series of things. You have to; rest/avoid using muscle for a few days, apply ice immediately after injury, wrap injured area with elastic bandage in order to reduce swelling, and elevate. A few weeks after your injury, stretch your muscle every day, not only before and after exercise, all the time. Some medicines you can take are; Advil, aspirin, ibuprofen, or acetaminophen.

                There are also many ways you can prevent muscle strains.  Some examples are; not overexerting yourself during physical activity, getting proper training for sports and exercises, learn how to properly lift heavy objects, and strengthen your muscles. Some ways you can get proper training are by, joining a sports team or getting a personal trainer. If you are at a high risk of getting a muscle strain, try to get that fixed!

New England Sports Teams 2014-2015...Are They Stuggling?

          New England states are used to their teams always preforming pretty well, but this year everything is different. The New England Patriots are doing awful at the start of the NFL season and the Red Sox haven't been doing much better. The only team that is doing well this season, is the New England Revolution, and they are usually awful!

          So far this season, the Patriots have two wins and two losses, which my their standards is not a good start to a season. They lost their first  game to the Dolphins, 20-33. This made patriots fans extremely angry because they are not used to losing to the dolphins! Their second game was a win against the Minnesota Vikings the score was, 30-7. There third game also resulted in a win of 9-16, although a win is a win, they didn't play very well at all during this game, they got lucky. Their fourth game this season was a loss to the Kansas City Cheifs, 14-41. So as you can probably tell, the Patriots are not starting off the way they wanted to in this 2014-2015 season.

          The Boston Red Sox over the years, hae been very successful, and their fans are starting to expect it. They have won the world series 8 times in, 2013, 2007, 2004, 1918, 1916, 1915, 1912, and 1903. This season they did NOT live up to the standards they made for themselves. they have 71 wins and 91 losses. They are last in the AL East division. This year fans were furious, and if they dont do well next year i don't know what will happen.

          The New England Revolution, who usually is not a good team, is the only New England team who is doing good this year! They signed the new american star, Jermaine Jones, who has been a great addition to the team.  Their record right now is, 14-3-13, which is 14 wins, 3 draws, and 13 losses which puts them  second in the eastern confrence. It had been a while since New England has been successful so their fans are going crazy this year, and its amazing.  Hopefully they can keep it up  in the future.

          So, overall, this 2014-2015 season hasn't bren good so far, unless you're only a fan of the Revolution. New England fans are having a rude awakening and I domt believe they will be able to do it again next season if their sports teams can produse wins next year either.

Is This The Fall of Manchester United?

          Over the years, Manchester United has been one of the best clubs in the Premier League. Two seasons ago, they found their glory and were crowned the winners of the League. It seemed as if They had everything gong for them, but recently nothing has been going their way, and they haven't been getting the results in which they need.

          The standards of Manchester United are very high, as you would expect for a club who have won the EPL 20 times, the most of any club in the league.  Last year,the Manchester club struggled, after they lost their legendary manager, Sir Alex Ferguson. Ferguson had been with the club for 27 years and most of them had been successful, meaning that this was a huge loss for the team and you could tell. Last year, Manchester United finished 7th in the league apposed from their 1st place trophy the year before. This was a disappointment for the club and all of its fans. When Sir Alex retired, the new manager who stepped up was David Moyes. David was encouraged to be taken as their new manager by Sir Alex Ferguson himself, but the choice was not a good one. Moyes did not create results for the club, in fact, they did awful when he was in charge!

          This 2014-2015 season, people were hoping that Man U would be back their old selves but they were definitely not. They received another new manager of the name, Louis Van Gaal. He is a very good manager, but so far into the season, he cannot seem to find the results that Ferguson did. As of right now, Manchester sit in 12th place, out of 20. They have 1 win, 2 draws, and 2 losses, which equals 5 points for the red devils. This Saturday, September 27, 2014, they play West Ham United at their home field, Old Trafford. Hopefully they can put up the win!

          Aside from the results, the team has made some really good signings. They signed: Daley Blind, Ander Herrera, Angel Di Maria, Marcos Rojo, and Luke Shaw. All of the signings are huge for the club, but they really don't need more attackers and midfielders. They already have people from the likes of Juan Mata and Robben Van Persie. What the team really needs are defenders, because you cant win games unless you have both attack and defense. They have an attack, but no defense which is why they are not winning. Hopefully, soon they can pick up some good defenders, then we can see what their real potential to win is.

        So, is it the fall of Manchester United? Right now, I say definitely not, they need to buy soe new defenders and see where that brings them. If they can't win with new defenders, then I think they would need to find a new manager. If non of this works in the near or far future, then it will be the end of Manchester United's reign. I hope, like many others that they can find their way out of this awful spell.    

2014-2015 Season: The Biggest Transfers of the Premier League

          This 2014-2015 season has been full of huge transfers already, most of which have been coming from Spain. Plays have arrived in England from giant clubs such as, Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Athetico Madrid. I'm sure everyone is awaiting the immense contributions of the new players, and hopefully they will live up to it. Some of the names that come up when talking about the best transfers this year are, Alexis Sanchez, Cesc Fabregas, Diego Costa, Didier Drogba, Mario Balotelli, Angel DiMaria, and Ander Herrera.

          Alexis Sanchez: Alexis Sanchez transfered to Arsenal this season, his previous club was the Spaniard power-house Barcelona. His transfer cost was $44 Million. He is originally from Chile and he helped them in the World Cup this year. Arsenal Fans are hoping he brings them many victories this year and I believe he can.  

          Cesc Fabregas: Cesc is a Spanish midfielder who has come from Barcelona as well. He has made his move to Chelsea for $36 Million. Hopefully, Fabreas will produce for Chelsea this year, and they can win the title.

         Diego Costa: Costa is also a Spaniard and has also moved to Chelsea. His previous club was Athletico Madrid, who he scored a bundle of goals for last year. His move costed Chelsea $40 Million. I am sure the money was worth it because Diego Costa is on of the best strikers in the world right now.

          Didier Drogba: Didier Drogba is from the Ivory Coast, but his previous club is the Turkish club, Galatasary. This year he has moved to Chelsea for FREE. The funny part is Drogba used to be on Chelsea and is still considered a legend today. Hopefully, even in his older age, he can produce again.

          Mario Balotelli: Mario Balotelli's previos club is AC Milan. The Italian striker has moved to Liverpool for $20 Million. He does have sort of a bad reputation for acting out, but hopefully this year he can show that he has matured.

         Angel DiMaria: Angel is an Argentinian midfielder who has moved from the Spanish giants Real Madrid. His move was t Manchester United which cost them, $75 Million. Hopefully, he an pick his team up an lead them to victories.

          Ander Herrera: Another Spaniard, Ander Herrera, has moved to Manchester United. His previous club was Athletic Bilbao, the sold the midfielder for $36 Million. Manchester fans are dreaming of the assists now, and I think he can bring them...we will see.