Schweinsteiger 'the logical successor' to Lahm, says Beckenbauer

[yamair.livejournal.com]

The former defender believes the Bayern midfielder is the clear candidate to take up the armband for the national team over team-mate Manuel Neuer or Dortmund's Mats Hummels.

Bastian Schweinsteiger is "the logical successor" to Philipp Lahm as Germany captain, according to iconic former defender Franz Beckenbauer.

( Our future leader Schweinsteiger )

( Basti in Ibiza )

Source

What were the previous objections to Basti being captain? I've read that he was considered "too emotional" and stuff about not being the right type.

FIFA U20 World Cup Women in Canada!

[marsyke.livejournal.com]

After the men's World Cup and Euro U19, it's now time for the women to shine!
The World Cup for grown-ups is in June 2015. But first it's the U20 women who will get the chance to prove themselves at the highest level in Canada.


( More )

Further information and sources; fifa.com 

Our prayers have been heard: New rule will stop players from playing if they lose consciousness

[rare-lj.livejournal.com]

Players who lose consciousness in English top-flight matches next season will not be allowed to return to the field of play under new rules introduced by the Premier League and Football Association to limit the risks associated with head injuries. Players who have not lost consciousness will still have to undergo an on-field or touchline assessment before being allowed to continue.

( 'Ref, is this the final?' )

Source: the guardian

Official: Xavi retires from International Football

[elemersglue.livejournal.com]

BREAKING NEWS | Xavi Hernández announces he quits the Spanish National Football Team (@SeFutbol)

----

He was capped 133 times, more than any other Spanish outfield player, and scored 13 goals.

He told a press conference in Barcelona: "I'm grateful for all those years. It has been a fantastic time."

Xavi said: "I was going to retire after Euro 2012 but head coach Vicente del Bosque persuaded me to stay on and go to Brazil which was of course a huge disappointment for everyone and myself individually.

"After Euro 2012, it was generally understood I was going to be leaving after Brazil 2014. I hope Del Bosque stays as manager as Spain because I don't think there is a better man for the job.

"I want to thank everyone involved in that team for the way they treated me and the respect and I could not wish for a better time as an international."

source


*Can you hear that? That's my heart breaking into tiny little pieces. Gracias, bb.

Brilliance from Bieber.

[the4thjuliek.livejournal.com]

He knows what he's doing.

Yesterday, we saw a flash of genius from Bieber. It was unexpected and amazing. You have to applaud him for this one.

( ??????? )

Bayern reach agreement with Pepe Reina.

[connorblond.livejournal.com]

According to the FC Bayern official website, Pepe Reina will join FC Bayern coming from Liverpool to be their third (or second?) goal keeper.

http://www.fcbayern.de/de/news/news/2014/fcb-erzielt-einigung-mit-pepe-reina.php (sorry - it's not up on the English version yet)