Why does Germany wear green? The Ireland myth and the truth.
After dropping a few hints over the past few months, Adidas released the new Germany away kit that will be used throughout EURO 2012. It’s green. Really, really green. Like you, we’ve seen a German flag before and could not find a trace of green on it. So where does this green come from? Well, there’s a popular myth and then there’s the truth.
The myth is that the roots of green lie in post-World War II Germany. Many believe Ireland were the first team willing to play against Germany after the war ended, and so the Germans remembered the gesture by donning Ireland’s traditional green kits.
The truth is, however, that the green does not have anything to do with Ireland. Actually, the first team to play Germany after the war was Switzerland. As for the green and white combo? Well, it wasn’t purely motivated by aesthetics. The colors are derived from the DFB (German football federation) logo, which was designed using green and white, the colors that make up a football pitch. So Ireland, you’re still great, but you’re not responsible for the creation of these awesome green kits.
Source: afootballreport
The World Wildlife Fund wants Messi to wear a Real Madrid jersey for a day
If I supported Real Madrid, I’d be pumping up my bike tires as I type this. In an effort to spread awareness for Earth Hour, which is an hour of “uniting people to protect the planet”, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) has celebrities teaming up with the organization to help spread awareness of Earth Hour and promote sustainable habits. Now, by no means does this suggest that Messi will actually put on the Madrid shirt, but his image serves as an example because of Messi’s proactive role as UNICEF ambassador. Alongside Leo are the likes of Coldplay (if you want to hear a show on Youtube) or Matt Damon (if you want to see him tortured and get hypothermia).
Find more info on Earth Hour here. March 31st at 8:30pm.
Source: afootballreport
#AupaMirandes (Come on Mirandés!)
Miracle is the word that comes to mind as Mirandes go to Bilbao in the second leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final. Marcelo Bielsa’s Athletic Bilbao won 2-1 at Mirandes’ Estadio Anduva last week, and the odds are overwhelming leaning towards them to reach the final, where they’ll play Barcelona or Valencia. But don’t count Mirandes just yet. The minnows sitting in the third tier of Spanish futbol have made a habit out of creating the dramatic, and maybe, just maybe tonight they’ll do it again. Regardless, #AupaMirandes will be trending on twitter later today, and we’re going to join in on the support for Spain’s Cinderella story.
Source: afootballreport
FC Barcelona vs. Brazil in 1999 - The Full Match
The beginning of the week is never enjoyable, but let’s lessen the dosage of suffering with a glorious find on Youtube. 1999 was FC Barcelona’s centenary year and the whole season was quite the celebration of everything FC Barcelona. The highlight of the season (apart from winning the league title) was a friendly match on the 28th of April against the boys from Brazil who finished 2nd in the 1998 World Cup.
Ronaldo (the original) and Romario were making their return to the Camp Nou, but all eyes were on FC Barcelona maestro Rivaldo. Before the game, Rivaldo said he was happy to wear the Blaugrana jersey, but country won over club and Rivaldo played for his homeland. Legends were aplenty, as Figo (before the Real Madrid transfer) put on a show. Pep Guardiola started the match, but was subbed off at half time. Who subbed him off? Well, a certain young Catalan midfielder named Xavi. The match ended 2-2, and it was a real spectacle for all involved. (Full line-ups listed in the description of the video)
Source: afootballreport
Time-Lapse Camp Nou
Egoi Suso Rius decided that capturing a match, in its entirety, at the Camp Nou would be something special. It’s been done before, but not in 110 seconds. Egoi chose to film the Barçelona vs. Osasuna match in January and the results are fantastic. Set to musical stylings of “Sonata No. 11”, this video carries itself in a way that allows its fast-paced footage to be met something that’s not quite as intense. Oh, and the match ended 4-nil Barça.
Source: afootballreport
