Final Report ISYS100

ISYS100 REPORT
John-Paul Panarello - 42797179
Daniel Sindoni - 42797268
Dominic So - 42913810

1. Explain why you chose the blog topic.

We chose this blog topic of soccer because we are all passionate about about the same thing, soccer. Upon meeting Dom on our first encounter is isys100 straight away we starting talking about soccer without even knowing about the assessment, so when the time came it only made sense that we chose soccer.

 2. What were the largest challenges with a team assignment?

We had several challenges. Originally one of the biggest challenges was understanding how to use the actual sites like wikispaces, none of us where familiar and had never used the site before, so the outcome of the assessment wasn’t very clear to us at first. After familiarising ourselves with the site we quickly started to understand what it was we had to do. Another challenge within the group was actually remembering to post every couple of days. We had an advantage though because we all watched soccer and after the game we would select some people to blog about one game and the others for the rest and we appointed someone to do this report also.  Creating a design for the site in one day was another challenge for us, but we overcame it with some team thinking. Another problem was actually posting about the same games, if we had not been in communication due to being out ect, we would see a post about the same game, so we fixed this by communicating more and sending text messages about the games/posts we would cover. One last problem was actually remembering all the different user names and all the different passwords for different websites. To have to create and use gmail, wikispaces, twitter, blogger became very confusing which user name was unique to which website.

3. How did you come up with the final design that you used.

We came up with the final design by getting together and thinking what was the most appropriate layout/colours for a blog about sport. We searched on the internet and found similar sites posting about similar things and found mostly dark colours where used. So we thought we would use dark colours to sort of fade the background but still have a picture of a soccer ball. We thought if the background was dark then it would give the reader a more direct point of view and let them know our blog is all about the information and not about the pretty pictures.

4. Compare a blog that has similar content to yourself, critically analyse your site comparing theres.

http://randomest.blogspot.com.au/

I have chosen to analyse this blog because it is simple. I have found when creating some sort of website/blog the key is simplicity. This blog posts random stories from random people who remain anonymous. So as a reader I would come to this website for the information, not the pretty colours. I am happy with a plain white and red background. They have archives listed on the side so you can look up posts from previous months and years and there are also links to other websites who they are affiliated with. I would definitely build my blog around this style.

Cristiano Ronaldo – A Superstar to remember

Who would have thought that a boy from Madeira, Portugal would be one of the greatest players to have played the wonderful sport of soccer.  From his early days in Sporting Lisbon, to the rise of magician moments in Manchester United and Real Madrid, Cristiano Ronaldo has come a long way in order to reach where he is today.

Cristiano Ronaldo Sporting Lisbon

After being diagnosed with a heart disease at the age of 15, Cristiano Ronaldo thought he would have to give up his dream on playing soccer. Luckily enough, the Sporting Lisbon Football club paid for his medical bills and was able to continue his quest on being the best. In 2002, Cristiano Ronaldo’s skills had expanded and made him a rising star who got the interests of big England clubs such as Arsenal and Manchester United. 

In a friendly where Sporting Lisbon beat Manchester United 3-1 in a friendly game, Sir Alex Ferguson was admired on the young teenager’s skills and was urged to be signed with the club by his own players. In 2003, the transfer was completed and he signed with Manchester United for 15 million Euros, being the first Portugal player to be signed to Man United. Although he requested for the jersey number 28, Sir alex Ferguson pushed him to wear the number 7 which was a number that was worn by great players such as Eric Cantona, David Beckham  and George Best.

Cristiano Ronaldo Manchester United

As he played for Manchester united for 7 seasons, Ronaldo amazed the fans with his dribbling skills and sliky movements which got defenders frustrated. His breakout season was in 2007-08 where he was able to score 42 goals for his club in all competitions which was his highest goal scoring record thus far in his career. Also in that season, he won the English Premier League and the Champions League beating Chelsea on penalties. After an amazing season, he was awarded the Ballon D’or 2008 for being the best European player. He also won another Premier League title in 2008-09 season with Manchester United. Before the 2009-10 season, Ronaldo requested that he wanted to transfer to his idol dream club, Real Madrid. 

Cristiano Ronaldo at Real Madrid

This was granted and Real Madrid transferred Cristiano Ronaldo for 80 million euros which was the highest transfer fee in soccer history. He immediately made an impact in his debut season scoring 33 goals for his club but they were not able to win the la liga. In 2010-11 season with new management under Jose Mourinho, Ronaldo exploded his goal scoring run by establishing 53 goals. Although his individual performance was amazing, the team could only win the Copa Del rey. It seemed FC Barcelona were invincible, continuing to block Ronaldos hunt for trophies until the 2011-12 season where Real Madrid won the La Liga title stopping Fc Barcelona’s 3 years straight title reign. Individually, Cristiano Ronaldo scored a career goal record with 60 goals.

 

As he continues his career, Cristiano Ronaldo will definitely be remembered as one of the greatest players ever in soccer history.

A-League: New Season Kick Off

Official Logo

The A-League, the highest level of football in Australia, kicked off this past weekend with expectation at an all time high. The season which is now in it's 8th year, has been called "the year to look out for" with an introduction of a new club, West Sydney Wanderers and the introduction of 3 important marquee players. Shinju Ono, Emile Heskey and Alessandro Del Piero have all signed contracts to stay and play their football in Australia this season. Friday night saw the local Melbourne derby take place, Melbourne Victory with new manager, former Roar coach and 2 time winner Ange Postecoglou taking the reigns facing Melbourne Heart. After a caging and opening affair with the score's level at 1-1, the Heart grabbed a 2-1 win to take the derby rights. Heart looked disciplined and well organized, pressing at the right opportunities which lead to positive attacking chances. Victory on the other hand looked shaky, and with expectations at an enormous level after last years failure's, results must appear in the near future.

Del Piero for Sydney

Saturday night Sydney FC traveled to Wellington, with 2 million dollar man and Italian superstar Del Piero making his debut. This could be the biggest signing in Australian sport, with the player representing Juventus for 19 years, winning Serie A titles, Champions League and World Cup in 2006. Fairytails don't always go to plan with Wellington convincingly winning 2-0. Sydney looked all over the shop, too many mistakes and not enough service for the Italian. Elsewhere at Parramatta stadium, West Sydney made their debut holding Central Coast to a 0-0 draw, showing signs they are no stepping stone for other teams. A crowd of over 10,000 showed the game is indeed alive in the western part of Sydney, Ono played part in the last 30 minutes with a great presence. Heskey started for Newcastle but Adelaide took them down 2-0. Elsewhere Perth faced Brisbane in the grand final rematch, winning 1-0 at home to kick off their season in perfect fashion.

Harry Kewell close to retirement



Harry Kewell



Harry Kewell has conceded his football career might be over, having struggled to find a new club since returning to England.
The 34-year-old attacker, who left A-League club Melbourne Victory after one season, moved to England in June due to his wife's desire to be close to her sick mother.

Kewell, who has played 58 matches for Australia, has been unable to find a new employer in England, where he last played for Liverpool in 2008.

And after almost four months of searching, the Australian forward has revealed it may be time for a career change.

"If something comes up and it is the right thing for me I will have a look at it," Kewell told Sky Sports in the United Kingdom.

"But I am happy to move on with a different career."

Kewell has been linked with English Premier League club Stoke, Championship outfits Blackburn and Middlesbrough and third-tier team Swindon Town but nothing has been finalised, with speculation his wage demands are putting clubs off.

Injury

His history of injuries and the fact he has not played at the top level in England for more than four years may be the reason why Kewell has yet to receive an offer.

Roberto Baggio - An Icon of Italian Football

Baggio beginning his career

When people hear the name "I'll Divino", especially talking with people of the Italian generation, one name comes straight to the top. Roberto Baggio. The name Ill Divino translates to "The divine ponytail" thanks to his iconic hair, is a retired Italian footballber, and a personally idol of mine growing up playing the game. Baggio stands far ahead on the top of my list, my faviourite footballer and icon. Born in Caldogno, Italy on the 18 February, 1967 he quickly devleoped the skill and technique at a young age that caught the eye of many clubs. Starting his career at Vicenza, dominating the headlines week in week out until a serious knee injury not only put his life on hold, but what was a serious sign for things to come.

The legendary number 10

Playing for some of Italy's biggest clubs which included the likes of Fioretnina, Inter Milan, Juventus and AC Milan, Baggio's life never consisted of one dull moment. He had a reputation of changing teams into superstars, but that said he often was out of favour  with managers notably Marcello Lippi and Fabio Capello, an issue many fans and media still wonder upon, but with  no answer. The word going around both managers did not see eye to eye with the Italian player, which was the main cause for Baggio playing for a number of clubs. He attracted large interest from the Spanish, German and English leagues but felt it was his obligation and loyalty to stay in his homeland. Playing in the "number 10" attacking midfielder role, many say Roberto Baggio was a constant nightmare for defenders, a true fox on the field, a fox at time's that  was impossible to catch. Baggio had that special presence about him, the rare type of player that when on the ball you thought absolutely anything was possible. A magician, some were calling him. A highlight of his career, Argentinian legend Diego Maradonna at the time playing for Napoli, came against Baggio, still at a young age, and personally said he was special, a player to look out for the in future, and he was right.

FIFA world player of the year

Roberto Baggio is the only Italian player to score at three world cups, with most peoples memory coming down to his 1994 world cup final miss against Brazil. For many years Baggio carried the national team into a deadly force. His highlights include winning the FIFA world player in 1994, Ballon  d'Or, Silver boot and Silver winner in 1994, 2 Serie A titles, 1 Coppa Italia, 1 UEFA cup, and scoring more 300 career goals. One would only think if Baggio did indeed go on to win the World Cup he was instantly be considered one of the greatest footballers. The world recognized this legendary player regarding him as one of the finest footballers of all time (4th on the internet FIFA poll). The never ending knee injuries were a constant menace throughout his career, multiple operations and rehab sessions never dented his hopes and ambitions, imagine if he stayed injury free throughout his career? Its actually a scary thought of what could of happened. He finally called it quits on his professional career in 2004, leaving a legacy on Italian football. I molded my game and style on the great play-maker,
watched all his videos, thinking one day i could be like him. Roberto Baggio gave me my passion and love for the game, he is a true icon of world football, with his reputation and skill being remembered forever.

Inter Milan - Rebuilding for the Future

Inter European Champions

Inter Milan or commonly known around Europe as Internazionale is a professional football club playing in Italy's SERIE A. Inter are considerd one of Italy's historic and famous clubs. A club founded in 1908, and play there home football at the San Siro also known as the Giuseppe Meazza, named after the legend of the same name who played for both Inter and their biggest rivals AC Milan. Inter have won 30 domestic titles, the Coppa Italia 7 times, Supercoppa 5 times, UEFA Champions league 3 times, 3 UEFA cups, 2 intercontinental cups and 1 FIFA club world cup, an outstanding record for a powerhouse of European football. Over the past 6-12 months, a new guard has taken over the Inter club, with a policy to recall more youth and change the current squad. Last season was considered disastrous for the club, finishing in 6th place on 58 points, an amazing 26 points adrift to eventual winner Juventus who totalled 84 points and remained unbeaten through the whole domestic campaign. Not even finishing in the top two, was just not acceptable for the club, and missing out on the UEFA Champions league for the upcoming season was considered embarrassing. A club like Inter should always be playing with the best Europe has to offer, and for that reason alone changes had to be made.

Jose Mourinho welcomed by Inter

A number of coaches came and went from the likes of Rafael Benitez, Leonardo, Gian Piero Gasperini and Claudio Ranieri all coaches with impressive careers but some how could not work with the Inter squad. It seems to be a some what characteristic trend, as they have not seem to adapt since losing Portuguese coach Jose Mourinho who now serves as Real Madrid manager. Let's not forgot what this man did for the club. An unbelievable achievement , creating Italian football history winning the 'Treble', that is the Italian SERIE A championship, the Coppa Italia and the UEFA Champions league all in one season. After this Inter Milan's downfall slowly came into play, the departure of Jose Mourinho left a some what enormous hole which still remains seen to be filled. Inter just did not seem as stable, disciplined and organized as they once were. Club President Massimo Moratti, in charge since 2006 promised the fans and supporters of the club to remain patient as great things would soon appear.

Milito and Cassano celebrate

Current Inter manager Andrea Stramaccioni, at only 36 years of age holds the responsibility to once again make this a successful club. Starting both the Serie A and Europea league competitions very strongly, there are good signs of what's to come. A man of respect, knowledge and passion Stramaccioni has displayed the characteristics and drive to help Inter regain its formal glory. With the key superstars still part of the squad, such  as creative mastermind Wesley Sneijder and striker Diego Milito, and with a number of reinforcements signed during the transfer window, the future is looking very very bright. Italian Antonio Cassano, which was at a time considered of the world's best players, Uruguayan Walter Gargano, Japan's Yuto Nagamoto, and a number of new signings, in particular at young age's have all joined the squad. With a smart experience of both youth and maturity this Inter team could be one to look out for. This is just the beginning, with time, patience and luck let's see what this Inter Milan team are made out of.

Lionel Messi the greatest footballer ever ?

Lionel Messi Ballon D'Or

Sir Alex Ferguson On Lionel Messi 2012 !  

After winning 3 straight consecutive Ballon d’Ors (2009, 2010 & 2011), football managers, experts, players, media and the fan have asked the question: is Lionel Messi the greatest football ever?

Lionel Messi vs Ronaldinho

It is very tough to give a straight answer to this question. We have seen many spectacular players from the past to the present era such as Pele, Maradona, Zidane, Ronaldo, Raul, Del Piero, Ronaldinho, Thierry Henry, etc. All these players have become a significant icon towards the football era. Each one of these players has different abilities such as goal scoring, playmaking and skill. Because football is a team sport, people have different opinions on what matters the most. 

Does scoring alot of goals or winning team trophies or winning individual awards identify a great player? If so then you can put Lionel Messi under all these categories. In the 2011-12 season, he broke the goal scoring record by scoring an astonishing 73 goals. That was only one of many records he has broken. He also made UEFA Champions League history by becoming the first player to ever score 5 goals against a team in one match. He also became the first player to top-score in four successive Champions League campaigns. In that same season, he set the current goal scoring record in a single La Liga season, scoring 50 goals.

He has also won 5 La ligas, 2 Copa Del Rey’s, 5 Supercopa de Espana, 3 Champions League, 2 Super Cups and 2 World Club Cups.  It seems he has done it all and no doubt he could be consider the greatest player of all time.  But there is still one trophy that he has still not won which is the World Cup which is considered the biggest honour because you are winning it for your country not your club.

Lionel Messi for Argentina

Critics have argued about Lionel Messi’s performance when he plays for Argentina. It seems he cannot emulate his goal scoring abilities like in Barcelona. Fans and the media stated it is because of the players he is surrounded with in Fc Barcelona such as Xavi and Iniesta who are the two key play makers. This allows Messi’s role in Barcelona a lot easier because he does not have to carry the team on his shoulders. While in Argentina, there is no real play makers thus Messi must play this role for the Argentina team and have other strikers such as Kun Aguero and Carlos Tevez play the attacking role. 

After weighing both sides, there is no doubt that Lionel Messi deserves to be mentioned in the same conversation as “who is the greatest footballer of all time”. But because of his different performance for club and country the question is still left wide open for other players to take that honour. At the age of 25, the sky is the limit for Messi and by the time his career is over, he could possibly be considered the GREATEST FOOTBALLER OF ALL TIME.

Trouble in Real Madrid ???

Real Madrid Logo

Beckham, Figo, Zidane & Ronaldo

For the past couple of months, there have been speculations that the real Madrid coaching members and players are not getting along thus causing tension between each other. Considering Real Madrid winning La Liga last year in the 2011-12 season, the first title since 2007 was suppose to be a step forward towards establishing the glory days since the Los Galacticos of superstars like Figo, Ronaldo, Beckham and Zidane. 

Ronaldo & Casillas

It started last season in the 2011-12 season when there was rumor that superstar Cristiano Ronaldo and captain Casillas were not getting along. Apparently, Casillas was not happy with Cristiano Ronaldo hogging the ball all time and not passing to his team mates. Neither one stated any of these quotes were true, but there was something going on between these two mates considering they were not the best of friends in the squad. Although the media tried to affect the Real Madrid squad, the team was focused and determined beating Barcelona at the Camp Nou 2-1 securing the La Liga title

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Coming into the new season, Real Madrid were coming into as favourites to successfully defend their title and even win the Champions League title which has emulated them since their last title success in 2001/2002 season. Players such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Casillas, Sergio Ramos and Pepe had successful runs during the Euro 2012 which was a good sign for the Madrid squad. 

But the start of the 2012-13 season was very shocking and surprising. In the first five games, Real Madrid had a record of 2 W – 1 D – 2 L while there rival Fc Barcelona had won all there five games, positioning themselves 1^st on the ladder board creating an 8 point gap between the two teams. 

Cristiano Ronaldo Not celebrating his goals

Further problems was created after Cristiano Ronaldo scored 2 goals, he did not celebrate at all. He told the media that he was “unhappy at the club.” The media speculated different reasons such as asking for money, losing the UEFA best player award etc. Immediately after this happen trade rumors had occurred maybe returning back to Manchester United. 

Ramos and Mourinho

The latest problem in the Madrid squad is the tension between Real Madrid Coach Jose Mourinho and defender Sergio Ramos. Against Manchester City, Mourinho put ramos on the bench who is usually a starter for Real Madrid. Fans were confused on Mourinho’s decision on why he would put him on the bench in a big game like this. 

Ramos and Mourinho Problems ??? 

While these problems seem to have only a little affect, it is important for Madrid to stay focus otherwise they could possibly lose their title chances and also their key players next season.