Free Kicks

Messi, El Hombre De Los 673 millones De Dólares, Encumbra Al Barcelona Con Un Tiro Libre De Museo

No hay que estar dentro de la cabeza de Lionel Messi para saber que el partido contra el Athletic Bilbao iba ser más extraño de lo normal. Primero, el argentino volvía de una suspensión de dos encuentros después de ser expulsado ante el mismo equipo vasco en la final de la Supercopa de España. Luego, la atención sobre su figura tendría un foco diferente tras la portada del diario “El Mundo”, el cual filtró el astronómico contrato que tiene el “10” con el Barcelona: 555.237.619 euros (673.919.105 dólares) por cuatro temporadas. O sea, $167 millones al año.

Lionel Messi’s 650th Barcelona Goal Is An Unstoppable Free Kick

Lionel Messi and Antoine Griezmann fired Barcelona to a 2-1 win at home to Athletic Bilbao in LaLiga on Sunday, avenging their recent defeat to the Basque side in the Spanish Super Cup final.

Messi curled in a free kick after 20 minutes for his 650th Barça goal on the day the club pledged to sue Spanish newspaper El Mundo for publishing the full details of the Argentine's contract.

Luis Suárez Strikes The Perfect Free Kick To Send Atlético 10 Points Clear

Atlético Madrid's Luis Suárez fired in two goals as they thrashed Cádiz 4-2 away in an action-packed game on Sunday to march 10 points clear at the top of LaLiga.

Suarez gave Atléti the lead in the 28th minute with a curling free kick which was cancelled out by Cádiz forward Álvaro Negredo seven minutes later before Saúl Ñíguez restored the visitors' advantage moments before the break.

If You’re Not Using These Tactics, Are You Even Trying?

We’re at a point in football where there’s no reinventing the wheel. Everything’s been done before, and the introduction of and emphasis on things like video analysis, data tracking and sabermetrics translates into a more uniform approach than ever before.

Kevin Davies And The Art Of The Foul

When Kevin Davies took the field for Bolton Wanderers, the action on the pitch often resembled a barroom brawl rather than a soccer match.

Under manager Sam Allardyce, Davies consistently led the league in both fouls committed and fouls received, setting multiple records along the way.

How To Ping A Soccer Ball (Steps + GIFs)

The "ping" ball is one of the most sexy and soothing visuals in the sport of soccer. Here's a quick run through of one of the fundamental skills that every soccer player needs to know. 

via GIPHY

Julian Green Won’t Let You Forget About Him That Easily

The USMNT’s future looks brighter than ever, especially after a promising 0-0 draw against Wales and a 6-2 thumping of Panama. A young squad with overflowing potential has fans ready for the new era of Gio Reyna, Weston McKennie, Sergiño Dest and other American stars playing among Europe’s best clubs.

How To Hit A Knuckleball

In this episode of Raise Your Game, The18’s own Grant Conybear shows you how to correctly hit a knuckleball. The general technique of a knuckleball starts with aiming to strike the ball directly in the center. Using the knuckle part of your foot, about where your laces are, approach the ball straight on and use a short backswing while striking the ball with a locked ankle and locked leg.

Dries Mertens’ Sublime Free Kick The Highlight Of Belgium’s Win Over England

Early goals by Youri Tielemans and Dries Mertens earned Belgium a comfortable 2-0 victory over England as they strengthened their grip on top spot in Nations League Group A2 in Leuven on Sunday.

England needed a win to put themselves back in the frame for a place in the Nations League finals, but Gareth Southgate's side found themselves chasing the game after Tielemans put the hosts in front after 10 minutes.

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