Author: Brooks Peck

Neymar scores from directly behind the goal in training

Normally when a footballer demonstrates their ability to score from “behind the goal,” they’re doing it just a step or two away from the endline and with plenty of room to curl he ball into the net. Neymar, however, is not most footballers.

While his teammates sat around during a training session before Brazil’s friendly at France, Neymar casually spun the ball in the net from directly behind the goal.

His teammates did not seem terribly impressed.

And against France, he managed to score from a slightly less difficult angle.

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A detective tries to keep Sepp Blatter from getting his grubby hands on the long-lost Jules Rimet Trophy

(Howler Magazine/art by Patrick Leger)
(Howler Magazine/art by Patrick Leger)

My latest private detective story for Howler Magazine* appears in the newly released issue seven and sees our mediocre investigator dragged into the search for the Jules Rimet Trophy — the original World Cup prize, which has been missed since 1983. Tony is forced to deal with a host of shady characters, including a pair of treacherous FIFA executives.

Though you should definitely pick up the new mag, you can read the story in full on Howler’s site.

And while you’re there, I highly recommend checking out DT contributor Ryan Bailey’s piece on the football rockstar you never saw, Robin Friday, as well!

*Previous cases involving Mario Balotelli and Jose Mourinho’s last days at Real Madrid appeared in issues two and four, respectively. 

Backheel from distance sets up impressive volley in Greek match

Moments of perfection can occur at many different levels of the game and Greek amateur club Thyamis Kastriou proved this in their recent 4-0 win over Asteras Parapotamou.

The volley into the top corner of the net is wonderful enough, but the fact that it’s set up by a perfectly weighted looping backheel makes it rather incredible.

Thanks to Tolis from thesprotiaball.gr for the tip!

Leo Messi and 7-foot-7 Gheorghe Muresan pictured together at an NBA game

In Washington, DC for Saturday’s friendly against El Salvador, the entire Argentina squad went to the Washington Wizards-Indiana Pacers NBA game on Wednesday night. This provided the opportunity for a truly delightful image: 5-foot-7 Lionel Messi shaking hands with 7-foot-7 former Wizards (then Bullets) center Gheorghe Muresan, the tallest player in NBA history.

The Wizards also presented Messi with the No. 10 jersey, eliciting mental images of the Argentine nutmegging opponents on the court with a basketball. And if you think Messi would be too small to compete in the NBA, remember that ex-Washington point guard Muggsy Bogues was just 5-foot-3.  Read more

Pep Guardiola is using Zidane to sabotage Real Madrid (probably)

Pep Guardiola has agreed to host a group of French coaches, including Real Madrid Castilla Zinedine Zidane, at Bayern Munich’s training complex this week. According to ESPN FC and AS, the French delegation (which also includes Claude Makelele and Willy Sagnol) are observing Guardoila’s training sessions this week in an effort to soak up the expert knowledge on offer as they work towards their UEFA Pro Level Three Licenses.

Given Guardiola’s lasting allegiance to Barcelona, it seems highly unlikely that he would actively try and help the man tipped to be Real Madrid’s next manager. So it stands to reason that this is all an elaborate ruse to feed Zidane (and fellow ex-Real Madrid player Makelele?) false information.

Some top tips that Guardiola is probably sharing with Zidane:

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Soccer AM quiz new Colorado Rapids signing Kevin Doyle on American words

Ireland international Kevin Doyle signed for the Colorado Rapids last week and to prepare him for his big move, Sky Sports’ Soccer AM quizzed him on the American equivalent for several words and phrases.

Now, an Englishman teaching an Irishman the terminology of America would seem destined to fail, but Doyle does pretty well. He won’t be eating any cotton candy or zucchini while in the States, though. Or wearing a fanny pack.