Categories
News

Shopping soccer jerseys in the US and in Europe

 WHY ARE THEY MY FAVORITE?

 

An American obsessed with European Football (soccer in USA) ? and their  Jerseys?? . That me , it began in the 2009-2010 Champions league Tournament when I was flipping through the TV channels I came across a soccer game. Pausing just for a moment thinking it was just a simple soccer game I became intrigued when I realized it was inter Milan with Pirelli across the Jersey. Being of Italian origin and always insisting on Pirelli tires on my sports cars (mostly Jaguars,BMW,s and porches) I left the game on and learned it was Barcelona Vs Inter in the semi finals of this thing they called the champions league. I had never heard of it before. I knew of the world cup and that England like Italy was a popular football country but became instantly fascinated by the fact that  the best teams from the European countries had a tournament.

 

See here in the USA our two most popular sports Baseball and what we call Football are limited. There are not many other countries that have baseball and football teams and certainly not with the caliber of players in the US leagues. So the thought of the best teams from various countries playing for a champions cup truely inspired me not to mention the variety of Jerseys the teams wore. That same day I watched Inter defeat Barcelona I went to the UEFA website they advertised on the TV  and purchased several champions league jerseys. When they arrived, like a kid at Christmas I instantly opened the jerseys and was unbelievably surprised how awesome they were. From there it became an instant obsession, hobby, addiction and unexpectedly  turning into a collection of over 600 jerseys to date. The Champions league tournament is by far one of the world’s greatest sporting events. This year my hopes are on Bayern Munich to make it to the finals. The Allianz arena Bayern Munich’s home stadium. If Bayern makes it to the finals it will be a historical event  that rarely ever happens in sports.

 

Back to the Jerseys. There are hundreds of .com companies that claim to have the newest Kits, widest selection and so on. I have found some of my most prized jerseys in small town soccer shops and a very few web based sites. The neat thing about the small town shops they usually have a jersey or two that dates back several years still in brand new condition.

 

One web based company that I found to be truly awesome is MM Sports. Based in Denmark I was a little skeptical at first until in the contact us section  there was a phone number. Something you rarely see on any website. So  I placed my first order and within a week it arrived. Pleased with my purchase and always on the lookout  for rare or sold out jerseys I placed a phone call to MM Sports asking if they were able to find a couple jerseys I couldn’t find anyware  . So I called Denmark and spoke with  Mikkell who was  professional and very friendly. To my surprise in just a few days an email appeared telling me he found what I was looking for. MM Sports are amazing people with a sincere desire to get what you need the way you want it. Personal service at a level that leaves you with a wonderful feeling as if you were a king. Some of my favorite Jerseys came from MM Sports.

 

What is so special about a football jersey you ask. What is not special about a jersey I respond. The variety of Manufacturers, materials and clubs are endless. Wearing a Bayern Munich special black  Champions league jersey with the special Lextra Starball on one arm and the Honors 4  trophy on the other sleeve can be intoxicating which I was only able to get from MM Sports. Soccer.com, World soccershop and others all say preorder with no expected delivery date. Well my friends I have several  in a variety of sizes thanks to MM sports taking the time to satisfy a customer halfway around the world.

 

The jerseys and the Champions League are the main focus of what I’m writing.

I love everything about it.

 

 

 

 

 

Categories
FIFA WC | UEFA EURO

World Cup Champions 1930-2010

FIFA World Cup winners 1930-2010

 

 

The World Cup in football has not produced many winning nations over the course of time since its’ incection back in 1930. Furthermore only countries from Europe and South America have ever won. Whether that will change in the future is yet to be seen but so far no signs of any end to the European- South American duopoly.

 

The winners are:

1930 – Uruguay

1934 – Italy

1938 – Italy

1950 – Uruguay

1954 – Germany

1958 – Brazil

1962 – Brazil

1966 – England

1970 – Brazil

1974 – Germany

1978 – Argentina

1982 – Italy

1986 – Argentina

1990 – Germany

1994 – Brazil

1998 – France

2002 – Brazil

2006 – Italy

2010 – Spain

2014 – ?

 

A total of 8 countries have won it – 5 European and 3 South American. Out of a total of some 220 member countries of the FIFA family.

Not everyone is equal though when it comes to winning the trophy. Brazil has five titles. Spain only one.

 

So here comes a list over the number of titles each winning nation has won.

Brazil – 5

Italy – 4

Germany – 3

Argentina – 2 

Uruguay – 2

France – 1

Spain – 1 

England – 1

 

Thereby we can see that Europe holds a narrow 10-9 lead versus South America. Almost like a Ryder’s Cup between Europe and America only that contrary to golf the power in the sport lies to the south of the Rio Grande river.

 

 

 

 

Categories
FIFA WC | UEFA EURO

European Champions in soccer 1960-2008

EURO Champions since 1960

 

The European Championship kicked off with a tournament back in 1960. In the early days it did not attract many countries nor was it an international media event at the scale of today.

The tournament gained steam during the 1970s and has since then become ubiquitous in the international football calendar taking up the same in even years with a frequency of 4.

 

The winning nations since the start back in 1960:

1960 – USSR

1964 – Spain

1968 – Italy

1972 – Germany

1976 – Czechoslovakia

1980 – Germany

1984 – France

1988 – Holland

1992 – Denmark

1996 – Germany

2000 – France

2004 – Greece

2008 – Spain

2012 – ?

 

A number of different countries have won. Including the minors like Czechoslovakia, Denmark, and Greece.

Among the major nations never to have one the Cup one stands out: England.

For the tournament 2012 in Poland and Ukraine all former winners will be present. 3 former winners will be gathered in the same group: Denmark , Germany, Holland + one former finalist Portugal.

Group A can also boast of having 3 former winners participating: Russia, Czech Republic, and Greece + one of the two host countries Poland.

So how does the all – time ranking look like over the best performers ?

Germany – 3

Spain – 2

France – 2

and then all other countries which have won stands at just one titel:

USSR , Italy , Czech , Holland ,  Denmark ,  Greece.

So the odds of winning look pretty good for all participating nations.

 

 

 

Categories
FC Barcelona

FC Barcelona jersey World Club Champions badge

 FC Barcelona jersey World Club Champions badge

FC Barcelona won the FIFA World Club Championship in December of 2011. This gives the club the right to wear a special badge until December of 2012. The badge is called the FIFA World Club Champions badge.

 

FC Barcelona home jersey 11-12 World Club Champions badge

 

To the left arm sleeve Barcelona wears a sponsor logo from the Catalan TV station TV3. The first Catalan TV station to broadcast exclusively in Catalan. During the time when Barca did not have a sponsor logo on the jersey this would be the only commercial content on the jersey (apart from the logo of the athletic apparel sponsor).

 

FC Barcelona home jersey TV3 badge and World Club Champions badge

 

On the right arm sleeve Barcelona has the LFP badge from the Spanish league. When they play Champions League football this badge is replaced by the UEFA Starball badge. This is the only change though. Jersey, WCC badge, TV3 badge, shirt sponsor + name and number kit all remain the same.

For retail all jerseys come with the LFP sleeve badge pre-printed though. It is usually sewn on while some times it can be printed. The badge for the retail jerseys is slightly smaller than the one worn on the pitch by the players.

 

Categories
Product Reviews Real Madrid

Review: Real Madrid CL away jersey 11-12

Review: Real Madrid Champions League Away Jersey

By the MM Sports Ambassador Sean Moran

 

The Real Madrid Champions League Away Jersey has a classic design with a fresh new look to it.  The climacool technology that this jersey has is not like others the feel of the fabric is thick yet it breaths very well.  Like many Adidas jerseys this jerseys breaths in the right areas for not only optimal cooling but at the same time it will keep the moisture off of you so you don’t have to worry about getting cold while training or just wearing it for leisure.  The climacool technology also focuses on certain areas of your body to have maximum ventilation for your body to be able to perform at it up most level.  The jersey the embossed team crest on the upper left chest, and the Adidas logo stitched on the right front chest. The front screen-prints features the team sponsor (bwin) who has consistently maintained sponsorship for Real Madrid over the last several years.

 

Real Madrid Champions League away jersey 11-12

 

 

Also stitched on the right sleeve is the champion’s league soccer ball and on the left is the champion’s league trophy these league badges are very important to a jersey they tell you what league the jersey is worn in, it also can tell other people about what kind of fan you.

 

Real Madrid CL away jersey Star Ball Real Madrid CL away jersey badge of honours

 

 

On the back of the jersey is the name and number of player, as well as team crest at the bottom of the numbers.  The reason for me as a fan to get the players name on the jersey is to support you favorite players not only your team.  The jersey does not look complete without the players name and number on the back of the jersey. Price is not an issue for me because I won’t buy a jersey without a name of the player I like but I understand sometimes price can factor in for some.  Even if you buy the jersey to train instead of the training top you want the player on the back to show your support.  The reason I like to wear team jerseys when I train other than the training gear is because the jersey has more perks like the ventilation of the armpit areas, back, and abdomen.  Also the jerseys are made to be the best possible attire to train an get the most out of you without hindering your abilities due to the elements or even stiffness.

 

Real Madrid CL away jersey official name and number kit

 

 

On the shoulder it has the classic Adidas look with tight arm bands at the end of the sleeves to give it a more fitted look, as well as venting under the arms.

 

Real Madrid Champions League away jersey sleeve

 

 

The bottom right front displays the Adidas authentic mark, while the left bottom displays the screen-print ClimaCool logo.

 

Real Madrid authenticity logo Clima Cool logo

 

 

The sizing of this jersey is true to size, while offering a form fitting style.  The fabric is thicker than most jerseys but very durable and comfortable.  The stitching on this jersey is all very tight and well done, the manufacturing of this jersey shows the effort that Adidas puts in their jerseys to fit it towards what athletes want and what can help them battle the elements and their own body. Also this jersey is very stylish with a great new red color that I have not seen in a Real Madrid jersey before. 

 

 

 

Categories
News

The Dutch Euro 2012 collection

Dutch Euro 2012 collection

A pre-view of what is in store for the Euro 2012 tournament.

The Holland 2012 collection with launch in April 2012 has now been made available for ordering.

So we will try to break it down in the following by categories and product types:

Mens:

Dutch supporters tee:

1 orange

1 black

Dutch authentic organic tee:

1 grey

1 white

1 orange

Dutch core tee:

1 black

1 orange

Dutch training top:

1 black

1 blue

Dutch pre-match top:

1 black

Dutch authentic jersey s/s:

1 home

1 away

Dutch replica jersey s/s:

1 home

1 away

Dutch core polo shirt:

1 black

1 orange

Dutch authentic polo shirt:

2 black

2 white

2 blue

1 orange

Dutch core hoody:

1 black

1 orange

Dutch socks:

1 home

1 away

Socks are counted as “mens” though they might just as well count under women’s or boys.

Dutch authentic full zip hoody:

1 black

1 white

1 orange

Dutch track top:

2 black

1 white

2 blue

2 orange

Dutch lightweight woven jacket:

1 orange

Dutch trainer jacket:

1 black

1 orange

Dutch longer shorts:

1 black

1 blue

Dutch shorts:

1 home

1 away

Dutch training suit:

1 black

1 blue

Dutch authentic cap:

1 orange

Dutch core cap:

1 black

1 orange

Total:

Product types: 20

Variations: 49

By category:

match kit: 4

training wear: 4

leisure wear: 12

 Of course it is open to discussion whether the track tops , woven jacket and trainer jacket should count as “training wear” or as “leisure wear”. In this context they have been assigned to the leisure wear category.

By attribute:

short sleeve tops: 9

long sleeve tops: 6

short legged bottoms: 2

long legged bottoms: 1

Other: 3

It sums up to 21 because training suit is counted both as long sleeve top and long legged bottom.

Boys:

Dutch training suit:

1 black

1 blue

Dutch core tee:

1 black

1 orange

Dutch training top:

1 black

1 blue

Dutch jerseys:

1 home

1 away

Dutch infants kit:

1 home

Dutch kit little boys:

1 home

Dutch shorts:

1 home

1 away

Total:

7 product types

12 different variations

Women’s:

Dutch tank top:

1 grey

1 white

1 orange

Dutch authentic v-neck tee:

1 black

1 blue

1 orange

Dutch womens jersey:

1 home

Dutch womens authentic polo:

1 black

1 blue

1 orange

Dutch womens lightweight jacket:

1 orange

Dutch womens track top full zip:

1 black

1 blue

1 orange

Total:

6 different product types

14 different variations

By category:

Match wear: 1 product

Leisure wear: 5 products

Equipment:

Supporter ball:

1 black

Prestige ball:

1 orange

Skills ball:

1 orange

Scarf:

1 orange

Backpack:

1 black

Gym sack:

1 orange

Small item bag:

1 black

Shoe bag:

1 orange

Football bag:

1 black

Total:

Product types: 8

Styles: 9

By category:

Balls: 3

Merchandise: 1

Travel: 5

 

So these were the plain numbers. What is the conclusion then ?

Well, Nike does tend to cover the most popular categories and product types within sporting goods apparel. When it comes to producing variations by using different styles of a product essentially different colors the emphazis is on the tops. Price segmentation is also clearly visible for short sleeve tops through the scale of different choices starting with:

authentic jersey

replica jersey

pre-match top

polo shirt

training top

supporters tee

authentic tee

core tee

What is absent from the collection this time around are the player related tees. For instance in the case of Holland with Nike players like Sneijder , Huntelaar, Van der Vaart. One explanation might be that there is a second catalogue coming out where these products feature. This typically leads the retailer to order more than if all products at been available from the outset. Another possibility is that the these products have been discontinued. Maybe because the match jerseys cover the player related aspect with the name and number sets. Or maybe they have not sold as well as t-shirts featuring only Holland.

Otherwise there are surprisingly few novelties in the product selection. No new categories, no new product types , no new products. It seems like Nike has found some kind of equilibrium after some years with experimentation around the product lineup.

The sales outside of the Netherlands of these many different products might be rather slim though. But nevertheless it is an advantage to have the full selection offered as a retailer so one can cherry pick the best pieces for one’s own product selection. Compared to most other athletic apparel sponsors which only offer the full selection in the home country of a team for the home market.

Categories
Real Madrid

New Real Madrid Champions League away jersey 2011-12

New Product: Real Madrid Champions League away jersey 2011/12

Launch date of the RM CL away jersey 2011/12: 25th of August

We present the Real Madrid Champions League away jersey for the season 2011/12.

The color chosen for this year’s edition is red. Quite unusual since the usual color is purple, grey, blue, or shale.

However, according to adidas and other sources close to the issue it is not the first time in the history of Real Madrid that they wear a red jersey for European away matches. The same thing already happend on a couple of occassions during the 1960s and the 1970s.

Real Madrid Champions League away jersey 11-12 red

The sponsor logo is white as are the stripes on the sleeves.

The name and number kit that goes with the jersey is also white. Compared to the gold of the home and the away kit.

The jersey comes with a blue UEFA honors badge to the left arm sleeve + the UEFA starball patch to the right arm sleeve.