Categories
FC Bayern Munich

FC Bayern home jersey 11-13

FC Bayern Munich 2011/2013 Home Jersey Review

(With player #31, Schweinsteiger customization.)

 

Bayern Munich, as it stands, have an impressive 12 point lead at the top of the Bundesliga table in Germany. In 20 matches, they have obtained 51 points from 60 possible, and that’s just because of a single loss and three draws. If that was not impressive on its own, their goal difference is an astonishing +44, that’s 51 goals scored, and just 7 conceded! Why does this all matter? Because Bayern Munich are veteran German legends, and their feisty lunge to retrieve what they believe is rightfully theirs, the Bundesliga title, needs to be supported by the look of a champion on the field. Bayern Munich’s 11/13 Home Jersey does just that, bringing a simplistic yet intimidating look that keeps the roar of Die Roten ringing throughout the competitive premier football league of Germany.

 

With an astounding league run, a top-notch squad, and the incredible incoming manager of Josep Guardiola just around the corner, the only thing Munich fans need to know is to keep their feet on the ground so that they don’t take off in heavenly bliss. It’s going to be hard to deny the title to FC Bayern Munich this year.

 

As I review their home jersey, as seen in the 11/12 season and now in the current 12/13 season, I’ll be looking at some deeper perspectives than ever before, appreciating and detailing the custom value of a jersey such as this, printed with “31 SCHWEINSTEIGER”, the impeccable German midfield maestro as seen on the field for Munich and the German national team.

 

FC Bayern home jerseyFC Bayern name and number kit

 

The Look

 

I’ve always been a part-fan of Munich to put it one way. I favor other clubs but I can and have appreciated the raw strength and machine-like consistency and performances of the wondrous Germany club. But in all honesty, I’ve never been a big fan of their kits. I find that their most recent kits have had way too much white and have given too much of a carnival-like feel, but this is just a matter of taste and does not likely convey the majority opinion. With this new home-kit, my taste wins.

 

FC Bayern fabric patternFC Bayern 3 stripes sleevesFC Bayern collar

 

The strong red color that is now the basis of the entire jersey is powerful. Gone are the large white stripes, be they vertical or horizontal. Adidas and Munich have brought a new look to the table that is simple and clean, yet manages to capture the ferocity of Munich with its small touches and elegancy. The cool red encompasses the entire shirt, but it is greatly enhanced by the decision to use gold as the trim and secondary color. The signature Adidas stripes down the shoulders: Gold. The thin ring at the end of the sleeves and the lines about the neck area and the lower-sides of the jersey: Gold. The personalization name, number, and club title on the back: Gold. I feel that the selection to use gold, and in particular, a shade that perfectly matches the four stars above Munich’s classy emblem, makes this a really nice jersey that looks very nice and regal. It’s sporty, both in its nature and use, but the design has its chin up in the cleanliness and simplicity. The glossy zigzag design on the front of the jersey, easily seen in certain light, adds a nice detail to the shirt that is subtle and suppressed.

 

The Deutsche Telekom AG sponsorship goes well with the new jersey, their signature “T” logo is not intrusive at all and it makes for a well-cut presence on the front of the shirt.

 

FC Bayern sponsor logoadidas logoFC Bayern club logo

 

On the back of the inside-neck area, the motto has been included: “Mia san Mia”, Bavarian text for “We are who we are”, a brief and proud expression that holds the clubs players, fans, and origins in high regard. It complements the comment opposite of it, on the back of the shirt at the neck. In bold text it reads, “REKORDMEISTER”! Shouting out the undeniable fact that Bayern Munich are a highly titled, record breaking team, the “Record Holding Champions”. It is a shirt with an exceptional touch of high-standing, but if not at the top, where else could you place the 22 time national title champions?

 

FC Bayern collar Mia San MiaFC Bayern sleeve Bundesliga badgeFC Bayern collar

 

My finishing comments on the look are that it just complements itself so well. The red color accented with gold is just such a nice look, and the choice to leave out obtrusive white segments and an over athletic design have paved the way for one of Munich’s nicest shirts in years. I’m a big fan of the look and I’m happy with their changes and the direction.

 

The Fit

 

Munich’s new shirt is a real piece of production excellence. I have many jerseys and I’ve been able to appreciate a broad diversity of fits, feels, and fabrics. I rate FC Bayern Munich’s 11/13 Home jersey as one of the best quality shirts.

 

FC Bayern adidas hologramFC Bayern clima cool polyesterFC Bayern size

 

The overall product, as manufactured by Adidas, is a work of art. The Adidas stripes are silky smooth and the club’s crest has a covering fabric on the inside of the shirt to avoid discomfort to the wearer from the embroidery. The quality is top-of-the-line.

 

The jersey fits very well. I always get my jerseys in USA Size “L” (Large), though I actually may fit medium better. I prefer a slightly looser feel of a jersey and it works well in all seasons for me. As is the case with pretty much all Adidas jerseys, I have no complaints with the fit and size.

 

I always approach the fabric of jerseys with a “is it thin or thick?” test and I consider this jersey to be a comfortable, mid-level material. Some jerseys can be great but the thickness creates too much heat or is abrasive and uncomfortable for movement, but Bayern Munich’s 11/13 home jersey does not suffer these issues. I’ve enjoyed this jersey in many conditions and never found it to be a hindrance to my task at hand.

 

The Customization

 

Once again, the generosity of MMSports means I have a great chance to review the added customization to a jersey, in this case, we can take a look at the printing of Germany’s one and only Bastian Schweinsteiger, number 31 midfielder for Bayern Munich, and number 7 for the German national team.

 

FC Bayern name and number

 

The number 31 is written in gold text, matching the accent of the jersey itself. The numbers are tall and thin; their bottom area containing the Bayern Munich crest in the color of the jersey behind it, as is the standard with most clubs and their customized fonts and decoration.

 

Beneath the number, the last name of the player, in this case, “SCHWEINSTEIGER”, is written in a slightly compressed text. I’m always iffy with longer names on jerseys but having sported “IBRAHIMOVIC”, “SERGIO RAMOS”, and now, “SCHWEINSTEIGER”, I can say that the text is perfectly sealed to the shirt and will in no way be a noticeable bother.

 

FC Bayern fontFC Bayern numbers logoFC Bayern club logo in numbers

 

Lastly, above the number, the title of the club, “BAYERN MUNCHEN”, is written in a smaller text than the name. I like the Club > Number > Player look on the back of the shirt.

 

Deeper Look on Customization and Personalization

 

Here’s a great opportunity for me to capitalize on the value and scale of a custom, personal jersey compared to an “off-the-rack” one.

 

If you like association football, you are most likely a fan of some particular club.

If you like a club, you are most likely a fan of a particular player.

If you like a player, you may be a fan of their national team and almost guaranteed, a fan of your own.

 

The way that tastes, preferences, and favoritism link together tend to go on and on, like a vine. That means that there are quite a few things that you like and directions that they go in.

 

For example: I’m Spanish, I like football, I like La Liga, I like Real Madrid, and I like Iker Casillas.

In some way or another, each of those things are chained, and I have a liking to each and every subject on the way. Here’s another great example, but this time, in reverse.

 

I like Miroslav Klose, I like Lazio, I like Serie A, I like football, and I like Europe.

Now, these aren’t representative of my favorite things, but they are representative of what I like, and what I would be willing to display when I go out to any destination. Maybe when I go out shopping, I’ve got my 2010 World Cup jersey of Miroslav Klose for the German national team on. It’s got a team I like with “my” player and it’s just “my” size. I can sport it when I go out and know that I’m not wearing a particular brand or a certain new fashion style; I’ve got my own shirt, my own style, my own look.

 

The true value in having a custom jersey is knowing that it’s “yours”. Everyone has their own tastes, preferences, and opinions, and a custom jersey lets you tell the world your side of things. An authentic jersey, even more so. To be able to watch your favorite club in official competitions in your own jersey or to be able to out with a custom shirt is where the value truly lies. Back in high school, I used to go in with jerseys all the time. I’m a big football fan, and to be able show my dedication and joy for the sport by wearing a jersey of one of my favorite clubs or national sides, I had a way to express myself in my own way. It was when I purchased a customized jersey that I realized the real strength of that expression.

 

FC Bayern name and number kit

 

Wear it loud and proud; getting a personalized shirt with your favorite player, number, or maybe your own choice of name and number, is a great way to make your own look while keeping to the things you like best.

 

The Conclusion

 

Bayern Munich’s 11/13 home kit is a great piece of eye candy. It’s got a powerful red base with fitting gold accents, it’s got a sense of nobility and flair about it that speaks volumes about the strength and history of the Bavarian football club. The simpler look than those of the past has created an incredible jersey that doesn’t need to be foolishly complex to satisfy the need for a modern design. It has been, and will continue to be worn by an overwhelmingly powerful force on the football field, at least until the end of this incredible run that FC Bayern Munich are making for the Bundesliga title. The jersey is of the utmost quality, accurate to size, and comfortable to wear. The player customization is clean and bold; the printing is very good.

 

FC Bayern home jersey front

 

My final say on FC Bayern Munich’s home jersey? Well, if you are a fan of Die Roten, you should get it right now. This is the best jersey Munich has had in years; the design, the quality, and the fit are all what define the legacy of Adidas. The simplistic approach to creating Munich’s home jersey has paid off with a beautiful jersey that will look good on the field, good in the store, and good on you!

 


Categories
Real Madrid

Real Madrid home shorts 12-13

Real Madrid home shorts 12/13

The Real Madrid home short for the season 12-13 is white with blue stripes.

The shorts numbers are in the same style as the back numbers for the jersey.

They even include  the RM club logo at the bottom of the number.

 

 

Real Madrid home shorts 12-13

 

 

The adidas logo is placed on the backside of the shorts.

 

Real Madrid home shorts backside

 

 

 Also the clima cool logo is on the backside of the short. So if the shorts number is included there ornamentation front and back on both legs.

 

Real Madrid shorts number 7

 

The shorts come with a string in order to adjust the width.

 

Real Madrid shorts waist elastics

 

The strings come with an interesting detail since they carry the club name.

 

Real Madrid shorts strings

 

 

 

 

Categories
Misc. Clubs . . . Product Reviews

Review: FC Copenhagen home jersey 12-13

Review: FC Copenhagen 12-13 home jersey

By Christiaan Husing , San Jose, California

I enjoyed my visit to Copenhagen and have a fondness for Denmark and the Danish people. I’ve been a football fan since my youth and have amassed a large football shirt collection. I have worn many shirts from many clubs from many manufacturers.

 

FC Copenhagen have been my Danish side for some years. I have owned a number of FCK shirts from the early 2000s onward.

 

In recent years, Kappa’s line of replica shirts have not been the best for supporters. Tight-fitting, they look good on athletes but not necessary on out of shape or aged supporters! The Kappa logo, with its naked man and woman, has embarrassing connotations in the United States.

 

Thankfully, for the 2012-2013 season, FCK have paired with Adidas to provide a line of classic replica shirts and training wear. The 2012-2013 FC Copenhagen home shirt merges Adidas’ classic style with FCK’s recent history.

 

 

 

The shirt is light and features Adidas’ Climacool fabric which is moisture-wicking. I first wore it doing some cleaning work and felt just as dry after I was finished as when I put it on.

 

The three Adidas blue stripes on the shoulder are a classic look and the FCK emblem is embroidered on the chest. The FCK logo definitely attracts attention with its blue lion and the Danish flag makes the shirt stand out here in America. With the Carlsberg sponsors logo screen printed on the chest, nobody will mistake this shirt as being from Major League Soccer!\

 

Adidas shirts tend to be fond of collars, which while historical, do not please me from a style standpoint. Thankfully, this shirt does not have a collar. Unlike the Kappa shirts, the replica is cut for a more comfortable fit and will accommodate those who are thin and those who are not-so-thin!

 

What makes this shirt stand out more from past FCK shirts is the addition of “1992-2012” in gold on the back neck line in gold font. This celebrates the 20th anniversary of the modern FCK club.

I recommend the shirt to all FCK supporters and congratulate Adidas on their effort!

 

 

 

Categories
Product Reviews Real Madrid

Review: Real Madrid away jersey 12-13

Review: Real Madrid away jersey 12-13

By Rafael Valverde, Queens, NYC, USA

After a historic record-breaking season that ended with winning the La Liga title, Real Madrid returns to defend that title on this, their 110th anniversary. Adidas faced pressure in designing a quality away shirt to commemorate the occasion; I feel they have delivered.

 

Real Madrid ude trøje 12-13

 

Appearance

 

The official color-way of the 2012-2013 Real Madrid away shirt is Nobile-Ink/Electricity. Nobile-Ink is a purple hue that is reminiscent of navy in certain lighting. It is the same color used in the accents of the 2012-2013 Real Madrid Home shirt. Electricity is a bright neon green color that brings life to the shirt in small doses through the piping on the shoulder and the stitched Adidas logo on the right chest. The two colors combine for a superb contrast that captures attention. I feel that Nobile-Ink serves as a traditional Real Madrid color while Electricity brings modern excitement. I must admit that I was a bit skeptical when the initial pictures of the shirt were released. However, after seeing it on the field and live in person… It has become a favorite of mine.

 

Performance

 

The shirt material is 100% polyester pique. Adidas CLIMACOOL technology refers to the combination of open mesh, performance fabrics and strategically placed ventilation panels. Specialized ventilation panels are placed in areas such as under the arms and body sides to help whisk away sweat. The intention is to combat heat so that you remain dry, cool and comfortable even in the height of athletic competition. Raglan sleeves provide a flattering fit while still offering complete freedom to the arms. The neck opening is crewneck style with partially ribbed collar. I found the overall fit of the jersey to be “true-to-size.” If your intention is to be active in this shirt, you will be completely pleased with the performance.

 

 

Details

 

The Real Madrid badge is beautifully stitched on the left chest. The crest embroidery is quality. The Adidas logo is stitched on the right chest.

 

Real Madrid klublogo

 

Primary club sponsor, bwin is screened on the mid-chest of the shirt.

 

Vertical stripes are featured on the body of the shirt but can only be seen up close.

 

The LFP badge, (La Liga de Fútbol Profesional) is stitched on the right sleeve.

 

LFP ærmemærke

 

My personal favorite design detail of this shirt is the “110 anos” (110 years) logo on the left sleeve, which commemorates 110 years (1902-2012) of history for the club. It’s a significant and unique detail that will make this shirt feel special for years to come.

 

Real Madrid logo 110 anos

 

Printing

 

The official printing color is white and this does well to balance the shirt. Although white is often considered plain, the printing features subtle details to remain interesting. The Real Madrid logo is once again featured at the bottom of each number. Soft grey horizontal lines are present on each number and letter of printing. These details can be difficult to see from distance but are well appreciated up close. The numbers appear clean and sophisticated. Lastly, I really like the neat name font.

 

RM ude tryk Alonso 14

 

Conclusion

 

Adidas has done a fine job designing and producing the Real Madrid away shirt for the 12/13 season. The end product is a shirt that is well made and visually pleasing. The color contrast of the away jersey is beautiful, something that is much more appreciated in person. Classy details throughout the shirt and printing provide the finishing touch. Hala Madrid!

 

Of course, the 2012-2013 Adidas Real Madrid Away jersey and official Real Madrid player printing are now available at mmsports.com

 

 

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
News

Macron new technical sponsor of Lazio

 Lazio in Macron from the season 2012-13

LAZIO and Macron have announced the signing of an agreement for the technical sponsorship of the Rome club that  will last  the next  5 years, from 2012-13  until the end of 2016-17 season.

After 14 years Lazio – one of the Italian  most important club – has decided  to change the technical sponsor and it is quite significant that Macron has been their choice.

“The decision to link us for so many years to Macron” said the President of Lazio “reveals the confidence we have  in the programs and in the reliability of the company. We’re sure we will develop, over the next few years, important projects that will go far beyond the simple technical sponsorship”.

The same opinion came from  Gianluca Pavanello, CEO of Macron: “After the renewal with Napoli, this agreement with Lazio is a confirmation of appreciation towards us from  the top clubs of Italian League.. It is needless to emphasize the overwhelming importance of an environment such as Rome’s for the whole movement. We are confident that from this partnership with Lazio will arise over the next five years amazing  projects both for the team and Its supporters. ” On this regard  Macron and Lazio have already outlined  the presentation of a collection “Linea Fans” of leisurewear, available in the  “Lazio Style 1900” and in all retail stores Macron from next  August.

During the summer it will be presented the new official jersey of the Roman team that, for the first time, will have a custom label tag with a catch-phrase, that will surely  arise curiosity among its fans.

“The massive passion and the overwhelming enthusiasm of the Lazio fans” concluded Gianluca Pavanello “will be a great motivation for us to create ideas and initiatives always up to the tradition of the Biancocelesti team”.

 

 

 

Categories
AC Milan Product Reviews

AC Milan away kit personalization review

  AC Milan Away 11/12 Jersey with Ibrahimovic #11 Customization Review

 

Today, I will be reviewing AC Milan’s away kit for the current season, among their greatest away kits in recent memory. Alongside my study of the jersey, I will be talking about the greater value of the customization on this kit, the name and number of the invincible Swede striker, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and the power of his presence in AC Milan’s squad. You will be getting some insight into the player that has earned his place among football’s modern legends and his impressive run in Milan’s 10/11 and 11/12 seasons. As always, thank you to MMSports for this unique opportunity, now let us get this review started!

 

AC Milan away jersey 2011-12

 

 

AC Milan and Zlatan Ibrahimovic

 

If you know AC Milan, then surely you have heard of their latest exploits in competitions around the football world, and where you hear “Milan”, you hear the name, “Ibrahimovic”. Zlatan Ibrahimovic is an international football superstar, a player of the Swedish national side and the goal-scoring machine of AC Milan, the latest of renowned clubs he has played for over the years. Look back at the clubs he has played for and you will get a great perspective of this man’s skill, Inter Milan, Barcelona, and Juventus, to name a few. In football terms, Ibrahimovic is a household name; he is an incredible striker and performs with an impressive skillset unique to his style. There are never enough words to describe Zlatan Ibrahimovic, but one fact could sum it all up; “Ibra” is on a victorious streak of eight straight league titles, and that is with five different clubs. 

 

Ibrahimovic for AC Milan

(Image Sources, Clockwise from Top-Left: nikemercurialiii.com, themalaysianinsider.com, bleacherreport.net, ibnlive.in.com.)

 

So what does Ibrahimovic mean to AC Milan? Many could argue that the 2010/2011 Serie A league title could be attributed to Ibrahimovic’s stellar performance supporting the club all season long; I am among those who believe it. His presence has been felt all around the AC Milan fan base, as well as the squad itself. He has brought confidence and great success to a side that desperately needed to hit the reset button after many losses, both trophies and matches, to Inter Milan, the club’s bitter rivals. His talents on the field have been compared to that of a conductor; he has attacking vision that relates to that of Ronaldinho, setting up goals and movements that would seem otherwise impossible. He commands influence on the field.

 

Now, it is time to look a bit deeper.

 

 After all that I have mentioned, how is it that this player’s name is not so frequently brought up when searching for players? Why is it that Ibrahimovic is more feared than other players? Let us face it, Ibrahimovic scares other teams, and it is easy to see why. For all of the skills he enacts upon the ball, he occasionally reveals a perilous temper. It has been said that Ibra plays well when he is angry; frustration does sometimes bring the best out of him, but it also brings the worst. He was suspended twice last season, and though a bit harsh of a punishment, he faced a three-match suspension after a cheeky slap in a clash with Napoli recently. His antics have been part of the reason that, though well-known and incredible as a player, Ibrahimovic is never brought into the “Messi vs. Ronaldo” discussion. Both of those players are also goal-scoring machines, but besides having more of a striking mentality and less of a dynamic support role, they also flare up less than Ibrahimovic does.

 

 

The 2011/2012 AC Milan Away Jersey

 

Now with a brief look into the modern marvel that is Zlatan Ibrahimovic, it is time to take a look at the kit that sports his name and number.

 

 

AC Milan away jersey 2011-12 Ibra 11

 

 

The Look

 

The 11/12 Away Kit for AC Milan is stellar. As is the case with most of Milan’s previous away kits, the jersey is all white with black and red details. The big new look this year around is the vertical stripe, half-red, half-black, running down the left-side of the front, right underneath the club’s emblem. The cool design shows an asymmetrical look that adds a striking uniqueness to the jersey and makes it more appealing than past Milan away jerseys. The “Fly Emirates” sponsor text, as well as the Adidas logo, are shaded in Milan’s particular red; last year the Adidas logo, as well as the general secondary color of the away kit, was actually black. Last year’s low collar has been scrapped for a more athletic neckpiece and the signature Adidas three-stripe design that runs down the shoulders are “Red/Black/Red”, another attractive visual aspect that does carry over from last year’s jersey. Lastly, a thin red trim runs around at the end of the sleeve.

 

 

AC Milan away jersey sleeve
AC Milan away jersey front 2011-12

 

 

 On the back, the top is adorned with this year’s exquisite “Associazione Calcio Milan” tag, written in gold with a thin, tiled Italian flag design beneath it. Just like on the AC Milan 11/12 home jersey, a thin strip painted with the national colors of Italy runs down the sides all the way to the bottom, a detail that is as subtle and elegant as it was when first seen on the home jersey. The customization is very attention-grabbing on the away kit; the name and number are in a rounded, somewhat fat font that emphasizes the boldness of the content. Both the name and number are a deep red outlined thinly in black, putting even more attention in the red details of this kit. It has a more AC Milan feel than the white away kits of the past with black details.

 

 

AC Milan away namekit 2011-12 Ibra 11
adidas hologram AC Milan away kit

 

The Fit

 

AC Milan’s new away kit has quickly become an athletic favorite to me. The jersey is of Adidas’ thinner, more heat friendly line of tops and it is easily felt. It has a less obtrusive feel than the home one, and the pointed collar calls for less hindering of movement of the head. Around the stripes of the shoulders and underneath the arms, the mesh segments of the Adidas Climacool technology help keep you cooler in the heat, and as the unusual Summer weather runs by here in America’s Midwest region, I’ve had a good chance to check it out.

 

Many Adidas jerseys, such as this one, are designed with longer torso shapes and I am a big fan of this choice. The jersey runs farther down but is a very good fit on the upper-torso and chest. If you prefer tightness all around, there are always Tech-Fit and Authentic variants, but for the more casual, shirt-like fit, these jerseys are the way to go. Adidas has done a great job here, as they have with the home and third jerseys of AC Milan.

  

AC Milan away kit collar 11-12
AC Milan away jersey 11-12 Ibrahimovic 11

 

Ibrahimovic and the Future of AC Milan

 

The kit is really polished, and with a brief technical view of it out of the way, I can look one last time at the spirit of the name and number customization I have for review here. You have read but a taste of what Ibrahimovic’s run up to Milan has been like, and now here is a short look at the future of AC Milan with their number 11, Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

 

AC Milan was matched with Barcelona for the UEFA Champions League Quarter-Finals draw, a setup that will play into Ibra’s hands seeing how his rocky time at Barcelona would be best put away with a victory over them. There is no doubt that he will be the Milan player to watch over both matches against the Spanish giants. Past that, Serie A is full of tough matches with teams like Roma, Lazio, Inter Milan, and Juventus, and Ibrahimovic will have to show his skills to help push the team forward. Of course, it is not a solo effort, but I for one believe that a good presence can uplift everyone, and Ibrahimovic is known for injecting life into the field. AC Milan will be the club to watch in Italy, with their Serie A league strong, at the moment, and players like Ibrahimovic shining in the form of their lives. There’s never been a better time to sport his name and number.

 

Conclusion

 

AC Milan’s Away jersey for the 2011/2012 jersey is a testament to all of the away kits the club has ever had. It is a clean, sporty top with a simple and abstract design that brings the best out of the club’s secondary colors. It fits very well with a slightly longer and looser feel than other jerseys but the right shape and material to keep you cool while you watch or while you play. I place the kit among the best of Milan away shirts in recent memory.

 

On the subject of Ibrahimovic, he is a start-studded player with many trophies and titles to his name. He brings an attitude and intimidation factor to the field of football that is still unchallenged today, and he sports the attacking vision and skill that combine to make a unique player versatile in many areas. He has proven to be a respectable player, when you do not push his buttons, and he continues to highlight Milan’s performances in Serie A as well as other competitions. At the age of 30, Ibrahimovic will soon be waning down the last few years of his playing career, as in this sport, most players fade out in their 30’s, but this man’s legacy surely will not. Look for him to win this year’s Serie A title once again with AC Milan, and I assure you that he, and the rest of the club, will put up a spectacle of a fight for the Champions League trophy. Thank you for reading and thank you MMSports for this chance to mix things up!

 

 

 

Categories
FIFA WC | UEFA EURO

Spain away jersey EURO 2012 Mata 13

 Spain away jersey EURO 2012 Mata 13 printing

The new Spanish away jersey for the EURO 2012 is sky blue with navy contrast color.

The name and number kit is black.

 

Spain away jersey EURO 2012 Mata 13 printing

 

Spain usually sports a white or a navy away jersey. This time around however the color skyblue has been chosen.

 

 

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.

 

 

 

 

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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.