World Cup Qatar 2022 might be making headlines for all the wrong reasons — including alleged human rights violations — but the tournament is pushing ahead with its Nov. 20 start date, when the host squad will face off against Ecuador. Ahead of that opening tie, FIFA 23 has launched its World Cup mode as well as a new Path to Glory promo in Ultimate Team.
While the traditional tournament mode is pretty straightforward, including a World Cup Live match type that allows you to play past or current fixtures as the real-world cup progresses, Path to Glory requires a little more explanation for those new to Fut.
Here’s what you need to know about Path to Glory, including the Team 2 cards released by EA Sports ahead of the start of Qatar 2022:
FIFA 23 Fut Path to Glory Players
The Path to Glory promo adds new cards to packs that get boosts based on...
While the traditional tournament mode is pretty straightforward, including a World Cup Live match type that allows you to play past or current fixtures as the real-world cup progresses, Path to Glory requires a little more explanation for those new to Fut.
Here’s what you need to know about Path to Glory, including the Team 2 cards released by EA Sports ahead of the start of Qatar 2022:
FIFA 23 Fut Path to Glory Players
The Path to Glory promo adds new cards to packs that get boosts based on...
- 11/19/2022
- by John Saavedra
- Den of Geek
World football takes center stage once again this November. This year’s FIFA World Cup will be played in Qatar, marking the 22nd edition of the tournament. Defending champions France will be looking to repeat their 2018 glory, while other favorites like Belgium and Brazil will try to claim the title. And then of course there is England, who haven’t won the tournament since 1960 and will be looking to finally take the cup home this year.
This also means FIFA 23, the final EA football sim that will carry the “FIFA” name, is getting a new World Cup mode this month ahead of the tournament’s start on Nov. 20. Here’s everything you need to know to prepare for the game’s big World Cup update…
FIFA 23 World Cup Mode Release Time
The long-awaited World Cup mode will finally hit FIFA 23 on Nov. 9, while FIFA Ultimate Team update with new card packs will released on Nov.
This also means FIFA 23, the final EA football sim that will carry the “FIFA” name, is getting a new World Cup mode this month ahead of the tournament’s start on Nov. 20. Here’s everything you need to know to prepare for the game’s big World Cup update…
FIFA 23 World Cup Mode Release Time
The long-awaited World Cup mode will finally hit FIFA 23 on Nov. 9, while FIFA Ultimate Team update with new card packs will released on Nov.
- 11/8/2022
- by John Saavedra
- Den of Geek
To mark the release of Take the Ball, Pass the Ball , out now, we’ve been given 3 copies to give away on DVD.
Take the Ball, Pass the Ball is the definitive story of the greatest football team ever assembled. For four explosive years Pep Guardiola‘s Barça produced the greatest football in history, seducing fans around the world. In this exclusive, first-hand account of events between 2008 and 2012, the players themselves reveal the tension of the bitter Guardiola-Mourinho rivalry, the emotion of Abidal’s fight back from cancer to lift the European Cup and how Messi, the best footballer the world’s ever seen, was almost rejected by Barça as a 13-year-old.
Inspired by the book Barça: The Making of the Greatest Team in the World by Graham Hunter, Take the Ball, Pass the Ball features exclusive interviews with Barça’s stellar cast of current and ex-players, including Lionel Messi,...
Take the Ball, Pass the Ball is the definitive story of the greatest football team ever assembled. For four explosive years Pep Guardiola‘s Barça produced the greatest football in history, seducing fans around the world. In this exclusive, first-hand account of events between 2008 and 2012, the players themselves reveal the tension of the bitter Guardiola-Mourinho rivalry, the emotion of Abidal’s fight back from cancer to lift the European Cup and how Messi, the best footballer the world’s ever seen, was almost rejected by Barça as a 13-year-old.
Inspired by the book Barça: The Making of the Greatest Team in the World by Graham Hunter, Take the Ball, Pass the Ball features exclusive interviews with Barça’s stellar cast of current and ex-players, including Lionel Messi,...
- 11/13/2018
- by Competitions
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Sean Dempsey/Pa Archive
West Ham United may have spent the first six months of the 2015-16 Premier League campaign in the top half of the table, but experiencing such lofty heights has been a rare occurrence in previous years.
Since 1993, the East London outfit have only finished in eighth position or above on three occasions, something which was last achieved during 2001-2002 when the likes of Michael Carrick, Joe Cole and Jermain Defoe plied their trade for the Hammers.
Despite twice being relegated to the second tier of English football since that year, West Ham have always been considered an attractive option for players looking to impress in the Premier League, but like with many clubs, they find themselves in the position of acting as a stepping stone for players who believe their future lies elsewhere.
In some cases, that has been inevitable. When Alan Pardew pulled off one...
West Ham United may have spent the first six months of the 2015-16 Premier League campaign in the top half of the table, but experiencing such lofty heights has been a rare occurrence in previous years.
Since 1993, the East London outfit have only finished in eighth position or above on three occasions, something which was last achieved during 2001-2002 when the likes of Michael Carrick, Joe Cole and Jermain Defoe plied their trade for the Hammers.
Despite twice being relegated to the second tier of English football since that year, West Ham have always been considered an attractive option for players looking to impress in the Premier League, but like with many clubs, they find themselves in the position of acting as a stepping stone for players who believe their future lies elsewhere.
In some cases, that has been inevitable. When Alan Pardew pulled off one...
- 2/8/2016
- by Darren Plant
- Obsessed with Film
Alberto Saiz/AP
Barcelona defender Marc Bartra has surprisingly revealed he wants to stay at the Nou Camp, despite looking set to leave this summer, according to Football Espana.
The 24-year-old looked almost certain to leave Barcelona during the summer, after a clause in his contract would have let him move on for a cut-price fee. Manchester City, Bayern Munich and Porto are just a few clubs who were interested in his services. However, the Spain international has vowed to stay with La Blaugrana and fight for his place at the Nou Camp next season.
The centre-back, who signed for Barca’s youth academy from Espanyol in 2002, finds himself behind the likes of Gerard Pique, Javier Mascherano, Jeremy Mathieu and Thomas Vermaelen in the defensive pecking order. However, despite looking to move on after only playing 14 La Liga games for the Catalans last term, he’s wants to remain a Barcelona player.
Barcelona defender Marc Bartra has surprisingly revealed he wants to stay at the Nou Camp, despite looking set to leave this summer, according to Football Espana.
The 24-year-old looked almost certain to leave Barcelona during the summer, after a clause in his contract would have let him move on for a cut-price fee. Manchester City, Bayern Munich and Porto are just a few clubs who were interested in his services. However, the Spain international has vowed to stay with La Blaugrana and fight for his place at the Nou Camp next season.
The centre-back, who signed for Barca’s youth academy from Espanyol in 2002, finds himself behind the likes of Gerard Pique, Javier Mascherano, Jeremy Mathieu and Thomas Vermaelen in the defensive pecking order. However, despite looking to move on after only playing 14 La Liga games for the Catalans last term, he’s wants to remain a Barcelona player.
- 6/29/2015
- by Gareth Hinton
- Obsessed with Film
Matt Dunham/AP
Since the Premier League began in 1992, Liverpool have suffered numerous highs and lows. Graeme Souness and Roy Hodgson both did their level best to drag the club into obscurity during their respective reigns as manager, while Gerard Houlller, Rafa Benitez and, currently, Brendan Rodgers, have all come close to bringing the glory days back to Anfield.
Throughout that time, some wonderful players have represented the Reds. Whether it be commanding centre-backs, world-class midfielders or lethal strikers, Liverpool have had it in abundance. The hardest thing is whittling down all those great players to a single best starting 11.
Who makes the cut up front out out of Robbie Fowler, Michael Owen, Fernando Torres and Luis Suarez? Which midfield enforcer gets the nod out of Didi Hamann and Javier Mascherano?
Here is Liverpool’s Greatest XI Of The Premier League Era……….
The post Liverpool’s Greatest Premier League XI appeared first on WhatCulture!
Since the Premier League began in 1992, Liverpool have suffered numerous highs and lows. Graeme Souness and Roy Hodgson both did their level best to drag the club into obscurity during their respective reigns as manager, while Gerard Houlller, Rafa Benitez and, currently, Brendan Rodgers, have all come close to bringing the glory days back to Anfield.
Throughout that time, some wonderful players have represented the Reds. Whether it be commanding centre-backs, world-class midfielders or lethal strikers, Liverpool have had it in abundance. The hardest thing is whittling down all those great players to a single best starting 11.
Who makes the cut up front out out of Robbie Fowler, Michael Owen, Fernando Torres and Luis Suarez? Which midfield enforcer gets the nod out of Didi Hamann and Javier Mascherano?
Here is Liverpool’s Greatest XI Of The Premier League Era……….
The post Liverpool’s Greatest Premier League XI appeared first on WhatCulture!
- 10/22/2014
- by Henry Jackson
- Obsessed with Film
Mike Egerton/Empics Sport
For all of his lack of grasp of tactics, system changes and the nuances of flair players, the one constant in Alan Pardew’s career has been his preference for hard-working players who will give everything for the cause. That’s why he’s said so much recently about the fighting spirit of the squad, and how hard everyone is working to “try” and turn things round: he paints a picture of an engine straining to change results, because that’s his ideal picture of a football team.
This is the man, remember, who played Hayden Mullins ahead of Javier Mascherano and basically forced the Argentinian out of the door at West Ham after just months by simply ignoring that he existed – as best he could. His preference for players like Cheick Tiote – all fire and fearsome tackles – over Vurnon Anita – a proper technical footballer with...
For all of his lack of grasp of tactics, system changes and the nuances of flair players, the one constant in Alan Pardew’s career has been his preference for hard-working players who will give everything for the cause. That’s why he’s said so much recently about the fighting spirit of the squad, and how hard everyone is working to “try” and turn things round: he paints a picture of an engine straining to change results, because that’s his ideal picture of a football team.
This is the man, remember, who played Hayden Mullins ahead of Javier Mascherano and basically forced the Argentinian out of the door at West Ham after just months by simply ignoring that he existed – as best he could. His preference for players like Cheick Tiote – all fire and fearsome tackles – over Vurnon Anita – a proper technical footballer with...
- 10/13/2014
- by Simon Gallagher
- Obsessed with Film
Dusan Vranic/AP/Press Association Images
There have been so many incoming transfers passing through Melwood in the last 15 years that Liverpool supporters must have been straining their brains trying to keep up with the latest personnel. With a revolving door system of managers in the last few years, there has been not an iota of stability within the club, and ultimately, there have been numerous transfers as a result. Of course, Rafael Benitez had much to answer for as well, what with his penchant for dipping his beak into the transfer market every twenty minutes.
As a result, this means that while the Kop has been privy to some world-class players, such as Xabi Alonso, Javier Mascherano and Fernando Torres, there have been an awful lot of sub-standard players within the pile. Whether they were once shining lights whose sparks have since fizzled, or simply youth players who never realised their potential,...
There have been so many incoming transfers passing through Melwood in the last 15 years that Liverpool supporters must have been straining their brains trying to keep up with the latest personnel. With a revolving door system of managers in the last few years, there has been not an iota of stability within the club, and ultimately, there have been numerous transfers as a result. Of course, Rafael Benitez had much to answer for as well, what with his penchant for dipping his beak into the transfer market every twenty minutes.
As a result, this means that while the Kop has been privy to some world-class players, such as Xabi Alonso, Javier Mascherano and Fernando Torres, there have been an awful lot of sub-standard players within the pile. Whether they were once shining lights whose sparks have since fizzled, or simply youth players who never realised their potential,...
- 9/12/2014
- by Michael Ramsay
- Obsessed with Film
Martin Rickett/Pa Archive/Press Association Images
Liverpool are used to the best. Perceiving themselves to be one of the biggest clubs in the world, and rightly so, Liverpool supporters feel that they are entitled to be served up a platter of the continent’s finest talent in every transfer window. There must be no room for overpaid has-beens, simply utilising the fortress that is Anfield as a medium for a quick buck. There should be no pandering to unknown quantities who simply don’t look as though they will cut their teeth in the top-flight of English football. The home of the five-time European Cup champions is the arena served only for the elite, which is why most supporters found themselves curiously scratching their head about some of their more recent signings.
The likes of Fernando Torres, Javier Mascherano and Luis Suarez certainly whetted the appetite for the Scouse nation in recent years,...
Liverpool are used to the best. Perceiving themselves to be one of the biggest clubs in the world, and rightly so, Liverpool supporters feel that they are entitled to be served up a platter of the continent’s finest talent in every transfer window. There must be no room for overpaid has-beens, simply utilising the fortress that is Anfield as a medium for a quick buck. There should be no pandering to unknown quantities who simply don’t look as though they will cut their teeth in the top-flight of English football. The home of the five-time European Cup champions is the arena served only for the elite, which is why most supporters found themselves curiously scratching their head about some of their more recent signings.
The likes of Fernando Torres, Javier Mascherano and Luis Suarez certainly whetted the appetite for the Scouse nation in recent years,...
- 9/5/2014
- by Michael Ramsay
- Obsessed with Film
Martin Rickett/Pa Archive/Press Association Images
Strange things can happen on transfer deadline day. Jim White pretends to be on the phone in the middle of broadcasting and is somehow proclaimed a legend; Julian Faubert somehow convinced Real Madrid to sign him, and Alan Pardew once stood flanked by Javier Mascherano and a particularly bemused looking Carlos Tevez with West Ham shirts.
It’s also a day for frantic phone calls, ludicrous over-valuations and the kind of deals that must have had everyone involved beetroot red with embarrassment in the years since. But the end of the transfer window is called silly season for a reason, and it’s all down to the lack of logic that meets over-excitement and hype in a perfect storm to lead to the likes of Fernando Torres moving to Chelsea for approximately £40m more than he turned out to be worth.
With that in mind,...
Strange things can happen on transfer deadline day. Jim White pretends to be on the phone in the middle of broadcasting and is somehow proclaimed a legend; Julian Faubert somehow convinced Real Madrid to sign him, and Alan Pardew once stood flanked by Javier Mascherano and a particularly bemused looking Carlos Tevez with West Ham shirts.
It’s also a day for frantic phone calls, ludicrous over-valuations and the kind of deals that must have had everyone involved beetroot red with embarrassment in the years since. But the end of the transfer window is called silly season for a reason, and it’s all down to the lack of logic that meets over-excitement and hype in a perfect storm to lead to the likes of Fernando Torres moving to Chelsea for approximately £40m more than he turned out to be worth.
With that in mind,...
- 9/1/2014
- by Simon Gallagher
- Obsessed with Film
We are slowly edging towards the 26th September release date for FIFA 15, as excitement levels increase by the day at the thought of getting our hands on the annual phenomenon. One of the most eagerly-anticipated aspects of the game is the player ratings. Which new signings will take the game by storm? Which players have improved or dipped since the previous year’s game?
For Liverpool fans, the release of FIFA 2015 will surely represent the best Reds side we have seen on the game for many years. Sure, the class of 2009, including Steven Gerrard, Javier Mascherano, Xabi Alonso and Fernando Torres in their prime was a great side, but it still probably wasn’t quite on a par with the current crop. Certainly not in terms of attacking brilliance anyway.
Their second-place finish in last season’s Premier League was a phenomenal achievement, and there were a number of outstanding performers in Brendan Rodgers’ team.
For Liverpool fans, the release of FIFA 2015 will surely represent the best Reds side we have seen on the game for many years. Sure, the class of 2009, including Steven Gerrard, Javier Mascherano, Xabi Alonso and Fernando Torres in their prime was a great side, but it still probably wasn’t quite on a par with the current crop. Certainly not in terms of attacking brilliance anyway.
Their second-place finish in last season’s Premier League was a phenomenal achievement, and there were a number of outstanding performers in Brendan Rodgers’ team.
- 8/20/2014
- by Henry Jackson
- Obsessed with Film
David Davies/Pa Archive/Press Association Images
Let’s be perfectly frank here, Ben Arfa is not wanted at Newcastle United, and no amount of shouting his name at away games, or accusing Alan Pardew of idiocy over his treatement is going to change that. Rightly or wrongly, the player is deemed a toxic influence at the club, with poor on-field impact not matching up to his undoubted, unquantifiable talent, and rumours that he is something of a diva around the training ground.
Make no mistake, the Frenchman has not simply been relegated to play with the kids because he is carrying a little too much timber, and the manager’s assertions that his professionalism leaves a lot to be desired is a hint of what he’s really like behind closed doors. But the real question for Newcastle fans is how far a player of such monumental talent – and...
Let’s be perfectly frank here, Ben Arfa is not wanted at Newcastle United, and no amount of shouting his name at away games, or accusing Alan Pardew of idiocy over his treatement is going to change that. Rightly or wrongly, the player is deemed a toxic influence at the club, with poor on-field impact not matching up to his undoubted, unquantifiable talent, and rumours that he is something of a diva around the training ground.
Make no mistake, the Frenchman has not simply been relegated to play with the kids because he is carrying a little too much timber, and the manager’s assertions that his professionalism leaves a lot to be desired is a hint of what he’s really like behind closed doors. But the real question for Newcastle fans is how far a player of such monumental talent – and...
- 8/6/2014
- by Simon Gallagher
- Obsessed with Film
Peter Byrne/Pa Archive/Press Association Images
Liverpool can be a glorious place to ply one’s trade as a footballer. Drenched in sweat, and with the hamstrings starting to tighten, it is the renditions of solitude from the ever-loyal crowd that can see any player through to the final whistle. Whether the Reds are romping home by a comfortable margin, playing out a drab and uninspiring goal-less draw, or being humiliatingly plucked off by the opposition at will, the crowd never stop their vocal duty to their club.
With Liverpool starved of success in recent years, perhaps it is the fortress of Anfield that attracts so many of Europe’s brightest young talents, and allows them to flourish in the Premier League. However, for every world-class talent who owes their formative years to the Reds (step forward Javier Mascherano, Xabi Alonso, Fernando Torres and Luis Suarez), there are always...
Liverpool can be a glorious place to ply one’s trade as a footballer. Drenched in sweat, and with the hamstrings starting to tighten, it is the renditions of solitude from the ever-loyal crowd that can see any player through to the final whistle. Whether the Reds are romping home by a comfortable margin, playing out a drab and uninspiring goal-less draw, or being humiliatingly plucked off by the opposition at will, the crowd never stop their vocal duty to their club.
With Liverpool starved of success in recent years, perhaps it is the fortress of Anfield that attracts so many of Europe’s brightest young talents, and allows them to flourish in the Premier League. However, for every world-class talent who owes their formative years to the Reds (step forward Javier Mascherano, Xabi Alonso, Fernando Torres and Luis Suarez), there are always...
- 7/30/2014
- by Michael Ramsay
- Obsessed with Film
Manu Fernandez/AP/Press Association Images
West Ham have never strangers to the bizarre. Sports media outlets came to a virtual standstill on transfer deadline day eight years ago, when following the 2006 World Cup, Javier Mascherano and Carlos Tevez - two of the most sought after youngsters in world football, and linked with a host of top clubs – defied everyone to become Hammers. Real Madrid, Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal had been sniffing around the duo for the best part of 18 months, so there were jaws on the floor when press photos emerged of the immensely talented pair holding up Hammers jerseys, sandwiching a beaming Alan Pardew, who could hardly believe his luck. (That he decided neither were good enough within a matter of ludicrous months is neither here nor there).
Gazumping the elite clubs on that particular occasion must have come as quite a welcome shock to West Ham supporters,...
West Ham have never strangers to the bizarre. Sports media outlets came to a virtual standstill on transfer deadline day eight years ago, when following the 2006 World Cup, Javier Mascherano and Carlos Tevez - two of the most sought after youngsters in world football, and linked with a host of top clubs – defied everyone to become Hammers. Real Madrid, Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal had been sniffing around the duo for the best part of 18 months, so there were jaws on the floor when press photos emerged of the immensely talented pair holding up Hammers jerseys, sandwiching a beaming Alan Pardew, who could hardly believe his luck. (That he decided neither were good enough within a matter of ludicrous months is neither here nor there).
Gazumping the elite clubs on that particular occasion must have come as quite a welcome shock to West Ham supporters,...
- 7/21/2014
- by Michael Ramsay
- Obsessed with Film
Buenos Aires – "Listen to me. It's today. Today, you become a hero." That's how Argentina's de facto team captain Javier Mascherano encouraged goalie Sergio Romero on Wednesday, seconds before the penalty kicks showdown that closed the semifinals. Romero saved two Dutch shots, making Mascherano's words ring true and leading his team to victory — and the final match against Germany on Sunday. Photos The Most Infamous Moments in World Cup History Vine footage of that short and powerful dialog quickly went viral, prompting Mascherano, who lead his team in a legendary performance against The Netherlands and tackled a
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- 7/10/2014
- by Agustin Mango
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Peter Byrne/Pa Wire/Press Association Images
It’s all change at Anfield as the summer transfer window opens, Brendan Rodgers sticks his head out of it and has a good whiff of the potential that’s out there. Which is to say, Liverpool are already in the thick of buying and selling members of its squad, having snapped up Southampton captain Adam Lallana for a cool £25 million yesterday, with rumours that the young trio of Suso, Samed Yesil and Luis Alberto are to be permanently shed from the roster over the coming weeks. And the ongoing saga of Luis Suarez which looks set to end his dramatic and thrilling time at Anfield.
Players leave a team for any number of reasons, but in the age of super star agents, bidding wars and tabloid hearsay thrown into the mix, the decision increasing lies not with managers, boardroom members or coaches,...
It’s all change at Anfield as the summer transfer window opens, Brendan Rodgers sticks his head out of it and has a good whiff of the potential that’s out there. Which is to say, Liverpool are already in the thick of buying and selling members of its squad, having snapped up Southampton captain Adam Lallana for a cool £25 million yesterday, with rumours that the young trio of Suso, Samed Yesil and Luis Alberto are to be permanently shed from the roster over the coming weeks. And the ongoing saga of Luis Suarez which looks set to end his dramatic and thrilling time at Anfield.
Players leave a team for any number of reasons, but in the age of super star agents, bidding wars and tabloid hearsay thrown into the mix, the decision increasing lies not with managers, boardroom members or coaches,...
- 7/2/2014
- by Tom Baker
- Obsessed with Film
Two Filmmakers Are Scoring With Films About Soccer
As reported on by contributing blogger Benjamín Harguindey at St. Themo Films in Argentina, Álex de la Iglesia’s biopic of Argentine footballer Lionel Messi will receive an official screening on July 2 in Río de Janeiro, right in the middle of the FIFA World Cup’s “round of sixteen”. Argentina is playing against Switzerland the day before for a spot in the World Cup’s quarter-finals, so it remains to be seen whether the movie will act as a beaming celebration or a conciliatory send-off for Argentina’s national team, which Messi captains.
The “docufiction”, simply titled “Messi”, is directed by Spanish filmmaker Álex de la Iglesia, best known as the creator of cult films like “The Day of the Beast” (1995) and “Ferpect Crime” ( 2004), and more recently “Witching and Bitching” (2013). Spanish production studio Mediapro is behind the movie. Judging from the trailer, it looks like the director’s outrageous style has been dropped in favor of a more serious tone. De la Iglesia traveled earlier in January to Messi’s hometown Rosario, where he shot at Messi’s former home, his primary school and the Newell’s Old Boys Stadium where he used to play.
The movie, written by coach Jorge Valdano, is equal parts documentary – interviewing footballers like Javier Mascherano and Gerard Piqué, and national team coach Alejandro Sabella – and dramatization, specifically of Messi’s childhood and road to fame and glory. Spanish child actor Marc Balaguer will play young Messi. Besides the World Cup premiere no commercial release dates have been given for Spain or Argentina, but in the meantime here’s the trailer – but first read the original article here: http://ow.ly/yxaTL
Meanwhile, the second film, still to be made, will be produced by Dan Mirvisch of Bugeater Films (Mirvish is also co-founder of the Slamdance Film Festival) who has optioned the project to be written and directed by Darryl Wharton-Rigby.
Their scoop on this hot topic shows how some nimble indie filmmakers can move quicker than anyone in Hollywood. While Hollywood shut down yesterday morning to celebrate USA's 0-1 loss as a win, it was a couple indie filmmakers who saw the real story in the World Cup and outmaneuvered Hollywood to the punch. One other thing they missed is what a truly global project this is, spanning four continents (so far): S. America, Africa obviously, but with producers in the U.S., and an African/American director/writer in Japan.
Darryl Wharton-Rigby writes for Indiewire blog Shadow & Act sometimes, and used to be a programmer for the Maryland Film Fest. Wharton-Rigby (“Homicide: Life on the Streets”), is also an award-winning writer who most recently wrote and directed the indie movie “Stay,” which was filmed in Japan.
Read the full story on The Wrap.
Suffice it here to state that the debacle of Ghana’s Black Stars boycotting practice unless their promised bonus was paid inspired the soccer-themed thriller.
Ghana's government sent more than $3m in cash by plane to Brazil to pay the appearance fees owed to the national team at the World Cup. Deputy Sports Minister Joseph Yamin told Ghanaian radio station Citi FM the players "insisted" on cash payments.
He added: "The government had to mobilize the money and a chartered flight to Brazil."
Wharton-Rigby's script will follow a courier who flies into Brazil with $3 million cash. Things go awry when the courier is ambushed on the way to make the drop, leaving him less than 12 hours to recover the stolen money.
Ghana’s Black Stars have now gone home from Brazil, having lost 2-1 to U.S. and then tied 2-2 with Germany. But losing 2-1 against Portugal eliminated them from the games.
Another bonus row is ongoing involving Nigeria. The Super Eagles, who are due to play France Monday June refused to train on Thursday over fears they would not receive their bonus payments from the Nigerian Football Federation.
Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan assured players on Friday that the money would be paid.
There was a similar issue with Cameroon, whose players refused to board their plane to South America because of a row over appearance fees. They arrived for the World Cup a day later than scheduled.
The issue is not a new one - Togo went on strike over bonus money at the 2006 tournament in Germany and FIFA was forced to intervene.
Jérôme Valcke, Secretary General of the international football federation (FIFA) says that something needs to be done.
"Future World Cups will ask the national associations to provide us with their agreements with their players to make sure that this kind of episode does not happen again," he said.
Valcke himself was found guilty in 2004 by a New York court when he was Marketing Director of FIFA for negotiating sponsor agreements with the rival Visa, despite the existing agreement of FIFA conducted with the long-time partner Mastercard and thus violated the right of first negotiation of MasterCard. Because of this, the FIFA was fined Us $60 million.
But all this is another story, yet to be made into a movie.
As reported on by contributing blogger Benjamín Harguindey at St. Themo Films in Argentina, Álex de la Iglesia’s biopic of Argentine footballer Lionel Messi will receive an official screening on July 2 in Río de Janeiro, right in the middle of the FIFA World Cup’s “round of sixteen”. Argentina is playing against Switzerland the day before for a spot in the World Cup’s quarter-finals, so it remains to be seen whether the movie will act as a beaming celebration or a conciliatory send-off for Argentina’s national team, which Messi captains.
The “docufiction”, simply titled “Messi”, is directed by Spanish filmmaker Álex de la Iglesia, best known as the creator of cult films like “The Day of the Beast” (1995) and “Ferpect Crime” ( 2004), and more recently “Witching and Bitching” (2013). Spanish production studio Mediapro is behind the movie. Judging from the trailer, it looks like the director’s outrageous style has been dropped in favor of a more serious tone. De la Iglesia traveled earlier in January to Messi’s hometown Rosario, where he shot at Messi’s former home, his primary school and the Newell’s Old Boys Stadium where he used to play.
The movie, written by coach Jorge Valdano, is equal parts documentary – interviewing footballers like Javier Mascherano and Gerard Piqué, and national team coach Alejandro Sabella – and dramatization, specifically of Messi’s childhood and road to fame and glory. Spanish child actor Marc Balaguer will play young Messi. Besides the World Cup premiere no commercial release dates have been given for Spain or Argentina, but in the meantime here’s the trailer – but first read the original article here: http://ow.ly/yxaTL
Meanwhile, the second film, still to be made, will be produced by Dan Mirvisch of Bugeater Films (Mirvish is also co-founder of the Slamdance Film Festival) who has optioned the project to be written and directed by Darryl Wharton-Rigby.
Their scoop on this hot topic shows how some nimble indie filmmakers can move quicker than anyone in Hollywood. While Hollywood shut down yesterday morning to celebrate USA's 0-1 loss as a win, it was a couple indie filmmakers who saw the real story in the World Cup and outmaneuvered Hollywood to the punch. One other thing they missed is what a truly global project this is, spanning four continents (so far): S. America, Africa obviously, but with producers in the U.S., and an African/American director/writer in Japan.
Darryl Wharton-Rigby writes for Indiewire blog Shadow & Act sometimes, and used to be a programmer for the Maryland Film Fest. Wharton-Rigby (“Homicide: Life on the Streets”), is also an award-winning writer who most recently wrote and directed the indie movie “Stay,” which was filmed in Japan.
Read the full story on The Wrap.
Suffice it here to state that the debacle of Ghana’s Black Stars boycotting practice unless their promised bonus was paid inspired the soccer-themed thriller.
Ghana's government sent more than $3m in cash by plane to Brazil to pay the appearance fees owed to the national team at the World Cup. Deputy Sports Minister Joseph Yamin told Ghanaian radio station Citi FM the players "insisted" on cash payments.
He added: "The government had to mobilize the money and a chartered flight to Brazil."
Wharton-Rigby's script will follow a courier who flies into Brazil with $3 million cash. Things go awry when the courier is ambushed on the way to make the drop, leaving him less than 12 hours to recover the stolen money.
Ghana’s Black Stars have now gone home from Brazil, having lost 2-1 to U.S. and then tied 2-2 with Germany. But losing 2-1 against Portugal eliminated them from the games.
Another bonus row is ongoing involving Nigeria. The Super Eagles, who are due to play France Monday June refused to train on Thursday over fears they would not receive their bonus payments from the Nigerian Football Federation.
Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan assured players on Friday that the money would be paid.
There was a similar issue with Cameroon, whose players refused to board their plane to South America because of a row over appearance fees. They arrived for the World Cup a day later than scheduled.
The issue is not a new one - Togo went on strike over bonus money at the 2006 tournament in Germany and FIFA was forced to intervene.
Jérôme Valcke, Secretary General of the international football federation (FIFA) says that something needs to be done.
"Future World Cups will ask the national associations to provide us with their agreements with their players to make sure that this kind of episode does not happen again," he said.
Valcke himself was found guilty in 2004 by a New York court when he was Marketing Director of FIFA for negotiating sponsor agreements with the rival Visa, despite the existing agreement of FIFA conducted with the long-time partner Mastercard and thus violated the right of first negotiation of MasterCard. Because of this, the FIFA was fined Us $60 million.
But all this is another story, yet to be made into a movie.
- 6/28/2014
- by Sydney Levine
- Sydney's Buzz
"Thank God that (Lionel) Messi exists", says legendary Dutch footballer Johan Cruyff at the end of the first trailer for Messi, Álex de la Iglesia's documentary/dramatization dedicated to the current Argentina national football squad and Fc Barcelona leader. The Spanish filmmaker behind The Day of the Beast, Perdita Durango and Witching and Bitching has gathered former and current football players, journalists, and people close to Lionel Messi, in order to discuss the career of one of the all-time greatest footballers. Aside of Cruyff, in the trailer we get to see César Luis Menotti, Andrés Iniesta, Gerard Piqué, Jorge Valdano (who also wrote the film), and Javier Mascherano, as well as some other people I don't recognize but that are closely-related to Messi.De la Iglesia also filmed...
[Read the whole post on twitchfilm.com...]...
[Read the whole post on twitchfilm.com...]...
- 6/26/2014
- Screen Anarchy
Manu Fernandez/AP/Press Association Images
Rarely has a summer transfer window been so important for a club, but the task facing Barcelona in the following months certainly falls into that bracket. The La Liga champions were handed a 14-month transfer ban in April by FIFA, for breaking rules on signing international players under the age of 18.
Barcelona contested the decision and consequently the ban has been suspended till January, pending an appeal. It means the club has the forthcoming summer transfer window to strengthen their squad, before being banned from activity in the next two.
Captain Carles Puyol has already announced that he will be departing, as has goalkeeper Victor Valdes. Add to that the fact that Dani Alves, Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Javier Mascherano will all be over 30-years-old come July, and it is clear that investment is needed.
There is talk of a huge squad overhaul at the Catalan club,...
Rarely has a summer transfer window been so important for a club, but the task facing Barcelona in the following months certainly falls into that bracket. The La Liga champions were handed a 14-month transfer ban in April by FIFA, for breaking rules on signing international players under the age of 18.
Barcelona contested the decision and consequently the ban has been suspended till January, pending an appeal. It means the club has the forthcoming summer transfer window to strengthen their squad, before being banned from activity in the next two.
Captain Carles Puyol has already announced that he will be departing, as has goalkeeper Victor Valdes. Add to that the fact that Dani Alves, Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Javier Mascherano will all be over 30-years-old come July, and it is clear that investment is needed.
There is talk of a huge squad overhaul at the Catalan club,...
- 5/7/2014
- by Simon Collings
- Obsessed with Film
Media Image Ltd
La Liga champions Barcelona will test Chelsea’s resolve to keep Brazilian defender David Luiz by offering a reported £29 million for him in the January transfer window.
The Daily Star says reports in Spain indicate that Barca boss Gerardo “Tata” Martino remains keen on 26-year-old Luiz as he seeks a replacement for ageing skipper Carles Puyol at the Nou Camp.
Luiz lost his place in the Blues XI under Jose Mourinho before picking up a knee injury, but is now back in full training. He has made just ten appearances for the Special One this season.
With the World Cup coming up in his native Brazil this summer, Luiz will not want to be sat on the Chelsea bench behind Mourinho’s preferred centre back pairing Gary Cahill and John Terry.
Barcelona are understood to have been tracking Luiz for some time and hope that their offer...
La Liga champions Barcelona will test Chelsea’s resolve to keep Brazilian defender David Luiz by offering a reported £29 million for him in the January transfer window.
The Daily Star says reports in Spain indicate that Barca boss Gerardo “Tata” Martino remains keen on 26-year-old Luiz as he seeks a replacement for ageing skipper Carles Puyol at the Nou Camp.
Luiz lost his place in the Blues XI under Jose Mourinho before picking up a knee injury, but is now back in full training. He has made just ten appearances for the Special One this season.
With the World Cup coming up in his native Brazil this summer, Luiz will not want to be sat on the Chelsea bench behind Mourinho’s preferred centre back pairing Gary Cahill and John Terry.
Barcelona are understood to have been tracking Luiz for some time and hope that their offer...
- 12/11/2013
- by Jamie Clark
- Obsessed with Film
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