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A couple days ago, an odd video popped up on my Youtube feed: Now, to be very clear, I'm not a foosball enthusiast. I don't remember the last time I played foosball (there is a table in our office, but I suspect the last time I played on it might have been at least a year ago). I'm not even much of a football fan anymore. I basically stopped watching football when i turned 20. But I clicked on it and watched anyway, and it was fascinating seeing individuals play a game in a way that's so far removed from how you'd typically see it. Yes, there's no frantic spinning of handles and frantic screams - it's calculated, tactical, and deeply, deeply 'professional'. Which got me thinking about sports more broadly. In recent times, there's been ongoing debate (controversy?) about what exactly constitutes 'sports'. The recent Olympics had the whole breakdancing issue (I think that's a sport), and there's also been ongoing debate about whether esports should be classified as a sport (It has been included in the SEA Games and Commonwealth Games, but I'm less clear about my position on this). What exactly is 'sport'? The OED presents multiple definitions of the word, but the one that likely most resonates with people is this: An activity involving physical exertion and skill, esp. (particularly in modern use) one regulated by set rules or customs in which an individual or team competes against another or others. Frequently in plural. It's worth noting the additional explanation also provided: In early use the sense of ‘sport’ as a diversion or amusement is paramount; by the 18th and 19th centuries the term was often used with reference to hunting, shooting, and fishing (see blood, field sports at the first element). The consolidation of organised sport (particularly football, rugby, cricket, and athletics) in the 19th cent. reinforced the notion of sport as physical competition. Two things stand out to me: First is the notion of physical exertion, and second is the concept of organisation. Viewed through this lens, we can understand why there are debates over what constitutes sport. It's easy to understand football, basketball, table tennis, running and etc as 'sport' - a collection of high-performing athletes competing against each other in an organised manner. However, when we cast our lens onto other games, it becomes less clear. I don't think the concept of organisation is ever in question. Even with the most 'un-sporty' "sport", there are deeply organised competitions. From League of Legends to Chess, from Darts to Drone Racing, it's impossible to deny the competitiveness of such events (and also the governing bodies behind them). Heck, Microsoft Excel World Championship and Pokemon World Championships are things that really exist. The main controversy appears to surround the notion of what constitutes an 'athlete', and whether physical exertion is absolutely fundamental to a sport. And I suppose what separates a 'game' from a 'sport'. One thing that's indisputable, regardless of your opinion on the physical/athletic nature of the activity, is the high level of skill involved. I've recently gotten into watching a lot of chess videos, and its so abundantly clear that these pros operate at a completely different level from us normies. Same is true of foosball, chase tag, or Magic the Gathering. And perhaps that's where I draw the line - it is the competitive pursuit of betterment that elevates a game to a sport. Not necessarily in everyone's eyes, but certainly in the participants. I think competition is what defines sports, and I'm not convinced it necessarily requires a physical/athletic element. If we return to the OED, the first use of the word 'sport' in 1425 actually means Diversion, entertainment, fun. Frequently with modifying adjective (as good, great, etc.). Now somewhat archaic. With this broader (if admittedly archaic) definition, I think sport is perhaps better viewed in the manner of a game (the entertainment/fun part of the definition) brought to a level of competitiveness that surpasses a typical or average person. We typically tend to think of athletes as possessing a level of physical ability that far surpasses the average person. Faster, stronger, more powerful, these are effectively 'unnatural' beings. This is an instructive demonstration: But being 'unnaturally' good at something does not have to be only physical in the more traditional sense. Competition is also a mental game, and that's where the case for esports can certainly be made (beyond the hand-eye coordination required that's also true for racquet sports). The separation between an average person - even one with reasonable ability (athletic or otherwise) - and someone at the top levels of their chosen 'sport' is what's most fascinating to me. Regardless of my personal opinions about breakdancing (awesome. love it) or cricket (don't get it), I cannot and should not downplay the dedication to skill development that goes into any of these endeavours. I think anyone that's able to reach a level of 'unnatural' ability has the right to stand proudly on their top step. Famously (at least in basketball circles), Brian Scalabrine is quoted as saying "I'm closer to LeBron than you are to me" to college players challenging him. And that's also probably the reality - there's levels to everything. When most of us talk about playing 'sports', we are actually really just playing 'games'. The football/tennis/basketball we are playing are merely games compared to what the pros do, in the same way the foosball/chess that the pros do are quite far removed from the games we play. I have no catchall definition of 'sport', but I think we can and should all appreciate and value the tremendous commitment and skill that these individuals possess to elevate themselves to those top levels. Certainly a whole lot more than most of us. That's what makes them different, and what sets them apart. ~ Desmond

Singapore returned to World Cup and Asian Cup qualifying action after more than 18 months on Thursday (Jun 3) with a 4-0 loss to Palestine. The second round of joint qualification for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and the 2023 AFC Asian Cup in China has resumed after a lengthy delay caused by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Palestine raced to a three-nil lead in the first half at the King Fahd International Stadium, prompting Singapore head coach Tatsuma Yoshida to make a double substitution at the break. But he admitted his match decisions had not gone the way he wanted. “The boys tried, but in the first half, they were a bit nervous,” he said after the match. “I am really disappointed (as) they can do more (and) that we could not show our full potential. I think if we played to our potential, maybe the result would be changed … I am very sorry for the Singapore fans. “I feel big disappointment, big pain … But it’s not on (the players). It’s because of my management and it’s on me.” The three goals Palestine were scored in a span of about 10 minutes and included two penalties by Tamer Seyam either side of an Oday Dabbagh strike. Yaser Hamed completed the scoresheet in the closing minutes of the game. The result means Palestine overtake Singapore in the Group D standings on goal difference, having played a game more. The match saw the international debuts of Ilhan Fandi and Saifullah Akbar, while Lions stalwart Baihakki Khaizan notched his 138th Singapore appearance, taking him to joint second on the country’s list of most-capped players. The Lions sit fourth out of five teams in Group D after six games. Their remaining ties in the group are against Uzbekistan on Jun 7 (kick-off at 2am on Jun 8, Singapore time) and Saudi Arabia on Jun 11 (kick-off at 2am on Jun 12, Singapore time). Saudi Arabia lead Group D on 11 points with Uzbekistan in second on nine. The sides have played five games apiece. All remaining Group D matches are being played in the Saudi capital. The top team of each of the eight second-round groups and the four best runners-up will progress to the third round of 2022 World Cup qualifying. They will also qualify for the 2023 Asian Cup. The remaining teams will continue to compete for places at the 2023 Asian Cup in subsequent rounds of qualifiers. Singapore kicked off their campaign for Qatar 2022 and China 2023 in September 2019, picking up seven points from five games before qualifying was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Elsewhere in Asian qualifying on Thursday, the United Arab Emirates beat Malaysia 4-0, Australia won 3-0 against Kuwait and Iran picked up a 3-1 victory over Hong Kong. Bahrain drubbed Cambodia 8-0 and Nepal beat Taiwan 2-0 while Qatar, who have already qualified for the 2022 World Cup as hosts, edged out India 1-0. Thailand and Indonesia played out a 2-2 draw, with Bangladesh and Afghanistan also sharing the points in a tie that finished 1-1.

Any website to recommend ?

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-9992887/Pele-dead-aged-82-Brazil-legend-dies-colon-cancer-battle.html altho this one initially fake news… well …

what a tragedy, it's just a game ! 174 die as tear gas triggers crush at Indonesia soccer match MALANG, Indonesia (AP) — Panic and a chaotic run for exits after police fired tear gas at an Indonesian soccer match to drive away rampaging fans left at least 174 dead, most of whom were trampled upon or suffocated, making it one of the deadliest sports events in the world. Attention immediately focused on the police use of tear gas, which is banned at soccer stadiums by FIFA. The president of the world soccer body called the deaths at the stadium “a dark day for all involved in football and a tragedy beyond comprehension,” while President Joko Widodo ordered an investigation of security procedures. Violence broke out after the game ended Saturday evening with host Arema FC of East Java’s Malang city losing to Persebaya of Surabaya 3-2. Disappointed with their team’s loss, thousands of supporters of Arema, known as “Aremania,” reacted by throwing bottles and other objects at players and soccer officials. Witnesses said fans flooded the Kanjuruhan Stadium pitch and demanded that Arema management explain why, after 23 years of undefeated home matches against rival Persebaya, this one ended in a loss. The violence spread outside the stadium where at least five police vehicles were toppled and set ablaze. Riot police responded by firing tear gas, including toward the stadium's stands, causing panic among the crowd. Some suffocated and others were trampled as hundreds of people ran to the exit to avoid the tear gas. In the chaos, 34 died at the stadium, including two officers, and some reports include children among the casualties. “We have already done a preventive action before finally firing the tear gas as (fans) began to attack the police, acting anarchically and burning vehicles,” East Java police chief Nico Afinta said in a news conference early Sunday. More than 300 were rushed to hospitals but many died on the way and during a treatment, Afinta said.

...I would watch more often. 😁

Nearly a decade after Goal 2010, the ambitious plan to qualify Singapore's national football team for the Fifa World Cup, the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) is reviving its hopes of competing in the world's biggest football tournament in 2034. Speaking exclusively to The Straits Times on Saturday, FAS vice-president Edwin Tong said that it was a "realistic" goal for the Lions to achieve in 15 years' time. "We've always wanted to be somewhere on the world stage, so we need to start," said Mr Tong, the Senior Minister of State for Health and Law. "2034 is 15 years away...so you're looking at boys today who are maybe eight, nine to 14, 15 and if you can cultivate the programme that has that endgame in mind, it will do us a lot of good." The FAS' goal for the Lions to play in the 2034 World Cup will inevitably draw comparisons with Goal 2010, which flopped over a decade after it was first mooted in 1998. Sceptics will also point to Singapore football's slump in recent years, which saw the Lions' Fifa ranking dipping to an all-time low of 173 in October 2017 after a winless run of over 11 months. Singapore are currently ranked 162nd. But Mr Tong remains unfazed, saying: "If we're worried about trying to set up a goal and failing, we'll never get there. So we have to be realistic about our prospects; we're not aiming for the next 10 years, but set ourselves a 15-year horizon." He also pointed to the expanded 48-team format for the 2026 World Cup and beyond, which will see the number of Asian places increased by the current 41/2 to eight. He added: "There are a bit more opportunities...The obvious powerhouses, Korea, Japan, Australia, maybe some of the Middle Eastern countries, Saudi Arabia and Iran, the next tier you have Uzbekistan, Central Asians, and of course South-east Asians." "We can look at that as a goal. So it's not unrealistic, but it's also not easy," added Mr Tong, who was speaking at the unveiling of Singapore's first "Friendly Street" at Jalan Bintang Tiga by the Singapore Kindness Movement. Goal 2034 would be used to "focus and shape everything" that the FAS and its stakeholders do and he stressed that grassroots football, youth development, infrastructure and schools would be key to achieving success in 15 years' time. The FAS is currently engaging its stakeholders and refining its proposal, he added. In November 2017, the FAS unveiled its three-point plan for youth development aimed at widening the base of players, improving the quality of coaches and increasing opportunities for youth to play football. The national sports association said then that it hoped to reap the benefits in five to 10 years' time and that the ultimate aim was to develop talented young players to compete in a professional league and eventually the national team. However, Mr Tong said on Saturday that this was "not enough". He added: "We need to have key pillars, we start with grassroots and schools, we must align the way in which kids play football in schools and then we must have the support of facilities for training and matches. "Inevitably we have to work out what to do with National Service (NS), how we can align NS, which is important, with the needs of football." He suggested a "relook" into former club models such as the Singapore Armed Forces Sports Associations (Safsa) and Home United, which allowed full-time National Servicemen to train and play competitive matches. While qualifying Singapore for the 2034 World Cup may seem like a lofty goal, Mr Tong said it would "mean a lot to Singaporeans and sports fans" to see the Lions on the world's biggest football stage. He added: "It will give the country a lift and it is a goal that we want to be realistic about. It's not easy, but if you don't try, you'll never get anywhere. So we set ourselves a target, we try to lift everyone and push everyone behind it."

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019_AFF_U-18_Youth_Championship Singapore right at the bottom of the table. Why are our youth so lousy despite drinking plentiful of expensive formula milk since newborn?? Go sports school with highly-paid sports professionals to train them. Clean water. Clean air. Nice bed. Nice aircon bedroom. High education. High calories food. Wear most expensive sports apparels. Parents subscribed to expensive tv sports package. Still can lose out to 3rd world countries with little to nothing of the above while growing up. Think North Korea.

Which country will win?

Many thread on EPL, MSL and even online soccer management game and etc. So thinking of starting a thread to discuss our very own Singapore soccer league aka the S-league. I know many people will start to come in and throw all sort of insult to our local league. Bear in mind, this is our very own soccer league. If we don't support our league, how we expect a strong national team. Be it of interest to you or not, please give this thread and our league a chance to ''live'' in the world of professional soccer. ....Peace to all.

Barcelona's Lionel Messi is the most valuable player in the world, what do you think? http://www.football-observatory.com/Top-transfer-values-Messi-outranks-Ronaldo-and-1141

After Valencia coach Pako Ayestaran took over from Gary Neville at the end of last month, Valencia is back on their winning days, winning 3 consecutive league games, and propelling them to the top 8 on the La Liga table. What a reversal of fortune! If Valencia can continue on this form, I don't see why Valencia should not deserve the top 4 spots in the next season of La Liga. So what can we learn from here? It is important that a Spanish coach be in charge of a Spanish football club, so that there is no language or culture barrier. I wish Valencia all the best in the remaining matches!

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/singapore-football-has/3041302.html I like this interview. Machiam hard truths. Uncensored. And yes. FAS sucks... they need an overhaul

Piangz............ But sibei funny too...... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jyn1NhnQXyA

As per subject, dear members kindly advise where can i buy them? No online and no replica, i prefer any local retail shop, thanks Mod kindly remove or move this thread if u think off topic, thanks

This thread is for Soccer Manager, the totally pointless game we love to hate. Currently we are mass orgy-ing in World Championship 6223 - Game world ID 28826World Championship 9191 - Game world ID 50548MCF Premier League - Game World ID 60665 (by application only) Register yourself and pit yourself against some of the brightest brains in the world of footy management. Square up against the legendary White One (not so legendary lately), the irrepressible Little Prince (press harder babe!) or the mercurial Lclub (mercurial = blardy inconsistant). Tear your hair out by drawing with the most tedious bus driver or lose all your dignity being trashed by a pussy. Find out that Takumi can beat you in driving and managing and Tarzan yells command at his players while swinging from stand to stand. We will eat you for breakfast,lunch and dinner. 3 times a day.

Hey Everyone, Hasn't work out for a while but has the itch to get some casual soccer action? Looking for regular soccer action weekly for fun sake or just to maintain your fitness? We are a social soccer club enjoying an easy football game among ourselves every sunday. Since we are not that competitive, the pace will suits a wide range of players. We have players as young as 16 to as old as 50+ & they are still actively participating in our weekly game. If this sounds like something you're looking for, join us athttp://www.bugisbeatles.com Email us at [email protected] if you have any question Our Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/BugisBeatles Our next soccer game is on 22-Jun-2014! http://goo.gl/gqpzQC

We import Messi, Suarez and Neymar ? If not, the sea games?

So Neil Humphries is taking shots at Singapore soccer. If you were "king for a day" and make whatever reforms you like - what would you be doing? Here's my personal prescription 1. Institute a comprehensive "four zone" inter-school soccer contest at primary school level. This should be a weekly round robin of at least 12 rounds or more 2. Arrange it so that the final of this contest is played as the curtain raiser to a "big" game - possibly at the national stadium, but if not to the S-League similar 3. More fields that are easier to access for a "kickabout" 4. Sponsor a children's league - to get more clubs and more kids playing 5. Stop the recent nonsense of "age limits" 6. Have the SSC "sponsor" coaching clinics from S-League players to give more career options. What else would you do?

He bring shame to singapore.. since 2009 local soccer is 10 times worse off.. N he multi task as a lousy mp n many jobs. wtf, can he even dedicate 10hrs a week on fas, 10hrx a week as mp and blah blah ba

Hmmmm............ future SG players to play in Samba styles... Yahoo news: Singapore youth footballers earn 'once-in-a-lifetime' chance at Brazil club A group of Singapore youngsters are set to follow in the footsteps of Singapore youth international Mahathir Azeman by heading for a training stint in Brazil this November. The attacking midfielder impressed at SC Boavista during a five-month stint in 2013, subsequently earning a one-year contract to play for their reserve side this year. Now, former S.League player and current schools coach Fabio da Silva, who helped to arrange Mahathir’s trip, will be leading 10 boys for a 22-day experience at Vasco da Gama, a Rio de Janeiro outfit which has produced the likes of Romario and Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho. The trip is scheduled from November 14 to December 6 and the players will train with Vasco’s various youth teams and also take part in friendly matches. This time, the players come from various schools that Da Silva coaches at primary, secondary and junior college level. Their ages range from nine to 17 years old. “It is a huge group,” he said. “We’ve been following them and seen them play; we don’t want to send just anyone there, we want the boys to have ability. Vasco da Gama is [a] very big [club] and this will be a very interesting and very big opportunity [for them].” Paving the way Da Silva revealed that Vasco was impressed with some of the talented young players they saw whilst here for the 2011 Lion City Cup and subsequently approached him to establish a link. He added that the “right time” to organise such a trip finally happened this year and is hoping that it will be a regular occurrence in future. “A lot of people have been calling to ask me about this opportunity,” he said. “We are [already] planning [for more boys] to go next year in June and November… they (Vasco) want to do this long term. “We believe that in the long term, it can open the doors for other boys to come in [to Brazil] following years, and [also] maybe [for] these boys who are going over there, they [might] show something (catch the eye of coaches) and Vasco will want to follow up.” Meridian Junior College centre-back Soon Wei Jun admitted that he was surprised to be chosen, but grateful for the opportunity and aims to improve both physically and mentally. link: https://sg.sports.yahoo.com/blogs/fit-to-post-sports/singapore-youth-footballers-earn--once-in-a-lifetime--chance-at-brazil-club-032023762.html Only way I foresee is only Sambal Chilli ............

Seems like the North Koreans are the best as far as 2014 is concerned. In SG, hardly see any female soccer matches. http://www.japantoday.com/category/sports/view/n-korea-beats-japan-in-womens-soccer-to-win-gold-at-asian-games INCHEON — North Korea upset defending champions Japan 3-1 to win the Asian Games women’s soccer gold on Wednesday—and again it was all down to leader Kim Jong-Un for sharing his wisdom. Kim Yun-Mi, captain Ra Un-Sim and Ho Un-Byol were all on target as the North Koreans totally outplayed World and Asian Cup holders Japan to avenge their loss in the final four years ago. The North’s players squealed with joy, some bursting into tears, at the final whistle as around 60 of their flag-waving comrades in official tracksuits hopped with delight in the stands. After the match, their coach dedicated the gold to North Korean leader Kim, a big sports fan who is reportedly ailing. “This was an inevitable result as the North Korean players trained with dedication and never stopped fighting to return the warm love of our dear leader Kim Jong-Un, who watched over us” Kim Kwang-Min told reporters. “Our respected leader visited our training camp on July 11 and gave the team valuable instruction on how to win the gold medal at the Asian Games. This victory reflects the boundless feelings of the players for our dear leader.” South Korean fans chanted support for their neighbors from north of the border throughout, many waving unification flags showing the Korean peninsula in blue on a white background. The North’s players sprinted over to the main stand after a celebratory team hug and unfurled their country’s flag as thousands of local fans seated behind huge unification banners with the same design serenaded them with: “We are one At the medal ceremony, local fans and the delirious North Korean delegation continued to chant the same mantra to each other from opposite sides of the pitch. “When our team was being cheered on by South Korea I felt we are one nation,” said coach Kim. “We are all brothers and sisters. I could sense a feeling of Korean unification.” North Korea took the lead after 12 minutes when midfielder Kim stabbed home from close range following some dreadful Japanese defending. They produced a moment of true class to double their lead seven minutes after the interval, Ra latching on to a long diagonal from Jon Myong-Hwa to finish with a clinical right-foot shot.

haha as suggested by fellow Reds supporter Kar_lover... Predictions to the match tonight bros? I think will be 2-1 to us...

This is it!