Ultra Coverage

Ghana Vs Nigeria | Friendly

2011-08-09T13:47:00.001+02:00

Ghana Vs Nigeria | Friendly
An exhibition game (also known as an exhibition match, exhibition, demonstration, demo, exhibit or friendly) is a sporting event in which there is no competitive value of any significant kind to any competitor (such as tournament or season rankings, or prize money) regardless of the outcome of the competition. The games can be held between separate teams or between parts of the same team. Quality of play is generally valued over the end result. The term scrimmage is also sometimes used, especially with regard to team sports, but is ambiguous because it has other meanings even in that context. Another synonym is preparation match.

Throughout the world, many team and one-on-one sports and games feature exhibition matches. For example, two professional snooker or chess players, or two ice hockey teams, may play an exhibition to settle a challenge, to provide professional entertainment, or often to raise money for charities.
In some sports exhibition games also take the form of a handful of pre-season games that are intended to familiarize teammates with each other and prepare for upcoming matches. In professional sports, pre-season games also help teams decide which players to keep for the regular season.

Burnley Vs Burton Albion | English Carling Cup

2011-08-09T13:46:00.001+02:00

Burnley Vs Burton Albion | English Carling Cup
The Football League Cup, commonly known as the League Cup or, from current sponsorship, the Carling Cup, is an English football competition. Like the FA Cup, it is played on a knockout (single elimination) basis. Unlike the FA Cup where 762 teams entered in 2008–09 only 92 clubs can enter—the 20 clubs of the Premier League, and the 72 clubs of The Football League, which organises the competition. Also unlike the FA Cup, the semi-finals are played over two legs. The winners qualify for the UEFA Europa League, if they have not qualified for European competition through the Premier League or by winning the FA Cup. If this occurs, then the Europa League berth goes to the highest-placed team from the Premier League not already qualified for Europe. Birmingham City are the current holders.

Although the League Cup is one of the three major domestic trophies attainable by English league teams, it is perceived by some larger clubs as a lower priority than the league championship and the FA Cup. Arguably, it reached a low point over the turn of the millennium when it was commonly nicknamed the "Worthless Cup" or the "Mickey Mouse Cup". Some clubs have made a point of fielding a weaker side in the competition, making the opportunity for giant-killing of the larger clubs more likely. Many of the top English sides, Arsenal and Manchester United in particular, have used the competition to give young players valuable big-game experience. However, in response to Arsène Wenger's claim that a League Cup win would not end his trophy drought, Alex Ferguson described the trophy as "a pot worth winning". Since that nadir, the League Cup has recovered somewhat, embracing the 'youth' football ethic, and maintaining its niche as an early season trophy.

Leeds United Vs Bradford City | English Carling Cup

2011-08-09T13:45:00.002+02:00

Leeds United Vs Bradford City | English Carling Cup
The Football League Cup, commonly known as the League Cup or, from current sponsorship, the Carling Cup, is an English football competition. Like the FA Cup, it is played on a knockout (single elimination) basis. Unlike the FA Cup where 762 teams entered in 2008–09 only 92 clubs can enter—the 20 clubs of the Premier League, and the 72 clubs of The Football League, which organises the competition. Also unlike the FA Cup, the semi-finals are played over two legs. The winners qualify for the UEFA Europa League, if they have not qualified for European competition through the Premier League or by winning the FA Cup. If this occurs, then the Europa League berth goes to the highest-placed team from the Premier League not already qualified for Europe. Birmingham City are the current holders.

Although the League Cup is one of the three major domestic trophies attainable by English league teams, it is perceived by some larger clubs as a lower priority than the league championship and the FA Cup. Arguably, it reached a low point over the turn of the millennium when it was commonly nicknamed the "Worthless Cup" or the "Mickey Mouse Cup". Some clubs have made a point of fielding a weaker side in the competition, making the opportunity for giant-killing of the larger clubs more likely. Many of the top English sides, Arsenal and Manchester United in particular, have used the competition to give young players valuable big-game experience. However, in response to Arsène Wenger's claim that a League Cup win would not end his trophy drought, Alex Ferguson described the trophy as "a pot worth winning". Since that nadir, the League Cup has recovered somewhat, embracing the 'youth' football ethic, and maintaining its niche as an early season trophy.

Hull City Vs Macclesfield Town | English Carling Cup

2011-08-09T13:43:00.001+02:00

Hull City Vs Macclesfield Town | English Carling Cup
The Football League Cup, commonly known as the League Cup or, from current sponsorship, the Carling Cup, is an English football competition. Like the FA Cup, it is played on a knockout (single elimination) basis. Unlike the FA Cup where 762 teams entered in 2008–09 only 92 clubs can enter—the 20 clubs of the Premier League, and the 72 clubs of The Football League, which organises the competition. Also unlike the FA Cup, the semi-finals are played over two legs. The winners qualify for the UEFA Europa League, if they have not qualified for European competition through the Premier League or by winning the FA Cup. If this occurs, then the Europa League berth goes to the highest-placed team from the Premier League not already qualified for Europe. Birmingham City are the current holders.

Although the League Cup is one of the three major domestic trophies attainable by English league teams, it is perceived by some larger clubs as a lower priority than the league championship and the FA Cup. Arguably, it reached a low point over the turn of the millennium when it was commonly nicknamed the "Worthless Cup" or the "Mickey Mouse Cup". Some clubs have made a point of fielding a weaker side in the competition, making the opportunity for giant-killing of the larger clubs more likely. Many of the top English sides, Arsenal and Manchester United in particular, have used the competition to give young players valuable big-game experience. However, in response to Arsène Wenger's claim that a League Cup win would not end his trophy drought, Alex Ferguson described the trophy as "a pot worth winning". Since that nadir, the League Cup has recovered somewhat, embracing the 'youth' football ethic, and maintaining its niche as an early season trophy.

Derby County Vs Shrewsbury Town | English Carling Cup

2011-08-09T13:41:00.000+02:00

Derby County Vs Shrewsbury Town | English Carling Cup
The Football League Cup, commonly known as the League Cup or, from current sponsorship, the Carling Cup, is an English football competition. Like the FA Cup, it is played on a knockout (single elimination) basis. Unlike the FA Cup where 762 teams entered in 2008–09 only 92 clubs can enter—the 20 clubs of the Premier League, and the 72 clubs of The Football League, which organises the competition. Also unlike the FA Cup, the semi-finals are played over two legs. The winners qualify for the UEFA Europa League, if they have not qualified for European competition through the Premier League or by winning the FA Cup. If this occurs, then the Europa League berth goes to the highest-placed team from the Premier League not already qualified for Europe. Birmingham City are the current holders.

Although the League Cup is one of the three major domestic trophies attainable by English league teams, it is perceived by some larger clubs as a lower priority than the league championship and the FA Cup. Arguably, it reached a low point over the turn of the millennium when it was commonly nicknamed the "Worthless Cup" or the "Mickey Mouse Cup". Some clubs have made a point of fielding a weaker side in the competition, making the opportunity for giant-killing of the larger clubs more likely. Many of the top English sides, Arsenal and Manchester United in particular, have used the competition to give young players valuable big-game experience. However, in response to Arsène Wenger's claim that a League Cup win would not end his trophy drought, Alex Ferguson described the trophy as "a pot worth winning". Since that nadir, the League Cup has recovered somewhat, embracing the 'youth' football ethic, and maintaining its niche as an early season trophy.

Nottingham Forest Vs Notts County | English Carling Cup

2011-08-09T13:40:00.001+02:00

Nottingham Forest Vs Notts County | English Carling Cup
The Football League Cup, commonly known as the League Cup or, from current sponsorship, the Carling Cup, is an English football competition. Like the FA Cup, it is played on a knockout (single elimination) basis. Unlike the FA Cup where 762 teams entered in 2008–09 only 92 clubs can enter—the 20 clubs of the Premier League, and the 72 clubs of The Football League, which organises the competition. Also unlike the FA Cup, the semi-finals are played over two legs. The winners qualify for the UEFA Europa League, if they have not qualified for European competition through the Premier League or by winning the FA Cup. If this occurs, then the Europa League berth goes to the highest-placed team from the Premier League not already qualified for Europe. Birmingham City are the current holders.

Although the League Cup is one of the three major domestic trophies attainable by English league teams, it is perceived by some larger clubs as a lower priority than the league championship and the FA Cup. Arguably, it reached a low point over the turn of the millennium when it was commonly nicknamed the "Worthless Cup" or the "Mickey Mouse Cup". Some clubs have made a point of fielding a weaker side in the competition, making the opportunity for giant-killing of the larger clubs more likely. Many of the top English sides, Arsenal and Manchester United in particular, have used the competition to give young players valuable big-game experience. However, in response to Arsène Wenger's claim that a League Cup win would not end his trophy drought, Alex Ferguson described the trophy as "a pot worth winning". Since that nadir, the League Cup has recovered somewhat, embracing the 'youth' football ethic, and maintaining its niche as an early season trophy.

Southampton Vs Torquay United | English Carling Cup

2011-08-09T13:39:00.002+02:00

Southampton Vs Torquay United | English Carling Cup
The Football League Cup, commonly known as the League Cup or, from current sponsorship, the Carling Cup, is an English football competition. Like the FA Cup, it is played on a knockout (single elimination) basis. Unlike the FA Cup where 762 teams entered in 2008–09 only 92 clubs can enter—the 20 clubs of the Premier League, and the 72 clubs of The Football League, which organises the competition. Also unlike the FA Cup, the semi-finals are played over two legs. The winners qualify for the UEFA Europa League, if they have not qualified for European competition through the Premier League or by winning the FA Cup. If this occurs, then the Europa League berth goes to the highest-placed team from the Premier League not already qualified for Europe. Birmingham City are the current holders.

Although the League Cup is one of the three major domestic trophies attainable by English league teams, it is perceived by some larger clubs as a lower priority than the league championship and the FA Cup. Arguably, it reached a low point over the turn of the millennium when it was commonly nicknamed the "Worthless Cup" or the "Mickey Mouse Cup". Some clubs have made a point of fielding a weaker side in the competition, making the opportunity for giant-killing of the larger clubs more likely. Many of the top English sides, Arsenal and Manchester United in particular, have used the competition to give young players valuable big-game experience. However, in response to Arsène Wenger's claim that a League Cup win would not end his trophy drought, Alex Ferguson described the trophy as "a pot worth winning". Since that nadir, the League Cup has recovered somewhat, embracing the 'youth' football ethic, and maintaining its niche as an early season trophy.

Portsmouth Vs Barnet | English Carling Cup

2011-08-09T13:38:00.001+02:00

Portsmouth Vs Barnet | English Carling Cup
The Football League Cup, commonly known as the League Cup or, from current sponsorship, the Carling Cup, is an English football competition. Like the FA Cup, it is played on a knockout (single elimination) basis. Unlike the FA Cup where 762 teams entered in 2008–09 only 92 clubs can enter—the 20 clubs of the Premier League, and the 72 clubs of The Football League, which organises the competition. Also unlike the FA Cup, the semi-finals are played over two legs. The winners qualify for the UEFA Europa League, if they have not qualified for European competition through the Premier League or by winning the FA Cup. If this occurs, then the Europa League berth goes to the highest-placed team from the Premier League not already qualified for Europe. Birmingham City are the current holders.

Although the League Cup is one of the three major domestic trophies attainable by English league teams, it is perceived by some larger clubs as a lower priority than the league championship and the FA Cup. Arguably, it reached a low point over the turn of the millennium when it was commonly nicknamed the "Worthless Cup" or the "Mickey Mouse Cup". Some clubs have made a point of fielding a weaker side in the competition, making the opportunity for giant-killing of the larger clubs more likely. Many of the top English sides, Arsenal and Manchester United in particular, have used the competition to give young players valuable big-game experience. However, in response to Arsène Wenger's claim that a League Cup win would not end his trophy drought, Alex Ferguson described the trophy as "a pot worth winning". Since that nadir, the League Cup has recovered somewhat, embracing the 'youth' football ethic, and maintaining its niche as an early season trophy.

Leicester City Vs Rotherham United | English Carling Cup

2011-08-09T13:37:00.002+02:00

Leicester City Vs Rotherham United | English Carling Cup
The Football League Cup, commonly known as the League Cup or, from current sponsorship, the Carling Cup, is an English football competition. Like the FA Cup, it is played on a knockout (single elimination) basis. Unlike the FA Cup where 762 teams entered in 2008–09 only 92 clubs can enter—the 20 clubs of the Premier League, and the 72 clubs of The Football League, which organises the competition. Also unlike the FA Cup, the semi-finals are played over two legs. The winners qualify for the UEFA Europa League, if they have not qualified for European competition through the Premier League or by winning the FA Cup. If this occurs, then the Europa League berth goes to the highest-placed team from the Premier League not already qualified for Europe. Birmingham City are the current holders.

Although the League Cup is one of the three major domestic trophies attainable by English league teams, it is perceived by some larger clubs as a lower priority than the league championship and the FA Cup. Arguably, it reached a low point over the turn of the millennium when it was commonly nicknamed the "Worthless Cup" or the "Mickey Mouse Cup". Some clubs have made a point of fielding a weaker side in the competition, making the opportunity for giant-killing of the larger clubs more likely. Many of the top English sides, Arsenal and Manchester United in particular, have used the competition to give young players valuable big-game experience. However, in response to Arsène Wenger's claim that a League Cup win would not end his trophy drought, Alex Ferguson described the trophy as "a pot worth winning". Since that nadir, the League Cup has recovered somewhat, embracing the 'youth' football ethic, and maintaining its niche as an early season trophy.

Middlesbrough Vs Walsall | English Carling Cup

2011-08-09T13:36:00.002+02:00

Middlesbrough Vs Walsall | English Carling Cup
The Football League Cup, commonly known as the League Cup or, from current sponsorship, the Carling Cup, is an English football competition. Like the FA Cup, it is played on a knockout (single elimination) basis. Unlike the FA Cup where 762 teams entered in 2008–09 only 92 clubs can enter—the 20 clubs of the Premier League, and the 72 clubs of The Football League, which organises the competition. Also unlike the FA Cup, the semi-finals are played over two legs. The winners qualify for the UEFA Europa League, if they have not qualified for European competition through the Premier League or by winning the FA Cup. If this occurs, then the Europa League berth goes to the highest-placed team from the Premier League not already qualified for Europe. Birmingham City are the current holders.

Although the League Cup is one of the three major domestic trophies attainable by English league teams, it is perceived by some larger clubs as a lower priority than the league championship and the FA Cup. Arguably, it reached a low point over the turn of the millennium when it was commonly nicknamed the "Worthless Cup" or the "Mickey Mouse Cup". Some clubs have made a point of fielding a weaker side in the competition, making the opportunity for giant-killing of the larger clubs more likely. Many of the top English sides, Arsenal and Manchester United in particular, have used the competition to give young players valuable big-game experience. However, in response to Arsène Wenger's claim that a League Cup win would not end his trophy drought, Alex Ferguson described the trophy as "a pot worth winning". Since that nadir, the League Cup has recovered somewhat, embracing the 'youth' football ethic, and maintaining its niche as an early season trophy.

Barnsley Vs Morecambe | English Carling Cup

2011-08-09T13:35:00.001+02:00

Barnsley Vs Morecambe | English Carling Cup
The Football League Cup, commonly known as the League Cup or, from current sponsorship, the Carling Cup, is an English football competition. Like the FA Cup, it is played on a knockout (single elimination) basis. Unlike the FA Cup where 762 teams entered in 2008–09 only 92 clubs can enter—the 20 clubs of the Premier League, and the 72 clubs of The Football League, which organises the competition. Also unlike the FA Cup, the semi-finals are played over two legs. The winners qualify for the UEFA Europa League, if they have not qualified for European competition through the Premier League or by winning the FA Cup. If this occurs, then the Europa League berth goes to the highest-placed team from the Premier League not already qualified for Europe. Birmingham City are the current holders.

Although the League Cup is one of the three major domestic trophies attainable by English league teams, it is perceived by some larger clubs as a lower priority than the league championship and the FA Cup. Arguably, it reached a low point over the turn of the millennium when it was commonly nicknamed the "Worthless Cup" or the "Mickey Mouse Cup". Some clubs have made a point of fielding a weaker side in the competition, making the opportunity for giant-killing of the larger clubs more likely. Many of the top English sides, Arsenal and Manchester United in particular, have used the competition to give young players valuable big-game experience. However, in response to Arsène Wenger's claim that a League Cup win would not end his trophy drought, Alex Ferguson described the trophy as "a pot worth winning". Since that nadir, the League Cup has recovered somewhat, embracing the 'youth' football ethic, and maintaining its niche as an early season trophy.

Ipswich Town Vs Northampton Town | English Carling Cup

2011-08-09T13:33:00.001+02:00

Ipswich Town Vs Northampton Town | English Carling Cup
The Football League Cup, commonly known as the League Cup or, from current sponsorship, the Carling Cup, is an English football competition. Like the FA Cup, it is played on a knockout (single elimination) basis. Unlike the FA Cup where 762 teams entered in 2008–09 only 92 clubs can enter—the 20 clubs of the Premier League, and the 72 clubs of The Football League, which organises the competition. Also unlike the FA Cup, the semi-finals are played over two legs. The winners qualify for the UEFA Europa League, if they have not qualified for European competition through the Premier League or by winning the FA Cup. If this occurs, then the Europa League berth goes to the highest-placed team from the Premier League not already qualified for Europe. Birmingham City are the current holders.

Although the League Cup is one of the three major domestic trophies attainable by English league teams, it is perceived by some larger clubs as a lower priority than the league championship and the FA Cup. Arguably, it reached a low point over the turn of the millennium when it was commonly nicknamed the "Worthless Cup" or the "Mickey Mouse Cup". Some clubs have made a point of fielding a weaker side in the competition, making the opportunity for giant-killing of the larger clubs more likely. Many of the top English sides, Arsenal and Manchester United in particular, have used the competition to give young players valuable big-game experience. However, in response to Arsène Wenger's claim that a League Cup win would not end his trophy drought, Alex Ferguson described the trophy as "a pot worth winning". Since that nadir, the League Cup has recovered somewhat, embracing the 'youth' football ethic, and maintaining its niche as an early season trophy.

Sheffield United Vs Hartlepool | English Carling Cup

2011-08-09T13:29:00.004+02:00

Sheffield United Vs Hartlepool | English Carling Cup
The Football League Cup, commonly known as the League Cup or, from current sponsorship, the Carling Cup, is an English football competition. Like the FA Cup, it is played on a knockout (single elimination) basis. Unlike the FA Cup where 762 teams entered in 2008–09 only 92 clubs can enter—the 20 clubs of the Premier League, and the 72 clubs of The Football League, which organises the competition. Also unlike the FA Cup, the semi-finals are played over two legs. The winners qualify for the UEFA Europa League, if they have not qualified for European competition through the Premier League or by winning the FA Cup. If this occurs, then the Europa League berth goes to the highest-placed team from the Premier League not already qualified for Europe. Birmingham City are the current holders.

Although the League Cup is one of the three major domestic trophies attainable by English league teams, it is perceived by some larger clubs as a lower priority than the league championship and the FA Cup. Arguably, it reached a low point over the turn of the millennium when it was commonly nicknamed the "Worthless Cup" or the "Mickey Mouse Cup". Some clubs have made a point of fielding a weaker side in the competition, making the opportunity for giant-killing of the larger clubs more likely. Many of the top English sides, Arsenal and Manchester United in particular, have used the competition to give young players valuable big-game experience. However, in response to Arsène Wenger's claim that a League Cup win would not end his trophy drought, Alex Ferguson described the trophy as "a pot worth winning". Since that nadir, the League Cup has recovered somewhat, embracing the 'youth' football ethic, and maintaining its niche as an early season trophy.

Barcelona Vs Girona | Friendly

2011-08-08T20:36:00.001+02:00

Barcelona Vs Girona | Friendly
An exhibition game (also known as an exhibition match, exhibition, demonstration, demo, exhibit or friendly) is a sporting event in which there is no competitive value of any significant kind to any competitor (such as tournament or season rankings, or prize money) regardless of the outcome of the competition. The games can be held between separate teams or between parts of the same team. Quality of play is generally valued over the end result. The term scrimmage is also sometimes used, especially with regard to team sports, but is ambiguous because it has other meanings even in that context. Another synonym is preparation match.

Throughout the world, many team and one-on-one sports and games feature exhibition matches. For example, two professional snooker or chess players, or two ice hockey teams, may play an exhibition to settle a challenge, to provide professional entertainment, or often to raise money for charities.
In some sports exhibition games also take the form of a handful of pre-season games that are intended to familiarize teammates with each other and prepare for upcoming matches. In professional sports, pre-season games also help teams decide which players to keep for the regular season.

Bayern Munich Vs Borussia Mönchengladbach | Bundesliga

2011-08-07T15:32:00.002+02:00

Bayern Munich Vs Borussia Mönchengladbach | Bundesliga
The Fußball-Bundesliga is a professional association football league in Germany. At the top of Germany's football league system, it is the country's primary football competition. It is contested by 18 teams and operates on a system of promotion and relegation with the 2. Bundesliga. A total of 50 clubs have competed in the Bundesliga since its founding. Since the 1970s, FC Bayern Munich has dominated the championship, winning the title 21 times. However, the Bundesliga has seen other champions with Hamburger SV, Borussia Dortmund, Werder Bremen, Borussia Mönchengladbach and VfB Stuttgart being the most prominent ones.

Unlike other countries, in Germany a unified national football league structure was quite late in developing. The Bundesliga was not formed until 1963 and the structure and organisation of the nation's football leagues have undergone frequent changes right up to the present day. The league was originally founded by the German Football Association, but is now operated by the Deutsche Fußball Liga.

Twente Enschede Vs NAC Breda | Eredivisie

2011-08-07T15:31:00.002+02:00

Twente Enschede Vs NAC Breda | Eredivisie
The Eredivisie is the highest football league in the Netherlands. The league was founded in 1956 two years after the start of professional football in the Netherlands. It is currently ranked the ninth best league in Europe by UEFA.The top division consists of 18 clubs. Each club faces every other club twice during the season, once at home and once away. At the end of each season, the bottom club is automatically relegated to the second level of the Dutch league system, the Eerste Divisie (First Division), with the champion of the Eerste Divisie automatically promoted to the Eredivisie.

The next two clubs from the bottom of the Eredivisie go to separate promotion/relegation playoffs. The playoffs are played in two groups. Each group has one Eredivisie club and three high-placed clubs from the Eerste Divisie. In both promotion/relegation playoff groups, each club plays a home-and-away series with the other clubs. The winner of each playoff group plays in the following season's Eredivisie, with the other teams going to the Eerste Divisie.The winner of the Eredivisie claims the Dutch national championship. AFC Ajax has won the most titles, 22 (30 national titles). PSV Eindhoven is next with 18 (21), and Feyenoord follows with 9 (14). Since 1965, these three clubs have won all except for three titles (the 1981 and 2009 titles went to AZ and FC Twente won the 2010 title).

FSV Mainz 05 Vs Bayer 04 Leverkusen | Bundesliga

2011-08-07T13:19:00.000+02:00

FSV Mainz 05 Vs Bayer 04 Leverkusen | Bundesliga
The Fußball-Bundesliga is a professional association football league in Germany. At the top of Germany's football league system, it is the country's primary football competition. It is contested by 18 teams and operates on a system of promotion and relegation with the 2. Bundesliga. A total of 50 clubs have competed in the Bundesliga since its founding. Since the 1970s, FC Bayern Munich has dominated the championship, winning the title 21 times. However, the Bundesliga has seen other champions with Hamburger SV, Borussia Dortmund, Werder Bremen, Borussia Mönchengladbach and VfB Stuttgart being the most prominent ones.

Unlike other countries, in Germany a unified national football league structure was quite late in developing. The Bundesliga was not formed until 1963 and the structure and organisation of the nation's football leagues have undergone frequent changes right up to the present day. The league was originally founded by the German Football Association, but is now operated by the Deutsche Fußball Liga.

Manchester United Vs Manchester City | English FA Community Shield

2011-08-07T13:15:00.006+02:00

Manchester United Vs Manchester City | English FA Community Shield
The Football Association Community Shield (formerly the Charity Shield) is English football's annual match contested between the champions of the previous Premier League season and the holders of the FA Cup at Wembley Stadium. If the Premier League champions also won the FA Cup then the league runners-up provide the opposition. Often seen as a 'glorified friendly' which ranks below the FA Cup and League Cup, the fixture is a recognised football Super Cup. Organised by the Football Association, proceeds from the game are distributed to community-based initiatives and charities around the country. Revenue from the gate receipts and match programme sales is distributed to the 124 clubs who competed in The FA Cup from the First Round onwards, for onward distribution to charities and projects of their choice, while the remainder is distributed to the FA's national charity partners. The fixture was first played in the 1908–09 season, replacing the Sheriff of London Charity Shield.

While still an honour in the English game, the Community Shield has markedly lower status than the Premier League, FA Cup or even the League Cup. It is widely considered to be a minor trophy and Community Shield games may not be as hotly contested as other trophy finals. The Community Shield has been described by some media sources, including Mark Lawrenson, as a "glorified friendly". Prior to the 2008 FA Community Shield, Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson aptly summarised his opinion for the competition: "It's always a game we never quite use as a do or die thing, we use it as a barometer for fitness"

WKS Slask Wroclaw Vs LKS Lodz | Polish Ekstraklasa

2011-08-07T13:14:00.001+02:00

WKS Slask Wroclaw Vs LKS Lodz | Polish Ekstraklasa
The Ekstraklasa, or T-Mobile Ekstraklasa for sponsorship reasons, is a Polish professional league for association football clubs. At the top of the Polish football league system, it is the country's primary football competition. It is contested by 16 clubs, operating a system of promotion and relegation with the I Liga. The Ekstraklasa season starts in late July, and ends in May the following year, teams play a total of 30 games each. The Ekstraklasa (former I liga) was formed as Liga Piłki Nożnej (LPN) on 1 March 1927 in Warsaw.

All matches from the 2011-2012 season are telecast live nationally by Canal+ Poland. Telewizja Polska has the rights to air live 4 games per season on a non scrambled channel,A total of 78 clubs have played in the top division of polish football since the founding of the league in 1921, of which, 17 clubs have won the title. The current champions are Wisła Kraków, who won their 14th title in 2010–11.

ADO Den Haag Vs Vitesse Arnhem | Eredivisie

2011-08-07T13:12:00.002+02:00

ADO Den Haag Vs Vitesse Arnhem | Eredivisie
The Eredivisie is the highest football league in the Netherlands. The league was founded in 1956 two years after the start of professional football in the Netherlands. It is currently ranked the ninth best league in Europe by UEFA.The top division consists of 18 clubs. Each club faces every other club twice during the season, once at home and once away. At the end of each season, the bottom club is automatically relegated to the second level of the Dutch league system, the Eerste Divisie (First Division), with the champion of the Eerste Divisie automatically promoted to the Eredivisie.

Ajax Amsterdam Vs De Graafschap | Eredivisie

2011-08-07T13:08:00.001+02:00

Ajax Amsterdam Vs De Graafschap | Eredivisie
The Eredivisie is the highest football league in the Netherlands. The league was founded in 1956 two years after the start of professional football in the Netherlands. It is currently ranked the ninth best league in Europe by UEFA.The top division consists of 18 clubs. Each club faces every other club twice during the season, once at home and once away. At the end of each season, the bottom club is automatically relegated to the second level of the Dutch league system, the Eerste Divisie (First Division), with the champion of the Eerste Divisie automatically promoted to the Eredivisie.

The next two clubs from the bottom of the Eredivisie go to separate promotion/relegation playoffs. The playoffs are played in two groups. Each group has one Eredivisie club and three high-placed clubs from the Eerste Divisie. In both promotion/relegation playoff groups, each club plays a home-and-away series with the other clubs. The winner of each playoff group plays in the following season's Eredivisie, with the other teams going to the Eerste Divisie.The winner of the Eredivisie claims the Dutch national championship. AFC Ajax has won the most titles, 22 (30 national titles). PSV Eindhoven is next with 18 (21), and Feyenoord follows with 9 (14). Since 1965, these three clubs have won all except for three titles (the 1981 and 2009 titles went to AZ and FC Twente won the 2010 title).

West Ham United Vs Cardiff City | English Championship League

2011-08-07T11:36:00.002+02:00

West Ham United Vs Cardiff City | English Championship League
The Football League Championship (often referred to as The Championship for short, or the Npower Championship for sponsorship reasons) is the highest division of The Football League and second-highest division overall in the English football league system after the Premier League.The Football League Championship was introduced for the 2004–05 season, having been previously known as the Football League First Division. According to Deloitte, in the 2004–05 season it was the wealthiest non-top flight football division in the world, and the sixth richest division in Europe

From 2009–2012 Sky Sports have the rights to broadcast 65 live matches, live coverage of both legs of both play off semi finals and the play off final live. The BBC has the rights to show 10 first choice live games for the regular season as well as the rights to show a highlight show. The deal is on a three year contract and is worth £264m that will mostly be paid by Sky. Sky Sports will then take exclusive live rights to the Football League from 2013, having signed a three-year deal worth £195m, representing a 26% reduction in revenue from the previous joint deal between Sky and BBC. The new deal will include 75 live league games, all the play-off matches, 15 League Cup ties (including both semi-finals and the final) and selected Johnstone's Paint Trophy matches. Sky will also have highlights packages, with the free-to-air rights yet to be decided.

FC Erzgebirge Aue Vs Karlsruher SC | German 2. Bundesliga

2011-08-07T11:35:00.002+02:00

FC Erzgebirge Aue Vs Karlsruher SC | German 2. Bundesliga
The 2nd Bundesliga is the Second Division of professional football in Germany. It is below the Bundesliga in the German football league system.1974 marked the introduction of the second tier of the Bundesliga. 40 clubs, divided into two leagues (North and South), competed for promotion into the Bundesliga. 1981 saw the introduction of a single 2nd Bundesliga of 20 teams. In the 1991–1992 season, the former East German clubs participated as well. This was managed by returning to a two-tier system (with 12 teams in each league).

The top three teams gained promotion into the Bundesliga. Starting 2008–09, only the top two teams are promoted automatically, and the third placed team plays a two-leg playoff against the Bundesliga 16th. The bottom four teams were relegated into the Regional leagues. Starting 2007–08, the bottom teams will be relegated to the 3rd Liga, which will play its inaugural season in 2008–09.Starting 2008–09, only the bottom two teams are relegated into the 3rd Liga automatically. The third last team can avoid relegation through a two-leg playoff against the 3rd Liga third.

FSV Frankfurt Vs MSV Duisburg | German 2. Bundesliga

2011-08-07T11:34:00.001+02:00

FSV Frankfurt Vs MSV Duisburg | German 2. Bundesliga
The 2nd Bundesliga is the Second Division of professional football in Germany. It is below the Bundesliga in the German football league system.1974 marked the introduction of the second tier of the Bundesliga. 40 clubs, divided into two leagues (North and South), competed for promotion into the Bundesliga. 1981 saw the introduction of a single 2nd Bundesliga of 20 teams. In the 1991–1992 season, the former East German clubs participated as well. This was managed by returning to a two-tier system (with 12 teams in each league).

The top three teams gained promotion into the Bundesliga. Starting 2008–09, only the top two teams are promoted automatically, and the third placed team plays a two-leg playoff against the Bundesliga 16th. The bottom four teams were relegated into the Regional leagues. Starting 2007–08, the bottom teams will be relegated to the 3rd Liga, which will play its inaugural season in 2008–09.Starting 2008–09, only the bottom two teams are relegated into the 3rd Liga automatically. The third last team can avoid relegation through a two-leg playoff against the 3rd Liga third.

Eintr. Braunschweig Vs Eintracht Frankfurt | German 2. Bundesliga

2011-08-07T11:33:00.001+02:00

Eintr. Braunschweig Vs Eintracht Frankfurt | German 2. Bundesliga
The 2nd Bundesliga is the Second Division of professional football in Germany. It is below the Bundesliga in the German football league system.1974 marked the introduction of the second tier of the Bundesliga. 40 clubs, divided into two leagues (North and South), competed for promotion into the Bundesliga. 1981 saw the introduction of a single 2nd Bundesliga of 20 teams. In the 1991–1992 season, the former East German clubs participated as well. This was managed by returning to a two-tier system (with 12 teams in each league).

The top three teams gained promotion into the Bundesliga. Starting 2008–09, only the top two teams are promoted automatically, and the third placed team plays a two-leg playoff against the Bundesliga 16th. The bottom four teams were relegated into the Regional leagues. Starting 2007–08, the bottom teams will be relegated to the 3rd Liga, which will play its inaugural season in 2008–09.Starting 2008–09, only the bottom two teams are relegated into the 3rd Liga automatically. The third last team can avoid relegation through a two-leg playoff against the 3rd Liga third.