A Week of Big Moves: Contract Renewals, New Signings, and Farewells

In the last week, Arsenal has shown no signs of slowing down in their off-season manoeuvres. Confirmations have come in for renewed contracts for William Saliba and Reiss Nelson, both essential elements in the Gunners’ roster. However, the farewells to Pablo Mari and Granit Xhaka, who have signed permanent deals with Monza and Bayer Leverkusen, respectively, show that Arsenal is fearless in shaking up the team dynamics.

In a surprising turn of events, the team has also made a £ 65 million swoop for Chelsea’s Kai Havertz, setting the tone for an aggressive pre-season. Having completed these transactions well before their first pre-season fixture, Arsenal has set an optimistic pace for the new campaign, and there is still plenty of time before the summer transfer window closes. Like in a game of Craps, the Arsenal management team is tossing the dice with high stakes, betting on their strategies to pay off in the upcoming season.

Anticipated Arrivals: Jurrien Timber and Declan Rice

Arsenal’s shopping spree doesn’t stop there; two more deals are already on the table, according to a recent report from football. London, Arsenal has settled an agreement with Ajax for the transfer of Jurrien Timber. The initial €40million (£34.2million) fee could potentially rise to €45million (£38.5million) depending on whether certain add-ons are fulfilled.

This announcement coincided closely with the news of a record-breaking £ 105 million deal with West Ham United for Declan Rice. Both players must undergo medical checks before their moves are officially confirmed. These strategic signings aim to bolster Mikel Arteta’s first-team squad, suggesting a promising outlook for the upcoming campaign.

The Number Game: What Shirt Will Timber Wear?

As Timber’s arrival at Arsenal grows imminent, speculation about the shirt number he will adorn is rife. Given his record, there is a clear preference. For the past three seasons, Timber has sported the No.2 shirt for Ajax, and he wears the same number when playing for the Netherlands national team. Will he continue this trend at Arsenal, or is there a new number on the horizon?

Potential Shirt Numbers: Timber’s Options at Arsenal

As it stands, Jurrien Timber has two viable shirt number options at Arsenal following the announcement of William Saliba’s renewed contract. While Gunners supporters eagerly anticipate the unveiling of Timber holding up his new shirt, speculations about his potential squad number continue to circulate.

The Legacy of No.2: A Favourite for Timber?

Timber has consistently donned the No.2 shirt in his club and international football career. This three-season streak at Ajax and its continuation into his stint with the Netherlands national team indicates a potential preference. If he chooses to carry on this tradition at Arsenal, he would join the ranks of famous Arsenal No.2s, such as Abou Diaby and Hector Bellerin.

Exploring Alternatives: Other Possible Numbers

However, the possibility of Timber choosing a different shirt number at Arsenal cannot be discounted. If he opts for a fresh start in the Premier League, a range of other squad numbers could be available, depending on the finalized departures and arrivals at the Emirates Stadium during this transfer window. Regardless of his number, Arsenal fans and fellow team members are most excited about the skills and strength he will bring to the pitch.

Awaiting the Unveiling: Anticipation Builds

As the details of Timber’s transfer to Arsenal become more certain, the excitement among the Gunners’ supporters continues to build. Regardless of the number emblazoned on his shirt, they are excited to witness Timber’s unique defensive skills enhancing Arsenal’s game in the upcoming season. Stay tuned for the official unveiling, where all questions will be answered, and a new era for Arsenal’s defence will begin.

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What Type of Clubs Should a Golfer Carry?

If you’re an average golfer, you’ll need the following items in your bag:

– A driver: This is your primary club and should be your go-to club for approach shots, as well as for putting.

– A three-wood: This club is perfect for medium-length shots and can help improve your accuracy on long shots.

– A five-wood: This club is good for short shots around the green and can be particularly useful on difficult holes where a shorter iron may not suffice.

– An eight-iron or hybrid: These clubs are good for hitting long irons close to the green, as well as short irons off the tee box.

– A putter: This should be used mainly to drop putts from a distance, rather than making swings at the ball itself.

What Type of Balls Should a Golfer Carry?

When it comes to golf accessories, let’s take a look at what type of balls a golfer should carry, there are a few factors to consider. For starters, the type of ball you use will affect both your score and how you play the game.

Different balls perform differently on different courses, so it’s important to have a variety on hand. In addition, some golfers prefer softer balls while others prefer harder ones. And finally, some golfers like to carry multiple types of balls in order to cover all their bases.

What Type of Shoes Should a Golfer Carry?

There are basically three types of shoes an average golfer should carry in his bag: a pair of dress shoes for when you’re playing in nicer clubs, golf spikes for practice and tournaments, and sneakers for walking the course.

– The dress shoes should be good quality leather shoes that fit snugly and have a low profile so they don’t drag on the ground while you’re walking. You can also buy dress shoes with rubber soles to make them more durable on rough surfaces. Make sure the laces are tight enough so they don’t come undone while you’re swinging, and choose a color that will help you stand out on the course.

– If you plan to play in tournaments or practice often at very difficult courses, then you will need golf spikes. They should have a hard, sturdy construction so they won’t break easily, and a rubber sole to protect your feet from abrasions. Choose a style that closely matches your dress shoes for an overall look that is professional and polished.

– Finally, if you only plan to walk the course occasionally or during inclement weather, then sneakers are perfect! They provide comfort and protection against weather conditions without being too formal or expensive looking.

What Type of Clothes Should a Golfer Wear?

There is no specific clothing requirement for a golfer, as the environment and course conditions will dictate what is most appropriate. However, there are some general guidelines that can be followed.

– For hot weather, it is advisable to wear lightweight clothes that allow air flow. For cold weather, layers are important to keep you warm. It can be helpful to have rain gear available in case of rain or bad weather.

– When playing in windy conditions, a golf cap or visor can help keep the hair out of your face. Opt for clothes that wick moisture away from the body to avoid becoming overheated and uncomfortable.

– A golf shirt should fit snugly but not be too tight so that it restricts movement. If possible, choose a shirt made with breathable fabric to avoid becoming wet and heavy in the heat. A golf shoe should also fit snugly so that it does not slip on the green when walking around; this prevents tripping hazards and keeps your foot stable while you swing.

How to Choose the Right Golf Club?

If you’re just starting out, or haven’t played in a while, there are a few things to consider before purchasing your first golf club.

– Length: The length of your club affects how far it will hit the ball. For beginners, a shorter club is easier to control and helps you get used to the motion of swinging. If you’re taller or have more strength, then you may prefer a longer club.

– Headweight: This refers to how much weight the head of the club is made of. Lightweight clubs are easier to swing but won’t hit as far. Heavyweight clubs hit further but are harder to swing.

– Type: There are three main types of golf clubs- woods (a long iron), irons (mid-length clubs that can be used for most shots), and wedges (short clubs with a thin blade that’s mainly used for bunker shots). Decide what type of shot you’ll be hitting most often and buy accordingly.

How to Choose the Right Ball?

When it comes to choosing the right golf ball, there are a few things to consider. Your club, your swing, and your course all play a part in choosing the right ball for you.

Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect golf ball for your game:

– Consider your club. The type of ball that is best suited for your club depends on its specifications. For example, a low-spin ball is designed for use with irons that have less spin than high-spin clubs.

– Consider your swing. Your swing relies on the correct alignment of the clubface with the ball at impact. Matching the type of golf ball to your swing will result in more accuracy and consistency.

– Consider your course and playing conditions. Each course has different conditions that call for different types of balls. For example, a harder green may require a harder ball while a damp fairway may benefit from a softer one.

Conclusion

Now that you know the basics of golf ball selection, it is time to experiment and find the perfect ball for your game. Play around with different types until you find one that works best for you and your swing. Remember to always consult your local pro for advice on the best balls for your course and personal style.

The post What Should an Average Golfer Have in His Bag? appeared first on Along the Boards.

Green, who will take on Islam Makhachev only 14 days after being Nasrat Hagparast in a 15-pound war on Feb. 12, 2023, is a heavy underdog. Makhachev, who is 21-1 in his career with 13 finishes, is a disciple of Khabib Nurmagomedov, who is a former UFC lightweight champion that retired with a 30-0 record. Green, who is five years Makhachev’s senior, is a journeyman collecting 29 wins and 12 losses in his career.

Green’s bout against Makhachev will be his first main event. A fighter winning on such short notice isn’t unprecedented in UFC history. Here’s a look at a few notable bouts that only happened due to chance. Now, to know a ton more regarding the topic, worry not, head over to insidersbettingdiget.com.

Bisping Gets Revenge, Belt

Michael Bisping, a UFC middleweight, spent much of his career as a ranked fighter, but never got too close to a title shot. In June 2016, Bisping’s luck changed and the 36th fight of his career would become a championship bout. Middleweight champion Luke Rockhold, who previously submitted Bisping two years prior, needed a new opponent when Chris Weidman pulled out of their rematch two weeks prior to the fight due to an injury.

Bisping stepped in on two weeks’ notice and pulled a stunner. The Englishman caught Rockhold with a left hook in the first round before finishing the championship with a barrage of punches 3:36 into the first round. Bisping would defend the championship once, winning a unanimous decision over Dan Henderson before losing the belt to Georges St-Pierre.

The Night the UFC Changed

UFC 196 was a great night for upsets, but it wasn’t the best for the company’s matchmaking. Nate Diaz stepped in on 10 days’ notice to fight Connor McGregor in a catchweight fight. McGregor, the featherweight champion at the time, was originally supposed to fight Rafael dos Anjos for the lightweight title. However, dos Anjos had to withdraw with an injury.

Diaz, who wasn’t training at the time, stepped in for the opportunity. McGregor punished Diaz in the first round, but the Irishman ran out of gas in the second round and was submitted. The loss stopped McGregor’s 13-fight win streak and delayed the event of a McGregor-Khabib superfight, which wouldn’t happen for two years. McGregor demanded a rematch with Diaz and won a decision.

Another upset that night was a fifth-round submission victory by Miesha Tate over Holly Holm for the women’s bantamweight title. The loss took some of the steam out of a rematch between Holm and Ronda Rousey, who Holm had upset to claim the crown.

Jones Was Once Filled with Potential

It’s hard to beat up Jon Jones too much for the career he’s had. It is fair to wonder, however, how much more the long-time light heavyweight champion could have accomplished had he stayed out of trouble with law enforcement. When Jones beat Mauricio Rua on March 19, 2011 to win the light heavyweight crown, he took the five with a five-week lead time.

Jones became the youngest champion at 23 when he earned a TKO victory in the third round. Jones would go on to defend his title 11 times — non-consecutively, as he received a suspension for doping — and has a 26-1 (1 NC) career record in the octagon.

Frankie Took One for the Team

Frankie Edgar, at 37-years-old, probably could have told UFC President Dana White he wanted to wait for his title shot. Edgar, a former lightweight champion, was set to fight Max Holloway for the featherweight championship on March 3, 2018. However, Holloway had to pull out due to an injury.

When presented with other options, Edgar accepted a fight with dangerous contender Brian Ortega on three weeks’ notice. Edgar would suffer a brutal knockout loss in the first round and had an uncertain future ahead. However, the UFC took care of Edgar in 2019, giving him a shot at Holloway’s title at UFC 240.

While Edgar would drop a decision to Holloway, the UFC didn’t hold him losing the short-notice fight against Ortega, against him.

Now that we have dealt with the facts and figures, let us jump now at the benefits as well as the tips of UFC.

You’ll be bound to foster sound propensities

Similarly as with numerous cutthroat games, preparing for this sport can lead you to work on your way of life outside the rec center. Numerous undesirable propensities before long become unreasonable or counterproductive for hand to hand fighting understudies who need to expand their true capacity or feel improved while preparing. Late evenings out drinking, for instance, will leave you feeling drained and, surprisingly, wiped out when you attempt to prepare the following day, and you might even observe that your eating routine inclinations change when you start intentionally depending on your food as fuel rather than only something to fill your stomach.

UFC Wagering Techniques

Keep your self-control

It is like an unstable game, and hence, disturbances occur. Assuming you have made progress in your wagering methodology, don’t reconsider your whole methodology in light of a couple of lost wages. So keep your self-restraint and confidence in your information, methodology, and hunch. Assuming you’ve had a terrible six day stretch of wagering and have piled up a couple of continuous misfortunes, the last thing you need to do is to get covetous and attempt to turn everything around with one major bet. All things being equal, keep your poise and really believe in your procedure and progress.

Practice

This tip is somewhat more tomfoolery, contrasted with information gathering. Specialization can be on sure contenders, weight classes, or anything you can imagine truly. Whenever you practice you get a superior and more careful comprehension of what you’re considering. Spending significant time on specific warriors is something that we truly suggest since that is where you can create an incredible profit from speculation.

Observe battles

This one could appear like an easy decision, be that as it may, certain individuals will quite often become involved with the details and winds up allowing it to be the game changer with regards to putting down wagers. Factors, for example, range control, jaw, cardio, and balance are things that details don’t necessarily in every case address. Consequently, you need to really watch battles and take notes in light of such things.

Our Final Thoughts

Beyond a shadow of a doubt — the harder you train in MMA, the almost certain you are to get harmed. In any case, close by the dangers are various physical and mental advantages that can extraordinarily work on your general wellbeing and personal satisfaction. In the event that you’re searching for a method for helping your cardio, drive yourself to foster better propensities beyond the rec center, and work on your social and emotional well-being, preparing for MMA can be an incredible arrangement. Indeed, you’ll likely get smacked upside the head a couple of additional times than you would at a standard rec center with machines and loads, however, the manners in which this battle game will further develop your life are definitely justified.

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Looking good while you run could be a challenge though because you will be sweating and exerting yourself. If you want to look your very best, you should have a set strategy. This will ensure that you look picture-perfect, even if you are in the middle of a race. Here are some grooming tips for marathon runners.

1. Adapt An Aesthetic But Efficient Hairstyle

If you are going to run a marathon, and look good doing it, it is important that you use an aesthetic yet efficient hairstyle. It would look really bad if you run a marathon, and your hair keeps getting in your eyes. 

The usual hairstyles that marathon runners use are ponytails if you have long hair. Top buns are also great hairstyles because they help keep your hair in order, however, they might get heavy as your sweat gets into the bun.

If you have short hair, you could also wear a baseball cap or place a towel on top of your head. This will help absorb the sweat on your head.

2. Use Waterproof Makeup

If you want to look presentable during marathon races, it is a good idea to use a little bit of makeup. This does not mean that you should go overboard with it.  As a rule, it is a good idea to use waterproof makeup. This stops the makeup from caking or oxidizing. If you are going to apply eyeshadow or foundation, it should be as minimal as possible. It should only be enough to hide any blemishes or overly large pores. You can check more on Paris Lash Academy.

3. Choose Clothes That Look Good On Your Body Type

While the usual marathon uniform is shorts and sleeveless tops, this does not mean that you should not care about what you wear during your runs. When it comes to choosing what type of outfit that you wear, there are two factors to follow. First and foremost, your clothes should be as comfortable as possible. They should be easy to move in and provide you with enough room to breathe freely. 

Aside from comfort though, your running clothes should also fit your body perfectly. You don’t want the fit to look too baggy, or too tight.  If you are of a petite or slender build, it is a good idea to avoid overly large outfits because they won’t do your figure any favors.

However, if you are a full-bodied person, it is a good idea to avoid overly small outfits, because they might be too tight on you, and make you uncomfortable. Before you do choose an outfit, it is a good idea to test out a few before you choose one. When it comes to choosing a marathon outfit, it is important that function and form should mix. 

It is also important that you choose outfits that won’t tear easily. Remember that you will be moving a great deal throughout the marathon, and if your clothes are of subpar quality they will easily tear or get ripped. When it comes to the type of fabric that you should use, you should avoid using polyester or wool because they could get very hot in the long run.

4. Use sunscreen

While you could put on a little bit of makeup, to highlight your looks, it is far more important that you use sunscreen during your runs. Remember that you will be running under the open sun for most of the event, and while a light tan might give a healthy glow to your skin, you might get a sunburn if you stay under the sun for too long. Before you start your run, it is important that you put a liberal amount of sunscreen on your face, arms and legs.

5. Use Waterproof Lashes

If you want your eyes to pop during your marathons, it is a good idea to wear artificial lashes. Remember though that the sweat could take those lashes off very fast. This is where waterproof lashes are very useful. Luckily, there are individual lash vendors such as Starseed that are capable of creating beautiful and waterproof lashes. With their quality products, you will be able to have lashes on for a majority of the race.

6.  Get Plenty Of Hydration

If you want to look healthy and vibrant during your run, it is a good idea to bring some water with you. Remember that you will be running under the sun for the majority of the day. You will be sweating a great deal, and this could wreak havoc on your skin, not to mention your overall health. Make it a habit to drink water before you run.

You should also bring a water bottle with you during runs. If they are too cumbersome for you, you could have a friend ride a bike in the sidelines so they could offer you water should you need it. Aside from water, your friend should have a medical kit at the ready, just in case you suffer from an accident during the marathon. The medical kit should have a hand sanitizer, bandages, splints, and disinfectant for open wounds.

7. Bring Goggles With You

When you run a marathon, it is a good idea to bring goggles instead of sunglasses. They are not only a great accessory for runners, but they are also capable of protecting your eyes from the sun’s glare. When you choose your goggles, you should get the ones with specially designed ultraviolet protection lenses. This will allow you to run without getting blinded by sunlight.

Conclusion

If you are going to run a marathon, you should make sure that you look good doing it.  You don’t want to cross the finish line looking like you just got out of bed, do you? With these tips, you’ll still look great even after running a marathon.

The post 7 Grooming Tips For Female Marathon Runners in 2023 appeared first on Along the Boards.

Another player joined the team just two days before the flight to Japan. There’s also that practice with just six healthy players.

Add all of that to not knowing when three commits from the NBA Finals might arrive and it’s all pretty maddening.

This is a first for any US Olympic team, yet these are very different times, given that we’re still in the middle of a pandemic that requires very strict protocols. That the NBA season was affected by the crisis has trickled into the Olympics but it’s really the best everyone could have hoped for, all things considered.

The team is now preparing to face France in the pool-play opener on Sunday morning, bearing in mind that this is a team that was filled with NBA talent that beat them in 2019. There were just odjejah players on the plane when their flight landed in Tokyo on Tuesday this week. JaVale McGee happens to be one of the players in Tokyo right now but hasn’t yet taken part in a formal practice. Zach LaVine could not make it because of health and safety protocols and had to stay back in Las Vegas. The Bulls star was able to join the team on Thursday, however.

Coach Gregg Popovich indicated he wasn’t expecting Devin Booker, Jrue Holiday, and Khris Middleton until Saturday and that’s still not a certainty, with the NBA Finals ending on Tuesday. The team desperately needs the trio, though, given the struggles they’ve faced on the court so far.

“I’ve not seen anything like this,” Popovich admitted. “We’ve gone over lots of scenarios, but we haven’t figured it out yet, that’s for sure.”

It’s easy to think the team’s quest to bring home a fourth Olympic gold medal might be cursed yet, amid all of the negatives, Team USA is still pretty loaded. This is one of the best-shooting teams of Americans ever put together, although they haven’t done themselves much justice in exhibition ball.

Kevin Durant is on the roster, after all. The Brooklyn Nets star, who would have sent his team to the Eastern Conference had his foot not been on the line when he made a clutch shot against the Bucks, isn’t quite playing at 100 percent yet is averaging 16.3 points on 40 percent from three.

The Americans became instant favorites to win the tournament as soon as he committed to playing for Team USA and Popovich joked that he wanted to kiss him. According to Gambling.com, At BetMGM, the odds are at 1.30 where America is concerned.

“I feel like these last two weeks was straight practice for us,” the Nets star offered. “Even though we had games. It was still practice time.”

“If this was a normal Olympic year and the NBA season was already over and whoever the coach was had the benefit of two really good weeks of practice and then some exhibition games and then off to Tokyo, the USA would still be an overwhelming favorite,” international basketball expert Fran Fraschilla, who will be on NBC duty during the games, reckons. “We are still the favorites in this tournament, but in a one-and-done March Madness situation we’re vulnerable because we haven’t had the continuity to put together our best team. It’s not an excuse, it’s just how it is.”

The team also boasts one of the NBA’s most exciting players in Damian Lillard. The Portland Trail Blazers guard shot 44 percent from beyond the arc in Vegas, averaging 17 points in 29 minutes.

While things still appear to be off for Team USA, their shooting from three has been better than the team of 2016 shot all while smashing records. Even without Booker, Holiday, and Middleton, they already look pretty dangerous, also having lost Bradley Beal.

There’s also lots of talent in the frontcourt, with the Miami Heat’s Bam Adebayo and the Golden State Warriors’ Draymond Green also part of the squad. Both of those big men can hold their own down in the paint but are also excellent passers who are at the top end of the NBA’s defensive rankings.

The Americans, though, were outrebounded by an average bordering on seven in the games they’ve played and were also usurped in paint scoring. Popovich, though, has made the necessary sacrifices in order to have some of the most skilled shooters on the team.

“We understand that these are just unique circumstances,” Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum said. “It’s a bunch of new guys, just trying to figure this all out and play with each other. I think each game, each day, each practice, we started to get more and more comfortable individually and with one another.”

With the team apparently lacking chemistry, having McGee on board should be great for Durant as they won two titles together with the Warriors. McGee is a pretty strange addition to the team from the outside looking in. However, he’s there to fill a need Pop knows the team has at the moment.

The chemistry issues were glaring in their loss against Australia last week and it should be expected after they got around to having just six practices prior to their flight to Tokyo. Where they make up for that is in the caliber of players they have representing them in the Olympics. It appears that all 12 of their players will be available for Sunday’s game against France. It’s really no wonder they’re the overwhelming favorites.

The post Team USA’s Olympics Campaign Is Going All Wrong, But They Have Put Together Some Of the Best Shooters An American Team Has Ever Had appeared first on Along the Boards.

In case you are interested in taking a look at one of these, be sure to take a look at roger.com. So, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with trying to earn some money on account of the knowledge someone has about a certain sport. We can see that many see this form of gambling first as a way to entertain themselves when they have extra free time. At the same time, some people play solely for the potential winnings they can achieve.

Again, some people combine these two reasons. Nevertheless, we are talking about a concept that provides many possibilities. We can see that many people don’t understand why people would participate in this form of gambling just for fun. Well, we would like to elaborate on this activity and provide some more information you will find interesting. Buckle up, and let’s go.

What Do You Need to Consider?

Before you make the final decision about whether you should participate in sports betting, you need to be aware of a couple of important facts. The most important rule you need to remember is that you cannot win always. We can see that the majority of players who wager on sports will lose their money. The next thing we would like to bring to your attention is that it doesn’t have to be a big sum.

Furthermore, this is a concept where the player can make a profit in the long run, if doing things properly. Last but not least, it is not simple to make money from this form of gambling, contrary to a popular belief. It needs to be said that the majority of people will lose their money while making a wager. Simply said, this is the way bookmakers are made and there’s no way around it.

Even you are betting on sports solely for fun, you will see that losing money long-term is simply not something that will entertain you. However, if you don’t have a focus only on making the money off it, you will see that you will be able to get at least some entertainment out of it. But that doesn’t mean that you should forget that we are talking about a form of gambling that can lead to a severe loss of money.

Even though there are many stories about people who made serious money from sports betting, it needs to be said that you should not treat them lightly. The reason is that behind all of these winnings is a lot of time these people spend on research. All-in-all, this is a challenge that you will be able to overcome. If you are ready enough, that is.

How Can You Bet for Fun?

Mentioning that a bettor who plays solely for fun needs to be a responsible gambler. What does it mean? Well, the person who will not pay attention to the money lost on sports betting surely knows how much money can be spared on it, and what’s the amount that is simply too much for them. There are a couple of things every responsible gambler needs to know to up his game to the highest possible level.

The first thing every responsible player needs to do is to come with a budget. In other words, to come up with an amount of money that will not be missed even if it is lost. Spending too much money on gambling isn’t funny, right? The next thing we would like to talk about is the type of wagers made by the gambler. Sure, the first one you will need to try out is a single bet. In most cases, it doesn’t require too much money and if the odds are high, it can provide you with a high winning.

Last but not least, you need to select the sport you have the most knowledge about. If you are a fan of the NBA and you are planning of placing a bet on English Premier League, then you cannot expect to win in 99% of cases. Therefore, choose a sport, pick a couple of teams you know the best, and come up with a strategy that will make it possible for you to win.

Sports Betting with Your Friends

Maybe you didn’t aware of the fact that you can come up with sports betting event that will serve only your friends by providing excitement and entertainment. Let’s see how you can do it.

Host a Betting Party

We can see that the concept of a betting party is something common these days, especially with all the lockdowns in the world. Therefore, you can select an important match like the English FA Cup final or Super Bowl and place different wagers. For example, you can guess who will be the player of the match, or MVP, the first team to score, who will assist for the goal, who will be the greatest passer in the game, etc.

Participate in Fantasy League

One of the most popular concepts in the last couple of years is certainly Fantasy League. Pretty much all the most popular leagues in the world have their versions. So, you should create your league with your friends. Maybe you should insert a little prize for the player who manages to be on the first spot at the end of the league, why not?

Summary

As you can see, there are a lot of different ways you can wager on sports solely for the sake of entertainment. At the same time, we’ve provided you with some of the most important things you need to know about it. All-in-all, you will certainly be entertained.

The post How to Bet on Sports for Fun not Profit? appeared first on Along the Boards.

In football history, there have always been referees with bad, even strange decisions that put their names on the list of the worst referees in football history and turned into moments where the Football fans cannot forgive.

Here are 10 of the worst referee mistakes in World Cup history. We will see more than at the World Cups next? Even with the modern technology VAR applied to the game. Fans, sit back, enjoy the game and don’t forget to look for our prediction at happythais.com during the upcoming 2023 World Cup in Qatar.

1. Byron Moreno

Without any doubt, this Ecuadorian man is one of the worst referees in the history of football. He was the disgraced referee of the match between Italy and South Korea at the 2002 World Cup. Byron with his terrible decisions that made the match one of the most questionable moments in the history of football.

His first conscious mistake came when Moreno gave South Korea a soft penalty in the first half and only showed Hwang Sun-hong a yellow card for a foul with Gianluca Zambrotta which he later confessed deserved a red penalty. He also ignored Kim Tae-young’s elbow tackle on Alessandro del Piero.

He then dismissed Francesco Totti for diving when he should have been given a penalty. He denied Damiano Tommasi’s golden goal in extra time on the pretext of Tommasi being offside even though he was not. With his mistakes, he eliminated the Italians and ensured South Korea reached the quarter-finals safely.

In the end, the Ecuadorian referee Byron Moreno was probably banned from entering Italy after these series of mistakes, as well as undermining his reputation and his professionalism towards the football world in general and the audience in particular.

2. Gamal Al-Ghandour

Gamal Mahmoud Ahmed El-Ghandour, a retired Egyptian referee, is the next worst referee in football history. He is primarily known for his poor performances in the 2002 World Cup quarter-final between Spain and South Korea.

Despite outstanding experience as a referee in many prestigious matches, he made strange decisions in the 2002 World Cup quarterfinal and angered many football fans. In the match between Spain and South Korea, he terribly disallowed two Spanish goals.

Then he, along with his linesmen, judged Spanish attacks in the match to be offside. He has also ignored a series of South Korean cold-hitting errors. That led to Spain exhausting when entering the penalty shootout after 120 minutes ended with a 0-0 draw.

3. Jorge Larrionda

Jorge Larrionda was the referee of the match between England and Germany at the 2010 World Cup. On 27th June 2010, England faced Germany in the knockout stages of the 2010 World Cup at Bloemfontein.

In the 38th minutes of the game, Lampard had a shot from afar, the ball hit the crossbar and returned to the ground before the German goalkeeper caught the ball. Slow-motion on television showed that the ball was a meter behind the line, but Mr Larrionda did not award it as a goal. This made the audience, especially England fans, angry because if the referee admitted the goal, England would draw 2–2 with Germany. Speaking after the defeat, the Chelsea midfielder confirmed that England would overtake Germany if referee Jorge Larrionda recognized his goal in the first half.

4. Koman Coulibaly

Koman Coulibaly is a Malian football referee. He started his refereeing career in 1994 and has been the official international referee for FIFA since 1999. Unfortunately, his wrong decisions in the 2010 FIFA World Cup set his career off the line.

He was appointed to be the referee of the match between the US and Slovakia from Group C on June 18, 2010. In the 86th minute of the match, Mr Coulibaly denied Edu’s goal because he thought his team-mates – midfielder Michael Bradley – had acted to thwart the Slovenian defender.

After reviewing the video of the situation, it was clear that it was the Slovenian defender who deliberately thwarted Bradley and hugged the player in the penalty area. This led the American – who should have been 3-2 ahead – to end with a 2-2 draw with the Germans.

After that match, FIFA decided to remove Coulibaly from the tournament’s refereeing line-up.

5. Graham Poll

The English referee, Graham Poll, made the wrong decisions in the match between Croatia and Australia at World Cup 2006.

In the match, he punished Croatia’s Josip Simunic … 3 yellow cards without knowing that he should kick him out of the field earlier. After that, although he gave a penalty to the Australian team in the first half after Stjepan Tomas’s handball, he easily ignored two similar errors in the second half.

Another mistake of Poll was, Graham Poll did not make any decisions about Harry Kewell scoring 2-2 on the offside, even though those who watched the match already noticed.

A series of British newspapers published right after the match attacked Mr Graham Poll. At the same time, Poll was sent home from the tournament shortly after.

6. Howard Webb

In the World Cup final in South Africa 2010,  the Dutch team seemed to approach the match with plans to use force to neutralize the threat from Spain. And when Nigel De Jon Kung-fu kicked Spanish midfielder Xabi Alonso in the chest, Nigel De Jon should have received a straight red card.

What confuses the audience was that, at that time, English referee Howard Webb only gave a yellow card. He didn’t apologize at the time but a few years later, he admitted in his book that he made the wrong decision.

7. Yuichi Nishimura

Yuichi Nishimura was selected as the referee in the opening match of the 2014 World Cup between Brazil vs Croatia, but the Japanese referee caused a lot of controversy because of his wrong decisions.

In the 27th minute, Japanese referee Yuichi Nishimura withdrew Neymar a yellow card for a blatant elbow in Luka Modric’s face. In addition, he also decided to blow the penalty for Brazil, which was the turning point of the match that helped Selecao win 3-1.

His decisions led to much controversy and waves of indignation from the players, fans, as well as experts in the world at the time.

8. Djamel Haimoudi

In the first 62 matches of the 2014 World Cup, no yellow cards were shown to be simulated. The first one came in the 68th minute of a third-place playoff match between Brazil and the Netherlands — and it was the wrong decision.

Brazil should have had a chance to shorten Brazil’s score to 2-0 against the Netherlands in the 68th minute, but Algerian referee Djamel Haimoudi believed that the brazil player – Oscar had simulated contact with Holland’s Daley Blind. But playback pictures clearly show Daley Blind has stomped on his right foot. The collision injured the Dutch midfielder, forcing him to leave the game. In the end, Oscar got a yellow card.

The decision of Haimoudi caused a lot of controversy in many different articles after the match.

9. Humberto Clavijo

The mistakes of the referee Humberto Clavijo in the Battle of Mexico – Cameroon led to his elimination in the following matches of the 2014 World Cup.

In the 10th minute, Giovani Dos Santos scored the opening goal but was dismissed as offside by Humberto Clavijo. However, play-back videos show Gio lining up the last defender.

Twenty minutes later, Dos Santos hit his head from a corner but was again blown offside. Clavijo made a not-so-good decision as the goal was considered valid because the ball hit the former Tottenham star’s head from the Cameroon defender’s head.

Thankfully, Mexico still won 1-0 against Cameroon after the match.

10. Clive Thomas

Referee Clive Thomas’s decision to stop the match between Sweden and Brazil was one of the most controversial moments in the 1978 World Cup.

It was the first match at the 1978 World Cup finals of Brazil and Sweden. The score was 1-1 and Brazil was awarded a corner in the 89th minute. Zico scored from the corner, but as soon as he scored, the referee Clive Thomas had blown for full time to signal the end of the match.

This decision of Clive Thomas has caused many complaints and controversy, making his reputation worse. Fortunately, Brazil won the last match of the group stage and saved Thomas from becoming the villain of the tournament.

Even though the referee plays an important role in making sure the games are played in a fair way, they can still be inexperienced in judgmental situations and easily make the wrong decisions based on their own subjective assessment. Therefore, coaching, as well as ensuring the knowledge of the referee before participating in a match is a priority, in order that the matches can happen smoothly and transparently.

The post Top 10 of the Worst Referee Mistakes in World Cup History appeared first on Along the Boards.

However, a professional Premier League footballer needs to follow strict meal schedules, daily athletic training, and team meet-ups that would remind us of high school classes.

We have gathered information on athletic training and life in general when footballers get to their club’s training ground. It’s all compiled here in this article. So, if you’ve ever wondered how a football player behaves daily, you’ve come to the right place!

Nutrition

It is highly important for a football player to acknowledge that preparation before the actual physical training is key for elite players. That includes mostly nutrition, and players must get it in order not only to perform better but also to recover faster and healthier.

Most days, a PL player will need to attend the training ground early in the morning to have breakfast meals. Each meal is individually prepared, taking the player’s preferences into account but also keeping in mind that they need to start off the day with a good source of energy.

It basically means that every gram of protein, carbs, and other essential vitamins are meticulously counted in order to get the most of it.

Things work the same way for every other nutrition section of the day, and besides the actual food they get, players can also complement their meals with food supplements if necessary.

However, this is extremely calculated, as not only can players’ performances drop if they have bad food habits, but they can also eventually fail their drug tests if they skip or don’t take the nutritional part of their days seriously.

Fiber-rich food

Carbohydrates are an important source of energy, therefore, it can never be removed from the diet. So if the players intake more starchy food during training time, it will drag them down. Contrary to this, fiber-rich food increases performance proficiency without bloating.

Therefore, the diet of athletes includes beans and porridge along with oats, dates and seeds. Porridge and beans will make your stomach full while the others will be a source of fibers.

Necessary fats

Fats are not always a bad thing. Our body has both good and bad fats. Therefore, although fat-free products are prevailing in the market but you should not consider them as your enemy. In addition, to increase your weight, fats are also a source of energy.

That is why, if you completely remove fats from your daily life, you will deprive yourself of vitamins and energy.

Dietary fats are a good source of assimilation of different vitamins including Vitamin E, D, K and A. Therefore, the diet of athletes includes plant-based oils including sunflower seed oil and nuts oil. You can avoid unhealthy fats and enjoy taking these oils in small quantities.

Careful supplement intake

With the controlled dietary plan, professional athletic players are highly likely to lose their micronutrients. Therefore, you cannot avoid taking supplements. But the problem is you cannot take supplements without a proper plan. Too much intake of supplements can cause serious damage to the body.

Therefore, the diet of athletes during their premium leagues is carefully controlled. Their dieticians plan a careful amount of supplements that they should take daily. Thus, even with a controlled diet plan, their body nutrition level will not dropdown.

Off-Pitch Physical Training

Off-pitch workout sections play another big role in a PL footballer’s daily life. Every PL club has multiple gym facilities based at their training grounds, where players have the freedom to do all kinds of physical work.

Workout sections could be split into groups of players who have fully played the last game and players who have been subbed in throughout the match or haven’t even featured at all.

Whereas some players will focus on muscle-strengthening exercises, others will need to undergo lighter workout sections, with fewer reps for a better post-match recovery process.

Basically, each club has a private stats scout team, and on the contrary, most of the supporters think they’re not merely focused on monitoring eventual signings for the club. The scout team also gathers as much data as possible for the next matches, and based on the stats this team will pass on to the manager and his assistants, it will basically change the approach of workout sessions for players.

It happens because some games are expected to be less intense than others, and vice versa. Based on stats, it is predictable that if a big six faces a non-big-six club, then the game tends to be less intense, as the big six clubs will have more possessions than they would if the scenario was against another big six, for example.

Balance exercises and cardio are also another constant in a professional player’s daily life at the training ground facilities.

Weight training

Athletic players are required to show various routines. They need to maintain their power and strengths. Furthermore, they must also practice resistance training sessions. Therefore, their core exercises work on the stabilization of the muscles. Thus, with strong muscles, the players can avoid any possible injury during the game.

Cardio

Exercise is never enough without a cardio workout. Professional players are asked to ensure a healthy athletic training routine. Therefore, their training sessions are carefully planned with cardio, weight and balance training and also resistance and muscle building.

On-Pitch Activities

This is perhaps the happiest moment of the day for a player at the training ground. The moment to train in the proper skills with the ball has arrived.

Just like in off-pitch workouts, on-pitch training sessions are prepared to simulate real situations that can happen in matches. It involves basically tactical training, which will decide the players’ positions on the pitch and also their overall behavior in real matches.

Each opposition side has its strong and weak points, so the team’s tactics will be based on exploring the opponent’s weaknesses and trying to reduce their effectiveness when threatening the defense.

Basically, at some point in the training session, the squad will be split into defensive-sector players and attackers, and the first group will have to defend the latter, and vice-versa.

Besides that, the manager splits the squad into groups of five or seven players and watches them face each other in half-pitch activities, as well.

Ensuring confident mentality

According to fitness coaches, professional players must have the necessary confidence to play the games. Without confidence, players are highly likely to show a bad performance. Besides physical training, the mental preparation of athletes is also highly important. They need to have a winning mindset otherwise, they will feel less confident compared to the other team.

Furthermore, if the players have a healthy mental attitude, they will put all their effort into winning the game. According to Lalin; “players should imagine that they are a champion. Therefore, they should think like a champion and train like one. Thus, they will definitely become a champion”.

Summary

It is possible to notice that the 90-minute matches we see from home are just the tip of the iceberg in an elite PL player’s life. There’s a whole unknown world behind the curtains where players must dedicate themselves to perform well and help their respective clubs in the Premier League standings.

Another thing to highlight is the importance of the overall club staff. From the canteen to the scouting staff, every worker plays a major role in a club’s daily activities, and they should be getting at least a bit of credit for their job performances.

The post What Is Athletic Training Like for Premier League Players? appeared first on Along the Boards.

Unfortunately, 2023 begins with the controversy amid India’s tour to Australia. India’s current cricket team does not appear to be vigilant in following COVID-19 regulations after 5 Indian cricketers violated local laws and the pictures went viral. In other unfortunate news, New Zealand’s tour of Australia has been postponed as quarantine requirements in both countries will make it virtually impossible to follow the schedule.

However, let’s stay optimistic as we head into 2023 and look forward to watching full-spirited cricket from across the globe. Equally, there are a number of exciting cricket players to keep an eye on: let’s check out 10 of the best!

1. Cameron Green

Some commentators see Cameron Green as the resurrection of Ricky Ponting. Though Green did not manage to reach a milestone in the first two test matches against India this year, he is definitely the batsman to watch in 2023. Ashton Agar calls him a “great cricket brain”. Green is a 6’ 5” tall strong lad who has scored 2,795 first-class runs at an average of 49.69 in 34 innings in which he scored five fifties and three centuries with the highest score of 197.

2. Steve Smith

Smith has already stamped his authority by scoring an incredible century in the Sydney test match against India. The inspiring Australian cricketer is a sensation that fans love to watch in all three formats. Experts have already linked Sir Don Bradman’s name with Smith’s during the 2019 Ashes in England right after the ODI World Cup. He scored 774 runs with the help of three centuries (including a double century) and three fifties in just four matches he played. The way he started 2023 with a century indicates that he is hungry for even more runs!

3. Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli features on most lists of top cricketers. Arguably the best batsman the world has seen after Sir Garfield Sobbers, Virat Kohli is not only a fighter but a winner. Not only on flat wickets but also in Australia against the home side, Kohli’s record is remarkable. He is one of his kind and will most likely continue to amaze us in all formats throughout the year – be sure to track his exploits on cricket news sites such as sportspundit.com for the latest!

4. Shubman Gill

Gurus call Gill the textbook player. His remarkable performance in the 2018 U19 World Cup brought Gill to spotlight when he scored 372 runs at an average of 124.00 and there’s no doubt that he’s an incredible batman. His stroke play is phenomenal and pundits already regard him as the new Dravid and even Tendulkar. It will be exciting to see what 2023 brings for Shubman Gill!

5. Hardik Pandya

Pandya is destructive and perhaps second only to Chris Gayle when it comes to hard hitting, a well as being a genuine all-rounder. Known for his performance to date with the Baroda in the Indian domestic league and the Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League (IPL), this all-rounder bat right-handed and is a strong bowler with his right arm fast-medium bowling. He’s an upcoming cricket star in India and not only the T20s but also the ODIs will be fascinating with Pandya on the field.

6. Shaheen Shah Afridi

Let us all pray that this fascinating left-hander does not fall prey to the malicious internal politics of the PCB. We all know that Pakistan has produced the most sensational fast bowling talent in the past and Shaheen Shah Afridi is a bowler who can be a true entertainer on a good day.

7. Andrich Nortje

Andrich Nortje’s addition to the team will definitely help the South African pace attack to intimidate most batsmen in the coming years. Nortje is the new talent to watch in 2023. He has already announced his presence in the IPL picking up 22 wickets and consistently hitting 150 Kmph to unsettle most batsmen.

8. Zak Crawley

English cricket fans are sure to follow Zak Crawley closely in 2023. He is expected to be the next sensation especially if he gets his place confirmed for the upcoming Ashes 2023-22. He has already scored 267 against Pakistan in August 2023 and it made him the third-youngest English cricketer to score a double century in a test match.

9. Tim Siefert

Though this Kiwi wicketkeeper-batsman struggled initially, Siefart impressed team management once he started opening for the team. This player smashes the ball to all corners of the field, but he can find gaps along the ground instead of only looking for big hits. In the T20 series against Pakistan, Siefert triumphed as the top scorer for his team.

10. Tom Lammonby

This 20-year-old opener justified his replacement for Marcus Trescothick for Somerset. Lammonby has already scored three tons in just six games, which include 116 in the final of the Bob Willis Trophy against Essex at Lord’s. If gets to play for England in 2023, spare some time to watch this young left-hander bat for his team.

Who’s Your Favourite?

A list of just 10 players cannot do justice to the amazing talent found in teams across the world, so be sure to stay glued to this exciting sport in 2023! As we enter the “new normal” it’s true that we can’t expect the packed cricket grounds and heady atmospheres of tense test matches and exciting 20-20 games in years gone by.

However, cricket goes on, even if it looks a little different these days, and there are still plenty of entertaining matches to watch (following safety guidelines of course!) and amazing players to follow. Whether the newcomers on the scene or established favorites, the best cricket players in the world gather justified admiration.

The post 10 Cricket Players to Watch in 2023 appeared first on Along the Boards.

Mohamed Salah

Salah should be looked at as the perfect example of an athlete leveraging their fame and skills while still in their sport to bring in a lot of sponsorship attention. His contributions to his team, Liverpool, make him one of the most in demand strikers in the league and help Liverpool gain strong odds on sites like OddsChecker in their matchups. When it comes to sponsorships, Salah is doing much better than most other players.

Being one of the biggest sports stars in Egypt, he is immediately in a position to capitalize and he does so with his sponsorship deals with Vodafone Egypt, and granting his image rights to multiple companies. In addition to this, he has deals with Adidas, Uber, Falken Tires and many more. A large part of his annual income is from sponsorships alone.

Floyd Mayweather

They don’t call him “Money” Mayweather for nothing. Boxing is a big-revenue sport, and among the different promotions Mayweather is known for being an especially shrewd businessman. Not only does he have boxing prowess, he is also a master media-manipulator and knows how to keep his name in the press and bring attention to his upcoming bouts. Throughout his career, Mayweather is rumored to have made over $1 billion in fight revenue, endorsements and sponsorships. He has his own clothing line TMT, and knows how to make deals happen. Many other athletes, notably Conor McGregor, have taken more than a couple of lessons from Mayweather’s book.

Venus Williams

The Williams sisters have been lighting up the tennis courts for a long time. But what you may be surprised to know is that Venus is an exceptionally talented entrepreneur as well. In between her tennis matches, she is setting up multiple businesses to carry her after her tennis days are done. She is the CEO of both EleVen, a women’s sport apparel brand, and V Starr Interiors, an interior design company that caters to the rich and famous. Venus has often said that artistic design, in its many forms, is the biggest passion in her life after tennis. Now that she is combining her artistic side with her competitive drive, there is nothing stopping her.

George Foreman

Foreman is one of the classic examples of an athlete finding their place in the business world after they retire. Boxing can be an exceptionally brutal sport that makes it hard for athletes to adjust to any other lifestyle. Foreman has shown that there is a path to success after this lifestyle with his very successful line of personal home grills. This product was not just a whirlwind of massive sales and clever marketing, but an actual revolutionary product that changed the culinary world upon its release in 1994. Foreman has been raking in the profits since.

Tony Hawk

All skateboarders, and extreme-sport athletes in general, have Tony Hawk to thank for their success in one way or another. If not for the incredible media success of Tony Hawk, many other skateboarders and athletes in general would never have gotten their chance to shine. This aside, his business skills have become legendary since his “900” glory days.

First, Tony Hawk’s personal skateboarding supplies brand Birdhouse has become one of the biggest names in the sport. Selling everything from clothes, to skateboards and accessories has made it an important brand in the community. Promotions and naming rights aside, the biggest success of his career has been the incredibly popular line of skateboarding games in the Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater series. With more than a dozen sequels and monster sales that covered the globe, Tony Hawk became a household name with an estimated net worth of over $100 million dollars.

Rob Dyrdek

If Tony Hawk was the skateboarding businessman prototype, Rob Dyrdek is the spiritual successor. Dyrdek leveraged his skateboarding fame into a slew of top-ranking television shows. The Dyrdek hype train started with the hit show Rob & Big, but was soon followed up with Fantasy Factory and Ridiculousness. Since becoming a recognizable star, Dyrdek has negotiated to be a part of the popular Skate video game series, and made appearances in numerous other programs like Punk’d and The Dude Perfect Show.

Cristiano Ronaldo

As far as athletes from the football world go, Ronaldo may be the most successful entrepreneur ever. For someone who is only 35 years old, Ronaldo has proven himself in business with numerous successful brands and companies. If you can name an industry, chances are Ronaldo either has his eyes on it or is already working in it.
The CR7 brand has spread to numerous products such as clothes, hair care, fragrances, hotels and more. In 2016, Ronaldo partnered with Crunch Fitness to expand the company to new locations around Madrid. He invested with a creative agency in 2017 named Think Pink that helped him set up his CR7 museum in Madeira. It doesn’t stop there either, Ronaldo has invested in everything from restaurants to luxury apartment buildings and more. With so much life still ahead of him, it’s probable that he could be one of the wealthiest businessmen in the world in a couple more decades.

Shaquille O’Neal

O’Neal has set a phenomenal example on how to leverage your fame for athletes everywhere. As one of the most recognizable basketball players ever, O’Neal went from the courts straight to Hollywood, appearing in several films like Kazaam in 1996. He released rap albums, action figures, and has appeared in more video games than anyone can count. There is just something about the Shaq brand that makes him relevant even today. Many people fail to understand that being a recognizable celebrity is in itself valuable, but Shaq has managed to keep selling his status for commercials, endorsements, and advertisements. There are few basketball players that have stayed as busy as Shaq, and he has clearly taken his ambitious personality and conquered the business world.

The post Athletes That Are Also Great at Business appeared first on Along the Boards.