Sam Messam (C-#17) of New Zealand may not have been able to lead his team for an Olympic win against Belgium. But he was center stage for a traditional Maori “haka” along with other teammates Craig Henderson (L) and Ian Hogg, after loosing the first round in Group C: 1-0 at the Shanhai Stadium on August 13, 2008. 

For more information about the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games visit LightTheTorch.

Image courtesy of Newscom.

Post from: The Footie

A former professional soccer player from Sweden has been hired to replace superstar coach Greg Ryan for the U.S. National Soccer Team. Pia Sundhage was hired Tuesday by the association to help take the U.S. women’s soccer team through the 2008 Olympics. Though Greg Ryan had a near flawless coaching career of 45-1-9 he was blamed for the one deciding loss they suffered in the World Cup to Brazil.

Sundhage, who was the assistant for China at the World Cup, has never been a head coach before. Some may see this as a setback for the U.S. national team, but the association is being clear that they have confidence in him.

Source: Courant.com

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Post from: The Footie