Manchester City and Belgium captain Vincent Kompany signs with Warrior!

Warrior has steamrolled into 2013 by signing the English Premier League's reigning Player of the Year, Vincent Kompany, to a long-term endorsement deal.

Kompany announced the news to fans via a video message posted on his YouTube channel earlier today.

"I'm honoured to be joining the Warrior team – I actually see our relationship as more of a partnership because it's about a lot more than just their brilliant product," he said. "For me, being a warrior is a mindset. Beyond your physical ability, it's about what you have in your heart, in your head and in your mind. I'm happy to endorse those values."

Ben Haworth, global sports marketing manager for Warrior Football, says Kompany personifies the Warrior brand.

"Vincent is built with a kind of sporting DNA that makes him the ultimate warrior and perfect signing for us," he said. "He is the complete footballer, equipped with incredible skill as a player along with the power to inspire as a captain. He has already begun etching a legendary mark on the modern game and is galvanizing Belgium as an international football force to be reckoned with. Aligning with an athlete of this calibre is a remarkable feat."

Kompany has developed into one of the biggest names in world football since starting his career, aged 17, with Belgian side RSC Anderlecht. Following a two-year spell with Hamburger SV in the German Bundesliga, he joined Manchester City in 2008, making his Premier League debut with a 3-0 win against West Ham United. Fast approaching his 200th appearance, 26-year-old Kompany is looking to build on the side's 2012 success by spearheading another Premier League title-winning campaign.

Expect to see more of Kompany as Warrior gears up to debut further collections of football boots, gear and apparel later this year. Visit www.warriorfootball.com to learn more.

Netherlands name squad for Belgium friendly

New Dutch national coach Louis van Gaal has named his 24 player squad for an international friendly against neighbours Belgium on August 15.

As expected Louis van Gaal has made some changes to the players he has called-up after the Netherlands disastrous Euro2012 campaign in which they finished last in the Group of Death without even a point.

There are six players in his squad in Bruno Martins Indi, Ricardo van Rhijn, Nick Viergever, Stefan de Vrij, Adam Maher and Bas Dost who could get their Oranje debut next week. Van Gaal is having a look at so many players ahead of the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.


NETHERLANDS

Goalkeepers
Tim Krul (Newcastle United), Maarten Stekelenburg (AS Roma), Michel Vorm (Swansea City)

Defenders
John Heitinga (FC Everton), Joris Mathijsen (FC Malaga), Bruno Martins Indi (Feyenoord Rotterdam), Ricardo van Rhijn (Ajax Amsterdam), Nick Viergever (AZ Alkmaar), Stefan de Vrij (Feyenoord Rotterdam), Jetro Willems (PSV Eindhoven)

Midfielders
Ibrahim Afellay (FC Barcelona), Urby Emanuelson (AC Milan), Nigel de Jong (Manchester City), Adam Maher (AZ Alkmaar), Wesley Sneijder (Internazionale Milan), Kevin Strootman (PSV Eindhoven), Rafael van der Vaart (Tottenham Hotspur)

Forwards
Bas Dost (VfL Wolfsburg), Klaas-Jan Huntelaar (FC Schalke 04), Dirk Kuyt (FC Liverpool), Jeremain Lens (PSV Eindhoven), Luciano Narsingh (PSV Eindhoven), Robin van Persie (FC Arsenal), Arjen Robben (FC Bayern Munich)

PIO Indy Aujla: Club Coach in Belgium at the age of 24!

Inderjeet Singh Aujla, better known as Indy Aujla, is a 24 old British born footballer of Indian origin who at his current club Royal Racing FC Montegnee, a Belgian fourth division outfit has been named as the head coach until the end of the season. If my information is right then Indy is the youngest coach across Europe at this level.

For Indy the offer initially came as a surprise but after the second manager had to leave the club this season it seemed to be the best solution to see the season out with an internal solution. The RRFC squad is quite international with four Englishmen, two Hungarians and a French national besides a Canadian international player in the squad while the rest of the team coming from Belgium.

Royal Racing FC Montegnee president Peter Johnson, an Englishman based in Panama, spoke highly about his new player-manager, "Indy has shown a renewed desire to succeed in football. At a time when this particular club needed some enthusiasm he was instrumental in providing that and generating what was lacking in team spirit. Those are fundamental requirements, in my opinion, for a coach."

Meanwhile Indy in a detailed answer said, "It was an offer I couldn't turn down. I know all the player's very well and know our strengths and weaknesses. We have lacked the desire in the last third to finish chances. I have opted for a more direct approach as we have two very good winger's and the last match we played 4-4-2 and created many chances. In training I've been working on finishing inside the box, normally the first yard is in the mind and my studies in psychology have paid off as I'm incorporating mental exercises with technical ones. The president is well aware I am looking for a move to play elsewhere next season, but from now until the end of the season i will give my best both on and off the field."

And Johnson knowing that it will be difficult to keep Indy at RRFC said, "Having watched Indy play, and heard comments from visiting English pro Club coaches, he has the talent to become a very influential team member at much higher levels."

Indy now sounds more like a coach then a player and very mature for a 24 year old. Speaking about the job Indy said, "I'm learning a manager's work in never done 24/7 job. It's all good experience for me. I've always believed in my abilities and management is definitely an avenue I'm interested in after I retire from playing."

Peter Johnson added, "He is a very good player and has the respect of his peers and, in time when he finishes actually playing, with the proper coaching courses behind him I think he a good chance of succeeding as a coach."

For Indy coaching at Royal Racing FC Montegnee is a big task, but at 24 his football career is still at an early stage; but the experience he makes now will come good once he finishes playing and turns into a full-time coach.

Germany achieve record, win all qualifying matches!

Joachim Löw's Germany made it 10 win out of 10 qualifying matches in the 2012 European Championship by winning their final group match 3-1 against Belgium at the Esprit Arena in Düsseldorf.

As expected Löw made some changes to his starting line-up, actually he made five changes bringing in some young blood besides welcoming back Mesut Özil.

Belgium had the better start into the game, but after withstanding the initial attacks Germany took control of proceedings. It was Real Madrid midfielder Mesut Özil who opened the scoring for Germany at the half hour mark following a corner and only three minutes later André Schürrle doubled the lead following a counter-attack after a corner for Belgium. It stayed 2-0 for Germany at the break.

After the break Germany sealed the game with a third goal just three minutes into the half when Mario Gomez finished off a nice combination with Özil. Belgium did get on the scoresheet in the 86th minute through Marouane Fellaini, but the game was by then in Germany's bag. It ended 3-1 for the Germans and it was celebration time for a rare achievement, not dropping any points in the qualifiers.

Now bigger and better opponents are likely to await 'die Mannschaft' at 2012 European Championship in Poland and the Ukraine next year.


MATCH STATS

Germany 3-1 (2-0) - Goals: 1-0 Mesut Özil (30'), 2-0 André Schürrle (33'), 3-0 Mario Gomez (48'), 3-1 Marouane Fellaini (86')

Germany
1-Manuel Neuer; 3-Benedikt Höwedes, 17-Per Mertesacker, 5-Mats Hummels, 16-Philipp Lahm [C] (84' 19-Ilkay Gündogan); 18-Toni Kroos, 6-Sami Khedira; 13-Thomas Müller (71' 21-Marco Reus), 8-Mesut Özil, 9-André Schürrle; 23-Mario Gomez (76' 11-Cacau)
Unused Substitutes: 22-Ron-Robert Zieler, 2-Simon Rolfes, 4-Dennis Aogo, 15-Christian Träsch

Belgium
1-Simon Mignolet; 2-Laurent Ciman, 4-Vincent Kompany [C], 5-Jan Vertonghen, 3-Nicolas Lombaerts; 8-Marouane Fellaini, 6-Timmy Simons; 11-Moussa Dembélé (65' 17-Dries Mertens), 10-Axel Witsel, 7-Eden Hazard; 9-Marvin Ogunjimi (46' 18-Romelu Lukaku)
Unused Substitutes: 12-Thibaut Courtois, 13-Carl Hoefkens, 14-Steven Defour, 15-Gaby Mudingayi, 16-Sébastien Pocognoli

Referee
Svein Oddvar Moen (Norway)

Löw to rest Götze against Belgium

Germany prepare for their final 2012 European Championship qualifier against Belgium on Tuesday at the Esprit Arena in Düsseldorf with Joachim Löw's men chasing a record of winning all their 10 qualifying matches, which no national team has ever achieved in European Championship qualifications.

So far Germany has won all qualifiers, adding an impressive ninth on Friday with a 3-1 victory against Turkey in Istanbul though the team had earlier confirmed their qualification for Euro2012 in Poland and the Ukraine. Normally motivation becomes a problem for a qualified team, but chasing such a record is keeping the team focused.

As Joachim Löw has been doing over the last few matches, he is once more giving a player some rest. This time around it is teenage sensation Mario Götze who has returned home to his club Borussia Dortmund, while Bayern Munich's Toni Kroos returns to the squad after fever and Under-21 international Ilkay Gündogan also moves up into the senior team.

Real Madrid midfielder Mesut Özil missed the tie against Turkey, which some say was a precautionary measure by Löw to avoid a rough welcome; but Özil is set to be back for the Belgium tie. Meanwhile another absentee in seasoned striker Miroslav Klose is still nursing an injury, so he is likely to miss this tie as well.

Bastian Schweinsteiger and Jerome Boateng are nursing small niggles, but are likely to be match fit for Tuesday nights game.

An Indepth Interview with Varin Mehta (Royal Antwerp FC)

I had a chance to speak to Indian footballer Varin Mehta last week. Only recently the 21 year old from Mumbai has signed a one year contract with Belgian second division outfit Royal Antwerp FC, a club with tradition and they still hold a name here in Europe though the clubs best days are long gone. They are fighting to get back into the top tier of Belgian football and Varin hopes to play a role in that endeavour.

Amongst other things Royal Antwerp has a long-term partnership with English giants Manchester United to accommodate youngsters who do not get UK Work Permits and also have take youngsters on loan from the Red Devils. Royal Antwerp were also the last Belgian club to play an European Cup final.

While speaking to Varin I realise here is someone, down to earth, realistic and hard working, willing to give it all for his dream of being a professional footballer in Europe. Now by signing the contract at Antwerp Varin has fulfilled that part of his football dream, now more is to be accomplished.

Here is the complete interview. I personally found it impressive and I hope you too like it...


So when did you start playing football?

I was around six or seven. Since my school days I used to play the Under-8s, U-10s and U-12s tournaments in Mumbai.


So how has the experience been for you in Mumbai football - school league, Mahindra United Juniors?

It has been good! Coming from a Gujarati vegetarian business family it wasn't easy. In my family I was the odd one out in trying to move into sports. But I had the support of my parents and that helped a lot.


How did you end up in Belgium last year?

It is through my father. He knew someone whom he contacted. They asked for my CV (personal profile) and CD. Eventually I was called here (Antwerp) and that's how everything started...


Who has all helped you in your endeavour to play at Antwerp?

First my mom and dad! I'd like to thank them for the hard work they have put in. They have groomed me very well since childhood, they allowed me to follow my dreams.

Secondly I would thank my complete family and also my friends without whose support I wouldn't be standing here today.

Then my spiritual father over here in Belgium Mr. Luc Vandervecke, who had taken special and keen interest in me, who also saw the potential in me to succeed over here.

Also my sponsors, Reliance Industries - Mr. Mukesh Ambani. Who personally has had faith in me, who thought he can help and also did it for me to help in the growth of football. It is a great honour and I am very thankful to him also!

And above all god! Because of him I am born today to these parents and I have this kind of an opportunity.


What has been the biggest difference between Belgium and India for you? On the football field and off it.

Off the field it is the people, then it (Antwerp) is a very quite city. Not very lively as like in Mumbai or India. There (in Mumbai) we have people all around us - family, neighbours, friends. We just go into their houses at any point of time. Here in Belgium it is much more private, people do what they want. But luckily I have nice, local friends who hang out with me, take me out as well.

On the field the level of football it is very different, then it is more contact game and one touch, quick football. In India you can control the ball, take your time and play around; but here by the time you receive you have to let the ball go, otherwise you have lost it.


How has the journey been for you over the last year?

Its has been overall good! A lot of struggling, hard work, training every day, giving my best. I was determined to succeed, then I wanted to survive here and get a contract. I hope I can prove myself that I can make it here.


How has the transition been from just being a footballer, who can only practice, to be a part of a second Division Belgian club in Royal Antwerp?

It is a great honour to have this opportunity. Because being an Indian I myself thought it wouldn't be possible. Now since I have this opportunity, I will work to succeed. Then if I do then I would open doors for the upcoming juniors in India, who would want to come over to Europe and fulfil their dreams as footballers.


Whats your aim, your ambition for this season? You now have eight, nine months to prove yourself.

Yes. I will continue to remain focussed, do my best and follow the main rule of hard work that is sweat, blood and tears which is on the field and off the field. Listen to my coaches, grind myself into the game, adopt and learn to play like these people play and once I get an opportunity to strike goals.


You are a striker. At Antwerp are they using you as a striker?

It depends on the situation, on the tactics of the coach in that particular match. He might use me as a stiker or more withdrawn or maybe even on the wings.


You have told me about your ambitions to play for India. Please tell the readers a little more about it.

It would be an honour and a privilege to have the colours of my country on me, then it has always been my dream to play for India!
I had friends at Mahindra's who have worn India colours, who told us their stories. I never had that chance, but maybe now I will have that chance to prove myself in the Indian national team and grab a place amongst India's best.


Now if youngster read this interview, who want to follow in the footsteps of Baichung Bhutia, Sunil Chhetri and yourself now. What do you say to the youngsters?
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Be dedicated when you are off and on the field. Always give your best. The three main important things are sweat, blood and tears without which you cannot achieve anything. When you sacrifice a lot eventually hard work pays off. Focus on whatever you have to do, maintain your health. Learn to live like a professional since a child. So when you grow up, you will want to achieve your goals, then your dreams can come true and hopefully they will come true with all the hard work and dedication you put in.


Thank you for talking to me and all the best with your career in Belgium!

Thanks a lot!


Here the video of Varin Mehta signing on the dotted line for Royal Antwerp .

VIDEO: Varin Mehta signing Royal Antwerp FC contract

21 year old Varin Mehta from Mumbai a few days ago signed an official contract with Belgian second Division side Royal Antwerp FC. By signing the contract Varin has become only the fourth Indian footballer to sign a contract outside of Asia after Mohammed Salim (Celtic Glasgow, 1936); Baichung Bhutia (FC Bury 1999); and Sunil Chhetri (Kansas City Wizards, 2010)

Here the video from the signing ceremony captured by RAFC.TV!

Indy Aujla: I'd love to play for India!

Inderjeet Singh Aujla, better known as Indy Aujla, is a 23 old British born footballer of Indian origin. Indy has come through the youth development system at Bradford City AFC, even was awarded the 'Young Player of the Year' award in his final year as an apprentice, but he wasn't offered a contract and had to move on thereafter.

Thereafter Indy faced what many British Asian footballers face who try to make a career in the professional English Football League system as they move in and move out. After leaving Bradford City Indy played for League Two's Chester City, Non-League side Guiseley FC, then Indy spend two years in the United States playing for CCBC Essex in Baltimore under a Soccer Scholarship program before returning to play for Garforth Town, another Non-League side.

Then this January Indy received a trial offer from Belgian third division side Royal Racing FC Montegnée. A new chance, Indy went across for the trials and he convinced the coach Fiorenzo Serchia to sign him for the remainder of the 2010/11 season. And under Serchia he has been a regular as a right back in the team.

Talking about his experiences in Belgium so far Indy said, "The style of play in Europe is different to England and the States, and the technical game suits me well, which shows my versatility as a player."

And Indy has one dream to play one day for India. Talking about it he said, "Every boy dreams to play football for their country, there has been no doubt for me that India is my country even though I was born in Bradford. Through hard work, dedication and braking down barriers I'm making a career out of football and I will persevere until my dream becomes reality putting on the national jersey and representing my country with great pride."

Belgium has been a new start for Indy and other examples of players who joined RRFC Montegnée have shown that they can get back into professional football. One wishes him the same luck.

Euro2012 Qualifiers: Germany start with a win

Germany started their 2012 European Championship Group A qualifiers with a 1-0 away win against a strong Belgium at Brussels' Koning Boudewijn Stadium. Seasoned striker Miroslav Klose's goal earned Germany a deserving win against their neighbours and the first three points in the qualifiers.

Germany was forced to make two chances to the starting eleven which lost against Spain in the 2010 FIFA World Cup semifinals as both Arne Friedrich and Jerome Boateng were out injured with the duo being replaced by Holger Badstuber and Marcell Jansen; while the then suspended Thomas Mueller was back in the side. On the other side the young Belgian "Red Devils" did cause some worry initially for the Germans, but the longer the match lasted the more control Germany had over the proceedings. As had been expected Germany couldn't reproduce their World Cup form so early in the season still they showed their winning spirit to take home the three points.

Belgium looked to be the more active side in the first session with Germany committing too many mistakes and playing a lot of wrong passes. 17 year old Anderlecht sensation Romelu Lukaku had the first chance of the night but his effort was blocked by Manuel Neuer in the German goal before collecting the ball. And thereafter both sides had their chances in an open game with a slight advantage for Belgium.

But things would change soon after the break as it was a team effort from Bayern Munich players on both sides. It was the 51st minute as Daniel van Buyten tried to clear the ball out of danger, but it is blocked by club team mate Bastian Schweinsteiger, the ball goes to an alert Thomas Mueller who finds Miroslav Klose in open space and the striker slots home coolly past an onrushing keeper Logan Bailly. Germany could have doubled their lead in the 70th minute when captain Philipp Lahm broke free on the right, centred the ball for Thomas Mueller but his shot just went wide of the goal. Belgium did try to get back into the match, but they just couldn't really bother the German goal in the second session. It ended 1-0 for Germany and they now face Azerbaijan on Tuesday at home in Cologne.

A small funny anecdote from the match in the end, something which I have never seen in such a high profile international match. Belgium's Steven Defour came on as a second half substitute. Defour had been named as no. 15 on the match sheet and should have worn the number on both sides of the jersey. On the front he had a small 15 correctly printed on his jersey, but at the back it showed No. 14. It could have caused some confusion if he had been carded by the referee, but that didn't happen...