VIDEO: SC Cambuur does the Harlem Shake

There are now 10,000s of versions of the Harlem Shake online on YouTube with more and more being added each day. Here is a nice one from Dutch second division side SC Cambuur.

Verheijen Conditioning Course ends on a high!

"I have never taken down class notes with so much interest and intensity at school. I bet, never," an animated Aaron Symons, assistant coach of Pailan Arrows – the AIFF's developmental side – quipped.

Raymond Verheijen – the renowned fitness instructor who is in the capital to conduct the three-day Conditioning Conference for Football Coaches – topic for the day was Planning a Season with the help of the Periodisation Model. And Symons was speaking on behalf of all the other 32 participants. After all planning a season stays the most important part for a coach.

"After a game on Saturday, the next day should be kept for recovery followed by a day-off on Monday. Now ideally recovery after a game is spending time in the swimming pool. It relaxes your muscles and at the same time keeps your blood circulation going,2 Verheijen, who has coached at seven consecutive major championships – from Euro 2000 with Holland to Euro 2012 with Russia, said.

Now if you have a game on Wednesday, you don't have time to do a Conditioning session. Then you do light training and not maximum explosive action as that can enhance the damage of your muscles. When you play you damage your muscles. That needs recovery time." The 41-year old Dutchman added.

The former Advisor of Periodisation of clubs like FC Barcelona and Chelsea FC, also explained the Periodisation Model.

"It's a six-week activity generally done during pre-season. In the first two weeks you play the 11 versus 11 to eight versus eight Conditioning Games. Now as you progress to the fourth and fifth week, you do small sided games like four against four to two against two. If you do reverse it, your players will perform more actions per minute from the word go and by the time they reach the fifth week, they’ll be fatigued. Chances of injury will be more. You have to think of injury prevention as well," educated Verheijen as the participants stayed glued.

Meanwhile AIFF President Praful Patel, who was at the FICCI Federation House also on Wednesday to attend a Football Business Conference, met Verheijen and offered his regards.

At the end of this short sojourn, Verheijen was presented with a shawl, a tie and a crystal memorabilia depicting the AIFF Football House.


(Report & Photo Courtesy AIFF Media)

Dutchman Raymond Verheijen says in Delhi: Always speak in football language!

For Raymond Verheijen – the renowned Dutch football fitness coach who is in India to conduct a three-day Conditioning Conference for Football Coaches – the overall outlook of fitness in football should be addressed in 'football language' – which stays the most important aspect.

"It's not about endurance, rather it's about maintaining football for 90 minutes,2 he stressed several times on the first day of the Course which is being organised by All India Football Federation at the FICCI Federation House in New Delhi. The Course which kicked-off on Tuesday will continue till Thursday.

"You see you have to talk in football language. If you tell your player that you don't have enough endurance to last the entire duration of the match, his doubt will never be clear. Rather you should tell him that his actions per minute were becoming less in the dying minutes of the match," he maintained.

"The actions per minute can improve by making players play football with say four versus four. This increases action per second. After you have done that in your training sessions, you'll see the difference on the pitch, 11 versus 11," he added.

"Recovery time is also very important for a player to give his best throughout the duration of the match at that same pace," Verheijen, who has worked with the likes of Guus Hiddink, Dick Advocaat, explained.

It's not every day that someone of the stature of Raymond comes calling to India. You glance through his CV and you will find out that he has worked with FC Barcelona, Chelsea, Manchester City, etc.

The Dutchman, who was part of three World Cups and European Championships, maintained throughout the morning theory session that football language stays the most important thing and fitness is interrelated to the basics of football.

"If I speak Dutch with you all now, you'll walk out of this room after some time. Similarly a fitness trainer should talk about his trade in footballing terms, football language I repeat. Like for example, the four versus four exercise to increase a player’s action per minute is in itself a fitness programme explained to you in football language," he maintained.

In the practical session post lunch, Verheijen stressed on dynamic stretching rather than static stretching apart from passing and quicker recovery techniques.

Later explaining his activities on the pitch in the evening theory session, the former FC Barcelona Advisor of Periodisation said, "The reason I avoid static stretching is because it relaxes your muscles. Before a game you should always opt for dynamic stretching. Otherwise when you are not playing, you can have sessions of flexibility and static stretching."


The list of participants

Santosh Kashyap (ONGC), Caetano Pinho (ONGC), Djair de Miranda Garcia (Prayag United SC), Anjan Nath (Prayag United SC), Anthony Fernandes (Air India), Simon D'Souza (Air India), Aaron Symons (Pailan Arrows), Sujit Chakraborty (Pailan Arrows), Óscar Bruzón Barreras (Sporting Clube de Goa), Alex Alvares (Sporting Clube de Goa), Thangboi Singto (Shillong Lajong FC), Gumpe Rime (Shillong Lajong FC), Derrick Pereira (Pune FC), Tariq Sheikh (Pune FC), Henry Picardo (Mumbai FC), Vivek Rawat, Melbin Thomas (United Sikkim), Francisco Bruto da Costa, Bitan Singh, Pradip Datta, John Keneth Raj, Hilal Parray, Gautam Ghosh, Sajid Dar, Aqeel Ansari, Anadi Barua, Biby Thomas, Surinder Singh, Kundan Chandra, Vivek Nagul

(Report & Photo courtesy AIFF Media)

VIDEO: India 1-0 Netherlands' KNVB CTO Academy Team!

Here a detailed Dristi TV report from last Sunday's India vs Netherlands' KNVB CTO Academy Team match at the Father Agnel Sports Complex in Navi Mumbai. India won through a Ashalata Devi free-kick, which is shown in the video clip!

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)

Ruud Gullit: Supports Koevermans as India coach!

Former Dutch international captain and AC Milan star Ruud Gullit is in Kolkata and when asked about his former Oranje team mate Wim Koevermans, who has been appointed as Team India coach, he was in full support of Wim.

"I think Indian football is in good hands. The most important for these coaches is to develop youth football because that is where it all starts. It's important to have training facilities, the pitches," Ruud Gullit said.

"It is not about how many tricks a budding talent knows. It is more about how much he knows about the game, how much he understands football. The approach should be direct, it should be either about scoring goals or saving them," Gullit, himself a coach and TV expert, explained.

52 year old Wim Koevermans had been part of the Netherlands team which had won the 1988 European Championship in Germany under then captain Ruud Gullit.

And Gullit understands the problems that a large country like India faces in developing its football. Comparing it to the Netherlands he said, "Every club there has an amateur team and each team has about three or four pitches. For this reason, every kid has got the opportunity to play in the pitches."

"So you have to first think of building pitches, the artificial ones because of the weather," Gullit added.

PIO Luciano Narsingh joins PSV Eindhoven

Dutch international and 'Player of Indian Origin' Luciano Narsingh has signed a five year contract until 2017 with Eredivisie giants PSV Eindhoven, who have signed Narsingh for 4,1 Million Euros from rivals SC Heerenveen.

Both Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven and Ajax Amsterdam had been after Luciano Narsingh to sign the 21 year old, but Ajax dropped out of the bidding process, so it was left for PSV and Heerenveen to work out a transfer fee then Heerenveen were willing to sell the player whose contract would have ended in 2013 and Luciano was not willing to extend his contract.

New PSV coach Dick Advocaat said on the signing, "I think Narsingh is a good choice. With him in the squad now, we will have more options up front."

"He is extremely talented given that he is only 21 years old. He has already made it into the national team. PSV will certainly prove to be a good step in his career in the coming years," Advocaat added.

Luciano made his debut for the Netherlands in May 2012 and was part of the Dutch squad at the 2012 European Championships. He is seen as one of the biggest talents in the Netherlands with even clubs from the English Premier League, the Bundesliga and the Spanish La Liga showing interest.

The Amsterdam born Luciano came through the youth system at Ajax Amsterdam before signing for SC Heerenveen in 2008 and in his four years at the club scored 13 goals in 62 matches, but was more know for his 22 assists. The 2011/12 season was his breakthrough were he in 34 matches scored eight goals and had an incredible 22 assists.

Netherlands appoint van Gaal as new coach

60 year old Louis van Gaal has been re-appointed by the KNVB as the national football team coach of the Netherlands in place of Bert van Marwijk, who resigned after the Oranjes lost all their three group matches at Euro2012 in Poland and the Ukraine.

The Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) has given Louis van Gaal a two year contract until the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, his second term with the Oranjes whom he had coached earlier between 2000-02 but had then failed to qualify for the 2002 FIFA World Cup in Japan/South Korea.

KNVB director Bert van Oostveen said, "We were looking for a coach with experience, personality and professional skills. Van Gaal has earned his credentials nationally and internationally and we know him as a dedicated coach."

In his last assignment Louis van Gaal had on April 9, 2011 be fired by German giants FC Bayern Munich after a chequered 22 month stay in which he won the German league and cup double besides reaching the 2010 UEFA Champions League final, but in the season thereafter he wasn't able to push the club towards success. Earlier van Gaal had successfully coached Dutch giants Ajax Amsterdam, Spanish giants FC Barcelona and Dutch side AZ Alkmaar.

Van Gaal isn't an easy coach to deal with as an example earlier this year showed when he was supposed to be named as Technical Director of former club Ajax Amsterdam, but Dutch legend Johan Cryuff even went to court to block van Gaal taking over.

About his latest role van Gaal said, "I'm glad the KNVB approached me, this is the challenge I have been waiting for."

Euro2012: Germany group winners, Netherlands home pointless

The 2012 European Championships continued for the Group B teams tonight with their third and final round group matches in the Ukrainian cities of Kharviv and Lviv. The Group of Death lived-up to its billing as Germany moved into the quarterfinals with a 100% record, a 2-1 win against Denmark; while their archrivals the Netherlands went home without a point following their 1-2 loss against Portugal, who made it through besides the Germans.


GROUP B

Portugal 2-1 (1-1) Netherlands
Goals: 0-1 Rafael van der Vaart (11'), 1-1,2-1 Cristiano Ronaldo (28',74')

Portugal needed a brace from Cristiano Ronaldo to overcome the Netherlands 2-1 to qualify for the quarterfinals as a disappointing pre-tournament title candidate the Oranje ended their campaign without a point.

The Netherlands looked better early on and struck in the 11th minute through a brilliant Rafael van der Vaart strike, but Cristiano Ronaldo finally found his form though he first missed two chances before scoring in the 28th minute past Maarten Stekelenburg.

After the break both sides had their chances, but Cristiano Ronaldo ensured Portugal's passage into the quarterfinals as the Dutch continued to miss chances galore. It ended 2-1 for Portugal, who now face the Czech Republic in an interesting quarterfinal.


Denmark 1-2 (1-1) Germany
Goals: 0-1 Lukas Podolski (19'), 1-1 Michael Krohn-Dehli (24'), 1-2 Lars Bender (80')

Germany won 2-1 against Denmark to score their third win in as many games to move into the quarterfinals, while Denmark after the loss have to go home. Lukas Podolski gave the Germans the lead, only for Michael Krohn-Dehli to equalise before Lars Bender scored a late winner for the Germans.

Germany looked the better side early on, but Thomas Müller missed two easy chances very early on and it seemed a matter of time before Germany would go into the lead. It happened in the 19th minute when following a throw-in Thomas Müller played the ball across the face of the goal for Mario Gomez to deflect for Lukas Podolski to bury the ball in the net. A special occasion for Podolski then it was his 100th international cap tonight. But Germany's lead only last five minutes as Denmark surprisingly equalised through Michael Krohn-Dehli following a corner. Germany continued to have more of the game against defensive Danes, but they lost their flair the longer the match lasted.

Initially Germany was able to pick the holes in the Danish defence, but especially captain Agger and Kjaer did an excellent job. But the Danish knew with Portugal leading with quarter of an hour to go that they needed to beat Germany to progress, but when they started to venture upfront the Germans scored off a counter-attack as Mesut Özil looked for substitute Miroslav Klose, but found an overlapping Lars Bender, who made no mistake to score his first goal for Germany.

Germany won 2-1 to maintain their 100% record at Euro2012 and now they face Greece in the quarterfinals.

VIDEO: Netherlands vs Germany: Post-Match Analysis with Renedy Singh & Godwin Franco

For the Netherlands vs Germany match at Euro2012 the Indian footballers of Renedy Singh and Godwin Franco were in my home town of Remscheid, Germany. Here comes the Post-Match Analysis with the two from Wednesday at the Fanmeile Remscheid!

rs1.tv VIDEO: Public Viewing in Germany, Renedy & Godwin amongst them

Last Wednesday saw Germany taking on Netherlands in their second Euro2012 group match. As has become tradition in Germany people watch matches together in public viewing in big arena's, on the streets and in public areas where giant screens are installed.

The same happens in my home town of Remscheid, where people watched and then celebrated Germany's win against Portugal. What drew special attention in Remscheid that evening was the attendance of Indian footballers Renedy Singh and Godwin Franco.




Link to the article: German media covers Indian footballers - Renedy & Godwin visit

Euro2012: Portugal win, Gomez Germany hero

The 2012 European Championships continued for the Group B teams tonight with their second round group matches in the Ukrainian cities of Kharviv and Lviv. Portugal returned to winning ways with a late winner, while Germany got the better of archrivals the Netherlands.


GROUP B

Denmark 2-3 (1-2) Portugal
Goals: 0-1 Pepe (24'), 0-2 Hélder Postiga (36'), 1-2,2-2 Nicklas Bendtner (40',81'), 2-3 Silvestre Varela (87')

Portugal needed a late striker from substitute Silvestre Varela to beat Denmark 3-2 in a close encounter. Portugal had gone ahead 2-0 through goals from Pepe and Hélder Postiga by the 36th minute, but two goals from Nicklas Bendtner on either side of the break brought things level before Silvestre Varela won the three points for Portugal.

Denmark had the better start, but a Pepe header following a Joao Moutinho header gave Portugal the lead in the 24th minute which striker Hélder Postiga doubled in the 36h minute, but Denmark got a lifeline four minutes before half-time as Nicklas Bendtner reduced the deficit.

After the break Portugal could have increased their lead again, but Cristiano Ronaldo was the biggest culprit in missing some very good chances before Bendtner equalised in the 81st minute. The match seemed headed for a draw, but Silvestre Varela's brilliant strike gave the Portuguese the much needed three points to stay in contention for a quarterfinal spot.


Netherlands 1-2 (0-2) Germany
Goals: 0-1,0-2 Mario Gomez (24',38'), 1-2 Robin van Persie (73')

Germany won 2-1 against their neighbours the Netherlands to register their second win of the tournament and look headed for the quarterfinals, while the Dutch stare at elimination after two losses. Mario Gomez once more was the hero for Germany as he scored both the first half goals, while Robin van Persie pulled one back for the Dutch in the second session and it resulted in some nerv-wrecking moments for the Germans until the end.

It was an open and intense game in the first session until midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger played a brilliant through ball for Mario Gomez, who made a pirouette before scoring past Maarten Stekelenberg to give Germany the lead in the 24th minute. Again a pass from Schweinsteiger in the 38th minute set-up Mario Gomez's second goal of the night, which put the Dutch into deep depression against their more famed neighbours.

In the second session Germany initially stayed in control and could have added a third from their counter-attacks as the Dutch intensified their attacking intent with van der Vaart and Huntelaar coming in and leaving their defence vulnerable but Germany could not use their chances. Striker Robin van Persie did reduce the deficit in the 73rd minute, but that was all that the Dutch could do on this night though they did put some pressure on the Germans towards the end who cleverly played out the remainder of the match.

Euro2012: Denmark shock the Dutch, Germany win

The 2012 European Championships kicked-off for the Group B teams tonight with matches in the Ukrainian cities of Kharkiv and Lviv. This group was billed as the Group of Death and after the Danes upset the Netherlands and Germany won against Portugal it could now become really interesting.


GROUP B

Netherlands 0-1 (0-1) Denmark
Goals: Michael Krohn-Dehli (24')

Title contenders the Netherlands made the worst possible start as they lost 0-1 against Denmark which leaves them with an uphill task of making it at all into the knockout stages. The Dutch were allover the Danes, but what was missing on this day simply the goal or often the final touch, while Denmark scored of one of their few chances.

The Netherlands started off as expected with Robin van Persie, Wesley Sneijder and Arjen Robben leading the assault, but often the Danish defence could sustain the pressure and the Dutch seemed to have forgotten their scoring boots. Out of nowhere Denmark took a 24th minute lead through a Michael Krohn-Dehli strike. The Netherlands continued to attack with Robben hitting the woodwork and others wasting further chances.

It was simply not to be for the Netherlands and Euro2012 had its first surprise and major upset.


Germany 1-0 (0-0) Portugal
Goals: Mario Gomez (72')

Germany came out victorious through a second half Mario Gomez header from a very tactical game between the two sides. If one had hoped for another highlight like at Euro2008 and 2006 FIFA World Cup between these two sides, one would be disappointed.

German coach Joachim Löw did cause some surprises as Mats Hummels started in the heart of defence ahead of the more experienced Per Mertesacker, while Mario Gomez started upfront ahead of birthday boy Miroslav Klose.

Germany throughout had more of the ball but their combination wasn't as good as they can play with especially the midfield not having their best day with Bastian Schweinsteiger and Mesut Özil both having problems, while Sami Kherida and Lokus Podolski showing fighting spirit and Thomas Müller getting better as the match progressed. The German defence stood their ground with Jerome Boateng, Mats Hummels and Holger Badstuber mostly blocking Cristiano Ronaldo and co, but captain Philipp Lahm having unusual problems with Nani and Manuel Neuer showing his class in the few instances he was needed, while Mario Gomez turned out to the unlikely match winner.

Mario Gomez early on made a heading attempt which was to be the best German chance in the first session as often the finishing was lacking. Portugal were more content taking care of their defensive duties and hoping for a moment of brilliance from Cristiano Ronaldo. It did come on the stroke of half-time when Ronaldo's corner reached an unmarked Pepe but his placed shot hit the woodwork, dropped onto the line and out into play.

Germany made a better start into the second session as Fabio Coentrão and Raul Meireles ensured that it stayed goalless within the first minute, but thereafter again the match was more tactical with accuracy a problem on both sides. Mario Gomez then scored the winner in the 72nd minute of a deflected Sami Khedira cross with his header beating the outstretched hands of Rui Patrício. Portugal did put some pressure on the Germans in the end, but their defence and Neuer threw themselves at everything that came their way with Nani's cross falling onto the crossbar.

In the end Germany looked deserving winners from a close contest, which opens-up their path into the quarterfinals.

Euro2012: Who are the favourites?

The 2012 European Championships kick-off tonight with co-host Poland taking on 2004 champions Greece at the new National Stadium in Warsaw. We all are hoping for three weeks of great football action, an exciting tournament; but who are the favourites going into the tournament?

On top of the list are surely defending champions Spain, but the Spaniards don't look as strong as they were four years ago in Austria & Switzerland or at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. La Furia Roja seem to have crossed their zenith with dependable star striker David Villa and long-time captain Carlos Puyol missing the tournament due to injuries. Especially upfront Spain looks vulnerable as they often won key matches through Villa goals, now Fernando Torres and the others will need to show what they are capable off but it will be once more about the midfield combination of Andres Iniesta and Xavi Hernandez plus how well Xabi Alonso can cover for them.

2008 runners-up Germany go into the tournament with their youngest team ever in a Euro or World Cup with an average age of 24,4. But Germany is still mainly the same team which played a great tournament at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. These players have gained two years of experience with Germany winning all their Euro2012 qualification matches and young talent like Mario Götze and Marco Reus coming into the team. Their group looks tricky, but if they can survive that then anything is possible.

The Netherlands are in the same group as Germany and need to overcome Portugal, Denmark and their old archrivals from across the border. The Dutch have one of the best attacking units in the world. If you can count Arjen Robben, Wesley Sneijder, Robin van Persie, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, Ibrahim Afellay and Dirk Kuyt then any opposition will have respect. The only issue is that the Dutch defence looks suspect, which could give chances to their opponents.

The surprise element could be a resurgent France, who are the 2010 FIFA World Cup disaster in South Africa will look to rebuild the positive image of the Equipe Tricolore. Led by Bayern Munich's Franck Ribery and Real Madrid's Karim Benzema the French under coach Laurant Blanc are unbeaten in over 20 matches and have played some good football recently. The question is if they are ready to test the big boys.

And could there be a real upset? Could there be a repeat of 2004 when Greece shocked everyone and went on to win the title. Anything is possible with especially a focus on the co-hosts Poland and the Ukraine. Especially Poland look to have a group from which is could progress and then cause some upsets led by their German double winning trio of Robert Lewandowski, Jakub Blaszczykowski and Lukasz Piszczek from Borussia Dortmund.

The action starts tonight, so lets enjoy the football and let the best team win...

Euro2012: Netherlands announce final squad

Bert van Marwijk, the coach of the Netherlands, yesterday named his final 23 player squad for the 2012 European Championships in Poland and the Ukraine. The Netherlands plays Denmark, Germany and Portugal in Group B of the tournament that runs from June 8 to July 1.

Van Marwijk had originally named a 36 player strong probables squad, then cut it down to 27 players and now announced the final three goalkeepers and 20 outfield players with the big surprises being teenager Jetro Willems and 'Player of Indian origin' Luciano Narsingh making it into the squad.

Van Marwijk dropped Ajax players Vurnon Anita and Siem de Jong, PSV winger Jeremain Lens and promising young AZ Alkmaar midfielder Adam Maher from the squad he announced yesterday, but said that these four players could leave the camp with their heads held high.


NETHERLANDS

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

Defenders
Khalid Boulahrouz (VfB Stuttgart), Wilfred Bouma (PSV Eindhoven), John Heitinga (FC Everton), Joris Mathijsen (FC Malaga), Ron Vlaar (Feyenoord Rotterdam), Gregory van der Wiel (Ajax Amsterdam), Jetro Willems (PSV Eindhoven)

Midfielders
Ibrahim Afellay (FC Barcelona), Mark van Bommel (AC Milan), Nigel de Jong (Manchester City), Stijn Schaars (Sporting Lisbon), Wesley Sneijder (Internazionale Milan), Kevin Strootman (PSV Eindhoven), Rafael van der Vaart (Tottenham Hotspur)

Forwards
Klaas-Jan Huntelaar (FC Schalke 04), Luuk de Jong (FC Twente Enschede), Dirk Kuyt (FC Liverpool), Luciano Narsingh (SC Heerenveen), Robin van Persie (FC Arsenal), Arjen Robben (FC Bayern Munich)

VIDEO: Funny Ad with Netherlands Euro2012 team

A Dutch supermarket company has made a funny ad with the Netherlands Euro2012 team which includes a funny song, some really nice comedy and action in a supermarket.

Bayern Munich beat the Netherlands in a friendly

Only three days after their devastating UEFA Champions League final loss to Chelsea FC, the German Bundesliga giants FC Bayern Munich were back at their own Allianz Arena to take on the Netherlands in a friendly which Bayern won 3-2 through a late Mario Gomez winner, but surely they would have liked to have scored a win on Saturday night rather then last night.

The match had been agreed by Bayern Munich and the Dutch FA (KNVB) as means of compensation to Bayern Munich for an injury picked up by Arjen Robben while on international duty for the Netherlands during the 2010 FIFA World Cup after which Robben missed six months of action.

On a hot evening in Munich both teams did show in patches what they are capable off, but otherwise it often was a summer kick in which no side wanted to hurt each other. Toni Kroos with a brilliant long-ranger gave Bayern Munich a 17th minute lead, but only a minute later Klaas Jan Huntelaar equalised for the Oranje's and then 'Player of Indian Origin' Luciano Narsingh gave the Dutch the lead in the 20th minute when he chipped the ball over an advancing Hans-Jörg Butt. Bayern Munich restored parity in the 28th minute when Nils Pedersen headed in a sharp Ivica Olic cross. The teams went into the break with the result at two-all.

There were numerous substitutions throughout and in the 75th minute Arjen Robben came on for the Netherlands against his club team with parts of the Bayern Munich faithful booing the Dutch international. It was a reaction to Robben having missed two crucial penalties against Borussia Dortmund and Chelsea which lost them the Bundesliga title and UEFA Champions League final.

In the end substitutes Franck Ribery and Mario Gomez sealed a victory for Bayern Munich in the 87th minute with the latter scoring. It was a win, but not that will change the course of the season gone-by still it will have put some smiles on the faces of Bayern Munich are some very tough days.

AIFF Platinum Jubilee celebrations kick-off with Regional Academy launch

It was a special occasion, a very special one for Indian football. Overlooking the blue Arabian Sea in Worli - Friday, May 11 witnessed history – the official launch of the first-ever AIFF Regional Academy. All India Football Federation president Praful Patel and Ms. Edith Schippers, Minister of Health, Welfare and Sport of The Netherlands, were part of the launch.

The launch event in Mumbai also kicked-off the Platinum Jubilee Celebrations of the All India Football Federation, which had been founded in 1937.

"It's the beginning of an era in the field of sports, especially football," Praful Patel said. "I also look forward to the association, partnership and encouragement of Dutch football," he added. "It’s imperative to have good partners to take the sport forward."

The first AIFF Regional Academy in collaboration with FIFA has already kicked-off at the Father Agnel School premises in Navi Mumbai where 20 boys are presently training under Australian Head Coach Arthur Papas.

"This is the first of the AIFF Regional Academy. More will follow suit," Mr. Patel declared at the press conference.

Ms. Schippers expected football in India to reach the highest level soon. "India's ambition of hosting the U-17 World Cup is a challenging one. If India win the bid to host the Championship, it would create the right sporting atmosphere and infrastructure which would in turn take Indian football to a higher level."

Her humour was very much appreciated when she went on to state, "I hope both The Netherlands and India meet each other in the U-17 World Cup and may the better team win."

Ms. Schippers was also presented the AIFF Regional Academy Launch Flag by Mr. Patel. AIFF General Secretary Kushal Das, AIFF Technical Director Rob Baan, Father Saturnino Almeida, Managing Director, Father Agnel Schools and representative from Orange Sports Forum, the Netherlands, the Developmental Partners of AIFF were also present on the dais.

"All India Football Federation stays responsible for the development of football in the country. Mr. Rob Baan has been travelling to every nook and corner of the country in the last six months to spot footballers for the Academies. I stay confident, we will be able to scout the best talent of the country," Mr. Patel opined.

"Very soon every state would be having a Technical Director, a Chief Scout Officer and a Development Officer," Mr. Baan informed the media.

"We need to be ambitious," the AIFF president Praful Patel commented. "We have bid for the U-17 World Cup to be hosted in India in 2017. If we get the right to host it, we need to develop players for the same. At the same time, we need to stay strict and prevent age-fraud."

Speaking about the partnership with AIFF, Ms. Schippers commented the "Government of The Netherlands is very active in getting sports in the lifestyle of the people of the country."

The 20 Academy boys along with the Academy training staff were also part of the launch ceremony.

Euro2012: Netherlands name 36 probables

Bert van Marwijk, the coach of the Netherlands, yesterday named a record 36 probables for the 2012 European Championships in Poland and the Ukraine. The Netherlands plays Denmark, Germany and Portugal in Group B of the tournament that runs from June 8 to July 1.

Van Marwijk will have to cut down his squad to three goalkeepers and 20 outfield players by May 29, which is the last date of registration with UEFA .

The 36 players will participate in an initial training camp in Hoenderloo from May 14-15, according to a statement released by the Dutch Football Federation (KNVB). Thereafter van Marwijk will reduce the number of players in two further camps until he has his final 23.

"We've had intense discussions with the technical staff in order to come up with a squad composition that was as balanced as possible," said van Marwijk.

The probables squad includes 'Player of Indian origin' Luciano Narsingh from SC Heerenveen.


NETHERLANDS Probables

Goalkeepers
Jasper Cillessen (Ajax Amsterdam), Tim Krul (Newcastle United), Erwin Mulder (Feyenoord Rotterdam), Maarten Stekelenburg (AS Roma), Michel Vorm (Swansea City)

Defenders
Vurnon Anita (Ajax Amsterdam), Khalid Boulahrouz (VfB Stuttgart), Wilfred Bouma (PSV Eindhoven), Alexander Buttner (Vitesse Arnhem), John Heitinga (FC Everton), Hedwiges Maduro (FC Valencia), Joris Mathijsen (FC Malaga), Nick Viergever (AZ Alkmaar), Ron Vlaar (Feyenoord Rotterdam), Stefan de Vrij (Feyenoord Rotterdam), Gregory van der Wiel (Ajax Amsterdam), Jetro Willems (PSV Eindhoven)

Midfielders
Ibrahim Afellay (FC Barcelona), Mark van Bommel (AC Milan), Urby Emanuelson (AC Milan), Nigel de Jong (Manchester City), Siem de Jong (Ajax Amsterdam), Adam Maher (AZ Alkmaar), Stijn Schaars (Sporting Lisbon), Wesley Sneijder (Internazionale Milan), Kevin Strootman (PSV Eindhoven), Rafael van der Vaart (Tottenham Hotspur)

Forwards
Georginio Wijnaldum (PSV Eindhoven), Klaas-Jan Huntelaar (FC Schalke 04), Ola John (FC Twente Enschede), Luuk de Jong (FC Twente Enschede), Dirk Kuyt (FC Liverpool), Jeremain Lens (PSV Eindhoven), Luciano Narsingh (SC Heerenveen), Robin van Persie (FC Arsenal), Arjen Robben (FC Bayern Munich)

Robben extends FC Bayern contract until 2015

After a few days of speculation that Arjen Robben might not extend his until 2013 running contract with FC Bayern Munich, the Dutch international has just done that by signing a two year extension of his existing contract until June 2015.

Bayern Munich had signed Arjen Robben from Real Madrid in August 2009 for 24 Million Euros. So far he has scored 39 goals in 61 Bundesliga matches winning the 2010 Bundesliga title and German Cup.

"We're extremely pleased that we've extended Arjen's contract a year before its expiry by two further years until 2015," commented Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge. “Arjen is a very important player for FC Bayern, and also a guarantee of the club's continuing success in the future."

The timing of the contract extension is important for the club then now everyone can focus on the two finals coming-up - first the German Cup against Borussia Dortmund on May 12 and then the UEFA Champions League final against Chelsea FC on May 19 at home.

"I've always emphasised that I feel very, very settled in Munich and at FC Bayern," commented Arjen Robben, “this is the reason I'm glad to extend my contract ahead of its expiry. FC Bayern is like a family to me. Two of my three children were born in Munich, and my family and I feel at home here. This contract extension is also the right decision for me from a sporting perspective. We have a magnificent team, and I'm certain we'll enjoy the maximum possible footballing success in the years to come."

Besides Arjen Robben other key players like Manuel Neuer, Philipp Lahm, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Mario Gomez had earlier extended their contracts until 2016.