Things you didn’t know about goalkeepers

Football is one of the most popular sports worldwide. Even though all eleven players are essential to the team, the goalkeeper is often at the centre of attention. He is often the captain of the team, acts as a guide and is responsible for the game tactic. We started looking for interesting facts about goalkeepers and discovered trivia you surely haven’t heard before! 
1. Goalkeepers try to distract their enemies with colourful jerseys
Have you ever asked yourself why a goalkeeper’s kit always looks different from his teammates’? There is a surprising yet simple explanation for that! The often obnoxiously bright colours of their jerseys are supposed to draw the attention of the striker when they are about to score a goal. Chances are high that the player subconsciously aims at the goalkeeper instead of the unprotected corners of the goal. Peter Shilton, who played more games for the England men’s team than anyone else, insisted on always wearing red!

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2. Jorge Campos played for Mexico as both a goalkeeper and a striker
Another world-famous goalkeeper was Jorge Campos, who defended his team as a goalkeeper and on the field as an exceptional striker. He was famous for his bold-coloured jerseys, which he also designed himself. He also played for the national team alternately in both positions! A unique combination, which ultimately turned him into a living legend.

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3. Goalkeepers spit on their gloves
Goalkeepers’ gloves are made of very sensitive latex, which grips best when wet. That’s also the reason why you can often see goalkeepers spit into their hands!

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4. Peter Schmeichel used handball techniques as a goalkeeper
Peter Schmeichel, who became known as the goalkeeper for the Danish team, initially started his career as a handball player. After making the transition to football, he took the unique techniques he learned while playing handball with him. His technique was dominated by his intimidating appearance and was best known through his signature “Starfish” move, where he spread both his arms and legs. His son, Kasper Schmeichel, followed in his footsteps and became goalkeeper for the Danish national team. He uses the same techniques his dad took over from his career as a handball player!

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5. Gianluigi Buffon’s transfer to Juventus Turin cost an incredible 38 million euros
Gianluigi Buffon is still the most expensive goalkeeper of all time following his move from Parma to Juventus in 2001 – for 38 million euros. Adjusted for inflation, the transfer would cost 53 million euros today. An unbelievable number that still hasn’t been beaten but is well-deserved: Buffon has been named World’s Best Goalkeeper four times and prevented 484 goals for his team.

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6. Diego Alves holds more penalty shots in his league than anyone else
In the Spanish League 74% of all penalty shots are scored, except if you’re facing Diego Alves, who plays for FC Valencia. In his career, he has faced 46 penalties, saving 23 of them; two missed the target. He puts down his success as a goalkeeper to an understanding of the economic practice of “Game Theory”, a complex mathematical theory which is modelled after various behaviours in social conflict situations. This way, he gets into the striker’s head. Rather impressive!

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http://www.power-horse.com/en-af/sports/article/6-things-you-didnt-know-about-goalkeepers/

Stay Hydrated During Ramadan

Awais Kazmi
Ramadan 2017

How to stay hydrated in Ramadan?
Water intake in Ramadan decreases which can result in dehydration.

Water, which makes up around 70% of our bodies, is the most important fluid that replenishes our thirst and energy, especially during the month of Ramadan. Studies have shown that reduced intake of water affects our bodies on a cellular level and causes problems in their proper functioning because dehydration has many adverse side effects such as constipation, headaches, dizziness, tiredness and dry skin.
In the month of Ramadan, Muslims abstain from food and drinks from dawn till sunset. Fasting hours across the globe range from 11 to 22 hours, leaving those observing fast with no energy. Most of us focus on eating as much as we can at the time of Iftar and pay very little attention to drinking water. While hunger pangs can bother throughout the day, depriving the body of water has its adverse effects.
Not only is water important for weight loss and maintenance, it also helps to get rid of harmful toxins and reduce the feeling of hunger. Due to these and various other reasons, it is imperative that we keep ourselves properly hydrated throughout the day.
Here a few pointers to help you out:
Increase water intake
Drink at least eight glasses of water every day. If you are exercising or are outdoors in hot weather, you’ll sweat more and lose more fluids. So, ensure you increase your water intake to make up for this excessive loss.
Avoid salty food
Reduce the amount of salt in your food, as foods containing high volumes of sodium trigger thirst throughout the fasting hours of the day.
Add fruits and vegetables to your meals
Eat fresh fruits and vegetables instead of salty foods because they are rich in water and fiber. They stay in the intestines for long, retaining water and hence suppress your thirst.
Avoid drinking large quantities in one go
Refrain from drinking large quantities of water all at once or a lot during a meal. Instead, have small sips during the meal and drink water in between your meals and throughout the day.
Avoid juices and sugary fluids
Do not drink juices to break your fast as it contains high amounts of sugar leading to weight gain. Instead, try and stick with just water.
Add dates to your Iftar menu
Break the fast with dates. Not only is this a tradition because that’s how the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) broke his fast; dates also help with hydration since they are a natural source of glucose, which encourages your cells to store fluid and fuel for energy.