Buez Hadgu, Author at High Press Media https://stage3.jinrake.com/author/buez-hadgu/ Wordpress Tagline Fri, 01 Oct 2021 16:47:49 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9 The Lost Files Of FIFA https://stage3.jinrake.com/sport/the-lost-files-of-fifa/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-lost-files-of-fifa https://stage3.jinrake.com/sport/the-lost-files-of-fifa/#respond Fri, 01 Oct 2021 16:45:19 +0000 https://thehighpressmedia.com/?p=719 With the news this year that PES would no longer exist and has been replaced by the brand new eFootball edition, it seems for the first time FIFA is in a league of its own. While many have always felt PES was in the shadow of EA’s FIFA titles, it has taken many editions for […]

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]]> With the news this year that PES would no longer exist and has been replaced by the brand new eFootball edition, it seems for the first time FIFA is in a league of its own. While many have always felt PES was in the shadow of EA’s FIFA titles, it has taken many editions for this defining moment in the eSports world, with the future potentially heading to free to play games with unlockable modes through in-app purchases.

We look back through the ages and take in the most memorable moments throughout the successful titles over the years.

The Golden Age

Where better a place to start, than the era of dominance for the FIFA titles. From FIFA 12 with ‘Wazza’ the headliner, to FIFA 14 with Lionel Messi as the poster boy, those three consecutive titles mark the greatest period for EA.

The introduction of Online Seasons, coupled with the improvements made to defending and the new dribbling features, meant the games had a new lease of life and utilised the advances in technology.

Looking back at the titles now, these editions perhaps were never given the recognition they deserved for their soundtracks, with many fans missing the indies and house bangers that were associated with these titles.

Modern Problems

Despite the advances in technology, the improvements in graphics, and the adoption of the new frostbite engine, the most recent titles haven’t been received as well as they should have by the gaming community.

While teething problems and major glitches have played a part, the introduction of game modes such as FUT Champs and The Journey have contributed to giving FIFA a comfortable edge over PES.

Had it not been for gameplay issues – that has pushed some in the FIFA community to dub the recent titles as unplayable – it would be scary to think how successful these editions could have gone on to be.

FIFA Street

A ground-breaking conception, inspired by the likes of Ronaldinho, the original edition of FIFA Street caused a whole generation to recreate audacious flicks and tricks on a football field.

It brought street football into the frame and brought originality to the franchise. While the future releases didn’t do well to build on from the original, the introduction of VOLTA on FIFA 20 caused many to reminisce.

The rainbow flicks, the showboating, sombrero flicks, all the different skill combos used to embarrass your opponent in the cages brought an element of real life, we played the game as if it was ourselves in the cages down the road.

FIFA World Cup

Perhaps the most iconic edition of the lot, FIFA 98, included the ‘Road to World Cup’ mode. The ability to play as any of the 172 FIFA registered nations was massive.

Countries who rarely feature on the game were able to be selected, giving immense pride and a great sense of culture to gamers from those nations.

2010 also saw the release of FIFA World Cup South Africa, again including the nations from across the globe. The game did well to capture the buzz around the historical World Cup.

FIFA Ultimate Team

FIFA 09 is remembered as one of the legendary releases, due to the introduction of Ultimate Team as a downloadable extension on both the PS3 and Xbox 360.

Across the years we’ll have memories of buying coins, destroying controllers because of a silver El Shaarawy, the MSN before MSN of Gervinho, Doumbia, and Ibarbo.

The game mode was and remains FIFA’s MVP, despite introducing the price caps, killing third party coin buying, the mode remained strong and was improved year on year by EA.

Pro Clubs

Arguably the best game mode known to man on FIFA. The Ballon D’or Winner voted by the streets. Pro Clubs introduced in FIFA 10 has been one of the most enjoyable moments since its inception.

Responsible for hours of rage, laughter, and destroying friendships, the game mode was a stroke of genius from those responsible at EA, the unlockable and customisation features provided something new to the titles.

Recently neglected, it remains to be seen how FIFA views this game mode and what methods they take in order to rejuvenate it, and propel its popularity.

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]]> https://stage3.jinrake.com/sport/the-lost-files-of-fifa/feed/ 0 Loan Army – Ep. 1 https://stage3.jinrake.com/articles/loan-army-ep-1/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=loan-army-ep-1 https://stage3.jinrake.com/articles/loan-army-ep-1/#respond Thu, 26 Aug 2021 16:37:24 +0000 https://thehighpressmedia.com/?p=581 With the transfer window deadline fast approaching, we look at how some of the hottest academy prospects fare on loan, in search of first-team football. Across Europe, developing youth talent has always been a major factor in the measure of success for the biggest clubs. From the Class of 92’ to La Masia’s legendary crop […]

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]]> With the transfer window deadline fast approaching, we look at how some of the hottest academy prospects fare on loan, in search of first-team football.

Across Europe, developing youth talent has always been a major factor in the measure of success for the biggest clubs.

From the Class of 92’ to La Masia’s legendary crop to the more recent golden generations, youngsters have played a big part in helping clubs achieve success and record revenue.

Over the past few years, the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United, and Arsenal have developed a reputation for bringing through the best youth talent in the country.

Famous for their large-scale loan system, Cobham has become responsible for the rising ‘Loan Army’ across the country.  Despite enduring heavy criticism in the late 2000s, it has ultimately proved to be a success.

In this weekly segment, we’ll be evaluating how some of the most talked about academy stars are coping with their loan moves away from their parent clubs throughout the season. Shining a light on top performances, both in the English leagues and abroad.

It is through this very loan system that many stars have benefited from, with the likes of Harry Kane and Jermaine Defoe experiencing the positive sides.

Levi Colwill: 

Chelsea loanee, Levi Colwill, has hit the ground running with Huddersfield Town in the Championship.

The 18-year-old centre back scored a last-minute winner at Sheffield United, his maiden professional goal, to compliment his impressive first four league games at the club.

Operating on the left of a back three, Colwill has really made an impression on ‘The Terriers’ fans, having played 100% of their league minutes.

 

 

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It’s not just the supporters he has impressed, with teammate Naby Sarr describing the youngsters’ impact as ‘crazy’.

Coming from Chelsea, where the position he plays is in high demand, the England youth international will need to have a very consistent season to force his way up the pecking order.

Callum Doyle:

 17-year-old Callum Doyle is enjoying his first loan spell away from Manchester City at League One outfit Sunderland AFC.

The youngster played 90 minutes in his senior debut for the Black Cats. Impressively, he kept Charlie Wyke very quiet from left-back, a forward who recorded a staggering 30 goals the previous season.

His manager Lee Johnson hailed him as having the best passing in the division following his debut.

With this season being his first season in professional men’s football, the full-back looks astonishingly comfortable, a trait that will become more valuable as you return up the divisions.

EFL pundit Sam Parkin was full of praise for the u18 England international. He was seen on Quest lauding the astounding performance of Doyle.
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Tahith Chong:

Following loan spells abroad in Belgium and Germany, to varying degrees of success, Tahith Chong may have finally found the right place.

On loan at Birmingham City, the attacking, exciting, and direct winger has captured the attention of the Championship. Those that managed to catch glimpses of him in Manchester United’s pre-season or through his academy may have seen this coming.

In his most recent fixture against Luton Town, the Dutchman had a hand in creating two goals, much to the delight of his gaffer, Lee Bowyer.

Playing in the number 10 as opposed to the flanks has meant he has had to refine his game and adapt his style of play.

 

Deservedly the 21-year-old made the team of the week, if he can continue at a high level in the Championship, a step up into the Premier League – either at United or elsewhere.

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]]> https://stage3.jinrake.com/articles/loan-army-ep-1/feed/ 0 The Racism Row – Reflecting On The Aftermath Of The Euro 2021 Final https://stage3.jinrake.com/sport/the-racism-row-reflecting-on-the-aftermath-of-the-euro-2021-final/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-racism-row-reflecting-on-the-aftermath-of-the-euro-2021-final https://stage3.jinrake.com/sport/the-racism-row-reflecting-on-the-aftermath-of-the-euro-2021-final/#respond Fri, 23 Jul 2021 15:36:50 +0000 https://thehighpressmedia.com//?p=220 With it over a week since England faced off with Italy in the Euro 2020 final, we can look back on the tournament with enormous pride. However, despite the progress shown by Southgate’s men in search for their first major trophy in over 50 years, the immediate aftermath was overshadowed by the recurring issue of […]

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]]> With it over a week since England faced off with Italy in the Euro 2020 final, we can look back on the tournament with enormous pride. However, despite the progress shown by Southgate’s men in search for their first major trophy in over 50 years, the immediate aftermath was overshadowed by the recurring issue of racism in sport and wider society.

Sunday 11th July, England vs Italy at Wembley Stadium for The Euro 2020 Final. After 120 minutes of football couldn’t separate the nations, the result was to be determined by a penalty shootout. As Gareth Southgate went from player to player in the huddle – selecting the order of his takers; I couldn’t help but fear for the black members of the squad, should it be them that falls at the final hurdle.

When both Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho failed to convert their penalties, there was no doubt in my mind as to what would follow the full-time whistle, if Italy were crowned champions.

While Jordan Pickford did all he could to offer his teammates a reprieve, denying Jorginho the opportunity to score the championship winning spot-kick. However, it wasn’t enough, as – perhaps one of the bravest players of tournament – Bukayo Saka missed the fifth and final penalty.

Almost instantly, under the social media posts of the three young, black stars, there was a barrage of racial abuse. Referencing their origin, the colour of their skin, and also the use of emojis with racist intent, the aftermath was vile. Frightening videos of violent scenes also began to circulate from within Wembley, as fans reacted in shocking nature, to what should have been a game remembered purely for footballing reasons.

An article by ‘The Week’ drew comparisons between the behaviour displayed by England fans at the final and the hooliganism that plagued the sport throughout the 80s and 90s. Many ticketless ‘fans’ had managed to gain entry to the stands at Wembley, after groups stampeded barriers at the ground, bypassing security.

While such scenes will likely reduce the chance of the rumoured 2030 World Cup bid for Britain and Ireland being successful, it invited the question of if football fan culture is regressing instead of progressing?

Although premature to conclude as such, there has definitely been a shift in fan attitude and engagement, especially with the growth of social media. Abuse on such platforms is at an all-time high and little is being done in order to combat that. This new-found habit of, predominantly racial, abuse via social media platforms is slowly becoming a new normal, and in the way they curbed the hooliganism through the introduction of legislation, those with power in football need to act swiftly.

Unity has been a huge factor in this tight-knit group reaching the nation’s first ever European final. The overwhelming support they received throughout the tournament showed how much supporters relate to these footballers. Whether it be England’s player of the tournament, Raheem Sterling, born just a stone throw away from the Wembley Stadium in Brent, or the young ages of Jude Bellingham and Saka – who impressed when featuring – there was diversity right through the Three Lions squad.

The London Migration Museum ran a campaign to highlight the importance of immigration and remind the supporters of the positive benefits the process has. #FootballMovesPeople highlighted the amount of first- and second-generation immigrants representing England, only three members of the side that beat Germany would have been involved without immigration.

Kae Kurd explained to BBC Radio 5 Live how Southgate’s squad renewed his sense of pride in the England National Team. This would have been achieved through their choice to continue to take the knee against racism, despite the booing and controversial reactions.

While social media has been held responsible for the abuse spouted on different platforms, it played a successful part in showcasing the England squad in a way that is engaging, allowing fans from up and down the country to relate and feel involved in the journey.

Throughout the tournament, the squad held itself in the best possible regarding, shining bright following the bleak times over the past year and a half. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for the government in their support of the National Team.

In the lead up to the Euros, both Boris Johnson and Priti Patel failed to condemn English fans who booed the knee, a gesture used by the squad to highlight their anti-racism message. Politicians arguably encouraged the booing, with the misguided belief the action was politically motivated, and therefore played a part in weakening the message the squad tried to send out. Ironically, in response to the abuse following the final, both Patel and Johnson tweeted their support to the national side. Their comments just weeks prior hadn’t been forgotten by Tyrone Mings, who called the Home Secretary out for labelling the groups anti-racism message, ‘gesture politics’.

MPs resorted back to their ludicrous ‘focus on football, not politics’ jibe in defence of Patel. Gary Lineker hit the nail on the head with his response, highlighting the hypocrisy of those in Parliament. Considering at the start of the pandemic MPs were criticising footballers for not doing their bit to support the NHS, it seems absurd to suggest they should now only concentrate on footballing issues, instead of trying to improve social issues for their communities.

Despite all that has happened, the question remains how things can improve going forward? What can we do as a nation to combat racism and ensure it has no place in our game?

The Government has put plans in place to now extend Football Banning Orders to those who are abusive online, they have also increased pressure on social media companies to respond to the problems we are facing. While it’s positive to see some action being taken, Poet gave insight on his thoughts as he appeared on the weekly segment of football podcast ‘Filthy Fellas’.

Although football can be a great catalyst for change, he argued it wouldn’t be possible to eradicate racism in the sport if our society is yet to deal with it. Expecting racism to stop in the footballing world, while it is rife in the real world can only be described as wishful thinking. Poet stressed the importance of education and with the reach the sport has, it could be an avenue that those in power explore, as clubs could look to challenge preconceptions and stigmas at young ages.

Whilst it is a sad reality that this is unlikely to be the last incidence of its kind, it’s pivotal to realise the effects people’s words have on lives, and how damaged the beautiful game remains. This said, with continued focus on education, and punishment for shameful abuse, we can only hope that Bukayo’s recent words ‘love always win’ ring true in the near future.

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