It’s hard to believe, but the World Cup knockout stage is imminent. The past few weeks of the group stage has literally flown by. There has been some top quality football played, high emotions, the introduction of VAR and some massive shocks (The Germans are off home!). There have been a number of standout performers too. Today at Intersport Elverys we are going to look at three of the teams we think could go all the way, as well as some of their star performers.

ENGLAND

There is always hype around England at major tournaments. “Footballs Coming Home” is the buzz word again all over Twitter. The fans are starting to believe that the current crop of Premier League stars can land World Cup glory. Every supporter seems delighted that the team finished second to Belgium in their group, as it meant England are on the “easier” side of the draw. They were probably right. England have broken their penalty shoot-out hoodoo and will now face Sweden in the Quarter Finals. Harry Kane leads the goal scoring charts with 6 goals and if he can keep his scoring boots on, there is no reason the English can’t get to the Semi-Final and even further.

Harry’s boot of choice is the Nike Phantom III Elite and you can get your pair in-store at Intersport Elverys or online HERE.

URUGUAY

A lot of people probably aren’t aware of the fact that Uruguay have actually won the World Cup twice, in 1930 and 1950. Their current team are quietly going about their business in Russia. They have two of the most feared front men in World football in Luiz Suarez and Edison Cavani. Both have already hit the net in the competition and we’ve a feeling they could both do more damage as the competition goes on. Even though they are on the tougher side of the draw, here at Intersport Elverys we feel they could go far and maybe even add title number three to their World Cup haul. The boot of choice for Cavani is the Nike Hypervenon Phantom II Elite Dynamic Fit and you can get your pair in-store at Intersport Elverys or online HERE.

BRAZIL

They were the favorites before the tournament started and now that Germany have crashed out, more people are tipping them to go all the way. They went through the group stage unbeaten, collecting 7 points from 9. They face Belgium in the Quarter Finals now, which could be a cracker. Brazil have world class players all over the pitch. From Alisson in goal, Thiago Silva and Marcelo at the back, Neymar up top to name just a few. But their standout player so far has been Philippe Coutinho. The Barcelona play-maker has already hit the net twice, both goals vital in putting his team ahead in both games. If he continues his form, aided by the other top players, Brazil look likely to take the crown. Philippe Coutinho prefers to wear the Nike Mercurial Vapor 12 Elite and you can get your pair in-store at Intersport Elverys or online HERE.

Shop all things World Cup HERE!

It’s hard to believe, but the World Cup is more than half way through. The festival of football in Russia has not disappointed, every football fan is in their element. This week we will see the group stages come to a close and 16 teams will be on the plane home, while the other 16 head on to the knockout stages. Here at Intersport Elverys we are taking a closer look at some of the final group games that we are looking forward to seeing this week.

Mexico vs Sweden (Group F)

This fixture is shaping up to a cracker. The situation could arise that 3 teams finish on 6 points if Sweden win here and Germany beat South Korea. However, having said that Mexico have been one of the surprises of the tournament so far with 2 wins from 2. A point is all Mexico need to win the group but a defeat could see them crash out. Sweden will be feeling very sore after losing 2-1 to Germany, thanks to a last minute free kick from superstar midfielder Toni Kroos. It’s all on the line in this one!

Get geared up for the game. Shop the Mexico jersey HERE and the Sweden jersey HERE.

England vs Belgium (Group G)

Both England and Belgium have won their 2 games and have already qualified for the last 16. They have the two top scorers in the competition in Harry Kane (5 goals) and Romelu Lukaku (4 goals, level with Ronaldo) so this game could be open and free-scoring. The winner will top this group. However, as many pundits have commented, the team that finished second will have an easier run to the final, in theory anyway. So is it winner or loser takes all? Time will tell!

Shop the England jersey HERE and the Belgium jersey HERE.

Japan vs Poland (Group G)

Japan currently sit of top of Group G and Poland have already been knocked out. But the reason we are looking forward to the game is down to the fact that the Japanese need to claim some sort of result to progress and Poland have nothing to lose. With Poland already eliminated there is no pressure on them and they may play with freedom and flamboyance which they have not shown in the 2 games so far (that’s our hope anyway). This could cause Japan to become edgy and nervous the further the game goes on. We think this could be a good one.

Shop the Japan jersey HERE and the Poland jersey HERE.

Another two and a half weeks of top quality football lies ahead. We cannot wait!

It’s Summer Time and kids all over the country are beyond excited as they look forward to 2 months off school! Here at Intersport Elverys, we’re adding to the excitement with our massive Summer Sale with up to a whopping 50% OFF selected items. We’ve picked out some that may tickle your fancy…

The World Cup is currently in full-swing and so many Irish fans a ruing what might have been, only for those pesky Danes, although they did beat us 5-1. But don’t fret, Intersport Elverys has something that might cheer you up. We have the New Balance Ireland 2017/18 home jersey for just €37.50.

Click HERE to get your hands on this great offer or shop in-store.

The Rugby Club season may be over, but that does not mean the excitement has to end. Last season saw Intersport Elverys and Connacht teamed up again for another thrilling season of rugby. The Western provinces slick euro jersey with unique collar design and shoulder detail is now available for under €20. Yes you read that correctly!

Click HERE to get your hands on this great offer or shop in-store.

The 2017/18 Champions League season had a familiar ending, with Real Madrid claiming the title for the 4^th time in the last 5 seasons after overcoming Liverpool. The official adidas finale Kiev match ball is now half price at Intersport Elverys. This match-quality football has a thermally bonded seamless surface for a pure touch and reduced water uptake.

Click HERE to get your hands on this great offer or shop in-store.

With the GAA and soccer seasons in full swing, many players like to wear the traditionally know “bicycle shorts” under their game shorts. Here at Intersport Elverys we have Under Armour heatgear compression men’s short’s on offer at half price. They keep you cool, they’re light and you will stay dry in these compression shorts.

Click HERE to get your hands on this great offer or shop in-store.

With so many sporting activities and camps on over the summer as well as school just over 2 months away, your kids are probably looking for a new backpack! The Nike Youth Element Backpack is perfect to store a range of book and school essentials, or football boots and training gear, whichever suits. Another smaller front zip compartment can store anything from pencils cases to shinpads. Padded shoulder straps and back panel will give you some well needed support and comfort. It is available for just €12.50.

Click HERE to get your hands on this great offer or shop in-store.

One question we always get asked in store is ‘what exactly is FootBalance?’.

Essentially, it’s a 100% customised insole that we specially mould to your feet, it’s 100% unique to you. It actually adjusts your alignment from your feet up through your entire body improving full-body movement whether you are walking to work or doing your long run on Sunday.

FootBalance improves your performance by correcting your posture and reducing impact through your body. Easing plantar fasciitis and shin splints, FootBalance is a must if you suffer from injury and a go-to for injury prevention.

It’s a quick and easy process to get moulded by one of our experts in selected stores. No appointment needed. Just check to see if your local store has Footbalance below and visit us In-store.

Here’s what you need to know when it comes to your feet:

Arch type

• Collapsed arch: leading to poor foot function and are commonly associated with overpronation foot type. This arch type can lead to instability and poor shock absorption causing pain and increasing susceptibility to injury.
• Low arch: lead to excessively poor foot motion, instability and minimal shock absorption, and if untreated can fall further into a collapsed arch.
• Normal arch: good shock absorbing ability but can still be at the risk of overpronation particularly if your arch types differ from right to left foot.
• High arch: often too rigid or inflexible which increases supination through foot motion. This results in poor shock absorption, much of which is then transmitted up the kinetic chain into the leg, hip and back.

Foot type

• Overpronation: foot rolls excessively inward, distributing weight unevenly across the foot. Commonly known as having flat feet, this foot type is commonly associated with increased risk of injury.
• Underpronation/Supination: the least common of the three foot types. This foot type vastly reduces the body’s natural shock absorbing capability. Highlighted by an external rotation, pushing the body’s weight along the outside of the foot.
• Neutral: where your foot and ankle maintain a straight line. Weight is distributed evenly across the forefoot and down through the heel.

Everyday

Spending the day on your feet causes your feet to fatigue and lose energy, especially if your feet are not adequately supported. FootBalance 100% Custom Insoles integrated balance plate not only provides support for your feet something existing insoles in your footwear do not, but also unlike rigid orthotics, they are dynamic and flex, which returns energy to your feet. This will help with all those stairs around the office or on those morning walks to college or school.

Get the most out of your day with FootBalance 100% Custom Insoles.

Shop the Footbalance range at Intersport Elverys HERE