Ronaldo eyes dream farewell
Ronaldo is hoping for a "dream" farewell when he makes his final appearance for Brazil in the friendly against Romania tonight.
The legendary striker has been handed a swansong performance at the Estadio Pacaembu in Sao Paulo and admits he is desperate to mark the occasion with a goal.
The former Barcelona, Real Madrid, AC Milan and Inter Milan forward said: "I'm very, very nervous and still shocked. It would be a dream if I can score a goal.
I have nothing to prove. I only have to thank the Brazilian people for their unconditional support.
Ronaldo
"I'm very happy for closing this part of my life with the national team. I have nothing to prove. I only have to thank the Brazilian people for their unconditional support."
Ronaldo, who has played 104 times and scored 67 goals for the Seleção, has been lauded by compatriot Robinho, one of his successors in Mano Menezes' side.
"Ronaldo is my idol," said Robinho. "He has always been. He is a brilliant player and I've watched him since I was a child.
"I'm happy to be part of this event. I was shocked when I was close to him the first time and I am shocked today too."
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
One last mission for EURO hopefuls
One last mission for EURO hopefuls
The qualifying picture is still not fully complete ahead of the summer recess in Europe, with six more UEFA EURO 2012 outings on the menu tomorrow as a selection of the teams in contention make up their game in hand.
Germany are the biggest name in action and can take another giant stride towards Poland and Ukraine by taking all three points in Azerbaijan, while the tussle for second spot in groups D and E is no less engaging.
The big match
Sweden-Finland, Group E, Rasunda Stadion, Solna, (20.00 CET)
This Nordic derby has a long and proud history, even if previous jousts have tended to swing in Sweden’s favour. In their 83 meetings overall, Sweden have won no fewer than 63 times, drawing 11 and losing just nine while notching 282 goals and conceding 93. Erik Hamren’s men also have form on their side, having posted an impressive 4-1 success in Moldova on Friday, where Finland succumbed 2-0 earlier in the campaign.
Hamren will hope to have Zlatan Ibrahimovic back from a foot injury as his team look to close within three points of the Netherlands, who are yet to make the trip to Sweden. Victory would also leave them as the best second-placed side across all the sections, opening the door to an automatic qualification berth.
Elsewhere
Group A
Germany remain the runaway leaders after a pair of Mario Gomez goals gave them a 2-1 success in Austria on Friday, that win putting them seven points clear of nearest challengers Belgium, who have played one game more. Joachim Low’s charges can practically guarantee themselves a place at EURO 2012 if they prevail in Azerbaijan, and they will travel with confidence having overcome the same opponents 6-1 at home. The bottom side in the pool are nonetheless capable of springing a surprise, as they showed by beating Turkey 1-0.
Group C
The mission for Estonia will be to climb within a point of second-placed Slovenia when they visit the Faroe Islands, though they will be taking nothing for granted after digging deep to down the islanders 2-1 on home soil. The Faroes have looked a little less tenacious this year, however, having secured just one point in three home outings, their most recent ending in a 2-0 reverse against Slovenia on Friday.
Group D
Despite a lengthy injury list, Belarus are keeping a tight grip on second spot, as they demonstrated by holding France to a 1-1 draw last time out. A win over Luxembourg would lift them to within a point of Les Bleus and, more importantly, move them clearer of their pursuers, but Bernd Stange’s side will need to be more effective in front of goal than in their previous meeting, when a goalless stalemate handed Luxembourg their only point so far.
Victory is imperative for Bosnia-Herzegovina against Albania, meanwhile, after they suffered an eye-catching 3-0 setback in Romania on Friday. Their rivals cannot be taken lightly, however, as they boast one point more in the standings and saw off Belarus 1-0 in their previous qualifier.
Group E
Hungary remain second despite suffering consecutive losses to the Netherlands in their previous fixtures, going down 4-0 and 5-3 to the clear frontrunners. They will be anxious to bolster their pursuit of the runners-up berth by toppling San Marino, who succumbed 8-0 to the same opponents in their previous meeting on the road to Poland and Ukraine.
Player to watch
Sweden forward Johan Elmander took advantage of Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s absence in Moldova to prove he has lost none of his talent, helping himself to a double as his team prevailed 4-1. When Ibrahimovic is fit to feature, the new Galatsaray signing is usually asked to play deeper and take on more defensive duties, but with 16 goals in 54 appearances, Elmander remains a key figure in the Sweden line-up.
The stat
69 – The number of goals scored from 192 shots on target in Group E, by far the biggest haul across all the groups. The 30 conceded by San Marino undoubtedly help boost that figure, though the section minnows have struck just one of their own.
What they said
"We didn’t play our usual game against Austria. In Azerbaijan, we’ll need to control the ball better. If we manage to spread it out wide, we’ll have more space,” Manuel Neuer, Germany goalkeeper.
Have your say
With former German international Berti Vogts at the helm, can Azerbaijan cause Germany the same problems they posed Turkey?
The qualifying picture is still not fully complete ahead of the summer recess in Europe, with six more UEFA EURO 2012 outings on the menu tomorrow as a selection of the teams in contention make up their game in hand.
Germany are the biggest name in action and can take another giant stride towards Poland and Ukraine by taking all three points in Azerbaijan, while the tussle for second spot in groups D and E is no less engaging.
The big match
Sweden-Finland, Group E, Rasunda Stadion, Solna, (20.00 CET)
This Nordic derby has a long and proud history, even if previous jousts have tended to swing in Sweden’s favour. In their 83 meetings overall, Sweden have won no fewer than 63 times, drawing 11 and losing just nine while notching 282 goals and conceding 93. Erik Hamren’s men also have form on their side, having posted an impressive 4-1 success in Moldova on Friday, where Finland succumbed 2-0 earlier in the campaign.
Hamren will hope to have Zlatan Ibrahimovic back from a foot injury as his team look to close within three points of the Netherlands, who are yet to make the trip to Sweden. Victory would also leave them as the best second-placed side across all the sections, opening the door to an automatic qualification berth.
Elsewhere
Group A
Germany remain the runaway leaders after a pair of Mario Gomez goals gave them a 2-1 success in Austria on Friday, that win putting them seven points clear of nearest challengers Belgium, who have played one game more. Joachim Low’s charges can practically guarantee themselves a place at EURO 2012 if they prevail in Azerbaijan, and they will travel with confidence having overcome the same opponents 6-1 at home. The bottom side in the pool are nonetheless capable of springing a surprise, as they showed by beating Turkey 1-0.
Group C
The mission for Estonia will be to climb within a point of second-placed Slovenia when they visit the Faroe Islands, though they will be taking nothing for granted after digging deep to down the islanders 2-1 on home soil. The Faroes have looked a little less tenacious this year, however, having secured just one point in three home outings, their most recent ending in a 2-0 reverse against Slovenia on Friday.
Group D
Despite a lengthy injury list, Belarus are keeping a tight grip on second spot, as they demonstrated by holding France to a 1-1 draw last time out. A win over Luxembourg would lift them to within a point of Les Bleus and, more importantly, move them clearer of their pursuers, but Bernd Stange’s side will need to be more effective in front of goal than in their previous meeting, when a goalless stalemate handed Luxembourg their only point so far.
Victory is imperative for Bosnia-Herzegovina against Albania, meanwhile, after they suffered an eye-catching 3-0 setback in Romania on Friday. Their rivals cannot be taken lightly, however, as they boast one point more in the standings and saw off Belarus 1-0 in their previous qualifier.
Group E
Hungary remain second despite suffering consecutive losses to the Netherlands in their previous fixtures, going down 4-0 and 5-3 to the clear frontrunners. They will be anxious to bolster their pursuit of the runners-up berth by toppling San Marino, who succumbed 8-0 to the same opponents in their previous meeting on the road to Poland and Ukraine.
Player to watch
Sweden forward Johan Elmander took advantage of Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s absence in Moldova to prove he has lost none of his talent, helping himself to a double as his team prevailed 4-1. When Ibrahimovic is fit to feature, the new Galatsaray signing is usually asked to play deeper and take on more defensive duties, but with 16 goals in 54 appearances, Elmander remains a key figure in the Sweden line-up.
The stat
69 – The number of goals scored from 192 shots on target in Group E, by far the biggest haul across all the groups. The 30 conceded by San Marino undoubtedly help boost that figure, though the section minnows have struck just one of their own.
What they said
"We didn’t play our usual game against Austria. In Azerbaijan, we’ll need to control the ball better. If we manage to spread it out wide, we’ll have more space,” Manuel Neuer, Germany goalkeeper.
Have your say
With former German international Berti Vogts at the helm, can Azerbaijan cause Germany the same problems they posed Turkey?
Late flurry gives French victory
Late flurry gives French victory
Marvin Martin scored twice in three minutes on his debut as France finished the season with an emphatic 4-1 friendly win over Ukraine.
Martin scored in the 87th and 90th minutes as the visitors put a gloss on a scoreline which was not a true reflection of the game. All the goals came in the second half, with Anatoliy Tymoschuk putting Ukraine ahead before Kevin Gameiro equalised five minutes later.
The game appeared to be heading for a draw before Martin's double intervention, which sandwiched a goal by Younes Kaboul, also making his debut. The result means France end the season on a high after their disappointing 1-1 draw with Belarus in their UEFA EURO 2012 qualification campaign at the weekend.
Loic Remy had a shot for the visitors early on but there was little of note in the opening exchanges as neither side created any clear-cut openings. Steve Mandanda was called upon to collect a corner from Serhiy Nazarenko before Marco Devic's 20-yard shot was blocked by Mamdou Sakho.
Oleg Gusev and Andrey Voronin both had shots for the hosts as the half wore down but it was France who almost took the lead on the stroke of half-time. Gameiro fired in a shot from the centre of the penalty area which was tipped round the post by Ukraine goalkeeper Andrei Pyatov.
Ukraine strike first
The second half began in the same manner as the first 45 minutes, with plenty of endeavour and attacking intent from both sides but little in terms of real openings. Yohan Cabaye had a right-footed shot from the right-hand side of the penalty area blocked by Tymoschuk before the Bayern Munich player gave Ukraine the lead eight minutes after half-time.
Tymoschuk unleashed a low shot from 35 yards which drilled into the middle of the goal to give the hosts the lead. Gameiro was in a good position to equalise soon after but his weak shot was tipped round the post by Pyatov.
But the lead was nevertheless short-lived, with Gameiro levelling five minutes after Tymoshcuk's opener. Gameiro collected Anthony Reveillere's throw-in before sending a shot into the right-hand corner of the goal. Mandanda then repelled Devic's left-footed 20-yard shot as Ukraine looked to reclaim the lead. Both sides made a number of substitutions as the match continued to be open.
Martin makes the difference
Denis Kozhanov had a shot blocked by Yann M'Vila but it was Karim Benzema who threatened to give the French the lead twice in the space of a minute. The Real Madrid player replaced Gameiro in the 64th minute and almost put France ahead in the 82nd minute when he put a shot wide, before having his close-range effort parried by Pyatov a minute later.
France did go ahead with just three minutes to go when substitute Martin sent in a spectacular shot from 30 yards before Kaboul headed into the top right-hand corner of the goal from close range to ensure victory. Benzema then turned provider for Martin, who drilled home into the top left-hand corner to score a fourth goal for the French and the third in three extraordinary minutes.
Marvin Martin scored twice in three minutes on his debut as France finished the season with an emphatic 4-1 friendly win over Ukraine.
Martin scored in the 87th and 90th minutes as the visitors put a gloss on a scoreline which was not a true reflection of the game. All the goals came in the second half, with Anatoliy Tymoschuk putting Ukraine ahead before Kevin Gameiro equalised five minutes later.
The game appeared to be heading for a draw before Martin's double intervention, which sandwiched a goal by Younes Kaboul, also making his debut. The result means France end the season on a high after their disappointing 1-1 draw with Belarus in their UEFA EURO 2012 qualification campaign at the weekend.
Loic Remy had a shot for the visitors early on but there was little of note in the opening exchanges as neither side created any clear-cut openings. Steve Mandanda was called upon to collect a corner from Serhiy Nazarenko before Marco Devic's 20-yard shot was blocked by Mamdou Sakho.
Oleg Gusev and Andrey Voronin both had shots for the hosts as the half wore down but it was France who almost took the lead on the stroke of half-time. Gameiro fired in a shot from the centre of the penalty area which was tipped round the post by Ukraine goalkeeper Andrei Pyatov.
Ukraine strike first
The second half began in the same manner as the first 45 minutes, with plenty of endeavour and attacking intent from both sides but little in terms of real openings. Yohan Cabaye had a right-footed shot from the right-hand side of the penalty area blocked by Tymoschuk before the Bayern Munich player gave Ukraine the lead eight minutes after half-time.
Tymoschuk unleashed a low shot from 35 yards which drilled into the middle of the goal to give the hosts the lead. Gameiro was in a good position to equalise soon after but his weak shot was tipped round the post by Pyatov.
But the lead was nevertheless short-lived, with Gameiro levelling five minutes after Tymoshcuk's opener. Gameiro collected Anthony Reveillere's throw-in before sending a shot into the right-hand corner of the goal. Mandanda then repelled Devic's left-footed 20-yard shot as Ukraine looked to reclaim the lead. Both sides made a number of substitutions as the match continued to be open.
Martin makes the difference
Denis Kozhanov had a shot blocked by Yann M'Vila but it was Karim Benzema who threatened to give the French the lead twice in the space of a minute. The Real Madrid player replaced Gameiro in the 64th minute and almost put France ahead in the 82nd minute when he put a shot wide, before having his close-range effort parried by Pyatov a minute later.
France did go ahead with just three minutes to go when substitute Martin sent in a spectacular shot from 30 yards before Kaboul headed into the top right-hand corner of the goal from close range to ensure victory. Benzema then turned provider for Martin, who drilled home into the top left-hand corner to score a fourth goal for the French and the third in three extraordinary minutes.
Hiddink's agent plays down Chelsea talk
Hiddink's agent plays down Chelsea talk
Guus Hiddink's agent has said his client is still "very happy" in his current position as Turkey manager despite reports that he is edging closer to a return to Chelsea.
Reports yesterday suggested the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) were resigned to losing Hiddink, who is thought to be top of Chelsea's list of candidates to replace Carlo Ancelotti. Sections of the Turkish media aimed their anger at Hiddink for failing to commit his future to the country before Friday's UEFA EURO 2012 qualifier with Belgium.
Hiddink's agent, Cees van Nieuwenhuizen insists, however, the former Real Madrid coach is happy at Turkey and is not looking to leave. "He is very happy with the draw in Brussels because he is still in the race for the European Championships," Van Nieuwenhuizen said.
"Nothing has changed. I have said it before, Guus is under contract with Turkey. He has an obligation there until his contract is up in June next year. We have been saying that for weeks. Everyone is making their own stories about his future, but this is the reality."
The TFF will be hoping the rumours linking Hiddink with a return to Chelsea, where he had a caretaker spell in 2009, will fade over the next couple of weeks if they want to keep their man. Any chance of negotiations opening between the two clubs this week were played down by the federation yesterday.
Nothing has changed. I have said it before, Guus is under contract with Turkey. He has an obligation there until his contract is up in June next year.
Guus Hiddink's agent, Cees van Nieuwenhuizen
"There is nothing official happening because both parties are away," TFF spokesman Turker Tozar said. "Mr Hiddink is on holiday now and the president is on holiday for a week as well. Nothing can happen at the moment."
Reports that the TFF and Chelsea have already agreed a compensation deal for Hiddink are also wide of the mark, Tozar insisted. "Mr Hiddink is still our manager and he has a contract until 2012," he added.
Mark Hughes and Harry Redknapp have also been linked to the position, with the former keen to take on a high-profile manager's job after leaving Fulham last week. Meanwhile, youngster Gokhan Tore has joined Hamburg.
The 19-year-old winger has signed a three-year deal with the Bundesliga side, following another Stamford Bridge reserve team player, Jacopo Sala, and Michael Mancienne in heading to Hamburg recently. Turkey Ur-21 international Tore, an unused substitute for his country's senior side during Friday's European Championship qualifier against Belgium, joined the Blues in January 2009 from Bayer Leverkusen.
After completing his move, Tore told his new club's official website: "I will do my best for this club - a club with great tradition, located in a great city."
Hamburg sporting director Frank Arnesen, himself a former director of football at Chelsea, said: "Gokhan is a young and extremely talented player, he is also a physically strong player. We must and will give him the necessary time he needs to continue his positive development."
Guus Hiddink's agent has said his client is still "very happy" in his current position as Turkey manager despite reports that he is edging closer to a return to Chelsea.
Reports yesterday suggested the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) were resigned to losing Hiddink, who is thought to be top of Chelsea's list of candidates to replace Carlo Ancelotti. Sections of the Turkish media aimed their anger at Hiddink for failing to commit his future to the country before Friday's UEFA EURO 2012 qualifier with Belgium.
Hiddink's agent, Cees van Nieuwenhuizen insists, however, the former Real Madrid coach is happy at Turkey and is not looking to leave. "He is very happy with the draw in Brussels because he is still in the race for the European Championships," Van Nieuwenhuizen said.
"Nothing has changed. I have said it before, Guus is under contract with Turkey. He has an obligation there until his contract is up in June next year. We have been saying that for weeks. Everyone is making their own stories about his future, but this is the reality."
The TFF will be hoping the rumours linking Hiddink with a return to Chelsea, where he had a caretaker spell in 2009, will fade over the next couple of weeks if they want to keep their man. Any chance of negotiations opening between the two clubs this week were played down by the federation yesterday.
Nothing has changed. I have said it before, Guus is under contract with Turkey. He has an obligation there until his contract is up in June next year.
Guus Hiddink's agent, Cees van Nieuwenhuizen
"There is nothing official happening because both parties are away," TFF spokesman Turker Tozar said. "Mr Hiddink is on holiday now and the president is on holiday for a week as well. Nothing can happen at the moment."
Reports that the TFF and Chelsea have already agreed a compensation deal for Hiddink are also wide of the mark, Tozar insisted. "Mr Hiddink is still our manager and he has a contract until 2012," he added.
Mark Hughes and Harry Redknapp have also been linked to the position, with the former keen to take on a high-profile manager's job after leaving Fulham last week. Meanwhile, youngster Gokhan Tore has joined Hamburg.
The 19-year-old winger has signed a three-year deal with the Bundesliga side, following another Stamford Bridge reserve team player, Jacopo Sala, and Michael Mancienne in heading to Hamburg recently. Turkey Ur-21 international Tore, an unused substitute for his country's senior side during Friday's European Championship qualifier against Belgium, joined the Blues in January 2009 from Bayer Leverkusen.
After completing his move, Tore told his new club's official website: "I will do my best for this club - a club with great tradition, located in a great city."
Hamburg sporting director Frank Arnesen, himself a former director of football at Chelsea, said: "Gokhan is a young and extremely talented player, he is also a physically strong player. We must and will give him the necessary time he needs to continue his positive development."
Torres: A tough year for me
Torres: A tough year for me
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Chelsea striker Fernando Torres rediscovered his goalscoring touch for Spain on Saturday and will look to round off a disappointing season on a positive note in tomorrow's friendly against Venezuela in Puerto La Cruz.
Torres' second-half strike in Foxborough, just outside Boston, rounded off a 4-0 victory over an under-strength USA team and the 27-year-old, who netted just once for Chelsea in the second half of the season following his transfer from Liverpool, was delighted with his display and that of the Spain side.
"At the national team everything is still the same and we look ahead," he said. "I've felt very comfortable since the beginning. We were eager to win United States. It's still a friendly, but the feeling is good. It has been proven that even being at the end of the season the commitment with the national team is always very high.
"It has been a tough year for me," he added. "I've only played two matches with the national team since Liechtenstein at the beginning of the season. The injuries have prevented me from being with my mates, but I'm happy - I still score goals. The team has won and the feeling is good for next year's European Championships. Now we have to think about Venezuela, then resting and I expect the next season to be different."
At the national team everything is still the same and we look ahead.
Fernando Torres
Torres could be handed a starting berth at the Estadio Jose Pachencho Romero tomorrow ahead of Barcelona's David Villa. Coach Vicente del Bosque said: "Now we have much competition in the forward positions - Villa, Torres, [Alvaro] Negredo, [Fernando] Llorente and other guys who could be here. This is a good time for Spanish football, for Spanish sport in general."
The world and European champions showed emphatically at the weekend that they could put club rivalries aside on the international stage. There had been concerns of bad blood when Barcelona and Real Madrid players got together in the international set-up after the bad-tempered UEFA Champions League semi-final between the two clubs.
However, such worries were banished at the weekend as Del Bosque's side enjoyed a comfortable win. Santi Cazorla scored either side of an Alvaro Negredo strike as Spain went 3-0 up in the first half, and half-time substitute Torres wrapped things up midway through the second period.
Villarreal forward Cazorla said: "It has been shown that the group is still together. I am very pleased that with Spain we always have to give everything. Playing for this team is a privilege."
As well as Cazorla playing a starring role at the weekend, Manchester City's David Silva caught the eye of coach Del Bosque with two assists. "Silva has been playing very well at Manchester City," Del Bosque said on Radio Federacion. "He has looked very comfortable, very active, which is what we ask of a player who plays in that position. He played an excellent match."
Malaga forward Jose Rondon looks set to miss out for Venezuela due to a leg injury, but another Spain-based player, Getafe striker Nicolas Fedor, has joined up with the squad just 24 hours after getting married. This will be the third game between the nations, with Spain having won both previous encounters - 2-0 in Caracas in 1981 and 3-2 in Las Palmas seven years ago.
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Chelsea striker Fernando Torres rediscovered his goalscoring touch for Spain on Saturday and will look to round off a disappointing season on a positive note in tomorrow's friendly against Venezuela in Puerto La Cruz.
Torres' second-half strike in Foxborough, just outside Boston, rounded off a 4-0 victory over an under-strength USA team and the 27-year-old, who netted just once for Chelsea in the second half of the season following his transfer from Liverpool, was delighted with his display and that of the Spain side.
"At the national team everything is still the same and we look ahead," he said. "I've felt very comfortable since the beginning. We were eager to win United States. It's still a friendly, but the feeling is good. It has been proven that even being at the end of the season the commitment with the national team is always very high.
"It has been a tough year for me," he added. "I've only played two matches with the national team since Liechtenstein at the beginning of the season. The injuries have prevented me from being with my mates, but I'm happy - I still score goals. The team has won and the feeling is good for next year's European Championships. Now we have to think about Venezuela, then resting and I expect the next season to be different."
At the national team everything is still the same and we look ahead.
Fernando Torres
Torres could be handed a starting berth at the Estadio Jose Pachencho Romero tomorrow ahead of Barcelona's David Villa. Coach Vicente del Bosque said: "Now we have much competition in the forward positions - Villa, Torres, [Alvaro] Negredo, [Fernando] Llorente and other guys who could be here. This is a good time for Spanish football, for Spanish sport in general."
The world and European champions showed emphatically at the weekend that they could put club rivalries aside on the international stage. There had been concerns of bad blood when Barcelona and Real Madrid players got together in the international set-up after the bad-tempered UEFA Champions League semi-final between the two clubs.
However, such worries were banished at the weekend as Del Bosque's side enjoyed a comfortable win. Santi Cazorla scored either side of an Alvaro Negredo strike as Spain went 3-0 up in the first half, and half-time substitute Torres wrapped things up midway through the second period.
Villarreal forward Cazorla said: "It has been shown that the group is still together. I am very pleased that with Spain we always have to give everything. Playing for this team is a privilege."
As well as Cazorla playing a starring role at the weekend, Manchester City's David Silva caught the eye of coach Del Bosque with two assists. "Silva has been playing very well at Manchester City," Del Bosque said on Radio Federacion. "He has looked very comfortable, very active, which is what we ask of a player who plays in that position. He played an excellent match."
Malaga forward Jose Rondon looks set to miss out for Venezuela due to a leg injury, but another Spain-based player, Getafe striker Nicolas Fedor, has joined up with the squad just 24 hours after getting married. This will be the third game between the nations, with Spain having won both previous encounters - 2-0 in Caracas in 1981 and 3-2 in Las Palmas seven years ago.
Fulham confirm Jol as coach
Fulham confirm Jol as coach
(PA) Tuesday 7 June 2011
Martin Jol has been confirmed as Fulham's new manager. The 55-year-old former Tottenham Hotspur boss has agreed an initial two-year contract at Craven Cottage with the option of a further 12 months.
The Dutchman replaces Mark Hughes, who resigned as Fulham manager last Thursday after one season at the helm.
Jol, who was sacked by Spurs in 2007, was linked with the Fulham role last year but Ajax refused to release him from his post as head coach at the Amsterdam ArenA.
I am very happy to join Fulham Football Club, a wonderful traditional club. It is a club with good, solid foundations and a great fan base.
Martin Jol
He has been out of work since quitting the Dutch club last December and has now spoken of his excitement at returning to the Barclays Premier League.
"I am very happy to join Fulham Football Club, a wonderful traditional club," he told the club website. "It is a club with good, solid foundations and a great fan base.
"I am looking forward to being part of the Fulham family and thank the chairman for the trust he's shown in me."
Jol will have little time to get his feet under the table, with the Fulham players due to report back for pre-season training on 23 June and facing a Europa League qualifier in less than four weeks' time.
A club statement confirmed: "Martin joins Fulham on an initial two-year contract with the club having an option to extend for a further year. He will arrive at our Motspur Park training ground in advance of the players return to training later this month."
(PA) Tuesday 7 June 2011
Martin Jol has been confirmed as Fulham's new manager. The 55-year-old former Tottenham Hotspur boss has agreed an initial two-year contract at Craven Cottage with the option of a further 12 months.
The Dutchman replaces Mark Hughes, who resigned as Fulham manager last Thursday after one season at the helm.
Jol, who was sacked by Spurs in 2007, was linked with the Fulham role last year but Ajax refused to release him from his post as head coach at the Amsterdam ArenA.
I am very happy to join Fulham Football Club, a wonderful traditional club. It is a club with good, solid foundations and a great fan base.
Martin Jol
He has been out of work since quitting the Dutch club last December and has now spoken of his excitement at returning to the Barclays Premier League.
"I am very happy to join Fulham Football Club, a wonderful traditional club," he told the club website. "It is a club with good, solid foundations and a great fan base.
"I am looking forward to being part of the Fulham family and thank the chairman for the trust he's shown in me."
Jol will have little time to get his feet under the table, with the Fulham players due to report back for pre-season training on 23 June and facing a Europa League qualifier in less than four weeks' time.
A club statement confirmed: "Martin joins Fulham on an initial two-year contract with the club having an option to extend for a further year. He will arrive at our Motspur Park training ground in advance of the players return to training later this month."
Jamaica cruise as Guatemala hold on
Jamaica cruise as Guatemala hold on
Day 2 brought the first-ever CONCACAF Gold Cup meetings between Jamaica and Grenada, and Honduras and Guatemala, at The Home Depot Center. Under the tutelage of Theodore Whitmore, Jamaica’s recent work on finishing paid off as the Reggae Boyz scored four unanswered goals, denying their Caribbean challengers any chance of an upset. And, in a fierier encounter between Central American rivals, a brave nine-man Guatemala side stunned 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ participants Honduras, holding on for a 0-0 draw.
Results
Group B
Jamaica 4–0 Grenada
Honduras 0–0 Guatemala
The day replayed – While it was Jamaica and Grenada's first Gold Cup meeting, the two sides had recently met in the Caribbean Cup semi-final in December with Jamaica taking an extra-time edge for a 2-1 victory. Grenada entered today’s match keen on taking revenge, but the Spice Boyz could muster little on the attacking front. Jamaica took control of the match early, and the deft touch of prolific goalscorer Luton Shelton put them ahead in the 21st minute. With finishing in mind after scoring just one goal in their last Gold Cup appearance, Jamaica found the net again as Ryan Johnson tapped home to round out the first half. Jamaica denied Grenada any real chances, and capped off the night with a late second-half flurry of goals from Demar Phillips and Omar Daley.
Honduras almost enjoyed a perfect start to the evening in front of a anticipating crowd at the Home Depot Center, with Carlo Costly shooting just wide of the goal in the second minute. The Guatemalans were on the back foot almost immediately, but soon embarked on some of attacking forays of their own, spearheaded by Carlos ‘El Pescadito’ Ruiz. The captain watched a header go wide in the first quarter of an hour, then laid off a good chance for Chicago Fire midfielder Marco Pappa, whose proceeding shot flashed well over the bar.
Honduras had a superb chance of their own before the interval, but luck was not on their side as Oscar Garcia’s rising shot bounced off the bar into goalkeeper Ricardo Jerez’s hands. Honduras enjoyed a better start to the second half, and were given an edge in the 61st minute after Gustavo Cabrera was sent off for a second yellow card. And, in a shocking turn of events, Guatemala dropped down to nine men after Henry Medina was cautioned twice in the space of just five minutes. In a hotly contested final ten minutes, Guatemala defended with what was left of their team and held on for the draw.
The number
3 – The number of months Honduras coach Luis Fernando Suarez has been in charge of the squad. Since winning the 2011 Copa Centroamericana in January, the South Africa 2010 participants have suffered a dip in form, and Suarez – appointed in March - has had little time to familiarise himself with the players.
Player of the day
Carlos Ruiz (Guatemala)
Guatemala came out aiming to impress against a favoured Honduran side, and veteran-striker Carlos Ruiz played a vital role in establishing calm in a side reduced to nine men for the final 11 minutes of play. Despite a strong opening from Honduras, Ruiz assumed leadership of Guatemala’s attack and soon earned his team several chances in front of goal. The veteran most notably produced openings in the first-half, earning a dangerous free-kick in front of goal and then knocking a header wide of the post. And while neither team found a breakthrough, Los Chapines’ were likely relishing the return of their captain, who had previously retired from international football in 2009.
Goal of the day
Jamaica-Grenada, Luton Shelton (21’)
While there were four goals to choose from in Jamaica’s 4-0 thrashing of Grenada, the Reggae Boyz’ all-time leading goalscorer Luton Shelton got the ball rolling in the 21st minute. After close attention had been paid to converting set plays ahead of today’s match, Rodolph Austin put practice into motion as he sent a short corner in for Shelton who touched it back. Austin then curled the ball into the area, and Shelton made no mistake, knocking the ball over goalkeeper Shemel Louison.
Quote of the day
"We looked at this as our toughest assignment as a Caribbean team. The Grenadians played the sort of game we expected them to play. They have the same team that played in the Digicel Caribbean Cup and we expected them to sit back, but once we kept the ball moving we knew it would kill them off," Jamaica coach Theodore Whitmore.
Up next
On Tuesday 7 June, 2005 Gold Cup runners-up Panama will look to reinforce confidence in their side against Caribbean minnows Guadeloupe, after a strong defensive display at the 2011 Copa Centroamericana. To top off the night, 2007 Gold Cup victors USA take on Canada at Ford Field, hopeful of a promising start in their effort to regain the cup from Mexico.
Have your say
Who do you favour to take top spot in Group B? With a draw between Guatemala and Honduras, and a convincing victory from Jamaica over Grenada, FIFA.com wants to know who you think has what it takes to advance in the 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup.
Day 2 brought the first-ever CONCACAF Gold Cup meetings between Jamaica and Grenada, and Honduras and Guatemala, at The Home Depot Center. Under the tutelage of Theodore Whitmore, Jamaica’s recent work on finishing paid off as the Reggae Boyz scored four unanswered goals, denying their Caribbean challengers any chance of an upset. And, in a fierier encounter between Central American rivals, a brave nine-man Guatemala side stunned 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ participants Honduras, holding on for a 0-0 draw.
Results
Group B
Jamaica 4–0 Grenada
Honduras 0–0 Guatemala
The day replayed – While it was Jamaica and Grenada's first Gold Cup meeting, the two sides had recently met in the Caribbean Cup semi-final in December with Jamaica taking an extra-time edge for a 2-1 victory. Grenada entered today’s match keen on taking revenge, but the Spice Boyz could muster little on the attacking front. Jamaica took control of the match early, and the deft touch of prolific goalscorer Luton Shelton put them ahead in the 21st minute. With finishing in mind after scoring just one goal in their last Gold Cup appearance, Jamaica found the net again as Ryan Johnson tapped home to round out the first half. Jamaica denied Grenada any real chances, and capped off the night with a late second-half flurry of goals from Demar Phillips and Omar Daley.
Honduras almost enjoyed a perfect start to the evening in front of a anticipating crowd at the Home Depot Center, with Carlo Costly shooting just wide of the goal in the second minute. The Guatemalans were on the back foot almost immediately, but soon embarked on some of attacking forays of their own, spearheaded by Carlos ‘El Pescadito’ Ruiz. The captain watched a header go wide in the first quarter of an hour, then laid off a good chance for Chicago Fire midfielder Marco Pappa, whose proceeding shot flashed well over the bar.
Honduras had a superb chance of their own before the interval, but luck was not on their side as Oscar Garcia’s rising shot bounced off the bar into goalkeeper Ricardo Jerez’s hands. Honduras enjoyed a better start to the second half, and were given an edge in the 61st minute after Gustavo Cabrera was sent off for a second yellow card. And, in a shocking turn of events, Guatemala dropped down to nine men after Henry Medina was cautioned twice in the space of just five minutes. In a hotly contested final ten minutes, Guatemala defended with what was left of their team and held on for the draw.
The number
3 – The number of months Honduras coach Luis Fernando Suarez has been in charge of the squad. Since winning the 2011 Copa Centroamericana in January, the South Africa 2010 participants have suffered a dip in form, and Suarez – appointed in March - has had little time to familiarise himself with the players.
Player of the day
Carlos Ruiz (Guatemala)
Guatemala came out aiming to impress against a favoured Honduran side, and veteran-striker Carlos Ruiz played a vital role in establishing calm in a side reduced to nine men for the final 11 minutes of play. Despite a strong opening from Honduras, Ruiz assumed leadership of Guatemala’s attack and soon earned his team several chances in front of goal. The veteran most notably produced openings in the first-half, earning a dangerous free-kick in front of goal and then knocking a header wide of the post. And while neither team found a breakthrough, Los Chapines’ were likely relishing the return of their captain, who had previously retired from international football in 2009.
Goal of the day
Jamaica-Grenada, Luton Shelton (21’)
While there were four goals to choose from in Jamaica’s 4-0 thrashing of Grenada, the Reggae Boyz’ all-time leading goalscorer Luton Shelton got the ball rolling in the 21st minute. After close attention had been paid to converting set plays ahead of today’s match, Rodolph Austin put practice into motion as he sent a short corner in for Shelton who touched it back. Austin then curled the ball into the area, and Shelton made no mistake, knocking the ball over goalkeeper Shemel Louison.
Quote of the day
"We looked at this as our toughest assignment as a Caribbean team. The Grenadians played the sort of game we expected them to play. They have the same team that played in the Digicel Caribbean Cup and we expected them to sit back, but once we kept the ball moving we knew it would kill them off," Jamaica coach Theodore Whitmore.
Up next
On Tuesday 7 June, 2005 Gold Cup runners-up Panama will look to reinforce confidence in their side against Caribbean minnows Guadeloupe, after a strong defensive display at the 2011 Copa Centroamericana. To top off the night, 2007 Gold Cup victors USA take on Canada at Ford Field, hopeful of a promising start in their effort to regain the cup from Mexico.
Have your say
Who do you favour to take top spot in Group B? With a draw between Guatemala and Honduras, and a convincing victory from Jamaica over Grenada, FIFA.com wants to know who you think has what it takes to advance in the 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup.
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