Leading duos duel in Europe
(FIFA.com) Thursday 24 March 2011
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Twelve teams are still unbeaten going into the fifth round of UEFA EURO 2012 qualifying matches, which are set to be staged this Friday and Saturday. Meanwhile, Germany and the Netherlands, with four straight victories, and Spain and Norway, with three wins in three, are yet to drop a point.
The upcoming games could prove decisive in Groups C, E and I, where the leaders, Italy, the Netherlands and Spain, face the sides just below them in the shape of Slovenia, Austria and Czech Republic respectively.
The big match
Spain–Czech Republic, Group I, Estadio Los Carmenes, Granada, 22:00
Since winning the FIFA World Cup South Africa 2010™, La Roja have struggled somewhat for consistency. While picking up the victories they have needed in qualifying, over Liechtenstein (4-0), Lithuania (3-1) and Scotland (3-2), Vicente del Bosque's charges fell to 4-1 and 4-0 defeats in showcase friendlies in Argentina and Portugal respectively. Without the injured Carles Puyol, Cesc Fabregas and Pedro against the Czechs, Del Bosque will be hoping those painful losses serve as a reminder to his squad that reputations count for nothing in international football: "We need to be mentally prepared because this is going to be a really tough game."
Michel Bilek’s team arrive in Spain on the back of a disappointing 1-0 home defeat to Lithuania in their last group match. And with only three goals scored in three games so far, including two against lowly Liechtenstein, will the Czechs have the firepower to hurt the world and European champions on their own patch?
Elsewhere
Group A
It would be a massive surprise should Germany fail to pick up three points at home to Kazakhstan, who have conceded ten and failed to find the net so far. Belgium, meanwhile, already have their backs to the wall in Austria. Even a repeat of the spectacular home tie between the two sides, which finished in a 4-4 draw, would probably not be good enough for Les Diables Rouges.
Group B
This has proved the closest section to call so far, with just two points separating four sides. Dick Advocaat’s Russia will need to be on their guard in Armenia, who are on a high after beating 2010 FIFA World Cup surprise packages Slovakia. That was quite a comedown for the Repre, who reached the Round of 16 in South Africa and had beaten Russia 1-0 earlier in qualifying. The Republic of Ireland need to get their campaign back on track at home to Macedonia after losing 3-2 at home to Russia and being held to a 1-1 draw in Slovakia.
Group C
Italy were awarded a 3-0 win after their last match against Serbia had to be halted due to crowd disturbance, and now travel to Slovenia hoping a younger-looking forward line can fire them to success. Last time out, Matjaz Kek’s side fell to a 1-0 home defeat to Northern Ireland, who themselves face a tough away test in Serbia.
Group D
France have clearly been on the mend under Laurent Blanc and, buoyed by three straight wins, they will be expecting to take all three points against Luxembourg. Belarus, in second, will be hopeful of building on their recent progress by disposing of Albania in third.
Group E
Hungary’s double-header with the Netherlands over the course of five days should make for intriguing viewing. The Dutch should have too much for the promising Hungarians, though they will undoubtedly miss injured attacking duo Arjen Robben and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar. Indeed, the Schalke striker had been in clinical form so far and already has eight goals to his name to lead the EURO 2012 qualifying goalscoring table.
Group F
Croatia moved to the head of the pool with a comfortable 3-0 win over Malta last time out, and a trip to Temuri Ketsbaia’s unbeaten Georgia is next up for Slaven Bilic’s side. Should the Vatreni slip up, they would allow Greece to make up ground, providing the EURO 2004 winners prevail in Malta.
Group G
After dropping points at home in a 0-0 draw to dark horses Montenegro last time out, England will be looking for a win in Wales to return to the top of the group. Gary Speed’s first competitive match in charge of the Welsh could hardly be more challenging, especially with Gareth Bale forced out with a hamstring injury.
Group H
With Portugal not playing, Norway can pull clear if they get the better of local rivals Denmark. That is never an easy task, however, and is made all the more difficult by the withdrawals of keeper Jon Knudsen and seasoned striker John Carew.
Player to watch
Gianluigi Buffon - Against Slovenia, the Juventus goalkeeper will be taking part in his first EURO 2012 qualifier, some ten months after Italy’s early exit from South Africa 2010. Intriguingly, just five years on from Gli Azzurri's victory at Germany 2006, he is set to be the only veteran of that triumph involved in Friday's encounter.
The stat
44 – for the number of international goals scored by the leading strikers in Spanish footballing history, Raul and David Villa. Barcelona front-man Villa has reached that total in 71 internationals, while Raul took 102 games. Could the match with Czech Republic see Villa overtake the former Real Madrid legend?
What they said
"A punishment of one year is enough. He has understood his error and learnt from it." Fabio Capello, England coach, on John Terry’s reinstatement as captain.
Have your say
Will Franck Ribery go straight back into Laurent Blanc’s starting XI?
Friday, March 25, 2011
IFK Göteborg Gothenburg's rollercoaster history
IFK Göteborg
Gothenburg's rollercoaster history
"If you want to win, all eleven of you must be friends." This age-old German adage is perhaps one of the most important principles of football - the idea that you can only achieve something if you work together, as comrades both on and off the field.
The phrase was engraved on the Victoria Trophy, given to the champions of Germany every year between 1903 and 1944, but it also bears particular significance to one club further north in Europe. IFK Gothenburg (the abbreviation IFK stands for Idrottsforeningen Kamraterna or 'Sports Union of Friends') have been one of Sweden's elite clubs for over a century, also making a name for itself beyond the borders of the Nordic nation with various appearances in Europe's most prestigious club competitions.
Birth of an institution
IFK's success story began on 4 October 1904 in the Olivedal Café in Gothenburg, where 20 founding members sat together and brought the club to life. The famous coffee shop has now become a bar named 'Aberdeen', but it does still exist.
Just a few weeks after its foundation, the club, which also boasts winter sports and bowling sections amongst others, played its first official football match against city rivals IK Viking and went on to claim their first national title only four years later. In 1910 the Blau-Gelben picked up their second crown.
IFK went down in the history books in 1913, when each and every member of the Swedish national team which drew 1-1 with Norway plied their trade with the Gothenburg club.
Making of a legend
In its early days, IFK was considered one of the country's smaller clubs, at least in comparison to Gothenburg's other top-flight outfit Orgryte IS, who dominated the Swedish domestic scene throughout the early years, pushing the likes of Norrkoping, Malmo and AIK into the shadows. Though they celebrated the odd championship, IFK were far from a leading force in Swedish football.
Things hardly looked promising when the club were relegated into the second division in 1970, just one year after claiming their sixth national title. It would be another six years before they returned to the top tier, though with hindsight their experiences at a lower level appeared to have a positive effect.
Their subsequent revival was in no small part down to a certain young coach named Sven-Goran Eriksson, who took charge in 1979 aged just 31 and soon had the club back on its feet. Together with a number of established Swedish internationals, the fledgling tactician led the side to a runners-up finish in the league, as well as cup glory in his first year at the helm.
The most successful year in the club's history was just around the corner. In 1982, IFK not only lifted the UEFA Cup with a sensational two-legged victory over Hamburg, they also collected the domestic league and cup to complete an incredible 'treble'.
Despite their unparalleled success on the domestic scene, IFK remained a small club on the continental stage. One anecdote purports that the club even had to borrow money from a local fan club to pay for a UEFA Cup quarter-final trip to Valencia.
Though Eriksson and many of his star players, including Torbjorn Nilsson, Glenn Hysen and Glenn Stromberg, left the club after that historic season, IFK still went on to claim a hat-trick of titles (1982-84) and reach the semi-finals of the European Cup in 1986, not to mention a second UEFA Cup triumph the following year.
Indeed, the side from southern Sweden continued their steady development as the country's flagship football club, with the likes of Thomas Ravelli, Stefan Rehn and Mikael Nilsson all starring at the 1994 FIFA World Cup™ in the USA, where Sweden finished an impressive third.
The present
Unfortunately, as had been the case earlier in their history, IFK's wave of success was soon followed by a barren spell. After managing six titles in seven years in the early 1990s (1990, 1991, 1993-96) and enjoying regular appearances in the UEFA Champions League, the club's fans grew increasingly frustrated at their lack of success on the continent and even more so as the domestic trophies also began to dry up.
Yet once again the situation improved with the appointment of former Danish national team coach Bo Johansson in 2003, as well as the arrivals of new stars such as George Mourad. "Basically we needed to start again from scratch," explained the former, while club chairman Mats Persson remembered: "The financial situation had stabilised somewhat and we managed to become a small club again."
Another 11 years would pass before Sweden's most successful side finally won their 18th national title in 2007, adding another cup triumph the following season. Current coach Stefan Rehn, who led the team to glory along with Jonas Ohlsson, said: "It's wonderful, fantastic. I'm very proud of our young team."
Judging by the current crop of talented young individuals in their squad, IFK can look forward to a bright future at the top of Swedish football. Whether they can avoid the same inconsistencies of their past remains to be seen, but one thing is for certain: based on the colourful history of the club so far, excitement is a guarantee.
The stadium
IFK Gothenburg have shared the newly-build Gamla Ullevi Stadium with neighbouring GAIS Gothenburg and Orgryte IS since 2009. The arena holds almost 20,000 and cost around 350 million euros to construct.
The club built its first stadium in the same location back in 1916, before a brand new arena was constructed for the 1958 FIFA World Cup just a few hundred metres away. Work on the new stadium began once the original had been knocked down in 2007.
Gothenburg's rollercoaster history
"If you want to win, all eleven of you must be friends." This age-old German adage is perhaps one of the most important principles of football - the idea that you can only achieve something if you work together, as comrades both on and off the field.
The phrase was engraved on the Victoria Trophy, given to the champions of Germany every year between 1903 and 1944, but it also bears particular significance to one club further north in Europe. IFK Gothenburg (the abbreviation IFK stands for Idrottsforeningen Kamraterna or 'Sports Union of Friends') have been one of Sweden's elite clubs for over a century, also making a name for itself beyond the borders of the Nordic nation with various appearances in Europe's most prestigious club competitions.
Birth of an institution
IFK's success story began on 4 October 1904 in the Olivedal Café in Gothenburg, where 20 founding members sat together and brought the club to life. The famous coffee shop has now become a bar named 'Aberdeen', but it does still exist.
Just a few weeks after its foundation, the club, which also boasts winter sports and bowling sections amongst others, played its first official football match against city rivals IK Viking and went on to claim their first national title only four years later. In 1910 the Blau-Gelben picked up their second crown.
IFK went down in the history books in 1913, when each and every member of the Swedish national team which drew 1-1 with Norway plied their trade with the Gothenburg club.
Making of a legend
In its early days, IFK was considered one of the country's smaller clubs, at least in comparison to Gothenburg's other top-flight outfit Orgryte IS, who dominated the Swedish domestic scene throughout the early years, pushing the likes of Norrkoping, Malmo and AIK into the shadows. Though they celebrated the odd championship, IFK were far from a leading force in Swedish football.
Things hardly looked promising when the club were relegated into the second division in 1970, just one year after claiming their sixth national title. It would be another six years before they returned to the top tier, though with hindsight their experiences at a lower level appeared to have a positive effect.
Their subsequent revival was in no small part down to a certain young coach named Sven-Goran Eriksson, who took charge in 1979 aged just 31 and soon had the club back on its feet. Together with a number of established Swedish internationals, the fledgling tactician led the side to a runners-up finish in the league, as well as cup glory in his first year at the helm.
The most successful year in the club's history was just around the corner. In 1982, IFK not only lifted the UEFA Cup with a sensational two-legged victory over Hamburg, they also collected the domestic league and cup to complete an incredible 'treble'.
Despite their unparalleled success on the domestic scene, IFK remained a small club on the continental stage. One anecdote purports that the club even had to borrow money from a local fan club to pay for a UEFA Cup quarter-final trip to Valencia.
Though Eriksson and many of his star players, including Torbjorn Nilsson, Glenn Hysen and Glenn Stromberg, left the club after that historic season, IFK still went on to claim a hat-trick of titles (1982-84) and reach the semi-finals of the European Cup in 1986, not to mention a second UEFA Cup triumph the following year.
Indeed, the side from southern Sweden continued their steady development as the country's flagship football club, with the likes of Thomas Ravelli, Stefan Rehn and Mikael Nilsson all starring at the 1994 FIFA World Cup™ in the USA, where Sweden finished an impressive third.
The present
Unfortunately, as had been the case earlier in their history, IFK's wave of success was soon followed by a barren spell. After managing six titles in seven years in the early 1990s (1990, 1991, 1993-96) and enjoying regular appearances in the UEFA Champions League, the club's fans grew increasingly frustrated at their lack of success on the continent and even more so as the domestic trophies also began to dry up.
Yet once again the situation improved with the appointment of former Danish national team coach Bo Johansson in 2003, as well as the arrivals of new stars such as George Mourad. "Basically we needed to start again from scratch," explained the former, while club chairman Mats Persson remembered: "The financial situation had stabilised somewhat and we managed to become a small club again."
Another 11 years would pass before Sweden's most successful side finally won their 18th national title in 2007, adding another cup triumph the following season. Current coach Stefan Rehn, who led the team to glory along with Jonas Ohlsson, said: "It's wonderful, fantastic. I'm very proud of our young team."
Judging by the current crop of talented young individuals in their squad, IFK can look forward to a bright future at the top of Swedish football. Whether they can avoid the same inconsistencies of their past remains to be seen, but one thing is for certain: based on the colourful history of the club so far, excitement is a guarantee.
The stadium
IFK Gothenburg have shared the newly-build Gamla Ullevi Stadium with neighbouring GAIS Gothenburg and Orgryte IS since 2009. The arena holds almost 20,000 and cost around 350 million euros to construct.
The club built its first stadium in the same location back in 1916, before a brand new arena was constructed for the 1958 FIFA World Cup just a few hundred metres away. Work on the new stadium began once the original had been knocked down in 2007.
England stars relaxed with Capello
England stars relaxed with Capello
(AFP) Friday 25 March 2011
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Gareth Barry admits England's stars finally feel able to relax around notoriously strict coach Fabio Capello.
Capello has tried to rule England's squad with an iron fist since taking charge of a group who had supposedly been over-indulged by previous boss Steve McClaren. The Italian's no-nonsense approach included banning mobile phones from team dinners, limiting the squad's leisure activities and insisting that players are on time for every meeting.
Initially Capello's hardline stance was seen as a positive step but Manchester City midfielder Barry believes it backfired at last year's FIFA World Cup™ when the players became bored by the daily grind of training and resting with little chance to enjoy the sights of South Africa.
However, Barry, who is set to feature in Saturday's UEFA EURO 2012 qualifier against Wales in Cardiff, claims England's players no longer fear Capello so much and he believes that is a good thing as it makes international duty more enjoyable. "Speaking to a few other players at the World Cup, they were allowed to go around the town for a couple of hours," Barry said. "The Dutch seemed pretty relaxed according to Nigel de Jong. That was the main difference. Maybe we were just on top of each other a bit much.
The players just seemed a bit more relaxed around the manager. When he first came in there was a bit more pressure on the players to be everywhere at the right time.
England midfielder Gareth Barru
"On the training pitch nothing has really changed. If there is anything not right the manager is still stamping down on it, but maybe around the hotel it is a bit more relaxed. The players just seemed a bit more relaxed around the manager. When he first came in there was a bit more pressure on the players to be everywhere at the right time.
"Players used to turn up 20 minutes before meetings. Those rules are still there and the players still respect them, but they aren't on their toes and looking over their shoulders all the time to see if the manager is watching. Nothing has been said (by the manager). The players took it on themselves to say we can relax a bit more. The manager isn't going to be on us, trying to force things, so we can enjoy it more."
Barry was the last player to wear the England captain's armband in the second half of last month's friendly against Denmark, but that privilege is now back with John Terry after Capello's decision to restore the Chelsea star as skipper in place of the injured Rio Ferdinand. Capello's handling of the move has led to claims that England's dressing room could be divided into factions supporting both players.
Barry could have been one of the players in Ferdinand's corner after Terry's alleged affair with Wayne Bridge, a team-mate of Barry's at City before his loan move to West Ham. But he believes the squad are all behind their new leader. "The decision has been recognised by the players and we are all pretty comfortable with it," Barry said.
"If you are unhappy you have to be brave enough to say something, but the manager asked the question and nothing was said. We are comfortable with John being made captain. He did a great job before and I'm sure he can continue that."
Capello came under fire after England drew their last qualifier against Montenegro, but Barry insists a victory against Wales would show the Italian still retains the squad's support. "As a group we took responsibility for the World Cup and it's been a pretty solid start to the Euro qualifying," Barry added. "If we win on Saturday the confidence will still be there and we fully back the manager."
(AFP) Friday 25 March 2011
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Gareth Barry admits England's stars finally feel able to relax around notoriously strict coach Fabio Capello.
Capello has tried to rule England's squad with an iron fist since taking charge of a group who had supposedly been over-indulged by previous boss Steve McClaren. The Italian's no-nonsense approach included banning mobile phones from team dinners, limiting the squad's leisure activities and insisting that players are on time for every meeting.
Initially Capello's hardline stance was seen as a positive step but Manchester City midfielder Barry believes it backfired at last year's FIFA World Cup™ when the players became bored by the daily grind of training and resting with little chance to enjoy the sights of South Africa.
However, Barry, who is set to feature in Saturday's UEFA EURO 2012 qualifier against Wales in Cardiff, claims England's players no longer fear Capello so much and he believes that is a good thing as it makes international duty more enjoyable. "Speaking to a few other players at the World Cup, they were allowed to go around the town for a couple of hours," Barry said. "The Dutch seemed pretty relaxed according to Nigel de Jong. That was the main difference. Maybe we were just on top of each other a bit much.
The players just seemed a bit more relaxed around the manager. When he first came in there was a bit more pressure on the players to be everywhere at the right time.
England midfielder Gareth Barru
"On the training pitch nothing has really changed. If there is anything not right the manager is still stamping down on it, but maybe around the hotel it is a bit more relaxed. The players just seemed a bit more relaxed around the manager. When he first came in there was a bit more pressure on the players to be everywhere at the right time.
"Players used to turn up 20 minutes before meetings. Those rules are still there and the players still respect them, but they aren't on their toes and looking over their shoulders all the time to see if the manager is watching. Nothing has been said (by the manager). The players took it on themselves to say we can relax a bit more. The manager isn't going to be on us, trying to force things, so we can enjoy it more."
Barry was the last player to wear the England captain's armband in the second half of last month's friendly against Denmark, but that privilege is now back with John Terry after Capello's decision to restore the Chelsea star as skipper in place of the injured Rio Ferdinand. Capello's handling of the move has led to claims that England's dressing room could be divided into factions supporting both players.
Barry could have been one of the players in Ferdinand's corner after Terry's alleged affair with Wayne Bridge, a team-mate of Barry's at City before his loan move to West Ham. But he believes the squad are all behind their new leader. "The decision has been recognised by the players and we are all pretty comfortable with it," Barry said.
"If you are unhappy you have to be brave enough to say something, but the manager asked the question and nothing was said. We are comfortable with John being made captain. He did a great job before and I'm sure he can continue that."
Capello came under fire after England drew their last qualifier against Montenegro, but Barry insists a victory against Wales would show the Italian still retains the squad's support. "As a group we took responsibility for the World Cup and it's been a pretty solid start to the Euro qualifying," Barry added. "If we win on Saturday the confidence will still be there and we fully back the manager."
Bullish Bosnians on the comeback trail
Bullish Bosnians on the comeback trail
(FIFA.com) Friday 25 March 2011
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Lying a lowly fourth in Group D of the UEFA EURO 2012 qualifying competition, Bosnia-Herzegovina face a fight for survival when they host Romania in Zenica on Saturday. Defeat to the Romanians could deal a fatal blow to their chances and undo all the good work they did in reaching the continental play-offs for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™.
Gauging the mood in the Bosnian camp ahead of their must-win encounter, FIFA.com spoke to captain Emir Spahic and Boris Pandza, his young colleague in the centre of defence.
“We’ve got some really good players playing in the biggest leagues in Europe. The resources are there but something seems to be missing at the moment,” laments Pandza, attempting to explain why the Bosnians have failed to kick on in recent months.
It was only a little over a year ago that they were duelling with Portugal for place at South Africa 2010 following an excellent showing in a qualification group that included eventual world champions Spain. Yet, the hangover of their two-legged defeat to the Portuguese has proved to be a long one, with coach Miroslav Blazevic giving way to former Yugoslavia midfielder Safet Susic and the chemistry that served them so well in 2009 now proving elusive.
“We’re still a young team,” says Spahic, looking on the bright side. Described by his team-mate Pandza as the coach’s mouthpiece, Spahic has proved something of an inspiration for his young partner at the heart of the Bosnian defence, who, like him, was born in Croatia, where both players first made their names.
Setting the tone
“Emir has a lot of experience and he’s been in the national team for a long time,” says Pandza, expressing his admiration for his older colleague. “He knows just how important the big games are and he talks to us a lot, especially at half-time. He’s the skipper and he acts like one too. It’s a pleasure to play alongside him. We have a very good understanding and he’s a great example for me.”
A veteran of the 2006 and 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification campaigns, the 30-year-old Spahic, formerly with Torpedo Moscow and now plying his trade with Montpellier, is the charismatic leader of a national team that is striving to reach the finals of a major international competition for the first time.
Spahic’s role in ensuring continuity in the centre of the Bosnian rearguard is a vital one. “I’ve never played anywhere else, ever since my early days with Dubrovnik,” he says. “I don’t know if it was a calling of mine but my first coach put me there because he obviously thought I had the right mentality for the job. I’ve been like that since I was born. Maybe that’s why I became a defender and why I’ll stay one for the rest of my life.”
The coach is trying to impose his philosophy and methods and that means we have to adjust.
Bosnia-Herzegovina defender Boris Pandza
Six years Spahic’s junior at the age of 24, the uncompromising Pandza joined Belgian outfit Mechelen from Hajduk Split last summer. Like his older sidekick, he possesses the kind of spirit and determination the Bosnians will need to show from here on in if they are to snatch a ticket to Ukraine and Poland.
A half-time substitute in the 1-1 draw with Albania last October, his only appearance in the group to date, Pandza is regarded as one of the finest central defenders in the Belgian top flight. Having made his way up through the national youth ranks, he won his first international cap in 2007 and has remained in the set-up ever since, without yet making himself an undisputed first choice.
That said, he is more than well placed to assess the assets and defects of the current Bosnia-Herzegovina side: “With the new coach we’re playing with four at the back, instead of three, as we did under Blazevic. It’s a different system and there have been a few changes. Obviously the coach is trying to impose his philosophy and methods and that means we have to adjust. I have every confidence in the strength of our defence, though. I believe in it.”
Making up lost ground
Four points adrift of second-placed Belarus, albeit with a game in hand, Bosnia-Herzegovina can ill afford to slip up at home to the Romanians, who lie two points behind them in fifth.
Kicking off the group with a 3-0 win in Luxembourg, the Bosnians then lost 2-0 at home to France before that draw in Tirana, a result that still rankles with Pandza: “We dropped two points against Albania. They hardly had a chance and scored from a free-kick. I’m still disappointed about it because we were much the better team, but we didn’t take our chances, we switched off and we paid for it. Fortunately, the team’s young and very talented too, which means we still have an awful lot of room for improvement.”
The time for that talent to start delivering results has arrived, however, starting with Saturday’s encounter with the Romanians, a potential turning point in Bosnia-Herzegovina’s continuing bid to break into the European big time.
(FIFA.com) Friday 25 March 2011
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Lying a lowly fourth in Group D of the UEFA EURO 2012 qualifying competition, Bosnia-Herzegovina face a fight for survival when they host Romania in Zenica on Saturday. Defeat to the Romanians could deal a fatal blow to their chances and undo all the good work they did in reaching the continental play-offs for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™.
Gauging the mood in the Bosnian camp ahead of their must-win encounter, FIFA.com spoke to captain Emir Spahic and Boris Pandza, his young colleague in the centre of defence.
“We’ve got some really good players playing in the biggest leagues in Europe. The resources are there but something seems to be missing at the moment,” laments Pandza, attempting to explain why the Bosnians have failed to kick on in recent months.
It was only a little over a year ago that they were duelling with Portugal for place at South Africa 2010 following an excellent showing in a qualification group that included eventual world champions Spain. Yet, the hangover of their two-legged defeat to the Portuguese has proved to be a long one, with coach Miroslav Blazevic giving way to former Yugoslavia midfielder Safet Susic and the chemistry that served them so well in 2009 now proving elusive.
“We’re still a young team,” says Spahic, looking on the bright side. Described by his team-mate Pandza as the coach’s mouthpiece, Spahic has proved something of an inspiration for his young partner at the heart of the Bosnian defence, who, like him, was born in Croatia, where both players first made their names.
Setting the tone
“Emir has a lot of experience and he’s been in the national team for a long time,” says Pandza, expressing his admiration for his older colleague. “He knows just how important the big games are and he talks to us a lot, especially at half-time. He’s the skipper and he acts like one too. It’s a pleasure to play alongside him. We have a very good understanding and he’s a great example for me.”
A veteran of the 2006 and 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification campaigns, the 30-year-old Spahic, formerly with Torpedo Moscow and now plying his trade with Montpellier, is the charismatic leader of a national team that is striving to reach the finals of a major international competition for the first time.
Spahic’s role in ensuring continuity in the centre of the Bosnian rearguard is a vital one. “I’ve never played anywhere else, ever since my early days with Dubrovnik,” he says. “I don’t know if it was a calling of mine but my first coach put me there because he obviously thought I had the right mentality for the job. I’ve been like that since I was born. Maybe that’s why I became a defender and why I’ll stay one for the rest of my life.”
The coach is trying to impose his philosophy and methods and that means we have to adjust.
Bosnia-Herzegovina defender Boris Pandza
Six years Spahic’s junior at the age of 24, the uncompromising Pandza joined Belgian outfit Mechelen from Hajduk Split last summer. Like his older sidekick, he possesses the kind of spirit and determination the Bosnians will need to show from here on in if they are to snatch a ticket to Ukraine and Poland.
A half-time substitute in the 1-1 draw with Albania last October, his only appearance in the group to date, Pandza is regarded as one of the finest central defenders in the Belgian top flight. Having made his way up through the national youth ranks, he won his first international cap in 2007 and has remained in the set-up ever since, without yet making himself an undisputed first choice.
That said, he is more than well placed to assess the assets and defects of the current Bosnia-Herzegovina side: “With the new coach we’re playing with four at the back, instead of three, as we did under Blazevic. It’s a different system and there have been a few changes. Obviously the coach is trying to impose his philosophy and methods and that means we have to adjust. I have every confidence in the strength of our defence, though. I believe in it.”
Making up lost ground
Four points adrift of second-placed Belarus, albeit with a game in hand, Bosnia-Herzegovina can ill afford to slip up at home to the Romanians, who lie two points behind them in fifth.
Kicking off the group with a 3-0 win in Luxembourg, the Bosnians then lost 2-0 at home to France before that draw in Tirana, a result that still rankles with Pandza: “We dropped two points against Albania. They hardly had a chance and scored from a free-kick. I’m still disappointed about it because we were much the better team, but we didn’t take our chances, we switched off and we paid for it. Fortunately, the team’s young and very talented too, which means we still have an awful lot of room for improvement.”
The time for that talent to start delivering results has arrived, however, starting with Saturday’s encounter with the Romanians, a potential turning point in Bosnia-Herzegovina’s continuing bid to break into the European big time.
Friday, March 18, 2011
Win a trip to Berlin. Play our new Quiz!
Win a trip to Berlin. Play our new Quiz!
(FIFA.com) Tuesday 15 March 2011
Win a trip to Berlin. Play our new Quiz!
LOC
Earlier this year, thousands of Club members pushed their football brains to the limit in our FIFA World Cup Flashback Quiz. 28,000 entries went into the final prize draw. In the end, RONA111 came out tops to win a brand-new Kia Soul. Key to RONA111’s success was her accuracy and persistence. The American quiz-wiz submitted 21 correct daily answers during the 30-day quiz, giving her 21 entries into the Grand Prize draw.
Think you have what it takes to win a FIFA Quiz?
Think you can give RONA111 a run for her money? Well, here’s your chance... Due to the massive popularity of the World Cup Flashback Quiz, the Club will be launching a new quiz contest on Friday, 18 March.
Welcome to the Women’s World Cup Quiz!
With the FIFA Women’s World Cup Germany 2011™ just around the corner, what better time have a quiz on women’s football? That’s right, our next quiz focuses exclusively on FIFA Women’s World Cup Football!
The quiz will begin on Friday, 18th March and end on 29 April. During this time we will post a daily quiz question (except for weekends) via our club twitter account (@fifacomclub). You will have 24 hours from the time the question goes live on Twitter to submit your answer on the main contest page on FIFA.com.
Massive Prizes
The Germany-Canada opening match for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2011 will take place at the historic Olympic Stadium in Berlin and you could be there to see it! The Grand Prize for the Women’s World Cup Quiz includes: two tickets to the opening match of Germany 2011, two round-trip flights to/from Germany, and two-nights accommodation in Germany. We also have some fantastic runners-up prizes. The second-place runner-up will receive a jersey signed by FIFA Women's World Cup all-time top goal scorer Birgit Prinz and the third-place runner-up will receive a Germany 2011 official ball.
I want to play the new quiz! What do I need to do?
Step 1: If you haven’t already, join the FIFA.com Club by registering on FIFA.com
Step 2: Follow @fifacomclub on twitter
Step 3: Stay alert! Starting 18th March, the Club will post a daily quiz question (excluding weekends) via the @fifacomclub twitter account.
Step 4: Visit the main quiz contest page and submit your answer. Each daily question will only be live for 24hrs. You can only submit one daily answer, so do your homework.
Step 5: Answer as many of the daily quiz questions as you can. Every correct answer earns you one entry into the final draw. The more entries you have, the better your chance of claiming the Grand Prize.
We hope you enjoy our new quiz. Good luck to all our quiz players!
(FIFA.com) Tuesday 15 March 2011
Win a trip to Berlin. Play our new Quiz!
LOC
Earlier this year, thousands of Club members pushed their football brains to the limit in our FIFA World Cup Flashback Quiz. 28,000 entries went into the final prize draw. In the end, RONA111 came out tops to win a brand-new Kia Soul. Key to RONA111’s success was her accuracy and persistence. The American quiz-wiz submitted 21 correct daily answers during the 30-day quiz, giving her 21 entries into the Grand Prize draw.
Think you have what it takes to win a FIFA Quiz?
Think you can give RONA111 a run for her money? Well, here’s your chance... Due to the massive popularity of the World Cup Flashback Quiz, the Club will be launching a new quiz contest on Friday, 18 March.
Welcome to the Women’s World Cup Quiz!
With the FIFA Women’s World Cup Germany 2011™ just around the corner, what better time have a quiz on women’s football? That’s right, our next quiz focuses exclusively on FIFA Women’s World Cup Football!
The quiz will begin on Friday, 18th March and end on 29 April. During this time we will post a daily quiz question (except for weekends) via our club twitter account (@fifacomclub). You will have 24 hours from the time the question goes live on Twitter to submit your answer on the main contest page on FIFA.com.
Massive Prizes
The Germany-Canada opening match for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2011 will take place at the historic Olympic Stadium in Berlin and you could be there to see it! The Grand Prize for the Women’s World Cup Quiz includes: two tickets to the opening match of Germany 2011, two round-trip flights to/from Germany, and two-nights accommodation in Germany. We also have some fantastic runners-up prizes. The second-place runner-up will receive a jersey signed by FIFA Women's World Cup all-time top goal scorer Birgit Prinz and the third-place runner-up will receive a Germany 2011 official ball.
I want to play the new quiz! What do I need to do?
Step 1: If you haven’t already, join the FIFA.com Club by registering on FIFA.com
Step 2: Follow @fifacomclub on twitter
Step 3: Stay alert! Starting 18th March, the Club will post a daily quiz question (excluding weekends) via the @fifacomclub twitter account.
Step 4: Visit the main quiz contest page and submit your answer. Each daily question will only be live for 24hrs. You can only submit one daily answer, so do your homework.
Step 5: Answer as many of the daily quiz questions as you can. Every correct answer earns you one entry into the final draw. The more entries you have, the better your chance of claiming the Grand Prize.
We hope you enjoy our new quiz. Good luck to all our quiz players!
British contenders crash out of Europa
British contenders crash out of Europa
(AFP) Thursday 17 March 2011
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Big-spending English giants Manchester City, Liverpool and Rangers crashed out of the last 16 of the UEFA Europa League today to end Britain's interest in the competition.
Roberto Mancini's City side, bank-rolled from Abu Dhabi by Sheikh Mansour's £500 million investment, beat Dynamo Kiev 1-0 at Eastlands but bowed out 2-1 on aggregate. At Anfield a lacklustre Liverpool eked out a goalless draw with Sporting Braga to put the plucky Portuguese side through 1-0 on aggregate.
Scottish giants Rangers, the finalists of the then UEFA Cup in 2008, had been in a strong position after coming away from their first leg at PSV Eindhoven with a scoreless stalemate. But a 13th minute goal from Jermain Lens meant it was the Dutch visitors rather than Rangers whose name went into Friday's draw.
Joining PSV, Dynamo and Braga in the last eight were Benfica, FC Twente, Spartak Moscow, FC Porto and Villarreal.
Balotelli outburst
In Manchester, City were cut to ten men in the 37th minute after Italian Mario Balotelli was shown a straight red for a high one-footed lunge at Goran Popov in a bad-tempered clash that also saw seven yellow cards brandished. But the home side rebounded immediately after Balotelli's rash challenge through Aleksandar Kolarov, the Serb scoring from an indirect free-kick through a congested area.
Mancini acknowledged it was a disappointing result. "We deserved another goal tonight. We played a fantastic game with only ten players," he said. "I didn't see the foul properly but I am very disappointed because in a game like this it is very difficult if you pick up a red card, and you can pick up a red card for doing something stupid.
We deserved another goal tonight.
City boss Roberto Mancini
"The problem for Mario is that he thinks he could be a fantastic player," the coach went on. "But when he does something stupid like that, it is difficult for me, difficult for him and difficult for the team." City defender Vincent Kompany added: "As soon as we went down to ten men it became a very difficult game. We gave up a lot of energy in this game. I thought we played well."
Over at Anfield, Liverpool striker Andy Carroll made his first start since his £35 million move from Newcastle in January. But Kenny Dalglish's men failed to find their spark against Braga who progress to the last eight of a European competition for the first time in their history. Liverpool's sorry tally of only one goal in their last five Europa run-outs ultimately proved decisive.
Scottish giants Rangers went out after a performance devoid of much attacking spark saw them lose out 1-0 to PSV Eindhoven at Ibrox. PSV qualified when catching Rangers on the break, with Lens sliding home Balazs Dzsudzsak's cross from the left.
Benfica rebound
PSG went out 3-2 to Portugal's Benfica after the two teams finished 1-1 on the night. Nicolas Gaitan bagged that all-important away goal for the Lisbon-based club in the 27th minute, an ambitious left-footed shot swerving past the static Apoula Edel in goal. PSG responded eight minutes later, Mathieu Bodmer sending in a screamer of a right-foot volley into the corner of the net, but the Portuguese side held out.
In Moscow, Spartak wrapped up a comprehensive 4-0 aggregate victory over toothless Ajax, the Russians winning 3-0 on the night courtesy of goals from Dmitri Kombarov, and Brazilian duo Welliton and Alex.
There was no such luck for Spartak's domestic rivals Zenit St-Petersburg, whose 2-0 defeat of Dutch side FC Twente was not enough to overhaul a first-leg 3-0 deficit. And another Russian club, CSKA Moscow, lost 2-1 at FC Porto to go out 3-1 on aggregate, while Villarreal beat Bayer Leverkusen by the same scoreline to qualify 5-3 over the two legs.
(AFP) Thursday 17 March 2011
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Big-spending English giants Manchester City, Liverpool and Rangers crashed out of the last 16 of the UEFA Europa League today to end Britain's interest in the competition.
Roberto Mancini's City side, bank-rolled from Abu Dhabi by Sheikh Mansour's £500 million investment, beat Dynamo Kiev 1-0 at Eastlands but bowed out 2-1 on aggregate. At Anfield a lacklustre Liverpool eked out a goalless draw with Sporting Braga to put the plucky Portuguese side through 1-0 on aggregate.
Scottish giants Rangers, the finalists of the then UEFA Cup in 2008, had been in a strong position after coming away from their first leg at PSV Eindhoven with a scoreless stalemate. But a 13th minute goal from Jermain Lens meant it was the Dutch visitors rather than Rangers whose name went into Friday's draw.
Joining PSV, Dynamo and Braga in the last eight were Benfica, FC Twente, Spartak Moscow, FC Porto and Villarreal.
Balotelli outburst
In Manchester, City were cut to ten men in the 37th minute after Italian Mario Balotelli was shown a straight red for a high one-footed lunge at Goran Popov in a bad-tempered clash that also saw seven yellow cards brandished. But the home side rebounded immediately after Balotelli's rash challenge through Aleksandar Kolarov, the Serb scoring from an indirect free-kick through a congested area.
Mancini acknowledged it was a disappointing result. "We deserved another goal tonight. We played a fantastic game with only ten players," he said. "I didn't see the foul properly but I am very disappointed because in a game like this it is very difficult if you pick up a red card, and you can pick up a red card for doing something stupid.
We deserved another goal tonight.
City boss Roberto Mancini
"The problem for Mario is that he thinks he could be a fantastic player," the coach went on. "But when he does something stupid like that, it is difficult for me, difficult for him and difficult for the team." City defender Vincent Kompany added: "As soon as we went down to ten men it became a very difficult game. We gave up a lot of energy in this game. I thought we played well."
Over at Anfield, Liverpool striker Andy Carroll made his first start since his £35 million move from Newcastle in January. But Kenny Dalglish's men failed to find their spark against Braga who progress to the last eight of a European competition for the first time in their history. Liverpool's sorry tally of only one goal in their last five Europa run-outs ultimately proved decisive.
Scottish giants Rangers went out after a performance devoid of much attacking spark saw them lose out 1-0 to PSV Eindhoven at Ibrox. PSV qualified when catching Rangers on the break, with Lens sliding home Balazs Dzsudzsak's cross from the left.
Benfica rebound
PSG went out 3-2 to Portugal's Benfica after the two teams finished 1-1 on the night. Nicolas Gaitan bagged that all-important away goal for the Lisbon-based club in the 27th minute, an ambitious left-footed shot swerving past the static Apoula Edel in goal. PSG responded eight minutes later, Mathieu Bodmer sending in a screamer of a right-foot volley into the corner of the net, but the Portuguese side held out.
In Moscow, Spartak wrapped up a comprehensive 4-0 aggregate victory over toothless Ajax, the Russians winning 3-0 on the night courtesy of goals from Dmitri Kombarov, and Brazilian duo Welliton and Alex.
There was no such luck for Spartak's domestic rivals Zenit St-Petersburg, whose 2-0 defeat of Dutch side FC Twente was not enough to overhaul a first-leg 3-0 deficit. And another Russian club, CSKA Moscow, lost 2-1 at FC Porto to go out 3-1 on aggregate, while Villarreal beat Bayer Leverkusen by the same scoreline to qualify 5-3 over the two legs.
Shehata: We know what’s expected of us
Shehata: We know what’s expected of us
(FIFA.com) Thursday 17 March 2011
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In the space of just six years, Egypt scaled the heights of African football, a rise to prominence that began in 2006 when their now legendary coach Hassan Shehata steered the Pharaohs to victory in the CAF Africa Cup of Nations. The north Africans have gone on to claim two further continental crowns, the last of which came in Angola in January 2010, when they overcame Ghana 1-0 in the final.
However, things have changed considerably for Egypt since then. The country has undergone a social revolution that has seen the former political regime ousted from power, and has led to instability that has even had effects on the Egyptian team. But in an exclusive interview with FIFA.com, Shehata’s optimism shines through.
Confident in his team's ability to keep achieving results on the pitch during these difficult times, he believes national pride will see them through. “We’ve always worn the colours of our nation with honour and shown great strength in our performances, and that’s what we’ll continue to do,” Shehata said.
Shehata unfazed
The man responsible for guiding his countrymen to three consecutive continental crowns does not take personally the criticism that has come his way. “I’m used to being criticised and blamed. I’ve been through it all before. All it does is increase my determination, because I really am very confident in my players. They’ve always come good when called upon,” explains the national coach.
Egypt’s footballers find themselves, much like the nation they represent, at a crossroads. Mohamed Aboutrika and his team-mates have no option other than victory in their upcoming African Cup of Nations qualifying match at Ellis Park in South Africa. Currently lying bottom of Group G, the Egyptians have so far drawn at home to Sierra Leone and suffered an historic away loss to Niger. Defeating a table-topping Bafana Bafana side will not be an easy task, and while Shehata is wary of the opposition, he believes his team is capable of emerging from the encounter with three points.
“They’re serious, experienced opponents, and they got a big boost from their solid performances at the last World Cup. It should be a great match between two top teams. We know what’s expected of us, and we’re going to try our hardest to deliver the win our supporters are hoping for,” he said.
We’ve always worn the colours of our nation with honour and shown great strength in our performances, and that’s what we’ll continue to do.
Hassan Shehata, Egypt coach
After having occupied a place in the top ten for many months, Egypt’s recent run of unfavourable results saw them slip down to 33rd in the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking in February. While this was the biggest fall registered by any nation during that period, it is worth noting that no international match has been held in Egypt since 22 January due to the unrest in the country.
Furthermore, contrary to most African sides, 90 per cent of Egypt’s international players ply their trade in the domestic league rather than in Europe. All of these factors raise the following question: could Egypt become the first reigning champion not to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations?
Shehata’s assistant coach, Shawki Gharib, winner of the competition as a player in 1986, does not believe so and prefers to view current events from a positive angle.
“Many people think that our lack of matches during this time will have negative consequences. I’m not so sure," said Gharid. "There’s no doubt it will have had an effect on the players physical condition, but there are solutions to that type of problem, such as planning more intensive training sessions. On the other hand, our boys actually needed a bit of a break after six years of continuous competition. We should see this situation as an opportunity.
All in for the win
For this crucial match, the Pharaohs will call on star performers from the Egyptian League’s main clubs, Al Ahly and Zamalek, who are both set to play important CAF Champions League qualifying matches this weekend. European-based internationals such as Essam El Hadary, Mohamed Zidane, Ahmed Al Muhamadi and Ahmed Ali will complete the squad.
Shehata is convinced that the much-anticipated match at Ellis Park will go a long way to deciding Egypt’s fate in the qualifying phase. In the stadium where his team pulled off a stunning, historic victory over then world champions Italy at the FIFA Confederations Cup 2009, he aims to put a smile back on the faces of his country’s football fans.
A defeat, unthinkable as it is, could well spell the end for the international careers of this great generation of players, which includes some of the best to have pulled on the famous red and white of Egypt.
(FIFA.com) Thursday 17 March 2011
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In the space of just six years, Egypt scaled the heights of African football, a rise to prominence that began in 2006 when their now legendary coach Hassan Shehata steered the Pharaohs to victory in the CAF Africa Cup of Nations. The north Africans have gone on to claim two further continental crowns, the last of which came in Angola in January 2010, when they overcame Ghana 1-0 in the final.
However, things have changed considerably for Egypt since then. The country has undergone a social revolution that has seen the former political regime ousted from power, and has led to instability that has even had effects on the Egyptian team. But in an exclusive interview with FIFA.com, Shehata’s optimism shines through.
Confident in his team's ability to keep achieving results on the pitch during these difficult times, he believes national pride will see them through. “We’ve always worn the colours of our nation with honour and shown great strength in our performances, and that’s what we’ll continue to do,” Shehata said.
Shehata unfazed
The man responsible for guiding his countrymen to three consecutive continental crowns does not take personally the criticism that has come his way. “I’m used to being criticised and blamed. I’ve been through it all before. All it does is increase my determination, because I really am very confident in my players. They’ve always come good when called upon,” explains the national coach.
Egypt’s footballers find themselves, much like the nation they represent, at a crossroads. Mohamed Aboutrika and his team-mates have no option other than victory in their upcoming African Cup of Nations qualifying match at Ellis Park in South Africa. Currently lying bottom of Group G, the Egyptians have so far drawn at home to Sierra Leone and suffered an historic away loss to Niger. Defeating a table-topping Bafana Bafana side will not be an easy task, and while Shehata is wary of the opposition, he believes his team is capable of emerging from the encounter with three points.
“They’re serious, experienced opponents, and they got a big boost from their solid performances at the last World Cup. It should be a great match between two top teams. We know what’s expected of us, and we’re going to try our hardest to deliver the win our supporters are hoping for,” he said.
We’ve always worn the colours of our nation with honour and shown great strength in our performances, and that’s what we’ll continue to do.
Hassan Shehata, Egypt coach
After having occupied a place in the top ten for many months, Egypt’s recent run of unfavourable results saw them slip down to 33rd in the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking in February. While this was the biggest fall registered by any nation during that period, it is worth noting that no international match has been held in Egypt since 22 January due to the unrest in the country.
Furthermore, contrary to most African sides, 90 per cent of Egypt’s international players ply their trade in the domestic league rather than in Europe. All of these factors raise the following question: could Egypt become the first reigning champion not to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations?
Shehata’s assistant coach, Shawki Gharib, winner of the competition as a player in 1986, does not believe so and prefers to view current events from a positive angle.
“Many people think that our lack of matches during this time will have negative consequences. I’m not so sure," said Gharid. "There’s no doubt it will have had an effect on the players physical condition, but there are solutions to that type of problem, such as planning more intensive training sessions. On the other hand, our boys actually needed a bit of a break after six years of continuous competition. We should see this situation as an opportunity.
All in for the win
For this crucial match, the Pharaohs will call on star performers from the Egyptian League’s main clubs, Al Ahly and Zamalek, who are both set to play important CAF Champions League qualifying matches this weekend. European-based internationals such as Essam El Hadary, Mohamed Zidane, Ahmed Al Muhamadi and Ahmed Ali will complete the squad.
Shehata is convinced that the much-anticipated match at Ellis Park will go a long way to deciding Egypt’s fate in the qualifying phase. In the stadium where his team pulled off a stunning, historic victory over then world champions Italy at the FIFA Confederations Cup 2009, he aims to put a smile back on the faces of his country’s football fans.
A defeat, unthinkable as it is, could well spell the end for the international careers of this great generation of players, which includes some of the best to have pulled on the famous red and white of Egypt.
Junior advance in Libertadores
Junior advance in Libertadores
Colombian side Junior secured their place in the Copa Libertadores Round of 16 by beating Bolivian outfit Oriente Petrolero 2-1 on Thursday night.
Junior headed into the encounter boasting a perfect record while their opponents had not picked up a point in Group 2, but the first half was an even affair and ended goalless. The visitors then stunned the hosts by taking the lead just after the break through Jhasmani Campos, but two goals from Carlos Bacca - the second from the penalty spot - turned the game in Junior's favour.
With four wins from four games in the pool, Junior became the second team to qualify for the next stage of the Copa Libertadores after Paraguay's Libertad.
In one other Group 2 match on Thursday, Brazilian team Gremio moved a step closer to the next phase with a 1-1 draw against Leon de Huanuco in Peru. Carlos Elias opened the scoring for the home team just before half-time, but Carlos Alberto equalised for the visitors in the 54th minute.
"We have a great chance of getting to the next stage," said Gremio coach Renato Gaucho. "We made a very important step today, but we have to go slowly. Playing away in the Copa Libertadores is always tough, no matter who the opponents are. We came here to win, but we couldn't do it and a draw is not bad at all."
The two other Copa Libertadores games on Thursday night ended in convincing home wins. In Ecuador, Liga de Quito thrashed Uruguayan side Penarol 5-0 in a Group 8 match. After losing last week in Uruguay, LDU had no such worries on home turf - 2800 metres above sea level in Quito.
Carlos Luna opened the scoring in the 21st minute and Walter Calderon doubled their advantage just after the break. In the second half, an own goal by Carlos Valdes and a Hernan Barcos penalty stretched the lead before Calderon completed the rout.
LDU, Penarol and Argentina's Godoy Cruz are level on six points in the pool, with another Argentinian side, Independiente, on three points.
In a Group 7 match in Argentina, Estudiantes hammered Paraguay's Guarani 5-1 thanks to a hat-trick by Hernan Rodrigo Lopez and two goals from Leandro Gonzalez. Lopez opened the scoring a minute into the match and struck again in the 14th minute, with Gonzalez making it 3-0 at the interval. Lopez completed his treble after the break before Julian Benitez pulled one back, but then Gonzalez sealed an emphatic home victory with a fifth goal nine minutes from time.
"We won the game in the first half. We had planned to put pressure on them and force them to make mistakes, and it went right," said striker Lopez. "The most important thing is that I felt well. Now we have to go for qualification."
Lopez had a tough 2010 due to a knee injury, and he celebrated one of his goals by kissing it. "I thanked the knee for being fine," he explained.
Colombian side Junior secured their place in the Copa Libertadores Round of 16 by beating Bolivian outfit Oriente Petrolero 2-1 on Thursday night.
Junior headed into the encounter boasting a perfect record while their opponents had not picked up a point in Group 2, but the first half was an even affair and ended goalless. The visitors then stunned the hosts by taking the lead just after the break through Jhasmani Campos, but two goals from Carlos Bacca - the second from the penalty spot - turned the game in Junior's favour.
With four wins from four games in the pool, Junior became the second team to qualify for the next stage of the Copa Libertadores after Paraguay's Libertad.
In one other Group 2 match on Thursday, Brazilian team Gremio moved a step closer to the next phase with a 1-1 draw against Leon de Huanuco in Peru. Carlos Elias opened the scoring for the home team just before half-time, but Carlos Alberto equalised for the visitors in the 54th minute.
"We have a great chance of getting to the next stage," said Gremio coach Renato Gaucho. "We made a very important step today, but we have to go slowly. Playing away in the Copa Libertadores is always tough, no matter who the opponents are. We came here to win, but we couldn't do it and a draw is not bad at all."
The two other Copa Libertadores games on Thursday night ended in convincing home wins. In Ecuador, Liga de Quito thrashed Uruguayan side Penarol 5-0 in a Group 8 match. After losing last week in Uruguay, LDU had no such worries on home turf - 2800 metres above sea level in Quito.
Carlos Luna opened the scoring in the 21st minute and Walter Calderon doubled their advantage just after the break. In the second half, an own goal by Carlos Valdes and a Hernan Barcos penalty stretched the lead before Calderon completed the rout.
LDU, Penarol and Argentina's Godoy Cruz are level on six points in the pool, with another Argentinian side, Independiente, on three points.
In a Group 7 match in Argentina, Estudiantes hammered Paraguay's Guarani 5-1 thanks to a hat-trick by Hernan Rodrigo Lopez and two goals from Leandro Gonzalez. Lopez opened the scoring a minute into the match and struck again in the 14th minute, with Gonzalez making it 3-0 at the interval. Lopez completed his treble after the break before Julian Benitez pulled one back, but then Gonzalez sealed an emphatic home victory with a fifth goal nine minutes from time.
"We won the game in the first half. We had planned to put pressure on them and force them to make mistakes, and it went right," said striker Lopez. "The most important thing is that I felt well. Now we have to go for qualification."
Lopez had a tough 2010 due to a knee injury, and he celebrated one of his goals by kissing it. "I thanked the knee for being fine," he explained.
Preliminary success boost for Philippines
Preliminary success boost for Philippines
Playing away in arctic conditions with the temperature approaching ten below zero is a test for any team. But when the side in question has come from the sunshine and humidity of a tropical country, then the challenge is enormous regardless of the opponent. Such conditions greeted the Philippines when they played in Mongolia on Tuesday in the second leg qualifying play-off for the 2012 AFC Challenge Cup.
Adding further to the hardship for the south-east Asians was the altitude in Ulan Bator, with the match staged at the MFF Football Centre, some 1,400 metres above sea level. The Azkals had already undergone a tumultuous build-up being in Japan last Friday when the disastrous earthquake struck.
The visitors held a 2-0 lead from last month’s first leg, and when midfielder James Younghusband opened the scoring after just three minutes the Filipinos appeared on their way to a comfortable victory. However Mongolia drew themselves level on 21 minutes courtesy of captain Lumbengarav Donorov, and thirteen minutes later they hit the front on the night when Garidmagnai Bayasgalan converted a spot-kick. With a berth in the tournament’s qualifying group on the line, Mongolia went on the offensive after the restart, but the Philippines remained resilient to hang for a 3-2 aggregate victory.
With their initial goal achieved, coach Michael Weiss could finally breathe a sigh of relief. “It was indeed a hard game for us,” the 46-year-old German told FIFA.com. “The cold weather did take its toll and our players found it difficult to play as well and as fast as in the previous game. This largely reduced our potency in the front.”
“Our opponents were aware of this and they made the best of their advantages to give us a hard time. Capitalising on their physical edge they threatened us using long-ball techniques and although they managed to score twice, our players kept their cool to hold them off for the necessary result,” he added.
Next building block awaits
With the progression sealed, the Azkals, though, are hardly allowed time for celebration as they must gear up for next week's qualifying group campaign, where they will do battle alongside hosts Myanmar, as well as Palestine and Bangladesh, with the top-two finishers advancing to the second-tier Asian finals itself. For coach Weiss, the play-off against Mongolia provided his side with a good chance to sharpen their form and gain experience despite key striker Phil Younghusband suffering a hamstring injury during the game.
"It will be hard for Younghusband to recover in a few days to be fit for the opener but the good thing is that the team has begun to gel well after the two games with Mongolia. Also we have not only our overseas-based players but also several local youngsters to reinforce the team so we have got some good preparation for the competition."
The assignment ahead is formidable but based on our recent performances in both matches, and also in training, we are optimistic.
Philippines coach Michael Weiss
Philippines open up against Myanmar on Monday, with whom they fought out a goalless draw in last December's AFF Suzuki Cup. Next awaiting them is Palestine before a final contest against Bangladesh.
“The opening match is important for us as Myanmar are a good team with skilful and pacy players. Palestine should be a hard team to compete against, while Bangladesh represents a major force in south Asia. But despite all this I am confident we have the players capable of matching our opponents,” he added.
Philippines have largely remained out of the Asian limelight, with previous attempts to qualify for the AFC Challenge Cup ending in failure. Understandably Weiss is now seeking to create history with the Azkals by taking the team to their first Asian finals. "The assignment ahead is formidable but based on our recent performances in both matches, and also in training, we are optimistic. We will do our utmost to fulfil our mission.”
Playing away in arctic conditions with the temperature approaching ten below zero is a test for any team. But when the side in question has come from the sunshine and humidity of a tropical country, then the challenge is enormous regardless of the opponent. Such conditions greeted the Philippines when they played in Mongolia on Tuesday in the second leg qualifying play-off for the 2012 AFC Challenge Cup.
Adding further to the hardship for the south-east Asians was the altitude in Ulan Bator, with the match staged at the MFF Football Centre, some 1,400 metres above sea level. The Azkals had already undergone a tumultuous build-up being in Japan last Friday when the disastrous earthquake struck.
The visitors held a 2-0 lead from last month’s first leg, and when midfielder James Younghusband opened the scoring after just three minutes the Filipinos appeared on their way to a comfortable victory. However Mongolia drew themselves level on 21 minutes courtesy of captain Lumbengarav Donorov, and thirteen minutes later they hit the front on the night when Garidmagnai Bayasgalan converted a spot-kick. With a berth in the tournament’s qualifying group on the line, Mongolia went on the offensive after the restart, but the Philippines remained resilient to hang for a 3-2 aggregate victory.
With their initial goal achieved, coach Michael Weiss could finally breathe a sigh of relief. “It was indeed a hard game for us,” the 46-year-old German told FIFA.com. “The cold weather did take its toll and our players found it difficult to play as well and as fast as in the previous game. This largely reduced our potency in the front.”
“Our opponents were aware of this and they made the best of their advantages to give us a hard time. Capitalising on their physical edge they threatened us using long-ball techniques and although they managed to score twice, our players kept their cool to hold them off for the necessary result,” he added.
Next building block awaits
With the progression sealed, the Azkals, though, are hardly allowed time for celebration as they must gear up for next week's qualifying group campaign, where they will do battle alongside hosts Myanmar, as well as Palestine and Bangladesh, with the top-two finishers advancing to the second-tier Asian finals itself. For coach Weiss, the play-off against Mongolia provided his side with a good chance to sharpen their form and gain experience despite key striker Phil Younghusband suffering a hamstring injury during the game.
"It will be hard for Younghusband to recover in a few days to be fit for the opener but the good thing is that the team has begun to gel well after the two games with Mongolia. Also we have not only our overseas-based players but also several local youngsters to reinforce the team so we have got some good preparation for the competition."
The assignment ahead is formidable but based on our recent performances in both matches, and also in training, we are optimistic.
Philippines coach Michael Weiss
Philippines open up against Myanmar on Monday, with whom they fought out a goalless draw in last December's AFF Suzuki Cup. Next awaiting them is Palestine before a final contest against Bangladesh.
“The opening match is important for us as Myanmar are a good team with skilful and pacy players. Palestine should be a hard team to compete against, while Bangladesh represents a major force in south Asia. But despite all this I am confident we have the players capable of matching our opponents,” he added.
Philippines have largely remained out of the Asian limelight, with previous attempts to qualify for the AFC Challenge Cup ending in failure. Understandably Weiss is now seeking to create history with the Azkals by taking the team to their first Asian finals. "The assignment ahead is formidable but based on our recent performances in both matches, and also in training, we are optimistic. We will do our utmost to fulfil our mission.”
Maiga: It is our turn to make Malians proud
Maiga: It is our turn to make Malians proud
(African Football Media) Friday 18 March 2011
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One of the break-out players in France’s Ligue 1 this season, Modibo Maiga is hoping his sparkling form with Sochaux will carry over and help lift Mali to a place at next edition of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations after a slow start to qualifying. Long a side brimming with talent, the Malians have disappointed on the continental stage since reaching the last four in two successive Cup of Nations at the start of the last decade. Those heady days still bring memories and inspiration for the 23-year-old striker, who is determined to create new highlights for the Eagles.
“I still profoundly remember the period,” Maiga, who grew up in one of Bamako’s roughest areas, told FIFA.com. “CAN 2002 was a fantastic moment for the whole country, despite the fact we did not win. It was a crazy thing for a country like us to live it from the inside, to reach the top four in Africa. And now it is our turn to make people proud.”
Fleet of foot and able to create or score out of nothing, Maiga has tallied 11 goals in the yellow of Sochaux while missing just a single match this season due to suspension. However, he has yet to fully replicate his league scoring record on the international stage, and Mali suffered a loss of unkind proportions to kick off qualifying when they fell to the quickly improving Cape Verde Islands. But Maiga insists that the side are moving in the right direction and building to become a force to be reckoned with.
“The defeat against Cape Verde affected us a bit, but we never deserved to lose that one,” he said about the 1-0 defeat in Praia. “We have been building a new team over the past months, much younger. Once we are ready, I am convinced we will be able to succeed. Inside ourselves, we have this envy, this motivation, to qualify for the CAN 2012.”
CAN 2002 was a fantastic moment for the whole country. It was a crazy thing for a country like us to live it from the inside, to reach the top four in Africa. And now it is our turn to make people proud.
Modibo Maiga of Mali
Certainly there is still plenty of time for the side now coached by French great Alain Giresse, and featuring the likes of Seydou Keita, Mahamadou Diarra and the currently injured Mohamed Sissoko, to prove themselves. A home match against Zimbabwe on 26 March will mark the halfway point of qualifying, followed by an away trip to Harare. The Blue Sharks, as the Cape Verdeans are known, sit atop the table with four points, with Mali a point behind.
“First we want to qualify. Then we can possibly achieve something in the competition,” said Maiga. “We have a key game versus Zimbabwe coming up, and we can’t lose any more points. We need to win, nothing less. Everyone knows it.”
Going from home to home
After impressing as a teenager with Stade Malien, Maiga’s first big stop on the road to success in football was at one of north Africa’s most heralded clubs: three-time continental champions Raja Casablanca. While admitting that settling in was a struggle, he says he was “ready psychologically, ready to sacrifice,” and that it was in Morocco that his “eyes were opened” to what it means to be a professional.
It was his move to Le Mans in 2007 that really got things going. Maiga had never been to Europe before, and MUC are known for finding and nurturing some of the finest in African talent. “Life [in France] is so different that I really had to adapt myself. But I had to do it,” he said. “I spent three years at Le Mans, and the club and the environment brought me a lot of things, as a person and as a player. They gave me the chance of my life.”
He grew into the club, becoming a key figure in the 2007/08 season and forming a powerful partnership with Côte D’Ivoire international Gervinho. When the side were relegated to Ligue 2, Maiga had become hot enough property in France for Sochaux to swoop and sign him to a four-year deal. He has again found a perfect foil in a fellow young African, in this case Nigeria’s Ideye Brown, who also has ten goals to his name this campaign. Like most of the French clubs, there is no shortage of players from the continent on the books, and that has created a strong chemistry.
“Well, there are not as many Africans here as at Le Mans,” he said with a laugh. “But we are a few like Jacques Faty from Senegal, [Ryad] Boudebouz from Algeria and Ideye from Nigeria. We always joke about our teams and our countries. It is a strong factor in uniting us and making the team alive. It is always enjoyable to find fellow Africans around; we know where we come from.”
Although Maiga played a notable part in Mali’s unsuccessful qualifying campaign for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ - they won their opening group but finished four points off Ghana’s pace in the final phase - there are signs he continues to grow into himself as a player. After a single season at Sochaux, he is determined to keep going from strength to strength.
“I have been so happy since I joined the club last summer,” he explained when asked about his good form. “They really were confident in my potential and my skills, and they showed me a lot of respect. It started from there, and I was lucky to meet people with this strong human feeling.”
(African Football Media) Friday 18 March 2011
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One of the break-out players in France’s Ligue 1 this season, Modibo Maiga is hoping his sparkling form with Sochaux will carry over and help lift Mali to a place at next edition of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations after a slow start to qualifying. Long a side brimming with talent, the Malians have disappointed on the continental stage since reaching the last four in two successive Cup of Nations at the start of the last decade. Those heady days still bring memories and inspiration for the 23-year-old striker, who is determined to create new highlights for the Eagles.
“I still profoundly remember the period,” Maiga, who grew up in one of Bamako’s roughest areas, told FIFA.com. “CAN 2002 was a fantastic moment for the whole country, despite the fact we did not win. It was a crazy thing for a country like us to live it from the inside, to reach the top four in Africa. And now it is our turn to make people proud.”
Fleet of foot and able to create or score out of nothing, Maiga has tallied 11 goals in the yellow of Sochaux while missing just a single match this season due to suspension. However, he has yet to fully replicate his league scoring record on the international stage, and Mali suffered a loss of unkind proportions to kick off qualifying when they fell to the quickly improving Cape Verde Islands. But Maiga insists that the side are moving in the right direction and building to become a force to be reckoned with.
“The defeat against Cape Verde affected us a bit, but we never deserved to lose that one,” he said about the 1-0 defeat in Praia. “We have been building a new team over the past months, much younger. Once we are ready, I am convinced we will be able to succeed. Inside ourselves, we have this envy, this motivation, to qualify for the CAN 2012.”
CAN 2002 was a fantastic moment for the whole country. It was a crazy thing for a country like us to live it from the inside, to reach the top four in Africa. And now it is our turn to make people proud.
Modibo Maiga of Mali
Certainly there is still plenty of time for the side now coached by French great Alain Giresse, and featuring the likes of Seydou Keita, Mahamadou Diarra and the currently injured Mohamed Sissoko, to prove themselves. A home match against Zimbabwe on 26 March will mark the halfway point of qualifying, followed by an away trip to Harare. The Blue Sharks, as the Cape Verdeans are known, sit atop the table with four points, with Mali a point behind.
“First we want to qualify. Then we can possibly achieve something in the competition,” said Maiga. “We have a key game versus Zimbabwe coming up, and we can’t lose any more points. We need to win, nothing less. Everyone knows it.”
Going from home to home
After impressing as a teenager with Stade Malien, Maiga’s first big stop on the road to success in football was at one of north Africa’s most heralded clubs: three-time continental champions Raja Casablanca. While admitting that settling in was a struggle, he says he was “ready psychologically, ready to sacrifice,” and that it was in Morocco that his “eyes were opened” to what it means to be a professional.
It was his move to Le Mans in 2007 that really got things going. Maiga had never been to Europe before, and MUC are known for finding and nurturing some of the finest in African talent. “Life [in France] is so different that I really had to adapt myself. But I had to do it,” he said. “I spent three years at Le Mans, and the club and the environment brought me a lot of things, as a person and as a player. They gave me the chance of my life.”
He grew into the club, becoming a key figure in the 2007/08 season and forming a powerful partnership with Côte D’Ivoire international Gervinho. When the side were relegated to Ligue 2, Maiga had become hot enough property in France for Sochaux to swoop and sign him to a four-year deal. He has again found a perfect foil in a fellow young African, in this case Nigeria’s Ideye Brown, who also has ten goals to his name this campaign. Like most of the French clubs, there is no shortage of players from the continent on the books, and that has created a strong chemistry.
“Well, there are not as many Africans here as at Le Mans,” he said with a laugh. “But we are a few like Jacques Faty from Senegal, [Ryad] Boudebouz from Algeria and Ideye from Nigeria. We always joke about our teams and our countries. It is a strong factor in uniting us and making the team alive. It is always enjoyable to find fellow Africans around; we know where we come from.”
Although Maiga played a notable part in Mali’s unsuccessful qualifying campaign for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ - they won their opening group but finished four points off Ghana’s pace in the final phase - there are signs he continues to grow into himself as a player. After a single season at Sochaux, he is determined to keep going from strength to strength.
“I have been so happy since I joined the club last summer,” he explained when asked about his good form. “They really were confident in my potential and my skills, and they showed me a lot of respect. It started from there, and I was lucky to meet people with this strong human feeling.”
Japan hit all-time high, Canada go third
Japan hit all-time high, Canada go third
With exactly 100 days to go until the kick-off of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Germany 2011™, there has been no shortage of movement on the latest FIFA/Coca-Cola Women’s World Ranking, which has mainly been caused by numerous high-calibre friendly matches. The top trio of the USA, winners of the Algarve Cup 2011, Germany and Brazil remains unchanged, however.
Japan (4th, up 1), meanwhile, have achieved their best position since the introduction of the ranking in 2003 by overtaking Sweden (5th, down 1), thanks to winning their encounter with the Scandinavians in the Algarve Cup match for third place. Canada (6th, up 3) are on an even more impressive run after triumphing in the other prestigious tournament held in March, the Cyprus Cup, and beating England in the process.
Two other teams who have qualified for the World Cup suffered setbacks however, with Korea DPR (8th, down 2) losing ground after not playing any matches and Norway (9th, down 2) finishing only fifth in Portugal. England are non-movers in tenth position, while Australia (11th, up 1) have leapfrogged Italy (12th, down 1), the highest-ranked team not to have qualified for Germany.
The other teams who will be lining up in Germany are Mexico (22nd), New Zealand (24th), Nigeria (27th), Colombia (31st) and of course African runners-up Equatorial Guinea (61st, up 1), who are now anything but an unknown quantity after their surge up the ranking in 2010.
Other teams who have made gains in terms of points and ranks include the Netherlands (14th), Korea Republic and Iceland (joint 16th), with the Icelanders profiting from their surprise run to the final of the Algarve Cup.
The Netherlands and Korea Republic, together with Spain (18th), Scotland (23rd) and Colombia (31st) are currently in their highest-ever position, while the highest climbers are two African teams, Cameroon (66th) and Tunisia (76th), who have each moved up six places.
With exactly 100 days to go until the kick-off of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Germany 2011™, there has been no shortage of movement on the latest FIFA/Coca-Cola Women’s World Ranking, which has mainly been caused by numerous high-calibre friendly matches. The top trio of the USA, winners of the Algarve Cup 2011, Germany and Brazil remains unchanged, however.
Japan (4th, up 1), meanwhile, have achieved their best position since the introduction of the ranking in 2003 by overtaking Sweden (5th, down 1), thanks to winning their encounter with the Scandinavians in the Algarve Cup match for third place. Canada (6th, up 3) are on an even more impressive run after triumphing in the other prestigious tournament held in March, the Cyprus Cup, and beating England in the process.
Two other teams who have qualified for the World Cup suffered setbacks however, with Korea DPR (8th, down 2) losing ground after not playing any matches and Norway (9th, down 2) finishing only fifth in Portugal. England are non-movers in tenth position, while Australia (11th, up 1) have leapfrogged Italy (12th, down 1), the highest-ranked team not to have qualified for Germany.
The other teams who will be lining up in Germany are Mexico (22nd), New Zealand (24th), Nigeria (27th), Colombia (31st) and of course African runners-up Equatorial Guinea (61st, up 1), who are now anything but an unknown quantity after their surge up the ranking in 2010.
Other teams who have made gains in terms of points and ranks include the Netherlands (14th), Korea Republic and Iceland (joint 16th), with the Icelanders profiting from their surprise run to the final of the Algarve Cup.
The Netherlands and Korea Republic, together with Spain (18th), Scotland (23rd) and Colombia (31st) are currently in their highest-ever position, while the highest climbers are two African teams, Cameroon (66th) and Tunisia (76th), who have each moved up six places.
Ferguson to rethink Rooney role
Ferguson to rethink Rooney role
Sir Alex Ferguson begins his five-match touchline ban tomorrow preparing to abandon the experiment of using Wayne Rooney in midfield.
After accepting his punishment for critical comments about the referee in the wake of United's 2-1 defeat at Chelsea earlier this month - even if he still thinks he was right - Ferguson will be sat in the Old Trafford stands for the Premier League encounter with Bolton.
By following up that loss at Stamford Bridge with another reverse at Anfield, United are under pressure to gain a victory that would consolidate their position at the top of the table. And that might mean a more advanced role for Rooney, who has won plaudits over the past week for a couple of excellent displays in midfield.
"We only started playing Wayne deeper because of the injury situation before the game against Arsenal last Saturday," said Ferguson. "We were forced into trying to organise a team that gave us a chance of going through. In that particular game it worked. But Bolton are a completely different team and I may change it."
Old Trafford injury woes
One man who definitely won't be involved is Rio Ferdinand, whose absence with a calf injury is about to extend into a seventh week. Ferguson has raised doubts over the 32-year-old returning before the end of the season, although he insists Ferdinand still has a future, despite having three campaigns wrecked by fitness problems.
"Rio has plenty of years ahead of him," said Ferguson. "He has had a few injuries over the last few years I am sure that are a concern for him. Calf injuries can be troublesome and we are not looking at this as a short-term situation for us.
"He has been out for a few weeks now anyway and has not started training yet. It looks to me as if we will be lucky to get him back for some point of the season. But he is still capable of coming back and playing at the top level again."
With skipper Nemanja Vidic also out, Chris Smalling and Wes Brown are likely to continue as United's central defensive partnership. Ferguson will only be able to look down on proceedings from the stands as his ban commences.
Sir Alex Ferguson begins his five-match touchline ban tomorrow preparing to abandon the experiment of using Wayne Rooney in midfield.
After accepting his punishment for critical comments about the referee in the wake of United's 2-1 defeat at Chelsea earlier this month - even if he still thinks he was right - Ferguson will be sat in the Old Trafford stands for the Premier League encounter with Bolton.
By following up that loss at Stamford Bridge with another reverse at Anfield, United are under pressure to gain a victory that would consolidate their position at the top of the table. And that might mean a more advanced role for Rooney, who has won plaudits over the past week for a couple of excellent displays in midfield.
"We only started playing Wayne deeper because of the injury situation before the game against Arsenal last Saturday," said Ferguson. "We were forced into trying to organise a team that gave us a chance of going through. In that particular game it worked. But Bolton are a completely different team and I may change it."
Old Trafford injury woes
One man who definitely won't be involved is Rio Ferdinand, whose absence with a calf injury is about to extend into a seventh week. Ferguson has raised doubts over the 32-year-old returning before the end of the season, although he insists Ferdinand still has a future, despite having three campaigns wrecked by fitness problems.
"Rio has plenty of years ahead of him," said Ferguson. "He has had a few injuries over the last few years I am sure that are a concern for him. Calf injuries can be troublesome and we are not looking at this as a short-term situation for us.
"He has been out for a few weeks now anyway and has not started training yet. It looks to me as if we will be lucky to get him back for some point of the season. But he is still capable of coming back and playing at the top level again."
With skipper Nemanja Vidic also out, Chris Smalling and Wes Brown are likely to continue as United's central defensive partnership. Ferguson will only be able to look down on proceedings from the stands as his ban commences.
Friday, March 11, 2011
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