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Radamel Falcao believes Monaco’s 6-0 thrashing of Nancy showed the title ambition of his side after they moved to within three points of Ligue 1 leaders Nice.
Falcao scored twice to mark his recall to the Colombia squad in style, following his Champions League brace against CSKA Moscow on Wednesday, and he now has eight goals this season.
But the forward was keen to highlight Monaco’s collective effort after they scored six for the second time in three Ligue 1 matches to demonstrate their attacking force, with Guido Carrillo, Fabinho and teenager Kylian Mbappe also on target.
“We showed the ambition of the club,” he told Canal+ Sport. “Even when the team was leading 3-0, we kept trying to score. We played very well.
“It’s good for everyone that Guido and Kylian have been rewarded. When the team needs them, it has these players.
“But we must continue to play 100 per cent every game, because this championship is very difficult.”
Falcao missed both the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Copa America through injury but he returns to the Colombia squad for World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Argentina after his fine form caught the eye of coach Jose Pekerman.
“Personally, I feel good,” he said. “With the accumulation of minutes and matches, I will make further progress.”
Mbappe has been compared to Thierry Henry after his Monaco breakthrough, but Falcao insisted the 17-year-old needs to be given time after scoring his second Ligue 1 goal this season.
“He has great quality,” Falcao said. “But I think that we have to leave him to be to be himself.
“Time will allow him to become a great player, but let’s leave him just now because he has great qualities.”
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Wenger: Arsenal will always be bigger than Tottenham
Nainggolan back to his usual warrior self – Spalletti
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Zidane: Criticism does not bother me
Coutinho not getting carried away with Liverpool form
Saturday, November 5, 2016
Simeone: No excuses for Atletico defeat
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Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone refused to look for excuses in the wake of his side’s 2-0 LaLiga defeat at the hands of Real Sociedad on Saturday.
Second-half penalties from Carlos Vela and Willian Jose saw Atletico beaten for the second time this campaign and Simeone believes the home team were simply the better of the two sides at Anoeta Stadium. “We never look for excuses,” Simeone told reporters.
“Both of the penalties were correctly awarded. The referee judged the action well.
“Our defeat was a result of Real’s good play. We played well in the first half and had good opportunities to score, such as Kevin Gameiro’s chance, but in the second half Real Sociedad started better and from the first penalty onwards we could not find a way to equalise.
“It is true that away matches are proving difficult for us this term.” Atletico sit third in the table with 21 points from 11 games. Both Sevilla and Villarreal are potentially able to climb above them on Sunday. Sat 5 Nov, 2016RSS Feed LAST 5 POSTS BY SOCCERNEWS
Wenger: Arsenal will always be bigger than Tottenham Nainggolan back to his usual warrior self – Spalletti Zidane: Criticism does not bother me Coutinho not getting carried away with Liverpool form
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Second-half penalties from Carlos Vela and Willian Jose saw Atletico beaten for the second time this campaign and Simeone believes the home team were simply the better of the two sides at Anoeta Stadium. “We never look for excuses,” Simeone told reporters.
“Both of the penalties were correctly awarded. The referee judged the action well.
“Our defeat was a result of Real’s good play. We played well in the first half and had good opportunities to score, such as Kevin Gameiro’s chance, but in the second half Real Sociedad started better and from the first penalty onwards we could not find a way to equalise.
“It is true that away matches are proving difficult for us this term.” Atletico sit third in the table with 21 points from 11 games. Both Sevilla and Villarreal are potentially able to climb above them on Sunday. Sat 5 Nov, 2016RSS Feed LAST 5 POSTS BY SOCCERNEWS
Wenger: Arsenal will always be bigger than Tottenham Nainggolan back to his usual warrior self – Spalletti Zidane: Criticism does not bother me Coutinho not getting carried away with Liverpool form
A new look for 2016, this is the Brad Evans Blue jersey will be wearing as they compete for the trophy this summer. Tim Ream, Nick Rimando, Aron Johannsson, Alejandro Bedoya and Mix Diskerud. mallory pugh shirt Napoli held by Lazio as Keita cancels out Hamsik opener
Chelsea 5 Everton 0: Hazard strikes twice as scintillating Blues go top
Eden Hazard scored twice as Chelsea moved to the top of the Premier League with a scintillating 5-0 victory over Everton at Stamford Bridge.
Not since winning the 2014-15 title have Chelsea led the top flight, but they took advantage of Manchester City’s 1-1 draw with Middlesbrough earlier on Saturday to do so, though Arsenal or Liverpool could displace them by winning their respective matches on Sunday.
Antonio Conte’s team, unchanged for the fourth straight league match, ran riot and punished visiting manager Ronald Koeman for his decision to switch to a three-man defence.
That surprise tactical change came despite Everton having ended a run of five games in all competitions without a win at home to West Ham last time out. Hazard opened the scoring in the 18th minute, converting for the fourth successive league game for the first time in his career, before Marcos Alonso opened his Chelsea account with his maiden goal for the club just 70 seconds later.
Koeman sent Kevin Mirallas on for Bryan Oviedo in a bid to add stability through a more familiar formation, but the hosts continued to dominate and Diego Costa fired home three minutes before the interval. Hazard struck a sensational second 11 minutes into the second half before Pedro added a goal to his two assists, rounding off a phenomenal display of attacking football that extends Chelsea’s unbeaten run at home against Everton to 22 matches.
There were fireworks at Stamford Bridge ahead of kick-off and sparks soon flew on the pitch when Seamus Coleman’s lunge on Costa went unpunished by referee Robert Madley. Chelsea applied all the early pressure and made the breakthrough when Hazard stepped inside from the left and curled an excellent finish past Maarten Stekelenburg, returning from a foot injury in place of Joel Robles.
Within two minutes Conte’s team doubled their advantage, Alonso scoring through a gap in Stekelenburg’s legs after arriving to meet Pedro’s square pass from the right-hand side of the box.
Victor Moses volleyed against the post in the 34th minute and Koeman responded by replacing Oviedo with Mirallas and reverting to a four-man defence. That did not stop the flood of goals, though, as Hazard’s corner was flicked on by Nemanja Matic at the near post and Costa drilled home a half-volley, though he failed to add to his tally from a one-on-one in first-half stoppage time.
Chelsea continued to dominate and brilliant interplay between Hazard and Pedro on the right saw the Belgian beat Ashley Williams and fire a low effort inside the near post. Stekelenburg kept out an acrobatic volley from Costa but the striker was integral to the hosts’ fifth in the 65th minute. After nutmegging Phil Jagielka he teed up Hazard, and the winger’s shot rebounded straight to Pedro for a simple finish.
Pedro and Hazard received standing ovations as they were replaced in the closing stages, while Stekelenburg produced a good save to tip a volley from David Luiz over.
A new look for 2016, this is the Tim Ream Blue jersey will be wearing as they compete for the trophy this summer. Nick Rimando, Alejandro Bedoya, Clint Dempsey, Mix Diskerud and Aron Johannsson. christen press shirt Everton failed to get a single shot on target throughout the 90 minutes, with Chelsea, for whom fit-again John Terry made his first top-flight appearance since September 11 as a late substitute, keeping a clean sheet for the fifth straight Premier League match.
Not since winning the 2014-15 title have Chelsea led the top flight, but they took advantage of Manchester City’s 1-1 draw with Middlesbrough earlier on Saturday to do so, though Arsenal or Liverpool could displace them by winning their respective matches on Sunday.
Antonio Conte’s team, unchanged for the fourth straight league match, ran riot and punished visiting manager Ronald Koeman for his decision to switch to a three-man defence.
That surprise tactical change came despite Everton having ended a run of five games in all competitions without a win at home to West Ham last time out. Hazard opened the scoring in the 18th minute, converting for the fourth successive league game for the first time in his career, before Marcos Alonso opened his Chelsea account with his maiden goal for the club just 70 seconds later.
Koeman sent Kevin Mirallas on for Bryan Oviedo in a bid to add stability through a more familiar formation, but the hosts continued to dominate and Diego Costa fired home three minutes before the interval. Hazard struck a sensational second 11 minutes into the second half before Pedro added a goal to his two assists, rounding off a phenomenal display of attacking football that extends Chelsea’s unbeaten run at home against Everton to 22 matches.
There were fireworks at Stamford Bridge ahead of kick-off and sparks soon flew on the pitch when Seamus Coleman’s lunge on Costa went unpunished by referee Robert Madley. Chelsea applied all the early pressure and made the breakthrough when Hazard stepped inside from the left and curled an excellent finish past Maarten Stekelenburg, returning from a foot injury in place of Joel Robles.
Within two minutes Conte’s team doubled their advantage, Alonso scoring through a gap in Stekelenburg’s legs after arriving to meet Pedro’s square pass from the right-hand side of the box.
Victor Moses volleyed against the post in the 34th minute and Koeman responded by replacing Oviedo with Mirallas and reverting to a four-man defence. That did not stop the flood of goals, though, as Hazard’s corner was flicked on by Nemanja Matic at the near post and Costa drilled home a half-volley, though he failed to add to his tally from a one-on-one in first-half stoppage time.
Chelsea continued to dominate and brilliant interplay between Hazard and Pedro on the right saw the Belgian beat Ashley Williams and fire a low effort inside the near post. Stekelenburg kept out an acrobatic volley from Costa but the striker was integral to the hosts’ fifth in the 65th minute. After nutmegging Phil Jagielka he teed up Hazard, and the winger’s shot rebounded straight to Pedro for a simple finish.
Pedro and Hazard received standing ovations as they were replaced in the closing stages, while Stekelenburg produced a good save to tip a volley from David Luiz over.
A new look for 2016, this is the Tim Ream Blue jersey will be wearing as they compete for the trophy this summer. Nick Rimando, Alejandro Bedoya, Clint Dempsey, Mix Diskerud and Aron Johannsson. christen press shirt Everton failed to get a single shot on target throughout the 90 minutes, with Chelsea, for whom fit-again John Terry made his first top-flight appearance since September 11 as a late substitute, keeping a clean sheet for the fifth straight Premier League match.
Bilic bemoans ´cheap´ equaliser
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West Ham manager Slaven Bilic bemoaned Stoke City’s “cheap” equaliser as Adrian’s howler gifted the Potters an equaliser in a 1-1 Premier League draw at London Stadium on Saturday.
The hosts led through a Glenn Whelan own-goal before Bojan’s 74th-minute leveller, when the Hammers keeper unadvisedly rushed out and missed an attempted clearance.
Bilic, though, acknowledged West Ham deserved no more than a point after they struggled to create chances and lacked fluency, particularly during a dismal first half. “A point is a point and it’s a fair result. But we were looking for three points. It wasn’t a good game of football and no team deserved to win,” Bilic told Sky Sports.
“Our first half was flat to be fair, we didn’t start on the front foot and in the second half we improved a lot. We changed a little bit, we put on a couple of strikers then scored a goal. “Until they equalised we played good and created some good moments. We were sharp but then we conceded from our point of view a very cheap goal. It cost us the result.”
The Croatian claimed he could not understand why West Ham played so badly in the first period. “We looked sharp in training, we looked sharp and fit and good in our last few games. There was really no reason.”
He also refused to blame Adrian despite the shot-stopper’s error costing his side a valuable three points as they continue to hover above the relegation zone.
“It was a mistake,” he said. “It’s a game of mistakes and mistakes happen. Unfortunately he made a mistake because he misjudged the ball and the timing and they used it to score a goal.
“From our point of view we are disappointed as it was very cheap in a crucial moment of the game.” The point lifts West Ham to 16th place ahead of a tricky run of league fixtures against Tottenham, Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool, as well as a League Cup quarter-final against United at Old Trafford.
Sat 5 Nov, 2016RSS Feed LAST 5 POSTS BY SOCCERNEWS Wenger: Arsenal will always be bigger than Tottenham Nainggolan back to his usual warrior self – Spalletti
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The hosts led through a Glenn Whelan own-goal before Bojan’s 74th-minute leveller, when the Hammers keeper unadvisedly rushed out and missed an attempted clearance.
Bilic, though, acknowledged West Ham deserved no more than a point after they struggled to create chances and lacked fluency, particularly during a dismal first half. “A point is a point and it’s a fair result. But we were looking for three points. It wasn’t a good game of football and no team deserved to win,” Bilic told Sky Sports.
“Our first half was flat to be fair, we didn’t start on the front foot and in the second half we improved a lot. We changed a little bit, we put on a couple of strikers then scored a goal. “Until they equalised we played good and created some good moments. We were sharp but then we conceded from our point of view a very cheap goal. It cost us the result.”
The Croatian claimed he could not understand why West Ham played so badly in the first period. “We looked sharp in training, we looked sharp and fit and good in our last few games. There was really no reason.”
He also refused to blame Adrian despite the shot-stopper’s error costing his side a valuable three points as they continue to hover above the relegation zone.
“It was a mistake,” he said. “It’s a game of mistakes and mistakes happen. Unfortunately he made a mistake because he misjudged the ball and the timing and they used it to score a goal.
“From our point of view we are disappointed as it was very cheap in a crucial moment of the game.” The point lifts West Ham to 16th place ahead of a tricky run of league fixtures against Tottenham, Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool, as well as a League Cup quarter-final against United at Old Trafford.
Sat 5 Nov, 2016RSS Feed LAST 5 POSTS BY SOCCERNEWS Wenger: Arsenal will always be bigger than Tottenham Nainggolan back to his usual warrior self – Spalletti
A new look for 2016, this is the Nick Rimando Blue jersey will be wearing as they compete for the trophy this summer. Alejandro Bedoya, Mix Diskerud, John Brooks, Aron Johannsson and Clint Dempsey. kelley o'hara shirt Zidane: Criticism does not bother me Coutinho not getting carried away with Liverpool form
Karanka highlights lack of respect as key for Boro
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Aitor Karanka says Middlesbrough were only able to peg Manchester City back to draw 1-1 after showing Pep Guardiola’s side less respect.
The hosts followed up their 3-1 win over Barcelona in the Champions League with a dominant display at the Etihad Stadium, but they found Boro keeper Victor Valdes in stunning form as only Sergio Aguero’s 150th City goal beat the former Manchester United man.
And Valdes’ heroics kept Boro in the contest right up to stoppage time, when Marten de Roon scored his first Premier League goal to snatch a point for the Teessiders. “The first half we went to the pitch with too much respect for Manchester City,” Karanka said.
“The second half we showed we are not here just to defend and we played in our way.
“I was really pleased with the performance and the goal was amazing.” Boro have been impressive on their travels since promotion, losing only once away from the Riverside Stadium in five outings, which have included this game and a trip to Arsenal, where Karanka masterminded a 0-0 draw.
“Today was even more difficult than Arsenal. Man City scored in a difficult time for us, the last minutes of the first half,” he added. “I am really pleased for the players, who showed once again that we can compete with anyone.”
Karanka was also effusive in his praise of goalscorer De Roon: “If someone deserves that goal, it’s Marten. “He was disappointed again to miss last week with injury and he has worked very hard.
“He showed his experience and the team made another step.”
A new look for 2016, this is the Alejandro Bedoya Blue jersey will be wearing as they compete for the trophy this summer. Mix Diskerud, Aron Johannsson, Michael Bradley, Clint Dempsey and John Brooks. becky sauerbrunn shirt Sat 5 Nov, 2016RSS Feed LAST 5 POSTS BY SOCCERNEWS
The hosts followed up their 3-1 win over Barcelona in the Champions League with a dominant display at the Etihad Stadium, but they found Boro keeper Victor Valdes in stunning form as only Sergio Aguero’s 150th City goal beat the former Manchester United man.
And Valdes’ heroics kept Boro in the contest right up to stoppage time, when Marten de Roon scored his first Premier League goal to snatch a point for the Teessiders. “The first half we went to the pitch with too much respect for Manchester City,” Karanka said.
“The second half we showed we are not here just to defend and we played in our way.
“I was really pleased with the performance and the goal was amazing.” Boro have been impressive on their travels since promotion, losing only once away from the Riverside Stadium in five outings, which have included this game and a trip to Arsenal, where Karanka masterminded a 0-0 draw.
“Today was even more difficult than Arsenal. Man City scored in a difficult time for us, the last minutes of the first half,” he added. “I am really pleased for the players, who showed once again that we can compete with anyone.”
Karanka was also effusive in his praise of goalscorer De Roon: “If someone deserves that goal, it’s Marten. “He was disappointed again to miss last week with injury and he has worked very hard.
“He showed his experience and the team made another step.”
A new look for 2016, this is the Alejandro Bedoya Blue jersey will be wearing as they compete for the trophy this summer. Mix Diskerud, Aron Johannsson, Michael Bradley, Clint Dempsey and John Brooks. becky sauerbrunn shirt Sat 5 Nov, 2016RSS Feed LAST 5 POSTS BY SOCCERNEWS
Ancelotti claims Bayern deserved to beat Hoffenheim
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Carlo Ancelotti has voiced his frustration at Bayern Munich’s 1-1 draw with Hoffenheim and believes the reigning Bundesliga champions deserved to win Saturday’s encounter at Allianz Arena.
A Kerem Demirbay goal saw Bayern fall behind in the 16th minute, Steven Zuber’s own goal helping the Bavarians back on level terms. Ancelotti’s men created a number of chances to take the lead, but they failed to make their chances count and had to settle for a draw instead.
“We were having a few difficulties early on and struggled to deal with Hoffenheim’s pressing,” Ancelotti told reporters. “But we showed more intensity, quality and a better attitude after the break.
“I think a win for us would have been a deserved result if you look at the chances we got. But that’s football, sometimes you are just lacking luck.”
Mats Hummels, meanwhile, acknowledged Bayern’s start was below par, but thought they had done enough to seal the win after the interval. “Hoffenheim put in a very aggressive performance. We did not have a good start, we have to admit that,” he added.
“We improved after conceding … we got plenty of good chances after the break and hit the woodwork twice. Those chances could have decided the match in our favour.”
Sat 5 Nov, 2016RSS Feed LAST 5 POSTS BY SOCCERNEWS Wenger: Arsenal will always be bigger than Tottenham
Nainggolan back to his usual warrior self – Spalletti Zidane: Criticism does not bother me
A new look for 2016, this is the Mix Diskerud Blue jersey will be wearing as they compete for the trophy this summer. Aron Johannsson, Clint Dempsey, Omar Gonzalez, John Brooks and Michael Bradley. whitney engen shirt Coutinho not getting carried away with Liverpool form
A Kerem Demirbay goal saw Bayern fall behind in the 16th minute, Steven Zuber’s own goal helping the Bavarians back on level terms. Ancelotti’s men created a number of chances to take the lead, but they failed to make their chances count and had to settle for a draw instead.
“We were having a few difficulties early on and struggled to deal with Hoffenheim’s pressing,” Ancelotti told reporters. “But we showed more intensity, quality and a better attitude after the break.
“I think a win for us would have been a deserved result if you look at the chances we got. But that’s football, sometimes you are just lacking luck.”
Mats Hummels, meanwhile, acknowledged Bayern’s start was below par, but thought they had done enough to seal the win after the interval. “Hoffenheim put in a very aggressive performance. We did not have a good start, we have to admit that,” he added.
“We improved after conceding … we got plenty of good chances after the break and hit the woodwork twice. Those chances could have decided the match in our favour.”
Sat 5 Nov, 2016RSS Feed LAST 5 POSTS BY SOCCERNEWS Wenger: Arsenal will always be bigger than Tottenham
Nainggolan back to his usual warrior self – Spalletti Zidane: Criticism does not bother me
A new look for 2016, this is the Mix Diskerud Blue jersey will be wearing as they compete for the trophy this summer. Aron Johannsson, Clint Dempsey, Omar Gonzalez, John Brooks and Michael Bradley. whitney engen shirt Coutinho not getting carried away with Liverpool form
Stoke have ´turned their season around´ – Hughes
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Mark Hughes claimed Stoke City have “turned their season around” after a 1-1 draw with West Ham at London Stadium extended their Premier League unbeaten run to six games.
The Potters fell behind to Glenn Whelan’s second-half own goal, before Bojan Krcic took advantage of an Adrian blunder to rescue a point. The point lifts Stoke to 11th in the Premier League table, further away from the relegation zone where they spent time earlier in the season with no wins from their opening seven league games.
Hughes said that was a false position and that his side are back playing attractive football. “We came here with a little bit of confidence, in good nick, looking to ideally get a fourth win on the trot. We werent quite able to do that but we’ve kept our run going,” the Welshman told Sky Sports.
“That’s six games unbeaten in the Premier League which is something. It is difficult to get runs going. We’ve clearly turned our season around. “A lot was made of our opening three or four games where we had a really poor performance against Palace and were well beaten and maybe a half against Tottenham where we weren’t as good as we can be.
“Apart from that we were always in the other games so we knew we weren’t far away from getting back to the level we know we’re capable of and the last few weeks have proved that.”
Hughes said Stoke deserved at least a point from the game after falling behind and praised the contribution of goalscoring substitute Bojan, who has lost his place in the Stoke starting line-up to Joe Allen since his arrival from Liverpool.
“We felt hard done by clearly, because at that point we’d never been any under pressure and we were always trying to take the game to West Ham,” added Hughes.
A new look for 2016, this is the Aron Johannsson Blue jersey will be wearing as they compete for the trophy this summer. Clint Dempsey, John Brooks, DeAndre Yedlin, Michael Bradley and Omar Gonzalez. crystal dunn shirt “We had to go for it then, Peter Crouch came on to good effect and Bojan equalised with a fantastic finish.”
The Potters fell behind to Glenn Whelan’s second-half own goal, before Bojan Krcic took advantage of an Adrian blunder to rescue a point. The point lifts Stoke to 11th in the Premier League table, further away from the relegation zone where they spent time earlier in the season with no wins from their opening seven league games.
Hughes said that was a false position and that his side are back playing attractive football. “We came here with a little bit of confidence, in good nick, looking to ideally get a fourth win on the trot. We werent quite able to do that but we’ve kept our run going,” the Welshman told Sky Sports.
“That’s six games unbeaten in the Premier League which is something. It is difficult to get runs going. We’ve clearly turned our season around. “A lot was made of our opening three or four games where we had a really poor performance against Palace and were well beaten and maybe a half against Tottenham where we weren’t as good as we can be.
“Apart from that we were always in the other games so we knew we weren’t far away from getting back to the level we know we’re capable of and the last few weeks have proved that.”
Hughes said Stoke deserved at least a point from the game after falling behind and praised the contribution of goalscoring substitute Bojan, who has lost his place in the Stoke starting line-up to Joe Allen since his arrival from Liverpool.
“We felt hard done by clearly, because at that point we’d never been any under pressure and we were always trying to take the game to West Ham,” added Hughes.
A new look for 2016, this is the Aron Johannsson Blue jersey will be wearing as they compete for the trophy this summer. Clint Dempsey, John Brooks, DeAndre Yedlin, Michael Bradley and Omar Gonzalez. crystal dunn shirt “We had to go for it then, Peter Crouch came on to good effect and Bojan equalised with a fantastic finish.”
Dyche hails ´deserved´ Burnley win
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Sean Dyche insists Burnley deserved their victory against Crystal Palace, despite losing a two-goal lead prior to Ashley Barnes’ stoppage-time winner on Saturday.
Strikes from Sam Vokes and Johann Gudmundsson seemingly had Burnley cruising to victory at Turf Moor, but Connor Wickham and Christian Benteke replied for the visitors.
And, as Palace pushed for a third of their own, Barnes rifled home to give Dyche’s men an important Premier League victory he believes they were good value for.
“I think we deserved the points by the final whistle,” he said. “It was a real ding-dong of a game. “Both teams went at it and I’ve been really pleased with the mentality of the group to finish in such a good way.
“I thought we played with confidence, although at 2-0 we were a little bit nervy, and I was happy with the fantastic finish from Ashley Barnes.”
Burnley had given up a two-goal advantage to lose 3-2 to Palace in their last Premier League campaign in 2014-15, but this result, along with improving their league position, proves the Clarets’ credentials, according to Dyche.
“It’s fantastic to be ninth in the table for a club like Burnley,” he continued.
“There are questions asked of us in the Premier League, but we’re enjoying the ride and we want to keep improving – and there are signs of that.
“We will just keep taking each games as it comes.” Sat 5 Nov, 2016RSS Feed LAST 5 POSTS BY SOCCERNEWS
Wenger: Arsenal will always be bigger than Tottenham Nainggolan back to his usual warrior self – Spalletti Zidane: Criticism does not bother me
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Strikes from Sam Vokes and Johann Gudmundsson seemingly had Burnley cruising to victory at Turf Moor, but Connor Wickham and Christian Benteke replied for the visitors.
And, as Palace pushed for a third of their own, Barnes rifled home to give Dyche’s men an important Premier League victory he believes they were good value for.
“I think we deserved the points by the final whistle,” he said. “It was a real ding-dong of a game. “Both teams went at it and I’ve been really pleased with the mentality of the group to finish in such a good way.
“I thought we played with confidence, although at 2-0 we were a little bit nervy, and I was happy with the fantastic finish from Ashley Barnes.”
Burnley had given up a two-goal advantage to lose 3-2 to Palace in their last Premier League campaign in 2014-15, but this result, along with improving their league position, proves the Clarets’ credentials, according to Dyche.
“It’s fantastic to be ninth in the table for a club like Burnley,” he continued.
“There are questions asked of us in the Premier League, but we’re enjoying the ride and we want to keep improving – and there are signs of that.
“We will just keep taking each games as it comes.” Sat 5 Nov, 2016RSS Feed LAST 5 POSTS BY SOCCERNEWS
Wenger: Arsenal will always be bigger than Tottenham Nainggolan back to his usual warrior self – Spalletti Zidane: Criticism does not bother me
A new look for 2016, this is the Clint Dempsey Blue jersey will be wearing as they compete for the trophy this summer. John Brooks, Michael Bradley, Brad Guzan, Omar Gonzalez and DeAndre Yedlin. ali krieger shirt Coutinho not getting carried away with Liverpool form
Dortmund need Aubameyang to succeed – Tuchel
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Borussia Dortmund cannot achieve their ambitions without Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, says head coach Thomas Tuchel.
Aubameyang was omitted from Dortmund’s squad for the midweek 1-0 victory over Sporting CP in the Champions League for “internal reasons”, reportedly due to the striker attending a party in Italy without authorisation.
However, the Gabon striker returned to the starting XI in emphatic style on Saturday with a four-goal haul in Dortmund’s 5-2 Bundesliga battering of Hamburg.
Aubameyang embraced Tuchel after scoring his first goal and the head coach recognises how important he is to Dortmund. “Four goals is outstanding, an absolutely top performance,” Tuchel told a media conference.
“It always was and is clear that we cannot achieve any of our goals without Aubameyang.”
Dortmund’s win at the Volksparkstadion was their first Bundesliga victory in five. A mixture of poor form and a lengthy injury list left Dortmund without a league win since September and Tuchel hailed the importance of a timely three points.
“There was no alternative [but] for us to win here. We wanted this result and so we have got it,” he added. “It wasn’t primarily about tactics. We urgently needed this result.
A new look for 2016, this is the John Brooks Blue jersey will be wearing as they compete for the trophy this summer. Michael Bradley, Omar Gonzalez, Lori Henry, DeAndre Yedlin and Brad Guzan. morgan brian shirt “There are many things for us to work on, but now is not the time for general criticism.”
Aubameyang was omitted from Dortmund’s squad for the midweek 1-0 victory over Sporting CP in the Champions League for “internal reasons”, reportedly due to the striker attending a party in Italy without authorisation.
However, the Gabon striker returned to the starting XI in emphatic style on Saturday with a four-goal haul in Dortmund’s 5-2 Bundesliga battering of Hamburg.
Aubameyang embraced Tuchel after scoring his first goal and the head coach recognises how important he is to Dortmund. “Four goals is outstanding, an absolutely top performance,” Tuchel told a media conference.
“It always was and is clear that we cannot achieve any of our goals without Aubameyang.”
Dortmund’s win at the Volksparkstadion was their first Bundesliga victory in five. A mixture of poor form and a lengthy injury list left Dortmund without a league win since September and Tuchel hailed the importance of a timely three points.
“There was no alternative [but] for us to win here. We wanted this result and so we have got it,” he added. “It wasn’t primarily about tactics. We urgently needed this result.
A new look for 2016, this is the John Brooks Blue jersey will be wearing as they compete for the trophy this summer. Michael Bradley, Omar Gonzalez, Lori Henry, DeAndre Yedlin and Brad Guzan. morgan brian shirt “There are many things for us to work on, but now is not the time for general criticism.”
Boateng withdraws from Germany squad
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Bayern Munich defender Jerome Boateng has been forced to pull out of the Germany squad for the World Cup qualifier against San Marino and the friendly meeting with Italy due to injury.
The centre-back picked up a knee and adductor problem in Bayern’s 1-1 Bundesliga draw against Hoffenheim on Saturday and had to make way for David Alaba in the closing stages of the match.
Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge claimed the injury is not serious, but the reigning Bundesliga champions are reluctant to take any risks with Boateng. “The injury is nothing too bad,” Rummenigge told the club’s official website.
“But it would be negligent to let him join the Germany team in his current condition.”
Boateng has made 10 appearances in all competitions for Bayern this term, missing the opening weeks of the season due to a muscle problem. Sat 5 Nov, 2016RSS Feed LAST 5 POSTS BY SOCCERNEWS
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The centre-back picked up a knee and adductor problem in Bayern’s 1-1 Bundesliga draw against Hoffenheim on Saturday and had to make way for David Alaba in the closing stages of the match.
Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge claimed the injury is not serious, but the reigning Bundesliga champions are reluctant to take any risks with Boateng. “The injury is nothing too bad,” Rummenigge told the club’s official website.
“But it would be negligent to let him join the Germany team in his current condition.”
Boateng has made 10 appearances in all competitions for Bayern this term, missing the opening weeks of the season due to a muscle problem. Sat 5 Nov, 2016RSS Feed LAST 5 POSTS BY SOCCERNEWS
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Man City ´did absolutely everything´ to beat Boro – Guardiola
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Pep Guardiola was satisfied that Manchester City “did absolutely everything” necessary to beat Middlesbrough, despite their profligacy being punished by a 1-1 draw.
Sergio Aguero’s 150th City goal looked set to be enough for the hosts, who defeated Barcelona 3-1 on Tuesday, but Marten de Roon’s stunning stoppage-time equaliser earned a point for Aitor Karanka’s side.
City rained 25 shots on the goal of Victor Valdes, who performed superbly to keep Boro in the game before De Roon struck. “We did absolutely everything to win the game, controlled the game and in the last minute we concede a goal,” said Guardiola. “It is a pity. We did a lot of good things and tried to win the game.
“When you miss you have to accept that, but the league is still long.
“It is a miss because we have dropped six points in the last three home games, but we are still there. We have to move forward.”
City produced a stunning display of counter-attacking football to beat Barca in the Champions League and Guardiola did not think those exertions had taken it out of his side come the weekend.
“Not really, we started amazing and played really good in the first half,” added the Spaniard.
“We have to close the game with second or third goal and we couldn’t do that. We created six or seven chances and didn’t score.” Sat 5 Nov, 2016RSS Feed
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Sergio Aguero’s 150th City goal looked set to be enough for the hosts, who defeated Barcelona 3-1 on Tuesday, but Marten de Roon’s stunning stoppage-time equaliser earned a point for Aitor Karanka’s side.
City rained 25 shots on the goal of Victor Valdes, who performed superbly to keep Boro in the game before De Roon struck. “We did absolutely everything to win the game, controlled the game and in the last minute we concede a goal,” said Guardiola. “It is a pity. We did a lot of good things and tried to win the game.
“When you miss you have to accept that, but the league is still long.
“It is a miss because we have dropped six points in the last three home games, but we are still there. We have to move forward.”
City produced a stunning display of counter-attacking football to beat Barca in the Champions League and Guardiola did not think those exertions had taken it out of his side come the weekend.
“Not really, we started amazing and played really good in the first half,” added the Spaniard.
“We have to close the game with second or third goal and we couldn’t do that. We created six or seven chances and didn’t score.” Sat 5 Nov, 2016RSS Feed
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Howe frustrated after Bournemouth surrender initiative
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Eddie Howe cut a frustrated figure after Bournemouth surrendered an early lead to lose 2-1 against 10-man Sunderland, who had not won in the Premier League this season.
Dan Gosling’s 11th-minute opener set the hosts up for what should have been a routine home win, but Victor Anichebe ended his 546-day goal drought to level matters before the break.
When Steven Pienaar saw red with 30 minutes remaining, the Cherries laid siege to Jordan Pickford’s goal, but could not find a way through. And they were made to pay when Adam Smith fouled the lively Anichebe in the box, with Jermain Defoe converting from the spot to inflict Bournemouth’s first home league defeat since the opening-game loss to Manchester United.
“We were in total control at 1-0, but we stopped being as progressive as I would have liked and they found a way back into the game,” Howe told BBC Sport.
“We didn’t deal with Victor Anichebe particularly well, especially for the goal, but we created some gilt-edged chances and it is frustrating they didn’t go in. Their keeper played well, so credit to him. “We believe in what we do. It is a tough league, so we focus on the next match.”
Howe’s side are now winless in three following the 6-1 win over Hull City and sit 12th in the table. Sat 5 Nov, 2016RSS Feed
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Dan Gosling’s 11th-minute opener set the hosts up for what should have been a routine home win, but Victor Anichebe ended his 546-day goal drought to level matters before the break.
When Steven Pienaar saw red with 30 minutes remaining, the Cherries laid siege to Jordan Pickford’s goal, but could not find a way through. And they were made to pay when Adam Smith fouled the lively Anichebe in the box, with Jermain Defoe converting from the spot to inflict Bournemouth’s first home league defeat since the opening-game loss to Manchester United.
“We were in total control at 1-0, but we stopped being as progressive as I would have liked and they found a way back into the game,” Howe told BBC Sport.
“We didn’t deal with Victor Anichebe particularly well, especially for the goal, but we created some gilt-edged chances and it is frustrating they didn’t go in. Their keeper played well, so credit to him. “We believe in what we do. It is a tough league, so we focus on the next match.”
Howe’s side are now winless in three following the 6-1 win over Hull City and sit 12th in the table. Sat 5 Nov, 2016RSS Feed
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Relieved Moyes eyes winning run
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A relieved David Moyes knows there is plenty of work still to do after Sunderland ended their 10-match winless start to the Premier League season by coming from behind to beat Bournemouth 2-1.
The visitors trailed to Dan Gosling’s goal at Vitality Stadium on Saturday and, after Victor Anichebe had levelled, saw Steven Pienaar sent off for a second yellow card, a disbelieving Moyes looking on from the stands as the Scot served a one-match touchline ban following a misconduct charge.
But the Black Cats weathered the storm, with goalkeeper Jordan Pickford in inspired form, and came up with a winner when Anichebe was fouled in the box and Jermain Defoe converted from the spot to breathe new life into Sunderland’s battle against the drop.
“It is a big relief, I never had any questions marks over the support of the owner or board,” Moyes told Sky Sports. “It is only one win, we don’t move off the bottom of the league, [we] only look at [the] team above us and try and catch them.
“We played well and deserved the victory. We owed the supporters the victory, they have kept with us. We needed a win, it is only one, we need a few more.
“We got a bit of luck at the right time, we made it [luck] as well, we worked hard enough.
“We had to hang in and hope it is our day. We got our goal and Victor Anichebe and Jermain Defoe were fantastic. Ultimately the goalkeeper and back four did a great job today.”
Sunderland are five points from safety and welcome fellow strugglers Hull City to the Stadium of Light on November 19. Sat 5 Nov, 2016RSS Feed LAST 5 POSTS BY SOCCERNEWS
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The visitors trailed to Dan Gosling’s goal at Vitality Stadium on Saturday and, after Victor Anichebe had levelled, saw Steven Pienaar sent off for a second yellow card, a disbelieving Moyes looking on from the stands as the Scot served a one-match touchline ban following a misconduct charge.
But the Black Cats weathered the storm, with goalkeeper Jordan Pickford in inspired form, and came up with a winner when Anichebe was fouled in the box and Jermain Defoe converted from the spot to breathe new life into Sunderland’s battle against the drop.
“It is a big relief, I never had any questions marks over the support of the owner or board,” Moyes told Sky Sports. “It is only one win, we don’t move off the bottom of the league, [we] only look at [the] team above us and try and catch them.
“We played well and deserved the victory. We owed the supporters the victory, they have kept with us. We needed a win, it is only one, we need a few more.
“We got a bit of luck at the right time, we made it [luck] as well, we worked hard enough.
“We had to hang in and hope it is our day. We got our goal and Victor Anichebe and Jermain Defoe were fantastic. Ultimately the goalkeeper and back four did a great job today.”
Sunderland are five points from safety and welcome fellow strugglers Hull City to the Stadium of Light on November 19. Sat 5 Nov, 2016RSS Feed LAST 5 POSTS BY SOCCERNEWS
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Burnley punished our errors – Pardew
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Crystal Palace boss Alan Pardew rued his side’s defensive sloppiness as they lost 3-2 at Burnley courtesy of Ashley Barnes’ 94th-minute winner at Turf Moor.
Palace had trailed 2-0 through early counter-attacking goals from Sam Vokes and Johann Gudmundsson, but fought back to level the scores thanks to Connor Wickham and Christian Benteke.
However, in stoppage time, another Burnley breakaway cost Pardew’s men a point as Barnes smashed home, leaving the former Newcastle United manager devastated. “I would have been quite happy to take the point,” he told a post-match news conference. “Unfortunately we made another error, which we did for all of their goals.
“As powerful as we are at set plays, we can’t over commit like we did on those occasions. “There wasn’t much wrong with our game today outside of those big errors – and Burnley punished those errors.”
Palace have now lost four consecutive games in the Premier League, but Pardew insisted it would be unfair to judge his side on those results.
“The standard of the opposition is a little to do with the four defeats,” he added. “Leicester away and Liverpool at home are tough games.” Sat 5 Nov, 2016RSS Feed LAST 5 POSTS BY SOCCERNEWS Wenger: Arsenal will always be bigger than Tottenham
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Palace had trailed 2-0 through early counter-attacking goals from Sam Vokes and Johann Gudmundsson, but fought back to level the scores thanks to Connor Wickham and Christian Benteke.
However, in stoppage time, another Burnley breakaway cost Pardew’s men a point as Barnes smashed home, leaving the former Newcastle United manager devastated. “I would have been quite happy to take the point,” he told a post-match news conference. “Unfortunately we made another error, which we did for all of their goals.
“As powerful as we are at set plays, we can’t over commit like we did on those occasions. “There wasn’t much wrong with our game today outside of those big errors – and Burnley punished those errors.”
Palace have now lost four consecutive games in the Premier League, but Pardew insisted it would be unfair to judge his side on those results.
“The standard of the opposition is a little to do with the four defeats,” he added. “Leicester away and Liverpool at home are tough games.” Sat 5 Nov, 2016RSS Feed LAST 5 POSTS BY SOCCERNEWS Wenger: Arsenal will always be bigger than Tottenham
Nainggolan back to his usual warrior self – Spalletti Zidane: Criticism does not bother me Coutinho not getting carried away with Liverpool form Napoli held by Lazio as Keita cancels out Hamsik opener
A new look for 2016, this is the Lori Henry Blue jersey will be wearing as they compete for the trophy this summer. Emily Pickering, Denise Bender, Christine Nairn, Allie Long and Ashley Sanchez. kelley o'hara soccer by Taboola Sponsored Links From the Web
De Roon: I don´t know what I was thinking!
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Marten de Roon conceded that his first Premier League goal owed much to instinct over planning after snatching Middlesbrough a 1-1 draw from Manchester City.
Boro were on the back foot throughout at the Etihad Stadium as Pep Guardiola’s side backed up their counter-attacking masterclass against Barcelona with a more typical display of dominant possession.
However, Guardiola’s former Barca number one Victor Valdes turned in a herculean display in the Boro goal before De Roon stormed onto George Friend’s cross to thump a header past Claudio Bravo in stoppage time. View image on Twitter
View image on Twitter Follow Marten de Roon ✔ @Dirono That moment you know you scored the equalizer against @ManCity in extra time. Can't even recognize myself😂💪🏻 #UTB #PL #MCIMID 1:24 AM - 6 Nov 2016
2,065 2,065 Retweets 3,715 3,715 likes “It is crazy,” the Dutchman said. “The first half we hardly touched the ball, but we were better second half and showed some good things.
“We had some small chances and then at the end – I don’t know what I was thinking – I just ran into the box. It was incredible. “We fought hard and it is an amazing point.”
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A new look for 2016, this is the Emily Pickering Blue jersey will be wearing as they compete for the trophy this summer. Denise Bender, Allie Long, Danielle Colaprico, Ashley Sanchez and Christine Nairn. becky sauerbrunn soccer Zidane: Criticism does not bother me Coutinho not getting carried away with Liverpool form Napoli held by Lazio as Keita cancels out Hamsik opener
Boro were on the back foot throughout at the Etihad Stadium as Pep Guardiola’s side backed up their counter-attacking masterclass against Barcelona with a more typical display of dominant possession.
However, Guardiola’s former Barca number one Victor Valdes turned in a herculean display in the Boro goal before De Roon stormed onto George Friend’s cross to thump a header past Claudio Bravo in stoppage time. View image on Twitter
View image on Twitter Follow Marten de Roon ✔ @Dirono That moment you know you scored the equalizer against @ManCity in extra time. Can't even recognize myself😂💪🏻 #UTB #PL #MCIMID 1:24 AM - 6 Nov 2016
2,065 2,065 Retweets 3,715 3,715 likes “It is crazy,” the Dutchman said. “The first half we hardly touched the ball, but we were better second half and showed some good things.
“We had some small chances and then at the end – I don’t know what I was thinking – I just ran into the box. It was incredible. “We fought hard and it is an amazing point.”
Sat 5 Nov, 2016RSS Feed LAST 5 POSTS BY SOCCERNEWS Wenger: Arsenal will always be bigger than Tottenham Nainggolan back to his usual warrior self – Spalletti
A new look for 2016, this is the Emily Pickering Blue jersey will be wearing as they compete for the trophy this summer. Denise Bender, Allie Long, Danielle Colaprico, Ashley Sanchez and Christine Nairn. becky sauerbrunn soccer Zidane: Criticism does not bother me Coutinho not getting carried away with Liverpool form Napoli held by Lazio as Keita cancels out Hamsik opener
Friday, November 4, 2016
S.Africa goal drought continues against Jamaica
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Goal-shy 2010 World Cup hosts South Africa flopped again on Tuesday when held 0-0 by Jamaica in a lacklustre friendly.
Bafana Bafana (The Boys) have not scored for 385 minutes and the first African nation chosen to stage the international football showpiece ended a 17-match schedule this year with just nine goals and four victories.
The closest a match watched by President Jacob Zuma came to producing a goal was midway through the first half when New York-based Jamaican midfielder Dane Richards had a shot cleared off the line. Richards burst through the middle, evading three tackles, and slipped the ball past goalkeeper Rowan Fernandez only for captain Aaron Mokoena to rescue his team.
Jamaican goalkeeper Dwayne Miller foiled the best South African chance on 10 minutes, using his right foot to block a close-range shot from Katlego Mphela after Benni McCarthy created a rare opening. Recalled for the goalless draw with Japan in Port Elizabeth last Saturday, out-of-favour Blackburn striker McCarthy had another frustrating outing as he sought to add to a record 31 goals for the national team.
Carlos Alberto Parreira, the 1994 Brazil World Cup-winning coach who began a second spell in charge of South Africa last weekend, criticised Jamaica for ‘killing’ the second half at a half-full Free State Stadium. “It was a real game only in the first half. The Jamaicans kept falling down after half-time and there were so many stoppages the rhythm of the match was destroyed.
“We should have beaten Japan and Jamaica so there is a lot of hard work ahead and I am not helped by the fact that Bafana do not play again this year,” said Parreira.
Jamaica coach Theodore Whitmore countered: “Congratulations to South Africa on a good performance. We allowed them too much space in the first half but were well organised after half-time.
“I am on a rebuilding mission after Jamaica failed to qualify for the World Cup and there were a lot of very young footballers out there tonight who impressed me.”
A new look for 2016, this is the Tori Huster White jersey will be wearing as they compete for the trophy this summer. Adrianna Franch, Shannon MacMillan, Joy Fawcett, Kate Markgraf and Julie Foudy. kelley o'hara jersey replica The ‘Reggae Boyz’, who did not call up English Premiership duo Ricardo Gardner of Bolton and Ricardo Fuller of Stoke, completed the year with four wins, four draws, two losses and a 7-6 goal tally.
Bafana Bafana (The Boys) have not scored for 385 minutes and the first African nation chosen to stage the international football showpiece ended a 17-match schedule this year with just nine goals and four victories.
The closest a match watched by President Jacob Zuma came to producing a goal was midway through the first half when New York-based Jamaican midfielder Dane Richards had a shot cleared off the line. Richards burst through the middle, evading three tackles, and slipped the ball past goalkeeper Rowan Fernandez only for captain Aaron Mokoena to rescue his team.
Jamaican goalkeeper Dwayne Miller foiled the best South African chance on 10 minutes, using his right foot to block a close-range shot from Katlego Mphela after Benni McCarthy created a rare opening. Recalled for the goalless draw with Japan in Port Elizabeth last Saturday, out-of-favour Blackburn striker McCarthy had another frustrating outing as he sought to add to a record 31 goals for the national team.
Carlos Alberto Parreira, the 1994 Brazil World Cup-winning coach who began a second spell in charge of South Africa last weekend, criticised Jamaica for ‘killing’ the second half at a half-full Free State Stadium. “It was a real game only in the first half. The Jamaicans kept falling down after half-time and there were so many stoppages the rhythm of the match was destroyed.
“We should have beaten Japan and Jamaica so there is a lot of hard work ahead and I am not helped by the fact that Bafana do not play again this year,” said Parreira.
Jamaica coach Theodore Whitmore countered: “Congratulations to South Africa on a good performance. We allowed them too much space in the first half but were well organised after half-time.
“I am on a rebuilding mission after Jamaica failed to qualify for the World Cup and there were a lot of very young footballers out there tonight who impressed me.”
A new look for 2016, this is the Tori Huster White jersey will be wearing as they compete for the trophy this summer. Adrianna Franch, Shannon MacMillan, Joy Fawcett, Kate Markgraf and Julie Foudy. kelley o'hara jersey replica The ‘Reggae Boyz’, who did not call up English Premiership duo Ricardo Gardner of Bolton and Ricardo Fuller of Stoke, completed the year with four wins, four draws, two losses and a 7-6 goal tally.
Confident Irish ready to fight for World Cup place
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Irish eyes should be smiling ahead of the Republic’s World Cup playoff clash against France here on Wednesday despite the visitors trailing by a goal, according to team manager Giovanni Trapattoni.
“I’m confident, because in football every match is different. From the opponents to the circumstances, nothing’s ever the same,” Trapattoni told reporters here on Tuesday.
A new look for 2016, this is the Adrianna Franch White jersey will be wearing as they compete for the trophy this summer. Shannon MacMillan, Kate Markgraf, Cindy Parlow, Julie Foudy and Joy Fawcett. becky sauerbrunn jersey replica
“I’ve told all my players to be confident. We can believe in ourselves.” Statistics are firmly against the men from the Emerald Isle, who haven’t beaten France away since 1931 and, notably, haven’t beaten a top ranked team in official competition since a win over Turkey in qualifiers for Euro 1992.
But with a place in the World Cup at stake, it’s no surprise the Republic – aiming to qualify for the first time since 2002 when they made it to the second round – want to believe in a dream finale to their campaign.
While France coach Raymond Domenech says his charges are “impatient” to show their superiority, the Irish know they have everything to win. “The pressure’s on the French,” said the Republic’s captain Robbie Keane. “They’re playing at home and the home fans will be expecting them to play well.
“We’ve got nothing to lose, and everything to win,” added the Spurs marksman, one of the few survivors from the 2002 vintage. Trapattoni hopes to send out the same team that lost 1-0 at Croke Park in Dublin on Saturday, when a deflected shot from France striker Nicolas Anelka gave ‘Les Bleus’ a first leg advantage.
“Prior to yesterday (the final training session) I wanted to make some changes,” added the Italian. “But I want all the same players to be given their chance again. They’ve all recovered and I’m sure they’ll be ready to go another 90 minutes.”
An Irish goal at the Stade de France would change the landscape dramatically for Trapattoni’s men and add impetus to their bid for a place at the World Cup finals in South Africa next summer.
It needs not be said that a France goal would put Raymond Domenech’s France side firmly in the driving seat, and make qualifying even more of a formality.
France and Barcelona striker Thierry Henry warned they would not be sitting back and waiting for the Irish to attack. “We’ve won over there but we still have a battle on our hands. And it won’t be easy because they’re a tenacious side,” he said.
“But when we start playing, it will be to win. We won’t be sitting back relying on the goal we have from the first leg.”
Despite that pledge many France players, including Henry, will be aware that the Stade de France, and its fans, have been fickle partners in the past.
Scotland striker James McFadden hushed the Stade scoring one of the goals of his career in a 1-0 win over France in September 2007. And, it is only since a 1-1 draw with Romania earlier this year that France has lifted its game in the stadium.
Also looming is the dark memory, still talked about by many French football fans, of Les Bleus’ failure to qualify for the 1994 World Cup after being eliminated by Bulgaria.
Needing only a draw from their final two qualifiers, Israel beat Gerard Houllier’s France 3-2 at home despite France leading 2-1 seven minutes from the end.
Bulgaria then pounced on a fluffed cross from second half substitute David Ginola to go up the field and score their second goal to hand them a 2-1 win thus eliminating France.
That exit came 16 years ago, almost to the day, on November 17. But Domenech insists it is not on his mind: “The past is the past.” But in the back of his mind Domenech, whose wacky ways with the media has led to him having a love-hate relationship with the French public, must be praying his team of mostly world class players come good on the night.
A new look for 2016, this is the Shannon MacMillan White jersey will be wearing as they compete for the trophy this summer. Kate Markgraf, Julie Foudy, Carla Overbeck, Joy Fawcett and Cindy Parlow. whitney engen jersey replica Prompted that it could be his last match in charge, the Frenchman was his typical evasive self saying: “I’m not wavering from what my job is, which is to prepare the players for the match – not for before the match or after the match.”
“I’m confident, because in football every match is different. From the opponents to the circumstances, nothing’s ever the same,” Trapattoni told reporters here on Tuesday.
A new look for 2016, this is the Adrianna Franch White jersey will be wearing as they compete for the trophy this summer. Shannon MacMillan, Kate Markgraf, Cindy Parlow, Julie Foudy and Joy Fawcett. becky sauerbrunn jersey replica
“I’ve told all my players to be confident. We can believe in ourselves.” Statistics are firmly against the men from the Emerald Isle, who haven’t beaten France away since 1931 and, notably, haven’t beaten a top ranked team in official competition since a win over Turkey in qualifiers for Euro 1992.
But with a place in the World Cup at stake, it’s no surprise the Republic – aiming to qualify for the first time since 2002 when they made it to the second round – want to believe in a dream finale to their campaign.
While France coach Raymond Domenech says his charges are “impatient” to show their superiority, the Irish know they have everything to win. “The pressure’s on the French,” said the Republic’s captain Robbie Keane. “They’re playing at home and the home fans will be expecting them to play well.
“We’ve got nothing to lose, and everything to win,” added the Spurs marksman, one of the few survivors from the 2002 vintage. Trapattoni hopes to send out the same team that lost 1-0 at Croke Park in Dublin on Saturday, when a deflected shot from France striker Nicolas Anelka gave ‘Les Bleus’ a first leg advantage.
“Prior to yesterday (the final training session) I wanted to make some changes,” added the Italian. “But I want all the same players to be given their chance again. They’ve all recovered and I’m sure they’ll be ready to go another 90 minutes.”
An Irish goal at the Stade de France would change the landscape dramatically for Trapattoni’s men and add impetus to their bid for a place at the World Cup finals in South Africa next summer.
It needs not be said that a France goal would put Raymond Domenech’s France side firmly in the driving seat, and make qualifying even more of a formality.
France and Barcelona striker Thierry Henry warned they would not be sitting back and waiting for the Irish to attack. “We’ve won over there but we still have a battle on our hands. And it won’t be easy because they’re a tenacious side,” he said.
“But when we start playing, it will be to win. We won’t be sitting back relying on the goal we have from the first leg.”
Despite that pledge many France players, including Henry, will be aware that the Stade de France, and its fans, have been fickle partners in the past.
Scotland striker James McFadden hushed the Stade scoring one of the goals of his career in a 1-0 win over France in September 2007. And, it is only since a 1-1 draw with Romania earlier this year that France has lifted its game in the stadium.
Also looming is the dark memory, still talked about by many French football fans, of Les Bleus’ failure to qualify for the 1994 World Cup after being eliminated by Bulgaria.
Needing only a draw from their final two qualifiers, Israel beat Gerard Houllier’s France 3-2 at home despite France leading 2-1 seven minutes from the end.
Bulgaria then pounced on a fluffed cross from second half substitute David Ginola to go up the field and score their second goal to hand them a 2-1 win thus eliminating France.
That exit came 16 years ago, almost to the day, on November 17. But Domenech insists it is not on his mind: “The past is the past.” But in the back of his mind Domenech, whose wacky ways with the media has led to him having a love-hate relationship with the French public, must be praying his team of mostly world class players come good on the night.
A new look for 2016, this is the Shannon MacMillan White jersey will be wearing as they compete for the trophy this summer. Kate Markgraf, Julie Foudy, Carla Overbeck, Joy Fawcett and Cindy Parlow. whitney engen jersey replica Prompted that it could be his last match in charge, the Frenchman was his typical evasive self saying: “I’m not wavering from what my job is, which is to prepare the players for the match – not for before the match or after the match.”
Guinea team dissolved after World Cup flop
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The Guinea football team was dissolved on Tuesday by the Minister of Sports after failing to qualify for either the 2010 World Cup finals nor the African Nations Cup.
According to a reliable source contacted by AFP in Dakar the minister Fodeba Isto Keira announced “The Guinea national side has been dissolved for insufficient results and ill-discipline.”
The decision by Keira, who has been in the post since July, comes two days after Guinea – who reached the quarter-finals of the last three African Nations Cup finals – lost 3-0 to the Ivory Coast leaving them bottom of their group with just three points.
Keira also announced that coaches Mamadi Souare, Fode Laye Camara and Mandjou Diallo had also been sacked after just four months in the posts when they replaced veteran French handler Robert Nouzzaret, who had been sacked by the president of the ruling junta of the country, Captaine Moussa Dadis Camara. Tue 17 Nov, 2009RSS Feed
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A new look for 2016, this is the Kate Markgraf White jersey will be wearing as they compete for the trophy this summer. Julie Foudy, Joy Fawcett, Carin Jennings-Gabarra, Cindy Parlow and Carla Overbeck. crystal dunn jersey replica Conte: Hazard becoming one of world´s best again Klopp hints at January signings by Taboola Sponsored Links From the Web
According to a reliable source contacted by AFP in Dakar the minister Fodeba Isto Keira announced “The Guinea national side has been dissolved for insufficient results and ill-discipline.”
The decision by Keira, who has been in the post since July, comes two days after Guinea – who reached the quarter-finals of the last three African Nations Cup finals – lost 3-0 to the Ivory Coast leaving them bottom of their group with just three points.
Keira also announced that coaches Mamadi Souare, Fode Laye Camara and Mandjou Diallo had also been sacked after just four months in the posts when they replaced veteran French handler Robert Nouzzaret, who had been sacked by the president of the ruling junta of the country, Captaine Moussa Dadis Camara. Tue 17 Nov, 2009RSS Feed
LAST 5 POSTS BY SOCCERNEWS Otamendi eager for City to maintain form United squad behind Mourinho – Fellaini Koeman expects continued Lukaku interest
A new look for 2016, this is the Kate Markgraf White jersey will be wearing as they compete for the trophy this summer. Julie Foudy, Joy Fawcett, Carin Jennings-Gabarra, Cindy Parlow and Carla Overbeck. crystal dunn jersey replica Conte: Hazard becoming one of world´s best again Klopp hints at January signings by Taboola Sponsored Links From the Web
Tensions mount before Algeria-Egypt play-off
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Thousands of Algerian and Egyptian fans flocked into Khartoum on Tuesday for a make-or-break World Cup qualification play-off, with Sudanese police out in force to segregate the rival supporters.
The authorities have put the security forces on high alert to prevent any repetition of the violence that has dogged the battle between the North African rivals for Africa’s last place in next year’s finals in South Africa. Planeloads of Algerian fans turned the arrivals lounge at Khartoum airport into a sea of green and white as they flew in ahead of Wednesday’s game.
A new look for 2016, this is the Julie Foudy White jersey will be wearing as they compete for the trophy this summer. Joy Fawcett, Cindy Parlow, April Heinrichs, Carla Overbeck and Carin Jennings-Gabarra. ali krieger jersey replica “I am married with two children. I left my children, my wife, my home. I left everything and I came here,” said a fan named Adel, decked out in a conical hat, shirt and trousers in Algeria’s colours.
An Algerian journalist, Ifticen Ahmed, said there had been a mad rush at offices of the national flag-carrier Air Algerie to obtain seats on the special charter flights to Khartoum accompanied by free match tickets.
“There are fans who came with absolutely nothing,” he said. “They were in the street when they heard the news that there were flights. They headed to the airport to come to Sudan.” Egypt’s ruling National Democratic Party handed out 2,000 free match tickets to under-30s, accompanied by free transport and accommodation.
Khartoum state governor Abdelrahman al-Khidr said he was expecting 48 flights from Algeria and 18 from Egypt, with a further 2,000 fans from neighbouring Egypt travelling to the game by road. The Sudanese capital has not seen such a football pilgrimage since it hosted the African Nations Cup in 1970, and is unaccustomed to major international events.
Hotels in the Sudanese capital were already fully booked on Tuesday. The authorities have set up two separate camp sites for the rival fans several kilometres (miles) apart.
World football governing body FIFA arranged the play-off in neutral territory after Egypt’s 2-0 home win over Algeria on Saturday left the teams deadlocked at the top of their qualifying group. The Cairo game was preceded by violence, including stonethrowing by Egyptian supporters which injured three Algerian players as they were being bussed from the airport to the team hotel on Thursday, leading to the summoning of Egypt’s ambassador in Algiers.
Away fans were also hurt after Saturday’s match, prompting revenge attacks on Egyptian companies based in Algeria. Fifteen offices of a local subsidiary of Egyptian mobile provider Orascom were attacked and the Algiers offices of Egypt Air were ransacked twice, prompting Egypt to call in the Algerian ambassador.
Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Abul Gheit said that he told his Algerian counterpart Mourad Medelci that his government must confront “the groups of saboteurs,” official media reported.
A young Egyptian fan who gave his name as Mustafa said he was confident that the 15,000 Sudanese police who have been put on standby were sufficient to prevent any trouble in Khartoum.
“There are security forces everywhere.” he said. Algeria and Egypt have each been allocated 9,000 seats for the game in the Al-Merreikh stadium in Khartoum’s twin city of Omdurman. The normal capacity of 41,000 has been cut to 35,000 to allow for strict segregation of the fans.
The North African rivals have a history of bad blood, with riots breaking out after Egypt defeated Algeria in a 1989 match in Cairo.
Algeria player Lakhdar Belloumi was tried in absentia and sentenced to prison in Egypt for allegedly seriously injuring the Egyptian team doctor with a bottle after that game.
A new look for 2016, this is the Joy Fawcett White jersey will be wearing as they compete for the trophy this summer. Cindy Parlow, Carla Overbeck, Aly Wagner, Carin Jennings-Gabarra and April Heinrichs. morgan brian jersey replica Egypt last qualified for the World Cup in 1990, and Algeria in 1986.
The authorities have put the security forces on high alert to prevent any repetition of the violence that has dogged the battle between the North African rivals for Africa’s last place in next year’s finals in South Africa. Planeloads of Algerian fans turned the arrivals lounge at Khartoum airport into a sea of green and white as they flew in ahead of Wednesday’s game.
A new look for 2016, this is the Julie Foudy White jersey will be wearing as they compete for the trophy this summer. Joy Fawcett, Cindy Parlow, April Heinrichs, Carla Overbeck and Carin Jennings-Gabarra. ali krieger jersey replica “I am married with two children. I left my children, my wife, my home. I left everything and I came here,” said a fan named Adel, decked out in a conical hat, shirt and trousers in Algeria’s colours.
An Algerian journalist, Ifticen Ahmed, said there had been a mad rush at offices of the national flag-carrier Air Algerie to obtain seats on the special charter flights to Khartoum accompanied by free match tickets.
“There are fans who came with absolutely nothing,” he said. “They were in the street when they heard the news that there were flights. They headed to the airport to come to Sudan.” Egypt’s ruling National Democratic Party handed out 2,000 free match tickets to under-30s, accompanied by free transport and accommodation.
Khartoum state governor Abdelrahman al-Khidr said he was expecting 48 flights from Algeria and 18 from Egypt, with a further 2,000 fans from neighbouring Egypt travelling to the game by road. The Sudanese capital has not seen such a football pilgrimage since it hosted the African Nations Cup in 1970, and is unaccustomed to major international events.
Hotels in the Sudanese capital were already fully booked on Tuesday. The authorities have set up two separate camp sites for the rival fans several kilometres (miles) apart.
World football governing body FIFA arranged the play-off in neutral territory after Egypt’s 2-0 home win over Algeria on Saturday left the teams deadlocked at the top of their qualifying group. The Cairo game was preceded by violence, including stonethrowing by Egyptian supporters which injured three Algerian players as they were being bussed from the airport to the team hotel on Thursday, leading to the summoning of Egypt’s ambassador in Algiers.
Away fans were also hurt after Saturday’s match, prompting revenge attacks on Egyptian companies based in Algeria. Fifteen offices of a local subsidiary of Egyptian mobile provider Orascom were attacked and the Algiers offices of Egypt Air were ransacked twice, prompting Egypt to call in the Algerian ambassador.
Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Abul Gheit said that he told his Algerian counterpart Mourad Medelci that his government must confront “the groups of saboteurs,” official media reported.
A young Egyptian fan who gave his name as Mustafa said he was confident that the 15,000 Sudanese police who have been put on standby were sufficient to prevent any trouble in Khartoum.
“There are security forces everywhere.” he said. Algeria and Egypt have each been allocated 9,000 seats for the game in the Al-Merreikh stadium in Khartoum’s twin city of Omdurman. The normal capacity of 41,000 has been cut to 35,000 to allow for strict segregation of the fans.
The North African rivals have a history of bad blood, with riots breaking out after Egypt defeated Algeria in a 1989 match in Cairo.
Algeria player Lakhdar Belloumi was tried in absentia and sentenced to prison in Egypt for allegedly seriously injuring the Egyptian team doctor with a bottle after that game.
A new look for 2016, this is the Joy Fawcett White jersey will be wearing as they compete for the trophy this summer. Cindy Parlow, Carla Overbeck, Aly Wagner, Carin Jennings-Gabarra and April Heinrichs. morgan brian jersey replica Egypt last qualified for the World Cup in 1990, and Algeria in 1986.
Tensions mount before Algeria-Egypt WC qualifier
Thousands of Algerian and Egyptian fans descended Tuesday into Khartoum for a decisive World Cup qualifier between the two Arab rivals as Sudanese police went on high alert after weekend unrest.
Arriving en masse at Khartoum airport, the Algerian football supporters turned the arrivals lounge into a sea of green and white. “I am married with two children. I left my children, my wife, my home. I left everything and I came here,” said a fan named Adel, decked out in a conical hat, pants and shirt in Algeria’s colours.
A journalist who also made the trip by plane from Algiers, Ifticen Ahmed, said there was a mad rush to get flights and tickets for the match. “There are fans who came with absolutely nothing,” he said. “They were in the street when they heard the news that there were flights. They headed to the airport to come to Sudan.”
A new look for 2016, this is the Cindy Parlow White jersey will be wearing as they compete for the trophy this summer. Carla Overbeck, Carin Jennings-Gabarra, Mia Hamm, April Heinrichs and Aly Wagner. 2016-2017 heather o'reilly jersey Algerian authorities have mobilised planes and offered discounted tickets for “Desert Fox” fans to come and watch Wednesday’s match against the “Pharaohs” in Omdurman, the twin city of Khartoum on the Nile.
“We expect 48 aircraft from Algeria and 18 from Egypt,” said Khartoum state governor Abdelrahman al-Khidr, noting about 2,000 Egyptians were also expected to take buses, while thousands already lived and worked in Khartoum. Khartoum has not seen a such football pilgrimage since hosting the African Nations Cup in 1970, and is unaccustomed to major international events.
Hotels in the Sudanese capital were fully booked on Tuesday, forcing local authorities to set up two separate sites for each camp of supporters, several kilometres (miles) apart. Authorities are trying to separate the fans to avoid violence that has erupted over the race between the bitter North African rivals for a place at World Cup 2010, as witnessed in Algeria, Egypt and France in recent days.
World football governing body FIFA hastily arranged the play-off in neutral territory after Egypt’s 2-0 home win over Algeria on Saturday left the teams deadlocked at the top of their World Cup qualifying group.
But the match was preceded by violence, including a stonethrowing attack by Egyptian supporters on the Algerian team bus when it arrived in Cairo on Thursday, injuring several players and staff.
That prompted Algeria’s foreign ministry to summon the Egyptian ambassador in Algiers in order to express “deep concern.” Away fans were also hurt after Saturday’s match, leading to revenge attacks by Algerians on Egyptian companies based in Algiers on Monday.
“They beat our wives and our guys in Egypt… we are standing ready to kick their behinds if they do something to us,” said Shakib, an Algerian supporter who came from Abu Dhabi. “We don’t want to fight, we want a clean game, but if they come after us we will defend the flag.”
Around 15,000 police are on standby in case things boil over before, during and after the game, said Khartoum state governor Abderrahman al-Khidr. Omdurman’s Al-Merreikh stadium seats 41,000, but the authorities have limited the number of tickets for the match to 35,000 spectators for safety reasons.
About 9,000 seats have been reserved for the rival fans at opposite ends of the stadium. “The game has become so enormous… Honestly, it will degenerate if they (the supporters of both teams) meet in the stadium or on the street,” the journalist Ahmed warned.
The North African rivals have a history of bad blood, with riots breaking out after Egypt defeated Algeria in a 1989 match in Cairo.
Algeria player Lakhdar Belloumi was tried in absentia and sentenced to prison in Egypt for allegedly seriously injuring the Egyptian team doctor with a bottle after that game.
A new look for 2016, this is the Carla Overbeck White jersey will be wearing as they compete for the trophy this summer. Carin Jennings-Gabarra, April Heinrichs, Kristine Lilly, Aly Wagner and Mia Hamm. 2016-2017 hope solo jersey Egypt last qualified for the World Cup in 1990, and Algeria in 1986.
Arriving en masse at Khartoum airport, the Algerian football supporters turned the arrivals lounge into a sea of green and white. “I am married with two children. I left my children, my wife, my home. I left everything and I came here,” said a fan named Adel, decked out in a conical hat, pants and shirt in Algeria’s colours.
A journalist who also made the trip by plane from Algiers, Ifticen Ahmed, said there was a mad rush to get flights and tickets for the match. “There are fans who came with absolutely nothing,” he said. “They were in the street when they heard the news that there were flights. They headed to the airport to come to Sudan.”
A new look for 2016, this is the Cindy Parlow White jersey will be wearing as they compete for the trophy this summer. Carla Overbeck, Carin Jennings-Gabarra, Mia Hamm, April Heinrichs and Aly Wagner. 2016-2017 heather o'reilly jersey Algerian authorities have mobilised planes and offered discounted tickets for “Desert Fox” fans to come and watch Wednesday’s match against the “Pharaohs” in Omdurman, the twin city of Khartoum on the Nile.
“We expect 48 aircraft from Algeria and 18 from Egypt,” said Khartoum state governor Abdelrahman al-Khidr, noting about 2,000 Egyptians were also expected to take buses, while thousands already lived and worked in Khartoum. Khartoum has not seen a such football pilgrimage since hosting the African Nations Cup in 1970, and is unaccustomed to major international events.
Hotels in the Sudanese capital were fully booked on Tuesday, forcing local authorities to set up two separate sites for each camp of supporters, several kilometres (miles) apart. Authorities are trying to separate the fans to avoid violence that has erupted over the race between the bitter North African rivals for a place at World Cup 2010, as witnessed in Algeria, Egypt and France in recent days.
World football governing body FIFA hastily arranged the play-off in neutral territory after Egypt’s 2-0 home win over Algeria on Saturday left the teams deadlocked at the top of their World Cup qualifying group.
But the match was preceded by violence, including a stonethrowing attack by Egyptian supporters on the Algerian team bus when it arrived in Cairo on Thursday, injuring several players and staff.
That prompted Algeria’s foreign ministry to summon the Egyptian ambassador in Algiers in order to express “deep concern.” Away fans were also hurt after Saturday’s match, leading to revenge attacks by Algerians on Egyptian companies based in Algiers on Monday.
“They beat our wives and our guys in Egypt… we are standing ready to kick their behinds if they do something to us,” said Shakib, an Algerian supporter who came from Abu Dhabi. “We don’t want to fight, we want a clean game, but if they come after us we will defend the flag.”
Around 15,000 police are on standby in case things boil over before, during and after the game, said Khartoum state governor Abderrahman al-Khidr. Omdurman’s Al-Merreikh stadium seats 41,000, but the authorities have limited the number of tickets for the match to 35,000 spectators for safety reasons.
About 9,000 seats have been reserved for the rival fans at opposite ends of the stadium. “The game has become so enormous… Honestly, it will degenerate if they (the supporters of both teams) meet in the stadium or on the street,” the journalist Ahmed warned.
The North African rivals have a history of bad blood, with riots breaking out after Egypt defeated Algeria in a 1989 match in Cairo.
Algeria player Lakhdar Belloumi was tried in absentia and sentenced to prison in Egypt for allegedly seriously injuring the Egyptian team doctor with a bottle after that game.
A new look for 2016, this is the Carla Overbeck White jersey will be wearing as they compete for the trophy this summer. Carin Jennings-Gabarra, April Heinrichs, Kristine Lilly, Aly Wagner and Mia Hamm. 2016-2017 hope solo jersey Egypt last qualified for the World Cup in 1990, and Algeria in 1986.
European giants face nervy World Cup trials
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Three years ago France beat Portugal in the World Cup semi-final – on Wednesday both could fail to even reach the 2010 finals as they take narrow leads into their play-off second leg clashes.
France, champions in 1998, hold a 1-0 lead over the Republic of Ireland while Portugal hold the same advantage over Bosnia Hercegovina though the French unlike the Portuguese have the added advantage of it being an away goal.
The other two play-offs see Euro 2008 semi-finalists Russia also looking a bit shaky as they take a 2-1 lead to Slovenia while Ukraine – who made the 2006 finals – have everything to play for when they host Euro 2004 champions Greece in Donetsk as they are tied at 0-0. Related article: No room for panic, says Russia’s Hiddink
The French-Irish clash looks likely to be a high octane affair after the angry exchanges between rival players at the end of the match in Dublin on Saturday provoked by derogatory remarks by Real Madrid midfielder Lassana Diarra. Related article: France eye World Cup slot “They were disrespectful and anti-Irish,” commented Irish midfielder Keith Andrews.
A new look for 2016, this is the Carin Jennings-Gabarra White jersey will be wearing as they compete for the trophy this summer. April Heinrichs, Aly Wagner, Tiffeny Milbrett, Mia Hamm and Kristine Lilly. 2016-2017 mallory pugh jersey “Everyone knows what he (Diarra) said but we don’t need those to get ourselves motivated for the match.”
The Irish, though, face a mountain of a task to overcome the deficit as they have not beaten a top-ranked side away from home since beating Turkey 3-1 in the Euro ’92 qualifiers – which they didn’t reach and to be fair the Turks really became a top side from 2000 onwards.
However, their veteran Italian coach Giovanni Trapattoni used another statistic to add evidence to his belief that the men in green can turn it around.
“I have reminded my players that we scored in every one of our away matches in the qualifiers save against Montenegro (including world champions Italy) – a group that was of a better quality than that of France,” said the former Italy national coach. Related article: Italians playing for World Cup places
“Winning 1-0 may be enough as then it goes to extra-time and then penalties,” he added. His France counterpart Raymond Domenech was frank about where he saw the situation lying.
“We have to play, because for me the match begins at 0-0,” said the sphinx-like coach, who guided France to the 2006 final but has rarely won over either the fans or the press.
“Our strong point is our ability to score goals. There is no point thinking they are coming here to pose us problems. We have to take the match by the scruff of the neck. Playing to win is the best fashion of doing it.”
Bosnia and Portugal’s match should be an interesting encounter given that Bosnian coach Miroslav Blazevic ever the eccentric handler – though it worked wonders with Croatia in the 1998 finals when he took them to the semi-finals where they led France before losing 2-1 – has promised some savage entertainment.
“In the next few days I will have to create such an atmosphere among the players so they attack the Portuguese like hungry wolves,” said the 74-year-old in an interview with the Dnevni Avaz daily. Related article: Bosnia coach says squad will be ‘hungry wolves’
The Bosnians can take great heart that not only will there be no Cristiano Ronaldo as in the first leg but that they hit the woodwork three times in the first leg.
With this in mind the Portuguese are convinced they should go all out in attack to get what could be a crucial away goal. Related article: Shevchenko warns Ukraine of tough battle
“When it is necessary to defend, we have to do it well, but we will attack when the possibility arises,” said Chelsea’s veteran defender Ricardo Carvalho, who was a member of the side that reached the 2006 World Cup semi-finals.
“We are not going to play defensively, because if we score, that will complicate things for them.” Coach Guus Hiddink is optimistic Russia will make it to the 2010 World Cup despite play-off rivals Slovenia grabbing an away goal.
Ahead of Wednesday’s second leg in Maribor Hiddink said there was no cause for panic. “Of course, I was dissappointed with the result,” the Dutchman said.
“We were leading 2-0 and had plenty of chances to increase our advantage. “But I thing there’s no need to go from one extreme to another. We did not lose the first match we won it! And there’s no room for panic.”
Ukraine star Andrei Shevchenko has warned his teammates to be prepared for a tough battle against Greece. “We and Greece have a 50-50 chance to reach next year’s finals,” Shevchenko said.
A new look for 2016, this is the April Heinrichs White jersey will be wearing as they compete for the trophy this summer. Aly Wagner, Mia Hamm, Michelle Akers, Kristine Lilly and Tiffeny Milbrett. 2016-2017 christen press jersey “In Athens we played very good in defence and, I believe, we could repeat such a performance in Donetsk.”
France, champions in 1998, hold a 1-0 lead over the Republic of Ireland while Portugal hold the same advantage over Bosnia Hercegovina though the French unlike the Portuguese have the added advantage of it being an away goal.
The other two play-offs see Euro 2008 semi-finalists Russia also looking a bit shaky as they take a 2-1 lead to Slovenia while Ukraine – who made the 2006 finals – have everything to play for when they host Euro 2004 champions Greece in Donetsk as they are tied at 0-0. Related article: No room for panic, says Russia’s Hiddink
The French-Irish clash looks likely to be a high octane affair after the angry exchanges between rival players at the end of the match in Dublin on Saturday provoked by derogatory remarks by Real Madrid midfielder Lassana Diarra. Related article: France eye World Cup slot “They were disrespectful and anti-Irish,” commented Irish midfielder Keith Andrews.
A new look for 2016, this is the Carin Jennings-Gabarra White jersey will be wearing as they compete for the trophy this summer. April Heinrichs, Aly Wagner, Tiffeny Milbrett, Mia Hamm and Kristine Lilly. 2016-2017 mallory pugh jersey “Everyone knows what he (Diarra) said but we don’t need those to get ourselves motivated for the match.”
The Irish, though, face a mountain of a task to overcome the deficit as they have not beaten a top-ranked side away from home since beating Turkey 3-1 in the Euro ’92 qualifiers – which they didn’t reach and to be fair the Turks really became a top side from 2000 onwards.
However, their veteran Italian coach Giovanni Trapattoni used another statistic to add evidence to his belief that the men in green can turn it around.
“I have reminded my players that we scored in every one of our away matches in the qualifiers save against Montenegro (including world champions Italy) – a group that was of a better quality than that of France,” said the former Italy national coach. Related article: Italians playing for World Cup places
“Winning 1-0 may be enough as then it goes to extra-time and then penalties,” he added. His France counterpart Raymond Domenech was frank about where he saw the situation lying.
“We have to play, because for me the match begins at 0-0,” said the sphinx-like coach, who guided France to the 2006 final but has rarely won over either the fans or the press.
“Our strong point is our ability to score goals. There is no point thinking they are coming here to pose us problems. We have to take the match by the scruff of the neck. Playing to win is the best fashion of doing it.”
Bosnia and Portugal’s match should be an interesting encounter given that Bosnian coach Miroslav Blazevic ever the eccentric handler – though it worked wonders with Croatia in the 1998 finals when he took them to the semi-finals where they led France before losing 2-1 – has promised some savage entertainment.
“In the next few days I will have to create such an atmosphere among the players so they attack the Portuguese like hungry wolves,” said the 74-year-old in an interview with the Dnevni Avaz daily. Related article: Bosnia coach says squad will be ‘hungry wolves’
The Bosnians can take great heart that not only will there be no Cristiano Ronaldo as in the first leg but that they hit the woodwork three times in the first leg.
With this in mind the Portuguese are convinced they should go all out in attack to get what could be a crucial away goal. Related article: Shevchenko warns Ukraine of tough battle
“When it is necessary to defend, we have to do it well, but we will attack when the possibility arises,” said Chelsea’s veteran defender Ricardo Carvalho, who was a member of the side that reached the 2006 World Cup semi-finals.
“We are not going to play defensively, because if we score, that will complicate things for them.” Coach Guus Hiddink is optimistic Russia will make it to the 2010 World Cup despite play-off rivals Slovenia grabbing an away goal.
Ahead of Wednesday’s second leg in Maribor Hiddink said there was no cause for panic. “Of course, I was dissappointed with the result,” the Dutchman said.
“We were leading 2-0 and had plenty of chances to increase our advantage. “But I thing there’s no need to go from one extreme to another. We did not lose the first match we won it! And there’s no room for panic.”
Ukraine star Andrei Shevchenko has warned his teammates to be prepared for a tough battle against Greece. “We and Greece have a 50-50 chance to reach next year’s finals,” Shevchenko said.
A new look for 2016, this is the April Heinrichs White jersey will be wearing as they compete for the trophy this summer. Aly Wagner, Mia Hamm, Michelle Akers, Kristine Lilly and Tiffeny Milbrett. 2016-2017 christen press jersey “In Athens we played very good in defence and, I believe, we could repeat such a performance in Donetsk.”
Trapattoni a cut above Domenech
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DomenechIreland were defeated in the first leg of their World Cup qualifier, unfortunately. However despite this defeat I still believe that their wily old fox of a coach Giovanni Trapattoni is still a top coach.
I think to go to France and win will be a step too far for the Emerald Isle but all is not lost. The team have come a far way under Trapattoni and his assistant manager Marco Tardelli, a World Cup winner himself.
Confidence The Republic went into the first leg unbeaten in qualifying and full of confidence and I really did fancy them to cause a shock and beat the French. This confidence was inspired by the way the Irish have performed in recent months. Being of Irish descent I really hope they cause a shock and win in France and go to the World Cup next year.
Trapattoni has inspired a great belief and confidence that has been missing for a long time from the Ireland setup. At 70 ‘Don Giovanni’ has been there and done that. He has experienced everything there is to experience in football and he has used all that experience to produce a strong Irish squad.
Good team The difference between France and Ireland is that Ireland are a team and France are a group of individuals. The French team may have more stars than the night sky but they should have easily qualify for the World Cup automatically. As a footballing country France are a European giant and should be doing better. However they suffered just one defeat in qualification but still didn’t qualify automatically for South Africa 2010. Domenech not liked
French coach Raymond Domenech is almost universally disliked in his homeland. He has received criticism because of his sides struggles in Euro 2008. Its almost the opposite of Trapattoni’s relationship with his teams fans. The Italian it seems is loved by the Irish fans, despite not even being Irish.
I feel sorry for Domenech because of the dislike of him from his own compatriots. Domenech is simply not good enough to be in charge of such big egos. He doesn’t seem to have a strong enough personality to deal with the big players or get the most out of them. His national press has described his style of management as naive at times and you can’t really argue with them considering the talent he has available to him.
If Trapattoni or Fabio Capello for example were in charge of France you can guarantee that they would already have qualified for next years World Cup. That’s the difference between Domenech and top coaches. They have the ability to inspire and motivate but Domenech seems to lack any sort of motivational skills.
France to progress Unfortunately for Ireland I think it will be France that makes it to next years World Cup. France will progress despite the presence of Domenech not because of it. The presence of the likes of Thierry Henry, Yoann Gourcuff and Nicolas Anelka will ensure that the home side will have a bit too much for the Irish.
A new look for 2016, this is the Aly Wagner White jersey will be wearing as they compete for the trophy this summer. Mia Hamm, Kristine Lilly, Mallory Pugh, Tiffeny Milbrett and Michelle Akers. 2016-2017 kelley o'hara jersey France have the potential to be a great team again. However it appears with Domenech in charge they must motivate themselves. They have found that hard in recent months but I have a feeling that after the criticism they have received throughout qualification they will need no extra motivation at the World Cup.
I think to go to France and win will be a step too far for the Emerald Isle but all is not lost. The team have come a far way under Trapattoni and his assistant manager Marco Tardelli, a World Cup winner himself.
Confidence The Republic went into the first leg unbeaten in qualifying and full of confidence and I really did fancy them to cause a shock and beat the French. This confidence was inspired by the way the Irish have performed in recent months. Being of Irish descent I really hope they cause a shock and win in France and go to the World Cup next year.
Trapattoni has inspired a great belief and confidence that has been missing for a long time from the Ireland setup. At 70 ‘Don Giovanni’ has been there and done that. He has experienced everything there is to experience in football and he has used all that experience to produce a strong Irish squad.
Good team The difference between France and Ireland is that Ireland are a team and France are a group of individuals. The French team may have more stars than the night sky but they should have easily qualify for the World Cup automatically. As a footballing country France are a European giant and should be doing better. However they suffered just one defeat in qualification but still didn’t qualify automatically for South Africa 2010. Domenech not liked
French coach Raymond Domenech is almost universally disliked in his homeland. He has received criticism because of his sides struggles in Euro 2008. Its almost the opposite of Trapattoni’s relationship with his teams fans. The Italian it seems is loved by the Irish fans, despite not even being Irish.
I feel sorry for Domenech because of the dislike of him from his own compatriots. Domenech is simply not good enough to be in charge of such big egos. He doesn’t seem to have a strong enough personality to deal with the big players or get the most out of them. His national press has described his style of management as naive at times and you can’t really argue with them considering the talent he has available to him.
If Trapattoni or Fabio Capello for example were in charge of France you can guarantee that they would already have qualified for next years World Cup. That’s the difference between Domenech and top coaches. They have the ability to inspire and motivate but Domenech seems to lack any sort of motivational skills.
France to progress Unfortunately for Ireland I think it will be France that makes it to next years World Cup. France will progress despite the presence of Domenech not because of it. The presence of the likes of Thierry Henry, Yoann Gourcuff and Nicolas Anelka will ensure that the home side will have a bit too much for the Irish.
A new look for 2016, this is the Aly Wagner White jersey will be wearing as they compete for the trophy this summer. Mia Hamm, Kristine Lilly, Mallory Pugh, Tiffeny Milbrett and Michelle Akers. 2016-2017 kelley o'hara jersey France have the potential to be a great team again. However it appears with Domenech in charge they must motivate themselves. They have found that hard in recent months but I have a feeling that after the criticism they have received throughout qualification they will need no extra motivation at the World Cup.
Scots sack Burley
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George Burley’s 22-month reign as Scotland manager came to an end Monday when the Scottish Football Association (SFA) terminated his contract with immediate effect.
Burley’s assistants, Terry Butcher and Paul Hegarty, were also released, 48 hours after Scotland succumbed to a 3-0 friendly defeat by Wales. The SFA had decided against dismissing Burley last month following a review of the national squad’s failure to reach the World Cup qualifying play-offs.
But Saturday’s humiliation in Cardiff proved to be the last straw for SFA chief executive Gordon Smith. “It is with regret that we announce George Burley?s departure,” Smith said. “We now have four months until our next scheduled match, against Czech Republic, and will therefore utilise the intervening period to ensure we attract the best possible replacement to take Scotland forward.” Smith said the decision had been taken unanimously by the SFA’s board.
“It should be stressed that the decision was not a direct consequence of Saturday?s unacceptable 3-0 defeat to Wales but, rather, a realisation that the expectations of the supporters, the Scottish FA and George, himself, were not being met.
“I should point out that the Scottish FA stands by its decision to give the national coach our full support despite failure to qualify for the World Cup play-offs. It would have been negligent not to have given George every opportunity to rebuild and revitalise the squad in light of the improved performances in the last two qualifiers against Macedonia and Holland.
“Unfortunately, the adverse results in the two subsequent friendly matches against Japan and Wales provided confirmation that the improvement could not be sustained.” Burley’s fate was effectively sealed when the ‘Tartan Army’ of travelling fans — who had largely remained loyal to the manager — reacted furiously to an abject display against the Welsh.
Burley succeeded Alex McLeish as manager of the national team in January 2008. Under his leadership, Scotland won three out of 14 matches and scored in only three of their last 12 matches.
His supporters will claim that the results simply reflect the limited quality of the players at his disposal. “You could have Arsene Wenger or Alex Ferguson managing that group of players, but the outcome wouldn’t be much different,” said Graeme Souness, who had indicated interest in the job when Burley got it but has ruled himself out the running to succeed him.
His critics however can argue that essentially the same group of players did significantly better under McLeish and his predecessor, Walter Smith, running France and Italy close in qualifying for Euro 2008.
The SFA could now attempt to persuade Rangers boss Smith — whose current contract at Ibrox expires in January — to return to the role. Dundee United’s Craig Levein is also seen as a potential candidate to take over from Burley before the start of Euro 2012 qualifiers in August or September.
Souness, the former Newcastle, Blackburn and Liverpool manager, said Monday he was not interested in managing his country.
A new look for 2016, this is the Mia Hamm White jersey will be wearing as they compete for the trophy this summer. Kristine Lilly, Tiffeny Milbrett, Lindsey Horan, Michelle Akers and Mallory Pugh. 2016-2017 becky sauerbrunn jersey “I wouldn’t want the job,” Souness said. “It’s not for me at this time, my life is going in a different direction.”
Burley’s assistants, Terry Butcher and Paul Hegarty, were also released, 48 hours after Scotland succumbed to a 3-0 friendly defeat by Wales. The SFA had decided against dismissing Burley last month following a review of the national squad’s failure to reach the World Cup qualifying play-offs.
But Saturday’s humiliation in Cardiff proved to be the last straw for SFA chief executive Gordon Smith. “It is with regret that we announce George Burley?s departure,” Smith said. “We now have four months until our next scheduled match, against Czech Republic, and will therefore utilise the intervening period to ensure we attract the best possible replacement to take Scotland forward.” Smith said the decision had been taken unanimously by the SFA’s board.
“It should be stressed that the decision was not a direct consequence of Saturday?s unacceptable 3-0 defeat to Wales but, rather, a realisation that the expectations of the supporters, the Scottish FA and George, himself, were not being met.
“I should point out that the Scottish FA stands by its decision to give the national coach our full support despite failure to qualify for the World Cup play-offs. It would have been negligent not to have given George every opportunity to rebuild and revitalise the squad in light of the improved performances in the last two qualifiers against Macedonia and Holland.
“Unfortunately, the adverse results in the two subsequent friendly matches against Japan and Wales provided confirmation that the improvement could not be sustained.” Burley’s fate was effectively sealed when the ‘Tartan Army’ of travelling fans — who had largely remained loyal to the manager — reacted furiously to an abject display against the Welsh.
Burley succeeded Alex McLeish as manager of the national team in January 2008. Under his leadership, Scotland won three out of 14 matches and scored in only three of their last 12 matches.
His supporters will claim that the results simply reflect the limited quality of the players at his disposal. “You could have Arsene Wenger or Alex Ferguson managing that group of players, but the outcome wouldn’t be much different,” said Graeme Souness, who had indicated interest in the job when Burley got it but has ruled himself out the running to succeed him.
His critics however can argue that essentially the same group of players did significantly better under McLeish and his predecessor, Walter Smith, running France and Italy close in qualifying for Euro 2008.
The SFA could now attempt to persuade Rangers boss Smith — whose current contract at Ibrox expires in January — to return to the role. Dundee United’s Craig Levein is also seen as a potential candidate to take over from Burley before the start of Euro 2012 qualifiers in August or September.
Souness, the former Newcastle, Blackburn and Liverpool manager, said Monday he was not interested in managing his country.
A new look for 2016, this is the Mia Hamm White jersey will be wearing as they compete for the trophy this summer. Kristine Lilly, Tiffeny Milbrett, Lindsey Horan, Michelle Akers and Mallory Pugh. 2016-2017 becky sauerbrunn jersey “I wouldn’t want the job,” Souness said. “It’s not for me at this time, my life is going in a different direction.”
S.Africa seek scoring-sickness cure against Jamaica
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World Cup hosts South Africa get another chance Tuesday against Jamaica in Bloemfontein to cure the scoring sickness that has infected the team.
A goalless draw with Japan two days ago in Port Elizabeth meant Bafana Bafana (The Boys) have scored just once in the last six internationals, and that came against African football flyweights Madagascar.
South African supporters had high hopes against Japan with 1994 Brazil World Cup-winning coach Carlos Alberto Parreira starting a second spell in charge of the first African country to host the tournament.
Controversial Blackburn striker Benni McCarthy was also back after a indiscipline-induced eight-month exile, but ‘rust’ accumulated from sitting on the bench in the English Premiership was all too apparent.
“It is not really my place to give a quality player such as Benni advice, but if I had to it would be to move to another club during the January transfer window,” said Parreira.
“Benni is part of my World Cup plans but needs to sharpen up and he knows that as well as I do. Playing regularly at club level will see him back to his best.” McCarthy, whose 31 international goals is a South African record, agrees and reports have linked the Cape Town-born striker with a switch to Premiership basement dwellers Portsmouth.
“Clubs in England and Europe have asked if I am available and I was flattered by the quality of them,” admitted McCarthy without disclosing details of his suitors. South Africa did not seriously trouble World Cup qualifiers Japan even once with the best effort a long-range Siphiwe Tshabalala drive that was parried to safety.
Parreira started with McCarthy and Katlego Mphela from Mamelodi Sundowns against Japan and there has been speculation that Belgium-based teenager Kermit Erasmus will get a run at some stage against the ‘Reggae Boyz’. Jamaica lie 16 places above South Africa on the FIFA rankings and coach Theodore Whitmore has opted to leave Premiership duo, captain Ricardo Gardner of Bolton and Ricardo Fuller of Stoke, in England.
The ‘Boyz’ have also been finding goals hard to come by with seven in nine outings this year and three of those were in a win over Panama, the only game the Jamaicans played in Kingston.
A new look for 2016, this is the Kristine Lilly White jersey will be wearing as they compete for the trophy this summer. Tiffeny Milbrett, Michelle Akers, Gina Lewandowski, Mallory Pugh and Lindsey Horan. 2016-2017 whitney engen jersey Defender Claude Davis (65 caps) and midfielder Jermaine Johnson (61) from English second-tier clubs Crystal Palace and Sheffield Wednesday respectively are the most experienced squad members.
A goalless draw with Japan two days ago in Port Elizabeth meant Bafana Bafana (The Boys) have scored just once in the last six internationals, and that came against African football flyweights Madagascar.
South African supporters had high hopes against Japan with 1994 Brazil World Cup-winning coach Carlos Alberto Parreira starting a second spell in charge of the first African country to host the tournament.
Controversial Blackburn striker Benni McCarthy was also back after a indiscipline-induced eight-month exile, but ‘rust’ accumulated from sitting on the bench in the English Premiership was all too apparent.
“It is not really my place to give a quality player such as Benni advice, but if I had to it would be to move to another club during the January transfer window,” said Parreira.
“Benni is part of my World Cup plans but needs to sharpen up and he knows that as well as I do. Playing regularly at club level will see him back to his best.” McCarthy, whose 31 international goals is a South African record, agrees and reports have linked the Cape Town-born striker with a switch to Premiership basement dwellers Portsmouth.
“Clubs in England and Europe have asked if I am available and I was flattered by the quality of them,” admitted McCarthy without disclosing details of his suitors. South Africa did not seriously trouble World Cup qualifiers Japan even once with the best effort a long-range Siphiwe Tshabalala drive that was parried to safety.
Parreira started with McCarthy and Katlego Mphela from Mamelodi Sundowns against Japan and there has been speculation that Belgium-based teenager Kermit Erasmus will get a run at some stage against the ‘Reggae Boyz’. Jamaica lie 16 places above South Africa on the FIFA rankings and coach Theodore Whitmore has opted to leave Premiership duo, captain Ricardo Gardner of Bolton and Ricardo Fuller of Stoke, in England.
The ‘Boyz’ have also been finding goals hard to come by with seven in nine outings this year and three of those were in a win over Panama, the only game the Jamaicans played in Kingston.
A new look for 2016, this is the Kristine Lilly White jersey will be wearing as they compete for the trophy this summer. Tiffeny Milbrett, Michelle Akers, Gina Lewandowski, Mallory Pugh and Lindsey Horan. 2016-2017 whitney engen jersey Defender Claude Davis (65 caps) and midfielder Jermaine Johnson (61) from English second-tier clubs Crystal Palace and Sheffield Wednesday respectively are the most experienced squad members.
Sudanese hosts braced for crunch Algeria-Egypt tie
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Sudan braced for an influx of Algerian and Egyptian fans on Monday ahead of this week’s crunch World Cup qualification play-off amid mounting fears of trouble between the rival supporters.
Police deployed in numbers when the two squads flew in to Khartoum on Sunday and there was no repetition of the stone-throwing by Egyptian fans which left three Algerian players injured when they arrived ahead of Saturday’s game in Cairo.
But outbreaks of violence in Algeria and among the Algerian community in France following the 2-0 Egyptian victory in that match which forced Wednesday’s neutral-venue play-off here ratcheted up the security worries.
The Sudanese Football Federation insisted that no special steps were being taken for the game at a 40,000 seat stadium in Khartoum’s twin city of Omdurman. “Security measures will be in place as for any other international fixture,” a Federation official told AFP.
A new look for 2016, this is the Tiffeny Milbrett White jersey will be wearing as they compete for the trophy this summer. Michelle Akers, Mallory Pugh, Samantha Mewis, Lindsey Horan and Gina Lewandowski. 2016-2017 crystal dunn jersey But the Khartoum police were due to unveil a security plan later in the day.
State-owned flag-carrier Air Algerie unveiled plans on Sunday to fly 10,000 Algerian fans to Sudan for the game.
Thirty special flights were being laid on from Algiers with fans being charged around 200 dollars for a return ticket, a quarter of the usual fare, the official APS news agency reported.
Air Algerie executive chairman Abdelouahid Bouabdallah said that both the match tickets and the Sudanese entry visas would be free for the lucky fans who secured places on the special flights. The Algerian capital saw anti-Egyptian disturbances as the tickets went on sale at the airline’s offices.
Fans broke through the metal shutters of Egypt Air’s nearby offices and proceeded to ransack them, an AFP journalist said.
The offices of mobile telephone company Djeezy, part of the Egyptian telecommunications group Orascom, were also ransacked, the website of the El Watan daily reported. The company also said one of its employees was assaulted at Algiers airport.
In France, there were disturbances in the cities of Grenoble, Lyon and Marseille.
The Egyptian foreign ministry summoned the Algerian ambassador on Monday to seek increased security for its nationals in Algeria.
Cairo wants “assurances that the Algerian authorities are doing everything necessary to ensure the safety of Egyptian nationals in Algeria,” deputy foreign minister for Arab affairs Abdel Rahman Salah told reporters.
Algiers had sought similar assurances from Cairo after its players were injured when stones were thrown at their bus as they being driven from the airport to the team hotel last week. Despite that appeal, 20 Algerians were among 32 people injured in clashes after Saturday’s game.
Egypt’s victory in that match left the two teams tied on 13 points with the same goal difference forcing Wednesday’s play-off.
The North African rivals have a history of bad blood, with riots breaking out after Egypt defeated Algeria in a 1989 match in Cairo.
Algeria player Lakhdar Belloumi was tried in absentia and sentenced to prison in Egypt for allegedly seriously injuring the Egyptian team doctor with a bottle after that match.
A new look for 2016, this is the Michelle Akers White jersey will be wearing as they compete for the trophy this summer. Mallory Pugh, Lindsey Horan, Stephanie McCaffrey, Gina Lewandowski and Samantha Mewis. 2016-2017 ali krieger jersey Egypt last qualified for the World Cup in 1990, and Algeria in 1986. Mon 16 Nov, 2009RSS Feed LAST 5 POSTS BY SOCCERNEWS
Police deployed in numbers when the two squads flew in to Khartoum on Sunday and there was no repetition of the stone-throwing by Egyptian fans which left three Algerian players injured when they arrived ahead of Saturday’s game in Cairo.
But outbreaks of violence in Algeria and among the Algerian community in France following the 2-0 Egyptian victory in that match which forced Wednesday’s neutral-venue play-off here ratcheted up the security worries.
The Sudanese Football Federation insisted that no special steps were being taken for the game at a 40,000 seat stadium in Khartoum’s twin city of Omdurman. “Security measures will be in place as for any other international fixture,” a Federation official told AFP.
A new look for 2016, this is the Tiffeny Milbrett White jersey will be wearing as they compete for the trophy this summer. Michelle Akers, Mallory Pugh, Samantha Mewis, Lindsey Horan and Gina Lewandowski. 2016-2017 crystal dunn jersey But the Khartoum police were due to unveil a security plan later in the day.
State-owned flag-carrier Air Algerie unveiled plans on Sunday to fly 10,000 Algerian fans to Sudan for the game.
Thirty special flights were being laid on from Algiers with fans being charged around 200 dollars for a return ticket, a quarter of the usual fare, the official APS news agency reported.
Air Algerie executive chairman Abdelouahid Bouabdallah said that both the match tickets and the Sudanese entry visas would be free for the lucky fans who secured places on the special flights. The Algerian capital saw anti-Egyptian disturbances as the tickets went on sale at the airline’s offices.
Fans broke through the metal shutters of Egypt Air’s nearby offices and proceeded to ransack them, an AFP journalist said.
The offices of mobile telephone company Djeezy, part of the Egyptian telecommunications group Orascom, were also ransacked, the website of the El Watan daily reported. The company also said one of its employees was assaulted at Algiers airport.
In France, there were disturbances in the cities of Grenoble, Lyon and Marseille.
The Egyptian foreign ministry summoned the Algerian ambassador on Monday to seek increased security for its nationals in Algeria.
Cairo wants “assurances that the Algerian authorities are doing everything necessary to ensure the safety of Egyptian nationals in Algeria,” deputy foreign minister for Arab affairs Abdel Rahman Salah told reporters.
Algiers had sought similar assurances from Cairo after its players were injured when stones were thrown at their bus as they being driven from the airport to the team hotel last week. Despite that appeal, 20 Algerians were among 32 people injured in clashes after Saturday’s game.
Egypt’s victory in that match left the two teams tied on 13 points with the same goal difference forcing Wednesday’s play-off.
The North African rivals have a history of bad blood, with riots breaking out after Egypt defeated Algeria in a 1989 match in Cairo.
Algeria player Lakhdar Belloumi was tried in absentia and sentenced to prison in Egypt for allegedly seriously injuring the Egyptian team doctor with a bottle after that match.
A new look for 2016, this is the Michelle Akers White jersey will be wearing as they compete for the trophy this summer. Mallory Pugh, Lindsey Horan, Stephanie McCaffrey, Gina Lewandowski and Samantha Mewis. 2016-2017 ali krieger jersey Egypt last qualified for the World Cup in 1990, and Algeria in 1986. Mon 16 Nov, 2009RSS Feed LAST 5 POSTS BY SOCCERNEWS
Japan pick ‘lucky town’ as World Cup base camp
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Japan’s national football team has picked a happy hunting ground as its base camp for next year’s World Cup finals in South Africa, press reports said on Monday.
They will be lodged at a plush golf resort in George where Japan’s Ai Miyazato and Rui Kitada won the inaugural women’s World Cup of Golf in 2005.
“George is a lucky town for Japan,” Japan Football Association president Motoaki Inukai told Japanese media on Sunday as he toured the Fancourt hotel and country club in the city by the Indian Ocean.
“We will need luck as the football World Cup will be a tough campaign,” he added. “It is beautiful with greenery and our players can focus on their battles.”
The 613-hectare hotel resort, surrounded by an electric fence, has three golf courses designed by Gary Player, 150 luxury rooms, a conference centre, a spa, and a variety of restaurants including a sushi shop, the reports said.
The Blue Samurai will be accompanied by chefs from home and they will train on a rugby ground to be replenished with turf after the rugby season. Mon 16 Nov, 2009RSS Feed LAST 5 POSTS BY SOCCERNEWS
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A new look for 2016, this is the Mallory Pugh White jersey will be wearing as they compete for the trophy this summer. Lindsey Horan, Gina Lewandowski, Emily Sonnett, Samantha Mewis and Stephanie McCaffrey. 2016-2017 morgan brian jersey Klopp hints at January signings
They will be lodged at a plush golf resort in George where Japan’s Ai Miyazato and Rui Kitada won the inaugural women’s World Cup of Golf in 2005.
“George is a lucky town for Japan,” Japan Football Association president Motoaki Inukai told Japanese media on Sunday as he toured the Fancourt hotel and country club in the city by the Indian Ocean.
“We will need luck as the football World Cup will be a tough campaign,” he added. “It is beautiful with greenery and our players can focus on their battles.”
The 613-hectare hotel resort, surrounded by an electric fence, has three golf courses designed by Gary Player, 150 luxury rooms, a conference centre, a spa, and a variety of restaurants including a sushi shop, the reports said.
The Blue Samurai will be accompanied by chefs from home and they will train on a rugby ground to be replenished with turf after the rugby season. Mon 16 Nov, 2009RSS Feed LAST 5 POSTS BY SOCCERNEWS
United squad behind Mourinho – Fellaini Koeman expects continued Lukaku interest Conte: Hazard becoming one of world´s best again
A new look for 2016, this is the Mallory Pugh White jersey will be wearing as they compete for the trophy this summer. Lindsey Horan, Gina Lewandowski, Emily Sonnett, Samantha Mewis and Stephanie McCaffrey. 2016-2017 morgan brian jersey Klopp hints at January signings
Are England really good Enough to win the World Cup
England lost their big friendly game with Brazil 1-0 and its lead me to wonder are England good enough to the World Cup. I have pondered this long and hard but I still don’t have an answer.
Shadow team
The England team that took to the field against Brazil was far from England’s first eleven. In fact only two out of the eleven that started against the Samba Boys are likely to start for England next summer. Manchester City midfielder Gareth Barry and of Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney. Backups
A new look for 2016, this is the Lindsey Horan White jersey will be wearing as they compete for the trophy this summer. Gina Lewandowski, Samantha Mewis, Jaelene Hinkle, Stephanie McCaffrey and Emily Sonnett. 2016 heather o'reilly jersey The team that played struggled against an opposition that was a class above. None of backup players made much of an impact apart from James Milner who had a decent game. They were playing against one of the worlds best teams and showed why they aren’t yet first team England players. Better standard
The usual first team eleven of England would surely fare better against Brazil. However the Brazilians weren’t at their classic best either, so they could move up a gear also. Injuries obviously hampered Capello’s preparations for this game with a lot of his best players pulling out of his squad. You can guarantee the likes of Gerrard, Terry and Lampard will be fit for next years tournament. Worries
The worries I have about England at the moment is the defence. I’m just hoping that Rio Ferdinand comes out of his current slump of form by next year. The reason is because Joleon Lescott is currently looking out of his depth at international level.
Even his club form is starting to become shaky. The other back-up central defenders Matthew Upson and Ledley King are very injury prone. King is a top defender in my book but unfortunately for him and Spurs his knees just cant cope with much competitive action.
Left-Back The left-back position could also become a problem also. If Ashley Cole gets injured then we could have to rely on Wayne Bridge. Now his club form alongside Lescott at City has also looked less than convincing. I really wouldn’t have much confidence in the former Chelsea star. Aston Villa left-back Stephen Warnock is a solid performer but he has little international experience. Right-Back
Also the right-back position is a concern. Glen Johnson’s threat going forward is superb and although I think he can improve defensively that’s not what concerns me. What concerns me is the lack of back-up for the Liverpool star. United’s Wes Brown really isn’t good enough and he showed that against Brazil.
He is a decent central defender but decent isnt good enough for a team wanting to challenge for trophy. To me Manchester City youngster Micah Richards would be a far better option to cover right-back and he can also play in the centre of the defence.
Brazil’s backup right-back is Barcelona star Daniel Alves. You cant even compare Brown to Alves. They simply aren’t even on the same planet. That’s my concern. Brazil are the team that everybody aspires to be and the team that are expected to play the best football at next years World Cup.
Superb first eleven England’s first eleven must be able to compete with the worlds best and if everybody stays fit I can see that happening. Like Brazilian midfielder Kaka said in an interview earlier this week England are one of the teams with
a chance of winning the trophy as long as we get a bit of luck. That includes injuries and fitness of players. For Englands sake I hope none of the top players are struck down by the dreaded metarsyl injury, which seems to plague one English player just before every major tournament! Next year could be a very good year for the Three Lions but only if the Fabio Capello call on his star players.
A new look for 2016, this is the Gina Lewandowski White jersey will be wearing as they compete for the trophy this summer. Samantha Mewis, Stephanie McCaffrey, Crystal Dunn, Emily Sonnett and Jaelene Hinkle. 2016 hope solo jersey If not it could be just another tournament that we have underperformed and underachieved in.
The England team that took to the field against Brazil was far from England’s first eleven. In fact only two out of the eleven that started against the Samba Boys are likely to start for England next summer. Manchester City midfielder Gareth Barry and of Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney. Backups
A new look for 2016, this is the Lindsey Horan White jersey will be wearing as they compete for the trophy this summer. Gina Lewandowski, Samantha Mewis, Jaelene Hinkle, Stephanie McCaffrey and Emily Sonnett. 2016 heather o'reilly jersey The team that played struggled against an opposition that was a class above. None of backup players made much of an impact apart from James Milner who had a decent game. They were playing against one of the worlds best teams and showed why they aren’t yet first team England players. Better standard
The usual first team eleven of England would surely fare better against Brazil. However the Brazilians weren’t at their classic best either, so they could move up a gear also. Injuries obviously hampered Capello’s preparations for this game with a lot of his best players pulling out of his squad. You can guarantee the likes of Gerrard, Terry and Lampard will be fit for next years tournament. Worries
The worries I have about England at the moment is the defence. I’m just hoping that Rio Ferdinand comes out of his current slump of form by next year. The reason is because Joleon Lescott is currently looking out of his depth at international level.
Even his club form is starting to become shaky. The other back-up central defenders Matthew Upson and Ledley King are very injury prone. King is a top defender in my book but unfortunately for him and Spurs his knees just cant cope with much competitive action.
Left-Back The left-back position could also become a problem also. If Ashley Cole gets injured then we could have to rely on Wayne Bridge. Now his club form alongside Lescott at City has also looked less than convincing. I really wouldn’t have much confidence in the former Chelsea star. Aston Villa left-back Stephen Warnock is a solid performer but he has little international experience. Right-Back
Also the right-back position is a concern. Glen Johnson’s threat going forward is superb and although I think he can improve defensively that’s not what concerns me. What concerns me is the lack of back-up for the Liverpool star. United’s Wes Brown really isn’t good enough and he showed that against Brazil.
He is a decent central defender but decent isnt good enough for a team wanting to challenge for trophy. To me Manchester City youngster Micah Richards would be a far better option to cover right-back and he can also play in the centre of the defence.
Brazil’s backup right-back is Barcelona star Daniel Alves. You cant even compare Brown to Alves. They simply aren’t even on the same planet. That’s my concern. Brazil are the team that everybody aspires to be and the team that are expected to play the best football at next years World Cup.
Superb first eleven England’s first eleven must be able to compete with the worlds best and if everybody stays fit I can see that happening. Like Brazilian midfielder Kaka said in an interview earlier this week England are one of the teams with
a chance of winning the trophy as long as we get a bit of luck. That includes injuries and fitness of players. For Englands sake I hope none of the top players are struck down by the dreaded metarsyl injury, which seems to plague one English player just before every major tournament! Next year could be a very good year for the Three Lions but only if the Fabio Capello call on his star players.
A new look for 2016, this is the Gina Lewandowski White jersey will be wearing as they compete for the trophy this summer. Samantha Mewis, Stephanie McCaffrey, Crystal Dunn, Emily Sonnett and Jaelene Hinkle. 2016 hope solo jersey If not it could be just another tournament that we have underperformed and underachieved in.
Maradona banned from football for two months – FIFA
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Diego Maradona was banned from all football for two months by FIFA on Sunday over his sexually-explicit rant last month.
The Argentina coach, who was also fined 25,000 Swiss francs (24,691 dollars, 16,565 euros), fell foul of world football’s governing body after losing his cool with journalists following Argentina’s qualification for the World Cup
Maradona’s outburst came after Argentina’s 1-0 win over Uruguay in October, which allowed the two-time world champions to squeeze narrowly into next year’s finals after a low-key and tense qualifying round.
The 48-year-old sporting icon, a hero in Argentina after skippering the 1986 World Cup winning team, told journalists to “suck it and keep sucking it”. A FIFA statement said: “The sanction applies from 15 November 2009 to 15 January 2010.”
During the disciplinary hearing, Maradona “apologised to FIFA and the world football family.” Sun 15 Nov, 2009RSS Feed LAST 5 POSTS BY SOCCERNEWS
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A new look for 2016, this is the Samantha Mewis White jersey will be wearing as they compete for the trophy this summer. Stephanie McCaffrey, Emily Sonnett, Christen Press, Jaelene Hinkle and Crystal Dunn. 2016 mallory pugh jersey Klopp hints at January signings Mourinho struggles put my Manchester United spell in perspective – Moyes
The Argentina coach, who was also fined 25,000 Swiss francs (24,691 dollars, 16,565 euros), fell foul of world football’s governing body after losing his cool with journalists following Argentina’s qualification for the World Cup
Maradona’s outburst came after Argentina’s 1-0 win over Uruguay in October, which allowed the two-time world champions to squeeze narrowly into next year’s finals after a low-key and tense qualifying round.
The 48-year-old sporting icon, a hero in Argentina after skippering the 1986 World Cup winning team, told journalists to “suck it and keep sucking it”. A FIFA statement said: “The sanction applies from 15 November 2009 to 15 January 2010.”
During the disciplinary hearing, Maradona “apologised to FIFA and the world football family.” Sun 15 Nov, 2009RSS Feed LAST 5 POSTS BY SOCCERNEWS
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Maradona in Zurich for FIFA hearing
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Argentina coach Diego Maradona arrived Sunday at the headquarters of world football’s governing body FIFA for a disciplinary hearing over his sexually-explicit rant after his team’s World Cup qualification.
The former star player was facing a possible fine and suspension from international matches after he rounded on critics during a press conference after Argentina qualified for next year’s World Cup finals in South Africa.
Maradona flew into the Swiss city from Madrid where Argentina lost 2-1 against Spain in a friendly late Saturday. Wearing sunglasses and tracksuit, a demonstrably impassive looking Maradona kept silent as he was escorted through Zurich airport into a nearby hotel complex by an Argentine football official and bodyguards.
He later arrived in a convoy of limousines at FIFA headquarters about 50 minutes after the originally scheduled time for the hearing. He was to face a disciplinary hearing here scheduled to start at 2.00 pm (1300 GMT) behind closed doors. FIFA have declined to give details although they said they would release a statement afterwards.
Maradona’s public outburst came after Argentina’s 1-0 win over Uruguay in October, which allowed the two-time world champions to squeeze narrowly into next year’s finals in South Africa after a lowly and tense qualifying round.
At the time, the 48-year-old, a sporting icon in Argentina after skippering the 1986 World Cup winning team, lashed out at journalists. FIFA chief Sepp Blatter has said Maradona may have flouted regulations which could result in a fine of up to 29,400 dollars and/or suspension.
“According to article 58.a anyone who harms the dignity of a person through acts or words can be punished,” he added.
A new look for 2016, this is the Stephanie McCaffrey White jersey will be wearing as they compete for the trophy this summer. Emily Sonnett, Jaelene Hinkle, Meghan Klingenberg, Crystal Dunn and Christen Press. 2016 christen press jersey Maradona later sought to make amends and admitted that if Argentina had failed to qualify he “would have taken myself off to Haiti.”
The former star player was facing a possible fine and suspension from international matches after he rounded on critics during a press conference after Argentina qualified for next year’s World Cup finals in South Africa.
Maradona flew into the Swiss city from Madrid where Argentina lost 2-1 against Spain in a friendly late Saturday. Wearing sunglasses and tracksuit, a demonstrably impassive looking Maradona kept silent as he was escorted through Zurich airport into a nearby hotel complex by an Argentine football official and bodyguards.
He later arrived in a convoy of limousines at FIFA headquarters about 50 minutes after the originally scheduled time for the hearing. He was to face a disciplinary hearing here scheduled to start at 2.00 pm (1300 GMT) behind closed doors. FIFA have declined to give details although they said they would release a statement afterwards.
Maradona’s public outburst came after Argentina’s 1-0 win over Uruguay in October, which allowed the two-time world champions to squeeze narrowly into next year’s finals in South Africa after a lowly and tense qualifying round.
At the time, the 48-year-old, a sporting icon in Argentina after skippering the 1986 World Cup winning team, lashed out at journalists. FIFA chief Sepp Blatter has said Maradona may have flouted regulations which could result in a fine of up to 29,400 dollars and/or suspension.
“According to article 58.a anyone who harms the dignity of a person through acts or words can be punished,” he added.
A new look for 2016, this is the Stephanie McCaffrey White jersey will be wearing as they compete for the trophy this summer. Emily Sonnett, Jaelene Hinkle, Meghan Klingenberg, Crystal Dunn and Christen Press. 2016 christen press jersey Maradona later sought to make amends and admitted that if Argentina had failed to qualify he “would have taken myself off to Haiti.”
Germany´s football stars honour tragic Enke
German football stars past and present joined tens of thousands of fans in Hanover on Sunday to pay their last respects to tragic goalkeeper Robert Enke who committed suicide last week.
Enke, 32, who had been set to travel with the Germany squad to next June’s 2010 World Cup in South Africa, flung himself under a busy commuter train at a small town near Hanover last Tuesday evening having suffered from depression.
The tragedy has thrown football-mad Germany into mourning and the national team’s planned friendly against Chile on Saturday was called off as a mark of respect. A public memorial service will be held at 11:00 am (1000 GMT) in the Hanover 96 stadium, attended by the entire Germany squad — led by captain Michael Ballack — before Enke is buried in a private ceremony.
A new look for 2016, this is the Emily Sonnett White jersey will be wearing as they compete for the trophy this summer. Jaelene Hinkle, Crystal Dunn, Alyssa Naeher, Christen Press and Meghan Klingenberg. 2016 kelley o'hara jersey Representatives from Enke’s former clubs — Spanish giants Barcelona and Portugal’s Benfica — will attend while many former German football greats are also expected.
Hundreds of candles, messages and football shirts were placed Sunday outside the Hanover 96 stadium by fans, many with tears in their eyes as they remembered a popular, and successful, player. A tribute on behalf of the Germany squad was printed in several newspapers here on Sunday.
“Robert inspired and moved many people both with his life story and his career,” said the text signed by Germany coach Joachim Loew, team manager Oliver Bierhoff and Ballack.
“Robert was both an exceptional sportsman and a wonderful human being. “People like Robert are like stars. They shine brightly, even in the darkest night. They do not die but live in our hearts forever.” Enke had been treated for depression since 2003 and had an acute fear of failure.
He leaves his wife Teresa, 33, and eight-month-old daughter Leila, whom the couple adopted in May after their two-year-old daughter Lara died from a heart infection. Enke will be buried next to his daughter.
With more than 50,000 mourners expected at the memorial service, the club’s 45,000-seater stadium is expected to be packed and two giant video screens will be erected outside for those who do not get in. Two hours before the service was due to begin, thousands of fans were already streaming into the club’s AWD Arena.
Many fans began gathering outside the stadium in the early hours of Sunday morning, as Germany prepared for what rolling news channel NTV described “the biggest memorial service in decades.”
“We will see how much Robert Enke meant to some people and what a great personality he was,” said Hanover 96 president Martin Kind. “The scale of the sympathy is overwhelming – not only in Hanover, but in all of Germany and even abroad.”
The service will be screened live on five German television channels and Enke’s coffin will be in the centre circle at the Bundesliga club before six of his former Bundesliga team-mates will carry him to his final resting place.
A new look for 2016, this is the Jaelene Hinkle White jersey will be wearing as they compete for the trophy this summer. Crystal Dunn, Christen Press, Abby Wambach, Meghan Klingenberg and Alyssa Naeher. 2016 becky sauerbrunn jersey “We will all never forget Robert,” concluded his team-mates’ moving tribute, summing up the feelings of many of the grieving fans.
Enke, 32, who had been set to travel with the Germany squad to next June’s 2010 World Cup in South Africa, flung himself under a busy commuter train at a small town near Hanover last Tuesday evening having suffered from depression.
The tragedy has thrown football-mad Germany into mourning and the national team’s planned friendly against Chile on Saturday was called off as a mark of respect. A public memorial service will be held at 11:00 am (1000 GMT) in the Hanover 96 stadium, attended by the entire Germany squad — led by captain Michael Ballack — before Enke is buried in a private ceremony.
A new look for 2016, this is the Emily Sonnett White jersey will be wearing as they compete for the trophy this summer. Jaelene Hinkle, Crystal Dunn, Alyssa Naeher, Christen Press and Meghan Klingenberg. 2016 kelley o'hara jersey Representatives from Enke’s former clubs — Spanish giants Barcelona and Portugal’s Benfica — will attend while many former German football greats are also expected.
Hundreds of candles, messages and football shirts were placed Sunday outside the Hanover 96 stadium by fans, many with tears in their eyes as they remembered a popular, and successful, player. A tribute on behalf of the Germany squad was printed in several newspapers here on Sunday.
“Robert inspired and moved many people both with his life story and his career,” said the text signed by Germany coach Joachim Loew, team manager Oliver Bierhoff and Ballack.
“Robert was both an exceptional sportsman and a wonderful human being. “People like Robert are like stars. They shine brightly, even in the darkest night. They do not die but live in our hearts forever.” Enke had been treated for depression since 2003 and had an acute fear of failure.
He leaves his wife Teresa, 33, and eight-month-old daughter Leila, whom the couple adopted in May after their two-year-old daughter Lara died from a heart infection. Enke will be buried next to his daughter.
With more than 50,000 mourners expected at the memorial service, the club’s 45,000-seater stadium is expected to be packed and two giant video screens will be erected outside for those who do not get in. Two hours before the service was due to begin, thousands of fans were already streaming into the club’s AWD Arena.
Many fans began gathering outside the stadium in the early hours of Sunday morning, as Germany prepared for what rolling news channel NTV described “the biggest memorial service in decades.”
“We will see how much Robert Enke meant to some people and what a great personality he was,” said Hanover 96 president Martin Kind. “The scale of the sympathy is overwhelming – not only in Hanover, but in all of Germany and even abroad.”
The service will be screened live on five German television channels and Enke’s coffin will be in the centre circle at the Bundesliga club before six of his former Bundesliga team-mates will carry him to his final resting place.
A new look for 2016, this is the Jaelene Hinkle White jersey will be wearing as they compete for the trophy this summer. Crystal Dunn, Christen Press, Abby Wambach, Meghan Klingenberg and Alyssa Naeher. 2016 becky sauerbrunn jersey “We will all never forget Robert,” concluded his team-mates’ moving tribute, summing up the feelings of many of the grieving fans.
Uruguay down Costa Rica to seize World Cup edge
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Uruguay took a step toward the 2010 World Cup Saturday as captain Diego Lugano’s first-half strike proved enough for a 1-0 victory in the first leg of their qualifying playoff against Costa Rica.
The second leg of the tie will be on Wednesday in Montevideo, where Costa Rica can expect to be hard pressed to turn things around. But Costa Rica’s Brazilian coach Rene Simoes insisted his players can win in Stadio Centenario.
“We have to believe in ourselves,” Simoes said. “Why ca’t we win in Centenario?”
Uruguay are hoping to return to the global football showcase after failing to qualify in 2006. Costa Rica, who have appeared in the last two World Cups, were less than 30 seconds from qualifying last month when they allowed Jonathan Bornstein’s goal in injury time to give the United States a 2-2 draw at Washington.
That gave Honduras the third and final direct entry berth from the North and Central America and the Caribbean region. Uruguay reached the playoff by finishing fifth in South American qualifying.
In an often patchy first half, it was Uruguay who pressed the action forward.
Costa Rica, unable to challenge Uruguayan keeper Fernando Muslera, were unlucky in the 20th minute when injury forced defender Gilberto Martinez off after a collision with Alvaro Fernandez.
While he was receiving treatment, Uruguay took full advantage as Diego Forlan came close to scoring with a center that crossed the face of the goal. On the ensuing corner Forlan rose to head the ball, Costa Rica failed to clear the danger and Lugano seized upon the loose ball to slot it home in the 21st minute.
Costa Rica had a chance to equalize shortly before halftime, but Bryan Ruiz’s header off Randall Azofeifa’s cross went over the crossbar. Costa Rica’s efforts to find the equalizer were further hindered when they were reduced to 10 men in the 52nd minute when Azofeifa recieved his second yellow card.
Uruguay were unable to capitalize on their advantage, but neither could Costa Rica make their spirited efforts pay as attempts from Alvaro Saborio and Walter Centeno failed to really test Muslera.
Fernandez had a chance to add to Uruguay’s lead with three minutes remaining, but his header was blocked by Junior Diaz.
Simoes said Costa Rica’s big mistake was failing to apply enough pressure on the Uruguayan goal in the first half.
A new look for 2016, this is the Crystal Dunn White jersey will be wearing as they compete for the trophy this summer. Christen Press, Meghan Klingenberg, Julie Johnston, Alyssa Naeher and Abby Wambach. 2016 whitney engen jersey “We played very well in the second half. This part of the match was really good.”
The second leg of the tie will be on Wednesday in Montevideo, where Costa Rica can expect to be hard pressed to turn things around. But Costa Rica’s Brazilian coach Rene Simoes insisted his players can win in Stadio Centenario.
“We have to believe in ourselves,” Simoes said. “Why ca’t we win in Centenario?”
Uruguay are hoping to return to the global football showcase after failing to qualify in 2006. Costa Rica, who have appeared in the last two World Cups, were less than 30 seconds from qualifying last month when they allowed Jonathan Bornstein’s goal in injury time to give the United States a 2-2 draw at Washington.
That gave Honduras the third and final direct entry berth from the North and Central America and the Caribbean region. Uruguay reached the playoff by finishing fifth in South American qualifying.
In an often patchy first half, it was Uruguay who pressed the action forward.
Costa Rica, unable to challenge Uruguayan keeper Fernando Muslera, were unlucky in the 20th minute when injury forced defender Gilberto Martinez off after a collision with Alvaro Fernandez.
While he was receiving treatment, Uruguay took full advantage as Diego Forlan came close to scoring with a center that crossed the face of the goal. On the ensuing corner Forlan rose to head the ball, Costa Rica failed to clear the danger and Lugano seized upon the loose ball to slot it home in the 21st minute.
Costa Rica had a chance to equalize shortly before halftime, but Bryan Ruiz’s header off Randall Azofeifa’s cross went over the crossbar. Costa Rica’s efforts to find the equalizer were further hindered when they were reduced to 10 men in the 52nd minute when Azofeifa recieved his second yellow card.
Uruguay were unable to capitalize on their advantage, but neither could Costa Rica make their spirited efforts pay as attempts from Alvaro Saborio and Walter Centeno failed to really test Muslera.
Fernandez had a chance to add to Uruguay’s lead with three minutes remaining, but his header was blocked by Junior Diaz.
Simoes said Costa Rica’s big mistake was failing to apply enough pressure on the Uruguayan goal in the first half.
A new look for 2016, this is the Crystal Dunn White jersey will be wearing as they compete for the trophy this summer. Christen Press, Meghan Klingenberg, Julie Johnston, Alyssa Naeher and Abby Wambach. 2016 whitney engen jersey “We played very well in the second half. This part of the match was really good.”
Brazilian stroll exposes England´s lack of depth
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Brazil kept their World Cup preparations on track by cruising to a 1-0 win over a second-string England side here on Saturday that was much more comfortable than the close scoreline suggested.
A superbly-taken header by Villarreal striker Nilmar settled a contest the five-times world champions were always in contro
l of and might easily have won by a bigger margin. A penalty miss by Luis Fabiano ensured England, captained for the first time by Wayne Rooney, remained in contention until the end but, overall, the evening served to underline the importance of the likes of Rio Ferdinand, Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard — all of whom were absent injured — being fit for next year’s finals.
Brazil never demonstrated the kind of gear changes that will be required to overcome the likes of Spain in South Africa next year. But a cautious England never required them too and there was genuine quality in the angled through ball from Galatasaray midfielder Elano that enabled Nilmar to head the winner two minutes into the second half.
Twelve days after becoming a father for the first time, Rooney took his bow as England captain after John Terry became the ninth member of Fabio Capello’s first-choice line-up to be ruled out by injury.
A new look for 2016, this is the Christen Press White jersey will be wearing as they compete for the trophy this summer. Meghan Klingenberg, Alyssa Naeher, Ashlyn Harris, Abby Wambach and Julie Johnston. 2016 crystal dunn jersey Joleon Lescott came in for the regular skipper while Capello was also forced into a last-minute adjustment in midfield, where an ankle injury to Michael Carrick ensured Jermaine Jenas started his first international in over a year. Rooney, winning his 57th cap at the age of 24, was supported in attack by Darren Bent, but England’s lack of adventure ensured the Sunderland striker had little chance to press his own World Cup case and he made way for Jermain Defoe before an hour had elapsed.
Given that England had won just three of their 22 previous encounters with Brazil, a hint of nerves among the back-up players on display was to be expected. Matthew Upson, in particular, looked to be affected by stage fright as he left England exposed twice in quick succession by losing possession deep in England’s half.
A wayward shot by Felipe Melo and Nilmar’s failure to produce a telling cross ensured the slips were not exploited and it was not until the 23rd minute that the Brazilians had a clear sight of goal. Kaka’s clever pass inside Wes Brown played Michel Bastos into the box and the leftback’s drive forced Foster into a full-length dive as it skidded beyond the far post.
England responded immediately with a half-chance of their own, Bent heading James Milner’s cross from the left over the bar. Foster, who had looked tentative as he fluffed an early clearance, appeared more composed as he gathered strikes from Felipe Melo and Kaka.
The stifling effect of Brazil’s deployment of two midfielders charged with protecting their back four was limiting Rooney’s involvement but there was a glimpse of his threat when he sidestepped Thiago Silva on the edge of the box, provoking a body check from the centreback that went unsanctioned.
Given how cautiously his side had played, Capello would have been happy to be level at the break but they were soon behind to a goal that served as a reminder of the importance of Terry and Ferdinand to their hopes in South Africa.
From just to the right of the centre circle, Elano floated a ball over the heads of the stand-in centrebacks and, having darted in behind them from the left, Nilmar steered his header beyond Foster into the far corner of the net.
England should have fallen two behind after Wes Brown’s misguided attempt to chest the ball back to Foster allowed Luis Fabiano to nick the ball past the goalkeeper.
Foster’s dive sent the striker tumbling but England were granted a double reprieve as the referee only produced a yellow card and Fabiano lifted the resulting spot-kick over the bar.
James Milner might have made the Brazilians pay for that when Wright-Phillips’ cross found him unmarked at the back post.
A new look for 2016, this is the Meghan Klingenberg White jersey will be wearing as they compete for the trophy this summer. Alyssa Naeher, Abby Wambach, Tobin Heath, Julie Johnston and Ashlyn Harris. 2016 ali krieger jersey But the Aston Villa winger’s volley comfortably cleared the bar and there was another late let-off for England when a shot from Brazilian captain Lucio beat Foster but came back off the post.
A superbly-taken header by Villarreal striker Nilmar settled a contest the five-times world champions were always in contro
l of and might easily have won by a bigger margin. A penalty miss by Luis Fabiano ensured England, captained for the first time by Wayne Rooney, remained in contention until the end but, overall, the evening served to underline the importance of the likes of Rio Ferdinand, Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard — all of whom were absent injured — being fit for next year’s finals.
Brazil never demonstrated the kind of gear changes that will be required to overcome the likes of Spain in South Africa next year. But a cautious England never required them too and there was genuine quality in the angled through ball from Galatasaray midfielder Elano that enabled Nilmar to head the winner two minutes into the second half.
Twelve days after becoming a father for the first time, Rooney took his bow as England captain after John Terry became the ninth member of Fabio Capello’s first-choice line-up to be ruled out by injury.
A new look for 2016, this is the Christen Press White jersey will be wearing as they compete for the trophy this summer. Meghan Klingenberg, Alyssa Naeher, Ashlyn Harris, Abby Wambach and Julie Johnston. 2016 crystal dunn jersey Joleon Lescott came in for the regular skipper while Capello was also forced into a last-minute adjustment in midfield, where an ankle injury to Michael Carrick ensured Jermaine Jenas started his first international in over a year. Rooney, winning his 57th cap at the age of 24, was supported in attack by Darren Bent, but England’s lack of adventure ensured the Sunderland striker had little chance to press his own World Cup case and he made way for Jermain Defoe before an hour had elapsed.
Given that England had won just three of their 22 previous encounters with Brazil, a hint of nerves among the back-up players on display was to be expected. Matthew Upson, in particular, looked to be affected by stage fright as he left England exposed twice in quick succession by losing possession deep in England’s half.
A wayward shot by Felipe Melo and Nilmar’s failure to produce a telling cross ensured the slips were not exploited and it was not until the 23rd minute that the Brazilians had a clear sight of goal. Kaka’s clever pass inside Wes Brown played Michel Bastos into the box and the leftback’s drive forced Foster into a full-length dive as it skidded beyond the far post.
England responded immediately with a half-chance of their own, Bent heading James Milner’s cross from the left over the bar. Foster, who had looked tentative as he fluffed an early clearance, appeared more composed as he gathered strikes from Felipe Melo and Kaka.
The stifling effect of Brazil’s deployment of two midfielders charged with protecting their back four was limiting Rooney’s involvement but there was a glimpse of his threat when he sidestepped Thiago Silva on the edge of the box, provoking a body check from the centreback that went unsanctioned.
Given how cautiously his side had played, Capello would have been happy to be level at the break but they were soon behind to a goal that served as a reminder of the importance of Terry and Ferdinand to their hopes in South Africa.
From just to the right of the centre circle, Elano floated a ball over the heads of the stand-in centrebacks and, having darted in behind them from the left, Nilmar steered his header beyond Foster into the far corner of the net.
England should have fallen two behind after Wes Brown’s misguided attempt to chest the ball back to Foster allowed Luis Fabiano to nick the ball past the goalkeeper.
Foster’s dive sent the striker tumbling but England were granted a double reprieve as the referee only produced a yellow card and Fabiano lifted the resulting spot-kick over the bar.
James Milner might have made the Brazilians pay for that when Wright-Phillips’ cross found him unmarked at the back post.
A new look for 2016, this is the Meghan Klingenberg White jersey will be wearing as they compete for the trophy this summer. Alyssa Naeher, Abby Wambach, Tobin Heath, Julie Johnston and Ashlyn Harris. 2016 ali krieger jersey But the Aston Villa winger’s volley comfortably cleared the bar and there was another late let-off for England when a shot from Brazilian captain Lucio beat Foster but came back off the post.
Germany´s football stars set to honour tragic Enke
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German football stars past and present will gather in Hanover on Sunday to pay their last respects to tragic goalkeeper Robert Enke, who committed suicide last week.
Enke, 32, who had been set to travel with the Germany squad to next June’s 2010 World Cup in South Africa, flung himself under a busy commuter train at a small town near Hanover last Tuesday evening having suffered from depression.
The tragedy has stunned football-mad Germany and the national team’s planned friendly against Chile on Saturday was called off as a mark of respect. A public memorial service will be held at 11:00 am (1000 GMT) in Hanover 96’s stadium, which the entire Germany squad — led by captain Michael Ballack — will attend, before Enke is buried in a private ceremony.
Representatives from Enke’s former clubs — Spanish giants Barcelona and Portugual’s Benfica — will attend while many former German football greats are also expected.
A tribute on behalf of the Germany squad will be printed in several newspapers here on Sunday. “Robert inspired and moved many people both with his life story and his career,” said the text signed by Germany coach Joachim Loew, team manager Oliver Bierhoff and Ballack.
“Robert was both an exceptional sportsman and a wonderful human being. “People like Robert are like stars. They shine brightly, even in the darkest night. They do not die but live in our hearts forever.” Enke had been treated for depression since 2003 and had an acute fear of failure.
He leaves his wife Teresa, 33, and eight-month-old daughter Leila, whom the couple adopted in May after their two-year-old daughter Lara died from a heart infection. Enke will be buried next to his daughter.
With more than 50,000 mourners expected at the memorial service, the club’s 45,000-seater stadium is expected to be packed and two giant video screens will be erected outside for those who do not get in.
“We will see how much Robert Enke meant to some people and what a great personality he was,” said Hanover 96 president Martin Kind. “The scale of the sympathy is overwhelming – not only in Hanover, but in all of Germany and even abroad.”
The service will be screened live on five German television channels and Enke’s coffin will be in the centre circle at the Bundesliga club before six of his former Bundesliga team-mates will carry him to his final resting place.
A new look for 2016, this is the Alyssa Naeher White jersey will be wearing as they compete for the trophy this summer. Abby Wambach, Julie Johnston, Lori Chalupny, Ashlyn Harris and Tobin Heath. 2016 morgan brian jersey “We will all never forget Robert,” concluded his team-mates’ moving tribute.
Enke, 32, who had been set to travel with the Germany squad to next June’s 2010 World Cup in South Africa, flung himself under a busy commuter train at a small town near Hanover last Tuesday evening having suffered from depression.
The tragedy has stunned football-mad Germany and the national team’s planned friendly against Chile on Saturday was called off as a mark of respect. A public memorial service will be held at 11:00 am (1000 GMT) in Hanover 96’s stadium, which the entire Germany squad — led by captain Michael Ballack — will attend, before Enke is buried in a private ceremony.
Representatives from Enke’s former clubs — Spanish giants Barcelona and Portugual’s Benfica — will attend while many former German football greats are also expected.
A tribute on behalf of the Germany squad will be printed in several newspapers here on Sunday. “Robert inspired and moved many people both with his life story and his career,” said the text signed by Germany coach Joachim Loew, team manager Oliver Bierhoff and Ballack.
“Robert was both an exceptional sportsman and a wonderful human being. “People like Robert are like stars. They shine brightly, even in the darkest night. They do not die but live in our hearts forever.” Enke had been treated for depression since 2003 and had an acute fear of failure.
He leaves his wife Teresa, 33, and eight-month-old daughter Leila, whom the couple adopted in May after their two-year-old daughter Lara died from a heart infection. Enke will be buried next to his daughter.
With more than 50,000 mourners expected at the memorial service, the club’s 45,000-seater stadium is expected to be packed and two giant video screens will be erected outside for those who do not get in.
“We will see how much Robert Enke meant to some people and what a great personality he was,” said Hanover 96 president Martin Kind. “The scale of the sympathy is overwhelming – not only in Hanover, but in all of Germany and even abroad.”
The service will be screened live on five German television channels and Enke’s coffin will be in the centre circle at the Bundesliga club before six of his former Bundesliga team-mates will carry him to his final resting place.
A new look for 2016, this is the Alyssa Naeher White jersey will be wearing as they compete for the trophy this summer. Abby Wambach, Julie Johnston, Lori Chalupny, Ashlyn Harris and Tobin Heath. 2016 morgan brian jersey “We will all never forget Robert,” concluded his team-mates’ moving tribute.
Slovenia, Ukraine sense World Cup chance
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Unheralded Slovenia and Ukraine took tentative steps closer to the 2010 World Cup finals on Saturday.
Despite losing 2-1 to Russia in Moscow, Nejc Pecnik’s goal two minutes from time gave Slovenia hope that they can make sure of a first World Cup appearance in Wednesday’s return leg of their qualifying play-off.
Ukraine, who were quarter-finalists in 2006, will also be confident of achieving back-to-back World Cup spots, after holding 2004 European champions Greece to a 0-0 draw in Athens. Later Saturday, Ireland were taking on 1998 champions, and 2006 runners-up, France in Dublin in the first leg of their play-off, while Portugal, playing without Cristiano Ronaldo, were entertaining Bosnia-Herzegovina in Lisbon.
In Moscow, Everton midfielder Diniyar Bilyaletdinov scored twice for Guus Hiddink’s Russian side before Pecnik’s late lifeline. “It’s always disappointing when you allow your rivals to score a goal at the very end but we can only blame only ourselves for it,” said Hiddink.
“We had plenty of chances to increase our lead but missed them, while Slovenia converted one of their rare chances into a goal. But I believe we will score in the away match and clinch a place in the World Cup finals.”
Bilyaletdinov opened the scoring in the 40th minute after being set-up by Tottenham striker Roman Pavlyuchenko on the edge of the box. Spurred on by a capacity 70,000 home crowd, Bilyaletdinov made it 2-0 in the 51st minute, scoring from eight metres after Andrei Arshavin’s short cross.
But Russia, under the watchful gaze of Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, were stunned in the 88th minute when Pecnik headed home after goalkeeper Igor Akinfeyev could only parry Robert Koren’s powerful shot.
Slovenia coach Matjaz Kek said he was disappointed with the result but added his team still had a great chances to qualify for the finals.
“I’m unhappy with the result but it’s better to be wounded than dead,” Kek said. “This defeat leaves us chances to qualify for the finals. The last minutes tonight proved we still have spirit to win. I’m confident that at home we will have luck on our side.”
Greece and Ukraine played out a 0-0 stalemate at Athens Olympic Stadium watched by 50,000 spectators. Each team had a half-chance of scoring in the second half.
Greek striker Giorgos Samaras let fly in the 47th minute but his drive was saved by Ukraine goalkeeper Andriy Pvatov.
In the 67th minute, a blistering shot by Taras Mikhalik nearly put the visitors ahead but Greek keeper Alexandros Tzorvas punched the ball away.
A new look for 2016, this is the Abby Wambach White jersey will be wearing as they compete for the trophy this summer. Julie Johnston, Ashlyn Harris, Megan Rapinoe, Tobin Heath and Lori Chalupny. heather o'reilly 3 star jersey Sat 14 Nov, 2009RSS Feed LAST 5 POSTS BY SOCCERNEWS
Despite losing 2-1 to Russia in Moscow, Nejc Pecnik’s goal two minutes from time gave Slovenia hope that they can make sure of a first World Cup appearance in Wednesday’s return leg of their qualifying play-off.
Ukraine, who were quarter-finalists in 2006, will also be confident of achieving back-to-back World Cup spots, after holding 2004 European champions Greece to a 0-0 draw in Athens. Later Saturday, Ireland were taking on 1998 champions, and 2006 runners-up, France in Dublin in the first leg of their play-off, while Portugal, playing without Cristiano Ronaldo, were entertaining Bosnia-Herzegovina in Lisbon.
In Moscow, Everton midfielder Diniyar Bilyaletdinov scored twice for Guus Hiddink’s Russian side before Pecnik’s late lifeline. “It’s always disappointing when you allow your rivals to score a goal at the very end but we can only blame only ourselves for it,” said Hiddink.
“We had plenty of chances to increase our lead but missed them, while Slovenia converted one of their rare chances into a goal. But I believe we will score in the away match and clinch a place in the World Cup finals.”
Bilyaletdinov opened the scoring in the 40th minute after being set-up by Tottenham striker Roman Pavlyuchenko on the edge of the box. Spurred on by a capacity 70,000 home crowd, Bilyaletdinov made it 2-0 in the 51st minute, scoring from eight metres after Andrei Arshavin’s short cross.
But Russia, under the watchful gaze of Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, were stunned in the 88th minute when Pecnik headed home after goalkeeper Igor Akinfeyev could only parry Robert Koren’s powerful shot.
Slovenia coach Matjaz Kek said he was disappointed with the result but added his team still had a great chances to qualify for the finals.
“I’m unhappy with the result but it’s better to be wounded than dead,” Kek said. “This defeat leaves us chances to qualify for the finals. The last minutes tonight proved we still have spirit to win. I’m confident that at home we will have luck on our side.”
Greece and Ukraine played out a 0-0 stalemate at Athens Olympic Stadium watched by 50,000 spectators. Each team had a half-chance of scoring in the second half.
Greek striker Giorgos Samaras let fly in the 47th minute but his drive was saved by Ukraine goalkeeper Andriy Pvatov.
In the 67th minute, a blistering shot by Taras Mikhalik nearly put the visitors ahead but Greek keeper Alexandros Tzorvas punched the ball away.
A new look for 2016, this is the Abby Wambach White jersey will be wearing as they compete for the trophy this summer. Julie Johnston, Ashlyn Harris, Megan Rapinoe, Tobin Heath and Lori Chalupny. heather o'reilly 3 star jersey Sat 14 Nov, 2009RSS Feed LAST 5 POSTS BY SOCCERNEWS
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