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Post by Terry on Jun 12, 2008 22:38:19 GMT -5
Grounded Dutch focus on France by Matthew Spiro from Stade de Suisse The Netherlands and France may have played just one game so far in UEFA EURO 2008™ Group C, yet the moods in the respective camps could hardly have been more contrasting ahead of Friday's meeting at the Stade de Suisse in Berne. While Netherlands coach Marco van Basten was doing his utmost to calm expectations following the superb 3-0 victory over Italy on Monday, his opposite number Raymond Domenech attempted to reassure French fans that the Les Bleus were ready to improve on their subdued goalless draw against Romania. 'Start again' Van Basten, a UEFA European Championship winner in 1988, is bidding to become the first man to clinch the title as player and coach and could not have enjoyed a better start against the world champions. Another victory would propel the Oranje into the last eight, but the former AFC Ajax and AC Milan striker is refusing to get carried away. "We played well against Italy but you don't win the tournament after one match," Van Basten said. "Instead of thinking already about the quarter-finals, we must get our feet back on the ground and start all over again against France, who are a very strong, experienced team." Robben return The Netherlands are likely to adopt a similar formation to that which they deployed against the Azzurri when they meet the two-time winners, with Orlando Engelaar and Nigel de Jong protecting the defence and three support players operating behind striker Ruud van Nistelrooy. Monday's triumph was founded on rapid counterattacks and Van Basten hopes for more of the same, saying: "If one team has to attack it's France. We've already won a game so the pressure is on them." Van Basten nevertheless possesses an enviable array of attacking talent – particularly after Arjen Robben returned to training on Thursday following his groin injury. "Robben is ready to face France," confirmed Van Basten, who must now decide whether to stray from a winning formula. 'Sparkling performance' Domenech seems certain to make at least one change from the side held by Romania, with the fit-again Thierry Henry returning to lead the attack. The France coach had stumbled on the steps on his way to addressing the media, but quickly dismissed suggestions he was feeling anxious and insisted his players would not trip up on Friday. "We know what we have to do and we'll try our best to get the three points," the 56-year-old said. "Personally, I'm hoping for a sparkling French performance, but unfortunately I can't predict anything. We build our side around a solid defence and the Dutch have outstanding attackers, so it should be a good, exciting match." Comparison Similarities are already being drawn with France's 2006 FIFA World Cup campaign – when they opened with a stalemate against Switzerland before reaching the final – and Domenech is convinced his team will again improve as the stakes get higher. "Feeling that danger and fear is important for top-level sportsmen," argued Domenech, who would not reveal whether captain Patrick Vieira has recovered from his thigh injury. "It was always going to be a struggle and hopefully the situation will bring the best out of the players." en.euro2008.uefa.com/tournament/matches/match=300694/report=pr.htmlHead to Head NED - FRA 21 Played 21 9 Won 8 8 Lost 9 4 Drawn 4 47 Goals For 34 34 Goals Conceded 47 Match officials Referee Herbert Fandel (GER) Assistant referee 1 Carsten Kadach (GER) Assistant referee 2 Volker Wezel (GER) Fourth official Grzegorz Gilewski (POL) Reserve assistant referee Juan Carlos Yuste Jiménez (ESP)
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Post by Terry on Jun 14, 2008 8:50:54 GMT -5
Buffon saves Italy with penalty stop by Michael Harrold from Letzigrund Stadion Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon superbly saved Adrian Mutu's penalty with nine minutes remaining to keep the world champions' UEFA EURO 2008™ hopes alive as the Azzurri and Romania battled out a breathless draw in Zurich. Penalty drama Buffon dived to his left to block the ACF Fiorentina striker's stinging drive with his arm and foot after Christian Panucci had held back Daniel Niculae in the area. Defeat would have left Italian ambitions on a knife-edge but in a free-flowing match they delivered a perfect response to Mutu's 55th-minute opener as Panucci levelled a minute later. It salvaged a crucial point, which kept Italy in Group C contention before their reprise of the FIFA World Cup final against France on Thursday when Romania play the Netherlands. Widespread changes Italy coach Roberto Donadoni made five changes to the side that lost to the Netherlands as he looked to rescue their campaign. Victor Piţurcă had more reason to be satisfied after a goalless draw with France, but still freshened up his midfield, with Florentin Petre and Paul Codrea coming in – the latter bringing experience of Italian football with AC Siena. Italy's reshuffled back line was tested in the first minute when Mutu nodded over and in an open game it was immediately clear that Romania were willing to commit more men forward than they had against France. Alessandro Del Piero made his first start since September and Italy's captain almost had an early impact when his header was deflected wide. Ebb and flow Romania then created three excellent chances in the space of four minutes. Buffon saved brilliantly from Mutu, who had broken free down the left, then stretched to keep out a Gabriel Tamaş free-kick. The goalkeeper was beaten, however, when Cristian Chivu's long-range free-kick deflected off Panucci, but the ball bounced back off the post. Piţurcă's team were showing all the invention they had concealed against France and their coach, sensing the momentum was going their way, chose to withdraw the injured Mirel Rădoi for the forward-thinking Nicolae Dică on 25 minutes. Attack was dominating defence, with Romania's slick passing inviting fear in the Italy rearguard while Luca Toni was winning everything in the air at the other end, Bogdan Lobonţ tipping one header over. Short-lived lead AC Milan pair Massimo Ambrosini and Gennaro Gattuso had made way for Daniele De Rossi and Simone Perrotta in Italy's midfield, yet their replacements were finding little joy against Chivu, who cut off the supply line down the centre. Mutu also continued to catch the eye, drawing a smart stop from Buffon before pouncing on Gianluca Zambrotta's weak back-header to fire his side in front ten minutes into the second period. The Romania fans were still celebrating when Italy hit back, Giorgio Chiellini heading a corner back across goal for Panucci to knock in. Buffon brilliance Lobonţ had to touch away De Rossi's diving header as Italy pushed for a second goal, although it was Romania who had the best opportunity to win a breathtaking contest. Panucci was adjudged to have restricted Niculae with his arms in the area, allowing Mutu the chance to snatch what would have been a memorable victory. The Azzurri were staring defeat and possible elimination in the face but Buffon produced a dramatic diving save to his left to keep his team in the competition. en.euro2008.uefa.com/tournament/matches/match=300695/report=rp.htmlMatchCenter
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Post by Terry on Jun 14, 2008 8:53:52 GMT -5
Dominant Dutch progress in style by Simon Hart from Stade de Suisse The Netherlands secured their place in the UEFA EURO 2008™ quarter-finals with a game to spare after producing another devastating display against France in Berne, with Dirk Kuyt, Robin van Persie, Arjen Robben and Wesley Sneijder all scoring in a memorable win. Clinical counterattacks Twenty years after his goals led the Netherlands to the European title, Marco van Basten's 2008 crop underlined their case as serious contenders by building on their defeat of Italy to tie up first place in Group C. There may have been less of the flamboyance they had shown in beating the Azzurri – the Dutch riding their luck at times after Kuyt's early breakthrough – but the speed of their counterattacking play was again in rich evidence, never more so than in the second goal scored by Van Persie after a lightning surge by Robben. Even when Thierry Henry halved the deficit, Robben immediately restored the two-goal cushion to leave France, punished further by Sneijder, joint-bottom of the section with a solitary point – and with everything to do against Italy on Tuesday, when the Netherlands play second-placed Romania. Early setback France, under pressure to perform following their opening stalemate against Romania, came out with Henry installed as leader of the line in place of Nicolas Anelka and Sidney Govou drafted in on the right, allowing Franck Ribéry to play as second striker. "Time to step up a gear" declared the front page of the morning's L'Equipe newspaper yet within nine minutes they were behind, Kuyt striking from the game's first corner. Rafael van der Vaart swung the ball in and the Liverpool FC forward got in front of Florent Malouda to nod past Grégory Coupet. France threat Kuyt then nearly profited from Lilian Thuram's misdirected header but, at full stretch, steered over. Les Bleus gradually found their stride, however, with Govou stepping past Joris Mathijsen and sending in a low drive that Edwin van der Sar saved with his legs. The volume of the France supporters began to rise as Florent Malouda, Govou and then the busy Ribéry all tested Van der Sar and Domenech's team picked up where they had left off on the restart as Henry pounced on a deflected centre by Patrice Evra – starting instead of Eric Abidal – and shot goalwards only to be denied by André Ooijer's block. Substitutes combine The FC Barcelona striker had an even better chance soon after but put too much weight on his lob after Malouda's acrobatic chip had sent him clear. How he was left to rue that miss when the Netherlands' two substitutes combined for the second goal after 59 minutes. Ruud van Nistelrooy sent Robben speeding down the left and his cross was volleyed in by Van Persie off the hand of Coupet. Spectacular fourth The excellent Van der Sar palmed away Ribéry's shot as France sought a lifeline and it came when Willy Sagnol provided the low ball for Henry to reduce the shortfall with a neat flick after 71 minutes. Yet hopes of a comeback lasted less than a minute. The tannoy music had barely stopped playing when Robben concluded a three-man move by blasting the ball between Coupet and his near post. Things only got worse for France, for whom this defeat was the worst in UEFA European Championship finals history, as Sneijder rounded off a stunning win in suitably spectacular fashion – driving in a fourth off the underside of the bar in added time. en.euro2008.uefa.com/tournament/matches/match=300694/report=rp.htmlMatchCenter
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Post by Terry on Jun 14, 2008 9:04:41 GMT -5
Sweden and Spain contest supremacy by Graham Hunter from Stadion Tivoli Neu If Spain perform against Sweden in their second Group D match with the same flair, colour and attitude as coach Luis Aragonés showed while previewing the contest then everyone is in for an exceptional treat. High spirits In theory the meeting with Lars Lagerbäck's ultra-disciplined side, thorny rivals during qualification for UEFA EURO 2008™, should have been a cause for nerves and tension. Instead Aragonés was full of wit, good humour and evident anticipation of a great evening at the Stadion Tivoli Neu. Asked by a Swedish journalist about pictures of Sergio Ramos in an Innsbruck disco during the week, the 69-year-old quipped: "It was his day off! You're just lucky you didn't catch me in the disco too. I like disco music, but prefer flamenco. I was worried you were going to show me something worse!" He brought the house down. And his high spirits extended to more questions about Fernando Torres. Father figure "I had a chat with him but there has never been a problem," he said in reference to the idea that the Liverpool FC striker was still smarting from being substituted against Russia. "Sometimes you build a paternal relationship with players and I've been with him a long time, but he's only been in my sides on merit." Torres and David Villa certainly deserve the spotlight. Their partnership destroyed Russia on Tuesday and they linked up for another goal in the final training match before Saturday's game. But two other factors could be vital against Sweden. Lars Lagerbäck's outfit are excellent aerially, but they are missing both Niclas Alexandersson (calf) and Christian Wilhelmsson (hamstring) down the right – a weakness Spain will hope to exploit. Top quality "Sweden have got big lads who win the ball in the air, so we must cut their supply," said Aragonés. "I think our left side is in great shape. David Silva can play anywhere across the pitch and Joan Capdevila could be a central defender, a wing-back, a midfielder, and he gives you goals." Fredrik Stoor should beat off competition from Mikael Dorsin to replace Alexandersson but what concerns Lagerbäck more than changing a winning lineup following the 2-0 defeat of reigning champions Greece, is that his team show total concentration. "What we've learned over the last couple of years against Spain is that, if your focus slips, they will hurt you. Give them the ball and drop our concentration and they will play like they are the best in the world. That's what happened when we lost [3-0] in Madrid but I don't expect that again." What he would obviously prefer is a repeat of Sweden's 2-0 success in Stockholm which preceded that reverse at the Santiago Bernabéu. Impressive strikers While Spain are likely to select the same eleven as against Russia, Lagerbäck has an important decision regarding Zlatan Ibrahimović. With the front man still recovering from knee problems, there may be a case to restrict his minutes against Spain. "The good news is that he felt no pain after the last match or in training," said the coach. "His work with Henrik [Larsson] is top quality and Henrik is back at this tournament simply because he still fulfils every criterion of the modern international striker." How Spain cope with the former FC Barcelona forward will go a long way to settling this fascinating encounter. en.euro2008.uefa.com/tournament/matches/match=300697/report=pr.htmlMatch officials Referee Pieter Vink (NED) Assistant referee 1 Adriaan Inia (NED) Assistant referee 2 Hans ten Hoove (NED) Fourth official Craig Thomson (SCO) Reserve assistant referee Martin Balko (SVK)
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Post by Terry on Jun 14, 2008 9:08:53 GMT -5
No second chances in Salzburg by John Mathews from Salzburg Russia coach Guus Hiddink billed it as a battle of the outsiders, while his Greece counterpart Otto Rehhagel admitted the last few days had been "difficult" as both sides aimed to bounce back from opening defeats in Group D. 'Learn fast' Russia suffered a 4-1 reverse at the hands of Spain in Innsbruck, before defending champions Greece lost 2-0 to Sweden at the Stadion Salzburg Wals-Siezenheim, so both teams must get their campaign back on track on Saturday. Hiddink referred to his "young team" needing to "learn fast" at the pre-match news conference and said there would be some changes against Greece, though not many. "It's like a final and I'm curious to see how our players manage, not just tactically but mentally and emotionally," said Hiddink. "Many, many teams have the experience of playing in finals and the [UEFA] Champions League. It's up to our players to see how they cope with playing in the finals." Pavlyuchenko doubt Russia striker Roman Pavlyuchenko, who scored their goal against Spain, is a doubtful starter with an adductor muscle strain adding to Hiddink's selection headache in attack. The FC Spartak Moskva forward has been able to do only light running since the Spain game. Hiddink said everyone else was fit and insisted he had other options up front with Dmitri Sychev and Roman Adamov, even if Pavlyuchenko was unavailable. The Dutchman admitted that suspended skipper and talisman Andrei Arshavin would be "sorely missed" but added that he would "not use that as an excuse". Facing facts Hiddink said: "We are two outsiders – let's be honest and face the facts. The one who is the most lucky or the better team has a chance to play the last game [with an opportunity] to get into the next round." Greece coach Rehhagel said: "The Russians have a very young team and once they get going it is very difficult to stop them, so that is why we have to disrupt their stride." The 69-year-old fielded a series of questions about Greece's tactics against Sweden, but denied he had sent his side out to play negatively, explaining: "We are not a team that can score goal after goal. Freedom of choice "It's a free country and a free democracy and everyone can say what they like," Rehhagel continued. "We respect that because we are from Greece, the home of democracy. It's true that the last few days were difficult but we have recovered and we will be ready to tackle the match positively. I told all my players that one mistake may make the difference between victory and defeat. After one hour we made such a mistake [against Sweden], which is why we were unable to get a victory." The title-holders may have to do without Giourkas Seitaridis – the right-back is suffering from a niggling groin problem – while fellow defender Paraskevas Antzas has missed a couple of training sessions since the Sweden defeat with a calf strain. Completing the list, second-choice goalkeeper Kostas Chalkias sustained a hand injury in training and could miss the rest of the group stage. en.euro2008.uefa.com/tournament/matches/match=300696/report=pr.htmlMatch officials Referee Roberto Rosetti (ITA) Assistant referee 1 Alessandro Griselli (ITA) Assistant referee 2 Paolo Calcagno (ITA) Fourth official Olegário Benquerença (POR) Reserve assistant referee Roman Slyško (SVK)
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Post by Terry on Jun 14, 2008 23:35:34 GMT -5
Villa strike takes Spain through by Ian Holyman from Stadion Tivoli Neu David Villa struck two minutes into stoppage time as Spain defeated a stubborn Sweden 2-1 at the Stadion Tivoli Neu in Innsbruck to guarantee their presence in the UEFA EURO 2008™ quarter-finals as Group D winners. Spain through The game had looked like ending in a draw after Zlatan Ibrahimović's second goal in as many games had wiped out Fernando Torres's 15th-minute opener on a chilly evening in the Austrian Alps. Yet Villa, the scorer of a hat-trick in the opening triumph against Russia, had other ideas as he raced on to Joan Capdevila's pass and dispatched it low into the net. Russia's later 1-0 win against Greece confirmed Spain's progress and completed a clean sweep of groups clinched with a game to spare after the efforts of Portugal, Croatia and the Netherlands. To earn a quarter-final against the Dutch, Sweden must now get at least a point against Russia here on Wednesday. No surprise Spain coach Luis Aragonés surprised no one by selecting the same XI that had started the Russia game, but there were only hints of the devastating fluidity of that 4-1 win as Sweden hustled and harried effectively. Ibrahimović could even have given Lars Lagerbäck's side the lead inside the opening minute only for the FC Internazionale Milano striker's normally assured touch to escape him when well placed inside the box. Lunging in Spain, playing towards the red-and-yellow masses of their supporters behind Andreas Isaksson's goal, did give flashes of the form which has seen them billed as potential champions. Andrés Iniesta's snaking run and strike had already had the Swedish goalkeeper scrambling, but Isaksson was powerless as Torres poked the Iberians in front on the quarter-hour. Villa threw the Swedish defence off balance as he unexpectedly flicked a short corner to David Silva, and the left midfielder had time to angle a ball to Torres who lunged in to turn in his first UEFA European Championship goal. Frailties exposed The Swedish riposte was almost instant, Johan Elmander ruffling the side-netting after he had latched on to a delightful Henrik Larsson flick. It was a warning to Spain though and – after the injured Carles Puyol had been replaced by Raúl Albiol on 24 minutes – their defensive frailties were again exposed. Elmander's searching ball from the right found Ibrahimović unmarked at the far post, and though he again failed to control cleanly, a slip by Sergio Ramos allowed him to turn and fire low past Iker Casillas. Bravely blocked With Ibrahimović failing to emerge for the second half, Sweden lost momentum, and it was Spain who threatened to break the deadlock soon after the hour. Silva and Villa's neat interchange of passes led to the former's shot being parried by Isaksson, who then took a nasty blow in the face as he bravely blocked Villa's follow-up. As the Sweden No1 lay grounded, Torres had sent a left-footed drive goalwards but Daniel Andersson made a timely block. Isaksson recovered sufficiently to brilliantly turn behind Marcos Senna's low drive in the 68th minute as Spain poured forward. Late drama Though the game was being played exclusively in their half, Sweden could have grabbed a late winner as Peter Hansson turned a free-kick back across the goal where Larsson arrived just too late to turn it in. Instead the glory went to Villa, the tournament's leading scorer on four goals. Whatever happens against Greece in Salzburg on Wednesday, Spain will meet the Group C runners-up on Vienna on 22 June. en.euro2008.uefa.com/tournament/matches/match=300697/report=rp.htmlMatchCenter
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Post by Terry on Jun 14, 2008 23:38:09 GMT -5
Russia end holders' defence early by John Mathews from Stadion Salzburg Wals-Siezenheim Russia's young stars had been urged to "learn fast" by their coach Guus Hiddink and they came of age in Salzburg as Konstantin Zyryanov's solitary goal earned them a 1-0 win against Greece, thus ending Otto Rehhagel's team's reign as kings of Europe. After both sides had lost their opening matches in UEFA EURO 2008™ Group D, the stakes were high at the Stadion Wals-Siezenheim, but Russia emerged victorious and knocked defending champions Greece out of the tournament. Nikopolidis error The only goal will haunt Greece goalkeeper Antonis Nikopolidis long into the night as he inexplicably chased a cross by Diniyar Bilyaletdinov that had already cleared his posts by five or six metres all the way to the touchline, and he was made to pay the full price for his 33rd-minute excursion. The Olympiacos CFP keeper was beaten to the ball by Russia captain Sergei Semak, who hooked it back over his head and Zyryanov was on hand to guide it ever so simply into an unguarded net. Constant threat Roman Pavlyuchenko, who recovered from a groin injury to start the match, was a constant threat to Greece and he created the first real opening in the 14th minute with a curling shot from the corner of the penalty area and Nikopolidis had to be at full stretch to tip it over the bar. From the resulting corner, Yuri Zhirkov flashed a shot a metre wide and Russia appeared the stronger of the two teams in the opening exchanges. Semshov clearance The closest Greece came to Russia's goal in the first half came in the 20th minute when Angelos Charisteas just failed to connect to a free-kick cross from his captain, Angelos Basinas. Midfielder Igor Semshov cleared the danger in highly irregular fashion, the ball bouncing up off his boot and into his face before passing harmlessly wide. Pavlyuchenko close Nikopolidis was kept on his toes early in the second half by Pavlyuchenko, who twice fired in his direction and forced him into saves, and the FC Spartak Moskva striker then cut inside two defenders before dragging his shot into the side-netting. Greece, realising their hold on the European crown was slipping, rallied and Basinas had an excellent opportunity to level in the 55th minute, though his left-footed shot from close to the penalty spot was much too high. Greece bow out Russian counterattacks were always a danger from that point and a clever backheel by Pavlyuchenko almost set up Bilyaletdinov for a second, but he could not find the target from a promising position. Although Greece had more to lose in the closing stages, Russia appeared far more likely to add to their tally than concede an equaliser, until Fanis Gekas finally found the Russian net late on, only to be ruled offside. Russia face Sweden in their final Group D game on Wednesday needing victory to reach the quarter-finals, while Greece take on section winners Spain with little to play for but pride. en.euro2008.uefa.com/tournament/matches/match=300696/report=rp.htmlMatchCenter
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Post by Terry on Jun 14, 2008 23:41:35 GMT -5
Scolari striking out for the summit by Simon Hart from St. Jakob-Park Eliminated Switzerland provide the final first-round opposition for Group A winners Portugal on Sunday but coach Luiz Felipe Scolari allowed himself to look beyond this assignment and admit he dreams of ending his reign as Portugal coach on a high by leading the team to the European title. Final dream Speaking for the first time since the announcement he would be leaving his post at the end of UEFA EURO 2008™ to become Chelsea FC manager, Scolari denied that the timing of the news had had a disruptive effect – "no" was the one-word answer – and stressed he was committed "body and soul" to success with Portugal in Austria and Switzerland. "I am completely involved to the end," he said. "I hope we can get to another final. We have only cleared the first round and have to get over two more hurdles to get to the final. I know my players and I believe in them – it would be great if we could get to the final." Strength in reserve With tougher tests ahead, the Brazilian said that he would rest a number of players against the co-hosts – with forward Nuno Gomes "99.9 per cent" certain to be one of them. "If we have quality on the bench we should use it in the match. The result will not affect who we play in the next round. We will do what we did in 2006 [against Mexico] – we had a mixture of players who had played and others who had not played – so they can get into a rhythm and be available to play in future matches." Kuhn praise Portugal won that FIFA World Cup group match 2-1 against Mexico and Scolari's counterpart Köbi Kuhn believes that whoever starts for the opposition, an "attractive match" beckons. "You can never talk about a Portugal B side," said the Switzerland coach, who believes the Portuguese, impressive winners against Turkey and the Czech Republic, can go far – "maybe even to the final". While Scolari can still hope for a triumphant farewell with Portugal, Kuhn's own dream of a prolonged challenge in his final tournament at the helm died with Wednesday's last-gasp loss to Turkey. Swiss goal Despite the pain of elimination, Kuhn insisted Switzerland were determined to sign off in style in front of another full house at St. Jakob-Park. "We feel the same tension we do for any match. The tournament still has 90 minutes to run for us," he said. Without a point, Switzerland are resigned to the wooden spoon in Group A but they do have one tangible goal to aim for: claiming their first win in the UEFA European Championship, having drawn two and lost six of their eight finals matches down the years. Zuberbühler recall With Kuhn's seven-year reign as Switzerland coach closing - Ottmar Hitzfeld is waiting in the wings – the 64-year-old admitted that, for once, his selection might be influenced by a touch of sentiment, with a recall "quite possible" for 37-year-old goalkeeper Pascal Zuberbühler among others. Kuhn, though missing Alexander Frei and Marco Streller, does have Eren Deriyok available, the young forward having recovered from a sprained ankle suffered against Turkey. en.euro2008.uefa.com/tournament/matches/match=300698/report=pr.htmlHead to Head SUI - POR 18 Played 18 7 Won 6 6 Lost 7 5 Drawn 5 24 Goals For 23 23 Goals Conceded 24 Match officials Referee Konrad Plautz (AUT) Assistant referee 1 Egon Bereuter (AUT) Assistant referee 2 Markus Mayr (AUT) Fourth official Ivan Bebek (CRO) Reserve assistant referee Geir Åge Holen (NOR)
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Post by Terry on Jun 14, 2008 23:44:46 GMT -5
Terim keyed up for Czech reckoning by Peter Sanderson from Geneva Coach Fatih Terim says Turkey plan to "reverse the tide" in their Group A match against the Czech Republic as they seek the victory that will secure their place in the quarter-finals of UEFA EURO 2008™. Time for a change The record books show that Turkey have never beaten the Czechs, a trend which Terim is anxious to reverse at the Stade de Genève on Sunday evening. "I have checked the statistics and they are not very favourable to Turkey," Terim said. "Our aim is to reverse the tide and ensure that we're in the last eight. I know we are good enough and believe the time has come for us to beat them." Penalties looming The two sides go into the game parading identical records in Group A, having each accrued three points, scored two goals and conceded three in their matches against Portugal and Switzerland. Should the game finish level after 90 minutes, second place in the section will be decided on penalties for the first time in the history of the tournament. Terim is eager to avoid that scenario and insists his team will not be practising spot-kicks. "I am sure neither side wants this game to go to a shoot-out," said Terim, who steered Galatasaray AS to a penalties victory over Arsenal FC in the UEFA Cup final in 2000. "I have not prepared my players for penalties. It is not a situation you can plan for. I didn't do it for the UEFA Cup and I won't be doing it now. We want to win in 90 minutes." Selection news Terim, who confirmed that both Emre Belözoğlu (hamstring) and Tümer Metin (groin) will sit out the match through injury, also announced his lineup to take on the Czechs. Three changes have been made from the 2-1 success against Switzerland on Wednesday, with Emre Güngör replacing Emre Aşık, with Mehmet Topal preferred to Gökdeniz Karadeniz and with Semih Şentürk stepping in for the injured Tümer. By contrast, Czech Republic coach Karel Brückner has no injury worries and stresses that his team will go out with all guns blazing. "We hope to continue our improvement throughout this tournament," he said. "It's a huge game – like a cup final – and we know we can improve, but I have no doubt my players will win this game and progress to the last eight." Penalty joy Brückner, who is expected to keep faith with the same XI that lost to Portugal, is staying tight-lipped about which players he will ask to step up should the game go down to penalties. "We have players in our squad who are able to take responsibility if it comes down to that," he said. "But we plan to have won the tie long before that." Should the decision come down to a lottery, the Czechs have the security of knowing they have never missed a penalty in a EURO shoot-out – with Czechoslovakia having also won the tournament in 1976 thanks to Antonín Panenka's exquisitely chipped spot-kick. If his players can match that composure on Sunday, Brückner will be a very happy man. en.euro2008.uefa.com/tournament/matches/match=300699/report=pr.htmlHead to Head TUR - CZE 4 Played 4 0 Won 4 4 Lost 0 0 Drawn 0 2 Goals For 13 13 Goals Conceded 2 Match officials Referee Peter Fröjdfeldt (SWE) Assistant referee 1 Stefan Wittberg (SWE) Assistant referee 2 Henrik Andrén (SWE) Fourth official Grzegorz Gilewski (POL) Reserve assistant referee Jan Petter Randen (NOR)
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Post by Terry on Jun 15, 2008 22:56:47 GMT -5
Yakin goals send hosts out on a high by Michael Harrold from St. Jakob-Park Co-hosts Switzerland brought the curtain down on their UEFA EURO 2008™ campaign with a stirring performance at St. Jakob Park, signing off with a victory thanks to two second-half goals from Hakan Yakin. Pride restored Though it was not enough to take them off the bottom of Group A, the win restored pride in a side who had been left with little else to play for after opening the tournament with successive defeats. Yakin struck on 71 minutes then again from the penalty spot with seven minutes left. Prior to that, a second-string Portugal team – featuring only three starters from their previous victory – had made enough chances to win the game, although they should be back at full strength when they return here for Thursday's quarter-final. Popular choice Köbi Kuhn was overseeing his last match in charge of Switzerland and he recalled the ever-popular 37-year-old goalkeeper Pascal Zuberbühler for his first taste of UEFA EURO 2008™ while midfielder Johan Vonlanthen replaced Tranquillo Barnetta. Though there was nothing at stake in the group, Switzerland fans were determined to give Kuhn and his side a rousing send-off and they were in full voice early on. Portugal, though, were giving more reason to cheer. Luiz Felipe Scolari's reserves were playing for their places and Ricardo Quaresma showed his credentials on seven minutes with a delightful pass flicked from behind his standing leg which Hélder Postiga headed wide. Ten minutes later Nani caught the eye, firing a low free-kick into the box to Pepe whose touch was spectacularly tipped on to the bar by Zuberbühler. Give and take It was not all one-way traffic, however. On 19 minutes, goalkeeper Ricardo pushed a Gökhan Inler effort over before blocking Valon Behrami's shot with his legs. In an entertaining encounter, chances were coming thick and fast, and just before the half-hour Ricardo was again pressed into action to palm away Yakin's header. With the latter stages of the competition in mind, Scolari brought on Jorge Ribeiro – brother of Maniche, a star of the 2004 finals – for Paulo Ferreira in the 41st minute as the Chelsea FC full-back had been booked. Woodwork The start of the second half brought more missed opportunities. Postiga headed over, Nani hit the post when clean through, and Zuberbühler saved from Quaresma. Quite what Eusébio, watching on from the stands, made of such profligacy did not bear thinking about. Portugal were almost made to pay when substitute Barnetta snapped a shot at goal from close range on the hour – Pepe coming to the rescue with a brilliant block. Four minutes later Vonlanthen had the cow bells ringing again with a rasping drive that clipped the post. Breakthrough The breakthrough finally came on 71 minutes when Eren Derdiyok's deft touch slipped Yakin in behind the Portugal defence and the 31-year-old rifled the ball beyond Ricardo. Yakin made sure of the points after 83 minutes with a powerfully struck penalty after Fernando Meira had impeded Barnetta's run in the box. That left St. Jakob Park buzzing, yet it is the Portuguese who live to fight another day. en.euro2008.uefa.com/tournament/matches/match=300698/report=rp.htmlMatchCenter
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Post by Terry on Jun 15, 2008 23:00:14 GMT -5
Czechs floored by Turkey turnaround by Peter Sanderson from Stade de Genève Two late Nihat Kahveci strikes booked ten-man Turkey a place in the quarter-finals of UEFA EURO 2008™ in an exhilarating climax to their Group A match against Czech Republic in Geneva. Gripping finale Jan Koller gave the Czechs a 34th-minute advantage with a thumping header before Jaroslav Plašil turned in Libor Sionko's cross to double the lead two minutes past the hour. Turkey gave themselves a fighting chance thanks to Arda Turan's low effort before Nihat capitalised on a Petr Čech mistake to level three minutes from time. With a penalty shoot-out looming, Nihat galloped clear to send Turkey through with a spectacular finish, although there was still time for goalkeeper Volkan Demirel to be sent off for shoving Koller. Tuncay Şanlı took the gloves as Fatih Terim's men set up a quarter-final against Croatia. Koller in The two teams kicked off with identical records and a draw would have necessitated a penalty shoot-out to decide who took second place behind Portugal – an outcome both coaches were anxious to avoid. Karel Brückner opted to start with Koller up front, and his height ensured the Czechs had the better of the opening period, with Tomáš Ujfaluši launching long passes forward for him to knock down to Libor Sonko and Plašil. Such direct tactics nearly paid dividends as Sionko headed Marek Jankulovski's free-kick wide. Tuncay shot Koller was causing havoc every time the Czech Republic pushed forward, steering one header narrowly over before finding Marek Matějovský for an attempt that was well dealt with by Volkan. Turkey were struggling to get into the game but finally registered their first effort on goal when a Tuncay strike fizzed wide of Čech's upright, although it was the Czechs who continued to look the more likely to make the crucial breakthrough. Perfect delivery That opening goal eventually arrived in the 34th minute from a predictable source as Zdeněk Grygera escaped down the right to deliver a perfect cross for Koller to nod his 55th international goal beyond the despairing dive of Volkan and give his side a richly-deserved lead. If their first-half travails were not worrying enough for Turkey, they also had the knowledge that the Czechs had never lost a competitive match in which Koller had scored. Czechs in control That statistic seemed ever more relevant in the 62nd minute when Plašil met another fine centre, this time from Sionko, with a sliding first-time volley that Volkan could not keep out. Despite the increased deficit there had been hope for Turkey, with Nihat and Tuncay both going close after the restart as Terim's team finally began to find their feet on a slippery surface. In the countries' previous meeting, Turkey had scored twice in the closing two minutes to earn a draw but such a scenario appeared a long way off as the Czechs threatened again as Jan Polák rattled the upright. Nihat impact Suddenly, however, Turkey revived as Hamit Altıntop cut in from the right for a cross that found Arda – the hero against Switzerland – at the far post to halve the deficit. The Czechs still looked like holding on, until an uncharacteristic error from Čech shattered their chances. The No1 dropped another Altıntop centre at the feet of Nihat, who duly prodded in. Two minutes later Altıntop's pass sent Nihat through and the Turkey captain clipped the ball in off the underside of the crossbar under extreme pressure to take his side through. They will play Group B winners Croatia in Vienna on Friday, when Mehmet Aurélio will be suspended along with Volkan. en.euro2008.uefa.com/tournament/matches/match=300699/report=rp.htmlMatchCenter
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Post by Terry on Jun 15, 2008 23:05:10 GMT -5
Beenhakker lines up Polish Lazarus act by Graham Wood from Klagenfurt Coach Leo Beenhakker is hoping Poland can sneak into the UEFA EURO 2008™ quarter-finals "through the back door" as he prepares his players for Monday's critical Group B clash with Croatia in Klagenfurt. Tough predicament The stakes for Poland could scarcely be higher when they take on Slaven Bilić's men at the Wörthersee Stadion. While Croatia are already through to the quarter-finals as group winners, Beenhakker's men lie fourth in the section after taking one point from their first two games. Their campaign will be over regardless of Monday's result, however, should Germany beat Austria in Vienna in the other match. Beenhakker was philosophical, though, when asked to sum up his team's predicament. "We have to put our effort into what we have in our hands," said the Dutchman. "We can't control events in Vienna. All I can do is plan with my players to try and get the win over Croatia. We are focusing on our task and then we have to hope things elsewhere go our way to qualify through the back door." Changes expected Beenhakker said he expects his opposite number Bilić to rest some players for what is the first competitive international between the sides, but the 65-year-old insists that will not make his team's task easier. "Croatia have a certain philosophy of playing and that will not change very much, no matter who is playing," he said. "Positions and styles are more or less fixed, so it's just a case of different players doing the jobs. I'm confident we have done our homework on every player in the squad of 23." Regarding his own personnel, Beenhakker will again have do without captain Maciej Żurawski, who strained a thigh against Germany. Marek Saganowski should deputise in attack. 'Strong desire' Croatia are enjoying this competition so far, building on the 1-0 opening win against Austria with a stunning 2-1 victory over Germany – results which have left them with six points, three clear at the top of the group and assured of first place. Bilić confirmed that changes will be made to his lineup but maintains his players are fully motivated. "We can't wait for the match to start. Our opponents are a great side but we have a strong desire to continue playing well and achieving good results," said the 39-year-old. The Croatia players will wear black armbands out of respect for a 19-year-old Croatian fan who died tragically before the Germany game. Croatian confidence Bilić dismisses the notion that he will be fielding a weakened team, with one eye on the quarter-finals, adding that he has belief in his entire squad. "This will not be a reserve side," he commented. "We have 23 players in all and there is no first team, second team or reserve team. I have no doubt whatsoever that my team can beat Poland, whatever team I put out. I have total respect for Poland but I also have confidence in my players." en.euro2008.uefa.com/tournament/matches/match=300701/report=pr.htmlHead to Head POL - CRO 4 Played 4 1 Won 2 2 Lost 1 1 Drawn 1 3 Goals For 5 5 Goals Conceded 3 Match officials Referee Kyros Vassaras (GRE) Assistant referee 1 Dimitris Bozatzidis (GRE) Assistant referee 2 Dimitris Saraidaris (GRE) Reserve assistant referee Alessandro Griselli (ITA) UEFA Referee observer Bo Karlsson (SWE)
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Post by Terry on Jun 15, 2008 23:10:51 GMT -5
Austria aiming to repeat history by Andrew Haslam from Vienna Thirty years on from Austrian football's most famous day Josef Hickersberger has history on his side when his team meet Germany in Vienna for a place in the UEFA EURO 2008™ quarter-finals, although the coach is looking elsewhere for inspiration. Vienna memories A 3-2 win in Cordoba in the 1978 FIFA World Cup knocked out then holders West Germany, Austria's sole victory in ten competitive fixtures against West and the unified Germany. Much has been made of that triumph – in which Hickersberger played – in the build-up to a game that will decide second place in Group B, yet the coach said: "Too much has been said about Cordoba. For me, history is repeating itself. In 1989, we played the German Democratic Republic in Vienna in a decisive qualifier for the 1990 World Cup and won [3-0]. The names are different now, but we're looking forward to the match." 'Alles oder nichts' The front cover of the Kurier newspaper's magazine supplement bears the simple headline "Alles oder nichts", and for Austria the equation is equally straightforward: win or join co-hosts Switzerland in making an early exit from their own party. With the Austrians having lost 3-0 to Germany in February and being without a win against these opponents since 1986, that may look a tall order but Hickersberger is full of confidence. "We're in excellent shape," he said. "We're better than we were in February and we have a decent chance. This is the biggest match of my life and it will be the biggest match of all time if we win." Crucial point Ivica Vastic's added-time penalty snatched a draw against Poland on Thursday, when Germany lost 2-1 to Croatia, and the Austria coach – missing only the suspended Sebastian Prödl – has seen enough in the first two games to be optimistic. "Germany weren't that good against Croatia and they have problems. One or two players are injured, they're not playing that well and we have home advantage. I'd put our chances at 40 per cent – people might think I'm pessimistic but that's quite good. The important thing is we have a chance and if you'd told me that a year ago I'd have been more than grateful." 'Push the limit' Germany coach Joachim Löw has encouraged his players to "avoid pointing the finger at each other" since that defeat by Croatia and is anticipating a positive reaction. "I promise you the team will play differently," he said. "Thirty million people will be watching in Germany and we have to win for them and for our nation. The match against Croatia is a thing of the past. We'll have to push to the limit because Austria have improved in the last few weeks and months. They're a team of fighters but we will go the extra mile." Trio available Marcell Jansen misses out with a shoulder problem while Bastian Schweinsteiger is suspended following his red card on Thursday, although top scorer Lukas Podolski (foot), Philipp Lahm (calf and shin) and Heiko Westermann (hand) are all poised to play, with the last-mentioned wearing a protective cast. Löw believes his side will meet expectations, adding: "A little pressure doesn't hurt – my team will deal with that. If we play well, there's no need to be afraid of our opponents. We'll play our game, impose our style and show what we can do." en.euro2008.uefa.com/tournament/matches/match=300700/report=pr.htmlHead to Head AUT - GER 34 Played 34 8 Won 21 21 Lost 8 5 Drawn 5 48 Goals For 71 71 Goals Conceded 48 Match officials Referee Manuel Mejuto González (ESP) Assistant referee 1 Juan Carlos Yuste Jiménez (ESP) Assistant referee 2 Jesús Calvo Guadamuro (ESP) Reserve assistant referee Paolo Calcagno (ITA) UEFA Referee observer Sergey Zuev (RUS)
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Post by Terry on Jun 17, 2008 6:58:49 GMT -5
Klasnić completes Croatian clean sweep by Trevor Haylett from Wörthersee Stadion Croatia rested a host of players yet still proved too strong for Poland as they won 1-0 in Klagenfurt to finish on maximum points in Group B and confirm their opponents' early exit. Klasnić winner Ivan Klasnić scored the winner early in the second half at the Wörthersee Stadion to end another defiant show from goalkeeper Artur Boruc and further boost Croatia's confidence before they tackle Turkey in the quarter-finals on Friday. Poland's slim qualifying hopes rested on at least a two-goal victory here and a win for Austria over Germany, and neither came off as Michael Ballack struck the only goal in Vienna. Duo retained Poland needed goals so it was something of a surprise that Leo Beenhakker chose to omit Euzebiusz Smolarek, whose marksmanship played a big part in securing qualification to UEFA EURO 2008™ as group winners ahead of Portugal. The coach also left out defender Jacek Bąk who had been hoping to make his 97th appearance. As expected, Slaven Bilić made wholesale changes to the Croatia team with only two players retained from the starting XI who had conjured the famous victory over Germany. Knežević injury One of those was left-back Danijel Pranjić and when he made an early forward raid it left a gap which Poland were quick to exploit. Marek Saganowski headed on for Wojciech Łobodziński whose cross brought goalkeeper Vedran Runje out to clear, injuring Dario Knežević in the process. Although the right-back played on after treatment, he was eventually forced off in the 27th minute. By that stage Croatia were taking a firm grip on proceedings and only the brilliance of Boruc kept the score at 0-0. Mladen Petrić played Klasnić in but out came the Poland No1 to make another of those blocks that so frustrated Austria four days ago. From a difficult angle, Ivan Rakitić then found Boruc in the way as he attempted to clip the ball across into the area. Klasnić goal After a promising start in which Dariusz Dudka got up well to meet a corner only to place his header wide, Poland were largely on the back foot. On the stroke of half-time Boruc came to the rescue again after Klasnić had skilfully worked an opening. In the 53rd minute Klasnić at last got the better of him. The architect was Pranjić and when he picked out the striker in the penalty area, Klasnić stylishly whipped the ball back across Boruc and into the far corner. Despite the introduction of Smolarek, things remained relatively easy for Croatia's defence with Dario Šimić, winning his 99th cap, also looking to attack from right-back when the opportunity presented itself. Poland chances A smart turn from Roger Guerreiro almost brought Poland back into the contest but he was narrowly wide of the mark. It was a rare moment of hope for the massed ranks of their supporters seated behind the Croatia goal, though another arrived soon after when Marcin Wasilewski's header forced Runje to stretch. Bilić could afford to give Nikola Kalinić his first run-out at the tournament and only his second cap late on, although Poland did threaten parity when Smolarek fired just wide and substitute Tomasz Zahorski saw a great opening closed by the diving Runje. en.euro2008.uefa.com/tournament/matches/match=300701/report=rp.htmlMatchCenter
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Post by Terry on Jun 17, 2008 7:04:15 GMT -5
Ballack books Germany's place by Andrew Haslam from Ernst-Happel-Stadion Germany captain Michael Ballack booked his side's place in the UEFA EURO 2008™ quarter-finals with a thunderous free-kick, ending the hopes of Austria despite a valiant effort from the co-hosts in Vienna. Clinical strike To overtake their opponents and claim the runners-up spot in Group B, Austria needed to beat their neighbours – something they had not achieved since defeating West Germany in 1986. The home team enjoyed long periods of possession but, as in their February friendly loss in this stadium against the same opposition, were made to pay for a lack of a cutting edge up front – Ballack settling the contest in the 49th minute with a characteristically clinical set-piece. Coach Joachim Löw, who was sent to the stands with his Austria counterpart Josef Hickersberger just before half-time, can look forward to a quarter-final against Group A winners Portugal in Basel on Thursday. Remarkable miss Hickersberger made three changes to the side that snatched a last-gasp draw with Poland on Thursday, surprisingly giving 21-year-old Erwin Hoffer his second senior start in place of Roland Linz up front. If that was designed to improve the co-hosts' potency, it initially backfired as Germany enjoyed the better of the early exchanges and, but for a remarkable Mario Gómez miss, the home crowd would have been silenced by the fifth minute. Miroslav Klose was the architect of the move, tricking his way down the right and delivering a low cross that bypassed goalkeeper Jürgen Macho, only for Gómez to mistime his shot at the unguarded net, allowing György Garics to head his looping effort off the line. Austria advance Gómez then drew a regulation save from Macho with a low angled drive, before Hoffer began to provide evidence of the poaching skills that made him such a prolific scorer in his country's youth teams, narrowly failing to control an Andreas Ivanschitz cross which would have left him clear. Austria nevertheless took heart from that opening and enjoyed their first spell of sustained pressure, Jens Lehmann diving to his right to touch behind René Aufhauser's low shot, although Macho had to do likewise to keep out a Lukas Podolski attempt from distance. Ballack breakthrough With so much at stake, it was little surprise that tensions were running high on and off the field, and following a heated exchange on the touchline Hickersberger and Löw were dismissed. It was the latter whose side seemed less affected by their coach's absence, however, and within four minutes of the restart Germany were ahead. Ivanschitz pulled down Philipp Lahm as the left-back drove forward and Ballack exploited the resulting free-kick to the full, driving an unstoppable shot high into the net from 25 metres. Positive omen Lahm and Podolski both missed the target while Macho saved from Per Mertesacker and Klose as Germany sought to increase their advantage. Nonetheless, Austria never lost heart and Hoffer flashed a shot just wide of Lehmann's goal. Germany have now won their last five games against these opponents and at the final whistle celebrated reaching the last eight for the first time since 1996 – when they went on to lift the trophy. Meanwhile, for the first time no host nation will be represented in the knockout rounds. en.euro2008.uefa.com/tournament/matches/match=300700/report=rp.htmlMatchCenter
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