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Post by Terry on Jun 23, 2008 19:08:47 GMT -5
Casillas' saves put Spain in semis by John Atkin from Ernst-Happel-Stadion Iker Casillas was the penalty shoot-out hero as Spain held their collective nerve to throw out the record book and claim a UEFA EURO 2008™ semi-final against Russia. Record Before tonight Spain had lost three quarter-final penalty shoot-outs on 22 June but they stopped the rot at the Ernst-Happel-Stadion, prevailing 4-2 on spot-kicks after 120 minutes had failed to produce a goal. Although Gianluigi Buffon saved from Daniel Güiza, Casillas denied Daniele De Rossi and Antonio Di Natale, allowing Cesc Fàbregas to step up and send his side through. In truth, Luis Aragonés's team had enjoyed the better of the play on a humid night in Vienna, Marcos Senna coming closest when he was denied by the post in the closing stages of normal time. They continued to press in the additional half-hour, David Silva and Santi Cazorla both firing narrowly wide before Casillas's heroics saw them through to a rematch with a Russia side they defeated 4-1 in the group stage. Omens The Italy squad had arrived at the Ernst-Happel-Stadion some time after their Spanish counterparts, and for much of the first half Aragonés's men were similarly first to everything. With Xavi Hernández providing the pivot in midfield, Spain bossed the play, caressing the ball one way and then the other – all one-touch passing and quick bursts of activity as they picked at Italy's high defensive line, looking for a chink in the armour. The ploy of Andrés Iniesta switching flanks to create the overlap on the left was too obvious for the wizened Azzurri rearguard, although David Villa's cute back-heel almost forced an opening soon after and it took a timely block to deny Silva. Duo missed Italy were struggling to gain a foothold, unable to fill the sizeable void left by suspensions to their usual suppliers of industry and finesse, Gennaro Gattuso and Andrea Pirlo. It was a hole that Fernando Torres, in particular, was keen to exploit as he popped up all over the pitch, drawing Aragonés from his bench to tell him to calm down. Perhaps Aragonés was aware the omens were hardly stacked in his team's favour as they sought their first win against the Azzurri in a competitive fixture, Olympic Games excluded. Midway through the half Massimo Ambrosini gave Spain more to think about but Simone Perrotta was unable to make the most of his arcing cross before another centre just evaded Luca Toni. Silva threat With King Juan Carlos in the crowd, it was largely Spain who were rising to the occasion. Villa tested Buffon with a free-kick but it was the waspish Silva who was displaying the most menace. Seven minutes before half-time he fired a low effort past the post after a blocked Torres shot fell his way. He then profited from another fortuitous opening soon after the restart, when the ball cannoned into his path eight metres out. After a clever turn it took a timely intervention from the excellent Giorgio Chiellini to deny Silva. The Azzurri centre-back was immense, and slowly his team-mates began to respond. Just past the hour a long ball caused mayhem in the Spain defence, dropping favourably for substitute Mauro Camoranesi who forced a smothering save from Casillas. Buffon escape At the other end, with time ebbing away, Senna worked Buffon with a free-kick and then a low shot that bounced awkwardly in front of the goalkeeper, the ball evading his grasp and spinning on to the post before he fell on to it at the second attempt. It was a propitious bounce but there was no luck involved when the Italy No1 dived to keep out Güiza's effort with three minutes remaining, even if play was subsequently called back for handball. Such reactions would prove invaluable in the concluding penalty shoot-out, but, unfortunately for Roberto Donadoni's world champions, they came predominantly from Casillas. en.euro2008.uefa.com/tournament/matches/match=301702/report=rp.htmlMatchCenter
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Post by Terry on Jun 25, 2008 6:35:03 GMT -5
Fearless Turkey ready for Germany by Simon Hart from Basel Turkey coach Fatih Terim said there were "no miracles in football" as his depleted team prepared to take on Germany for the prize of a place in Sunday's UEFA EURO 2008™ final in Vienna. 'Message about life' The progress of Turkey to their first semi-final on the European stage has provided compelling drama, their three wins en route to Basel secured by increasingly improbable comebacks. With three-times champions Germany now barring their path on Wednesday, Terim reflected that Turkey's success so far had been the result of a committed team effort and nothing more. "As far as I know there are three results you can get: win, lose or draw. There is no result called a miracle in football. Einstein said there are two ways to live – one is to believe everything is a miracle and live your life that way, the second is to believe nothing is a miracle. I belong to the second group. We've worked hard to put together a team who work a lot and believe in themselves. Everyone enjoys watching us – we send a message about life as well as football." Löw praise Germany coach Joachim Löw has experienced Turkish football during short spells with Fenerbahce SK and Adanaspor AS, and he admitted he was impressed by the strides taken by Terim's side. "Maybe ten to 15 years ago they wouldn't have been capable of coming back in three consecutive matches but now they can do that," he said. "They have always had talented players but when they were behind their heads tended to go down. They have learned never to give up." While Turkey's self-belief is strong, Germany's eye-catching quarter-final victory over Portugal has increased the confidence levels of a squad aiming to reach their first UEFA European Championship final since 1996. "We had a setback against Croatia [losing 2-1 in the group stage] but have responded very well since and we have no worries about injured players. We are confident in our strengths," said Löw. Injured list Highlighting the "great physical shape" of captain Michael Ballack, the coach said he had no fitness worries, meaning a possible return for Torsten Frings, absent against Portugal with a broken rib. Should Löw retain the 4-2-3-1 system employed so effectively against Portugal, this would mean a place on the bench for Thomas Hitzlsperger or Simon Rolfes. By contrast, Terim's foremost concern is to ensure he has enough players available. The quartet of Volkan Demirel, Tuncay Şanlı, Arda Turan and Emre Aşιk are suspended while striker Nihat Kahveci followed Emre Güngör in departing the tournament injured after the quarter-final shoot-out triumph against Croatia. Midfielder Tümer Metin may be fit for involvement but Servet Çetin and Emre Belözoğlu are still struggling which could leave just 13 outfield players available for action. 'Not afraid' Terim took a philosophical view as he looked ahead to what is Turkey's biggest match since their 2002 FIFA World Cup semi-final loss to Brazil. "If you asked the eliminated coaches if they would be in my place with the injured and suspended players, or watching the semi-final from home, I suppose they would still like to be here." Germany have won four of five previous semi-finals in this competition but Terim added: "We have courage and believe in our chances. We respect Germany but we are not afraid of them, just as we've not been afraid of any other opponent." en.euro2008.uefa.com/tournament/matches/match=301697/report=pr.htmlHead to Head GER - TUR 17 Played 17 11 Won 3 3 Lost 11 3 Drawn 3 40 Goals For 10 10 Goals Conceded 40 Match officials Referee Massimo Busacca (SUI) Assistant referee 1 Matthias Arnet (SUI) Assistant referee 2 Stéphane Cuhat (SUI) Fourth official Peter Fröjdfeldt (SWE) Reserve assistant referee Henrik Andrén (SWE) UEFA Referee observer Jaap Uilenberg (NED)
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Post by Terry on Jun 26, 2008 7:22:42 GMT -5
Germany strike late to seal final place by Patrick Hart from St. Jakob-Park A 90th-minute strike from Philipp Lahm sent Germany into the UEFA EURO 2008™ final and ended the march of a brave Turkey side who were unable to summon one last dramatic equaliser. Gripping contest Semih Şentürk had already brought Turkey to the brink of extra time with an 86th-minute strike, yet Lahm's super finish from Thomas Hitzlsperger's pass finally flattened Fatih Terim's team. For once, they had led first, through Uğur Boral's 22nd-minute opener, only for Bastian Schweinsteiger to quickly equalise before Miroslav Klose wrested the initiative eleven minutes from time in an exciting semi-final in Basel. Blistering start Christoph Metzelder's early slice from Uğur's cross set the tone. Kazım Kazım broke confidently before Lahm's sloppiness allowed his FC Bayern München team-mate Hamit Altıntop – one of two German-born Turkey starters along with Hakan Balta – a half-chance he scuffed at Jens Lehmann. Terim's men were playing as if they had nothing to lose. From Ayhan Akman's cutback, Kazım smashed against the crossbar. Semih nearly turned in a cross, then a telescopic leg from Per Mertesacker denied Ayhan. Uğur opener After 17 minutes Germany woke up. Michael Ballack passed to Lahm, met the resulting cross with his head and sparked confusion in the opposition area. The Turkish thoroughbred had already bolted, though, and the first goal went their way after 22 minutes. Sabri Sarıoğlu threw the ball to Ayhan who chested it back, and from Sabri's cross Kazım's imperfect strike looped on to the crossbar – happily for the Crescent Stars an even untidier finish from Uğur burrowed under Lehmann's body. Schweinsteiger reply Semih and Mehmet Aurélio might have doubled the advantage, only for Germany to equalise against the run of play. Lukas Podolski, the left prong in the trident behind Klose, delivered the centre which Schweinsteiger turned in from close range. A Klose call at Turkey's end was then followed by Lehmann having to tip over a Hamit free-kick. In return, Hamit's mistake almost undid a vibrant Turkey when his misplaced pass resulted in Podolski sprinting through but rifling over. Uğur's free-kick, won by the willing Kazım, elicited another Lehmann save. Key absentees This was a tough contest for Joachim Löw's team, make no mistake. The forward runs of Kazım, Hamit, Ayhan and Uğur in support of Semih were causing no end of trouble. If green in places because of an absentee list including four injured, four suspended and one half-fit substitute, Turkey were also fresh, energetic and enthusiastic. Germany began to show the same qualities – Hitzlsperger found his range, Ballack did not after winning a free-kick. The Mannschaft had dominated both games when these sides met at the 1954 FIFA World Cup in Switzerland but you would not have guessed it was them, not Turkey, chasing a sixth final appearance and a fourth European title. Thrilling finish Full-back Sabri's right-wing surge went unrewarded, then Uğur warmed Lehmann's hands as Turkey continued to attack through clever use of the flanks. However, it was a long cross from a deeper position from Lahm that looked to have decided the match, goalkeeper Rüştü Reçber failing to reach a ball that Klose headed into the unguarded net. Turkey had redefined the term plucky underdog with last-gasp goals against Switzerland, Czech Republic and Croatia and duly came again. Sabri was the source, his cross being turned in at the near post by Semih. Extra time loomed, but that was discounting the one-two between Hitzlsperger and Lahm that provided the knockout punch. en.euro2008.uefa.com/tournament/matches/match=301697/report=rp.htmlMatchCenter
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Post by Terry on Jun 26, 2008 7:25:25 GMT -5
Revived Russia cause Aragonés concern by Graham Hunter from Ernst-Happel-Stadion David Villa and Fernando Torres may be the most dynamic front pairing at UEFA EURO 2008™, but Spain coach Luis Aragonés wants them to add another trick to their repertoire by defending from the front in Thursday's semi-final. Specific task Although the pre-match excitement has been about the attacking potential on show in this repeat of the Group D opener which produced five goals, Aragonés chose to underline three times what he requires from his strike partnership against Guus Hiddink's team. "I want to see them pressing the central defenders, not just shadowing them. I want proper, high-energy pressing and I want them to rob the ball from Russia's defenders as early as possible," said Aragonés, before adding: "I've rarely seen a team break from box to box as quickly and in as high numbers as Russia." 'Deeply proud' Aragonés will hope the fact Russia central defender Denis Kolodin, along with midfielder Dmitri Torbinski, is suspended will unsettle a defence which has only conceded once in three victories since letting in four against Spain. It is a remarkable turnaround, one even Hiddink admits to being amazed by. "That 4-1 defeat was the first game in a big tournament for many of my players," he said. "I'm amazed how much progress we've made since. That day we fell into the big trap of giving gifts to our opponents, but after a couple of analytical sessions, then work in training, everything was fixed. I'm deeply proud of three things our progress should achieve: putting Russia back in its place within European football, showing the world modern football can be beautiful and taking this group of players on a long footballing journey from where they began." Interesting record Losing in international semi-finals is a thorn in Hiddink's side – his Netherlands and Korea Republic teams went down in the last four of the 1998 and 2002 FIFA World Cup semi-finals respectively – although both Russia and Spain have powerful records at this stage. Since becoming an independent nation, this is Russia's best performance at a UEFA European Championship but as part of the Soviet Union they won four semi-finals in the competition, only falling to Italy in 1968 on the toss of a coin after a 0-0 draw. Spain have won their two challenges at this stage, en route to winning the tournament in 1964 and then again in 1984 on penalties against Denmark. "You can win, you can lose but if you promote the concept of defending well and attacking with conviction when you have the ball then this is how modern football must be played," Hiddink said. Colour change It is precisely that offensive style which Aragonés wants Spain to block and then profit from. "We need to nullify their virtues and then punish their weaknesses. We won't man-mark Andrei Arshavin, he's simply one of five top-class players Russia possess. We won't change our style." There will, however, be a change in the colour of Spain's shirts from their famous red to yellow. "I don't like this new colour, personally," said the superstitious 69-year-old. "But so long as I don't have to wear it, the players can. Anyway, it's not yellow, it's mustard." With that the Wise Man of Hortaleza left his audience chuckling and headed for his date with destiny. en.euro2008.uefa.com/tournament/matches/match=301698/report=pr.htmlHead to Head RUS - ESP 4 Played 4 0 Won 3 3 Lost 0 1 Drawn 1 1 Goals For 6 6 Goals Conceded 1 Match officials Referee Frank De Bleeckere (BEL) Assistant referee 1 Peter Hermans (BEL) Assistant referee 2 Alex Verstraeten (BEL) Fourth official Kyros Vassaras (GRE) Reserve assistant referee Dimitris Saraidaris (GRE) UEFA Referee observer Bo Karlsson (SWE)
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Post by Terry on Jun 26, 2008 20:02:03 GMT -5
Clinical Spain set up Germany final date by John Atkin from Ernst-Happel-Stadion Second-half goals from Xavi Hernández, Daniel Güiza and David Silva sent Spain through to a UEFA EURO 2008™ final meeting with Germany as Luis Aragonés's men proved too strong for Russia in Vienna. Spain fluent Russia looked the team to beat as they scythed through the Netherlands in the last eight. But with thunderstorms lighting the sky above the Ernst-Happel-Stadion they struggled to get to grips with the occasion, and never looked like recovering after Xavi broke the deadlock five minutes after half-time, steering Andrés Iniesta's fine left-wing cross past Igor Akinfeev. Güiza added another with 17 minutes remaining before Silva completed a morale-boosting win for Spain ahead of Sunday's final, their first since 1984. Russian torpor After their 4-1 defeat by Spain in the group stage 16 days ago, Russia coach Guus Hiddink had complained that he would have to "wake some players up". He seemed to have succeeded in breathtaking fashion, yet despite the driving rain and spectacular lightning that greeted the start of this semi-final, his charges looked to have slipped back into a torpor. It was not something that was troubling Sergio Ramos, though. Stung by criticism of his campaign to date in some quarters the Spain right-back started like a man possessed. He snapped into tackles, scampered down the wing and just failed to get on the end of Xavi's fifth-minute cross. Akinfeev busy Ramos's team-mates soon took his lead, and as much as Aragonés does not like what he terms Spain's "mustard" away jerseys, he would have been glad his team were not in red. Disjointed at the back and sluggish in midfield, Russia were struggling to find their feet. It took a well-timed tackle from Vasili Berezutski – playing instead of the suspended Denis Kolodin – to deny Fernando Torres a run on goal though the striker soon tested Akinfeev with a shot on the turn. The Russia goalkeeper was in action again to deny David Villa as he fired in at the near post as Aragonés' ploy of using Iniesta to double up on the left wing caused confusion. Pavlyuchenko chances Russia were looking for Andrei Arshavin to lift them out of the mire but refuge instead came from the right boot of Roman Pavlyuchenko. The 26-year-old gave warning with a free-kick and it then took a stunning stop from Iker Casillas to deny him, diverting a blistering strike away from the top corner. It soon got better for Russia as the instigator of that group stage loss, hat-trick hero Villa, limped off and almost immediately Pavlyuchenko poked wide with the goal at his mercy. The profligacy was underlined five minutes after half-time when Spain's midfield Argus Marcos Senna turned over possession and fed Xavi. A smart exchange of passes later and La Furia Roja were ahead. Güiza strikes In the crowd, Spain's Crown Princess Leticia bore a shocked expression but in truth it had been coming, and her side were soon on the hunt for more. Having found his range with the goal, Iniesta released Villa's replacement Cesc Fàbregas, and though the substitute ran out of space, Aragonés's decision to switch to a five-man midfield was proving profitable. It took an excellent challenge from Yuri Zhirkov to deny Torres before Fàbregas and Xabi Alonso had efforts tipped over. Alonso had been introduced moments earlier alongside Güiza, and the latter soon sealed victory, lobbing Akinfeev after being put through by Fàbregas' perfectly-weighted dink over the defence. The No10 was the provider again moments later as his low cross was fired in by Silva. Next up, Germany. en.euro2008.uefa.com/tournament/matches/match=301698/report=rp.htmlMatchCenter
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Post by Terry on Jun 29, 2008 1:23:41 GMT -5
Coaches anticipate Vienna thriller by Andrew Haslam from Vienna Germany coach Joachim Löw and his Spain counterpart Luis Aragonés are both hoping UEFA EURO 2008™ will come to a suitably exciting conclusion as their sides prepare to meet in the final on Sunday evening. 'Intensive match' The first 30 games of the tournament have yielded 76 goals, and the coaches are optimistic that pattern will continue at the Ernst-Happel-Stadion. Germany's Joachim Löw – whose side won 3-2 in both the quarter- and semi-finals against Portugal and Turkey respectively and are looking for their fourth European title – is anticipating an open encounter. "It's going to be a very intensive match," he said. "Both Spain and Germany have good players and like to go forward so it's going to be very interesting. We tried to make certain corrections after we lost to Croatia [in the group stage], but when we're against a team who play attacking football we can reach that level and keep up. Technically speaking, both teams have strong offensive players. It will be a fast, flexible and variable match." 'Long hard road' German hopes would be damaged by the absence of Michael Ballack, who has missed training for the last two days due to a calf problem, while Thorsten Frings should replace Simon Rolfes in midfield. Despite the doubts surrounding the participation of his captain, Löw is in bullish mood, confidently proclaiming: "I expect to win, of course. We have a long, hard road behind us over the past few weeks. This tournament was tough for all players and all teams, it took up a lot of strength but now we're in the final and we're going to gather all our efforts to win and take the cup back to Germany." Contrasting fortunes While Germany are familiar faces at this level – this is their sixth European showpiece and four of Löw's squad appeared in the 2002 FIFA World Cup final – for Spain this is unchartered territory. La Furia Roja's last appearance in a major final was 24 years ago, a 2-0 EURO defeat by France, and their sole silverware came in the 1964 UEFA European Championship, yet if their coach is feeling weighed down by history he was not inclined to admit as much. "I'm fine, the players are fine," said Aragonés. "My greatest concern is my team. Germany are very strong, and their set-pieces are very dangerous. We know they don't have such a flowing game as us but they counterattack with speed and we need to learn how to stop that. It might be of concern to me, but I'm sure Germany are concerned the football we play with the ball on the ground could cause them problems." Winning farewell In the absence of the tournament's four-goal top scorer David Villa due to a thigh injury, Aragonés – who will step down after the match – is expected to stick with the five-man midfield that functioned so effectively in Thursday's 3-0 semi-final win, against Russia, deploying Cesc Fàbregas behind lone striker Fernando Torres. "We'll be able to get into the area less but will be stronger in midfield," he explained. "I haven't decided anything yet, perhaps we'll have two forwards. Every team needs a good atmosphere. I've seen great teams with great players and if you don't have a good atmosphere you can't win. This is what's brought us to the final. Let's just hope we play well and win." en.euro2008.uefa.com/tournament/matches/match=301696/report=pr.htmlHead to Head GER - ESP 19 Played 19 8 Won 5 5 Lost 8 6 Drawn 6 26 Goals For 21 21 Goals Conceded 26 Match officials Referee Roberto Rosetti (ITA) Assistant referee 1 Alessandro Griselli (ITA) Assistant referee 2 Paolo Calcagno (ITA) Fourth official Peter Fröjdfeldt (SWE) Reserve assistant referee Stefan Wittberg (SWE) UEFA Referee observer Jaap Uilenberg (NED)
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Post by Terry on Jun 29, 2008 20:32:56 GMT -5
Torres ends Spain's long wait for glory by Andrew Haslam from Ernst-Happel-Stadion Spain became European champions for the second time after Fernando Torres's first-half goal in Vienna proved enough to defeat Germany in the final of UEFA EURO 2008™. History an inspiration Spain had won their only previous piece of silverware in this competition in 1964 and had not been beyond the quarter-finals of any tournament in 24 years, yet Luis Aragonés's men chose to use that history as an inspiration rather than a burden. After a strong start from Germany, seeking a fourth title themselves, Spain were the more dangerous side throughout an entertaining final at the Ernst-Happel-Stadion although it took just one goal – in the 33rd minute, courtesy of Torres's pace, perseverance and unerring finish – to end their long wait. Ballack boost Germany received a significant boost before kick-off with captain Michael Ballack included despite a much-publicised calf problem, and, perhaps buoyed by that news, Joachim Löw's team settled quickly. Much had been made of the contrast in style between the sides yet in the opening exchanges it was Germany whose passing looked crisper, Miroslav Klose and Thomas Hitzlsperger failing to make the most of glimpses of goal. Meanwhile Spain, shorn of four-goal leading scorer David Villa due to a thigh injury, struggled to find their feet in a new 4-5-1 formation in which Cesc Fàbregas was rewarded for a fine semi-final display with a starting place. Instinctive stop As an indicator of the pattern of the match, however, Germany's bright beginning proved misleading. Spain soon worked their way into the contest, with Germany goalkeeper Jens Lehmann – becoming, at 38, the oldest player to appear in a UEFA European Championship final – forced into action for the first time in the 14th minute. Although his instinctive save came when his own defender, Christoph Metzelder, inadvertently deflected Andrés Iniesta's cross towards his own goal, Xavi Hernández's fine through pass had unpicked the Germany defence and showed the Spanish were finding their feet. Torres on target Right-back Sergio Ramos was then allowed to cut inside and deliver a deep cross, Torres peeling away from Per Mertesacker to create space for the header only for the right-hand post to come to Lehmann's rescue. The warning signs were there for Germany, yet they failed to heed them and duly fell behind three minutes past the half-hour. Again Xavi was the architect, playing a pass in behind the Germany back line towards Torres, who outmuscled a hesitant Philipp Lahm and clipped the ball over the diving Lehmann and just inside the far post. David Silva then volleyed over Iniesta's cross when given time and space inside the area as Spain threatened to increase their lead. Spain openings Spain had more openings in the early stages of the second half, Lehmann getting the merest of touches to Xavi's low shot before Ramos nearly guided in Silva's drive from the resulting corner. Yet a hint of the threat Germany still posed arrived on the hour, substitute Marcell Jansen and Bastian Schweinsteiger combining for Ballack to shoot centimetres wide. Klose then deflected a Schweinsteiger effort past the post and, in response to Germany's renewed menace, Spain coach Aragonés promptly introduced Xabi Alonso and Santi Cazorla in place of Fàbregas and Silva. The switches reinvigorated Spain instantly, Lehmann making smart stops from Ramos and Iniesta while Torsten Frings blocked another Iniesta effort on the line. Celebrations As the final moved into the last 20 minutes, Spain had had seven shots on goal to Germany's one, but with the Mannschaft having turned virtually one in two of their attempts on target into goals en route to the final, that would have been scant consolation to Aragonés and his side. In the event, however, it was Spain who continued to carve out chances as the match reached its conclusion, Marcos Senna narrowly failing to apply the finishing touch to an unselfish header from substitute Daniel Güiza – but the celebrations would not be delayed much longer. en.euro2008.uefa.com/tournament/matches/match=301696/report=rp.htmlMatchCenter
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