Posts Tagged ‘EURO 2008’

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Van der Sar to decide on his future in December

August 16th, 2008

Edwin Van der Sar, who was instrumental in both the Champions League and Premier League wins of Manchester United, will be deciding his future with club football in December.

Van der Sar, 37-year old Holland goalkeeper, ended his international career after his side went down to Russia in the Quarters of EURO 2008. However, he made a decision to continue playing at Old Trafford till the end of the coming season.

During an interview with Voetbal International, Man U star said that there is a possibility of him going beyond 2009 provided he is fit and free from any injury. His performance will also play a role in his eventual decision.

Former Ajax player confirmed his intention of not moving back to representing his country in the future, even though he was excellent in the European Championships.

While speaking to Voetbal, he said ‘Till the side was doing well during the group stages and registered victory over World Cup Finalists, Italy & France, I could have considered playing at the International level. I was even forced by my guys. However, a loss to Russia in the Final Eight immediately made me realize that this was it for me.’

Meanwhile, Alex Ferguson’s plan of getting Berbatov from White Hart Lane received a dent, as another European Giant joined the race for the Bulgarian striker. Barcelona is also working hard to get the star from Spurs to fill the boots vacated by Ronaldinho.

With the situation getting tight with managers from various clubs, everyone is expecting numerous surprises before the transfer window closes on August 31.

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Posted in Man U, Premier League

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Konstantin: Arshavin deal with Spurs to reach decisive phase

August 2nd, 2008

After a successful run in EURO 2008 followed by number of clubs longing to sign the Zenit St Petersburg player, Andrei Arshavin will finally be playing in the English Premier League this season.

After a month of speculation, Russian 27-year old midfielder Arshavin will be finally joining the Spurs at White Hart Lane in 5 days. This news comes as a great relief for Spurs fans, who might have received a setback after their star and captain, Robbie Keane, was transferred to Liverpool.

Arshavin, who played more than a hand in the excellent performance of the Russian team in the recently concluded EURO 2008, was on the target list of several big clubs including Barcelona. However, officials at Zenit St Petersburg have revealed that the Russian playmaker’s deal with Spurs is as good as final and will be concluded within a matter of few days.

Meanwhile, Spurs are unwilling to pay off the asking price, which was fitted at over £ 20 million pounds by the Russian club. However, Spokesperson from Zenit, Konstantin Sarsaniya is saying that the talks between him and his Tottenham counterpart are continuing and the results will be seen within a short time.

According to Konstantin, the English club has a desire to hold the services of the player to bring glory back to them. He feels that with Keane no longer playing at White Hart Lane, Arshavin is sure to have a pivotal role in the team’s success, if he eventually makes it to the club.

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Posted in Premier League, Tottenham

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Fabregas determined to stay at Arsenal

July 31st, 2008

Arsenal & Spain midfielder, Cesc Fabregas, has informed the media that he is totally committed to play for Gunners and dismissed all reports regarding the fact that he could possibly be shifting to Real Madrid.

A Spanish sports newspaper Marca had published news in its weekend report, which quoted that Cesc Fabregas has hinted about his possible decision to consider a future move to Real Madrid. The newspaper also quoted that Fabregas informed about his possible future move based on the condition that he would move only from his present club, if they miss out in winning any trophy this new season.

It has been a few days before when Spain won the Euro 2008 and Fabregas really played an important and prominent role in steering Spain to the top of the tree in the European Table. The Spanish International therefore denied discussing any sort of transfer plans, either long term or short term, as he said that he is planning to bring an end to his summer holidays and keeping himself motivated to stay with his current club.

The 21-year old from Spain have also stated that he feels really frustrated when the media quotes about his transfers from his current club irrespective of the fact that he haven’t spoke to the media in recent times.

Fabregas also made a statement that he thinks some people are busy making mischief with him by publishing wrong reports. However, he clarified that he has no intentions of leaving the London Club and wants to play for the club helping it to achieve success and win trophies.

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Posted in Arsenal, Premier League

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Injury worries cloud the Turkish camp before semifinal against Germany

June 23rd, 2008

The Turkish camp before their all-important semifinal against Germany

After an inspiring performance against a strong Croatian side, Turkey will be looking forward to repeat the feat against Germany, who everyone believe will take the cup home after Holland were sent packing by the Russians.

Apart from a strong attack and defense of the German side, there are several injury worries clouding the Turkish camp. They were able to field only 15 fit players for their tie against the Croatians. Now with three of them having received the second yellow cards of the tournament, Turkish will have only 12 available players for their semifinal clash.

Nihat Kahveci along with Tumer Metin, Emre Belozoglu and Servet Cetin are all serving injuries and will probably miss the game. Again with Emre Gungor already out of EURO 2008, Turkish coach Fatih Terim will only be comfortable, if the suspension on their goal keeper is lifted after they made an appeal against it.

Terim has already refused calling up replacement for their injured lot. Even if he desired to rig in changes, this is the final moment to take the necessary step by communicating with UEFA. William Gaillard, Communication Director of UEFA confirmed that a team can call up for an urgent meeting, if they only have 8 players available to them. Again, he also said that there was no communication made to him by the Turkish camp till date for taking action in this regard.

The probable inclusion in the team from the previous game will be of Colin-Kazim Richards (Fenerbahce forward) & Mehmet Aurelio, midfielder who is returning to action after serving a suspension giving Terim some of a fight in their tie against the Germans.

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Posted in EURO 2008, General

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Russia Vs Netherlands: Netherlands sent to pack their bags by impressive Hiddink’s men

June 23rd, 2008

No one could have expected such a turn of events, then what actually happened at the St. Jakob Park. In what was considered to be the easiest of encounters in the knockout stage, David again conquered the Goliath. An inspired Russian side under their Dutch Coach Guus Hiddink tamed Van Basten’s Netherland side 3-1, who were looking all set to take the EURO 2008 Championship home.

The game was completely dominated by the Russians in all departments. From the kickoff only, they were making it difficult for the Dutch side to have a strike on their net. Simultaneously, there were several attempts from their end on their goal.

If it was not for Dutch keeper Edwin Van der Sar, who was playing his last game, Russians would have murdered the Netherland side. He made some miraculous saves in the first & second half and was the busier of the two keepers. He was defending against a resurgent Russian attack, which was targeting him by penetrating the weak Dutch defense.

The 0-0 score line that was carried into the second half broke from an excellent shot in the 56th minute by Roman Pavlyuchenko. It was difficult for the Dutch side, which included the likes of Nistelrooy, Schneider, Van der Waath & Van Persie, to break into a solid Russian defense. However, a Schneider free kick eventually caught the head of Nistelrooy taking the game into extra time.

Extra time saw two sides fighting it out to get one up on one another, yet it seemed that there will be the second penalty shootout in as many days. However, with late strikes from Dmitri Torbinski in the 112th minute and hero of the game against Sweden, Andrei Arshavin (also the Man of the Match of this game) sealed the game for Russia and ended a dream run of the Dutch side in EURO 2008.

Russia will be looking forward to continue the momentum in semifinal, where they will face off against the winner of Spain Vs Italy encounter at Ernst Happel Stadion.

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Posted in EURO 2008, General

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Turkey Vs Croatia: Another nail biting win for the Turkish Side

June 22nd, 2008

 It was the second quarter final of EURO 2008, where two dark horses of the tournament, Turkey & Croatia, went head-to-head. Both these teams were through to the second round on the back of some wonderful performances with the Croatians winning all their matches including a win over the first Semifinalist Germany and Turkish side, who defeated a resurgent Czech side in nail biting finish to storm into the knockout stage.

The two sides had a grueling start to the game with Slaven Bilic Croatian side putting up a solid attack and pitting the Turkish Side on the back foot. For most part of the game, there were attacks from both the sides and it seemed that any one of them could score at any stage. However, the score line finished at fulltime 0-0 with the match going into the overtime and the chances of a penalty was looming over it.

Extra time was a continuation of the match with both sides having equal attempts at the net and none converting them. It was only in the 119 minute that the deadlock was broken by Croatia, when Ivan Klasnic headed home a goal past Turkish keeper Rustu Recber what looked to be the end of the game.

However, there was another twist in the tale when a long pass by keeper Rustu allowed Semih to shot an equalizer past Pletikosa and made the match to go into penalties in the injury time.

In the penalty kicks, three of the four penalties where missed by Croatia with Modric, Rakitic & Petric failing to convert and Turkish side hit all three to allow the latter with a win on a penalty score line 3-1.

Now it will be a battle between the fancied Germans against the dark horse Turkish side with everyone hoping for yet another thriller of a game.

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Posted in EURO 2008, UEFA Cup

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EURO 2008 | Greece Vs Spain

June 20th, 2008

 Greece Vs Spain: Another last minute goal wins it for Spain

June 18 2008. EURO 2008 has been studded with teams showing attacking instincts for overpowering others and marching into the quarters. The one team, which lacked that instinct and eventually failed to qualify for the next stage, was the Champions from the previous edition of European Championships, Greece.

With defeats against Sweden and Russia, they were already knocked out of the competition and looking to salvage some pride in their final league game against Group D leader, Spain. Spanish side was riding on a majority of changes with only one player, Andres Iniesta, in the playing eleven, who played in the ties against Swedes and the Russians. Again, Greek Coach, Otto Rehhagel, also came up with a new look side from their previous two games.

Luis Aragones Spanish Side started the game with their usual flair and attack, as they dominated the early part of the game with the ball sitting in Greek half. However, the former Champions struck back with a spirited performance and it was three minutes from the first half when Charisteas went past Spanish Keeper on the night, Jose Reina, to hand his team with a 1-0 lead going into the second half.

Aragones resisted the temptation of bringing in his star players with his side a goal behind and his players on the field did him justice. Xabi Alonso, skipper for the night, came close of equalizing, as he hit the bar just after resuming. However, the equalizer came from De La Red, who shot past Nikopolidis (playing his last game). After a scintillating second half, the winner came from leading scorer of La Liga, Dani Guiza, who headed a goal just couple of minutes from the end making it 2-1 for Spain and ending any hopes of retribution for Greek Side.

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Posted in Champions League, EURO 2008, General, UEFA Cup

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EURO2008 – Sweden Vs Russia

June 19th, 2008

 Sweden Vs Russia: Dutchman Hiddinks side set for a faceoff against Dutch in EURO Quarters

June 18 2008. The final major encounter in the group stages of EURO 2008 was going to be another slobber knocker, as Russians faced off against the Swedish side. With a narrow victory against group leaders Spain last time around, Sweden only needed a point to prove and a draw world have been enough for them to qualify. Simultaneously, with a win over European Champions Greece, Russia was all set to put yet another determined effort for booking their own place in the quarters.

Russians were on top of their game from the onset. They used a similar strategy with Roman Pavluychenko, which got them past the defense of resilient English side last October in the European Qualifiers. Striker, Pavluychenko, opened the scoring for Russians early in the first half with a goal in the 24th minute missing the efforts of Swedish keeper Andreas Isaksson. Although there were efforts from Ibrahimovic & Ljunberg, still the first half belonged to the Russians with side being a goal ahead

It felt like a mismatch in most part of the game with Russians running away with the tie and looked to end it in the first half only. It was only to some brilliance from Isaksson that Hiddink’s men were not able to score more than a brace. However within five minutes of the restart, Arshavin, who returned to the side after a suspension, scored the second goal for the Russians and ended it for the Swedes. Russian attack was so promising on the night that they could have scored more than the final score line 2-0. It was only the woodwork that saved them from scoring in the final minute.

Now, Dutchman Hiddink’s Russian side will face off against the might of Van Basten’s Netherlands in what is going to be an eagerly anticipated match of the tournament.

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Posted in Champions League, EURO 2008, General, UEFA Cup

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Euro2008 ~ Romania Vs Netherlands

June 19th, 2008

  Romania Vs Netherlands: Another professional performance by the Dutch side

June 17 2008. After a dream start to the EURO 2008 with thrashing victories over World Champions, Italy, & Runners-up, France and already a seat booked in the quarter finals of the showdown, Netherlands were pitted against Romania, who had everything to play for in this Group C (Group of Death) match.

A win was needed for the Romanian team to qualify for the quarters, whereas it was nothing more than an opportunity for Marco Van Basten to test his bench strength. Even with as many as 9 changes in the side that crashed France 4-1, Netherlands Coach promised their fans of a professional approach and was looking for another win over Romania to keep the momentum going into the quarters. On the other hand, Romania, who almost shocked World Champions Italy where only the brilliance of Buffon saving a crucial penalty crushed their hopes, was determined to give everything for a win.

With no goals in the first half, it promised to be another nail biter for the fans of both the sides. Holland was on the attack from kick-off and was looking the side to draw first blood at most times in the first half.

Romanians resistance came to a halt with a brilliant goal from Robin Van Persie, 4 minutes following the restart. When Klaas Jan Huntelaar shot past Lobont, it sealed the game along with the hopes of the Romania. The game ended with a score line of 2-0 in the favor of the Dutch side.

Netherlands delivered what their coach promised to deliver (a professional performance) and defeated Piturca’s men to yet another victory

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Posted in EURO 2008, General, UEFA Cup

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Euro 2008 Update

June 8th, 2008

 Euro 2008 Update

On a day of efficient rather than all out cavalier soccer, Portugal and Czech Republic took a large step towards securing their places in the knockout stages of the Euro 2008 championships. At the end of matchday1, Portugal and the Czech Republic lead Group A with a victory each and they will be hoping to continue that form over the reminder of this footballing extravaganza.

 

The first match of the Euro 2008 championships saw the Switzerland soccer outfit put up a strong fight against the Czech Republic only to lose out to a Sverkos goal in the second half. After losing Alexander Frei to injury in the first half, the large Swiss home crowd must have expected the worse as the Czech Republic poured into attack from all sides. However, a strong rearguard action from Switzerland took the match all the way to the wire and despite losing the clash, there are plenty of positives that the Swiss national team can pick up as they look to enter into the knockout stages of the European championships for the first time in history.

 

The other clash in Group A saw Portugal put in an efficient performance to down fighting Turkey 2-0. Despite possessing some of the very best flair players in Cristiano Ronaldo, Simao, Deco and Nani, it took a wonder strike from Real Madrid central defender Pepe to help Portugal take a lead. Pepe had a goal ruled out earlier for offside and his performance will surely go a long way in securing him a permanent berth alongside Ricardo Carvalho at the heart of the Portuguese defence. Raul Meireless added a second one in the 81st minute to strike a dagger into the hearts of the Turkish players who now have a mountain to climb if they are to make it to the quarterfinals of the Euro 2008 finals.

 

The next round of matches sees Germany take on Poland while home outfit Austria take on promising Croatia.

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Posted in Champions League, EURO 2008, General, UEFA Cup

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