European Football Blog - Road to World Cup 2010

The match of the week: Iceland - Netherlands

2009-06-05T14:22:00.000Z

On Saturday, the Netherlands can secure a spot at next year’s World Cup in South Africa if they beat

Iceland

in Reykjavík. Holland’s eighth away win would also break the record for most consecutive away wins in European World Cup qualification.

Holland’s last WC qualification away match in which they did not win was on 9 October 2004 against FYR Macedonia (2-2).

The Netherlands have conceded only one goal in their last seven WC qualification away matches.

Longest away winning streaks – World Cup qualification UEFA

# Nation Start date Match that ended streak

7 Netherlands 17 Nov 2004 Still running

7 West Germany 28 Mar 1954 Scotland - West Germany (16 Apr 1969) 1-1

7 West Germany 03 Dec 1980 Sweden - West Germany (25 Sep 1985) 2-2

7 Sweden 28 Mar 2001 Croatia - Sweden (08 Oct 2005) 1-0

6 Romania 08 Sep 1993 Republic of Ireland - Romania (11 Oct 1997) 1-1

5 England 15 Oct 1949 Republic of Ireland - England (19 May 1957) 1-1

5 Poland 16 Oct 1976 Belgium - Poland (01 May 1985) 2-0

5 Turkey 11 Oct 2000 Greece - Turkey (08 Sep 2004) 0-0

World Cup qualification away match winning streak Netherlands

Nr. Date Match Result

7 15 Oct 2008 Norway - Netherlands 0-1

6 10 Sep 2008 FYR Macedonia - Netherlands 1-2

5 08 Oct 2005 Czech Republic - Netherlands 0-2

4 03 Sep 2005 Armenia - Netherlands 0-1

3 08 Jun 2005 Finland - Netherlands 0-4

2 26 Mar 2005 Romania - Netherlands 0-2

1 17 Nov 2004 Andorra - Netherlands 0-3

2009-06-04T23:20:00.001Z

On Tuesday, Germany’s Mario Gomez scored four goals in a friendly against the United Arab Emirates (7-2).

According to Infostrada, Gomez is the third German player to score at least four goals in an international match since 2004. Michael Ballack (2004) and Lukas Podolski (2006) also achieved this feat recently.

Gottfried Fuchs holds the record with 10 goals. That record was set at the 1912 Olympic Games against Russia (16-0).

Gomez is the 12th German player to score at least four goals in a single match.

Most goals in single match for German national team
# Player Match
10 Gottfried Fuchs Germany - Russia (01 Jul 1912) 16-0
6 Wilhelm Hahnemann Germany - Finland (01 Sep 1940) 13-0
4 Julius Hirsch Netherlands - Germany (24 Mar 1912) 5-5
4 Fritz Förderer Germany - Russia (01 Jul 1912) 16-0
4 Georg Frank Germany - Switzerland (10 Feb 1929) 7-1
4 Josef Rasselnberg Luxembourg - Germany (11 Mar 1934) 1-9
4 Edmund Conen Germany - Finland (01 Sep 1940) 13-0
4 Edmund Conen Germany - Bulgaria (20 Oct 1940) 7-3
4 Ernst Willimowski Switzerland - Germany (18 Oct 1942) 3-5
4 Gerd Müller West Germany - Albania (08 Apr 1967) 6-0
4 Gerd Müller West Germany - Cyprus (21 May 1969) 12-0
4 Gerd Müller West Germany - Soviet Union (26 May 1972) 4-1
4 Gerd Müller West Germany - Switzerland (15 Nov 1972) 5-1
4 Michael Ballack Germany - Malta (27 May 2004) 7-0
4 Lukas Podolski San Marino - Germany (06 Sep 2006) 0-13
4 Mario Gomez United Arab Emirates - Germany (02 Jun 2009) 2-7

Spain reaches 31 and goes for Brasil

2009-04-03T00:17:00.001Z

On Wednesday, Spain secured a 2-1 win at Turkey, extending their unbeaten run to 31 consecutive matches. Spain’s current run has equalled a European record for staying undefeated in successive official international matches.

Hungary had set the European record of 31 in 1954 and this record was equalled by Spain between 1994 and 1998.

Spain’s last international defeat was at home to Romania on 15 November 2006 (0-1).
The world record is 36 and was set by Brazil between 1993 and 1996.

Do you think that the Spanish National Team is one of the best of the history?

Longest streaks of international matches without defeat
# Nation Start date Won Drawn Match which ended streak

36 Brazil 16 Dec 1993 29 7 Mexico - Brazil (21 Jan 1996) 2-0
31 Spain 07 Feb 2007 28 3 Still running
31 Hungary 04 Jun 1950 27 4 West Germany - Hungary (04 Jul 1954) 3-2
31 Argentina 19 Feb 1991 18 13 Colombia - Argentina (15 Aug 1993) 2-1
31 Spain 07 Sep 1994 20 11 France - Spain (28 Jan 1998) 1-0
30 Italy 24 Nov 1935 24 6 Switzerland - Italy (12 Nov 1939) 3-1
30 France 16 Feb 1994 20 10 Denmark - France (09 Nov 1996) 1-0
29 Brazil 08 Mar 1970 21 8 Italy - Brazil (09 Jun 1973) 2-0
28 Korea Republic 03 Sep 1977 23 5 Japan - South Korea (04 Mar 1979) 2-1
27 Ghana 30 Mar 1980 15 12 Ghana - New Zealand (07 Jun 1983) 0-2
27 Colombia 31 Jul 1992 13 14 Colombia - Bolivia (07 Apr 1994) 0-1

Note: Streaks are based on matches which the country in question regards as official.

Spain vs Turkey: Santiago Bernabeu Stadium receives the match of the weekend

2009-03-28T15:43:00.006Z

The most difficult match of Spain Road to WC 2010, arrives when La Furia Roja is living the best moment in the history. The Euro 2008 champions, seems to have the best players as a National Team and they don’t need many changes in their line-ups as it happens with any Team that experience crisis.

As a result, it is time for records. First David Villa scored one goal per game at EURO 2008, then Xabi Alonso reached 50th cap...

According to our friendly site Spanish Football Sports, Spain vs Turkey achieves special moments for Iker Casillas and David Villa again.

Spain, enjoy it!

Romania vs Serbia: victory is crucial

2009-03-27T22:43:00.001Z

Star striker Adrian Mutu claimed Romania must beat Serbia in their 2010 World Cup qualifier on Saturday if they are to remain in contention for a place at next year's finals.

The 30-year-old, Romania's third all-time scorer with 29, said that a draw would not be good enough against a side that presently tops Group 7 with nine points, though, the Romanians on four points have a game in hand.

"We cannot just come away with a draw against Serbia," said Mutu.

"This match is vital because if we don't win, we won't have a chance of qualifying," added Mutu, who also said that they must take three points off Austria on April 1.

The Fiorentina marksman claimed Serbia had an advantage because their players played in tougher championships than most of the Romanian squad and called on his compatriots to motivate themselves so that they would not allow this to be replayed out on the pitch.

"We have shown before that we can play as well as stronger teams than us such as against France (a 2-2 draw in their World Cup qualifier last October) and Holland (a 1-0 victory in a Euro 2008 qualifier)," said Mutu, who is just six goals short of Romania's leading all-time scorer Gheorghe Hagi.

Dutch legend Cruyff warns Scotland: Don't start a war

2009-03-27T22:31:00.001Z

Dutch legend Johan Cruyff identified a chink in Holland's Oranje armour and told Scotland that controlled aggression represents their best chance of causing a shock at the Amsterdam Arena tomorrow.

The all-time great believes the current Netherlands side is no match for George Burley's battlers when it comes to winning 50-50 tackles and individual scraps.

But he warned that, with a potentially more important game against Iceland at Hampden on Wednesday night, the Scots must be wary of turning the World Cup qualifier into a war.

More info: Daily Mail

South America World Cup qualifying: free live TV stream

2009-03-27T17:46:00.010Z

Diego Maradona and Juan Pablo Carrizo.

Round 11

Saturday
Uruguay - Paraguay
Argentina - Venezuela
Colombia - Bolivia

Sunday
Ecuador - Brazil
Peru - Chile

Feel free to add links

England vs Ukraine: for a new record

2009-03-26T19:54:00.000Z

On Wednesday 1st April, England host Ukraine in a FIFA World Cup qualifier at Wembley. England can set a new record by clinching their seventh consecutive home win in a World Cup qualifying match.

Most successive World Cup qualification home wins - England
# Start date Last match before streak First match after streak

6 09 Oct 2004 England - Greece (06 Oct 2001) 2-2 Still running

6 16 Nov 1949 England - Wales (24 Jan 1973) 1-1

5 13 Oct 1976 England - Poland (17 Oct 1973) 1-1
England - Romania (29 Apr 1981) 0-0

2 18 Nov 1981 England - Romania (29 Apr 1981) 0-0
England - Romania (11 Sep 1985) 1-1

2 26 Apr 1989 England - Sweden (19 Oct 1988) 0-0
England - Norway (14 Oct 1992) 1-1

2 18 Nov 1992 England - Norway (14 Oct 1992) 1-1
England - Netherlands (28 Apr 1993) 2-2

2 08 Sep 1993 England - Netherlands (28 Apr 1993) 2-2
England - Italy (12 Feb 1997) 0-1

2 30 Apr 1997 England - Italy (12 Feb 1997) 0-1
England - Germany (07 Oct 2000) 0-1

2 24 Mar 2001 England - Germany (07 Oct 2000) 0-1
England - Greece (06 Oct 2001) 2-2

Germany vs Liechtenstein: Teutons go for 200th

2009-03-26T19:51:00.001Z

On Saturday, Germany need to score one goal to celebrate their 200th goal in World Cup qualification matches when they face Liechtenstein in Leipzig.

Josef Rasselnberg became the first German goalscorer in a World Cup qualification match when he netted against Luxembourg (1-9 win) on 11 March 1934.
Karl-Heinz Rummenigge is Germany’s top scorer in World Cup qualification matches with 13 goals.

Most goals scored in World Cup Qualification UEFA
# Nation P W D L GA

229 Netherlands 100 62 22 16 75
218 Serbia 102 61 25 16 88
210 Belgium 107 59 22 26 116
208 Spain 93 60 21 12 66
208 Sweden 100 63 16 21 90
206 England 86 57 19 10 57
199 (West) Germany 68 50 16 2 55
193 Portugal 109 53 28 28 122
192 Russia 96 60 21 15 65
181 Romania 99 56 18 25 95
Note: matches include intercontinental play-off matches

Top scorers in World Cup Qualification – (West) Germany
# Player

13 Karl-Heinz Rummenigge
9 Gerd Müller
7 Michael Ballack
7 Klaus Fischer
7 Pierre Littbarski
6 Oliver Bierhoff
6 Rudi Völler
6 Max Morlock
5 Manfred Kaltz
5 Ulf Kirsten
5 Miroslav Klose
5 Wolfgang Overath

Germany: Löw calls upon Jansen and Podolski, Friedrich injured

2009-03-24T00:00:00.002Z

Marcell Jansen

Joachim Löw has nominated 21 players for the upcoming games against Liechtenstein in Leipzig on March 28 (8 P.M, live on ZDF) and in Cardiff on April 1 against Wales (8.45 P.M., live on ARD), both qualifying games for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The German coach has refilled some open slots with Arne Friedrich, Marcell Jansen and Lukas Podolski – all three players sat out the year’s opening game against Norway due to injury. On Sunday Friedrich cancelled his participation due to an injury, suffered in Berlins 0-2 defeat at Stuttgart on Saturday.

Hannover's Robert Enke, recently sidelined due to a fractured left hand, returns as one of three goalkeepers on the roster. "I felt that he has had a rather successful convalescence, he’s found his old form quickly", said Löw about Enke. Löw also commented on Lukas Podolski’s reappearance in the ranks: "The fact that he battled back into Bayern's starting line-up did not have an effect on our nomination. We’d have called upon him either way, as we rate him highly. Lukas is an excellent forward."

Marcell Jansen from Hamburger SV is yet another returnee following a prolonged injury phase. "As Piotr Trochowski reports injured, we needed a midfield alternative. We will check back with the HSV to get another read on his ability to perform. But disregarding Trochowski's injury status, Marcell Jansen has performed well in the Bundesliga following the winter break. He is certainly a valid option."

Karel Bruckner has announced his retirement from the game

2009-03-18T17:14:00.006Z

The 69-year-old was in charge of the Czechs for seven years, leading them to the semi-finals of Euro 2004.

After stepping down as coach at the end of last summer's European Championships, Bruckner then accepted the Austria job but resigned at the start of this month following a run of just one win in seven matches.

Former Czech Republic and Austria coach Bruckner has now announced he will not return to coaching.

"My career as a coach is over," he told citing ill health as one of the reasons behind his decision.

"My health and age have become a handicap. This week I'm going to become a normal pensioner."

FIFA fielding World Cup bids from lineup of 11 candidates

2009-03-17T01:25:00.001Z

FIFA appears to have bidders lining up to host the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.

Football's governing body will confirm Tuesday which candidates - nine individual nations and a pair of two-country proposals - have followed up their initial interest last month by formally registering for the contest.

They are: Australia, England, Indonesia, Japan, Mexico, Qatar, Russia, United States and South Korea, plus joint bids from Belgium-Netherlands and Spain-Portugal.

All want one of the two prizes on offer - hosting 32 teams and hundreds of thousands of visitors for a four-week festival of football that is the planet's most-watched sports event.

FIFA's 24-man executive committee will choose the two winning bids in December 2010.

"(The World Cup) is unrivalled in its power to awaken emotions, capture the imagination and unite people all over the world in celebration," FIFA gushed when launching the hosting rights competition in January.

The tournament generates billions of dollars through television, tourist and marketing. But it also requires billions of dollars of investment to stage, once the bills for building and upgrading stadiums, roads, airports and hotels are added up.

Candidates must provide about 12 stadiums holding at least 40,000 fans for group matches, with one stadium of at least 80,000 capacity to stage the opening match and final.

"Much work awaits us, but we are optimistic because our bid is fully supported by the government," said Nugraha Besoes, secretary general of the All Indonesia Football Association.

Australia's bid alone has 23 million euros (C$38 million) of government support and was delivered in person by national federation chairman Frank Lowy to FIFA president Sepp Blatter in Zurich on Sunday. It points to Australia's successful hosting of the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney.

"We have a demonstrable track record in staging major sporting events," Australian federation spokeswoman Bonita Mersiades said. "A World Cup event here would be trouble-free. And we have a country that people want to come and see."

Four of the bids come from FIFA's Asian confederation, two from the CONCACAF region of the Americas and five from Europe.

Because South Africa is hosting in 2010, African nations were eligible to bid only for the 2022 World Cup. None came forward.

South American countries were barred from joining either race because Brazil will host the 2014 tournament.

A European country is considered favourite to win in 2018 to avoid the continent which provides almost half the tournament's teams being deprived of the event for three straight editions.

The World Cup had never left Europe for consecutive tournaments until FIFA introduced a policy of continental rotation that enabled South Africa and then Brazil to make winning bids.

With Europe's television markets being a rich source of revenue for FIFA, broadcasters there would not be impressed if the 2018 World Cup went to Asia or Australia where matches would be played outside of their prime time hours.

FIFA relies on the World Cup for 90 per cent of its income, and expects to earn 2.46 billion euros (C$4.05 billion) in television and marketing revenue from the 2010 tournament in South Africa.

England's bid was submitted Monday with chairman David Triesman saying it was for both editions.

"By declaring our interest for both the 2018 and 2022 tournaments we are maximizing our chances of winning the right to host the world's greatest sporting occasion," he said

Russian Football Union spokesman Andrei Malasolov said it had no preference on hosting in 2018 or 2022 and would leave it to FIFA to decide.

Five of the bidders have previously staged a World Cup: England in 1966; Mexico in 1970 and 1986; the United States in 1994; and South Korea and Japan as co-hosts in 2002.

Blatter has said the co-hosting experience was not a happy one and that he prefers bids from a solo host.

However, the two joint proposals from Europe can be converted to a single-nation option up to the May 2010 deadline for candidates to submit their bid book.

Until then, bidders have other dates in their diary. FIFA will send out more details of bidding and hosting requirements next month, while candidates must send a signed bidding agreement to Zurich by Dec. 11. Candidates will also be visited by FIFA officials and executives over the coming year.

Winning bidders also get to host an eight-team Confederations Cup tournament as a test event exactly one year before their World Cup.

The Canadian Press

France announces bid to host Euro 2016 too!!!

2009-03-06T01:54:00.002Z

The French soccer federation launched its bid to host the 2016 European Championship. "We are now officially candidates to host the 2016 Euros and we launch the bid today", French federation president Jean-Pierre Escalettes said during a news conference.

Remember that Italy's federation said last week it was also interested in hosting the 2016 championship after losing out to Poland and Ukraine for the 2012 tournament.

Britains Scotland and Wales abandoned plans for a joint bid due to the global economic downturn, but Sweden and Norway are said to be still considering a joint bid.

Although they lost against Argentina without inconvenience, France has won the last two major tournaments it hosted — the 1998 World Cup and 1984 Euro and they know that it is Nasri time!!!

Italy to bid for Euro 2016

2009-03-02T20:17:00.001Z

Italy will make a bid to host Euro 2016, Italian football federation (FIGC) president Giancarlo Abete said on Monday.

"Italy will present its declaration of interest for the 2016 European championships by (the deadline of) March 9," Abete told a news conference after a FIGC board meeting. He said the decision had been taken after recent consultations with the government.
Italy was beaten in a bid for Euro 2012 by Poland and Ukraine. The country's hooliganism problem was reported to be partly to blame.

"Italy is interested because we cannot shun the challenge of major international events and because we must start virtuous circles that give hope to our football," Abete told Rai radio earlier on Monday, according to Reuters.

The announcement came on the day that Scotland and Wales dropped plans to co-host Euro 2016 due to the financial demands of the expanded tournament.

Euro 2012 will be the last to feature 16 teams after UEFA voted last year to expand the tournament to 24.

Cristiano Ronaldo: “I hope to visit South Africa”

2009-03-01T04:02:00.003Z

Cristiano Ronaldo says he would like to visit South Africa one day. Well in just 468 days he could well get his wish should Portugal qualify for the FIFA World Cup in 2010.

The Manchester United and Portugal star was talking to Kick Off editor Neil Greig at Old Trafford, Manchester during the launch of Nike’s Mercurial Vapor Superfly boot.

Asked whether he had been to Mzansi and what he knew about the country, the winger said: “Last season Manchester United went there and the lads say it is an unbelievable place to go. I hope to go there one day too.”

Speaking right at the end of what was an interesting 40 minute press conference, Ronaldo looked more comfortable and relaxed than when he first walked in.

Facing around 100 media people from all over the globe was probably just as nerve wracking for him than it would be for anyone, highlighting that the superstar is just human after all.

But by now Ronaldo was smiling, joking and was visibly interested in getting his thoughts across about South Africa.

“I know quite a few parts of the world, but not South Africa. I wish to go there one day,” he says.

And Ronaldo will identify with the majority of South Africa’s children, having also spent a large part of his youth playing street football in Madeira, Portugal.

His message to South African kids who love to express themselves with skills learnt on the street, but also desire to reach the highest level like him, is a simple one.

“I started to play sometimes in Madeira in the street. The kids there still love to play football and all would love to be professional footballers one day.

“What the kids (in South Africa) have to do is believe in themselves and try all the time. Everyone has an opportunity and if someone catches the opportunities it is very good. But believe is the best word.”

Spain and Portugal goes for World Cup 2018

2009-01-22T16:34:00.001Z

The football associations of Spain and Portugal have formally agreed to submit a joint bid to host the 2018 World Cup.

Portuguese Federation president Gilberto Madail signed the official FIFA document with Spanish counterpart Angel Maria Villar in Lisbon yesterday after an Iberian bid had been mooted for over a year.

Under the joint plan, Spain is expected to host the greater share of matches. FIFA regulations stipulate that candidates must provide approximately 12 stadiums capable holding at least 40,000 fans for group matches, and one stadium of at least 80,000 capacity to stage the opening match and final.

“We will create a joint commission to assess all FIFA conditions,” said Portuguese Federation president Gilberto Madail to reporters after signing the document.

The Iberian bid will expect strong support from the three South American representatives on FIFA's 24-man executive committee.

FIFA announced last month there would be a simultaneous bidding process for the 2018 and 2022 tournaments. Other countries who are proposed to be bidding to host either or both of the tournaments are England, Australia, Russia, China, Qatar, the United States, Japan and a joint bid from Belgium/Holland.

The winning bids will be announced in December 2010.

Spain football team named Infostrada Sports’ Team of the Year for 2008

2009-01-15T20:09:00.001Z

The National Football Team of Spain has been voted Infostrada Sports’ Team of the Year for 2008. In June, Spain won the European Championship for the second time after beating Germany 1-0 in the final.

It was the second European Championship trophy for Spain after they lifted the trophy for the first time in 1964. It was Spain’s third appearance in the European Championship final. In 1984, they lost 2-0 against France in the final.

David Villa became top scorer at Euro 2008 with four goals. That is the fewest goals for a European Championship top scorer since 1992, when Dennis Bergkamp, Tomas Brolin, Henrik Larsen and Karl-Heinz Riedle all scored three goals.

At the age of 69 years and 337 days, winning coach Luis Aragonés became the oldest coach ever to appear in the final of the European Championship.

Infostrada Sports’ Team of the Year 2000–2008
Year Winners

2008 Spain (Football)
2007 South Africa (Rugby)
2006 FC Barcelona (Football)
2005 Liverpool (Football)
2004 Greece Men's Team (Football)
2003 England Men's Team (Rugby Union)
2002 South Korea Men's Team (Football)
2001 Bayern München (Football)
2000 France Men's Team (Football)

Most European Championship titles
# Nation Editions

3 Germany 1972, 1980, 1996
2 France 1984, 2000
2 Spain 1964, 2008
1 Soviet Union 1960
1 Italy 1968
1 Czechoslovakia 1976
1 Netherlands 1988
1 Denmark 1992
1 Greece 2004

Oldest head coaches in European Championship finals
Age (y-d) Name Team Match

69-337 Luis Aragonés Spain Spain - Germany (29 Jun 2008) 1-0
65-330 Otto Rehhagel Greece Portugal - Greece (04 Jul 2004) 0-1
62-160 Miguel Muñoz Spain France - Spain (27 Jun 1984) 2-0
60-279 Helmut Schön West Germany Czechoslovakia - West Germany (20 Jun 1976) 2-2
60-137 Rinus Michels Netherlands Netherlands - Soviet Union (25 Jun 1988) 2-0
59-014 Roger Lemerre France France - Italy (02 Jul 2000) 2-1
58-125 Dino Zoff Italy France - Italy (02 Jul 2000) 2-1
57-199 Guy Thys Belgium West Germany - Belgium (22 Jun 1980) 2-1
55-238 Luiz Felipe Scolari Portugal Portugal - Greece (04 Jul 2004) 0-1
55-191 Ferruccio Valcareggi Italy Italy - Yugoslavia (10 Jun 1968) 2-0

Top scorers at European Championship
Year Name Nation Goals Matches G/M

2008 David Villa ESP 4 4 1.00
2004 Milan Baroš CZE 5 5 1.00
2000 Savo Milosevic YUG 5 4 1.25
Patrick Kluivert NED 5 5 1.00
1996 Alan Shearer ENG 5 5 1.00
1992 Dennis Bergkamp NED 3 4 0.75
Tomas Brolin SWE 3 4 0.75
Henrik Larsen DEN 3 4 0.75
Karl-Heinz Riedle GER 3 5 0.60
1988 Marco van Basten NED 5 5 1.00
1984 Michel Platini FRA 9 5 1.80
1980 Klaus Allofs FRG 3 3 1.00
1976 Dieter Müller FRG 4 2 2.00
1972 Gerd Müller FRG 4 2 2.00
1968 Dragan Dzajic YUG 2 3 0.67
1964 Deszõ Novák HUN 2 1 2.00
Pereda ESP 2 2 1.00
Ferenc Bene HUN 2 2 1.00
1960 Milan Galic YUG 2 2 1.00
Viktor Ponedelnik URS 2 2 1.00
Valentin Ivanov URS 2 2 1.00
Drazan Jerkovic YUG 2 2 1.00
Francois Heutte FRA 2 2 1.00

Scotland and Wales think about Euro 2016 bid

2008-12-04T17:52:00.001Z

Scotland and Wales have held "tentative talks" about the possibility of hosting the European football championship in 2016, according to the Scottish FA.

Reuters reports that officials from Northern Ireland are also expected to be included in further discussions at the end of February, as the three British associations explore the possibility of hosting the tournament in eight years time.

"To suggest that we are planning to launch a bid is wide of the mark, but we have had tentative talks with the Welsh and further talks are planned with Northern Ireland when the International Board meets in Belfast at the end of February," a Scottish FA spokesman told the news service.

"We all know none of us can stage a 24-team tournament as it will be in 2016 but we are exploring the possibility of co-hosting."

Three of the last four European championships have been co-hosted with Belgium and Netherlands staging Euro 2000, Austria and Switzerland hosting this year's championship and Ukraine and Poland due to co-host the event in 2012.

The Netherlands arrived to seven away in a row

2008-10-17T19:05:00.001Z

On Wednesday, 15 October, the Netherlands beat Norway 1-0 in Oslo to clinch their seventh consecutive away win in European World Cup qualification.

The Netherlands equalled the record of seven consecutive away wins set by Sweden and West Germany (twice).
According to Infostrada, Holland’s last World Cup qualification away match without a win was on 9 October 2004 when they drew 2-2 against FYR Macedonia.
Holland’s next World Cup qualification away match is on 6 June 2009 against Iceland.

Away winning streaks – World Cup qualification UEFA
# Nation Last match before streak Match that ended streak
7 Netherlands FYR Macedonia - Netherlands (09 Oct 2004) 2-2 Still running
7 West Germany Norway - West Germany (19 Aug 1953) 1-1 Scotland - West Germany (16 Apr 1969) 1-1
7 West Germany Scotland - West Germany (16 Apr 1969) 1-1 Sweden - West Germany (25 Sep 1985) 2-2
7 Sweden Slovakia - Sweden (11 Oct 2000) 0-0 Croatia - Sweden (08 Oct 2005) 1-0
6 Romania Czechoslovakia - Romania (02 Jun 1993) 5-2 Republic of Ireland - Romania (11 Oct 1997) 1-1
5 England Republic of Ireland - England (19 May 1957) 1-1
5 Poland England - Poland (17 Oct 1973) 1-1 Belgium - Poland (01 May 1985) 2-0
5 Turkey Sweden - Turkey (07 Oct 2000) 1-1 Greece - Turkey (08 Sep 2004) 0-0

World Cup qualification away match winning streak Netherlands
Nr. Date Match Result
1 17 Nov 2004 Andorra - Netherlands 0-3
2 26 Mar 2005 Romania - Netherlands 0-2
3 08 Jun 2005 Finland - Netherlands 0-4
4 03 Sep 2005 Armenia - Netherlands 0-1
5 08 Oct 2005 Czech Republic - Netherlands 0-2
6 10 Sep 2008 FYR Macedonia - Netherlands 1-2
7 15 Oct 2008 Norway - Netherlands 0-1

Italy – Montenegro: “Cheers and not politics at the stadium”

2008-10-14T23:21:00.001Z

“Cheers at the stadium”: this is not a new slogan, but the message sent this morning by Gianluca Zambrotta, after the episodes of violence that characterized the night in Sofia. “We players – continued Zambrotta – want to transmit the values of sports. We want to entertain, and politics have to remain out of the playing field. We only want people who cheer in the stadium, not to organize gorilla warfare. Those who want to create confusion, should stay home”.

And he added: “Banners and swastikas have nothing to do with football, from the field we cannot even see them because we are concentrated on the match. But we know that the real fans of Italy are not the ones we saw during the match against Bulgaria. Football gives other signals.

” Zambrotta does not forget that Wednesday the National team will be back on the field to play against Montenegro, valid for the 2010 World Cup qualifications. And so he concentrates on the next appointment: “Our objective is to win the home matches and tie the away matches, this is why the point we gained against Bulgaria Saturday evening is considered good, even if we could have won. Bulgaria never came close to scoring. But now we have to think about beating Montenegro to respect our plans”.

Source: FIGC press

Germany – Wales preview: Miroslav Klose occasion

2008-10-14T15:55:00.002Z

The German national team faces Wales in a World Cup 2010 qualifier in Mönchengladbach on Wednesday. The match at Borussia Park starts at 8.45 pm.

Germany is on top of the table in their group after a 2-1 victory against Russia on Saturday in Dortmund. The squad of head coach Joachim Löw collected seven points out of three games. Second are Wales with six points (three games).

It will be the 16th match between Germany and Wales. While the european runner-up won seven, there have been only two wins for Wales in the history.

Last time both teams met was during the qualification for EURO 2008. Miroslav Klose scored twice to seal a 2-0 victory in Cardiff. The second leg ended with a goalless draw.

Source: DFB Press

Belarus – England preview: Matthew Upson starts to relieve

2008-10-13T22:28:00.002Z

Matthew Upson said that he finally believes he deserves to be part of the England squad and that his positive attitude will only help him when he gets the opportunity to play for his country.

Upson made his debut for England back in 2003 and says that in the past he may not have thought highly enough of his own abilities, but the West Ham defender admitted that his outlook has changed.

"Maybe previously I have not believed in myself enough," Upson explained. "I did not think I deserved to be here.

"But when you feel like that, you only end up going one way. Now I do believe I deserve to be here. I think I can step in and do the job.

"Just because John Terry is the captain and Rio Ferdinand is the vice-captain does not automatically mean they are going to get picked.

"Things change very quickly in football. You get injuries and loss of form. It doesn't matter what someone else is doing, it is about how I am playing and I have to make sure I am ready."

While he admits that losing skipper John Terry and Ashley Cole for the game in Belarus is disappointing, Upson says that the strength of the England squad will mean that quality players can come into those positions.

"It is a blow to lose John but I guess it is a hazard of the game, that is what the squad is here for.

"We have enough strength in depth. We just have to pull together and make sure we approach Belarus in the same manner as always."

Man of the Match on Saturday, Wayne Rooney has also been singled out for praise from Upson who believes that the Manchester United forward has grown up very quickly in the game.

"Wayne has made an unbelievable start to his career. People sometimes forget how young he is. When you are young, you tend to find everything is for free. There is not much expectation and you grab what you see.

"But when things get tough, people expect a certain level of performance from us. Wayne has coped with it brilliantly and has gone from strength to strength."

Source: FA

Germany - Russia: Robert Enke to miss qualifiers due to broken hand

2008-10-10T20:38:00.000Z

Robert Enke will miss the two World Cup 2010 qualifiers against Russia on October, 11th in Dortmund and Wales on October, 15th in Mönchengladbach. The keeper of Hannover 96 suffered a broken scaphoid bone in his left hand during a training session. Enke will undergo surgery on Friday.

On Monday, Marcell Jansen of Hamburger SV already had to withdraw. The defender suffers from a rupture of a muscle fibre in his left thigh.

National coach Joachim Löw trusts in an established squad for the two qualifiers. Thus, 16 of the now 20 players nominated were part of the EURO 2008 squad of the "Mannschaft". On Tuesday, the team met in Düsseldorf in order to prepare for the first two 2010 World Cup qualifiers on home soil.

Five players return to the squad who were lastly missing against Belgium, Liechtenstein and Finland due to injuries: goalkeeper René Adler, defender Arne Friedrich as well as captain Michael Ballack, Torsten Frings and Jermaine Jones in the midfield.

Apart from Enke who kept the goal in the last three international matches of the "Mannschaft", goalkeepers René Adler and Tim Wiese as well as Bundesliga top scorer Patrick Helmes were also nominated. In contrast, Christoph Metzelder, Marko Marin and Andreas Hinkel will be missing against Russia and Wales.

Metzelder is said to train with his home club Real Madrid, Marin was nominated for the Under 21 squad for the EURO playoffs against France and Hinkel suffers from a thigh injury.

Bulgaria – Italy: Lippi loses Buffon and Camoranesi injured. Curci called

2008-10-10T20:36:00.000Z

Marcello Lippi and the National team have their first problem: Buffon and Camoranesi are both out for the two World Cup qualifying matches against Bulgaria and Montenegro. The goalkeeper is out for thirty days, the midfielder fifteen-twenty days for muscle problems. This is the result of the exams that the two players underwent this morning with Professor Enrico Castellacci.

In agreement with the Juventus club, the two players will remain in Coverciano until Thursday, where they will begin recovery. “Buffon has a muscle lesion in his right leg, while Camoranesi – said Castellacci – has a problem with the muscle of the femur of the right leg”. Camoranesi will not be substituted, while the head coach has called Curci in for Buffon.

Source: FIGC

England – Kazakhstan: “Fans will help us”

2008-10-10T20:33:00.000Z

England manager Fabio Capello has issued a rallying cry to the Wembley fans ahead of tomorrow's World Cup qualifier against Kazakhstan.

Capello has got off to the perfect start as Three Lions boss, beating Andorra 3-0 and crushing Croatia 4-1 in Zagreb in his first two competitive games.

But after confirming that skipper John Terry has been ruled out with a back injury, meaning Rio Ferdinand will take the armband, the Italian has told England's fans they will be key against the world's 131st-ranked team.

"The crowd must help the team a lot," said Capello, who will be looking for his side to keep up their 100 per cent record in Group Six before Wednesday's testing clash with Belarus in Minsk.

"They must be patient, and at this moment I believe the fans will help us 100 per cent. I remember the old Wembley when the crowd got behind the team and we need this.

"It is possible we may not score early goals and you must get behind us."

And Capello has admitted it is vital that England build on last month's stunning victory in Zagreb, which was inspired by a hat-trick from Arsenal wonderkid Theo Walcott.

But although he admits he knows little about a Kazakhstan team in transition, Capello is delighted to have the likes of Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard - who missed the Croatia game - back at full fitness once again.

"I am very happy with the performance against Croatia, but it's only three points, and we have to win tomorrow," he said.

"That win was very important for the group, the team, the spirit and the confidence. I think tomorrow we will play with more confidence because of that.

"But it's not an easy game. Kazakhstan have got a new manager, and he has changed seven of their players. I have studied their team, but I don't know anything about them!"

He added: "But we have Steven Gerrard back, who is very important both for us and Liverpool, and he's a fantastic player.

"He can score goals, make good passes and assists. He's a good player and I'm very happy he's back with us."

Source: FA

Luxembourg: historical WC qualification victory vs Switzerland at Zurich

2008-09-12T16:58:00.001Z

On Wednesday, Luxembourg beat Switzerland 1-2 in Zurich, clinching their first victory in World Cup qualification since 1972.

Since beating Turkey 2-0 on 22 October 1972, Luxembourg played 73 World Cup qualification matches, drawing twice and losing 71.

It has been by far the longest winless streak among European countries in World Cup qualification, according to Infostrada.

San Marino currently have the longest running winless streak as they have not won in World Cup qualification since September 1992, a 37-match run.

Longest winless streaks in World Cup qualification – European countries
# Nation Drawn Lost Start date Match that ended streak

73 Luxembourg 2 71 10 Dec 1972 Switzerland - Luxembourg (10 Sep 2008) 1-2
39 Malta 4 35 14 Nov 1971 Estonia - Malta (12 May 1993) 0-1
37 San Marino 2 35 09 Sep 1992
34 Malta 4 30 19 Jun 1993
31 Cyprus 1 30 08 May 1973 Faroe Islands - Cyprus (16 Jun 1992) 0-2
21 Liechtenstein 1 20 24 Apr 1996 Luxembourg - Liechtenstein (13 Oct 2004) 0-4
19 Finland 2 17 16 Jun 1937 Finland - Poland (26 Sep 1965) 2-0
18 Turkey 2 16 24 Sep 1980 Turkey - East Germany (30 Nov 1988) 3-1
17 Latvia 6 11 05 Oct 1937 Latvia - Belarus (30 Apr 1997) 2-0
17 Armenia 6 11 10 Sep 1997 Armenia - Andorra (26 Mar 2005) 2-1
17 Albania 3 14 09 Sep 1992 Albania - Northern Ireland (10 Sep 1997) 1-0
17 Luxembourg 0 17 11 Mar 1934 Luxembourg - Portugal (08 Oct 1961) 4-2

Bold: streak still running

Croatia 1 England 4: Theo Walcott hat trick gives England win in Zagreb

2008-09-10T22:22:00.002Z

Screen capture: The Sun

Spain – Armenia: Xabi Alonso goes for 50 caps

2008-09-10T16:21:00.002Z

Today Spain is the favourite team of the match, again. They are in one of the best moment of the history and are in a great streak on WC qualifying. Now they will host Armenia who lost last match against Turkey at home on Saturday.

Prediction: Spain will win scoring al least two goals.

If Xabi Alonso plays, he will reach 50 official matches wearing “A” Spanish t-shirt.

Spain – Armenia Head to Head:

Erevan 11/10/2003 ARM 0:4 (0:1) ESP Euro qualifying
Leon 02/04/2003 ESP 3:0 (0:0) ARM Euro qualifying
Sevilla 07/06/1995 ESP 1:0 (0:0) ARM Euro qualifying
Erevan 26/04/1995 ARM 0:2 (0:0) ESP Euro qualifying

Turkey – Belgium: winners duel thinking about South Africa 2010

2008-09-10T00:49:00.006Z

Turkey and Belgium will be face to face on Wednesday. Both teams won three points (against Armenia and Estonia) and will be the main opponents of Spain at Group 5. The one that will be able to win could be the main enemy of the European champions. It seems that Turkish team is the favourite one and will earn a victory in Istanbul.

Turkey – Belgium Head to Head

Genk 24/05/2006 BEL 3:3 (2:2) TUR Friendly
Brussels 28/04/2004 BEL 2:3 (1:1) TUR Friendly
Brussels 19/06/2000 TUR 2:0 (1:0) BEL Euro
Istanbul 30/04/1997 TUR 1:3 (1:3) BEL World Cup Qualifying
Brussels 31/08/1996 BEL 2:1 (2:0) TUR World Cup Qualifying
Brussels 26/10/1958 BEL 1:1 (0:0) TUR Friendly
Ankara 08/12/1957 TUR 1:1 (1:1) BEL Friendly

Complete coverage: http://turkeyfootball.blogspot.com

France – Serbia: searching South Africa while Raymond Domenech doubt

2008-09-09T22:08:00.005Z

This match is so important for France: Raymond Domenech could say goodbye if his team lost. After a remarkable defeat at Austria, the French team must win at Stade de France, Paris, if they desire to reach World Cup. Serbia didn’t have any problem to beat Faroe Islands and is just waiting for this significant meeting.

Head to Head Official Matches: France – Serbia (Yugoslavia)

Paris 29/04/1989 FRA 0:0 YUG World Cup Qualifying
Belgrade 19/11/1988 YUG 3:2 (1:1) FRA World Cup Qualifying
Paris 16/11/1985 FRA 2:0 (1:0) YUG World Cup Qualifying
Sarajevo 03/04/1985 YUG 0:0 FRA World Cup Qualifying
St. Etienne 19/06/1984 FRA 3:2 (0:1) YUG Euro Final round
Belgrade 24/04/1968 YUG 5:1 (4:1) FRA Euro Quarter-finals
Marseille 06/04/1968 FRA 1:1 (0:0) YUG Euro Quarter-finals
Paris 09/10/1965 FRA 1:0 (0:0) YUG World Cup Qualifying
Belgrade 18/04/1965 YUG 1:0 (0:0) FRA World Cup Qualifying
Paris 06/07/1960 FRA 4:5 (0:0) YUG Euro Semi-finals
Vasteras 11/06/1958 YUG 3:2 (1:1) FRA World Cup
Lausanne 16/06/1954 YUG 1:0 (1:0) FRA World Cup
Florence 11/12/1949 YUG 3:2 a.e.t. (2:2, 1:1) FRA World Cup Qualifying
Paris 30/10/1949 FRA 1:1 (1:1) YUG World Cup Qualifying
Belgrade 09/10/1949 YUG 1:1 (1:0) FRA World Cup Qualifying

South Africa 2010: Croatia - England: Football match revenge

2008-09-09T17:22:00.003Z

England couldn’t qualify to Euro 2008: so they have the obligation to qualify to next World Cup. What a better way to follow the way to South Africa against the team that has eliminated them before?

On Wednesday, Croatia and England will be face to face again. The road to 2010 is large, sure; but only Croatia or England will qualify to World Cup in a straight line when Group 6 will finish.

Let’s see what happen. Prediction? Hmmm very, very difficult. A draw doesn’t pay too much...

England - Croatia Head to Head:

London 21/11/2007 ENG 2:3 (0:2) CRO Euro Q
Zagreb 11/10/2006 CRO 2:0 (0:0) ENG Euro Q
Lisbon 21/06/2004 CRO 2:4 (1:2) ENG Euro
Ipswich 20/08/2003 ENG 3:1 (1:0) CRO Friendly
London 24/04/1996 ENG 0:0 CRO Friendly

Italy – Georgia: another chance to improve the performance

2008-09-09T01:55:00.004Z

Italy coach Marcello Lippi is set to ring the changes for Wednesday's World Cup qualifier against Georgia after the world champions scraped through their opener against Cyprus at the weekend.

Poor form is not the only problem for the Italian coach, who lost defenders Alessandro Gamberini and Fabio Grosso to injury in Saturday's 2-1 win, and Gennaro Gattuso, who hurt his wrist in training on Sunday.

The 2006 World Cup-winning coach has drafted Palermo's Antonio Nocerino into the squad for the AC Milan midfielder, who came on as a substitute in the Group Eight opener.

Possible teams:
Italy: Gianluigi Buffon; Gianluca Zambrotta, Fabio Cannavaro, Nicola Legrottaglie, Andrea Dossena; Mauro Camoranesi, Daniele De Rossi, Alberto Aquilani; Vincenzo Iaquinta, Alberto Gilardino, Antonio Di Natale.

Georgia: George Loria; Ucha Lobjanidze, Zurab Khizanishvili, Kakha Kaladze, George Shashiashvili; Levan Kobiashvili, David Odikadze, Zurab Menteshashvili, Levan Kenia; Aleksandr Iashvili, Levan Mchedlidze.

Italy - Georgia Head to Head:
Italy won: 5
Draw: 1
Georgia won: 0

Genoa 13/10/2007 ITA 2:0 (1:0) GEO Euro Qualifying
Tbilisi 11/10/2006 GEO 1:3 (1:1) ITA Euro Qualifying
Tbilisi 02/06/2001 GEO 1:2 (0:1) ITA World Cup Qualifying
Ancona 11/10/2000 ITA 2:0 (0:0) GEO World Cup Qualifying
Tbilisi 10/09/1997 GEO 0:0 ITA World Cup Qualifying
Perugia 09/10/1996 ITA 1:0 (1:0) GEO World Cup Qualifying

Portugal – Denmark: second step to South Africa

2008-09-09T01:11:00.002Z

World Cup Qualifying continues. At Alvalade Stadium, Portugal will host Denmark on Wednesday. On Saturday, while Portugal beat Malta 4-0, Denmark has problem in the visit in Hungary (0-0).

During previous matches Portugal have won seven matches (20 goals) while Denmark won only one (nine goals). Denmark never won an official match, but they won the last one played at Brondby.

What is the sensation? It is not the best Danish instant. Portuguese history and Portuguese great moment say that they can beat Denmark at home. By the way Lusitans know that Denmark is better than Malta, of course.

Head to Head: previous matches

Brondby 01/09/2006 DEN 4:2 (2:1) POR Friendly
Lisbon 29/03/2000 POR 2:1 (1:1) DEN Friendly
Sheffield 09/06/1996 DEN 1:1 (1:0) POR Euro Group matches
Toronto 29/01/1995 POR 1:0 (0:0) DEN Friendly
Copenhagen 09/10/1977 DEN 2:4 (1:2) POR World Cup Qualifying
Lisbon 17/11/1976 POR 1:0 (0:0) DEN World Cup Qualifying
Porto 12/05/1971 POR 5:0 (2:0) DEN Euro Qualifying
Copenhagen 14/10/1970 DEN 0:1 (0:1) POR Euro Qualifying
Esbjerg 21/06/1966 DEN 1:3 (0:1) POR Friendly

Finland – Germany: Teutons need another victory at Olympiastadion

2008-09-08T20:37:00.005Z

At historical Olympiastadion, Helsinki; Finland will receive Germany. This match will be the Finnish debut searching South Africa 2010 qualification, while Germany didn’t have problem to beat Liechtenstein 6-0.

During the whole history, Germany and Finland played 20 matches and the difference between them are huge: Germany won 15 matches (76 goals) and Finland won only one (15 goals). Germany is the favorite team but the last two official matches were draws.

Finland – Germany Head to Head (official matches, don’t include friendlies):

Gelsenkirchen 06/10/2001 GER 0:0 FIN World Cup Q First stage
Helsinki 02/06/2001 FIN 2:2 (2:0) GER World Cup Q First stage
Helsinki 04/09/1999 FIN 1:2 GER Euro Preliminary round
Nuremberg 31/03/1999 GER 2:0 FIN Euro Preliminary round
Dortmund 04/10/1989 FRG 6:1 (1:0) FIN World Cup Q First stage
Helsinki 31/08/1988 FIN 0:4 (0:2) FRG World Cup Q First stage
Bochum 23/09/1981 FRG 7:1 (2:1) FIN World Cup Q First stage
Lahti 24/05/1981 FIN 0:4 (0:3) FRG World Cup Q First stage
Helsinki 29/06/1937 FIN 0:2 (0:2) GER World Cup Q First stage

South Africa 2010: Macedonia - Netherlands: the orange debut

2008-09-08T19:09:00.002Z

Ryan Babel

The first appearance of The Netherlands in the road to South Africa 2010 seems to be easy. But be careful: during the last two matches they couldn’t defeated Macedonia. This “karma” consists in two draws.

On Wednesday, we will see coach Bert van Marwijk first official game in charge for the Dutch team. Netherlands are considered as favorites by the bookmakers and 1.40 is the approximate price that bookies pay for their win, while Macedonia are underdogs - but this time big underdogs. 7 times the investment is what you can get if you bet on Macedonia and they celebrate once again. Kick-off is scheduled for 20.30 CET and TV Sitel will be broadcasting this match.

Holland - FYR Macedonia Head to head:

Amsterdam 12/10/2005 NED 0:0 MKD World Cup Q
Skopje 09/10/2004 MKD 2:2 (1:1) NED World Cup Q

Andorra – England preview: South Africa 2010 qualifying

2008-09-05T21:28:00.001Z

Andorra will receive England at Olympic Stadium, Barcelona. Prediction: England will win by three goals or more.

By the way, England Manager Fabio Capello has confirmed that Rio Ferdinand will miss the Three Lions first World Cup Qualifier against Andorra on Saturday.

Speaking on Friday afternoon ahead of the match, Capello said a back injury would prevent the Manchester United defender from taking part in Barcelona, but he is hopeful that Ferdinand will be available for the second Qualifier against Croatia on Wednesday.

Head to Head

Barcelona 28/03/2007 AND 0:3 (0:0) ENG
Manchester 02/09/2006 ENG 5:0 (3:0) AND

Henrik Larsson goes for 100th: Albania - Sweden preview

2008-09-05T16:05:00.005Z

Henrik Larsson will earn his 100th cap when he plays in the World Cup Qualifying match against Albania in Tirana. If he plays he will become the fifth Swedish player with 100 or more caps.

Thomas Ravelli has earned the most caps for Sweden: 143. According to Infostrada, The USA has the most players with 100 or more international matches under their belt: 11.

Countries with most players with 100+ caps
# Country Record caps holder

11 USA Cobi Jones (164)
6 Egypt Hossam Hassan (169)
6 Estonia Martin Reim (156)
6 Germany Lothar Matthäus (150)
6 Saudi Arabia Mohamed Al-Deayea (181)
6 South Korea Hong Myung-Bo (136)
6 France Lilian Thuram (142)
5 Mexico Claudio Suárez (178)
5 Denmark Peter Schmeichel (129)
5 England Peter Shilton (125)
4* Sweden Thomas Ravelli (143)

* If Larsson plays, he will be the fifth Swedish player with 100+ caps.
* Costa Rica, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Malta and Romania also have four players with 100 or more caps.

European Champions unbeaten in World Cup qualification: Spain - Bosnia Herzegovina preview

2008-09-05T15:47:00.003Z

Spain can equal West Germany’s record non-losing streak in World Cup qualification matches for European countries when they host Bosnia-Herzegovina in Murcia, tomorrow.

Spain has not lost in 35 World Cup qualification matches. (West) Germany’s record streak of 36 ended on 16 October 1985 with a 0-1 loss to Portugal, according to Infostrada.

Spain’s last defeat in a World Cup qualification match dates back to 31 March 1993: Denmark – Spain 1-0.

Portugal is on a current streak of 30 World Cup qualification matches without a loss.

Longest undefeated streak in World Cup qualification – European countries
# Country Start date W D Match that ended streak

36 (West) Germany 11 Mar 1934 32 4 West Germany - Portugal (16 Oct 1985) 0-1
35 Spain 28 Apr 1993 25 10 Still running
30 Portugal 09 Oct 1996 21 9 Still running
23 Germany 17 Nov 1985 14 9 Germany - England (01 Sep 2001) 1-5
23 Italy 22 Sep 1993 17 6 Slovenia - Italy (09 Oct 2004) 1-0
21 Croatia 11 Oct 1997 14 7 Still running
21 England 18 Nov 1981 11 10 Norway - England (02 Jun 1993) 2-0
18 Yugoslavia 03 Apr 1938 13 5 Norway - Yugoslavia (16 Jun 1965) 3-0
17 Republic of Ireland 02 Sep 2000 10 7 Republic of Ireland - France (07 Sep 2005) 0-1
16 Serbia and Montenegro 02 Jun 2001 10 6 Still running

Cristiano Ronaldo know it: Germany is Germany and they are ready to score eight times at Liechtenstein

2008-09-05T02:09:00.008Z

Liechtenstein National Team

At Vaduz, Liechtenstein will receive Germany searching a place in WC2010. Liechtestein is 130th in FIFA Ranking and had lost against teams like Malta this year.

Germany, you know, is Germany… They are not playing well but they win when they need it. Cristiano Ronaldo know it.

Also, this match is good chance to see a good performance of Marko Marin in an international field.

Prediction: Germany will score at least six goals. Nobody could avoid this.

Head to Head:

Friendly: Freiburg 07/06/2000 GER 8:2 (2:1) LIE
Friendly: Mannheim 04/06/1996 GER 9:1 (4:0) LIE

Armenia – Turkey preview: what a football game in the road to South Africa 2010

2008-09-05T01:39:00.007Z

While many worry Turkey and Armenia's troubled relationship may ruin the World Cup qualification match, Turkish team boss Fatih Terim said that Saturday's game was “only a football game.”

Ahead of the game, which will be the first-ever football game between two national teams, Turkish national team coach Terim played down the tension in a poetic way while speaking at a press conference in Istanbul yesterday, according to Turkish Daily News.

The game at Yerevan's Hrazdan Stadium will be Turkey's first trip to Armenia for a high-profile sporting event and has already become more than a simple football match, turning into a diplomatic issue. It took weeks and various heated debates in the country before Turkish President Abdullah Gül responded to Armenian President Serge Sarkisian's invitation to watch the game together.

“This is the first game between the two countries, and that is important. Plus, it is important because it is the first game in the Group Five,” said Terim. “It is clear that our opponents will take the game with a different motivation. But for us, this is only a football game, not war.”

Photo: http://www.itusozluk.com

Full coverage: http://turkeyfootball.blogspot.com

Austria – France preview: Road to South Africa 2010

2008-09-05T00:05:00.003Z

Interesting match. What is the idea? Improve! Improve their performances during EURO 2008.

In the rich head to head France won 11 matches and Austria won 8; but the french team won 5 of 6 official matches.

Here we have this official matches:

Vienna 27/03/1993 AUT 0:1 (0:0) FRA WC Q
Paris 14/10/1992 FRA 2:0 (1:0) AUT QC Q
Madrid 28/06/1982 AUT 0:1 (0:1) FRA WC Second round
Vienna 27/03/1960 AUT 2:4 (0:0) FRA Euro Q Quarter-finals
Paris 13/12/1959 FRA 5:2 (0:0) AUT Euro Q Quarter-finals
Turin 27/05/1934 AUT 3:2 a.e.t. (1:1, 1:1) FRA WC Preliminary round

Cyprus – Italy want three points: WC 2010 Qualifying

2008-09-04T19:27:00.002Z

At Larnaca, Cyprus National Team will be receiving Italy with the idea to disturb two or three points Road to South Africa 2010, On Saturday.

It seems that Italy can’t have any problem to defeat Cyprus. But, as it happened with Malta – Portugal, they have a draw in their head to head history. Also, Italy won only two times with a quiet difference.

Can Cyprus repeat a draw? Can Cyprus make history as in UEFA Champions League?

Foggia 21/12/1991 ITA 2:0 (1:0) CYP Euro Group matches
Limassol 22/12/1990 CYP 0:4 (0:3) ITA Euro Group matches
Perugia 22/12/1983 ITA 3:1 (0:0) CYP Euro Preliminary round
Limassol 12/02/1983 CYP 1:1 (0:0) ITA Euro Preliminary round
Cosenza 01/11/1967 ITA 5:0 (2:0) CYP Euro Preliminary round
Nicosia 22/03/1967 CYP 0:2 (0:0) ITA Euro Preliminary round

Malta – Portugal: it is not so easy match for the Lusitans road to South Africa 2010

2008-09-04T01:17:00.003Z

At Ta' Qali, Malta and Portugal will be playing the first match-day for the WC2010 Qualifying.

Knowing Malta, it seems that Portugal will win very easy. But be careful: although Portugal always won there, they never enjoy an easy game. Is possible a surprise? Why not. On 1987 they drew but Portugal (that included uncapped Yannick Djaló) seems to be powerful these days.

Here we have Portugal – Malta history:

Porto 19/06/1993 POR 4:0 (3:0) MLT WC First stage
Ta' Qali 24/01/1993 MLT 0:1 (0:0) POR WC First stage
Porto 20/02/1991 POR 5:0 (3:0) MLT EURO Group matches
Ta' Qali 09/02/1991 MLT 0:1 (0:1) POR EURO Group matches
Ta' Qali 20/12/1987 MLT 0:1 (0:0) POR EURO Group matches
Funchal 29/03/1987 POR 2:2 (1:1) MLT EURO Group matches
Lisbon 12/10/1985 POR 3:2 (1:0) MLT WC First stage
Ta' Qali 10/02/1985 MLT 1:3 (0:2) POR WC First stage

Brazil 3 - Belgium 0: another South American bronze medal

2008-08-22T13:01:00.003Z

It wasn’t enough. Ronaldinho and company are not happy, but Belgium couldn’t repeat a podium in football as many decades ago.

At Shanghai, Brazil (Diego and Jô, twice) beats Belgium 3-0. Many people from Brazil pretended to be beaten to be Dunga dismissed. Let’s see what happen with his future.

Line-ups:

Belgium: Logan Bailly, Sepp de Roover, Thomas Vermaelen, Sebastian Pocognoli, Jeroen Simayes; Faris Haroun, Jan Vertonghen, Marteen Martens, Tom de Mul; Kevin Mirallas and Moussa Dembele.

Brazil: Renan, Rafinha, Alex Silva, Breno, Marcelo; Hernanes, Ramires, Anderson, Diego; Ronaldinho Gaúcho and Jô.

Argentina – Nigeria preview: the football final; remembering Atlanta 1996

2008-08-22T11:15:00.002Z

The end comes. Only one will win the gold medal. The other team will win a brilliant silver medal. No European teams. Only Belgium for the bronze medal match. At National Stadium, Beijing 2008 will have a new Olympic Champion on Sunday. Both teams want the second gold medal in the football history.

Let’s see what happen.

Probable line-ups:
Nigeria:
Vanzekin - Olubayo, Apam, Adeleye, Ambrose - Promise, Kaita, Ajilore, Obinna - Okoronkwo, Odemwingie.

Argentina: Romero - Garay, Monzón, Zabaleta, Gago – Riquelme, Di María, Pareja, Messi – Mascherano, Agüero.

Beijing 2008: fixture and squads

2008-08-10T04:23:00.000Z

Worldwide football continue... Here we have squads and fixture for Beijing 2008 that have started these days.

The goals according to leagues and clubs

2008-07-11T14:27:00.003Z

A post from the interesting blog The Best Eleven talk about what clubs and leagues did the goals come from during the last EURO.

Here we have all the goals by club:

8 - Bayern Munich (Lukas Podolski, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Miroslav Klose, Philipp Lahm)
6 - Real Madrid (Ruud van Nistelrooy, Arjen Robben, Pepe, Wesley Sneijder)
5 - Valencia CF (David Villa, David Silva)
4 - Fenerbahçe (Semih Şentürk, Uğur Boral)
3 - Liverpool (Fernando Torres, Dirk Kuyt)
3 - BSC Young Boys (Hakan Yakin)
3 - Spartak Moscow (Roman Pavlyuchenko)
3 - Arsenal (Robin van Persie, Cesc Fàbregas)
3 - Zenit St. Petersburg (Andrei Arshavin, Konstantin Zyrianov)
3 - FC Barcelona (Deco, Xavi, Thierry Henry)
2 - FC Porto (Ricardo Quaresma, Raul Meireles)
2 - 1. FC Nuremberg (Jan Koller, Angelos Charisteas)
2 - A.S. Roma (Daniel De Rossi, Christian Panucci)
2 - RCD Mallorca (Dani Güiza)
2 - Werder Bremen (Ivan Klasnić)
2 - Inter Milan (Zlatan Ibrahimović)
2 - Villareal (Nihat Kahveci)
2 - Chelsea (Michael Ballack)
2 - Galatasaray (Arda Turan)
1 - Baník Ostrava (Václav Svěrkoš)
1 - LASK Linz (Ivica Vastić)
1 - Ajax (Klaas Jan Huntelaar)
1 - Getafe CF (Ruben de la Red)
1 - Panathinaikos (Helder Postiga)
1 - Hamburger SV (Ivica Olić)
1 - FC Lokomotiv Moscow (Dmitri Torbinski)
1 - S.L. Benfica (Nuno Gomes)
1 - Legia Warsaw (Roger Guerreiro)
1 - AC Milan (Andrea Pirlo)
1 - Fiorentina (Adrian Mutu)
1 - CA Osasuna (Jaroslav Plašil)
1 - F.C. Copenhagen (Libor Sionko)
1 - Stade Rennais (Petter Hansson)
1 - Manchester United (Cristiano Ronaldo)
1 - Shakhtar Donetsk (Darijo Srna)
1 - Feyenoord (Giovanni van Bronckhorst)
1 - Dinamo Zagreb (Luka Modrić)

Euro 2008 goals by league

20 - Spain La Liga
13 - German Bundesliga
9 - English Premier League
7 - Russian Premier League
6 - Italian Serie A
6 - Turkcell Süper Lig
3 - Swiss Super League
3 - Portugal BWINLIGA
2 - Dutch Eredivisie
1 - Czech Gambrinus liga
1 - Austrian Bundesliga
1 - Super League Greece
1 - Danish Superliga
1 - Polish Orange Ekstraklasa
1 - France Ligue 1 Orange
1 - Ukrainian Premier League
1 - Croatia Prva HNL

Clubs with a least 5 players represented with no Euro 2008 Goals:

11- Lyon
9 - Galatasaray
7 - Red Bull Salzburg
6 - Steaua Bucureşti
5 - CSKA Moscow
5 - Juventus
5 - Rapid Wien
5 - Stuttgart

David Villa: one goal per game

2008-07-06T22:37:00.003Z

As we said, David Villa has secured the title of top scorer at Euro 2008 without having played in the final.

But that is the fewest goals for a European Championship top scorer since 1992, when Dennis Bergkamp, Tomas Brolin, Henrik Larsen and Karl-Heinz Riedle all scored three goals.

Top scorers at European Championship (Goals - Matches - Goals/match)

1960 Milan Galic YUG 2 2 1.00
Viktor Ponedelnik URS 2 2 1.00
Valentin Ivanov URS 2 2 1.00
Drazan Jerkovic YUG 2 2 1.00
Francois Heutte FRA 2 2 1.00

1964 Deszõ Novák HUN 2 1 2.00
Pereda ESP 2 2 1.00
Ferenc Bene HUN 2 2 1.00

1968 Dragan Dzajic YUG 2 3 0.67

1972 Gerd Müller FRG 4 2 2.00

1976 Dieter Müller FRG 4 2 2.00

1980 Klaus Allofs FRG 3 3 1.00

1984 Michel Platini FRA 9 5 1.80

1988 Marco van Basten NED 5 5 1.00

1992 Dennis Bergkamp NED 3 4 0.75
Tomas Brolin SWE 3 4 0.75
Henrik Larsen DEN 3 4 0.75
Karl-Heinz Riedle GER 3 5 0.60

1996 Alan Shearer ENG 5 5 1.00

2000 Savo Milosevic YUG 5 4 1.25
Patrick Kluivert NED 5 5 1.00

2004 Milan Baroš CZE 5 5 1.00

2008 David Villa ESP 4 4 1.00

Source: Infostrada

Spain reached France

2008-07-06T22:33:00.002Z

On Sunday, 29 June, Spain won the European Championship for the second time, beating Germany 1-0 in the final.

In 1964, Spain also lifted the trophy after beating the Soviet Union 2-1 in the final.
They also reached the final in 1984, but lost 2-0 against France.
As well as winning the European Championship three times (1972, 1980, 1996), Germany have now also lost in three European Championship finals (1976, 1992, 2008).

Most European Championship titles

3 Germany 1972, 1980, 1996
2 France 1984, 2000
2 Spain 1964, 2008
1 Soviet Union 1960
1 Italy 1968
1 Czechoslovakia 1976
1 Netherlands 1988
1 Denmark 1992
1 Greece 2004

Source: Infostrada

The best team

2008-07-02T00:08:00.000Z

----------------------------Casillas (spa)--------------------------

Zhirkov (rus)-----------Mertersacker (ger)-----------Lahm(ger)

---------------------------Senna (spa)------------------------

Iniesta (spa)---------------Xavi (spa)------------Schneider (Hol)

--------------------------Arshavin (Rus)-----------------------

----------------Torres (Spa)---------------Podolsky (ger)------

Xavi Hernandez is the best player at EURO 2008

2008-06-30T14:09:00.003Z

Surprise! Finally Xavi Hernandez Creus was named by UEFA the best player of the EURO Cup.

We supposed that Iker Casillas would be chosen, or maybe Fernando Torres due to his best performance during the final, but UEFA have decided that Xavi was the best one.

There wasn´t an exceptional player during this EURO, but we can confirm that the best team was Spain, for sure.

Spain 1 - Germany 0: two faces

2008-06-29T21:41:00.000Z

Picture: Bild.de

David Villa is the top scorer

2008-06-29T21:26:00.001Z

Only four goals (three of them in the first match vs Russia) were enough for David Villa to be the top scorer at UEFA EURO 2008.

Here we have all the players that were “close”.

David Villa Spain 4
Roman Pavlyuchenko Russia 3
Lukas Podolski Germany 3
Hakan Yakin Switzerland 3
Semih Şentürk Turkey 3
Andrei Arshavin Russia 2
Michael Ballack Germany 2
Miroslav Klose Germany 2
Bastian Schweinsteiger Germany 2
Daniel Güiza Spain 2
Fernando Torres Spain 2
Zlatan Ibrahimović Sweden 2
Ivan Klasnić Croatia 2
Nihat Kahveci Turkey 2
Arda Turan Turkey 2
Wesley Sneijder Netherlands 2
Ruud van Nistelrooy Netherlands 2
Robin van Persie Netherlands 2

Spain Champion: Spain 1 Germany 0

2008-06-29T20:46:00.004Z

Spain 1 Germany 0: Spain is the EURO Cup Champion!!!

Fernando “Niño” Torres scored the goal that gives the second title to Spain in the history, the first one since 1964.

See the goal on You Tube :-)

Germany - Spain final: do you have tickets?

2008-06-28T05:21:00.003Z

Hey! Do you have a ticket for the EURO Cup final? What are you waiting for?

Germany – Spain: what a final!

2008-06-28T01:05:00.002Z

As you know, On Sunday 29 June, Germany and Spain will contest the final of Euro 2008.

Germany have qualified for the European Championship final for a record sixth time and for the first time in 12 years. Spain has reached their third European Championship final and their first one in 24 years.

The Soviet Union is the only other country to have reached a European Championship final more than three times.

Spain can become only the third country to win this competition at least twice, following Germany (3) and France (2).

European Championship final berth per nation

Finals Victories (defeats)
6 Germany 3 (2)
4 Soviet Union 1 (3)
3 Spain 1 (1)
2 France 2 (0)
2 Italy 1 (1)
2 Czech Republic 1 (1)
2 Yugoslavia 0 (2)
1 Denmark 1 (0)
1 Greece 1 (0)
1 Netherlands 1 (0)
1 Belgium 0 (1)
1 Portugal 0 (1)

Thanks to Infostrada

Xavi Hernandez goal was the 500th in the EURO Cup history

2008-06-27T14:47:00.002Z

Xavi’s opening goal in the Euro 2008 semifinal between Spain and Russia (3-0) was the 500th goal in the history of the European Championships.

Here we have the detail, according to Infostrada:

1 Milan Galic YUG France - Yugoslavia (06 Jul 1960) 4-5 Semifinal (0-1)
100 Alain Giresse FRA France - Belgium (16 Jun 1984) 5-0 Group stage (2-0)
200 Kim Vilfort DEN Denmark - Germany (26 Jun 1992) 2-0 Final (2-0)
300 Zlatko Zahovic SVN Slovenia - Spain (18 Jun 2000) 1-2 Group stage (1-1)
400 Thierry Henry FRA Switzerland - France (21 Jun 2004) 1-3 Group stage (1-3)
500 Xavi ESP Russia – Spain (26 Jun 2008) 0-3 Semifinal (0-1)

Marcello Lippi is the Italy coach again

2008-06-27T03:06:00.004Z

Marcello Romeo Lippi will return to the Italian National Team. In spite of FIGC had confirmed that Donadoni will be the coach until 2010, Italian elimination during the EURO 2008 Cup was enough for the azzurri.

But I think that it is a disappointment for non-italian football fans, because Italy played very well during this EURO, especially against Romania and France. Donadoni tried to play better football than catenaccio.

The best player of EURO 2008

2008-06-26T23:22:00.004Z

Who is / was the best player of EURO 2008? I am not sure, really. I think that UEFA will choose Michael Ballack or David Villa or Iker Casillas depending on the champion. I don´t remember an excellent performance during an important final since Zinedine Zidane vs Brazil on 1998.

What do you think? Do you have candidates or you will wait until sunday match?

Russia and Turkey "won" EURO 2008 third place

2008-06-26T23:11:00.006Z

Russia and Turkey! UEFA had decided before the tournament that both squads will receive medals and both teams are part of EURO 2008 "podium". There was no match to determine third place since 1980 tournament, when Czech Republic defeated Italy.

Here we have the Official Regulations (See on page 3).

Germany – Spain: final preview

2008-06-26T21:46:00.006Z

Spain vs Germany, Germany vs Spain. The last match of this EURO Cup will be played at Stadion Tivoli NEU, in Innsbruck, Austria.

Talking about history, Germany doesn’t “lose” any historical head-to-head. In that case, the stats says that The Mannschaft have won eight matches against Spain and tied six times. Spain won five meetings.

The Iberians won the first one, held in Köln. Germany have won four of last 10 matches, while Spain won two.

All matches since 1935

12.02.2003 Palma de Mallorca (SPA) Spain - Germany 3:1 (1:1)
16.08.2000 Hannover Germany - Spain 4:1 (1:0)
22.02.1995 Jerez de la Frontera (SPA) Spain - Germany 0:0 (0:0)
World Cup 21.06.1994 Chicago (USA) Germany - Spain 1:1 (0:1)
EURO 17.06.1988 München (GER) Germany - Spain 2:0 (1:0)
15.10.1986 Hannover (GER) Germany - Spain 2:2 (0:1)
EURO 20.06.1984 Paris (FRA) Germany - Spain 0:1 (0:0)
World Cup 02.07.1982 Madrid (SPA) Germany - Spain 2:1 (0:0)
EURO 22.05.1976 München (GER) Germany - Spain 2:0 (2:0)
EURO 24.04.1976 Madrid (ESP) Spain - Germany 1:1 (1:0)
23.02.1974 Barcelona (SPA) Spain - Germany 1:0 (1:0)
24.11.1973 Stuttgart (GER) Germany - Spain 2:1 (2:0)
11.02.1970 Sevilla (SPA) Spain - Germany 2:0 (2:0)
World Cup 20.07.1966 Birmingham (ENG) Germany - Spain 2:1 (1:1)
19.03.1958 Frankfurt (GER) Germany - Spain 2:0 (1:0)
28.12.1952 Madrid (SPA) Spain - Germany 2:2 (1:2)
12.04.1942 Berlin (GER) Germany - Spain 1:1 (0:0)
23.02.1936 Barcelona (SPA) Spain - Germany 1:2 (1:1)
12.05.1935 Köln (GER) Germany - Spain 1:2 (1:2)

Spain 3 – Russia 0 semifinal: goals and precision

2008-06-26T21:26:00.001Z

Xavi Hernandez, Daniel Guiza and David Silva scored to give the Spaniards a place in the final, road to their second European title, when they play Germany on Sunday at the Ernst Happel Stadium in Vienna.

Lineups:
Spain: Iker Casillas, Sergio Ramos, Carles Puyol, Carlos Marchena, Joan Capdevila, Andres Iniesta, Xavi Hernandez (Xabi Alonso, 68), Marcos Senna, David Silva, David Villa (Cesc Fabregas, 34), Fernando Torres (Daniel Guiza, 68).

Russia: Igor Akinfeyev, Alexander Anyukov, Sergei Ignashevich, Vasily Berezutsky, Yuri Zhirkov, Sergei Semak, Konstantin Zyryanov, Igor Semshov (Diniyar Belyaletdinov, 56), Ivan Sayenko, Andrei Arshavin, Roman Pavlyuchenko.

Germany - Turkey without TV? EURO problems

2008-06-25T21:46:00.007Z

Where were you? Could you watch the whole Germany - Turkey match? Did you have problems? What do you think about the official broadcasting?

Update: see what have happened according to BBC.

Germany is in the final! Germany 3 – Turkey 2

2008-06-25T21:41:00.004Z

Germany reached the sixth final at EURO history. They will face Spain or Russia on Sunday.

Picture: www.bild.de

Turkey Squad: Nihat Kahveci is at home!

2008-06-24T20:58:00.003Z

Fatih Terim could choose only seventeen players for the EURO 2008 semifinal against Germany.

Nihat Kahveci and Emre Gungor have been ruled out through injury. Nihat is already at home in Spain! Emre Asik, Arda Turan, Volkan Demireal and Tuncay Sanli are suspended but could return only if Turkey arrive to the final.

Please take a look at the blog designed by our friend Ahmet Turgut who explain very well the situation.

Russia - Spain: the revenge

2008-06-24T19:46:00.002Z

Spain and Russia played the first match of the EURO 2008 (LINK) in front each other. Spain defeated without problems 4-1 in the best day of David Villa. When Arshavin returned at the fields Russia improved, they qualified at quarterfinals and made history beating Netherlands.

During the football history, Spain defeated Russia or Soviet Union five times, while Russia only defeated Spain once.

Here we have the head to head:

EURO Q 22/05/1960 Spain 0:3 Soviet Union Forfeit
EURO 21/06/1964 Spain 2:1 (1:1) Soviet Union Madrid
EURO Q 30/05/1971 Soviet Union 2:1 (0:0) Spain Moscow
EURO Q 27/10/1971 Spain 0:0 Soviet Union Seville
Friendly 22/01/1986 Spain 2:0 (1:0) Soviet Union Las Palmas
Friendly 19/02/1992 Spain 1:1 (0:0) Cis Las Palmas
Friendly 23/09/1998 Spain 1:0 (1:0) Russia Granada
EURO 12/06/2004 Spain 1:0 (0:0) Russia Faro-Loule
Friendly 27/05/2006 Spain 0:0 Russia Albacete
EURO 10/06/2008 Spain 4:1 (2:0) Russia Innsbruck

Germany vs Turkey: only one will be in the final

2008-06-22T18:05:00.002Z

Many people says that Germany is in the final, that Turkey is only the surprise of this EURO, and they can’t beat Germany. But in the EURO 2008 you never can be sure. If you are in front of Turkey, be careful. They are ready to write more history!!!

Meanwhile, let’s see what the numbers says about Turkey and Germany. According to the stats, Germany won 11 matches, they drew 3 and Turkey won 3.

Please pay attention how many matches they played during Euro Qualifyings!!!

Here we have all the meetings:

08.10.2005 Istanbul (TUR) Turkey - Germany 2:1
EURO Q 09.10.1999 Munich Germany - Turkey 0:0
EURO Q 10.10.1998 Bursa (TUR) Turkey - Germany 1:0
30.05.1992 Gelsenkirchen Germany - Turkey 1:0
EURO Q 26.10.1983 Berlin Germany - Turkey 5:1
EURO Q 23.04.1983 Izmir (TUR) Turkey - Germany 0:3
EURO Q 22.12.1979 Gelsenkirchen Germany - Turkey 2:0
EURO Q 01.04.1979 Izmir (TUR) Turkey - Germany 0:0
20.12.1975 Istanbul (TUR) Turkey - Germany 0:5
EURO Q 25.04.1971 Istanbul (TUR) Turkey - Germany 0:3
EURO Q 17.10.1970 Köln Germany - Turkey 1:1
12.10.1966 Ankara (TUR) Turkey - Germany 0:2
28.09.1963 Frankfurt/M. Germany - Turkey 3:0
World Cup 23.06.1954 Zürich (SUI) Germany - Turkey 7:2
World Cup 17.06.1954 Berne (SUI) Germany - Turkey 4:1
21.11.1951 Istanbul (TUR) Turkey - Germany 0:2
17.06.1951 Berlin Germany - Turkey 1:2

Italy – Spain: could the history be important again?

2008-06-22T17:51:00.003Z

The EURO 2008 is giving some interesting results: all runners-up in groups are winning. But the numbers between Italy and Spain are very particular and they are playing each other since 1920. In the previous matches Italy won 9, while Spain won 8. But during important tournaments, Spain only won in 1920 during the Olympic Games.

Let’s see if Spain can change the history to reach the semifinals.

Here we have all Spain- Italy matches:

Olympic Games 2- 9-1920 Antwerp Spain 2-0 Italy
9- 3-1924 Milan Italy 0-0 SpainOlympic Games
25- 5-1924 Paris Italy 1-0 Spain
14- 6-1925 Valencia Spain 1-0 Italy
29- 5-1927 Bologna Italy 2-0 Spain
22- 4-1928 Gijon Spain 1-1 Italy
Olympic Games 1- 6-1928 Amsterdam Italy 1-1 Spain
Olympic Games 4- 6-1928 Amsterdam Italy 7-1 Spain
22- 6-1930 Bologna Italy 2-3 Spain
19- 4-1931 Bilbao Spain 0-0 Italy
World Cup 31- 5-1934 Firenze Italy 1-1 Spain
World Cup 1- 6-1934 Firenze Italy 1-0 Spain
19- 4-1942 Milan Italy 4-0 Spain
27- 3-1949 Madrid Spain 1-3 Italy
28- 2-1959 Rome Italy 1-1 Spain
13- 3-1960 Barcelona Spain 3-1 Italy
21- 2-1970 Madrid Spain 2-2 Italy
20- 2-1971 Cagliari Italy 1-2 Spain
25- 1-1978 Madrid Spain 2-1 Italy
21-12-1978 Rome Italy 1-0 Spain
Euro 12- 6-1980 Milan Italy 0-0 Spain
Euro 14- 6-1988 Frankfurt Italy 1-0 Spain
World Cup 9- 7-1994 Boston Italy 2-1 Spain
18-11-1998 Salerno Italy 2-2 Spain
29- 3-2000 Barcelona Spain 2-0 Italy
28- 4-2004 Genova Italy 1-1 Spain
26- 3-2008 Elche Spain 1-0 Italy

Netherlands – Russia… or Holland vs Hiddink

2008-06-20T22:32:00.001Z

The Netherlands take on Russia in the quarterfinals of Euro 2008. Russia is coached by Dutchman recordman Guus Hiddink.

This will be the seventh time that the Netherlands have faced a country coached by a Dutch trainer; and pay attention: The Netherlands have never lost in those encounters, compiling a 5-1-0 record.

According to Infostrada Sports, the only draw was in 2006 against Australia, who were then coached by Hiddink. In February 2007, Hiddink’s Russia lost 4-1 in a friendly against the Netherlands.

Netherlands against countries coached by Dutch trainers

Friendly 2 Jun 2007 South Korea (Pim Verbeek) – Netherlands 0-2
Friendly 7 Feb 2007 Netherlands - Russia 4-1 (Guus Hiddink)
Friendly 4 Jun 2006 Netherlands - Australia 1-1 (Guus Hiddink)
FIFA World Cup qualifier 3 Sep 2005 Armenia (Henk Wisman) - Netherlands 0-1
FIFA World Cup qualifier 5 Sep 2001 Netherlands (Arno Pijpers) - Estonia 5-0
FIFA World Cup qualifier 2 Jun 2001 Estonia (Arno Pijpers) - Netherlands 2-4

Nuno Gomes goals are part of the books

2008-06-20T14:42:00.006Z

Nuno Gomes scored Portugal’s first goal in the quarterfinal against Germany (2-3), making him the fourth player to score in three different European Championships, equalling French Thierry Henry, German Jürgen Klinsmann and Czech Vladimir Šmicer.

Scoring in most European Championship tournaments

3 Thierry Henry FRA 2000 (3), 2004 (2), 2008 (1)

3 Nuno Gomes POR 2000 (4), 2004 (1), 2008 (1)

3 Jürgen Klinsmann GER 1988 (1), 1992 (1), 1996 (3)

3 Vladimir Šmicer CZE 1996 (1), 2000 (2), 2004 (1)

The Portuguese forward has now scored six European Championship goals. Only English Alan Shearer and French Michel Platini have scored more.

Top scorer European Championship – all-time

9 Michel Platini FRA

7 Alan Shearer ENG

6 Patrick Kluivert NED

6 Thierry Henry FRA

6 Nuno Gomes POR

5 Jürgen Klinsmann GER

5 Marco van Basten NED

5 Milan Baroš CZE

5 Ruud van Nistelrooy NED

5 Savo Milosevic YUG

5 Zinédine Zidane FRA

Nuno Gomes has scored 29 goals in 72 matches with the Portuguese National Team. He will be 32 years old on July 5 and would be part of the 2010 FIFA World Cup European Qualifiers.

Top Scorers in Portugal National Team

47 Pauleta (Paris St. Germain) 88 matches
41 Eusébio (Retired) 64 matches
32 Figo (Inter Milan FC) 127 matches
29 Nuno Gomes (SL Benfica) 72 matches
26 Rui Costa (Retired) 94 matches
23 João Vieira Pinto (SC Braga) 81 matches
22 Nené (Retired) 66 matches
21 Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United FC) 58 matches
15 Jordão (Retired) 43 matches
15 Peyroteo (Retired) 20 matches
15 Simão Sabrosa (Atletico Madrid) 64 matches
14 José Torres (Retired) 20 matches

Matches played in Portugal National Team

127 Figo (Inter Milan FC)
110 Fernando Couto (Parma FC)
94 Rui Costa (Retired)
88 Pauleta (Paris St. Germain)
81 João Vieira Pinto (SC Braga)
80 Vitor Baía (Retired)
79 Ricardo (Betis Sevilla)
72 Nuno Gomes (SL Benfica)
70 João Pinto (Retired)
66 Nené (Retired)

Cristiano Ronaldo will be operated and is sad; Bastian Schweinsteiger laughs

2008-06-20T04:21:00.005Z

Two faces summarize the night at EURO 2008. Cristiano Ronaldo was playing a satisfactory EURO 2008 and Portugal was shining.

Bastian Schweinsteiger was suspended and Germany qualified at quarterfinals without playing well football.

Nevertheless, on Thursday everything has changed. Germany beat 3-2 Portugal. Schweinsteiger scored the first goal, and assisted in the second one.

While Deco was alone in the midfield, Cristiano Ronaldo almost never was part of the game. He confirmed that will be operated in a foot.

Here we have pictures from BILD and ABOLA newspapers that summarize the transcendental match.

Croatia - Turkey, Turkey - Croatia: have you got a favourite?

2008-06-19T23:39:00.009Z

For the second quarterfinal match, Croatia seems to be the favourite. They won all matches at Group B, included the second one against Germany, the first semifinalist... All the previous stats between this teams are saying that Croatia is the favourite.

But Turkey won two matches, both when they were down in the scoring. Just remember Czech Republic… Can be the first win for the Turkish team vs. Croatia in this history that has started 12 years ago?

Turkey vs Croatia head to head :

Euro 11.6.1996 Nottingham: Turkey - Croatia 0:1
Kirin Cup 12.6.1997 Sendai: Croatia - Turkey 1:1
Friendly 31.3.2004 Zagreb: Croatia - Turkey 2:2

Germany vs Portugal: could the history be so important?

2008-06-18T21:31:00.004Z

Cristiano Ronaldo and his partners are part of one of the best teams at EURO 2008. The Mannschaft is not playing very well and beat Austria only 1-0 to reach quarterfinals. But the stats say that Germany and Portugal have played 15 matches. Germany won seven games, while Portugal only won three. They drew five times.

Here we have all the official matches:

World Cup 08.07.2006 Stuttgart: Germany - Portugal 3:1
Euro 20.06.2000 Rotterdam: Portugal - Germany 3:0
WC Q 06.09.1997 Berlin: Germany - Portugal 1:1
WC Q 14.12.1996 Lisbon: Portugal - Germany 0:0
21.02.1996 Porto: Portugal - Germany 1:2
29.08.1990 Lisbon: Portugal - Germany 1:1
WC Q 16.10.1985 Stuttgart: Germany - Portugal 0:1
WC Q 24.02.1985 Lisbon: Portugal - Germany 1:2
Euro 14.06.1984 Strassburgo Germany - Portugal 0:0
23.02.1983 Lisbon Portugal - Germany 1:0
17.02.1982 Hannover Germany - Portugal 3:1
27.04.1960 Ludwigshafen Germany - Portugal 2:1
19.12.1954 Lisbon Portugal - Germany 0:3
24.04.1938 Frankfurt Germany - Portugal 1:1
27.02.1936 Lisbon Portugal - Germany 1:3

Russia vs Netherlands: last quarterfinal confirmed

2008-06-18T21:12:00.005Z

At Stadion Tivoli NEU, Innsbruck, Russia beat Sweden 2-0 and it is the last team that qualified at quarterfinals. Spartak Moscow´s Roman Pavlyuchenko in the 24th minute scored the first goal, while Zenit forward Andrei Arshavin closed the match scoring during the fifth minute of the second half.

The match left some tips:
* Guus Hiddick will face his country team at quarterfinals: Netherlands.
* It is the first time that Russia advances from the first round in a mayor tournament.
* It is the first time in last four important tournaments that Sweden can´t advance. They could reach playoffs during the World Cups 2002 and 2006 and EURO 2004.

In another meeting, Spain defeated Greece 2-1. De la Red and Guiza scored Spanish goals, while Charisteas had opened the match scoring. Greece campaign was the worst performance for a last EURO Champion.

Netherlands doesn´t have problems: they beat Romania 2-0

2008-06-17T21:04:00.003Z

At Stade de Suisse Wankdorf, Berne; Holland defeated Romania 2-0. Klaas Han Huntelaar opened the game scoring while Robin van Persie scored the second and last goal of the match.

During the game Romania never was dangerous and Netherland demonstrated that it is one of the best teams at the EURO 2008.

Lineups:
Netherlands: Stekelenburg, Boulahrouz (Melchiot 58), Heitinga, Bouma, De Cler, De Zeeuw, Engelaar, Afellay, van Persie, Robben (Kuyt 62), Huntelaar (V of Hesselink 82).

Romania: Lobont, Contra, Tamas, Ghionea, Rat, Cocis, Codrea (Dica 72), Chivu, Nicolita (Nicolita 82), M Niculae (D Niculae 59), Mutu.

Goals: 54min. Klaas Han Huntelaar, 87 min. Robin van Persie.

Italy vs Spain: The Azzurri defeat France 2-0

2008-06-17T20:51:00.006Z

With Roger Federer and Tony Parker presence at Letzigrund, Zurich, Italy beat France 2-0 and they qualified at quarterfinals. They will play against Spain next Sunday because Romania lost against Netherlands 2-0 too.

In the 23th minute Andrea Pirlo converted a penalty kick in a goal while french saw the red card. In the 62th minute, Daniele De Rossi scored the second goal.

In spite of Mutu missed a penalty kick against Italy, I think that The Azzurri was better team than Romania and France during this EURO.

Lineups:

Italy: Buffon, Zambrotta, Panucci, Chiellini, Grosso, Pirlo (Ambrossini 55), De Rossi, Gattuso (Aquilani 81), Toni, Perrotta (Camoranesi 64), Cassano.

France: Coupet, Clerc, Gallas, Abidal, Evra, Govou (Anelka 66), Toulalan, Makelele, Ribery (Nasri 10) (Boumsong 26), Benzema, Henry.

Goals: 25 min. Andrea Pirlo (penalty kick), 62 min. Daniele De Rossi.

Luca Toni vs Franck Ribery: the revenge

2008-06-16T21:12:00.002Z

France and Italy will play an important meeting. Maybe the most important one at EURO 2008. They must win and wait a Netherlands victory or draw. If not, Romania will be the team who will be part of the quarterfinals, representing the “death group” in the final stage.

But before this match Ribery and Toni had been in front each other, in spite of they are Bayern Munich partners. Let´s see what happened in this You Tube video...

Michael Ballack goal confirmed Germany vs Portugal in quarterfinals

2008-06-16T20:54:00.002Z

At Ernst-Happel-Stadion, Vienna, Ballack shot in the 4th minute of the second half gave the German victory 1-0 against Austria.

The match was rubbed, without many important attacks. It was a poor match, especially because Germany is not playing well at this EURO, although they have many important players in the squad.

In the other hand, at Worthersee Stadion, Klagenfurt, Croatia beat Poland 1-0 and it is the first team to earn nine points. Only Netherlands and Spain could reach it.

Austria vs. Germany; Poland vs. Croatia: debutants will decide their future

2008-06-15T23:18:00.000Z

Euro 2008’s Group B will come to a conclusion with the Austria – Germany match outcome proving crucial to decide which nation will take on Portugal in the quarterfinals. An Austria victory will see the host nation or Poland progress at the expense of Germany, meaning that debutants will survive the Group phase for the first time since 1996. It is not imposible, but it is difficult.

Germany themselves were the last to lift the trophy on their debut (1972).

Progress by debutants at European Championship, according to Infostrada Sports

2004 Latvia 4th (of 4) in group
2000 Norway 3rd (of 4) in group
2000 Slovenia 4th (of 4) in group
1996 Croatia Quarterfinals
1996 Bulgaria 3rd (of 4) in group
1996 Turkey 4th (of 4) in group
1996 Switzerland 4th (of 4) in group
1992 Sweden Semifinals
1992 Scotland 3rd (of 4) in group
1988 Republic of Ireland 3rd (of 4) in group
1984 Portugal Semifinals
1984 Romania 4th (of 4) in group
1980 Greece 4th (of 4) in group
1976 Netherlands Third place
1972 Germany Winners
1972 Belgium Third place
1968 Italy Winners
1968 England Third place
1964 Spain Winners
1964 Hungary Third place
1964 Denmark Fourth place
1960 Russia Winners
1960 Yugoslavia Runners-up
1960 Czech Republic Third place
1960 France Fourth place

Turkey vs Croatia: Turkish surprised Czech Republic in an historical match of Nihat Kahveci

2008-06-15T21:38:00.007Z

At Stade de Geneve, Geneva, Turkey defeated Czech Republic 3-2 in a really futbolistic feat and qualified at EURO 2008 quarterfinals.

Jan Koller scored in the 34th minute. Before this goal, Sionko was the most dangerous player, while Turkey never could attack.

In the second half Turkey must attack with more players, but Plasil scored and the match was a Czech party. By the way, Arda Turan and Nihat Kahveci, twice, provocated the Turkish glory.

Lineups:
Turkey: Demirel, Altintop, Gungor (Asik 65),Cetin, Balta, Topal (Kazim-Richards 57), Aurelio, Turan, Sanli, Nihat, Senturk (Sarioglu 46).

Czech Republic: Cech, Grygera, Ujfalusi, Rozehnal, Jankulovski, Sionko (Kadlec 80), Matejovsky (Jarolim 39), Galasek, Polak, Plasil (Vlcek 84), Koller.

Goals: 34 min. Koller, 62 min. Plasil (CZE) 75 min. Turan, 87 and 89 min. Nihat (TUR)

Turkey vs. Czech Republic. What a match!

2008-06-15T15:03:00.005Z

Turkish and Czechs will decide who will be in quartefinals.

Take a look at the match preview to know if the players are thinking about the penalty kicks.

David Villa and Spain will go for history against Sweden too

2008-06-14T04:59:00.004Z

On, 10th June, David Villa became the first player to score a hat-trick for Spain in an European Championship match, when he netted Spain’s first three goals in a 4-1 win over Russia.

According to Infostrada Sports, Villa’s hat-trick is only the eighth in the history of the European Championship and the first one since Euro 2000. No one scored more than three goals.

Three goals in an European Championship match

Dieter Müller 17 Jun 1976 West Germany - Yugoslavia 4-2
Klaus Allofs 14 Jun 1980 West Germany - Netherlands 3-2
Michel Platini 16 Jun 1984 France - Belgium 5-0
Michel Platini 19 Jun 1984 France - Yugoslavia 3-2
Marco van Basten 15 Jun 1988 Netherlands - England 3-1
Sérgio Conceição 20 Jun 2000 Portugal - Germany 3-0
Patrick Kluivert 25 Jun 2000 Netherlands - Yugoslavia 6-1
David Villa 10 Jun 2008 Spain – Russia 4-1

Holland is chairing football

2008-06-14T04:46:00.004Z

Read why Netherlands is the best team for years.

Picture: De Telegraaf

France vs. Netherlands... What happen if?

2008-06-13T19:09:00.005Z

After Italy - Romania draw:

* If Netherlands defeat France, The Oranje clinch the group C at EURO 2008 and could play against Romania without the main players. That situation would beneficiate the next opponent, Romania (who have won two points and would be in the second position).

* Italy prefer a French win. Then, if they defeated France in the last match, they reach four points. The same as France.

* A draw would beneficiate Italy too. Why? Because if they beat France and Romania didn´t beat Netherlands they will qualify.

We had said that they could reach quarterfinals with only five points. Maybe the teams only need four points to be part of the best eight European teams. They have some chances...

Austria’s Ivica Vastic logged in European Championship record books

2008-06-13T14:42:00.005Z

During the match played by Austria and Poland, Austria’s Ivica Vastic became the oldest goalscorer in the history of the European Championship when he converted from the spot in injury time. According to Infostrada Sports, at 38 years and 257 days, he is more than four years older than the previous record holder Nené (POR).

Austria and Poland tied 1-1 and next monday they must win to reach the quarterfinals.

Oldest goalscorers - European Championship history

Age (y-d)
38 years, 257 days Ivica Vastic (Austria) 12 Jun 2008 Austria - Poland 1-1
34-213 Nené (Portugal) 20 Jun 1984 Portugal - Romania 1-0
34-205 Laurent Blanc (France) 11 Jun 2000 France - Denmark 3-0
34-92 Ladislav Pavlovic (Czechoslovakia) 9 Jul 1960 France - Czechoslovakia 0-2
33-268 Ally McCoist (Scotland) 18 Jun 1996 Scotland - Switzerland 1-0

Croatia 2 - Germany 1: "Catastrophic"

2008-06-13T00:24:00.004Z

Croatians surpassed Germany 2-1 but they were able to score more goals.

When Germany needs Ballack, he wasn’t part of the game. The German impotence generated the first excluded at EURO 2008: Bastian Schweinsteiger.

Bild describes the situation as "catastrophic".

Good news for Germany? Podolski scored again an reach David Villa as EURO 2008 top scorer.

Lineups:

Croatia: Stipe Pletikosa, Danijel Pranjic, Josip Simunic, Robert Kovac, Vedran Corluka, Niko Kovac, Darijo Srna (Jerko Leko, 80), Luka Modric, Ivan Rakitic, Niko Kranjcar (Dario Knezevic, 85), Ivica Olic (Mladen Petric, 72).

Germany: Jens Lehmann; Philipp Lahm, Christoph Metzelder, Per Mertesacker, Marcell Jansen (David Odonkor, 45), Clemens Fritz (Kevin Kuranyi, 82), Michael Ballack, Torsten Frings, Lukas Podolski, Mario Gomez (Bastian Schweinsteiger, 65), Miroslav Klose.

Goals: 24 min. Darijo Srna 24; 62 min. Ivica Olic (CRO). 79 min. Lukas Podolski (GER)

Yellow Cards: Darijo Srna, Josip Simunic, Jerko Leko, Luka Modric (CRO); Michael Ballack, Jens Lehmann (GER).

Red Card: 92 min. Bastian Schweinsteiger (GER).

Schweinsteiger and Podolski only wanted fun

2008-06-12T01:13:00.003Z

Germany Adidas video on You Tube

Semih Senturk and Arda Turan revive Turkey; Switzerland is out

2008-06-12T00:21:00.005Z

At St Jacob Park Stadium, Basel, Turkey defeated Switzerland 2-1 in the fourth match of the Group A at EURO 2008. An intense rain was protagonist.

After this result, Switzerland is eliminated without points. Due to Turkish victory Portugal is the first qualifying team at quarterfinals. Turkey and Czech Republic will decide which team will be at quarterfinals. If they draw they will kick penalties.

Lineups:
Switzerland: Benaglio, Senderos, Muller, Magnin, Lichtsteiner, Yakin (Gygax 85), Inler, Fernandes (Cabanas 76), Behrami, Barnetta (Vonlanthen 66), Derdiyok.

Turkey: Demirel, Emre Asik, Cetin, Hakan Balta, Metin (Topal 46), Karadeniz (Senturk 46), Aurelio, Arda, Altintop, Tuncay Sanli, Nihat (Kazim 85).

The Goals: 32 min. Yakin (SUI). 57 min. Senturk, 90 min. Turan (TUR).

Yellow Cards: Tuncay Sanli, Aurelio, Hakan Balta (TUR); Derdiyok (SUI).

Here we have Turkish repercussions.

Deco, Cristiano Ronaldo and Ricardo Quaresma constructed Portugal victory

2008-06-11T23:24:00.002Z

At Stade de Geneve, Geneva, Portugal beat Czech Republic 3-1 in a great duel: Petr Cech vs. Cristiano Ronaldo.

Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro scored his third goal at European Championships.

Lineups:
Czech Republic: Petr Cech, Zdenek Grygera, Tomas Ujfalusi, David Rozehnal, Marek Jankulovski, Libor Sionko, Jan Polak, Tomas Galasek (Jan Koller, 73), Marek Matejovsky (Stanislav Vlcek, 68), Jaroslav Plasil (David Jarolim, 85), Milan Baros.

Portugal: Ricardo, Paulo Ferreira, Jose Bosingwa, Pepe, Ricardo Carvalho, Armando Petit, Joao Moutinho (Fernando Meira, 75), Deco, Cristiano Ronaldo, Nuno Gomes (Hugo Almeida, 79), Simao Sabrosa (Ricardo Quaresma, 80).

Goals: 8 min. Deco, 63 min. Cristiano Ronaldo, 90 min. Ricardo Quaresma.

Yellow Cards: Jan Polak (CZE) and Bosingwa (POR).

David Villa Day

2008-06-11T05:21:00.007Z

Marca newspaper: Wonderful Villa"

As Newspaper: "We can, we want and we know"

Mundo Deportivo Newspaper: "Viva Villa!"

Cristiano Ronaldo magic skills, waiting Portugal vs Czech Republic

2008-06-10T23:48:00.006Z

All 42 Goals of the hottest player at European football championship 2008 during Season 2007 - 2008.

You Tube video

Zlatan Ibrahimovic is on fire; Petter Hansson enjoys him... Greece not.

2008-06-10T21:15:00.005Z

After a poor first half, Sweden beat Greece 2-0 at Salzburg Wals-Siezenheim Stadion, Salzburg, in the second match of the 4th matchday of the EURO 2008.

While Greece never tried to play good football, Sweden wanted a little more during the game. Zlatan Ibrahimovic opened the match score in the 22nd minute of the second half. Zlatan is in a great moment after the championship won with Inter in Serie A and his technique was enough against Greece that always thinks about defending.

The second goal was made by Petter Hansson in a singular occasion.

Lineups:
Greece: Nikopolidis, Seitaridis, Dellas (Amanatidis, 70), Kyrgiakos, Katsouranis, Torosidis, Basinas, Karagounis, Charisteas, Antzas, Gekas (Samaras, 46).

Sweden: Isaksson, Nilsson, Mellberg, Hansson, Alexandersson (Stoor, 74), Svensson, Ljungberg, Ibrahimovic (Elmander, 71), H. Larsson, Andersson, Wilhelmsson (Rosenburg, 78).

Goals: 67 min. Zlatan Ibrahimovic; 73 min. Hansson (SWE).

Yellow Cards: Charisteas, Seitaridis, Torosidis (GRE).

David Villa, the hat-trick man

2008-06-10T18:15:00.004Z

At Innsbruck, Spain beat Russia 4-1. Three Spanish goals were made by David Villa Sanchez while Cesc Fabregas scored the fourth one. Roman Pavluchenko scored Russian goal.

The Valencia player amazed in the first half and was part of the best attacking duo in the EURO 2008 with Fernando Torres.

Without Torres (who was replaced by Cesc Fabregas), in the second half Villa and Cesc took advantage of the counterattacks and scored twice again.

Russians were not the same as they were in previous matches and they missed Pavel Pogrebnyak (injured) and Andrei Arshavin (suspended, will return against Greece).

David Villa has scored 17 goals with the Spanish National Team t-shirt and had scored 18 goals in the Spanish League 2007-2008.

Well football is coming in the EURO and also, we are able to enjoy fair play: no yellow cards in this match! This success allowed Spanish fans to dream with better performances next weeks.

The Lineups:
Spain: Casillas, Sergio Ramos, Marchena, Puyol, Capdevila, Silva, Senna, Xavi, Iniesta (Cazorla 63), Villa, Torres (Fabregas 54).

Russia: Akinfeev, Aniukov, Shirokov, Kolodin, Zhirkov, Sychev (Bystrov 46) (Adamov 70), Zyryanov, Semak, Semshov (Torbinsky 57), Bilyaletdinov, Pavluchenko.

Goals: 20, 45 and 75 min David Villa; 91 min, Cesc Fabregas (ESP). 86 min; Roman Pavluchenko (RUS).

Yellow Cards: none.

Marcello Lippi 3 - Roberto Donadoni 0

2008-06-10T04:55:00.006Z

Thank you Netherlands, The Tournament has started: Van Nistelrooy, Sneijder and van Bronckhorst scored

2008-06-09T21:25:00.005Z

In the best match of this EURO 2008, Holland beat Italy 3-0 at Stade de Suisse Wankdorf, Berne.

Van Nistelrooy, Sneijder and van Bronckhorst scored and gave this victory to the Netherlands. During the second half Italy had many opportunities with Pirlo, del Piero and Grosso attacking; but an amazing counterattack signed the Orange victory 3-0.

Both teams have played very well; but the Holland accuracy, and Totti and Cannavaro absences seem to be keys of the match.

The lineups:
Netherlands: Van der Sar, Ooijer, Boulahrouz (Heitinga 77), Mathijsen, Van Bronckhorst, Kuyt (Afellay 81), De Jong, Van der Vaart, Engelaar, Sneijder, van Nistelrooy (Van Persie 70).

Italy: Buffon, Panucci, Barzagli, Materazzi (Grosso 55), Zambrotta, Ambrosini, Pirlo, Gattuso, Camoranesi (Cassano 75), Toni, Di Natale (Del Piero 64).

Goals: 26 min; Ruud Van Nistelrooy. 31 min; Wesley Sneijder. 79 min; Giovanni van Bronckhorst.

Yellow Cards: Toni, Zambrotta, Gattuso (ITA); De Jong (NED).

Adrian Mutu, Samir Nasri and Bafetimbi Gomis couldn’t save a poor draw

2008-06-09T18:27:00.004Z

At Letzigrund Stadium, Zurich; France and Romania only drew without goals.

Romania’s Mutu tried; whereas France had some chances via Benzema and Ribery. Nasri only was in the field 12 minutes so that time was not enough for him.

As it occurred during the weekend, we saw little risk and a poor game. Let us hope that won’t be worse since the eliminatory quarterfinals, when each error is more important.

In this Group C we have the feeling that we could see qualified teams just with five points won and that each tie is important. We could remember the Group F of the WC 1990 when we watched only a victory by England against Egypt in that zone that also composed Holland and Ireland.

The Lineups:
Romania: Lobont, Contra, Tamas, Goian, Rat, Cocis (Codrea 63), Radoi (Dica 90), Chivu, Nicolita, Daniel Niculae, Mutu (Marius Niculae 78).

France: Coupet, Sagnol, Thuram, Gallas, Abidal, Ribery, Toulalan, Makelele, Malouda, Anelka (Gomis 72), Benzema (Nasri 77).

Yellow Cards: Niculae, Contra, Goian (ROM); Sagnol (FRA).

Lars Lagerback and Guus Hiddink: The Recordmen

2008-06-09T02:11:00.004Z

Sweden’s head coach Lars Lagerback will become the first national team coach to lead his team at three European Championships.

If Sweden reaches the quarterfinals, Lagerback equals Berti Vogts’ record for most matches (11) as head coach at the European Championships.

Russia’s head coach Guus Hiddink will become the first coach to lead two different countries at a European Championship.

Most European Championships by coaches

3 Lars Lagerback SWE Sweden (2000, 2004, 2008)
2 Helmut Schon FRG West Germany (1972, 1976)
2 Jupp Derwall FRG West Germany (1980, 1984)
2 Guy Thys BEL Belgium (1980, 1984)
2 Tommy Soderberg SWE Sweden (2000, 2004)
2 Miguel Muñoz ESP Spain (1984, 1988)
2 Sepp Piontek FRG Denmark (1984, 1988)
2 Rinus Michels NED Netherlands (1988, 1992)
2 Berti Vogts GER Germany (1992, 1996)
2 Richard Moller Nielsen DEN Denmark (1992, 1996)
2 Guus Hiddink NED Netherlands (1996), Russia (2008)
2 Fatih Terim TUR Turkey (1996, 2008)
2 Otto Rehhagel GER Greece (2004, 2008)
2 Luiz Felipe Scolari BRA Portugal (2004, 2008)
2 Karel Bruckner CZE Czech Republic (2004, 2008)

Source: Infostrada Sports

Cool video: Portuguese National Anthem in Geneva

2008-06-09T00:36:00.003Z

I found this video at Geneva in You Tube. It seems that we were there, seeing Portugal - Turkey match, living the EURO 2008...

Lukas Podolski twice; Germany beats Poland

2008-06-08T21:05:00.004Z

Due to Lukas Podolski goals; Germany beat Poland 2-0 at the Worthersee Stadion, Klagenfurt.

Polish-born Podolski put Germany 1-0 when he made good use of Miroslav Klose's pass after 20 minutes. 18 minutes before the end of the match and when Poland was trying to draw, Podolski scored again.

23 year-old Podolski has scored 29 goals with the Germany National Team t-shirt. It was the first German victory in the competition since 1996 final.

Yes, good victory... But when Germany was 2-0 we thought that it was Marko Marin time.

The Lineups:
Germany: Lehmann; Lahm, Mertesacker, Metzelder, Jansen; Fritz (55. Schweinsteiger), Ballack, Frings, Podolski; Klose (91. Kuranyi), Gomez (75. Hitzlsperger).

Poland: Boruc; Wasilewski, Zewlakow, Bak, Golanski (75. Saganowski); Lobodzinski (65. Piszczek), Lewandowski, Dudka, Krzynowek; Smolarek, Zurawski (46. Guerreiro).

The Goals: 20 and 72 min; Podolski.

Yellow Cards: Smolarek, Lewandowski (POL); Schweinsteiger (GER)

Luka Modric: a penalty kick and a victory

2008-06-08T19:07:00.004Z

In Vienna, Croatia made debut against the co-host team, Austria with a triumph. At fourth minute Croatia already put in advantage when Luka Modric transformed a penalty kick into a goal.

After this goal, Croatia justified the victory, having the ball and approaching to the Austrian goal. Nevertheless lacking 10 minutes to finish the first half, Croatia left that the ball were managed by the Austrians.

The entire second half was very similar than the end of the first half: Austria generating danger with centers but without generating any trouble to Pletikosa, the Croatian goalkeeper.

With few minutes of good football Croatia obtained three points. It gave the sensation which the Croatians reserved something more, they promise better football caliber during the next presentations.

Lineups:
Austria: Macho, Standfest, Stranzl, Pogatetz, Aufhauser, Linz (Kienast 74), Ivanschitz, Gercaliu (Korkmaz 69), Prodl, Saumel (Vastic 60), Harnik.

Croatia: Pletikosa, Sumunic, Kovac, Corluka, Kovac, Srna, Modric, Olic (Vukojevic 83), Kranjcar (Knezevic 61), Petric (Budan 72), Pranjic.

The Goal: 4 min; Luka Modric.

Yellow Cards: Pogatetz, Saumel, Prodl (AUT), Kovac (CRO)

More Info: El Balón Europeo