In the last previous match, Xavi Hernandez saved Spain

In Santander, Spain did not convince. Luis Aragones team only beat United States of America 1-0. Just in the second time, when Güiza, Senna, De la Red and Fernando Navarro entered, they changed the development of the match.

For want of 11 minutes a great play of Xavi sealed the final result. Thus, still without satisfying the Spanish fan, La Furia Roja has played 16 meetings without knowing the defeat.

It was the last previous friendly match before the EURO 2008. Yes. No more friendlies. The hour of truth arrived.

Spain: Iker Casillas - Sergio Ramos, Carlos Marchena, Carles Puyol, Joan Capdevila (Fernando Navarro, 52) - Santiago Cazorla, Xabi Alonso (Senna, 46), Xavi Hernández, Cesc Fábregas (Arbeloa, 84), David Silva (De la Red, 57) - Fernando Torres (Güiza, 46)

USA: Tim Howard (Guzand, 46) - Steve Cherundolo (Hejduk, 46), Oguchi Onyewu, Carlos Bocanegra, Heath Pearce - Eddie Lewis (Wolff, 79), Maurice Edu, Michael Bradley, Clint Dempsey (Mastroeni, 86) - Eddie Johnson, Freddy Adu (Beasley, 46)

Konstantin Zyrianov, Andrei Arshavin, Roman Pavlyuchenko and Vladimir Bystrov in another Russian demonstration

In Burghausen, during the last day of friendlies preceding the EURO 2008, Russia beat Lithuania 4-1.

Zyrianov (33rd), Arshavin (52nd), Pavlyuchenko (64th) and Bystrov (80th) scored in an interesting match played by Russia. Lithuanian Savenas (24th) had made the first goal of the match. Also, Russian Diniyar Bilyaletdinov shot a penalty on top the crossbar at 62 minutes. In spite of everything Lithuania deserved to go resting in advantage in the half-time.

Guus Hiddink’s team scored 12 goals in the last three friendly games signifying to be at a great moment before the debut on Tuesday against Spain in Innsbruck.

The lineups:
Russia: Malafeev, V Berezutski, Ignashevich, A Berezutski (Yanbaev 14), Kolodin (Shirokov 46), Torbinskiy, Semak (Semshov 46), Zyrianov (Bilyaletdinov 46), Adamov (Pavlyuchenko 46), Arshavin, Sychev (Bystrov 55).

Lithuania: Karcemarskas, Semberas (Labukas 47), Dedura, Skerla, Zvirgdzauskas, Savenas (Kalonas 61), Danilevicius, Mikoliunas (Sernas 77), Papeckys (Alunderis 83), Cesnauskis (Skroblas 69), Poskus (Beniusis 76).

Franck Ribery scored and France defeated Colombia in the 100th match of Thierry Henry

In the cap number 100 of Thierry Henry, his team France defeated Colombia 1- 0. Franck Ribery at 24 minutes of the first time scored the single goal of the match via penalty kick.

In Paris, the French victory wasn’t bulkier because Agustín Julio, the Colombia goalkeeper blocked individual arrivals of Thierry Henry, Karim Benzema and Florent Malouda.

France played the last game before the debut in the EURO against Romania on Monday. Meanwhile, Colombia will face Peru and Ecuador next week as part of the World Cup 2010 Qualifying.

The Lineups:
France: Gregory Coupet; Willy Sagnol, William Gallas, Eric Abidal, Lilian Thuram; Claude Makelele, Jeremy Toulalan, Frank Ribery (Samir Nasry, 75), Florent Malouda; Thierry Henry (Nicolas Anelka, 75), Karim Benzema (Lassana Diarra, 65).

Colombia: Agustin Julio; Ruben Dario Bustos, Cristian Zapata, Walter Moreno, Pablo Armero; Juan Carlos Escobar (Freddy Guarin, 80), Jose Amaya, Carlos Sanchez (Stalin Motta, 80), Giovanny Hernandez (Macnelly Torres, 65); Radamel Falcao Garcia (Roberto Polo, 49) y Edixon Perea (Edwin Valencia, 86). D.T: Jorge Luis Pinto.

Poor results designed by Poland, Greece and Sweden

On Sunday, worrisome performances showed three of the teams that will be at EURO 2008. Beyond the comfortable victory of the Netherlands, they were not good news about Poland, Greece and Sweden, six days to begin the competition.

In Chorzov, Poland only could tie in a goal against Denmark. Martin Vingaard put in advantage the Danish whereas Jacek Krzynowek put the match 1-1. Maciej Zurawski had missed a penalty kick when Denmark still was winning.

Lineups:
Poland: Boruc, Wasilewski, Jop, Bąk, Wawrzyniak (Golanski 46), Zahorski (Lobodzinski 46), Dudka, Lewandowski, Krzynowek (Gargula 78), Smolarek (Saganowski 77), Żurawski (Guerreiro 46).

Denmark: Thomas Sorensen, Jacobsen, Christensen, Kroldrup, Jorgensen (Rasmusen 46), Rommedahl, Retov (Kristensen 64), Poulsen (Augustinussen 78), Nordstrand (Perez 46), Vingaard (Kvist 68), Bendtner (Dennis Sorensen 90).

Greece did not have a good night either. In Offenbach, Greeks only could tie with Armenia 0-0.

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

Armenia: Kasparov, Hovsepyan, Arzumanyan, Arakelyan, Voskanian, Hamlet Mkhitaryan (A Minasyan 65), Ghazaryan (Melkonyan 60), Piseli (Hakobyan 54), Pachajyan, Mkrtchyan, Tadevosyan.

But it was Sweden who worse experience realized. A goal of Sergiy Nazarenko lacking seven minutes gave the victory to the Ukraine that didn’t include Andriy Shevchenko in Stockholm.

Sweden: Isaksson (Shaaban 46), Nilsson, Hansson, Mellberg, Alexandersson (Stoor 72), Wilhelmsson, Linderoth (Svensson 56), Kallstrom, Sebastian Larsson (Ljungberg 46), Henrik Larsson, Ibrahimovic (Elmander 56 (Allbäck 76)).

Ukraine: Pyatov, Shevchuk, Rusol (Chygrynskiy 46), Kucher, Yarmash, Nazarenko, Levchenko (Mandzyuk 46), Kravchenko, Gai, Gomenyuk (Gladkiy 66), Seleznev.

Thus, just at the moment that the squads look for confidence, three of them had left a question mark few hours to begin EURO 2008.

Wales beaten by Arjen Robben and Wesley Sneijder without nuisance

Followed by 50,000 spectators in Rotterdam, Netherlands defeated without greater frights against Wales in which it was his last previous matches before EURO 2008.

The goals were made by Real Madrid players: Robben at 35 minutes and Sneijder at 54 minutes.

While Holland aims to have the best rate of game for the European Championship, Wales proved with a very young group.

Coach Van Basten shows preoccupation about the lack of effectiveness in Netherlands team.

Lineups:

Netherlands: Edwin van der Sar, André Ooijer (46. Mario Melchiot), John Heitinga, Joris Mathijsen (80. Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink), Giovanni van Bronckhorst (46. Tim de Cler), Rafael van der Vaart (67. Ibrahim Afellay), Demy de Zeeuw (46. Nigel de Jong), Wesley Sneijder, Orlando Engelaar (46. Dirk Kuijt), Arjen Robben, Ruud van Nistelrooij.

Wales: Wayne Hennessey, Sam Riccketts (77. Andrew Crofts), Lewin Nyatana, Ashley Williams, Craig Morgan, Chris Gunter, David Edwards (56. Ched Evans), Carl Robinson (46. Jack Collison), Jason Koumas (73. Sam Vokes), Joe Ledley (88. Neal Eardley), Freddy Eastwood (56. Craig Bellamy).

Michael Ballack and Oliver Neuville saved Germany against Serbia

This weekend we have a friendly storm. Waiting anxiously the EURO 2008 matches, here we have saturday results.

Germany 2 - Serbia 1

Germany 0 - Serbia 1: Bosko Jankovic; 18th minute.
Germany 1 - Serbia 1: Oliver Neuville; 74th minute.
Germany 2 - Serbia 1: Michael Ballack; 82nd minute.

The important forward: Coach Joachim Loew had taken the precaution of resting striker Miroslav Klose, who has a minor ankle problem.

Lineups:
Germany: Jens Lehmann, Philipp Lahm (Lukas Podolski, 45), Per Mertesacker (Arne Friedrich, 45), Christoph Metzelder, Marcell Jansen (Heiko Westermann, 84), Clemens Fritz, Torsten Frings (Simon Rolfes, 70), Michael Ballack, Bastian Schweinsteiger (David Odonkor, 79), Mario Gomez, Kevin Kuranyi (Oliver Neuville, 70).

Serbia: Vladimir Stojkovic, Antonio Rukavina, Nemanja Vidic, Branislav Ivanovic, Ivica Dragutonovic, Milan Smiljanic, Stefan Babovic, Bosko Jankovic (Zoran Tosic, 82), Zdravko Kuzmanovic, Sasa Ilic (Dejan Milovanovic, 73), Marko Pantelic (Danko Lazovic, 45).

Spain 2 - Peru 1

Spain 1 - Peru 0: David Villa; 38th minute.
Spain 1 - Peru 1: Hernan Rengifo; 76th minute.
Spain 2 - Peru 1: Joan Capdevila; 90th minute.

Lineups:
Spain: Iker Casillas; Sergio Ramos, Marchena, Carles Puyol, Joan Capdevila; Andres Iniesta (61', Santiago Cazorla), Xabi Alonso (46', Marcos Antonio Senna), Xavi (46', Cesc Fabregas), David Silva (84', Sergio Garcia); David Villa (57', Ruben De La Red) y Fernando Torres (46', Daniel Gonzalez Güiza).

Peru: Leao Butron; Guillermo Salas, Alberto Rodriguez (24', Miguel Villalta), Walter Vilchez, Luis Hernandez; Nolberto Solano (90', Miguel Cevasco), Rainer Torres, Rinaldo Cruzado (46', Juan Carlos Mariño), Martin Hidalgo (73', Donny Neyra), Daniel Chavez (65', Hernan Rengifo); Paolo Guerrero.

France 0 - Paraguay 0

...zzz...zzz...zzz...

Lineups:
France: Gregory Coupet; Patrice Evran, Francoise Clerc, Sebastien Squilaci, Jean-Alain Boumsong; Jeremy Toulalan (70 Nasri), Claude Makelele (46 Diarra), Frank Ribery (46 Govou), Florent Malouda; Thierry Henry (46 Gomis), Karim Benzema (62 Anelka).

Paraguay: Justo Villar; Denis Caniza, Pedro Benítez, Paulo Da Silva, Darío Verón, Aureliano Torres; Victor Caceres (82 Santana), Edgar Barreto (89, Carlos Paredes), Sergio Aquino (41 Estigarribia); Roque Santa Cruz (56 Cardozo) y Nelson Haedo Valdez (68 Nelson Haedo).

Portugal beat Georgia 2-0

Joao Moutinho; 19th minute.
Simao Sabrosa (penalty kick); 45th minute.

Lineups:
Portugal: Ricardo (Quim 46), Bosingwa (Miguel 63), Ricardo Carvalho (Bruno Alves 46), Pepe (Fernando Meira 63), Paulo Ferreira, Petit (Miguel Veloso 46), Joao Moutinho (Hugo Almeida 71), Deco (Raul Meireles 46), Cristiano Ronaldo (Nani 46), Simao Sabrosa (Ricardo Quaresma 46), Nuno Gomes (Helder Postiga 63).

Georgia: Loria, Lobjanidze, Asatiani, Khizanishvili, Navalovski (Merebashvili 82), Kenia (Barabadze 69), Mentesashvili (Sanaia 69), Kobiashvili, Tskitishvili (Klimiashvili 46), Iashvili (Devdariani 46), Aleksidze.

Romania 4 - Montenegro 0

Adrian Mutu: 15th minute
Sorin Ghionea: 49th minute
Nicolae Dica: 55th and 70th minute

Lineups:
Romania: Lobont (M Popa 46), Contra, Tamas (Ghionea 46), Radu, Rat, Petre, Radoi (Codrea 46), Cocis (Dica 46), Chivu, Marica (Marius Niculae 46), Mutu (Daniel Niculae 46).

Montenegro: M Bozovic, Pavicevic, Tanasijevic, Jovanovic (Ognjanovic 76), V Bozovic, Bogavac (Dalovic 70), Drincic, Pekovic (Novakovic 72), Boskovic, Burzanovic (Jovetic 46), Vucinic (Porovic 86).

Hungary 1 - Croatia 1

Hungary 0 - Croatia 1 Niko Kovac: 23th minute.
Hungary 1 - Croatia 1 Niko Kovac again ! (auto-goal): 44th minute.

Lineups:
Croatia: Pletikosa, Corluka, R Kovac (Knezevic 62), Simunic, Pranjic, Srna, N Kovac, Modric, Kranjcar (Vukojevic 62), Petric (Klasnic 46), Olic (Rakitic 46).

Hungary: Fulop, Bodnar, Vasko, Juhasz, Bodor, Gera, Dardai (Szelesi 88), Vadocz, Dzsudzsak (Orosz 63), Hajnal, Huszti.

Recordman Alex Frei celebrated against Liechtenstein

In the new AFG Arena at St. Gallen, Switzerland enjoyed the last match before the EURO 2008 due to two things.

First of all, the EURO 2008 Co-hosts defeats Liechtenstein 3-0 without any troubles. The second point is that the Borussia Dortmund forward Alexander Frei scored twice (23rd and 31st minute); so the striker claimed his 35th international goals, improving on Kubilay Turkyilmaz, who scored 34 goals from 1988 until 2001. The third goal arrived thanks to 22 year-old Johan Vonlanthen Benavidez.

In the other hand, sparring Liechtenstein is not in his best moment. They are 130th in the FIFA ranking and on March they had lost against Malta with an historical 7-1!

Switzerland EURO 2008 squad:
Goalkeepers: Diego Benaglio (Wolfsburg), Eldin Jakupovic(Grasshopper), Pascal Zuberbühler (Neuchatel Xamax).

Defenders: Valon Behrami (Lazio), Philipp Degen (Borussia Dortmund), Johan Djourou (Arsenal), Stéphane Grichting (Auxerre), Stephan Lichtsteiner (Lille), Ludovic Magnin (Stuttgart), Patrick Müller (Lyon), Philippe Senderos (Arsenal), Christoph Spycher (Eintracht Frankfurt), Steve von Bergen (Hertha Berlin).

Midfielders: Tranquillo Barnetta (Bayer Leverkusen), Ricardo Cabanas (Grasshopper), Gelson Fernandes (Manchester City), Daniel Gygax (FC Metz), Benjamin Huggel (Basel), Gökhan Inler (Udinese), Hakan Yakin (Young Boys), Johan Vonlanthen (Red Bull Salzburg).

Forwards: Eren Derdiyok (Basel), Alexander Frei (Borussia Dortmund), Marco Streller (Basel).

Austria did not have problems and was triumphant 5-1 but… which team is Malta?

Austria tried to recover the confidence for EURO 2008 vs. Malta, just in the last match before the most important tournament of the year.

Rene Aufhauser, Roland Linz (twice), Ivica Vastic and Martin Harnik scored for the squad coached by Josef Hickersberger, while Coventry City’s Michael Mifsud made Malta's only goal.

In order to know the dimension of this Austrian triumph, let’s know Malta: the first 45 games played by the Malta National Team from 1900, they won only 5 (Libya twice, Greece and Tunisia (twice). Its maximum star, in the 1970´s, was Joe Xuereb, nicknamed Diego Maradona at that time.

Today, according to FIFA, this team is ranked 135th behind selections like Kenya, Mauritania, Fiji and Kyrgyzstan. Almost players are totally amateurs and have a work activity every day. Only Justin Haber (Haidari), Nigerian Udochukwu Nwoko (Leixoes), Michael Mifsud and Andre Schembri (Eintracht Braunschweig) are professionals.

Austria hadn’t won ever since October 17th, against Cote D’Ivore.

Lineups:
Austria: Manninger, Garics, Stranzl (Prodl 84), Pogatetz (Hiden 84), Gercaliu (Katzer 76), Ivanschitz, Aufhauser (Saumel 76), Leitgeb, Korkmaz (Harnik 46), Linz, Hoffer (Vastic 58).

Malta: Hogg (Haber 46), Caruana (Frendo 46), Said, Dimech, S.Bajada, Briffa, Pace (Mallia 86), M. Mifsud (Barbara 64), Agius, Nwoko (Fenech 46), Schembri (Azzopardi 72).

The Austrian squad for the EURO 2008 is:
Goalkeepers: Alexander Manninger (AC Siena), Juergen Macho (AEK Athens), Ramazan Ozcan (TSG 1899 Hoffenheim)

Defenders: Gyorgy Garics (Napoli), Ronald Gercaliu (Austria Vienna), Martin Hiden (Kaernten), Markus Katzer (Rapid Vienna), Juergen Patocka (Rapid Vienna), Emmanuel Pogatetz (Middlesbrough), Sebastian Proedl (Sturm Graz), Martin Stranzl (Spartak Moscow)

Midfielders: Rene Aufhauser (Salzburg), Christian Fuchs (Mattersburg), Andreas Ivanschitz (Panathinaikos), Umit Korkmaz (Rapid Vienna), Christoph Leitgeb (Salzburg), Juergen Saeumel (Sturm Graz), Joachim Standfest (Austria Vienna), Ivica Vastic (Linz)

Forwards: Erwin Hoffer (Rapid Vienna), Roman Kienast (Ham-Kam), Roland Linz (Braga), Martin Harnik (Werder Bremen)

David Clarkson debut wasn’t enough; Libor Sionko scored twice and Czech won again

In Prague, Czech Republic beat Scotland 3-1. With a first half ended 0-0, F.C. Copenhagen midfielder Sionko scored twice (59th and 90th minute) and Michal Kadlec constructed his goal in the 84th minute.

In Scotland squad, we stands out that David Clarkson made his international debut with a goal. Motherwell forward made a goal that transitorily situated the match 2-1 (85th minute).

For Czech Republic, this match also was the last game before disputing EURO 2008. The Czech team, Switzerland, Portugal and Turkey will be part of the Group A.

Lineups:
Czech Republic: Petr Cech; Zdenek Pospech (Tomas Sivok, 74), Tomas Ujfalusi (David Rozehnal, 46), Radoslav Kovac, Marek Jankulovski (Michal Kadlec, 46), Libor Sionko, Jan Polak, Marek Matejovsky (David Jarolim, 46), Tomas Galasek, Rudolf Skacel (Jaroslav Plasil, 46), Jan Koller (Vaclav Sverkos, 46).

Scotland: Craig Gordon; Kevin McNaughton (Christophe Berra, 90), Gary Naysmith, Stephen McManus (Christian Dailly, 57), Gary Caldwell, Paul Hartley, Darren Fletcher, Gavin Rae (David Clarkson, 71), Barry Robson (Ross McCormack, 82), James Morrison (Shaun Maloney, 68), Kenny Miller.

Antonio Di Natale and Mauro Camoranesi scored: Italy shone and mystified Belgium

The World Champion beat Belgium 3-1. Italian made goals via Antonio Di Natale (twice: 9th and 41st minute) and Mauro Camoranesi (49th minute). Wesley Sonck from Brugge discounted at 90th for Belgium.

It was an interesting match for the Italian Team in his last test before the EURO 2008. In the previous match they had lost against Spain.

Lineups:
Italy: Gianluigi Buffon, Christian Panucci (Fabio Grosso, 46), Fabio Cannavaro (Giorgio Chiellini, 46), Andrea Barzagli, Gianluca Zambrotta, Gennaro Gattuso, Andrea Pirlo, Alberto Aquilani (Massimo Ambrosini, 75), Mauro Camoranesi (Antonio Cassano, 60), Luca Toni (Marco Borriello, 75), Antonio Di Natale (Alessandro Del Piero, 46).

Belgium: Stijn Stijnen, Carl Hoefkens, Vincent Kompany, Jan Vertonghen, Sebastien Pocognoli, Axel Witsel, Gaby Mudingayi, Timmy Simons, Steven Defour, Marouane Fellaini, Moussa Dembele.

For more info we suggest you to visit this friendly site: Italian Soccer Serie A

Tuncay Sanly and Semih Senturk justified Turks victory

Tonight, in Duisburg, Turkey finished their Euro 2008 previous matches with a 2-0 victory over Finland.

Middlesbrough midfielder Tuncay Sanli opened the match score in the 15th minute and Fenerbahce’s Semih Senturk closed it in the 43th minute during the second half.

I couldn’t watch the match on TV so I can’t tell you so much. If you watched it, please let me know if Turkey could, for example, reach the EURO 2008 quarterfinals.

Lineups:
Turkey: Volkan, Servet, Hakan Balta, Gokhan, Emre Belozoglu (Gokdeniz 89), Mehmet Aurelio (Mehmet Topal 88), Nihat (Semih 82), Tuncay (Arda 67), Hamit (Ayhan 79), Sabri, Mevlut (Kazım 75).

Finland: Enckleman (Frederikson 46), Nyman, Kallio (Moisander 82), Pasoja (Lampi 53), Kuivasto, Vayrynen, Eremenko Jr (Litmanen 61), Heikkinen (Johansson 61), Forssell (Sadik 79), Eremenko, Kolkka.

Terim decided to exclude Yıldıray Baştürk, Halil Altıntop and İbrahim Kaş from the original list.

Ruud Van Nistelrooy scored but Netherlands and Denmark drew

In a poor game played in the Philips Stadion, in Eindhoven, Holland and Denmark drew 1-1.

As part of the EURO 2008 preparation, Van Nistelrooy scored in the 29th minute. In the second half the Sevilla FC forward, Christian Bager Poulsen. Poulsen was named 2005 and 2006 Danish Football Player of the Year. But last two seasons he wasn’t the same one in the Spanish Liga.

Dutch players found a Danish team who never felt beaten. Now, Netherlands have reached four matches without defeats, after have won the last three friendly matches.

Netherlands: Edwin Van der Sar, Andre Ooijer (Nigel De Jong 46), John Heitinga, Joris Mathijsen, Giovanni Van Bronckhorst, Rafael Van der Vaart (Dirk Kuyt 65), Demy De Zeeuw, Wesley Sneijder (Ibrahim Afellay 82), Orlando Engelaar (Tim De Cler 65), Arjen Robben (Ryan Babel 77), Ruud Van Nistelrooy (Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink 65).

Denmark: Jesper Christiansen, William Kvist Jorgensen (Rasmussen 82), Leon Andreasen (Anders Moller Christensen 77), Per Kroldrup, Lars Jacobsen, Thomas Kahlenberg (Jon Dahl Tomasson 46), Christian Poulsen, Martin Jorgensen (Martin Retov 63), Dennis Rommedahl, Nicklas Bendtner, Kenneth Perez (Martin Vingaard 77).

Also, here we have Netherlands squad -without Khalid Boulahrouz- confirmed by Marco van Basten:

Goalkeepers: Edwin van der Sar (Manchester United FC), Maarten Stekelenburg (AFC Ajax), Henk Timmer (Feyenoord).

Defenders: Wilfred Bouma (Aston Villa FC), Tim de Cler (Feyenoord), Giovanni van Bronckhorst (Feyenoord), Johnny Heitinga (AFC Ajax), Joris Mathijsen (Hamburger SV), Mario Melchiot (Wigan Athletic FC), André Ooijer (Blackburn Rovers FC).

Midfielders: Ibrahim Afellay (PSV Eindhoven), Orlando Engelaar (FC Twente), Nigel de Jong (Hamburger SV), Wesley Sneijder (Real Madrid CF), Rafael van der Vaart (Hamburger SV), Demy de Zeeuw (AZ Alkmaar).

Forwards: Ryan Babel (Liverpool FC), Klaas Jan Huntelaar (AFC Ajax), Dirk Kuyt (Liverpool FC), Ruud van Nistelrooy (Real Madrid CF), Robin van Persie (Arsenal FC), Arjen Robben (Real Madrid CF), Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink (Celtic FC).

The gust of wind of Pavel Pogrebnyak also underwent Serbia; Guus Hiddink confirmed Russia squad

This night Russia defeated Serbia 2-1 looking for the best character with the mind in the European Championship. In Burghausen, Germany, today rival was sensibly more powerful the one than Russia faced last Friday.

Zenit forward, Pavel Pogrebnyak, opened the score in the 12th minute. But Marko Pantelic drew 5 minutes before the halftime. Spartak Moscow’s Roman Pavlyuchenko in the 3th minute of the second half, gave Russia victory 2-1

Outstanding is Pogrebnyak performance that in 3 months has scored 7 goals at international level, including Zenit matches in the UEFA Cup and the last friendly games with Russian Team.

Due to an knee injury Pogrebnyak had to quit the field. Football lovers are praising for his appearance in the EURO 2008.

The Lineups:
Russia: Akinfeev, Anyukov (V. Berezutski 46), Kolodin, Shirokov, Zhirkov (Yanbaev 80), Semak, Zyrianov, Semshov (Saenko 83), Bilyaletdinov (Torbinskiy 71), Sychev (Bystrov 67), Pogrebnyak (Pavlyuchenko 16).

Serbia: Dišljenković, Ninkov (Rukovina 71), Rajković, Vidić (Ivanović 46), Kolarov, N. Kovačević , Kačar (Kuzmanović 59), Milovanović (Ilić 76), Tošić, Despotovic (Jankovic 46), Pantelic (Žigić 46).

Also, Guus Hiddink confirmed the definitive squad for the EURO 2008. The coach excluded midfielders Samara’s Oleg Ivanov and Alexander Pavlenko of Spartak. The next test of Russia will be against Lithuania.

EURO 2008 Russia Squad:
Goalkeepers: Igor Akinfeyev (CSKA Moscow), Vladimir Gabulov (Perm), Vyacheslav Malafeyev (Zenit St Petersburg).

Defenders: Alexander Anyukov (Zenit St Petersburg), Alexei Berezutsy (CSKA Moscow), Vasily Berezursky (CSKA Moscow), Sergei Ignashevich (CSKA Moscow), Denis Kolodin (Dynamo Moscow), Renat Yanbayev (Lokomotiv Moscow).

Midfielders: Diniyar Bilyaletdinov (Lokomotiv Moscow), Dmitry Torbinsky (Lokomotiv Moscow), Vladimir Bystrov (Spartak Moscow), Yury Zhirkov (CSKA Moscow), Konstantin Zyryanov (Zenit St Petersburg), Roman Shirokov (Zenit St Petersburg), Igor Semshov (Dynamo Moscow), Sergei Semak (Kazan).

Forwards: Roman Adamov (FC Moscow), Roman Pavlyuchenko (Spartak Moscow), Pavel Pogrebnyak (Zenit St Petersburg), Andrei Arshavin (Zenit St Petersburg), Dmitry Sychev (Lokomotiv Moscow), Ivan Saenko (Nuremberg).

Early goal of Maciej Zurawski allowed Poland victory

The last match played on Tuesday with at least a team that will be part of the EURO 2008, happened in Reutlingen, Germany between Poland and Albania. Maciej Zurawski scored the single goal in the third minute of the match.

Poland coach Leo Bennhacker tested vs. Albania (76th in FIFA Ranking) the habitual team contrasting the match played against Macedonia the night before.

Lineups:
Poland: Lukasz Fabianski, Marcin Wasilewski, Jacek Bak, Michal Zewlakow (Adam Kokoszka, 9), Jakub Wawrzyniak, Wojciech Lobodzinski (Marek Saganowski, 81), Dariusz Dudka (Michal Pazdan, 81), Mariusz Lewandowski, Jacek Krzynowek (Rafal Murawski, 81), Roger Guerreiro (Euzebiusz Smolarek, 46), Maciej Zurawski (Tomasz Zahorski, 61).

Albania: Isli Hidi, Andi Lila (Endrit Vrapi, 46), Armend Dallku, Debatik Curri, Kristi Vangjeli, Klodian Duro (Edmond Kapllani, 46), Ervin Skela, Altin Lala (Ervin Bulku, 71), Lorik Cana, Hamdi Salihi (Dorian Bylykbashi, 80), Erijon Bogdani (Jahmir Hyka, 46).

Juergen Macho came back, but Austria couldn’t defeat Nigeria

This night Austria and Nigeria drew 1-1 in Graz. Austrian goal were made by Roman Kienast in the 12th minute, but the Almeria player Kalu Uche drew seven minutes later.

It was the first match of Juergen Macho with Austria National Team after an injury suffered last November. Austria will play against Malta next Friday wanting, at least, Austria played last five matches without victories. The last joy was against Cote d’Ivore on October. This isn’t the best way to arrive to the EURO 2008 as a host country.

Lineups:
Austria: Juergen Macho, Emanuel Pogatetz, Martin Stranzl, Sebastian Proedl, Christian Fuchs (Umit Korkmaz, 61), Andreas Ivanschitz (Ivica Vastic, 69), Rene Aufhauser, Juergen Saumel, Joachim Standfest, Roland Linz (Christoph Leitgeb, 81), Roman Kienast (Erwin Hoffer, 46).

Nigeria: Dele Aiyenugba, Taye Taiwo, Obinna Nwaneri, Yusuf Mohamed, Joseph Yobo, Victor Anichebe (Peter Odemwingie, 46), John Obi Mikel, Kalu Uche (Lukman Haruna, 79), Ikechukwu Uche, Aiyegbenji Yakubu (John Utaka, 76), Nwankwo Kanu (Kayode Odejayi, 84).

Samir Nasri technique and Gomis goals gave French victory

In Grenoble, France defeated Ecuador 2-0 searching the best team for the EURO 2008.

The French victory arrived thanks to two amazing goals from Bafetimbi Gomis responding Raymond Domenech expectations. The first goal was a shot from outside of the penalty area, and the second one was made by a volley shot hit without letting bounce after a delicious pass from Nicolas Anelka. This match was the first one of Gomis representing the French squad.

Mistakes in the Ecuadorian defense and good technique in French feet was the key of this deserved victory. Watch France Team in the midfield line it is a really good taste. Samir Nasri, Gomis and Anelka excelled on the rest of the players.

I think that it was the squad that showed best football during this week of friendly matches. One step closer I picked Czech Republic performance.

For my part, I feel very happy because I was able to watch almost both matches.

The lineups:

France: Sebastien Frey (Steve Mandanda, 46), Willy Sagnol (Francois Clerc, 74), Julien Escude (Patrice Evra, 46), Lilian Thuram, Eric Abidal, Lassana Diarra, Samir Nasri, Alou Diarra (Mathieu Flamini, 46), Hatem Ben Arfa (Florent Malouda, 78), Nicolas Anelka, Djibril Cisse (Bafetimbi Gomis, 46).

Ecuador: Marcelo Elizaga, Carlos Castro, Ivan Hurtado, Omar De Jesus, Isaac Mina, Jose Luis Cortez, David Quiroz (Felix Borja, 64), Segundo Castillo, Walter Ayovi, Luis Antonio Valencia, Carlos Tenorio.

Jan Koller is on fire and Czech Republic beats Lithuania

After some matches whom we saw more surprises than good football, Czech Republic beat Lithuania 2-0 in Prague.

Czech Republic showed superiority in almost all the game, even though when the match already was 2-0. Despite Tomas Rosicky absense for the whole EURO 2008, tonight it might win by more goals.

Koller is 35 years old and scored 54 goals in 86 matches representing the National Team. His average shows 0,62 goals per game! Disappointingly he already announced that the EURO 2008 will be their last championship with this t-shirt.

The lineups
Czech Republic: Petr Cech; Zdenek Grygera, Tomas Ujfalusi (Radoslav Kovac, 74), David Rozehnal, Marek Jankulovski (Michal Kadlec, 64), Jan Polak (Tomas Galasek, 46), David Jarolim (Marek Matejovsky, 83), Jaroslav Plasil (Rudolf Skacel, 79), Stanislav Vlcek, Milan Baros (Vaclav Sverkos, 46), Jan Koller.

Lithuania: Zydrunas Karcemarskas; Deividas Semberas (Tomas Zvirgzdauskas, 59), Ignas Dedura, Vidas Alunderis, Andrius Skerla, Aurimas Kucys (Audrius Ksanavicius, 46), Tomas Danilevicius, Arunas Klimavicius, Deividas Cesnauskis (Edgaras Jankauskas, 74), Marius Stankevicius (Andrius Joksas, 69), Robertas Poskus (Tadas Papeckys, 60).

We had the opportunity to watch the match but in a few hours maybe we will have another point of view in Czech Football Daily.

Ballack played, but Germany was surprised by Vitali Bulyga

In the Fritz Walter Stadion, in Kaiserslautern; Germany and Belarus tied 2-2 as part of the Mannschaft EURO 2008 preparation.

In 20 minutes Germany was winning 2-0, due to an attractive goal made by Miroslav Klose (10 minutes) and a Vladimir Korytko auto goal after an Odonkor possession.

In spite of Michael Ballack presence, two goals from Vitali Bulyga in the second half on 16th and 43th minute gave the tie to Belarus (60th in FIFA Ranking). Coached by German Bernd Stange they have been defeated Netherlands last November.

Bulyga, the player of the match, is playing in FC Luch-Energiya Vladivostok in the Russian League. The main stars from Germany couldn’t avoid his performance.

It was an interesting test for Germany that ussually burst out when the main important tournaments start. During the EURO 2008 the Teutons will face Poland, Croatia and Austria.

Lineups:
Germany: Jens Lehmann; Philipp Lahm, Per Mertesacker, Christoph Metzelder, Thomas Hitzlsperger, David Odonkor (Clemens Fritz, 77), Torsten Frings (Piotr Trochowski, 67), Michael Ballack (Jermaine Jones, 45), Bastian Schweinsteiger (Marko Marin, 45), Miroslav Klose (Patrick Helmes, 54), Lukas Podolski (Oliver Neuville, 54).

Belarus: Vasily Khomutovsky; Vladimir Korytko, Egor Filipenko, Dmitri Lentsevich, Sergei Omeljanchuk, Alexandre Hleb, Aliaksandr Kulchy, Anton Putsilo (Alexander Pavlov, 73), Maksim Romashenko (Pavel Sitko, 45), Viachaslau Hleb (Vitali Radzionau, 54), Vitaly Bulyga (Sergei Plaskonny, 89).

Radoslaw Matusiak penalty kick saved Poland of an historical defeat... And Georgiev wasn’t there!

In Reutlingen, Germany, Poland only drew against Macedonia 1-1. Coached by Srecko Katanec, Macedonia put itself in advantage when Goran Maznov scored in the 45th minute. At the end, lacking seven minutes, Radoslaw Matusiak turned a penalty kick in a goal to finish the match even.

Macedonia FYR, all known as The Red Lions or The Red-Yellows, is 56th in FIFA ranking but they have defeated Croatia last year during EURO 2008 qualifying. In 2006 they drew in Manchester against England, two points that the British suffered when they were out of the main important tournament in the continent.

The new star, seventeen year-old Dragan Georgiev, pretended by Manchester City, wasn’t part of Macedonian Team.

Tomorrow the Polish players will have another opportunity to convince the coach Leo Beenhakker. They will play another match against Albania in Reutlingen and then will take on Denmark next sunday, before leaving for Euro 2008, where they will play Germany, co-host Austria and Croatia in Group B.

Lineups:
Poland: Tomasz Kuszczak, Pawel Golanski, Adam Kokoszka, Mariusz Jop, Grzegorz Bronowicki (Jakub Wawrzyniak, 46), Radoslaw Majewski (Marek Saganowski, 59), Rafal Murawski, Mariusz Lewandowski (Dariusz Dudka, 46), Tomasz Zahorski, Lukasz Gargula (Michal Pazdan, 87), Radoslaw Matusiak.

Macedonia: Petar Milosevski, Goce Sedloski, Igor Mitreski, Vlade Lazarevski (Aleksandar Vasoski, 46), Goran Popov (Robert Petrov, 61), Nikolce Noveski (Slavco Georgievski, 46), Vlatko Grozdanovski, Darko Tasevski (Artim Polozani, 46), Vanco Trajanov (Stevica Ristic, 69) Goran Maznov (Ilco Naumoski, 46), Goran Pandev (Aco Stojkov, 61).

Tobias Linderoth goal allowed Swedish victory in Larsson comeback

In another match preceding the EURO 2008, Sweden defeated Slovenia 1-0 in Goteborg. Tobias Linderoth goal at 41 minutes sealed the victory that in the previous conversations Sweden be supposed to win by more goals against a team who is 74th in the ranking FIFA.

Tobias Jan Hakan Linderoth, central midfielder inGalatasaray, scored his goal number six with the Swedish t-shirt. 21.000 people in the Ullevi stadium watched Henrik Larsson return who had several occasions to score in the second half.

Sweden coach Lars Lagerback rested some of his top players — Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Markus Rosenberg and Fredrik Ljungberg — who are recovering from injuries.

The last Scandinavians match before EURO 2008 will be next Sunday against Ukraine in Solna.

Lineups:
Sweden: Andreas Isaksson, Fredrik Stoor, Olof Mellberg (Andreas Granqvist, 73), Daniel Majstorovic, Mikael Nilsson (Mikael Dorsin, 78), Sebastian Larsson (Niclas Alexandersson, 78), Tobias Linderoth (Anders Svensson, 46), Daniel Andersson, Christian Wilhemsson, Kennedy Bakircioglu (Johan Elmander, 46), Marcus Allback (Henrik Larsson, 46).

Slovenia: Samir Handanovic, Ilic Branko, Mitja Morec, Marko Suler, Bojan Jokic (Luka Elswer, 88), Miso Brecko (Zoran Zeljkovic, 82), Anton Zlogar, Dalibor Stevanovic (Darijan Matic, 60), Andraz Kirm, Mirnes Sisic (Miran Burgic, 71), Milivoje Novakovic (Zlatan Ljubljankic, 82).