In its final match before the World Cup team gathers in mid-May, the United States plays an exhibition at the Netherlands Amsterdam Ajax stadium, against the world's third-ranked team. The Dutch and
"My last memory playing Netherlands in
After this game, the Americans gather in mid-May and play exhibitions against the
Gullit will head bid delegations throughout the world as the prospective joint-hosts seek to drum up support ahead of FIFA's decision on the 2018 and 2022 World Cup host late this year.
For the complete report: The Canadian Press: Ruud Gullit named head of the Belgo-Dutch bid for World Cup soccer event
Labels: EU, EU Economy, Netherlands, Soccer
Juventus has gone from emergency-mode to a state of joy and back to crisis in the space of three days. The current state could last a while, even if the Turin power manages to win at newly promoted Bari on Saturday. A devastating 4-1 home loss to Bayern Munich on Tuesday eliminated Juventus from the Champions League, three days after the Bianconeri managed to beat Serie A leader Inter Milan.
David Trezeguet, who had been doubtful to start with a calf injury, scored in the 19th minute. Bayern pulled level when Jorg Butt put aside his goalkeeping duties to fire home a 30th-minute penalty and Ivica Olic gave them the lead six minutes into the second half. Van Gaal could finally rest easy when Mario Gomez made it 3-1 with seven minutes to go before Anatoliy Tymoschukto added a fourth in the last minute to send Bayern through from Group A with Bordeaux.
Spain regained first place from Brazil in FIFA's monthly world rankings Friday. The European champions regained the top spot they lost to the South Americans in July after friendly wins over fellow World Cup qualifier Argentina and Austria. Brazil beat England 1-0 and Oman 2-0 in the past week but was still overtaken because older ranking points lost value and its wins came against lower-ranked opposition. The Netherlands and Italy stayed third and fourth, while the biggest mover in the top 10 was Portugal, which rose five places to fifth by twice beating Bosnia-Herzegovina 1-0 to qualify for next year's World Cup.
Giampaolo Pazzini was denied a late winner by the referee as Italy and Holland fought out a stalemate in Pescara. Substitute Pazzini was judged to have used his arm to bundle the ball home with seven minutes remaining, while at the other end Gianluigi Buffon made a fine save from Rafael van der Vaart to mark his 100th cap with a clean sheet. When play resumed, the Dutch dominated possession but were unable to turn that into goals. The Dutch suffered a setback when Arsenal striker Robin van Persie limped off and was replaced by Klaas-Jan Huntelaar. Liverpool's Dirk Kuyt had the first opportunity of the game in the 20th minute with his right-footed strike from the edge of the area going wide of the far post. Italy goalkeeper Buffon, who celebrated a century of appearances for the Azzurri tonight, made a stunning save to deflect Van der Vaart's free-kick that had taken a deflection off Palladino's head.
Labels: EU, Fifa, Italy, Netherlands, Soccer
Soccer - Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka head shortlist for Fifa World Player of the Year award
The 23-man roll was drawn up by FIFA’s Football Committee and will be voted on by the captains and head coaches of the world’s national teams, with the winner to be announced on Dec 21. The Fifa short list includes: M Ballack (Germany), G Buffon (Italy), I Casillas (Spain), C Ronaldo (Portugal), Diego (Brazil), D Drogba (Ivory Coast), M Essien (Ghana), S Eto’o (Cameroon), S Gerrard (England), T Henry (France), Z Ibrahimovic (Sweden), A Iniesta (Spain), Kaka (Brazil), F Lampard (England), L Fabiano (Brazil), L Messi (Argentina), C Puyol (Spain), F Ribery (France), W Rooney (England), J Terry (England), F Torres (Spain), D Villa (Spain), Xavi (Spain).
Labels: Fifa, Player of the year award, Soccer
Soccer: Japan beaten by Netherlands in World Cup warm-up 3-0
Japan suffered a second-half meltdown and crashed to a 3-0 defeat in a friendly away to the Netherlands on Saturday. Japan battled valiantly for long periods in what will be arguably their stiffest test in the run-up to next year's World Cup finals in South Africa, but Robin van Persie broke the deadlock on 69 minutes and Wesley Sneijder struck moments later before Klaas Jan Huntelaar sealed victory with a late third.
Labels: EU, Japan, Netherlands, Soccer
Beckham May Return to Italy as Milan and Galaxy Discuss Pact - by Tariq Panja
David Beckham may return to AC Milan in January after the Italian team began discussions with Major League Soccer’s Los Angeles Galaxy about a new loan, the midfielder’s publicist said today. “Milan have made their interest public in that they want David to come for a short-term loan in January,” Simon Oliveira said in an interview. “It’s still very early on in discussions between the two clubs.” The former England captain irked teammates and U.S. soccer fans last March after partly self-funding his extended spell with the seven-time European champion instead of returning for the start of the U.S. soccer season. He had said he was returning to Europe to stay in shape during MLS’s off-season. AC Milan Chief Executive Officer Adrian Galliani said last month he hoped to bring the player back “without all the fuss that happened last March.” Beckham, soccer’s highest-paid player last year according to France Football, and Milan jointly funded his extended loan with Milan.
Beckham joined the Galaxy from Real Madrid in 2007. Beckman earns $5.5 million a year, and could make as much as $250 million with endorsements and profit-sharing, according to the Los Angeles team.
Note EU-Digest: the amount in salaries and perks paid to some professional soccer players is starting to get into the same league as the bonuses paid to some of the management people in the financial sector. Are they worth that kind of obscene salaries? Not really, but like in the financial sector. There are no regulations.
Soccer - Beckham eyes another half-year loan in Europe
David Beckham says he expects to find another half-year loan deal ahead of the World Cup next year to keep himself in England manager Fabio Capello’s plans for the tournament in South Africa. Beckham spent the Major League Soccer (MLS) off-season — and the first part of this current season — on loan at AC Milan in Italy and said he hoped to find a similar arrangement next year. "Leading up to the World Cup, the England manager has made it very clear to me that I need to be playing at a European level," Beckham told reporters ahead of his return match for LA Galaxy against rivals New York Red Bulls.
Labels: David Beckham, EU, Soccer
Soccer - US triumph over Spain helps image of soccer - by Robert Millward
The United States' amazing 2-0 victory over Spain at the Confederations Cup on Wednesday night sent out a loud and clear message that no one, not even the world's top-ranked team, is guaranteed anything in this captivating sport and no team is ever out of contention. Even a 15-game winning streak doesn't put the ball in the net. Look at this sequence of results. The United States loses 3-1 to Italy. Italy loses 1-0 to Egypt. The Americans beat the Egyptians 3-0 and then end Spain's 35-game unbeaten run and 15-match streak of victories to reach the Confederation Cup final. Does this make any sense? Or is it simply more proof that soccer, the world's most popular sport, is still capable of throwing up the biggest surprises?
Australia launch 2018 World Cup bid in Canberra
Australian Football Federation chairman Frank Lowy has called on the Australian public to unite behind the 2018/2002 World Cup bid, which was officially launched at Parliament House in Canberra. Lowy said their support was vital to the success of Australia's bid for either the 2018 or the 2022 World Cup, which he described as "realistic and achievable". "Our aim is to show FIFA and the football world that we are passionate about football and welcoming the world," Lowy said.
Labels: Australia, Soccer, World Cup Soccer
Barcelona wins European Champions Soccer League against Manchester 2-0
In a match which Barcelona controlled throughout the game with perfect ball control Manchester was unable to get a grip on the game. Striker Samuel Eto'o made the first goal for Barcelona ten minutes into the game, with Manchester's Dutch goalkeeper, Edwin van der Sar, touching the ball but unable to stop it going in. Lionel Messi clinched the game for Barcelona with a brilliant second goal well into the second half. Barcelona has now wsold out crowd of about 83.000 people with some 350 million people watching the game on TV.
Labels: Barcelona, Champions League, Europe, Manchester, Soccer
Tonight - Manchester Barcelona fight for Europe's top soccer title in Rome
Manchester United winger Ryan Giggs has called their Champions League showdown with Barcelona in Rome the "dream final". Barcelona duo Thierry Henry and Andres Iniesta continued their respective bids to be fit for the Champions League final as they returned to squad training, albeit not at the same level as their team-mates. Following on the heels of the European Song Festival Final this will be another huge soccer event watched by millions all over the world. The soccer spectacle between Barcelona and Manchester starts tonight 20.30 CET at the Olympic stadium of Rome.
Labels: Barcelona, Champions League, Europe, Manchester, Soccer
Chelsea sees its dreams dashed by FC Barcelona - by Graham L.Jones
There was anguish and outrage in London. In Barcelona, there was nothing but bedlam. What else to expect after FC Barcelona had plunged a Spanish dagger into Chelsea soccer hearts Wednesday night, scoring a goal 2:12 into stoppage time to earn a 1-1 tie in a nail-biting European Champions League semifinal at Chelsea's Stamford Bridge stadium?The vital away goal, which under competition rules counts double in the event of a tie, was enough to propel Barcelona into the May 27 Champions League final against Manchester United in Rome. Chelsea had held Europe's highest-scoring team to a 0-0 tie in the first leg in Spain last week. The Blues then held Barcelona at bay for another 90 minutes Wednesday night. They were only 108 seconds away from what would have been a deserved 1-0 victory in the return match. Chelsea, having lost last season's final to Manchester United on penalty kicks in Moscow, was that close to having a chance to avenge that bitter defeat.
With the seconds ticking away and Barcelona desperately seeking a goal that had shown no sign of arriving, Chelsea's players scrambled to clear their lines. Messi, who had done nothing of note in the game to that point, found himself with the ball at his feet just to the left of Chelsea's penalty area. He knew exactly what to do. The Argentine forward slipped a square pass to the unmarked Iniesta and the Spanish international fired a swerving shot into the upper right corner of goalkeeper Petr Cech's net. It was Barcelona's only shot on target all night.Manchester United, the defending champion, defeated Barcelona in last season's semifinals and will be favored to win in Rome.
Labels: Champions League, EU, Soccer, UEFA
Soccer: Manchester United reaches Champions League final
Back in the UEFA Champions League final for the second consecutive year, Manchester United wants to add to titles it won in 1968, 1999 and last year. "I've said it many times, we should have won this cup more times than we have," Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson said after the defending champion defeated Arsenal 3-1 in an all-English semifinal Tuesday in London. "We've got the hunger and the quality." Cristiano Ronaldo scored two goals and set up another. Park Ji-sung also scored for Manchester United, which won the home-and-home, total-goals series on 4-1 aggregate and will play in the May 27 final in Rome against Chelsea of England or Barcelona of Spain.
Labels: Champions League, EU, Soccer, UEFA
European Soccer - Barça and United in the Hunt for Silver and Sinew - by Rob Hughes
These are the defining weeks of Europe’s club season. The contests come three times in a week, and those who would be champions need will as well as skill, nerve as much as ability to stand the pace. The mettle that makes a champion was Manchester’s, and Barcelona’s. Most observers appreciate that Barça is the most irrepressible force in world soccer. Its front three — Lionel Messi, Samuel Eto’o and Thierry Henry — have shared almost 90 goals among them this season, and there were moments Saturday when Messi appeared to be playing fullback, such was his commitment to the cause.
Labels: Barcelona, Manchester United, Soccer
Soccer - European Champions League: Barcelona can strike seemingly at will - Grahame L.Jones
Lionel Messi, Thierry Henry and Samuel Eto'o give the club a formidable attack and make it the favorite to win the European Champions League title. Messi, Henry and Eto'o have combined to make Barcelona the most dynamic and the most feared soccer team on the planet, never mind what Manchester United or Inter Milan or anyone else might say. Together, they have helped Barcelona score more goals than any other team in Europe this season. The three have scored more goals than any other top-flight team. Barcelona, however, is more than simply a trio of high-scoring strikers. Its midfield boasts the Spanish creative attacking duo of Xavi, the most valuable player at Euro 2008, and Andres Iniesta. Its defense features the world's top right back, attack-minded Daniel Alves of Brazil.
All of this suggests that Barcelona will hold aloft the Champions League trophy May 27 in Rome and bask in the club's third European Cup title after similar victories in 1992 and 2006. But, discounting Bayern Munich, there are six other teams still more or less alive in what is unquestionably soccer's most fixating club tournament. But as Henry said, that is looking too far ahead. "In the Champions League, one bad performance -- or even a bad 10 minutes -- can put you out," he said. "We've won nothing yet."
Labels: Champions League, EU, Soccer
British Soccer Sweeps Across Europe Once Again - by Rob Hughes
"The spring brings absolute confirmation that the only soccer team in the rest of Europe left to compete with the power of England’s Premier League is Barcelona.This is the third season running that England has supplied three of the last four clubs in the competition. The final in Rome on May 27 is bound to have at least one English club for the fifth consecutive year. British soccer supremacy is, anyway, English in name only. The clubs are no longer owned by the British, the players most certainly belong to every continent and, just as Barcelona has the means to buy the best players on earth, so does Manchester and its London rivals.
Like it or loathe it, the Champions League is the global marketplace."
Labels: Britain, Champions League, EU, Soccer
Kissinger works to bring World Cup to USA when he's 99 - by Kelly Whiteside
Former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger joined U.S. Soccer's bid committee Monday to help bring the 2018 or 2022 World Cup to the USA. The sport's governing body, FIFA, will decide the hosts for both World Cups in December 2010. "I don't think we have a huge chance in 2018, I think it will probably go to Europe," Kissinger said. Since South Africa will host the tournament next year and Brazil in 2014, Kissinger believes Europe won't let three World Cups go by without securing a bid. "We will certainly contest for it. ... I think bidding for 2018 will give a great chance for 2022. I'll be 99 years old. So it's sort of an obligation to stay around." Kissinger, has attended every World Cup since 1974 except the 2002 tournament.
Labels: Henry Kissinger, Soccer, World Cup
Soccer - Netherlands defeats Scotland 3-0 in World Cup soccer qualifier
The Netherlands took a major step toward qualifying for the 2010 World Cup by edging Scotland 3-0 on Saturday. Klaas-Jan Huntelaar headed Mark van Bommel's cross from six yards to put the Netherlands in front after 30 minutes. Robin van Persie scored with another header from Arjen Robben's left-footed corner in first-half stoppage time, and Dirk Kuyt made it 3-0 in the 77th by converting a penalty after Christophe Berra had fouled Huntelaar in the area. The Netherlands leads Group 9 with 12 points from four games. Scotland is second with four points. Both sides play again Wednesday with the Netherlands hosting Macedonia and Scotland taking on Iceland.
Labels: EU, Netherlands, Scotland, Soccer
Soccer: Del Bosque Analyzes Spain's Turkey Win
Vicente Del Bosque enjoyed a successful return to the Bernabeu, as Spain claimed a 1-0 win over Turkey. After the match, he stressed his pride at the performance of his team. Speaking at the post match press conference, Del Bosque said, "It was a tough game because they played very well and offered a lot of resistance." "It wasn't as easy as on other occasions, but we deserved this win just as much. We controlled them well, albeit not with our usual style."
David Beckham's failed American adventure - by Dave Larzelere
David Beckham’s relatively short stint in the MLS appears to be over, as AC Milan director Umberto Gandini plans to fly to Los Angeles tomorrow with a team of lawyers aimed at securing Beckham’s services for at least the next year. If that deal goes through, which seems likely given Beckham’s resolve to stay in Milan, it’s hard to imagine that we’ll ever see Becks playing soccer here in the States again, unless it’s on tour with Milan or some other high-profile European club.
And so ends Beckham’s big Hollywood gambit. By all accounts, it has been an enormous bust, for Beckham, for the Galaxy, and for MLS.
Labels: David Beckham, Europe, Soccer
Soccer Clubs Europe: Big Money, Growing Woes - by Mark Scott
American billionaires George Gillett and Tom Hicks were in the vanguard of sports investing when they shelled out $310 million in 2007 to buy Liverpool FC, one of England's biggest and richest soccer clubs. Money was easy, so they took on $500 million in debt to build a big new stadium and cover the team's operating costs. The payout looked promising.Then the global credit crunch hit and the math started to fall apart. The stadium was postponed and the Americans finagled a six-month extension on their loan. But the $500 million comes due in July 2009, and refinancing in the current climate seems implausible. Instead, Gillett and Hicks hope to sell the club for as much as $700 million—still not a bad return on investment—to Middle Eastern buyers.
Tunisia vs Netherlands finishes in draw
Tunisia midfielder Jamelle Saihi fired an equaliser four minutes after Klass Jan Huntelaar had opened the scoring to ensure Holland's trip to north Africa finished in a draw. Huntelaar broke the deadlock on the hour mark after fellow half-time substitute Rafael van der Vaart's free-kick fell to him in the area. Tunisia's attacking threat had been minimal throughout, but they found an equaliser just four minutes after going behind when Saihi's sweetly struck 25-yard drive hit the net.
In the end both sides were content to finish with a draw and look forward to their World Cup qualifying campaigns. The "Oranje" next face a crucial encounter with Scotland on March 28 in their bid to reach South Africa 2010, while the Tunisians travel to Kenya on the same day to kick-off the final stage of their qualifiers.
Labels: Netherlands, Soccer, Tunisia
European Soccer - Argentina Defeat France In Competitive Encounter 2 - 0
Diego Maradona continued his winning start as Argentinean coach as the Albiceleste beat France in a highly competitive game in Marseille. A first half strike from Jonas Gutierrez was doubled by Lionel Messi in the closing stages of the match. Les Bleus would certainly enjoy their spells of pressure; however, the Argentine defence was hugely impressive and held out impassively to maintain a clean sheet. Diego Maradona can be pleased with the manner in which his side won. Defensively they were solid while, in France’s half, they always posed a significant threat to their opposition with the dangerous duo of Messi and Aguero leading the line.
Other than Ribery, who was electric at times in the first half before fading a little in the second, France lacked such inspiration when attacking. With a key World Cup double-header against Lithuania fast approaching in the spring, Domenech will need to find some additional flair from somewhere or else les Bleus’ dreams of South Africa could be in tatters.
Football, American football, soccer and Super Bowl 2009
Tuscans and Italians in general gladly embrace sports among their passions.. In Italy, as in many countries around the world, "American Football"* fans are getting ready to watch the Super Bowl Americano. You have to be a really dedicated fan to watch the live Super Bowl in Italy - the sports event plays there in the middle of the night. Until this year, Italians needed to subscribe to their Sky (cable) channel in order to see the Super Bowl. This year, Super Bowl XLIII will be shown live on RAI 2, one of Italy’s major networks and does not require a subscription. In fact, RAI 2 has been showing NFL games since November. Italian fans are delighted.
Labels: EU, Soccer, Super Bowl, US
European Soccer -Beckham Back At Best With Milan? - by Andrea Canales
Major League Soccer's biggest star, David Beckham, was presented as AC Milan's newest player. He will be on loan for the next couple of months in Italy. During the press conference welcoming him to the club, Beckham mentioned that he was proud to be part of the organization, saying that he had played for the best club in England (Manchester United), the best in Spain (Real Madrid) and now would be joining the best in Italy.
Noticeably absent from his list of "best clubs" was his actual current club, the Los Angeles Galaxy. At AC Milan, though, it's a good bet that Beckham will be more effective simply because of the higher caliber of players who surround him. After all, people have seen Beckham continue to have an impact with the English national team during his Galaxy tenure.
Soccer - Abu Dhabi to host Club World Cup
The Club World Cup, which brings together the best football teams in the world, will take place in the capital a year from today. The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (Fifa), football’s world governing body, announced yesterday that the 10-day tournament would take place starting on Dec 10, 2009. The Club World Cup brings together the winners of each Fifa region’s respective cup competitions, from the Champions League in Europe to the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) Champions’ Cup in North and Central America. Among the teams competing in this year’s Club World Cup are Manchester United, the English and European champions, Pachuca, the CONCACAF Champions’ Cup winners, and Gamba Osaka, the Asian champions. Adelaide United, of Australia, and Waitakere United, of New Zealand, will play in tomorrow’s curtain-raiser. The line-up for the tournament is completed by Liga de Quito, of Ecuador, and Al Ahly, of Egypt.
Labels: Abu Dhabi, Club World Cup, Fifa, Soccer
Soccer: Spain-Real Madrid - "Huntelaar Will Be The New Van Nistelrooy says Schuster"
It's crunch time for Real Madrid as they face Sevilla and Barcelona in games which could well determine whether or not German coach, Bernd Schuster, is still in a job at Christmas. The former Getafe man has come under some pressure lately but speaking to Marca today he sounded fairly relaxed about the situation. The German started by musing about the first winter signing, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, and said he expects him to do well. "He is a good signing who we have been looking at for some time," he declared.
Labels: EU, Huntelaar, Real Madrid, Soccer, Spain
European Soccer - Netherlands beats Sweden 3-1 in friendly
Robin Van Persie scored two goals Wednesday to give the injury-depleted Netherlands a comfortable 3-1 win over Sweden in an international friendly.
Wesley Sneijder took a short corner and then exchanged passes with Ryan Babel on the left flank before crossing for Van Persie, who put the Netherlands in front with a header in the 33rd minute. Van Persie scored his second in the 48th, beating Sweden goalkeeper Andreas Isaksson from 15 meters (yards) after he was played in by substitute Rafael van der Vaart. Kim Kallstrom pulled one back for Sweden in the 50th, scoring from the edge of the box, but Dirk Kuyt headed in Tim de Cler's cross in injury time to wrap up the win.
Labels: EU, Netherlands, Soccer, Sweden
European soccer - Why Karl Marx would love America's sports -- and hate Europe's - by Steven Stark
When it comes to big-time sports, it's Europeans who are the real free-market meritocrats - rewarding success, leaving failure behind, and letting every man fend for himself. By comparison, American professional sports is organized as a giant welfare state, where wealth is shared, luxury spending is taxed and passed to the poor, and even the weakest are never allowed to fail.
The contrast is most striking in football. To many abroad, the National Football League is America. And the NFL is about as redistributive an enterprise as one can imagine - a living example of "share and share alike." The league's revenue-sharing provisions mean that its massive television revenues go into a huge pot, which is handed out evenly regardless of success - the bigger, successful teams essentially subsidizing the smaller failures. There are also salary caps, and scheduling and draft mechanisms that empower the poor at the expense of the rich - all in the name of equality, otherwise known as "parity."
Labels: American Football, European Soccer, National Football League, Soccer, UEFA
Embarrassing loss for Real Madrid and scare after Ruben De La Red faints on the field
Third-division Real Union upset Real Madrid 3-2 in the Copa del Rey on Thursday, continuing the Spanish league champion's poor record in the knockout competition it hasn't won since 1993. Juan Dominguez scored twice and Inaki Goikoetxea netted the winner for Real Union. There was a scare in the 14th minute when Madrid's Spain midfielder Ruben De La Red fell as he walked away from the Real Union penalty area. De La Red was carried off on a stretcher after being treated for two minutes. Madrid medical chief Carlos Diez said De La Red suffered a sudden fainting fit brought on by exertion and was not in danger.
The 23-year-old Spain international was taken to hospital and will spend the night there as a precaution. Diez said De La Red has undergone tests which have produced normal results and he was expected to be released on Friday.
Labels: EU, Ruben De La Red, Soccer, Spain
Olympics Soccer: Nigeria: Dream Team Cruises to Olympics Soccer Final against Argentina - by Aliou Goloko
Nigeria qualified for the final of the soccer tournament at the Beijing Olympics on Tuesday by defeating Belgium by four goals to one, 12 years after winning the gold medal at the Atlanta games. They will be playing Argentina which won a 3-1 victory over Brazil for the gold medal.
Soccer - Russia score late to hold Dutch to 1-1 draw
Robin van Persie's first-half strike gave the visitors a deserved 1-0 lead with the Dutch eager to avenge their defeat by Guus Hiddink's men in the Euro 2008 quarter-finals two months ago. The Arsenal forward beat Russia keeper Igor Akinfeyev, curling a delicate left-footed shot into the top corner from just outside the area in the 25th minute. The Dutch dominated for much of the lively encounter at Moscow's Lokomotiv stadium on Wednesday, with van Persie being the most active for the visitors until he was substituted by Ibrahim Afellay midway through the second half. But Zyryanov calmly fired from the spot for the equaliser 12 minutes from time after Giovanni van Bronckhorst fouled Dmitry Torbinsky inside the box.
Labels: EU, Netherlands, Russia, Soccer
EURO 2008 - Turkey and Russia worthy of top billing - by Andrew Warshaw
While the semi-final line-up tomorrow and Thursday might not exactly set the pulses racing or fill the coffers of either the joint hosts or Uefa, especially now that an estimated 120,000 Dutch fans have left town, no-one can say that the four teams involved don't deserve to be there – and that includes 66-1 outsiders Turkey. With his trademark unbuttoned white crisp shirt and Mediterranean tan, Terim's emphasis on team play has paid off big-time. He has developed a squad with the mental resilience of a club side, a player's coach who treats them as soldiers going into battle. Whatever happens in Basel tomorrow night, his cult status can only be enhanced.
Five times Hiddink has taken teams to major tournaments, and five times he has successfully steered them out of the group stages. Russia may have started badly against Spain but the way they responded had the purists purring with delight. Hiddink may have already exceeded expectations but there is a train of thought that suggests Russia are the growing force in European football following Zenit St Petersburg's Uefa Cup win over Rangers. But good enough to beat Spain? No one , least of all themselves, expect Luis Aragones' team to have anywhere near as comfortable a ride as they did in the group phase when Russia were raw and nervous. But having broken their jinx against Italy in the quarters, the great under-achievers of European football believe their time has come.
The best thing about having the privilege to be at the tournament is
the opportunity to witness the thought processes and movement away from
the ball that makes Europe’s top players special.
It should be no shock that the Dutch are heavily represented following
their unbeaten run in the Group of Death. The list is topped by Wesley
Sneijder, who made life miserable for both the World Cup champions and
finalists with his vision and trickery.
Labels: EU, EURO 2008, Netherlands, Soccer
Hopp Suisse! becomes Hup Holland! for Swiss fans
Switzerland loves Oranjes as from now on it will be supporting the Dutch at Euro 2008. With the Swiss bowing out of the tournament, the country is looking for another team to support - and it looks as though the Dutch have won their hearts. With four official languages - German, French, Italian and Romansh, and around 10 per cent of the population speaking other languages - there would seem to be plenty of scope for partisanship.
Why Holland? "Because I like flowers," she said. "They play good football, and they like to party. They are very nice." Similar views on the Oranje are held by a great deal of her countrymen and women at the Euro 2008 tournament. According to a survey carried out for SonntagsBlick newspaper by Le Matin Dimanche and Il Caffe, around one in four of Swiss fans are now supporting the Netherlands, far more than any other team.
Labels: EU, EURO 2008, Netherlands, Soccer
EURO 2008 - Soccer: Turkey completes stunning rally - by John Doyle
A full hour after Turkey stunned the Czech Republic with a last-gasp 3-2 victory, most of the thousands of Turkish fans were still inside the stadium, celebrating. They could hardly believe it. Neither could anyone else. This was a game for the ages. An epic, come-from-behind victory for an unheralded team that had already dispatched co-host Switzerland from the tournament. For the Turks celebrating in the stands, it was another rebuke to their rude hosts.
Those fans, who had been prepping all day in Geneva outside Turkish coffee houses and kebab shops, knew that every game played in Switzerland, and every goal scored, transcends soccer. The Turks have a complicated, resentful relationship with the Swiss. There are scores to settle, on a sporting and sociological level. It matters that Turkey beat the Czech Republic, but it mattered even more that it happened in Switzerland.
Soccer - EURO 2008 - Buffon and Sacchi plea to Netherlands to help keep Italy in Euro 2008
Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has a message for the Netherlands: the Dutch beat his team and France so easily in the first round that they ought to help out the World Cup champion and runner-up so they can face them again in the semifinals. Italy is worried that the Netherlands will let Romania win in the final round of Group C games at Euro 2008 because the Dutch have already advanced and the result would eliminate both Italy and France — both possible semifinal opponents.
Labels: EURO 2008, Netherlands, Soccer
EURO 2008 - Soccer - Austria-Germany tie stirs memories of the shameful carve-up of 1982 - by Pat Nevin
T IS fair to say that most footballers aren't generally renowned for their deeply held political viewpoints. My experience was that beyond discussing which party would lower the maximum tax rate and wouldn't hinder them squirrelling some of their cash abroad to a convenient tax haven, few were interested in the subtleties of foreign or fiscal policy.
I can't wait for the spectacle tomorrow as I originally suspected this would be a dead rubber. Instead there is an outside chance of the biggest upset of the tournament. There is also the chance that this could be the start of a deep and unhealthy rivalry between two nations that were once just too close for comfort, and that has to be a good thing.The Austrians also have the advantage of a vociferous 50,000 crowd that makes the most astonishing noise inside the Ernst Happel Stadium. Just like the Tartan Army at Hampden these days, they keep the players going through their unswerving support when the legs would otherwise have packed in, hence the 92nd minute equaliser against Poland.
Labels: Austria, EU, EURO 2008, European Soccer, Germany, Soccer
Netherlands beats France 4-1 to qualify for Euro 2008 quarter-finals
Substitute Arjen Robben set up one goal and scored another Friday to lead the Netherlands to a 4-1 victory over France and a place in the quarter-finals of the European Championship. While the Dutch clinched first place in Group C, the result left France needing a win over World Cup champion Italy in its last match to stand a good chance of advancing at the tournament. With a second classic performance in as many games, the Dutch again produced the sparkle any championship craves, compiling a total of seven goals against World Cup finalists Italy and France. The Netherlands beat Italy 3-0 Monday.
Labels: EU, EURO 2008, France, Netherlands, Soccer
Soccer - EURO 2008: Spain and Dutch impress, Italy and Greece not so much - by Aaronstampler
Eight matches in and what have we learned? The Netherlands are perhaps far more dangerous than we could have imagined and the Italians transition defense can be had. Spain possesses the most dangerous, skillful and deep attack in Europe but still have their issues in the back. Portugal and Germany are what we thought they were. Sadly, most of the lesser teams are what we thought they were as well. France (as was the case in World Cup '02) are going to struggle mightily for goals without Zizou and hierry Henry.
Ibrahimovic, set up by
strike partner Henrik Larsson, scored in the 67th minute with a
powerful shot from the edge of the penalty box. Greece goalkeeper
Antonis Nikopolidis threw himself to the right and got a finger on the
ball but it sailed into his upper right corner of the goal.
It
was the first time the sturdy Greek defence had been breached in 425
minutes of European Championship play going back to the team's last
group match at the 2004 tournament.
For the complete report from the Canadian Press click on this link
Euro 2008 - Soccer: Dutch pull off Euro stunner over Italy
It took the Netherlands eight years, but they finally exacted revenge on Italy. The Dutch rolled to a 3-0 victory Monday over world champion Italy in Berne, Switzerland, in the opening Group C contest for both nations at Euro 2008. Giovanni van Bronckhorst, Ruud van Nistelrooy and Wesley Sneijder scored for the Netherlands, who lost the last competitive game between these two nations in the semifinals of Euro 2000.Monday's victory was also the first for the Dutch over the Italians in eight games, dating back to their second-round encounter at the 1978 World Cup in Argentina.
The Netherlands leads Group C with three points. Romania and France (one point each) are tied for second after battling to a 0-0 tie earlier in the day in Zurich. Winless Italy is in fourth place.
Labels: EU, EURO 2008, Italy, Netherlands, Soccer
Euro 2008 Previews: Holland, Germany, Croatia, France - by Duane Rollins
Oh, the Dutch. If Holland didn’t invent sexy football, it perfected it. And, in doing so have become the hottest bridesmaid in international football. Everyone has a secret crush on the Dutch. But, the Dutch always leave the party alone, having once again failed to be the No. 1 attraction.There is little reason to suggest that 2008 will be any different. Actually, being drawn into the Group of Death makes this year the least likely that Holland will finally make the breakthrough. To even make the quarters one of France or Italy will need to be shown the door. And, Romania—the crazy, unpredictable drunk uncle of this affair—could end up screwing everything up even if the Dutch get it done against that powerful duo.
Expectations are likely as low as they have ever been in Holland. But, maybe that’s a good thing. Perhaps it will allow Holland to play a less sexy, more defensive style—a style that doesn’t create crushes, but gets the job done.
European Soccer Championship - All million tickets for 2008 European soccer championship sold out
All 1.05 million tickets for the 31-match soccer tournament in Austria and Switzerland that starts Saturday have been sold. "All tickets have been sold, not one single one left - and haven't been so for a while," Euro 2008 chief operating officer Martin Kallen said Sunday. "We are obviously trying to stop tickets from being sold on the black market. But all tickets now being sold are black-market tickets."
Euro 2008 organizers said 38 per cent of the tickets went to national football federations, 33 per cent to the general public, 14 per cent to sponsors and TV partners, with the remaining 15 per cent being broken up between hospitality, UEFA members and host city and stadium owner factions. A ticket for the June 29 final at Ernst Happel Stadium in Vienna will cost between 160-550 euros ( US$ 250-855)
Labels: European Soccer, Soccer, UEFA
Soccer - Netherlands Beats Wales in Final Euro Warm-up; England Wins 3-0 - by James Cone
The Netherlands beat Wales 2-0 in its final warm-up match for soccer's European Championship yesterday, while Sweden lost 1-0 against Ukraine. Arjen Robben put the Dutch ahead after 35 minutes in Rotterdam, with his Real Madrid teammate Wesley Sneijder doubling the home team's lead in the 54th minute.
Labels: EU, Netherlands, Soccer, Wales
PSV wins 4th straight Dutch league title after beating Vitesse 1-0
PSV Eindhoven won its fourth straight Dutch league title Sunday by beating Vitesse Arnhem 1-0.
Jefferson Farfan set up Danko Lazovic for the game's only goal in the 46th to give PSV its 21st "Eredivisie" title, eight fewer than Ajax, which finished second in the standings despite beating Heracles Almelo 5-1.
Labels: EU, PSV Eindhoven, Soccer
European Soccer - Deivid crowns Fenerbahçe fightback
Fenerbahçe SK 2-1 Chelsea FC. Having scored an early own goal, Deivid redeemed himself with a superb late effort to settle the first leg of their European Cup quarter finals match.
UEFA club competition record
Competition Pld W D L GF GA
eccc 78 26 11 41 87 137
ecwc 9 3 1 5 11 11
ucup 54 18 10 26 72 91
scup 0 0 0 0 0 0
uic 0 0 0 0 0 0
eusa 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total 141 47 22 72 170 239
SOCCER - AUSTRIA STUNNED BY DUTCH RESISTANCE
Euro 2008 co-hosts Austria let a 3-0 lead slip away as they were edged out 4-3 by Holland in a seven-goal thriller. Andreas Ivanschitz gave the hosts a shock lead after five minutes before twice setting up Sebastian Prodl from two corners to put Austria three goals in front. Holland responded through Klaas-Jan Huntelaar before the break, and second-half strikes from Johnny Heitinga, Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink and Huntelaar again sealed the win.
Labels: Austria, EU, Euro Cup 2008, Netherlands, Soccer
EURO teams sign anti-doping charter
Soccer Europe : The UEFA EURO 2008™ finalists have signed a ground-breaking Anti-Doping Charter paving the way for blood tests to be carried out on players for the first time. The heads of the national associations of the 16 participating teams put pen to paper in Vienna during the finalists' workshop, allowing for both blood and urine samples to be taken in some 300 tests before and during this summer's tournament in Austria and Switzerland. The stringent new measures will enable the identification of banned substances, including the blood-boosting drug EPO, while a new technique to test for growth hormones will be used at an international event for the first time. Experts will also be able to determine whether a player's blood has been abnormally manipulated by means of a transfusion. "What is happening today is a very strong signal from all the associations to say that we are fighting against doping in football," said UEFA President Michel Platini ahead of the signing ceremony at the Ernst-Happel-Stadion, which will stage the EURO final on 29 June.
Labels: EURO 2008, European Soccer, Soccer
Soccer- No easy road to Euro glory - by Morris dalla Costa
It's less than 100 days to the start of Euro 2008 -- the European championships for national teams -- and the serious handicapping is beginning. For the soccer neophyte, the Euro 2008 championship is regarded as the best soccer tournament in the world.
Labels: EU, EURO 2008, Euro Cup 2008, Soccer
Soccer in the Netherland - Johan Cruyff the Saviour has come back to Ajax
Amsterdam's top soccer club Ajax is at the mercy of football legend Johan Cruyff once again. Following a crushingly critical inquiry into the management of the football club, the members of Ajax called in honorary club member Cruyff, who is 60, to revamp the club's organisation. He will again make football itself the core business of Ajax. Cruyff has made it clear that he will only act as an advisor. He has ruled out that he will be a member of the management board, nor will he be technical director.
On Tuesday the Ajax members' board asked Mr Cruyff for his views on the technical approach that Ajax should take. In a brief interview on Dutch tv he explained that he will "simply say how things should change, making projects and finding the right people for that".
Labels: EU, Johan Cruyff, Netherlands, Soccer
Soccer - Netherlands - Van Basten: We Aim To Win Euro 2008
Speaking to UEFA.com, Marco van Basten is eager to repeat as manager his feat as a player 20 years ago. Back then, the gifted forward put his side on track for the winners' medal in West Germany. Now, he's anxious to do the same from the hotseat. He said, "We are now preparing for the final mission. "The friendly matches like this against Croatia are to practice and prepare, but at the European Championship we will go for the main prize. We want to win."
Labels: Netherlands, Soccer, van Basten
For all your Instant European Soccer updates
Not only will Milan take on 2006 runners-up Arsenal, but in another Ango-Italian contest last season's finalists and five-time winners Liverpool FC will play FC Internazionale Milano, who have won their last five UEFA Champions League matches and lead Serie A. FC Barcelona, who lifted the trophy in Paris in May 2006, will face Scottish champions Celtic FC while 1999 winners and English title-holders Manchester United FC were pitted with their French counterparts Olympique Lyonnais, in the last 16 for the fifth successive season.
Labels: EU, European Soccer, Soccer
Soccer - European Economy to Receive €1.4 Billion Boost from UEFA EURO 2008™
Based on the EURO 2008 draw, Professor Chadwick anticipates the games with the greatest economic impact will be France vs Italy in Zurich, the Netherlands vs France and Italy vs the Netherlands both in Bern – all from Group C – which alone could be worth more than a combined €168m to the European economy. The most lucrative games from other Groups are predicted to be Switzerland vs Portugal in Basel (Group A), Austria vs Germany in Vienna (Group B), Spain vs Russia in Innsbruck (Group D). Professor Chadwick also predicted that the 'ultimate' games to deliver the greatest economic impact would all involve Germany: Germany vs Italy, Germany vs France and Germany vs the Netherlands, should these ties occur at some stage of the tournament.
Labels: EU, EU Economy, Soccer
EU, soccer officials team up to issue crackdown on fan violence
EU, soccer officials team up to issue crackdown on fan violence
The European Union and UEFA have agreed on a joint Europe-wide crackdown on soccer violence in the wake of recent unruly and even deadly incidents involving supporters and police. Franco Frattini, the EU's top justice official, said he would push the launch of new police teams to help curb fan violence at soccer events, even before next summer's European Championship in Switzerland and Austria. "I am hoping that we can have a pilot project for training before Euro 2008, so that we can look at the results," Frattini said. "This is exactly the step toward the creation one day, of a true European police (force) for sports."
He said an initial 10 million euros (C$14.7 million) was being set aside from the EU budget next year for the training plan as part of new joint initiatives proposed by EU and UEFA officials at a conference on violence in sport, which drew 150 police and sport experts from across the continent.
Soccer: Croatia gets heroes' welcome after eliminating England
Thousands of fans sporting team shirts and flags welcomed Croatia at Zagreb airport on Thursday following their victory over England at Wembley, which prevented the home side from qualifying for the Euro 2008 finals. "It was a splendid show by Croatia whereas England should bow to our lads and feel blessed to have seen a team of such quality play at Wembley," said daily Vecernji List.
"We are on our way to Austria and Switzerland with our heads up and fire in our hearts, needing no gratitude or presents from the fortuitous Russians," the paper said. Jutarnji List called the outcome "a spectacular win" and said Mladen Petric's winner was "the killer punch" that meant "lights out for England" and "steered Russia across the Alps into the finals."
Soccer: England crashed out of Euro 2008 and loses 2-3
England crashed out of Euro 2008 to leave coach Steve McClaren's future in grave danger after Croatian substitute Mladen Petric grabbed a late winner at a stunned Wembley.With 13 minutes remaining, Croatia regained the lead through Petric whose angled drive beat the dive of Carson who got a hand to the ball but could only help it into the net. McClaren brought on Darren Bent for Cole with 10 minutes remaining in a last throw of the dice. Bent came close to equalizing but lofted his drive over the bar and England could not find a way through. England wil not participate in EURO 2008.
Soccer - Euro 2008 - Lippi: Italy Could Win Euro 2008
Marcelo Lippi believes that Italy can go all the way at next summer's UEFA European Championship finals in Austria and Switzerland. The veteran boss, who won the World Cup with the Azzurri last year, remarked, "This Italy squad comprises fantastic players who haven't given up their hunger for victory. Italy scraped past Scotland at Hampden yesterday, shattering the hosts' 100% home record in qualification and, moreover, sealing Italy's place in next summer's tournament.
Labels: Euro Cup 2008, Italy, Soccer
Netherlands/Soccer - Van Basten Gets The ‘Thumbs Down’
an Basten is considered to be one of the best strikers the world has ever seen, but his approach to the game as a manager has earned him few admirers – in the Netherlands, at least. A poll issued on telesport.nl, the online version of ‘De Telegraaf’ newspaper, only hours after the national side beat Slovenia 2-0 leaves little room for doubt. According to the poll, Foppe De Haan is a better coach than Van Basten – or at least so think an impressive 79% of the people who voted.
Having transformed modest Heerenveen into a household name in the Dutch game between 1985 and 2004, now 64-year-old De Haan took over the reigns of Jong Oranje, the Netherlands U-21 side, guiding them to two consecutive European Championship triumphs within a year.
Labels: Foppe De Haan, Netherlands, Soccer, van Basten
UEFA EURO 2008 SOCCER - Standings
The groundwork for a European national-team competition began in 1956, two years later the first European Nations' Cup, now known as the UEFA European Championship, was under way.
EURO 2008 Qualifying - 50 teams are divided into 7 qualifying groups (A-G) , with each group having 7 teams except group A (8 teams). The winners and runners-up in the seven qualifying groups will go through to the UEFA Euro 2008. Austria and Switzerland will qualify automatically as co-hosts of UEFA Euro 2008.
Final Tournament - 16 teams (14 + 2) will qualify for final tournament. Teams will be divided into 4 groups (A-B), with each group having 4 teams. Winner and runner up from each group will go through to the eliminations starting with quarter finals.
Soccer-Artists of the beautiful game: 338 non-British players in the Premier League, 16.9 on average per club, by far the highest in Europe - by David Conn
Fans seem to have grown used to the high number of foreign players and dwindling number of local lads scampering into Premier League first teams. World Soccer magazine this month noted there are 338 non-British players in the British Premier League, 16.9 on average per club, by far the highest in Europe.
Now Sepp Blatter, president of football's world governing body, Fifa, has called for quotas to be imposed, to preserve a set number of places in squads for domestic players, which would require an exemption for the sport from the European Union's laws on free movement of labour. Blatter told the BBC: "You cannot consider a footballer like any normal worker," which is certainly true - they mostly work mornings only; although Blatter chose to stress another point: "They are more artists than workers."
Five Greek soccer teams advance to UEFA Cup's group stage
Greek soccer has produced another surprise in Europe, this time sending all five participating teams into the group stage of the UEFA Cup. The five clubs from Greece represent the most from any country in the 40-team group stage of Europe's No. 2 competition. And, more amazingly, four of the teams got through despite losing Thursday in the second leg of the first round.
"They're all through!" Athens daily Ta Nea wrote. "It was a magic night for Greek soccer."
Europeans Oppose FIFA's Planned Cap on Foreign Players
Sepp Blatter, the president of world soccer's governing body, FIFA, plans to challenge EU law and cap the number of foreigners in club teams. The move is strongly opposed by European soccer officials and top clubs. In an interview with the BBC on Friday, Oct. 5, Blatter said soccer clubs should have no more than five non-nationals on the pitch at any time even if it contravenes EU labor rules. Blatter said he wanted to cap the number of non-nationals in a team's starting 11 at just five per match from 2010.
Becks Is Biggest Thing in US Since Beatlemania
David Beckham's arrival in Los Angeles has been likened to the wild hysteria of Beatlemania.In amazing scenes echoing the Sixties arrival of The Beatles, screaming fans have jostled to catch a glimpse of Becks, 32, and his wife Posh, 33. The England star was hailed as "the saviour of US soccer" when he was officially unveiled by his new team LA Galaxy on Friday.
UEFA European Under-21 finals go global
The UEFA European Under-21 Championship in the Netherlands has attracted worldwide television coverage - giving extensive exposure to the finals both in and outside Europe.
As far as the host nation is concerned, Dutch TV station Tien has acquired the rights and will also produce the TV signal for all broadcasters worldwide. Viewers will also be given extensive coverage of the tournament in other European markets. RTBF and VRT (Belgium), RAI (Italy), TVI (Portugal), Czeska Televize (Czech Republic) and B92 (Serbia) will include the games of their respective national teams in their schedules, while W9 (France), Eurosport (Germany) and Canal+ (Spain) have committed to showing several group-stage matches and the final phase.
Euro 2008 Soccer - Hiddink Rates England As Favorites to win cup
England is one of four teams fighting for the two qualification places available and are currently one point behind Russia, who they are yet to play.
Reflecting on the return of David Beckham to the England squad, Hiddink, who was a candidate to be their boss before choosing to take charge of Russia, explained: "I think he did a good job.
Poland, Ukraine to host 2012 Euro Championship
European Soccer may have just taken its biggest gamble. The 2012 European Championship is going behind the old Iron Curtain to Poland and Ukraine - without even one of the 12 proposed venues completed.
"Within five years we will build a new country," Ukraine soccer federation president Hrihoriy Surkis said yesterday after the joint bid won the right to host the tournament. "We won't have a better opportunity to do so."
Labels: European Championship, Soccer
European Weather - Amsterdam
