Gerrard doubts add to England´s injury woes
October 14, 2008
LONDON (AFP) – England flew to Minsk for a potentially treacherous World Cup qualifier against Belarus on Tuesday without half their first-choice defence and with midfielder Steven Gerrard apparently beset by doubts over his international future.
With back and hamstring injuries respectively having ruled out John Terry and Ashley Cole, head coach Fabio Capello must reshape his back four as well as a midfield from which the Liverpool captain fears he may soon be excluded.
Gerrard and Frank Lampard’s apparent inability to form an effective partnership in central midfield was again in evidence during Saturday’s 5-1 win over the group nine minnows Kazakhstan, and Gerrard looks certain to be shunted out to the left in Minsk on Wednesday evening.
In the longer term, there is a growing body of opinion that says Capello must choose between his top two attacking midfielders and, on current form, Lampard would be most people’s choice.
Gerrard admits he has not reproduced his Liverpool form on a regular basis for his country, but has appealed to Capello to keep faith with him.
"He (Capello) has spoken to me before each game and told me what he wants me to do. He’s said he wants me to emulate my form for Liverpool for England and he is prepared to help me.
"That’s what I want. I don’t want a manager to give up on me for club or country. I want them to keep trying to make me better.
"I’ve got every confidence in this manager and the set-up he’s got behind him to improve my form.
"I’ll be honest, I haven’t always hit my Liverpool form for England, but it’s not through a lack of trying.
"I’m desperate to play well for England. I believe we are getting to where we want to be."
Gerrard accepts that he has been guilty of storming all over the pitch attempting to single-handedly change the course of matches.
"I have tried to improve that," he said. "That was a criticism from (Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez) Rafa. He’s helped me to become slightly more disciplined and I feel I can play either role – either attacking or if we’re up against a good side when you need your two midfield players to be disciplined, I can do that now.
"You can’t afford to be Roy of the Rovers all the time against top sides. If I’m wandering off all over the place my team-mates will come unstuck."
Gerrard added: "Sometimes I think I am thinking about it too much, trying too hard.
"Before the game you say you want to take the game by the scruff of the neck, be the main man, make it happen. And sometimes if it doesn’t happen for you, you try to force passes and you get frustrated, that’s normal.
"I think that’s where I am at the moment. I am putting too much pressure on myself and trying too hard. Maybe I do have to relax.
"I’m more relaxed at Liverpool because maybe I can afford to have a one-off bad game for Liverpool because there’ll be another game around the corner, whereas if you play badly for England it may be a long time before you can correct it."
England’s 4-1 win in Croatia last month, by far their best performance of recent years, came with Lampard playing in midfield alongside Gareth Barry when Gerrard was out injured.
Capello would have been tempted to stick with that combination against Kazakhstan but an injury to Joe Cole gave him the chance to bring Gerrard back in.
After another below-par display against the Kazakhs, Gerrard could be playing for his place in Minsk, and he admits he is prepared for the possibility of being dropped to the bench.
"If the manager decides to go with Frank and not me I’ll get on with it. I’ll work hard to get back in the team," he said.
"Vice-versa, I’m sure he’d do the same. What we all want is for this team to get to the World Cup. You talk about me and Lampard, but the big picture is this team is improving slowly."
Written by: AFP
Related posts
I was wrong, but have no regrets says Kuranyi
October 14, 2008
BERLIN (AFP) – Striker Kevin Kuranyi has explained why he walked out on Germany and admitted he was wrong to leave the team without permission during the 2-1 World Cup qualifier win over Russia.
The 26-year-old watched Saturday’s game from the stands as one of two squad players not involved, but having been granted permission to meet friends at half-time, he failed to meet the team bus after the game.
Friends went to the team’s hotel in Duesseldorf to collect his possessions early on Sunday morning and Germany coach Joachim Loew announced on Sunday he will not pick Kuranyi again for die Mannschaft.
"We could not tolerate Kevin’s actions," said team manager Oliver Bierhoff on Tuesday.
Kuranyi now admits he was wrong and apologised to Loew on Sunday, but the coach insists there is no way back into the national fold for the player.
"I couldn’t stand it anymore," Kuranyi told German tabloid Bild on Tuesday.
"I did not participate in the 2006 World Cup, then was hardly used during Euro 2008 although I was in good form.
"I travelled to the national team last weekend having scored two goals for Schalke – and I found myself in the stands in Dortmund.
"I just wanted to get away.
"It is a very, very difficult situation for me, I would not wish this on anyone.
"What I did affected the team and I was wrong.
"I also apologised to the coach in a telephone calls, there are no words of compensation."
But Kuranyi, who has made 52 appearances for Germany, said he has no regrets.
The root of the extraordinary walk-out goes back to before the 2006 World Cup when Kuranyi was dumped by then-coach Jurgen Klinsmann on the eve of the tournament.
Having won his way back and helped Germany qualify for Euro 2008, Kuranyi was kept on the sidelines during the tournament while Mario Gomez struggled in his place.
"I stand behind what I did – I do not regret anything," he added.
"The collapse came over what happened in the past three years. I could not bear that any longer – as a player and a person."
Whether Kuranyi ever plays for Germany again remains to be seen.
"That is something for, I just need to concentrate on my performance," he added.
Schalke fans displayed a banner saying: "Kevin, we still believe in you!" when the player returned for training on Monday, but there is little sympathy here for Kuranyi’s actions.
Despite the player’s apology Loew says his mind is made up.
"We spoke briefly on Sunday and he apologised in principle and explained that his decision to leave the team was an error," said Loew.
"I accepted this apology, however it changes nothing over my decision."
Written by: AFP
Related posts
Italy must win or it´s been a bad week, says Lippi
October 14, 2008
LECCE, Italy (AFP) – Italy coach Marcelo Lippi insisted on Tuesday that the world champions must beat Montenegro in Lecce on Wednesday or this will have been a bad week for the azzurri.
Italy battled to a 0-0 draw in Bulgaria on Saturday, dropping points in their World Cup qualifying Group Eight for the first time after two victories.
And the veteran coach, who this season returned to the job he left following World Cup success in Germany in 2006, said that a four-point haul from the international break would constitute a success but anything less would be a failure.
"We really want to win this match. If we win then the draw in Sofia will become a good result but if we don’t win then they will become two bad matches," he said following training at the Stadio Via del Mare.
Italy have started their qualification campaign well in terms of results, even if their performances have been far from convincing.
They earned a highly fortunate 2-1 victory in Cyprus courtesy of a last minute winner from Antonio Di Natale before beating Georgia 2-0 at home.
But despite getting off to a good start against Georgia, Italy had to wait until the 89th minute before Daniele De Rossi’s second goal of the match finally killed off determined opponents.
Lippi said his team need to improve on that performance but can’t afford to take Montenegro lightly and he ruled out a more attacking gameplan than normal.
"You can’t allow yourselves to do that against anyone these days," he said. "It’s a match we want to win and we have to do more than we did the last time out.
"Against Georgia we started well but then had problems later on."
With seven points from three games Italy top the group and look to be heading for South Africa 2010 without too many problems.
And that despite Lippi making several changes to the team and squad that flopped so spectacularly in Austria and Switzerland at Euro 2008.
Lippi said all his players were fully fit and although he refused to comment on who would start, he did suggest that Villarreal forward Guiseppe Rossi would have a part to play following his substitute appearance against Bulgaria.
"I already played Rossi on Saturday but tomorrow (Wednesday) either from the beginning or during the second half, it’s very likely that he will play a part," said Lippi.
Rossi’s reputation is rapidly growing as his career has taken off since leaving Manchester United and establishing himself as a first team regular, first on loan at Parma and now at Villarreal.
His call up to the senior Italy squad was something of a surprise but following his four goals at the Olympic Games and a record of close to a goal every two league games in his debut season in Spain last year, his star could yet be set to soar even more.
Written by: AFP
Related posts
Mexes hit with three-match ban for referee insult
October 14, 2008
ROME (AFP) – France defender Philippe Mexes has been hit with a three-match ban for insulting a referee following his sending off against Siena on Ocotber 5.
Mexes was shown two yellow cards during AS Roma’s 1-0 defeat and according to the Italian body for sporting justice he aimed a "bad insult" at referee Andrea De Marco as he left the pitch.
The centre-back will miss Roma’s crucial clash against champions Inter Milan on Sunday as well as a trip to Udinese and a home match against Sampdoria.
Written by: AFP
Related posts
Bale fancies underdogs Wales to topple Germany
October 14, 2008
BERLIN (AFP) – Defender Gareth Bale says underdogs Wales have nothing to lose as they look to topple Group Four leaders Germany in Wednesday night’s World Cup qualifier.
The Welsh struggled to a 2-0 win over Liechtenstein in Cardiff on Saturday which put them second in the group behind the Germans who defeated Russia 2-1 in Dortmund.
But Bale insists Wales can afford to throw caution to the wind and attack hosts Germany in Moenchengladbach.
"We’re going there looking for a result," said Bale.
"And there’s no reason why we can’t do that.
"There’s no pressure on us, we’re the underdogs and we just need to go out there and play our own football."
Bale injured an ankle and missed the game when Wales drew 0-0 with Germany in Frankfurt 11 months ago in their final Euro 2008 qualifying match, but says the experience of earning a point away has boosted the Welsh.
"Knowing we’ve enjoyed a positive result against them so recently will give us a lot of confidence," he said.
And Bale’s Tottenham Hotspur team-mate Chris Gunter agreed Wales can leave Moenchengladbach with a point after losing 2-1 to Russia in Moscow last month.
"If we are to qualify, we need to pick up points away from home," Gunter told BBC Sport.
"We were unlucky in Russia, and there’s no reason why we can’t go to Germany and pick something up. We have no fear and are going there to get something."
Germany showed weaknesses for John Toshack’s team to exploit against Russia in a Jekyll-and-Hyde performance.
First-half goals by Chelsea star Michael Ballack and Bayern Munich’s Lukas Podolski capped an impressive first 45 minutes which the home side dominated.
But their defence creaked, especially down the right flank, as Russia attacked the home side in the second-half and only some good work from Germany goalkeeper Rene Adler, on his debut, prevented Russia from equalising.
Ballack is an injury doubt for Wednesday night’s game having damaged a calf muscle against Russia and sat out training on Monday.
Schalke 04 striker Kevin Kuranyi has been told by Germany coach Joachim Loew he will not be selected for his country again after walking out of the squad during Saturday’s win over Russia.
Welsh captain Craig Bellamy, who made his first start for Wales since October last year against Liechtenstein, is set to start as his country’s lone striker in a 4-5-1 formation.
Loew has said he expects his side to take another three points from Wales and a win would put them at least three points clear at the top of the table regardless of what happens when Russia play Finland the same night in Moscow.
"The Welsh play differently from the Russians, they are a typically British team who prevent goals being scored with hard work and a robust defence," said Loew.
Written by: AFP
Related posts
Guadeloupe beats Grenada 2:1, qualifies for Digicel Caribbean Championship finals
October 14, 2008
ABYMES, Guadeloupe – Cedric Collet and Loic Loval scored 13 minutes apart to rally Guadeloupe to a 2:1 victory over Grenada Monday night and assured the Gwada-Boyz of a place in Digicel Caribbean Championship finals.
The victory was Guadeloupe’s second in three days and left it atop second-round qualifying Group F with six points. Martinique moved into second alone with four points following a 1:0 victory over the Cayman Islands, a result that eliminated the Caymans. Grenada remained with one point.
Martinique will need only a draw against Guadeloupe in the final round of group matches on Wednesday. Grenada will need to beat the Cayman Islands and hope for a Guadeloupe victory to have any chance of reaching the finals. Only two teams from each the three second-round groups advance, joining host Jamaica and defending champion Haiti. Four teams from the finals qualify for next year’s CONCACAF Gold Cup.
Despite a field sodden by all-day rain, Ricky Charles gave Grenada the lead in the 15th minute, finishing an opportunity crated by Shane Rennie, who had both goals in the Spice Boyz’ 2:2 draw with Martinique on Tuesday. Rennie’s turn in the penalty area drew in the Guadeloupe defense before he laid off into the path of Charles, who converted for the goal.
After creating several early chances, Guadeloupe returned to dominated possession and finally equalized when Collet exchanged passes with Mickael Atonine-Curier and scored in the 23rd.
Loval put Guadeloupe ahead in the 36th, converting an chance created when Meddy Lina raced down the right side before sending a ball back into the area from the byline.
In the earlier game, Eric Sabin scored his third goal in two games midway through the first half to lead Martinique past the Cayman Islands.
Sabin’s goal in the 32nd minute added to his pair in Sunday’s 2:2 draw with Grenada. The Spice Boyz chances of rallying were damaged when Carson Fagan drew a second yellow card late in the first half and was sent off.
Go to Source
Related posts
UEFA ban for Atletico after racism at Marseille
October 14, 2008
MARSEILLE, France (AFP) – UEFA have slapped Spanish side Atletico Madrid with a stadium ban following a complaint of racism by French club Marseille.
Marseille lodged an official complaint with European football’s ruling body after several of their players were targeted by Atletico fans during their match in Madrid on October 1.
Monkey chants were aimed at the French club’s players, while the Marseille team bus was attacked after the match.
UEFA said Atletico must play their next two European matches, the first of which will be against Liverpool on October 22, at a stadium at least 300km away from Madrid.
A third match ban will be invoked if there is a repeat of crowd trouble or racist chanting within the next five years.
Atletico have also been fined 150,000 euros and their coach, Javier Aguirre, has been banned for both matches with Liverpool for insulting Marseille players.
Atletico have until October 17 to appeal the ban, which means they will also have to host PSV Eindhoven at a neutral ground on November 26.
A club statement posted on their website said that club officials are "looking deep into the case in order to file arguments for an appeal.
The statement also quoted a club official, Clemente Villaverde, as saying: "We’re going to defend Club Atletico de Madrid as we’ve always done, because we deem that reason will side with us. On the other hand, we have the complete support of the Royal Spanish Football Federation."
Aguirre’s sanction – to be applied at the neutral ground against Liverpool, then at Anfield on November 4 – means he will not be allowed at an official event during and after the match, or in the tunnel, technical area or dressing-room. Any communication with the team is also forbidden.
Atletico won the Marseille match 2-1.
Liverpool and Atletico are joint leaders in Group D of the Champions League having both won their opening two matches.
Marseille meanwhile believe justice has been done.
"It’s great news," said Marseille coach Eric Gerets.
"It’s a pity that such serious sanctions have to be handed down, but racism does not belong in a football ground."
Written by: AFP
Related posts
Injured Viduka keen for Australia return
October 14, 2008
BRISBANE, Australia (AFP) – Injury-hit Newcastle United striker Mark Viduka says he still wants to help Australia reach the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, reports said here Tuesday.
The 33-year-old target man, who is here for treatment on his troublesome Achilles tendon injury, has not played club football this season and last appeared for Australia at the 2007 Asian Cup.
"Of course I want to play for Australia again — it’s something that’s never out of my mind," Viduka told the Daily Telegraph.
"But it’s a step-by-step process and the first stage is to get back playing for my club again. I don’t want to rush anything.
"I’ve got to be 100 percent fit and 100 percent sure in my mind that my heel is strong enough. When that happens I’ll be back for Australia. I’ve always loved playing for my country.
"It’s been a long process, but it’s just great being back home and among the boys in Brisbane."
Australian coach Pim Verbeek said he had not spoken with Viduka during his Australian trip, but welcomed his involvement in the team camp.
"I haven’t spoken to him about coming back to the national team, yes or no," Verbeek told reporters Tuesday.
"He promised me last year in April when I was in Newcastle that he wanted to be in the World Cup 2010 and I think that is why he is here.
"For him to show interest in the Socceroos and to be back in Australia, it gives you an idea we welcome him to our training camp to get fit as soon as possible."
Viduka, who has scored 11 goals in 43 national team appearances, is accompanied on his Australian visit by Newcastle club physio James Murphy.
"Surgery was not considered necessary," Murphy told reporters.
Murphy said he would not reveal a likely comeback date for Viduka, but the pair will return to England on Friday, having spent nearly a fortnight in Australia.
Viduka’s return to the Australian team is considered crucial by his teammates.
"Hopefully, he gets fit and makes himself available again for the Aussie boys because he’d be a massive boost for us," Everton midfielder Tim Cahill said.
Former Glasgow Rangers defender Craig Moore, who is vying for a starting spot against Qatar following his decision to come out of international retirement, also said he wants Viduka back.
"I’m really hoping that the big fella gets his fitness sorted," Moore said. "When he (does) he’ll be a very happy man."
Written by: AFP
Related posts
Excellent Benitez, Gerrard, Carragher, Crouch and Owen Impressions
October 14, 2008
No idea who Darren Farley is, but he does excellent impressions of Liverpool managers/players past and present. The Rafa Benitez one is maybe too easy, but with Steven Gerrard, Jamie Carragher, Michael Owen and Peter Crouch he gets the body language as well the voices spot on.
I especially like how he gets Gerrard’s posture and facial expression, and the little sniff is pure Stevie G.
Spotted on 3pm
Go to Source
Related posts
Great Goal Salvador Cabanas, But Did You Mean It?
October 14, 2008
Spotted this video on our very own Paraguay WCB. It’s Salvador Cabanas scoring the only goal to give Paraguay an important 1-0 win over Colombia, and keep them top of CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying.
Great swerve on the ball, but as with Ronaldinho’s goal against England at the 2002 World Cup we have to ask: Shot or cross Cabanas? Shot or cross?
Go to Source
Related posts
Calendar
Related Sites
- AFP
- e-soccertips
- Free Themes All - Blogger, Wordpress, Joomla themes
- Soccer Results
- soccerway
- WAGS
- WAGS Blog
Categories
- 1 League
- A PFG
- A-League
- African
- Argentina
- Belgium
- Brasil
- Bundesliga
- CAF Champions League
- Club Friendlies
- CONCACAF Champions' Cup
- Cup
- English Championship
- English Premier League
- Eredivisie
- European Championships
- FA Cup
- FIFA
- Franch
- Germany
- Italy
- Japan
- Jupiler League
- LA Liga
- LigaBwin
- Ligue 1
- MLS
- netherlands
- Olympics
- Olympics Women
- Photo
- portugal
- premier league
- Primera Division
- Rusia Premier League
- scotland
- Scottish Premier League
- Serie A
- Super Copa
- Super League
- Sweden
- Turkcell Süper Lig
- UEFA Champions League
- UEFA Cup
- Umaglesi Liga
- Uncategorized
- United States
- Video
- Vietnam
- Wag Watch
- WAGS
- WC Qualifying Asia
- WC Qualifying Concacaf
- WC Qualifying Europe
- WC Qualifying South-Africa
- WC Qualifying South-America
- World Cup
