Greening piles pressure on Pompey

February 4, 2010

Cash-strapped Portsmouth remained rooted to the bottom of the English Premier League after Jonathan Greening scored the winner for Fulham in a 1-0 victory at Craven Cottage here on Wednesday to end the hosts run of five successive league defeats.

Portsmouth, as has been the case in recent matches, created several good chances but could not finish and they were made to pay the price when Greening scored his first goal for Fulham 16 minutes from time to nudge the visitors nearer relegation.

Now Pompey, who are battling off the field against a winding up order from British tax authorities and have paid their players late several times this season, travel to Old Trafford to play champions Manchester United on Saturday with the south coast side five points adrift at the foot of the table.

“We played so good, we dominated the game and created a lot of chances, especially in the first half,” disappointed Portsmouth manager Avram Grant told Sky Sports.

“And then, from one mistake, we lost the game. It was very frustrating because we are not playing the football you’d expect at the bottom of the league but football of a team who deserve to be higher up the table,” the Israeli added.

“But this is football, football is a game of results. We need to learn to take our chances. The boys tried hard and created a lot of chances but we need to put the ball in the net.”

Asked if Pompey’s financial problems were affecting players’ performances on the field, Grant replied: “When they come on the pitch they are trying to do their best.

“Of course, it’s not easy but they try hard, they fight and play good football. Except the result, everything was good today (Wednesday).”

Grant’s own future at Fratton Park has been called into question by the cash crisis engulfing Portsmouth but he insisted: “I’m not the issue, the issue is the club, the issue is the fans.

“You see the fans today, they are great. It is a city that belongs to the club, the club belongs to the city and this is the life of the fans. The future of the club is what is important.”

Kevin Prince Boateng got Pompey off to a bright start against Fulham, testing Australia goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer with an angled drive.

Frederic Piquionne then threatened and had a fine chance in the 12th minute only for Schwarzer to make the save.

Prince Boateng then saw a shot from 20 yards fly just wide of Schwarzer’s right post.

But Pompey are not where they are for no reason and it needed a fine one-handed save from their England goalkeeper David James to prevent a header from Aaron Hughes crossing the line following a Fulham corner.

Stefano Okaka missed a fine chance to score on his Fulham debut when the on-loan Italian somehow missed at the far post from Greening’s header back across goal.

In the second half, Pompey nearly took the lead when Ivory Coast international striker Aruna Dindane’s far-post header was turned away by Schwarzer.

Midfielder Greening, who made his name at Manchester United, finally ended the stalemate in the 74th minute when he turned in Damien Duff’s centre across the six-yard box after the winger had dispossessed Algerian international Nadir Belhadj.

Pompey kept pushing forward but the 2008 FA Cup winners still suffered their 16th defeat in 23 league games so far this season.

LONDON (AFP)

Tags: Aaron Hughes, aruna dindane, Australia, cash crisis, craven cottage, Damien Duff, David James, English Premier League, five points, football football, Fratton Park, fulham, Ivory Coast, jonathan, jonathan greening, Kevin Prince, london, Manchester, manchester united, mark schwarzer, mistake, old trafford, pitch, pompey, Portsmouth, relegation, several times, Sky Sports, south coast, Stefano Okaka, tax authorities, winding up order

Coventry add to Portsmouth woes with FA Cup draw

January 3, 2010

Premier League strugglers Portsmouth endured another dispiriting day as Championship side Coventry earned a 1-1 draw in the FA Cup third round at Fratton Park.

For the third time this season, Portsmouth’s players are still waiting to receive their monthly salaries as Saudi owner Ali Al-Faraj tries to agree a bank loan that will ease the club’s perilous financial situation.

Avram Grant’s side have found it hard to cope with the financial distractions as their position at the foot of the Premier League shows all too clearly and they fared little better in the Cup on Saturday.

Coventry, 17th in English football’s second tier, deservedly took the lead in the first half through David Bell’s superb strike and it took an equaliser on the stroke of half-time from Kevin-Prince Boateng to salvage a replay for the beleaguered hosts.

A crowd of just 11,214 watched as Portsmouth, who won the FA Cup in 2008, failed to make the most of a bright start.

Tommy Smith tested Sky Blues goalkeeper Keiren Westwood after just three minutes, then Frederic Piquionne shot across the face of goal.

Coventry gradually grew in confidence though and Chris Coleman’s side took the lead in the 30th minute when Bell lashed a long-range effort past Asmir Begovic.

Portsmouth’s supporters began to show their frustration with chants of ‘where have your wages gone?’ and Grant’s men finally showed enough energy to get back in the match.

They almost equalised when Westwood made a fine stop to deny Piquionne from Smith’s cross.

And Boateng made sure Piquionne wouldn’t regret that miss when he headed in a Richard Hughes cross in the 45th minute.

Coventry suffered a blow at the break when the injured Westwood was forced to come off, but Portsmouth couldn’t find a way past substitute stopper Dimitrios Konstantopoulos.

Konstantopoulos made a fine close-range save when Boateng chased down Michael Brown’s pass and turned to shoot sharply at the Greek.

John Utaka was picked out by a superb sweeping ball from Younes Kaboul after 81 minutes but, despite controlling the pass beautifully, Konstantopoulos kept his curling effort out with an impressive save.

Pompey looked stronger in the closing stages but Konstantopoulos secured a replay with excellent late stops from Utaka and Smith.

PORTSMOUTH, England (AFP)

Tags: Ali Al-Faraj, bank loan, Brown, chris coleman, close range, coventry, david bell, England, english football, equaliser, FA Cup, faraj, financial situation, Fratton Park, Goalkeeper, John Utaka, keiren, Kevin Prince, michael brown, Portsmouth, portsmouth england, premier league, richard hughes, s pass, sky blues, tommy smith, westwood

Benitez defiant despite Pompey defeat

December 20, 2009

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez insisted he does not fear the sack despite seeing his team suffer their seventh Premier League defeat of an increasingly poor season at bottom club Portsmouth.

Midfielder Javier Mascherano was sent-off for the third time in his Liverpool career as the visitors’ fading title hopes were all but extinguished in a 2-0 loss at Fratton Park.

The sorry Reds have now won just four of their last 12 league games and are struggling even to secure a top four finish and a place in next season’s Champions League.

When asked if he was worried for his job, Benitez replied: “I am only worried about the next game (against Wolves).

“I can only prepare for the next match. If we can win hopefully it will be easier to prepare for the next ones,” the Spaniard added.

“We have to change our targets and can only think about one game at a time. We have to stick together and try to pick up three points and see what happens.”

Liverpool were already trailing to Nadir Belhadj’s first goal since December 26 last year when Mascherano was dismissed on the stroke of half-time.

The Argentina midfielder was shown a straight red card by referee Lee Mason as punishment for a reckless lunge on Portsmouth defender Tal Ben Haim on the half-way line.

Benitez was clearly angered by the decision and reserved some sarcastic comments for Mason at his post-match news conference.

“We were the better team in the first half and the sending-off changed the game,” he said.

“I have seen a replay and for me it was not a sending-off but the referee was perfect. He did not make any mistakes. He was correct to not give fouls against Fernando Torres. He was perfect.”

Benitez added: “We had plenty of possession and were in control but it is difficult playing with ten men away from home when you are 1-0 behind.

“We had to keep trying to go forward but we left some spaces and there was always a danger we would concede another goal.”

Portsmouth had taken just 11 points from 17 games prior to his match and the south coast club remain beset by financial problems.

Liverpool had the better of the opening exchanges, with stars Steven Gerrard and Torres posing a constant threat.

Torres came within inches of putting Liverpool in front with a majestic 20-yard curler, which had Portsmouth goalkeeper Asmir Begovic beaten before nestling on the roof of the net.

Despite Liverpool having plenty of possession Begovic, deputising for the injured David James, did not have a meaningful save to make before Belhadj opened the scoring in the 33rd minute.

Kevin-Prince Boateng’s driven low shot was palmed away by Pepe Reina but Liverpool failed to clear the rebound and the ball broke kindly for Belhadj, who lashed an unstoppable right foot shot into the roof of the net from an acute angle.

Daniel Agger put a free header wide moments later while Begovic produced a brilliant reaction save to keep out Gerrard’s defected second half shot.

France striker Frederic Piquionne sealed the points eight minutes from time, brilliantly flicking up Boateng’s cross before firing past Reina at the near post.

Victory saw Portsmouth boss Avram Grant maintain his record of never having lost to Liverpool as a manager.

“It is true I have never lost to Benitez and I am pleased to keep that run going,” said former Chelsea manager Grant.

“This is a terrific win for us and hopefully it can kick-start our season.”

PORTSMOUTH, England (AFP)

Tags: Argentina, Ben Haim, bottom club, CHELSEA, daniel agger, David James, december 26, England, Fernando Torres, France, Fratton Park, Javier Mascherano, Kevin Prince, league games, lee mason, Liverpool, liverpool manager rafael benitez, lunge, match news, midfielder, nadir belhadj, news conference, Portsmouth, portsmouth england, premier league, rafael benitez, referee, sarcastic comments, Spaniard, Steven Gerrard, third time, title hopes

Mascherano off as Pompey pile pressure on Liverpool

December 19, 2009

Javier Mascherano was sent off for the second time this season as Liverpool suffered another setback with a wretched 2-0 loss away to Premier League basement club Portsmouth on Saturday.

Goals here at Fratton Park from Algerian defender Nadir Belhadj and French striker Frederic Piquionne condemned Rafael Benitez’s side to their seventh league defeat of the season.

And to make matters worse for the visitors, Argentina midfielder Mascherano was dismissed for a horror tackle on Portsmouth defender Tal Ben Haim on the stroke of half-time.

Portsmouth had taken just 11 points from their opening 17 games and remain beset by financial problems.

But Avram Grant’s side could have taken the lead after only six minutes when Piquionne got in behind the Reds defence to latch onto Michael Brown’s pass.

However, Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina did enough to force Piquionne wide.

The hosts had a lucky escape ten minutes later as Steven Gerrard’s goalbound shot was inadvertently blocked by team-mate Fernando Torres before being cleared.

Torres came within inches of putting Liverpool in front in the 20th minute with a majestic 20-yard curler, which had Portsmouth goalkeeper Asmir Begovic beaten before nestling on the roof of the net.

Jamie O’Hara threatened to leave Reina red-faced in the 25th minute with a sweetly struck free-kick, which was heading towards the top right corner before the Spaniard retreated to pluck the ball from underneath his crossbar.

Jamie Carragher was making his 600th appearance for Liverpool and the defender produced a heroic block to divert Hassan Yebda’s powerful volley behind for a corner from point blank range.

But Carragher was powerless to stop Belhadj giving Portsmouth the lead 12 minutes before half-time.

Kevin-Prince Boateng’s driven low shot was palmed away by Reina but Liverpool failed to clear the rebound and the ball broke kindly for Belhadj, who lashed an unstoppable right foot shot into the roof of the net from an acute angle.

Daniel Agger should have drawn Liverpool level just six minutes later when Gerrard’s free-kick presented him with a free header at the back post but the centre-back nodded wide when it looked easier to score.

Liverpool were reduced to 10 men on the stroke of half time when Mascherano was shown a straight red card for a reckless lunge on Ben Haim.

Benitez, who was taunted with chants of “You’re getting sacked in the morning”, having “guaranteed” Liverpool would finish in the top four this term, by the home fans, replaced the hapless Andrea Dossena with Yossi Benayoun early in the second-half in a desperate bid to find a way back into the game.

Carragher came to Liverpool’s aid once more in the 55th minute with a last-ditch tackle to deny Piquionne a clear shot at goal after the on-loan Lyon striker had been played through by Boateng.

Torres cut an isolated figure as Liverpool’s lone striker and was lucky to stay on the pitch after elbowing Ben Haim in the face with a forearm smash.

Begovic, replacing the injured David James, produced a miraculous 67th minute save to keep Portsmouth in front.

Gerrard’s 15-yard piledriver struck two Portsmouth players on its way to goal but Bosnian Begovic somehow managed to readjust his dive and claw the ball behind for a corner.

Piquionne wasted a guilt-edged chance to wrap up the points 15 minutes from time as he was picked out by Boateng’s centre but failed to make contact with an attempted header.

Piquionne though made amends seven minutes later, brilliantly flicking up Boateng’s cross before firing past Reina at the near post to leave Liverpool five points outside the top four and in danger of falling further behind.

PORTSMOUTH, England (AFP)

Tags: acute angle, Andrea Dossena, Argentina, avram grant, basement club, Ben Haim, daniel agger, David James, England, Fernando Torres, Fratton Park, frederic piquionne, jamie carragher, Javier Mascherano, Kevin Prince, kevin prince boateng, lead 12, Liverpool, liverpool goalkeeper, mascherano, michael brown, nadir belhadj, o hara, pepe reina, point blank range, Portsmouth, premier league, rafael benitez, Reina, Steven Gerrard, team mate, time kevin

Ten-man Liverpool hit a new low at Portsmouth

December 19, 2009

Liverpool’s miserable season hit a new low as Javier Mascherano was sent off in a 2-0 defeat at bottom of the table Portsmouth on Saturday.

Rafa Benitez’s side, who are already out of the Champions League, have won just four of their last 17 matches in all competitions and face a desperate fight to salvage a place in the Premier League’s top four.

The Reds, who are five points adrift of fourth place ahead of Saturday’s later games, fell behind in the 33rd minute when Algeria defender Nadir Belhadj lashed a ferocious shot past Jose Reina from a tight angle for his first goal of the season.

That strike was the 500th in the Premier League this season and Liverpool defender Daniel Agger should have added to that tally, but wasted his side’s best chance when he headed over from close range.

A dismal day for Liverpool got even worse when Argentine midfielder Mascherano was dismissed by referee Lee Mason for an ugly lunge on Tal Ben Haim just before half-time.

French striker Frederic Piquionne piled on the misery for Liverpool boss Benitez, who is certain to face more heavy criticism after this defeat, when he finished off a Kevin-Prince Boateng-inspired move in the 82nd minute.

Portsmouth, celebrating their second win under new manager Avram Grant, move level on points with second bottom West Ham, but remain behind the Hammers on goals scored.

LONDON (AFP)

Tags: algeria, Argentine, Ben Haim, champions league, close range, daniel agger, desperate fight, dismal day, five points, hammers, Javier Mascherano, Jose, jose reina, Kevin Prince, lee mason, Liverpool, london, lunge, mascherano, miserable season, nadir belhadj, Portsmouth, premier league, rafa benitez, referee, salvage, striker, west ham

Lampard puts nervy Chelsea back on track

December 17, 2009

Chelsea moved three points clear of Manchester United at the top of the Premier League as Frank Lampard’s late penalty clinched a 2-1 win over Portsmouth on Wednesday.

Carlo Ancelotti’s side were in danger of failing to win for the fifth successive match in all competitions when Portsmouth’s Frederic Piquionne cancelled out Nicolas Anelka’s first half opener.

But Lampard, making his 300th league appearance for the Blues, held his nerve to drive home a spot-kick with 11 minutes remaining and reestablish his team’s lead over United, who had beaten Wolves to draw level on points 24 hours earlier.

Ancelotti can take heart from Chelsea’s ability to grind out a win when the fates seemed to be conspiring against them, but this was another less than convincing display.

Pompey boss Avram Grant received a warm reception from Chelsea’s fans on his first return to the Bridge since being sacked in 2008, but he was always facing an uphill struggle to depart with the points.

Grant, whose team are bottom of the league, must have breathed a sigh of relief to see Didier Drogba sidelined after suffering a back injury in training this week.

Salomon Kalou came in from Drogba, while Ricardo Carvalho paid the the price for Chelsea’s recent defensive woes and was dropped for Brazil centre-back Alex.

With Drogba out, Anelka had to be at his best and the France striker forced Portsmouth goalkeeper Asmir Bergovic into action early on with a low shot from the edge of the penalty area.

Kalou should have put Chelsea ahead from the resulting corner but somehow headed over from point-blank range after Michael Ballack flicked on.

Chelsea took the lead in the 23rd minute as Anelka showed Kalou how to deliver the knockout blow.

Alex was the unlikely provider, popping up on the right wing to muscle his way past Marc Wilson and drive a low cross to Anelka, who side-footed past Begovic via the near-post.

Grant’s decision to play Piquionne as a lone striker gave Chelsea’s back-four an opportunity to rediscover their composure after leaking 10 goals in four games.

But they still looked shaky at times and Piquionne, shooting from just inside the penalty area, forced Petr Cech to make a sprawling save in the 34th minute.

Alex may not have cured Chelsea’s defensive ills, but he certainly added some pep to their attack and went close to scoring with a ferocious free-kick that flashed past the far-post.

Ancelotti had called on his side to concentrate better when defending set-pieces but Kalou appeared not to have heeded the warning.

He let Tal Ben Haim escape his attentions at Jamie Hara’s free-kick and the former Chelsea defender headed over when he should have scored.

After controlling the first-half, Chelsea surrendered their advantage in the most unfortunate manner in the 51st minute.

O’Hara’s free-kick was too close to the Chelsea wall and hit Kalou, but the ball then rebounded off Cole before falling perfectly for the unmarked Piquionne to lash past Cech.

It was a freak goal but Chelsea were rattled and it took a fine tackle from Cole to deny Kevin-Prince Boateng.

Ancelotti sent on Joe Cole for the injured Deco, then introduced Florent Malouda and young forward Fabio Borini soon after that.

Finally Chelsea recovered their rhythm well enough to regain control in the closing stages.

Begovic had to be alert to save when Ben Haim nearly turned Malouda’s cross into his own net, then Lampard drew a good stop from the Portsmouth keeper.

They broke Portsmouth’s resistance in the 79th minute. Serbian defender Branislav Ivanovic poked the ball past Wilson and the centre-back conceded a penalty with a wild lunging challenge.

Lampard stepped up to crash the spot-kick straight down the middle for his first goal since October.

LONDON (AFP)

Tags: alex, back injury, brazil, carlo ancelotti, CHELSEA, Cole, defensive woes, Drogba, fates, France, frank lampard, Goalkeeper, Jamie Hara, Joe Cole, Kevin Prince, knockout blow, london, Manchester, manchester united, marc wilson, Michael Ballack, Nicolas Anelka, Petr Cech, point blank range, pompey, Portsmouth, premier league, ricardo carvalho, Salomon Kalou, sigh of relief, uphill struggle, warm reception

Pompey see off Burnley to boost relegation fight

December 5, 2009

Portsmouth lifted the gloom around Fratton Park and boosted their Premier League survival prospects with a 2-0 victory over Burnley on Saturday.

Avram Grant’s side won for just the third time in the league this season thanks to second half goals from Iceland defender Hermann Hreidarsson and Ivory Coast striker Aruna Dindane, who had earlier missed a penalty.

This victory – which lifts Portsmouth off the bottom of the table ahead of Saturday’s later fixtures – was perfectly timed after a week in which the club was forced to confirm that Grant’s squad had not been paid for the second time in five months due to the financial crisis that continues to grip Fratton Park.

Burnley remain in mid-table but Owen Coyle’s side have now lost seven of their eight away matches this season.

“All the players have stuck together, we haven’t been moaning about it (the financial situation), so I think in a way it has got everyone together and made sure we got the points,” Hreidarsson said.

Coyle added: “From our point of view, we had numerous chances to be in front, so we’re disappointed.

“The margins are minimal, a little bit of quality finishing from us and we’d have seen the game off.”

Kevin-Prince Boateng was the first to test Burnley keeper Brian Jensen after seven minutes, when he drove in a vicious shot from 25 yards that the Dane briefly fumbled.

Boateng then laid on a chance for Dindane, but the on-loan Lens striker couldn’t convert his cross.

Steven Fletcher had an equally good opportunity to open the scoring for the Clarets three minutes later when Wade Elliott crossed from the right. Fletcher took the ball on his chest but his shot was scuffed tamely wide.

After a scrappy start from both sides, the game sparked into life as Portsmouth were awarded a controversial penalty in the 31st minute.

Tommy Smith’s cross was controlled by Hreidarsson, who slipped under pressure from Elliott as he went to shoot.

Referee Phil Dowd pointed to the spot but it was Dindane who stepped forward instead of usual taker Boateng.

He hit a casual effort straight at Jensen, who parried it away. Dindane tried to capitalise on the rebound but could only direct his follow-up header back at the Burnley keeper.

Burnley came close to taking the lead after 54 minutes when Kevin McDonald’s rasping shot from 25 yards was tipped over the bar by Asmir Begovic.

Fletcher came even closer to beating Begovic with a dipping long-range effort after 63 minutes.

But the Clarets were hit with a sucker punch in the 65th minute when Boateng found Nwankwo Kanu and the Nigerian’s pass picked out Hreidarsson, who beat the offside trap and shot past Jensen.

Andre Bikey came close to heading Burnley level after 68 minutes, but crashed his effort over the crossbar.

Dindane gave Portsmouth the breathing space they desperately needed in the 83rd minute. He won a free-kick, which Jamie O’Hara swung in deep to the far post for Dindane to direct a powerful downward header past Jensen.

PORTSMOUTH (AFP)

Tags: andre bikey, aruna dindane, avram grant, Brian Jensen, burnley, clarets, controversial penalty, Dane, financial situation, five months, Fletcher, Fratton Park, gloom, Hermann Hreidarsson, Iceland, Ivory Coast, Jamie O'Hara, kevin mcdonald, Kevin Prince, kevin prince boateng, league survival, mid table, Owen Coyle, Phil Dowd, Portsmouth, premier league, season thanks, Steven Fletcher, striker, survival prospects, three minutes, tommy smith, Wade Elliott

Boateng chooses Ghana over Germany

June 24, 2009

BERLIN (AFP) – Midfielder Kevin Prince Boateng has joined Jermaine Jones in turning his back on a possible future with the German national team, plumping instead for Ghana, Sport Bild magazine reported on Wednesday.

“I would like to play for Ghana – I have made contact with officials … It’s Ghana I would like to progress with,” the magazine quoted Boateng, 22, as saying.

Berlin-born Boateng spent the second half of last season on loan with Borussia Dortmund from Tottenham, where he had struggled to hold down a starting place.

He is now set to return to London as his Spurs contract runs to 2012.

He began his career with Hertha Berlin.

Jones, a 27-year-old midfielder with Schalke 04, decided earlier this month to play for the United States having only made it as far as the German youth side whereas Boateng has made three appearances for the “A” team.

Boateng insisted he had nothing against the German Federation (DFB) for his lack of success in making it to the full side.

“There are no negatives behind my decision. I just don’t see I have a chance when it comes to the DFB, that’s all.”

Jones had in contrast intimated that he did not find favour with Germany coach Joachim Loew, suggesting in the media that he did not make the Euro 2008 squad for reasons including having tattoos and also that the colour of his skin might not have helped him.

Jones has double US and German nationality – his father is stationed with US forces in Germany.

He is to benefit from a FIFA decision made earlier this month to abolish age limits for a player to switch national side having set a previous limit of 21.

However, a player may not switch if he has played in qualifiers for a major tournament or in a tournament itself.

Tags: berlin, bild magazine, boateng, Bundesliga, DFB, dortmund, euro 2008, favour, german federation, german national team, german nationality, german youth, Germany, ghana, hertha berlin, joachim, joachim loew, Jones, Kevin Prince, kevin prince boateng, london, midfielder, schalke 04, sport bild, spurs, tattoos, tottenham, U.S., United States

Bundesliga braced for tense title countdown

May 16, 2009

BERLIN (AFP) – Coach Felix Magath insists Bundesliga leaders Wolfsburg will travel to midtable Hanover in confident fashion on Saturday as they stand just two wins away from their first Bundesliga title.

Wolfsburg are level with second-placed Bayern on 63 points and Hertha Berlin are third on 62 as one of the closest-ever Bundesliga title races will only be decided on the last day of the season on May 23.

Bayern beat neighbours Leverkusen 3-0 on Tuesday, the same night Wolfsburg beat Dortmund by the same score to stay top with a goal difference of just two better than Munich.

With two points separating the top four teams there is no margin for error and Wolfsburg can ill afford another slip like their recent 4-1 hammering at Stuttgart.

“I think we can travel to Hanover confidently now,” said Magath after striker Edin Dzeko scored twice on Tuesday.

“It was important for me that the team showed just how absolutely intact they are (after the Stuttgart defeat).”

With only a goal difference of two keeping them top, striker Grafite said every single score now counts.

“It?s not just about winning anymore now, but also about scoring goals – goal difference could yet play a very important role,” said the Brazilian who has 24 goals as the league’s top-scorer.

Defending champions Bayern Munich are at Hoffenheim on Saturday and caretaker coach Jupp Heynckes says six points from their last two games has to be the target.

“No-one can afford slip-ups,” said Heynckes who will be replaced by Louis van Gaal on July 1. “Anyone who loses now could end up in the Europa League next season.”

“Working out permutations and possibilities is totally the wrong response. As before, we?re simply focused on the next game.”

Bayern have Germany striker Miroslav Klose back from ankle surgery, but Heynckes says he will keep Lukas Podolski in his starting line-up after the striker scored in each of his last two games.

Hertha play their last Bundesliga game of the season at Berlin’s Olympic Stadium on Saturday against Schalke and having already ensured they will play in the Europa League next season, they are gunning for their first Bundesliga title.

“It’s good we are in the Europa League, but now we want six points from our last two games,” said Swiss coach Lucien Favre.

“There is an unbelievable feeling of euphoria in the city at the moment, we have to ride the wave.”

Favre is expected to start with striker Marko Pantellic and Raffael against Schalke with hot-shot Andrei Voronin on the bench.

Hamburg, who travel to Cologne on Saturday, are five points behind leaders Wolfsburg in fifth, but need a win to challenge for a place in Europe next season.

Having had their seven-game winning streak ended by Wolfsburg on Wednesday, Borussia Dortmund are at home to Arminia Bielefeld and are chasing a place in Europe, but must do without Kevin-Prince Boateng.

The midfielder was shown a red card against Wolfsburg and has been banned for the next four games.

Saturday

Hoffenheim v Bayern Munich

Hertha Berlin v Schalke 04

Hanover 96 v VfL Wolfsburg

VfL Bochum v Eintracht Frankfurt

Werder Bremen v Karlsruhe

VfB Stuttgart v Energie Cottbus

Borussia Dortmund v Arminia Bielefeld

Bayer Leverkusen v Borussia M’gladbach

Hamburg v Cologne

Tags: agai, andrei voronin, ankle surgery, Bayern, berlin, Bremen, Bundesliga, caretaker coach, cologne, Cottbus, edin dzeko, Europe, felix magath, FRANKFURT, Germany, goal difference, Hamburg, hertha berlin, Hoffenheim, jupp heynckes, Kevin Prince, Louis, louis van gaal, Lukas Podolski, Miroslav, miroslav klose, Munich, olympic stadium, permutations, podolski, Raffael, scoring goals, six points, starting line, stuttgart, target, top scorer

Hot-shot Dzeko and Grafite keep Wolfsburg on top

May 13, 2009

BERLIN (AFP) – Wolfsburg’s strikers Edin Dzeko and Grafite both netted in the German league leader’s 3-0 win over Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday while title rivals Hertha Berlin and Bayern Munich also picked up wins.

With Hertha winning 2-0 at Cologne and Bayern enjoying a 3-0 victory over Bavaria neighbours Bayer Leverkusen, Wolfsburg stay top of the Bundesliga only by virtue of a better goal difference.

Bayern’s win also puts them on 63 points and they are two behind Wolfsburg on goal difference, while Hertha are third on 62 points with two games left.

Fourth-placed Stuttgart now need to win at Schalke on Wednesday if they want to stay in the title race.

Wolfsburg’s Dzeko hit his 21st goal of the season when he latched onto a through ball in Dortmund’s penalty area after only 14 minutes.

And Grafite moved one clear of Stuttgart’s Mario Gomez as the league’s top scorer with his 24th goal in 23 league games when he accepted Dzeko’s simple tap in on 47 minutes.

To add insult to injury, Dortmund had Kevin-Prince Boateng sent off for a dangerous tackle before Dzeko added his second with five minutes remaining as Dortmund finally had their seven-game winning streak broken.

Defending champions Bayern Munich ran riot against Leverkusen as Luca Toni opened the scoring just after the half-time break.

Then French midfielder Franck Ribery added a second on 59 minutes with a clever flick over Bayer goalkeeper Rene Adler.

And Bayern striker Lukas Podolski – who is heading back to his former club Cologen at the end of the season – was set up by his Germany team-mate Bastian Schweinsteiger to hit Munich’s third on 71 minutes.

Hertha Berlin are still in the title race after their 2-1 win at Cologne thanks to Brazilian Cicero and midfielder Patrick Ebert while the home side pulled back a late consolation goal.

Bottom side Karlsruhe look almost certain to be relegated as they squandered a 2-0 lead to slump to a 3-2 defeat at home to Hanover and the league’s last team are four points from safety with two games left.

On Wednesday night, UEFA Cup finalists Werder Bremen are at Eintracht Frankfurt, while Stuttgart must win at Schalke to keep their title dreams alive.

Hamburg are at home to Bochum while relegation candidates Energie Cottbus are at home to Borussia Moenchengladbach and Arminia Bielefeld are at home to Hoffenheim.