Ancelotti sings Terry’s praises
February 8, 2010
Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti sang John Terry’s praises following Chelsea’s 2-0 win over rivals Arsenal at Stamford Bridge. Terry has been in the spotlight after his private-life issues surfaced in the media.
Terry put his off-field problems aside as he gave an excellent performance to help his side move back to the top of the table. The Chelsea skipper was stripped of the England captaincy by England boss Fabio Capello.
However, Ancelotti was delighted with Terry’s performance and described him as a “perfect” captain
“John is the perfect captain for Chelsea,” said Ancelotti.
“My captain has a fantastic attitude. He is doing very well in every game.
“It is very important for the team to have this leadership. He was always in control of the game. He has a strong mentality.
“He is working for his club and we are happy to have this performance from him in this moment.
“The England captaincy was not my decision and I do not want to judge about this decision. I knew John met Capello but I did not meet with (Terry) afterwards.”
Tags: arsenal, boss, bridge, captain john, carlo ancelotti, CHELSEA, England, fabio capello, fantastic attitude, game, John, john terry, mentality, private life, rivals, skipper, spotlight, stamford bridgeRelated posts
Giantkillers Malawi have Angola in their sights
January 14, 2010
Malawi, who claimed the scalp of World Cup qualifiers Algeria on Monday, are intent on dishing out the same treatment to Angola when they meet the Africa Cup of Nations’ hosts here on Thursday.
In only their second ever appearance in the competition Malawi go into the game as the surprise leaders of Group A, ahead of Angola and Mali with Algeria footing the table.
Positive results in their warm-up matches proved no flash in the pan judged by the way they whipped the Algerians 3-0, and coach Kinnah Phiri is looking for more of the same.
“We are outsiders in this competition. We played well in our first match and I congratulate my players.
“We did prepare well and we are reaping the fruits here.
“If we maintain this balance, we can shock the world.”
Angola, who were favourites to go through to the quarter-finals from this group with Mali, won’t make the mistake of under estimating Phiri’s players.
Especially after their inelegant collapse against Mali when they paid the price for thinking they had done enough at 4-0 up with barely quarter of an hour remaining.
Former goalkeeper Kanka Vemba said a change of attitude was required among the Black Antelopes’ ahead of Thursday’s encounter.
“We must adopt the same attacking policy but with another mentality of respecting our rivals.”
Another figure in Angola’s football community, Ndunguidi Daniel, chipped in, declaring: “I know that with the result against Mali our players have a lot of pressure on them. We have to concentrate in all departments and maintain a highly competitive attitude for the entire 90 minutes.”
Angola were spurred on by 50,000 fanatical supporters at Luanda’s all new 50,000-seater stadium on Sunday – at least until the fourth minute of injury time when the noise meter plummeted.
On the plus side they have serious attacking potential, witness the double from Flavio Armado and penalties from Gilberto and Manucho.
But defensive frailties, including by goalkeeper Carlos Fernandes, cost them dear against the Malians.
Angola skipper Kali said: “We have to raise our heads – I’m so sad and sorry – there’s no explanation for letting go of such a big lead. But we’ve got to give a good response in our next match.”
As coach Manuel Jose noted, the loss of what looked like a certain three points “makes the next match a little more complicated. The public deserved a win.”
Jose said the way Angola had collapsed was one of the bitterest pills he had ever had to swallow as a manager and he will be hoping for a more digestible result come Thursday.
LUANDA (AFP)
Tags: africa cup of nations, algeria, Angola, antelopes, carlos fernandes, change of attitude, collapse, Daniel, flash in the pan, flavio, football community, Goalkeeper, injury time, Jose, Kali, Luanda, Malawi, mali, Manuel Jose, mentality, noise meter, outsiders, potential witness, quarter finals, rivals, world cup qualifiersRelated posts
City urged to take Barca route to the top
December 16, 2009
Sylvinho believes that Manchester City can reach the top by copying the attitude of his former club Barcelona.
The Brazilian veteran made his first league start for City in the 3-3 draw with Bolton at the weekend, in place of injured England defender Wayne Bridge, and is set to continue in the side for Wednesday’s trip to Tottenham.
The left back, who used to play for Tottenham’s local rivals Arsenal, feels that replicating the attitude of his old team can help City achieve their lofty ambitions.
He said: “We can learn from the Barcelona way. They play the same way every game. They play the same against Chelsea as they do against a third or fourth division side in Spain.”
Wednesday’s encounter at White Hart Lane sees two teams with pretensions of the top four going head to head and will be seen as a key indicator on which has the best chance of making the leap into the Champions League.
Tottenham go into the game on the back of a disappointing 1-0 defeat at home to Wolves, while City are unbeaten in 13 matches in all competitions but have managed just 11 points from their last nine Premier League matches.
But Sylvinho insists progress is being made as manager Mark Hughes attempts to turn the massive investment of the club’s Abu Dhabi owners into success on the pitch.
“The club is moving in the right direction,” the defender said. “We are changing the mentality of a whole club, not just 25 players
“I was upset when Wayne was hurt because he is part of the future at City but I enjoyed the game at Bolton.
“I felt I had a good connection with Craig Bellamy and Robinho, and I am ready to play again at Tottenham if selected.
“Hopefully we will have more confidence to play in the opposition half; that is important.”
City will be without Bellamy, who was red-carded in the Bolton match, at Spurs due to suspension and Nigel de Jong could also miss out as he continues his recovery from swine flu, while Shaun Wright-Phillips is struggling with an ankle problem.
Harry Redknapp did his best to remain upbeat following the weekend home defeat to Wolves but no matter how often the Spurs manager insisted his side?s season would not stand or fall on one result, there was no denying that three crucial points had been dropped.
Spurs’ season started brightly and coming into the Wolves game, Redknapp declared himself delighted with his players? displays in the away draws at Aston Villa and Everton.
But as has happened on so many occasions in the past, Tottenham’s ambitions have been hit by inconsistency and that’s a problem the manager must overcome if they are to fulfil their aim of finishing in the top four.
Victory over City would quickly erase the gloom generated by the Wolves clash that ended with an unpleasant altercation between left-back Benoit Assou-Ekotto and a home supporter that is now subject to a police investigation.
“It’s a big game on Wednesday,” admitted Redknapp. “You’ve got to move on, what’s happened has happened.”
Redknapp remains confident that, with all the top teams dropping unexpected points, his side will succeed in qualifying for Europe, although it remains to be seen in which competition.
“I’m not sure whether we’ll get into the Champions League or the Europa League but we’ll get into Europe,” he said. “I’ve never said we are guaranteed to get into the Champions League.
“I can’t take a team over that was bottom of the league when I took over and guarantee it’s going to be a Champions League team, but we still have a great chance.
“Chelsea lost at Wigan, Arsenal lost to somebody, Liverpool lose to teams they should beat, but what can you do. It?s going to be a lot more open at the top.”
Robbie Keane?s ineffective display against Wolves could mean a starting spot for Peter Crouch while Luka Modric is again expected to start on the bench after making his return from a broken leg at the weekend.
LONDON (AFP)
Tags: abu dhabi, club barcelona, Harry Redknapp, lofty ambitions, manchester city, massive investment, mentality, moving in the right direction, nigel de jong, premier league, pretensions, Robinho, Shaun Wright-Phillips, spurs, swine flu, wayne bridge, white hart lane, wolvesRelated posts
Drogba scare for Chelsea ahead of Portsmouth game
December 15, 2009
Chelsea’s mid-winter mini-crisis could be aggravated by the loss of Didier Drogba after the talismanic striker injured his back in training on Tuesday.
Manager Carlo Ancelotti revealed that Drogba is doubtful for Wednesday’s Premier League match with bottom club Portsmouth, in which Chelsea will be looking for their first win in five matches in all competitions.
Ancelotti claimed to be unconcerned about Chelsea’s recent run of three defeats and a draw.
But he admitted that his work on the training ground had focused on defending set-pieces in the wake of a 3-3 draw with Everton on Saturday that again underlined his side’s vulnerability in that area.
“We have trained and worked on the set-pieces,” said Ancelotti. “We have conceded some goals in these situations and we want to improve on that. We have to improve our attention and concentration in these situations.
“It is very important to win (on Wednesday). We didn’t win in the last four games but the team is in a good moment. I don’t see a big problem. We have the mentality and the feeling to find a solution immediately.”
The Italian also professed to be unconcerned by the jeers some of the Chelsea supporters directed at their players at the end of Saturday’s match.
“I think the reaction of some of the fans was normal. We are top of the league and this means our fans always want to see the best. We want to do the best. When supporters pay for a ticket, he can do anything, with respect, naturally. To boo is not a problem. It can be a motivation for us.”
Ancelotti absolved goalkeeper Petr Cech of blame for Chelsea’s recent defensive fragility.
“Everyone at the club thinks we have one of the best goalkeepers in the world,” he said. “I certainly do. He is a very professional player and maintains a good control when he does the right things or bad things.”
Wednesday’s match sees Avram Grant return to Stamford Bridge for the first time since he was sacked as Chelsea boss in the wake of their 2008 Champions League final defeat by Manchester United.
“I don’t know him,” said Ancelotti. “I saw him take Chelsea to the final of the Champions League and for that I think he did a very good job in that season.
“He has arrived at Portsmouth and done a good job, so I expect a difficult game tomorrow.”
LONDON (AFP)
Tags: best goalkeepers in the world, bottom club, carlo ancelotti, cech, champions league, CHELSEA, chelsea supporters, concentration, Drogba, four games, fragility, jeers, london, Manager Carlo Ancelotti, Manchester, mentality, mid winter, Petr Cech, Portsmouth, premier league, stamford bridgeRelated posts
Australia boost football World Cup bid team: report
November 20, 2009
Australia has recruited successful German consultant Andreas Abold to orchestrate its bid for the 2018 and 2022 World Cup, reports said on Friday.
Abold, who leads a Munich-based events management team, was behind the successful World Cup bids from Germany (2006) and South Africa (2010) and will now help plot Australia’s bid, reports said.
“We will host the World Cup,” Abold told the Daily Telegraph.
“We are working with Football Federation Australia (FFA) on all the upcoming milestones, such as the FIFA inspection visit which we expect to be in your winter – and definitely the final presentation,” he said.
“At the very last moment you have to address your key messages to the 24 decision makers (on the FIFA Executive), and no one knows what will happen, which continents will be eliminated as it unfolds and which are still in contention.”
Abold said the message to be hammered home was that Australia was a safe pair of hands with a can-do mentality making for a tournament FIFA, the sport’s governing body, could be certain would be a success.
“I know there is a certain perception of Australia as a ‘no worries’ country and this is what we want to communicate to FIFA, who after all will be handing over their most valuable asset, the World Cup,” he said.
“Our strategy is to say that in Australia you have a safe pair of hands — we know exactly how to deliver and that you can rely on our guarantees.”
Abold said Australia’s home within Asian football gave it a serious selling point.
Australia’s bid was given a glowing endorsement this week by FIFA executive committee member Jack Warner, who said the country has an “excellent chance” of hosting the 2018 or 2022 World Cup.
Australia is up against a joint bid from Spain and Portugal, with England, Japan, China, the United States and Russia also seeking the 2018 tournament, while Belgium and the Netherlands are mulling a joint bid.
FFA chairman Frank Lowy has said previously that Australia’s prime objective was 2018, with 2022 a possible second prize.
FIFA’s executive committee will make a decision in December 2010 on which country will host the 2018 tournament.
South Africa will host the next World Cup in 2010, followed by Brazil in 2014.
SYDNEY (AFP)
Tags: 2022 world cup, contention, daily telegraph, decision makers, executive committee member, fifa executive, football federation australia, frank lowy, german consultant, germany 2006, governing body, jack warner, japan china, last moment, mentality, pair of hands, prime objective, south africa 2010Related posts
Ibrahimovic criticises Serie A
November 18, 2009
Zlatan Ibrahimovic is satisfied with his move from Inter Milan to Barcelona. The Swedish striker believes that the Spanish football mentality fits him better than the Italian while he also thinks that the Serie A is too politicised.
“In Italy, the league is very hard. It’s very difficult to play in as an attacker,” Ibrahimovic told La Vanguardia. It’s another game, another mentality.”
“I wouldn’t say it’s 100 per cent focused on defence, but they want to be certain before attacking and generally run less risks,” the 28-year-old hitman added. “In Spain you take more risks, because you want to score more goals. It’s another culture. The spectacle comes first here.”
In Italy, Ibrahimovic was bothered by the media, who have their own, preferred teams. “When I won the scudetto with Juventus, Tuttosport was very happy and La Gazzetta dello Sport was angry.
“When I won it with Inter, the opposite happened. It’s all politics.”
Paul Haring
Tags: attacker, Barcelona, game, hitman, inter milan, Italy, la gazzetta dello, la gazzetta dello sport, la vanguardia, mentality, scudetto, Spain, spanish football, spectacle, striker, tuttosportRelated posts
Bornstein goal ripples through CONCACAF
October 16, 2009
Jonathan Bornstein’s equalizer deep into second-half stoppage time did more than just earn a 2-2 draw for the United States against Costa Rica. It rippled through CONCACAF.
It gave the United States bragging rights over Mexico, forced Costa Rica into another two games to try to earn qualification to South Africa, and – most importantly – help send Honduras to only its second World Cup and first since 1982.
“Bornstein, Honduras te ama” (Bornstein, Honduras loves you) screamed the headline in Honduras’ La Prensa on Thursday.
The defender’s header finished the United States atop the six-team standings in the final round of CONCACAF World Cup qualifying, one point in front of Mexico, which played Trinidad & Tobago to a 2-2 draw in Port-of-Spain.
It was the second straight time the Americans had finished first in World Cup qualifying, just ahead of Mexico – which was some satisfaction after being routed 5-0 in the Gold Cup final by their arch nemesis in July.
“We are very proud to win the group,” U.S. coach Bob Bradley said. “It took a really determined strong effort by our team and we always talk about when you step on the field, you show people what you’re all about. Tonight is not the way you draw it up on the board before the game, but it still showed the mentality, the spirit and we’re very proud of that.”
It was an emotional result for the United States, which dedicated the game to forward Charlie Davies, who was seriously injured in a fatal, one-car accident early Tuesday morning.
“For me, and a lot of the guys, Charlie is a brother,” Jozy Altidore said. “We’re all very close and that news hurt us a lot. We played with him in our hearts tonight and I think it helped us out big.”
Carlos Pavon, who missed a critical penalty kick in a 3-2 loss to the United States Saturday night in San Pedro Sula, achieved some redemption, scoring the lone goal in the 1-0 win against El Salvador. But it still appeared Los Catrachos was destined to finish fourth with Costa Rica leading 2-0 with 20 minutes remaining in Washington.
However Michael Bradley struck in the 72nd minute and Bornstein followed with the equalizer with 30 seconds left in the match, setting off a wild celebration at RFK Stadium, but also in Honduras.
“We knew it would be a very tight game with an El Salvador team that is very well drilled, but that’s football,” Honduran coach Reinaldo Rueda said. “Today it’s the Honduran fans’ and the team’s turn to celebrate, thanks to the work of many years. Now we have months of work, months of matches and let’s hope this victory works out for the good of all.”
While Honduras claimed CONCACAF’s third automatic bid to the 2010 World Cup ongoal difference ahead of Costa Rica, the Ticos were relegated to a two-leg aggregate series against Uruguay, the fifth-place finisher in South America, for the last berth in the 32-team World Cup field
“First I have to rebuild their spirits,” Ticos coach Rene Simoes said. “They are in the dumps. This was a shock to them. Everything was going fine up until the last minute. The game just ended and it’s just very sad.”
Like the United States, Mexico already had qualified for South Africa ahead of the final matchday. El Tri played the Soca Warriors to a 2-2 draw in Port-of-Spain, but Mexico manager Javier Aguirre wasn’t upset about failing to finish atop the group.
“We came through in qualification,” Aguirre said. “They never said we had to be first.”
Aguirre took over after Sven-Goran Eriksson was sacked following consecutive losses to Honduras and El Salvador. As he did in 2001 when he replaced Hugo Sanchez, Aguirre helped lead El Tri, which won five straight before Wednesday’s draw, to the World Cup.
“I am satisfied because we qualified for the World Cup,” Aguirre said. “I am also satisfied because that’s what they hired me for. I am delighted to see that the players have recuperated their pride in playing for their country.”
By Dylan Butler
Tags: arch nemesis, bob bradley, bragging rights, car accident, Carlos Pavon, catrachos, coach bob, early tuesday, jonathan bornstein, mentality, penalty kick, port of spain, redemption, stoppage time, straight time, tuesday morning, two games, World CupRelated posts
Benitez furious over Liverpool performance
September 30, 2009
Rafael Benitez condemned his Liverpool side’s approach to their shattering 2-0 Champions League defeat by Fiorentina.
The Spaniard seemed to suggest it was the worst European performance under his Anfield management.
Two first-half goals from teenage striker Stevan Jovetic stunned Liverpool, and even with an improved display after break, the damage had already been done.
Benitez said: “In that first-half we did not play well, there were too many mistakes and problems. We did improve, but it was not enough.
“Our mentality in that opening period was just not right, we were bad all over the pitch and I cannot really recall a performance like that.
“They were on top of us all the time, we played badly and they were just better than us.”
Liverpool went behind when Jovetic broke the offside trap with Adrian Mutu deemed not to be interfering with play.
“It is the new law, and another mistake by us,” Benitez said.
“If a player is in such a position he is offside, and it makes it difficult for defenders who are distracted by him. But the law says the other player coming from deep is fine, he can go through. Just another error by us.”
Jovetic took advantage of poor defending on the near post to claim his second, and Benitez was also critical of the tackling and pressing from his team.
He said: “I was not only disappointed with the challenging in midfield but all over the pitch.
“But they did not produce anything we did not expect. We had watched them, we knew about Jovetic, there was nothing new out there that surprised us. But we still played badly.
“We now have Chelsea away at the weekend in an important Premier League game. I believe you will see a different Liverpool in that match, a totally different performance with a different mentality.
“Then we have Lyon home and away in this group, they are the leaders and it means we have to now win them both.
“We certainly will not be as bad again. If you make too many mistakes against such sides, you will be punished. It is very simple.
“Mentally we will have better days than this. We did improve, but we needed to score early in the second-half. We had the chances but we failed to take them.”
Fiorentina coach Cesare Prandelli was delighted with his own team.
The former Juventus player said: “We were fantastic, that is the best performance I have seen by a Fiorentina side in the four years I have been in charge.
“Liverpool did not play well, but that was because of the performance of my team. We were outstanding.
“Especially in that first-half when we were just fantastic. The pressure we put Liverpool under all over the pitch was wonderful to watch.
“But although we played well, I believe we can still improve, and we will have to if we are to qualify from this group.
“To have beaten such a great team with such brilliant players was an achievement, but we must not waste this and we now need to keep winning in this group.
“I will now rotate my squad for the weekend, this team is not just 11 players, but a real squad. Everyone has to play their part.
“I was delighted with Jovetic. I have always said he has great talent, but last season maybe he did not play for the team, now is working for everyone else and he is gaining his rewards.”
Abhimanyu Rajput
Tags: adrian mutu, champions league, CHELSEA, european performance, league game, Liverpool, Lyon, match, mentality, midfield, mistake, pitch, premier league, rafael benitez, Spaniard, strikerRelated posts
Benitez wants more from hat-trick hero Torres
September 27, 2009
Hat-trick hero Fernando Torres helped Liverpool make their best goal-scoring start to a league season in over 100 years – yet manager Rafa Benitez has told him he is still not fulfilling his potential
Torres took just 47 minutes to claim his treble in the 6-1 victory over struggling Hull City at Anfield on Saturday, taking his tally for the season to eight goals.
As a team, Liverpool have scored 22 times in seven games, their best opening to a campaign since 1895, although the demanding Benitez believes Torres, still only 23, is only scratching the surface of his ability.
“I think he can do better,” said Benitez. “The last three games he has played well and was improving his mentality, his work rate. But the main thing is his mentality.
“When I talk about Fernando I say that he is keen to learn, that’s the main thing. That means he will improve, how much he improves is down to him.
“When you think about the money we were spending when we signed him, 20 million pounds was a massive figure for us. But we thought it was a really good figure and the main reason we decided to bring him here was his quality, his age, his potential and the future he has.
“We had confidence he would get better and we’re really pleased now. But he can improve.”
Hull showed spirit in the first half, Geovanni equalising Torres’ first goal, before the visitors capitulated and conceded twice more to Torres before Steven Gerrard and Ryan Babel, who scored twice, piled on the misery.
“For me, it was demoralising,” said furious Hull manager Phil Brown. “I hope it was for the players as well. I was disgusted at some of the defending, individually, collectively.
“To throw away the third goal as easily as we did was disgusting. It killed us off and killed any spirit we had shown in the first half because one or two towels went in after that.
“It’s going to be uncomfortable for one or two of them this week, myself included. There is a little bit of pain flying around at the moment and it’s all coming my way. I think the players should show more pride in the shirt and their performance.”
Liverpool, meanwhile, now start preparations for a midweek Champions League game at Fiorentina and Sunday’s visit to Chelsea, a game that takes on added significance after the London club surprisingly lost at Wigan on Saturday.
And, with 22 league goals under their belts this season, Liverpool suddenly look capable of mounting a title challenge. Benitez, certainly, expects the championship race to be far more open in 2010.
Benitez said: “The top side will lose games and I think you will see the top side losing more games this season than last. There will be more competition at the top.
“That’s positive for the fans, for the media and I think the Premier League will be more fun this year!”
LIVERPOOL, England (AFP)
Tags: 100 years, anfield, best goal, CHELSEA, England, Fernando, Fernando Torres, hat trick hero, hull city, Liverpool, london, mentality, misery, phil brown, premier league, rafa benitez, ryan babel, scratching the surface, seven games, Steven Gerrard, tally, three games, towels, trebleRelated posts
Terry wants England to be more streetwise
September 5, 2009
England captain John Terry believes his team must become more streetwise if they want to end the country’s long wait for World Cup glory.
After a fortnight in which diving has been top of the British football agenda due to controversial incidents involving Eduardo, Wayne Rooney and Aiden McGeady, Terry hinted that England’s stars have often been too honest for their own good.
While Arsenal striker Eduardo was handed a two-match European ban for his theatrical fall against Celtic and Celtic midfielder McGeady was sent off for diving against Hibernian, Terry knows from first-hand experience that many cheats have got away with their acts of deception.
The Chelsea defender has no intention of condoning the kind of clear dive that landed Eduardo in hot water, but he does feel that opposing international teams are much quicker to make sure they win free-kicks and penalties when there is the slightest contact in a challenge.
Terry is concerned that England’s honesty could come back to haunt them in a crucial match like Wednesday’s World Cup qualifier against Croatia at Wembley.
“Sometimes we are too honest,” Terry said. “Even in the Premier League you see the English lads get a bit of contact but try and stay on their feet and take the chance.
“That’s the way we play. We are a very honest country and it’s a very honest league we play in. Sometimes that goes against us.
“The foreign mentality coming in, any little clip, with the the speed of the game, you can go tumbling over.
“If there is a foul or you are touched when you go through on goal you go down. Then it is for the referee to decide.”
Terry admits there are certain players, both English and from other countries, that he expects to resort to the game’s dark arts whenever he sees their name on the opposition teamsheet.
But he believes cheating could be stamped out if it was made clear that the kind of punishment given to Eduardo by UEFA, European football’s governing body, would be handed out whenever a player was retrospectively judged to have dived.
“Of course you do (know which players dive),” Terry said. “It would be unfair to say it’s just the foreign players but the English mentality and the way we’ve grown up means we’ve never really been into it.
“I think everyone would have a better chance if there were rules that told you how you would be punished for diving.”
England coach Fabio Capello admits that players in his teams have dived in the past, but he is adamant he has always been keen to stamp on any signs of gamesmanship.
“It happened in my team sometimes. But I like the players who fight, I don’t like the divers. I would tell my players that,” Capello said.
“That is my idea but I am not on the pitch. I can’t decide for the players. Everyone has a different culture, mine is to be sporting.”
Terry is hopeful that a strong referee against Croatia will ensure there are no diving controversies. The officals will need to be at their best on Wednesday in what promises to be a clash not for the faint hearted.
Capello’s side still bear the mental and physical scars of recent encounters with Croatia.
Defeat against Slaven Bilic’s at Wembley two years ago denied England a place at Euro 2008, then a stormy encounter in Zagreb last year saw Theo Walcott and Joe Cole singled out for brutal tackles as the Croatians grew frustrated at their 4-1 defeat.
With Croatia battling for a play-off place, Terry knows England will have to fight fire with fire if they are to gain the victory that would book their place at next year’s finals in South Africa.
“The first 10 or 15 minutes are going to be vital,” Terry said. “At Wembley last time they tried to be very aggressive at the start and maybe got away with it.
“We need to be aggressive in the first 15 minutes and match them. When we get the ball down and we start playing we can match a lot of teams in the world, but physically we have to win our battles early on. That is key to set the tone of the game.
“Hopefully we have got a referee on Wednesday who is strong enough to deal with a lot of things.”
LONDON (AFP)
Tags: aiden mcgeady, british football, captain john, controversial incidents, england captain, english lads, fortnight, free kicks, governing body, hand experience, hibernian, john terry, long wait, mentality, midfielder, premier league, wayne rooney, Wembley, world cup glory, world cup qualifierRelated posts
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