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Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Europe Group Five review

European champions Spain made it two World Cup qualifying wins out of two with a 4-0 victory over Armenia in Albacete.

Fresh from Saturday's 1-0 triumph over Bosnia-Herzegovina, Spain all but ended this Group Five encounter as a contest after just 16 minutes following goals from Joan Capdevila and David Villa.

Two late strikes from Villa (79) and Marcos Senna (83) then wrapped up the win as Spain made it 25 games without defeat and six in succession without conceding a goal.

Emre Belozoglu netted an equaliser from the penalty spot to spare Turkey a damaging home defeat in their qualifier against Belgium.

The Fenerbahce midfielder levelled the scores at 1-1 with 16 minutes to go in Istanbul as the Turks battled back.

Wesley Sonck had earlier given the visitors the lead with his third goal of the campaign, adding to the brace he bagged in his side's 3-2 win over Estonia in their Group Five opener at the weekend.

Zvezdan Misimovic hit a hat-trick as Bosnia-Herzegovina got their qualifying campaign up and running in breathtaking style as they hammered Estonia 7-0 in Zenica.

The hosts went ahead after 25 minutes through Zvezdan Misimovic while the playmaker doubled his tally five minutes later from the penalty spot after Taavi Rahn fouled Samir Muratovic in the area.

Misimovic completed his hat-trick after 56 minutes while it was 4-0 just two minutes later, Zlatan Muslimovic netting after a strong run.

Four became five when Sejad Salihovic's free-kick was nodded home by Dzeko, and Dzeko netted again after 73 minutes before Senijad Ibricic (88) completed the rout.

by espnstar.com


Europe Group Three review

Slovenia notched their first win of their World Cup campaign against Slovakia in Maribor on Wednesday night.

The home side were looking to build on their opening 1-1 draw away to Poland on Saturday and were in the lead after 22 minutes when Novakovic finished a flowing counter-attacking move.

Slovenia were in control for the majority of the match and they were eventually rewarded for their dominance eight minutes from time when Novakovic struck again.

And while Martin Jakubko immediately pulled a goal back for Slovakia a minute later, the home side got the result they deserved to sit level at the top of Group Four alongside Poland on four points after two games.

Poland had goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski to thank as his penalty save in the opening minutes sent his side on their way to a 2-0 victory in San Marino.

The Arsenal reserve keeper thwarted Andy Selva in the third minute and Poland capitalised on their good fortune with a goal in each half from Euzebiusz Smolarek (36) and Robert Lewandowski (68).

Poland went ahead shortly before half-time through Smolarek's close-range strike, the striker slotting home after Lukasz Piszczek's strike was parried into his path by San Marino keeper Aldo Simoncini.

Smolarek had a hand in the second goal too, hitting a post with a fierce shot midway through the second half which rebounded back out to Lewandowski who had the simplest of finishes into an empty goal.

Northern Ireland secured their first point against Czech Republic with a goalless draw despite the loss of the influential Steve Davis in the run-up to the match.

Rangers midfielder Davis left their training base and returned to his home in England to deal with a personal matter.

It was a blow for manager Nigel Worthington, given his side were facing a side ranked eighth in the world. However, the province achieved a gritty draw in the Group Three encounter at rain-lashed Windsor Park.

by espnstar.com

Georgia 0-2 Italy

Italy made it two wins out of two as they continued the defence of their World Cup crown with a win over Georgia.

Daniele De Rossi provided both goals for the Azzurri, who looked much-improved on their fortunate 2-1 triumph over Cyprus on Saturday but still far from the sort of form which took them to the title in 2006.

The Roma midfielder scored in the 17th and 90th minutes, keeping coach Marcello Lippi's 27-game unbeaten streak intact on a warm and humid evening in Udine.

Lippi made his intentions clear when he presented an attack-minded 4-3-3 formation with Luca Toni, Mauro Camoranesi and local boy Antonio Di Natale leading the forward line.

Toni looked much livelier than he did against Cyprus four days ago, where he was withdrawn at half-time, and had claims for a penalty early on.

The Bayern Munich striker appeared to have shrugged off the attentions of Milan's Kakha Kaladze, but he was not able to proceed any further inside the penalty area and fell to the ground dramatically.

Austrian referee Thomas Einwaller justifiably waved away his appeal.

Di Natale, the Udinese forward, came close to opening the scoring in the 15th minute when latched on to Toni's pass, but he pulled his shot just wide.

In the 17th minute De Rossi collected the ball 30 yards out and, having no passes on, unleashed a thunderbolt into the top right-hand corner, giving Italy a deserved lead.

The first time Georgia entered the final third of the field almost resulted in an equaliser.

Teenager Levan Kenia broke with Levan Mchedlidze against Italy defenders Fabio Cannavaro and Nicola Legrottaglie, and the Georgia duo carved their way through well.

Mchedlidze pulled out to the left to receive the ball from Kenia, who continued his run into space in the centre of the penalty area and when the ball came his way it appeared he had the simplest of tap-ins, but he somehow contrived to trap the ball between his legs.

The chance served as a warning to Italy, who moved down the gears and reverted to containment tactics rather than all-out attack.

After reorganising with Angelo Palombo and Alessandro Del Piero entering the fray, Italy slowly began moving back up the gears.

Del Piero ghosted into the penalty area before firing just over the crossbar in the 68th minute, shortly after Alberto Aquilani found no takers for his dangerous low cross.

There were still hints of danger at the other end with Kenia and Levan Kobiashvili both providing moments of discomfort for the Italy defence.

But De Rossi eased the tension when he finished low into the far left corner after being sent clear by Del Piero in the final minute.

by espnstar.com


'Greedy' Walcott grateful

Theo Walcott admitted he had been "a bit greedy" after a brilliant hat-trick in England's 4-1 win over Croatia.
Fabio Capello's men laid to rest the ghost of previous defeats to Croatia, who beat them twice in their last campaign.

Wayne Rooney, who had a hand in all of Walcott's goals, struck the other.

And Walcott told Setanta Sports: "There were 11 stars, the whole team were stars today.

"We showed everyone how strong we are as a unit. We proved it tonight, it was brilliant."

As for his own excellent contribution, Walcott said: "The first two goals were similar - I tend to cross those a lot but thought I'd be a bit more greedy this time. For the second goal, it was a great ball by Wayne Rooney.

"You've always got to put 100% in. I'm grateful he (Capello) has given me the opportunity, I've got to take that forward now and keep on improving."

Fellow goalscorer Rooney praised Walcott for his impact.

"He offers something a bit different. He is probably the quickest player I have seen," he told Setanta.

"He showed glimpses against Andorra and he scored three great goals tonight.

"Sven-Goran Eriksson saw the talent in him in selecting him for the 2006 World Cup. It has been a bit of a roller-coaster for him the last two years."

Rooney also admitted, after two defeats to Croatia cost England a place at Euro 2006, the victory felt all the more sweeter.

"Tonight was a bit of revenge. It was a great performance and a great result," he added.

"You always enjoy a 4-1 victory, especially after what Croatia did to us in the last qualifying campaign."

Captain hailed Walcott's form in the international double-header as "awesome".

"I think the gameplan was to go out there and not give anything away in the first 10 or 15 minutes and assess the game, which we did tonight," he told Setanta Sports.

"We came into this match confident, but not over-confident. We respected them as individuals, respected their record at home.

"It's fantastic to hear the fans singing, hopefully that will get them behind us even more now."

As for Walcott's input, Terry said: "When he's on the teamsheet defenders are petrified, and I think we saw that tonight. He gave the manager food for thought.

"I think he has set the tone in these last two games and if he continues playing like that, I'm sure he'll be in the team.

"Credit to the manager for that, credit to Theo for stepping up to the challenge. He's been awesome all week, he has come in, got involved and that performance showed what he's all about tonight."

Capello felt part of the key to the victory was having the squad together for a period of time.

"The secret is we stayed 10 days together. Today we played with a lot of confidence and without fear from the first minute," he told Setanta Sports.

"Usually when England play away they don't always have courage, but confidence and courage is very important.

"I am not surprised. I know the players. I know what is possible to do during the game and I know very well the players in training and we played today like we played in training. The same confidence, the same way without fear.

"The score is incredible but the performance of the team is very good. The players played very well, a little mistake only when they (Croatia) scored the goal."

Capello also said Walcott, whom he selected over the vastly more experienced David Beckham, had a bright future for England.

"He is young, he is a dangerous player for defenders. I am happy for Theo. You have to decide, choose one from two, and I chose right this time," he added.

"He is one of the most important young players in England. I hope he does not get injured."

by espnstar.com


Bryant opts against surgery

Los Angeles Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant has decided not to have surgery on his right little finger.

The NBA's reigning MVP, Bryant announced on Tuesday on his website, kb24.com, that he opted against surgery when he learned that it could keep him sidelined for 12 weeks.

"When the doctors told me recovery from a procedure could be 12 weeks, I just decided now was not the time to have surgery," said Bryant.

The 30-year-old played in all 82 games and averaged 28.3 points last season despite suffering ligament damage in his finger against the New Jersey Nets on February 5.

The Lakers reached the NBA Finals, losing to the Boston Celtics in six games.

"I've always felt that I can still focus and play at a high level even through various injuries," Bryant said. "That's just part of the game."

Off-season surgery was recommended, but Bryant postponed the operation to play in the Beijing Olympics, where he helped lead the United States to the gold medal.

"I am just really excited and looking forward to being there with the guys when camp opens in a few weeks," Bryant said.

The Lakers open camp on September 27 and host the Portland Trail Blazers in their season opener on October 28.

by espnstar.com


Eduardo gunning for first-team return

Croatia hitman Eduardo has targeted a return to action with Arsenal by the end of the year.

The 25-year-old has been sidelined since suffering an horrific broken leg at Birmingham in February - which proved to be the pivotal moment in a season which slowly unravelled for the Gunners.

"My leg is getting better all the time and I hope to be back playing again by Christmas," Eduardo said on www.setantasports.com.

"It has been a long road to recovery, and there is still a lot of hard work left to do, but everything is going well and I should be back playing again soon."

The news of Eduardo's progress will be welcome for manager Arsene Wenger, who is hoping for a clean bill of health when the internationals start to return on Thursday.

Former Manchester United defender Mikael Silvestre is expected to be in contention for a belated debut at Blackburn this weekend after a thigh problem.

However, Samir Nasri - who has netted two goals in four appearances - may need treatment on a knee problem which forced him out of the France squad for Wednesday night's game against Serbia in Paris.

Midfielder Abou Diaby hopes to be available for the first time this season following a thigh injury, but winger Tomas Rosicky continues to be troubled by a long-running hamstring problem.

by espnstar.com


Federer predicts bright Murray future

US Open champion Roger Federer has backed runner-up Andy Murray to make an even bigger name for himself in world tennis.
The 21-year-old British number one could not finish off a superb two weeks in New York by claiming his first grand slam title, losing in straight sets to now five-time champion Federer at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Monday night.
The world number two reflected on Murray's achievements saying: "I think by putting yourself in those types of positions, giving yourself opportunities, he'll only get bigger."
When the former world number one was asked what it would take for the Scot to take the next step and win a grand slam event, Federer said: "I don't think a whole lot.
"I think he's got himself in better physical shape. So from that standpoint he's better than ever."
Federer, now just one grand slam title behind record-holder Pete Sampras, added that experiencing a first grand slam final had plenty of pitfalls but tipped Murray to be all the better for it.
"I think with finals like this, he knows now what it takes to get very far into a grand slam. I think it's something that's unusual," he said.
"It takes a toll on you emotionally, as well, because all of a sudden there's all the attention you ever wanted, but what you really want to do is focus on getting the title.
"I always thought he was a big-match player. Give him the biggest court in the world, he will have no problem handling it. I think that's what he's shown anyway throughout his career."


by espnstar.com

Ancelotti: Kaka is Mr Milan

AC Milan boss Carlo Ancelotti has spelt out his belief that Brazil ace Kaka is key to the Serie A outfit's future.
The dynamic midfielder has been linked to several high profile moves away from the San Siro in recent weeks, with Premier League outfit Manchester City leading the race to secure his services.Kaka, who looks set to return from injury on Wednesday when Milan play Lugano in a friendly, has repeatedly insisted that he is going nowhere, something that Ancelotti feels is only right given the Brazilian's stature at the Italian giants."Ricky (Kaka) is one of those players who represents so much for his club, not only for what he does on the pitch but for the club's image," Ancelotti told Milan Channel."He is like Paolo Maldini and Rino Gattuso who are both symbols of this club, players who carry the Milan brand."Having lost their opening league game against Bologna, Kaka's return is good news for Ancelotti ahead of their weekend clash away at Genoa.
"The Lugano game will be important for us as it is Kaka's first game back from injury," added the coach."We will analyse his condition and I will see whether to use him from the first minute. Senderos is also likely to play."

by espnstar.com

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