Monthly Archives: May 2010

Trapattoni eyes Irish win

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giovani trapattoniGiovanni Trapattoni has informed his Republic of Ireland players there is no such thing as a friendly game as they prepare to face Paraguay (9/5 to beat Ireland) at Dublin’s Showground.

The Irish can count themselves as very unfortunate not to be joining Tuesday’s South American opponents in the World Cup finals this summer, following Thierry Henry’s handball during their play-off game with France (16/1 to win the World Cup).

Ireland were on course for their first visit to a major tournament since the 2002 World Cup until Henry’s handball set up William Gallas to send the 1998 world champions to South Africa instead.

They should be preparing for the finals but Ireland will now provide the opposition for two sides who will be heading to Africa, as they face Paraguay on Tuesday followed by Algeria later on in the week.

Trapattoni has said that he hopes his players will be able to put the hurt of the play-offs behind them as they build for the Euro 2012 qualifiers.

The 71-year-old Italian was full of praise for his current crop of players ahead of this week’s friendly matches and the start of the Euro 2012 qualifying campaign, which begins in September.

“We could see immediately we are not on holiday. They came here not on holiday,” said Trapattoni.

“I have said for the last two years, when you wear this shirt, there is no such thing as a friendly game because it’s our pride and the mentality of our country that is important. We have to build our mentality. I am not arrogant, but we are sure we have a strong team.

“Today I spoke with Marco [Tardelli, assistant manager] and we were saying this group [of players] is a great group – they showed us that against Brazil, against Italy and against France. They played better than or at the same level as those teams.”

Ireland (6/4 to qualify for Euro 2012) will fancy their chances of securing a top-two finish in their Euro 2012 group, having been drawn with Russia, Slovakia, Macedonia, Armenia and Andorra.

Despite avoiding many of the big nations in the draw, Trapattoni believes qualification will be a big ask and has said his players need to carry some momentum into their qualifiers.

“I know the group will be difficult and we will been all our players to be fit, but I have seen many games and I think we can qualify because this group is strong,” he added.

Despite the likes of Shay Given, Richard Dunne, Aiden McGeady and Kevin Kilbane being unavailable for the visit of Paraguay, Trapattoni is set to start the game with an experienced eleven.

Skipper Robbie Keane, Damien Duff, John O’Shea, Kevin Doyle, Glen Whelan and Sean St Ledger will all start while Coventry keeper Kieran Westwood will win his fourth cap as he comes in for the injured Given.

Ireland’s preparations for the game have been overshadowed by the injury Everton youngster Shane Duffy suffered during a practice game, the 18-year-old needing life saving surgery after a horrible collision.

While Duffy remains in an intensive care unit in a Dublin hospital he has been told he will play football again, despite losing two-thirds of his blood in the accident.

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Can Rooney And Drogba Top the Scoring Charts In South Africa

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Drogba V Rooney Premier League 300x185 Can Rooney And Drogba Top the Scoring Charts In South AfricaDidier Drogba and Wayne Rooney fought a season long battle to finish as the Premier League’s top goal scorer. The Chelsea striker just managed to pip the Manchester United man but the two might be back in competition in less than three weeks.

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Both players will be selected as the main striker for their respective countries and if they carry their stunning form into the World Cup, each man is a good bet to win the competition Golden Boot.

Rooney and Drogba both play for teams that have every chance of having a strong competition- an essential to win the Golden Boot. England have one of the easiest groups and while the Ivory Coast are in a tough line up, they will feel it can’t be worse than the ‘Group of Death’ they endured in 2006.

This is the second successive World Cup for the Ivorians and the Elephants have been consistently one of the top African sides for the past decade. They have a group of players who have been together for some time and for the likes of Drogba- who takes huge pride in playing for the national squad- this is a final chance to make an impact in this tournament.

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Rooney is currently second favourite to be top scorer at 12/1; only the peerless Lionel Messi stands above him. It reflects Rooney’s stellar form this season and England’s status as a team expected to go deep into the knockout rounds.

Drogba is an excellent each way value bet at 40/1. The long odds reflect the fact that the Ivorians have to come through a group that includes Brazil and Portugal. However, Drogba and his team mates are well capable of taking on a Portuguese squad that struggled all through qualifying.
If the Ivory Coast do come through it will probably be thanks to goals from their star man. Judged by his late form for Chelsea, Didier Drogba looks ready to give it everything and he’s likely to take all the free kicks and penalties too.

Wayne Rooney has added to his game this season and England will be set up to allow him to roam as he sees fit. Messi may head the odds but Argentina threaten to be a dysfunctional outfit under Diego Maradona, so the England talisman could follow in the footsteps of Gary Lineker in 1986.

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Capello seeks more aggression

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Fabio Capello wants more aggression and better ball retention from England (13/5 with totesport to be Europe’s top team at the World Cup), after seeing his team stutter to a 3-1 victory over Mexico at Wembley.

A much-changed England line-up, with the three Chelsea players given the night off, struggled for much of the first half but did take a 2-1 lead into the half-time break.

Ledley King gave the home side the lead and Peter Crouch doubled the advantage, before West Ham’s Guillermo Franco deservedly pulled a goal back for Mexico before half-time.

Liverpool defender Glen Johnson fired home a stunning long-range strike early in the second half, which proved enough to earn England the victory.

Capello insisted there were plenty of positives to take from the game, but also expected that they are several things still to work on between now and the start of the World Cup.

The Italian said: “I learned a lot about some situations on the pitch. Not only me but also the players – we have to press more to win back the ball quickly.”

Steven Gerrard (8/1 to be England’s leading scorer at the tournament) admitted that the coach had called for more combativeness at half time, after being forced to chase Mexico for long periods in the first half.

The midfielder stated: “They had too much possession in the first half, we stood off them and let them play. In the second half we got in their faces and stopped them playing. We need to be more aggressive.

Gerrard admits England need to be “able to adapt to different formations” in South Africa but insists there is still time to ’sharpen up’ before the tournament begins.

More importantly, England reported no fresh injury worries at the end of the game despite some concerns over Wayne Rooney late in the game.

The Manchester United striker, who played the full 90 minutes, hurt his neck towards the end of the friendly win but had to continue as England had made their six changes.

Capello described the knock as a “small problem” but insists he is not concerned and says Rooney “will be okay”.

Meanwhile, Ledley King insists his long-standing knee injury is not a problem after also completing the match in the heart of the England defence.

The squad will now return to Austria on Wednesday to resume their high-altitude training, and will take on Japan on Sunday in their final warm-up match.

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Blackpool Win The £90 Million Match

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blackpool money 300x224 Blackpool Win The £90 Million MatchIan Holloway’s Blackpool side won the final ticket to next season’s Premier League by beating Cardiff City 3-2 at Wembley in yet another pulsating Championship Play Off Final.

The amount riding on this game has been creeping up year by year. When Derby County beat West Bromwich Albion in 2007 the game was called the ‘£90 million match’. Inflation and extra parachute payments have quickly added to the value.

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Like Burnley a year ago, Blackpool have come from an unlikely position to snatch promotion. The club pay some of the lowest wages in the division and have a capacity of only 13,000 at Bloomfield Road. A new stand is required behind one end.

The Tangerine success story has been based on team spirit and fearless attacking style; the 3-2 scoreline was no accident because Holloway has employed an adventurous 4-3-3 all season.

It could have gone badly wrong- Cardiff were twice in front but each time the Welsh club were pegged back before Brett Ormerod put the Seasiders in the lead.

All the goals came before half-time and it was a surprise that the second period remained goalless. Whether Blackpool can get away with their attacking style in the Premiership is another question.

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The town should make a lot of money- more so than most newly promoted clubs- by pushing weekend packages combining a Premiership fixture and an overnight stay.

Holloway is going to be good value for the media and journalists because he couldn’t be boring if he tried. However, he will be aware that there is little sentiment in football. Derby boss Billy Davies was shown the door less than four months into the campaign in 2007/08.

Phil Brown took Hull City up to the top flight for the very first time but he is no longer managing the Tigers, despite keeping them up in their first season.

The word is that Blackpool- like Burnley-won’t be breaking the bank to stay up. At least Holloway can call on Charlie Adam whose purchase from Rangers was so influential. His success will encourage other players to take a chance under Ian Holloway’s idiosyncratic methods.

The Tangerines will struggle for points next season but it is worth remembering that they were a big club in the 1940s and 1950s- Blackpool may be small fish but they will be difficult to beat at home and may yet cause a few more surprises.

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Tel talks up England chance

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Former England manager Terry Venables has told the current squad they need to go to South Africa believing they can win the World Cup (13/5 England – Top European Team – World Cup 2010).

Venables guided England to the semi-finals of Euro ‘96 and knows all about what it takes to succeed as a club and international manager.

And he has warned the England squad their mental approach will be one of the decisive factors in how they perform in the World Cup.

He said: “They have got to be actually thinking about winning it. People keep asking me how do I think they will do, will they reach the quarter-finals or the semi-finals?

“But they have got to be thinking about the final and then winning it. If you don’t really expect to win it, you won’t win it.

“You have got to think you are going to win as a group of players and a management team.

“I think there’s a very good chance, although you can’t see much past Spain and Brazil.

“Brazil know how to win these competitions and while it was the European Championships Spain won two years ago, a lot of the time, the European Championships are tougher than the World Cup because there are so many strong teams in Europe.”

There is much emphasis placed on the fitness of Wayne Rooney (6/4 Top England Goalscorer – World Cup 2010), who suffered a calf strain in the final Premier League game of the season against Stoke City.

But Venables says that Rooney should not be considered as England’s biggest hope.

He said: “I understand the focus on Wayne Rooney, but although he is the outstanding player, he is part of a team.

“We need all our best players, and the team the manager would like to put out, fit and in form.

“We have got Ashley Cole back, and it looks like Rio Ferdinand is going to be fit and strong.

“You need all your best players fit, and that goes for every country.”

Venables is fronting a charity competition to select England’s fantasy World Cup XI and raise funds for Everyman’s research into prostate and testicular cancer.

He said: “As you can imagine, it’s unbelievably difficult.

“When a team has won it, there’s a feeling that you can’t really go for other players outside that, but it’s about picking the strongest possible team.”

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Inter’s José Mourinho to Real Madrid

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José Mourinho manager Real MadridAlthough it has not been made official yet, it is no secret that José Mourinho will be managing Real Madrid next season in what can only be bad news for Barcelona as Mourinho has developed a taste for victory over the Catalan side.

‘The Special One’ has already issued a harsh warning to los Galacticos by saying that there are no stars in his team and adding that he envisions a deal to be completed after meeting officials in Madrid.

Mourinho told a Portuguese television station that Jorge Mendes, his agent, has met with Madrid representatives and as a result a deal is almost certain but added that he wants to meet with the representatives from Madrid first so as to get a full understanding of the role.

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It is rumoured that Mourinho will join Madrid on a four year deal worth €10 million per season.

“I want to meet people, know exactly what they want from me and the conditions, not the structures, because these I already know, to avoid any doubts when I begin my work. I think all will be consummated.”

“The stars now are Inter, they are the European champions. My message to the players of Real Madrid, if I train them, is that they are not stars, the star is not the coach, the star is the team. If they all accept this like when I was at Porto, Chelsea or Inter, the victories will come.”

Mourinho, who led Inter to glory in the Champions League on Saturday night, said that there are a number of reasons for taking over the role.

“It will be a huge challenge to contest the League against Barcelona. They are a great team and have proved it by almost reaching 100 points. Trying to win the Champions League is an incentive as they have not won it in eight years,” he added.

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“It’s an incentive because everyone says it’s a lost cause because my profile doesn’t fit Real Madrid or the club does not have the profile that I think a club must have.”

One thing is for sure though, Madrid will hand Mourinho a massive cheque book and Mourinho will spend it. Expect next season’s La Liga title race to be another fascinating battle between two of Europe’s elite clubs.

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Crouch keeping fingers crossed

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Peter Crouch is crossing his fingers that his international goalscoring record earns him a place in Fabio Capello’s final 23-man England squad for the World Cup (9/1 Crouch – Top England Goalscorer – World Cup 2010).

The Tottenham striker has scored 20 goals in 37 internationals, but does not feel he is guaranteed to be on the plane to South Africa.

Crouch has formed a formidable attacking partnership with Wayne Rooney, and fired in two goals in England’s most recent international against Egypt.

But the 29-year-old knows the pressure is on him, not only on the field but off it too.

“All I can do is do what I’ve done, give my best and hopefully it’s good enough,” Crouch said at England’s training camp in the Austrian Alps.

“We’ve got fantastic players with England and lot of strength in depth. We’ve got players who’ve scored a lot of goals this year as well. But hopefully my record will stand me in good stead and give me a chance of hopefully starting.”

Capello’s first message to his provisional squad on their arrival in camp was that no-one’s place on the plane to South Africa was guaranteed (11/4 England – Group C – To Qualify).

“In his first meeting he said he’s got to cut the squad down,” Crouch revealed. “He just said, ‘Do as well as you can. Work hard and that day will come when it comes.”

Crouch admits Capello’s rules-based system has come as something of a culture shock.

“You have to be on time, everything,” Crouch said. “Whether it is with regards to footwear, conduct around the hotel – every time you’re being judged.

“My trainers didn’t arrive the other day because our bags didn’t arrive. I had a pair of slippers on and I got pulled up on that. What can I do? I’ve got no trainers!

“I wouldn’t say it makes you nervous but the manager’s definitely got that respect.

“He’s very hands-on. Every training session, he’ll be involved in it and if he sees something he won’t be afraid to tell you and lets you know where he wants you. And he’ll organise you better.

“He’s got a hell of a lot of respect from the lads because of his previous exploits in winning championships and Champions Leagues.”

“Sven was a lot more laid-back, everyone was saying that,” Crouch acknowledged. “This time the atmosphere seems a lot more serious, a lot more focused.

“We’ve always done tactical work but this manager is probably the most tactical I have worked for. Organisation is a key thing for him and having worked for a lot of managers before I’ve always felt that in matches you can always tell the ones who work on the tactical stuff.”

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Hart burning with England desire

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Joe Hart is hoping he can stake a claim for the number one jersey in South Africa with a good performance for England (4/9 in the match betting) in their warm-up match against Mexico (7/1 to win, 3/1 the draw) at Wembley on Monday night.

The 23-year-old enjoyed an outstanding season while on-loan at Birmingham City to earn a place in the preliminary 30-man squad.

The Manchester City ace is certain to be on the plane to South Africa as only two others, David James and Robert Green, have been included in the initial squad, with six players to miss out when Fabio Capello trims the squad for the June 1 deadline.

Hart is certain to feature in tonight’s friendly against Mexico and he admits he cannot wait to take the field to try and do enough to earn him the starting position when the serious business gets underway on June 12.

“It would mean everything to play at Wembley,” Hart told www.thefa.com.

“I don’t really think about it, plan for it or set any goals, because it is an absolute bonus just to be involved in the squads.

“But I will be doing everything in my power to catch the manager’s eye and hopefully get a few more caps to my name.”

Hart has certainly been catching the eye this season and has been lauded by some pundits as England’s best keeper at the moment, although whether Capello would go with someone as inexperienced – one cap against Trinidad & Tobago in June 2008 – remains to be seen.

James had been England’s number one but injury problems led him slipping down the pecking order, with Rob Green taking over as first-choice under Capello, although his club West Ham only just survived in the Premier League after a long relegation battle.

Despite the position seemingly being up for grabs, Hart insists that there is great camaraderie and unity between the three of them and he is learning all the time from being around them.

“The spirit between the keepers is definitely there,” he said.

“We train and work together far more closely than anyone else in the squad.

“We are all different keepers and obviously Jamo and Greeny have got vast experience over me which I am looking to learn off.

“They are two big personalities and great people to be around.”

England are currently the third favourites at 11/2 in the tournament ouright betting, behind favourites Spain at 7/2 and Brazil at 4/1, and Hart has revealed that Capello certainly has the players prepared for what is to come.

“Fabio is a very intense character and that really brushes off on the lads,” said Hart.

“When we are at the stadiums or the training ground it is work time.

“Everything revolves around winning and building a good strong side.”

England are 1/3 favourites to win Group A and open their campaign against USA on June 12, before taking on Algeria six days later and Slovenia on the 23rd.

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Inter Milan Win Champions League

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Bayern Munich vs Inter Milan Champions League final 2010 300x215 Inter Milan Win Champions LeagueInter Milan are the new champions of Europe after they finished victorious against Bayern Munich in the Champions League final. Diego Milito was the hero scoring twice either side of half time.

The Nerazzurri started on offensive, but the danger of FCB was clear when Arjen Robben instigated a counter-attack in the third minute and was swiftly brought down by Walter Samuel.

Bayern looked more comfortable in possession than Inter. Robben continued to pose a threat every time he got the ball but Inter were looking threatening on the counter attack.

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With 35 minutes gone, the deadlock was finally broken, Julio Cesar’s long ball was flicked to Sneijder by Milito. Sneijder played it back to the Milito who then raced into the penalty area and held off two players before clipping the ball over Butt into the net to produce a stunning finish.

Bayern continued to search for an equaliser producing some great openings but continually failing to find a way past the excellent Julio Cesar.

Van Buyten could do little in the 70th minute as Inter doubled the lead. Eto’o spotted Milito 30 yards from goal, and the Argentine dashed past the defender before curling his shot past Butt and into the far corner.

As the game entered injury time, Diego Milito was replaced and received a standing ovation from the Inter fans. The match winner expressed his delight after his brace earned his side the biggest trophy in club football.

“It’s a great joy for me. I have never experienced this and I am really happy for Inter,” he told Sky Sport Italia.

“The president [Massimo Moratti] deserves this and I am really happy for everyone tonight.

“This is football and I am really happy. I have always fought hard for this and I have always given the maximum.

“We deserve this trophy, the team, the club, the president and everyone. I am very happy. I want to thank Inter, and the president.”?

But, it wasn’t all smiles though as Milito revealed he could be leaving.

“Will I stay? I don’t know. I have important offers,” he concluded.

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One person who will now be definitely leaving Inter Milan is boss Jose Mourinho who has concluded that his work at Inter is now done and will become the next manager of Real Madrid.

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Rio grand for World Cup

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England captain Rio Ferdinand insists he will use his lack of game-time over the course of the last season to his advantage at the World Cup finals (England 6/1 Outright).

The Manchester United central defender was handed the Three Lions’ captain’s armband when John Terry was stripped of the honour by coach Fabio Capello following off-field allegations.

But it immediately raised the prospect of England’s skipper in South Africa not being fully fit for the duration of the tournament, with vice-captain Steven Gerrard next in line.

Ferdinand, though, reckons the fact he made just 21 appearances for the Red Devils last term will mean he is fresher.

The 31-year-old said: “All being well I’ll be in tip-top condition come the first game. I’m training hard and have three weeks to get into the World Cup groove.

“How can I not be refreshed? I’m used to playing 40, 50 games a season.

“I have not played anywhere near that amount this year, so I will be going out to the tournament in good condition.

“I am definitely buzzing.”

England kick off their preparations on Monday night with a friendly against Mexico at Wembley and Capello has raised the prospect of Ferdinand playing in a back three (England 4/9, draw 3/1, Mexico 7/1).

The Italian wants to make sure he is prepared for all eventualities as he plots World Cup glory for England for the first time since 1966.

Capello will also rest his players who played in the FA Cup final – David James, Frank Lampard, Terry, Ashley Cole and Joe Cole – so it is likely keepers Rob Green and Joe Hart will play 45 minutes each against the Mexicans.

Capello said: “I will experiment against Mexico.

“I want flexibility in my players. My style with England has always been 4-4-2, or 4-3-1-2 with Steven Gerrard free behind the two forwards.

“But with Roma I played with three centre-backs and we have been practising that. I have to study the opponents but we can play different styles and we have to prepare for everything.

“You never know when you will get an injury, or find yourself 10 against 11.

“Sometimes I have changed the style four or five times in a game, so it is important that we have a lot of options.”

England kick off their Group C campaign against USA on June 12 before games against Algeria and Slovenia (11/2 Group C To Produce The Winner).

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