Euro 2012

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns...o-2012?cc=4716

The race to the Euros
October 8, 2011

By Wed morning we'll know the 12 of the 16 nations which will participate @ Euro 2012. Poland & Ukraine will be there as hosts of the tournament, while England, Germany, Italy, Netherlands & Spain can already book their flights.

The 8 group winners qualify automatically along with the best runner-up. As 3 groups only hv 5 teams, the groups with 6 teams will hv the record of the team finishing bottom of the group ignored 2 calculate the best runner-up.


Group A - Remaining fixtures
Germany v Belgium, Kazakhstan v Austria, Turkey v Azerbaijan

Qualified: Germany
Able 2 qualify 4 play-offs: Belgium, Turkey

With Turkey @ home 2 Azerbaijan the likelihood is Belgium will hv 2 win against Germany @ the Esprit Arena, Dusseldorf.

And if Belgium lose 2 Germany, Turkey would need just a point having the better head 2 head. 1 twist, Turkey actually lost away in Azerbaijan almost a year 2 the day & a repeat would give Belgium 2nd.

Turkey losing @ home 2 Azerbaijan in a crucial qualifier is unthinkable, & Belgium getting anything in Germany improbable.


Group B - Remaining fixtures
Ireland v Armenia, Macedonia v Slovakia, Russia v Andorra

Able 2 qualify: Russia, Ireland, Armenia

Russia r almost certain 2 qualify 4 the finals with a home game against Andorra, who hv lost every single game & scored just 1 goal, on Tuesday. Russia need only a point 2 secure top spot having a better head 2 head record with Ireland.

Ireland v Armenia: Tis is a shootout 2 the play-offs, with Ireland holding a 1-point advantage going in2 the game @ the Aviva Stadium. Armenia, the top scorers in the group, must win 2 climb abv Ireland otherwise they will be the nearly men. Armenia cannot top the group due 2 their head 2 head with Russia. Ireland can only do so if Russia lose.

Russia will win 2 top the group. Ireland must beware an unknown quantity in outstanding form. Armenia hv scored 11 goals in their last 3 qualifiers, but Ireland should hv it in them 2 get the point they need.


Group C - Remaining fixtures
Italy v Northern Ireland, Slovenia v Serbia

Qualified: Italy
Able 2 qualify 4 play-offs: Serbia, Estonia

Tis could not be more simple. Estonia, who hv finished their campaign, took 4 points fr their games against Serbia. Tat means Serbia must win in Slovenia otherwise Estonia will make the play-offs

Serbia may trip @ the final hurdle, handing Estonia an unlikely play-off spot. Estonia must rue losing in Faroe Islands in June.


Group D - Remaining fixtures
Albania v Romania, France v Bosnia-Herzegovina

Able 2 qualify: France, Bosnia-Herzegovina

The 2 teams r separated by a single point & will meet in Paris on Tuesday. France, missing several key players due 2 injury, must avoid defeat & Bosnia hv 2 win 2 qualify automatically & avoid the play-offs.

Though France hv lost many players ahead of tis key week, they should be capable of taking the point on home soil they need 2 finish top. They won 2-0 in Bosnia-Herzegovina in more troubled times. Bosnia-Herzegovina may face the play-offs again.


Group E - Remaining fixtures
Sweden v Netherlands, Hungary v Finland, Moldova v San Marino

Qualified: Netherlands
Play-offs: Sweden

Though tis group is done & dusted 4 positions - as Sweden better Hungary on head 2 head - the match @ the Rasunda Stadion does hv significance. If Sweden beat the Dutch they will be the best runner-up. Even a point may offer them tat berth.

Netherlands hv been imperious throughout qualifying & despite their injury problems they should still go 2 Sweden & win 4 a perfect record.


Group F - Remaining fixtures
Georgia v Greece, Malta v Israel, Croatia v Latvia

Able 2 qualify: Greece, Croatia

Greece's 2-0 win over Croatia was monumental 4 coach Fernando Santos, as now they need just a point in Georgia 2 make the finals on head 2 head. Croatia must win @ home 2 Latvia & hope Greece lose. Greece drew 1-1 @ home 2 Georgia a year ago.

Georgia hv only lost 1 home game, but Greece should get the point they need.


Group G - Remaining fixtures
Bulgaria v Wales, Switzerland v Montenegro

Qualified: England
Qualified 4 play-offs: Montenegro


Group H - Remaining fixtures
Denmark v Portugal, Norway v Cyprus

Able 2 qualify: Portugal, Denmark
Able 2 qualify for play-offs: Norway

It's Denmark v Portugal in the qualifying showdown, with both sides level on 16 points. Portugal hold the head 2 head lead so Denmark must win 2 top the group. However, the runner-up in the group stands a good chance of qualifying automatically as the best runner-up if Sweden lose 2 Netherlands.

Norway r mathematically in with a chance of the play-offs, but Portugal must lose in Denmark, Norway must win @ home 2 Cyprus & there has 2 be a goal difference swing of 9 goals. Norway trail Denmark on the head 2 head but r level with Portugal.

It looks like being a titanic battle in Copenhagen, & maybe the Danes will just hv enough on home soil 2 beat Portugal & climb top on the last day. Portugal conceding 3 goals 2 Iceland will give the Danes hope.


Group I - Remaining fixtures
Spain v Scotland, Lithuania v Czech Republic

Qualified: Spain
Able 2 qualify for play-offs: Czech Republic, Scotland

Scotland's win over Liechtenstein puts them second by a point going into their trip 2 Spain. The Czechs hv 2 travel 2 Lithuania. The Czechs hv the better head 2 head record over Scotland, which means Scotland cannot afford 2 end up on the same points as them. If Scotland win, or if both teams draw, they will be in the play-offs. However, the Czechs r favs 4 sure.

It is difficult 2 see Scotland taking anything off Spain which means they must hope the Czechs r defeated @ Lithuania.


Best runner-up

Russia play the bottom team in their group, & should finish top anyway, while 1 of Denmark & Portugal will also finish top. If Greece do not finish top they cannot be best runner-up.

So it will most likely be Denmark/Portugal or Sweden. If Sweden beat Netherlands they will definitely be the best runner-up. If they draw it may come down 2 goal difference with the loser of Denmark/Portugal. Denmark cannot lose & then be ahead of Sweden on goal difference. Portugal could lose but only hv a goal difference buffer of 2. Sweden hv +8 1s the San Marino scores r removed fr their record.

Based on the latest coefficients & tables - which of course will change by next week - the draw pots 4 the finals would be as follows. Tis also assumes the seeded nations win the qualifying play-offs.

Pot One: Poland, Ukraine, Spain, Netherlands
Pot Two: Germany, England, Italy, Croatia
Pot Three: Russia, Greece, Portugal, Sweden
Pot Four: France, Denmark, Czech Republic, Turkey

Sweden or Portugal/Denmark r most likely 2 qualify automatically as the best runner-up. Tis would make the pots 4 the play-off draw as follows:

Seeds: Sweden or Portugal/Denmark, Croatia, Czech Republic, Turkey
Unseeded: Ireland, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro, Estonia

[joew2005]

Group A
Germany P10 W10 D0 L0 GS34 GA7 GD+27 Pts 30
Turkey P10 W5 D2 L3 GS13 GA11 GD+2 Pts 17
Belgium P10 W4 D3 L3 GS21 GA15 GD+6 Pts 15
Austria P10 W3 D3 L4 GS16 GA17 GD-1 Pts 12
Azerbaijan P10 W2 D1 L7 GS10 GA26 GD-16 Pts 7
Kazakhstan P10 W1 D1 L8 GS6 GA24 GD-18 Pts 4

11 Oct : Kazakhstan 0-0 Austria / Germany 3-1 Belgium / Turkey 1-0 Azerbaijan
Winner - Germany.
Runner-up - Turkey.


Group B
Russia P10 W7 D2 L1 GS17 GA4 GD+13 Pts 23
Ireland P10 W6 D3 L1 GS15 GA7 GD+8 Pts 21
Armenia P10 W5 D2 L3 GS22 GA10 GD+12 Pts 17
Slovakia P10 W4 D3 L3 GS7 GA10 GD-3 Pts 15
Macedonia P10 W2 D2 L6 GS8 GA14 GD-6 Pts 8
Andorra P10 W0 D0 L10 GS1 GA25 GD-24 Pts 0

11 Oct : Russia 6-0 Andorra / Republic of Ireland 2-1 Armenia / FYROM 1-1 Slovakia
Winner - Russia.
Runner-up - Ireland.


Group C
Italy P10 W8 D2 L0 GS20 GA2 GD+18 Pts 27
Estonia P10 W5 D1 L4 GS15 GA14 GD+1 Pts 16
Serbia P10 W4 D3 L3 GS13 GA12 GD+1 Pts 15
Slovenia P10 W4 D2 L4 GS11 GA7 GD+4 Pts 14
Northern Ireland P10 W2 D3 L5 GS9 GA13 GD-4 Pts 9
Faroe Islands P10 W1 D1 L8 GS6 GA26 GD-20 Pts 4

11 Oct : Slovenia 1-0 Serbia / Italy 3-0 Northern Ireland
Winner - Italy.
Runner-up - Estonia.


Group D
France P10 W6 D3 L1 GS15 GA4 GD+11 Pts 21
Bosnia-Herzegovina P10 W6 D2 L2 GS17 GA8 GD+9 Pts 20
Romania P10 W3 D5 L2 GS13 GA9 GD+4 Pts 14
Belarus P10 W3 D4 L3 GS8 GA7 GD+1 Pts 13
Albania P10 W2 D3 L5 GS7 GA14 GD-7 Pts 9
Luxembourg P10 W1 D1 L8 GS3 GA21 GD-18 Pts 4

11 Oct : France 1-1 Bosnia & Herzegovina / Albania 1-1 Romania
Winner - France.
Runner-up - Bosnia-Herzegovina.


Group E
Netherlands P10 W9 D0 L1 GS37 GA8 GD+29 Pts 27
Sweden P10 W8 D0 L2 GS31 GA11 GD+20 Pts 24
Hungary P10 W6 D1 L3 GS22 GA14 GD+8 Pts 19
Finland P10 W3 D1 L6 GS16 GA16 GD0 Pts 10
Moldova P10 W3 D0 L7 GS12 GA16 GD-4 Pts 9
San Marino P10 W0 D0 L10 GS0 GA53 GD-53 Pts 0

11 Oct : Sweden 3-2 Netherlands / Hungary 0-0 Finland / Moldova 4-0 San Marino
Winner - Netherlands.
Runner-up - Sweden.


Group F
Greece P10 W7 D3 L0 GS14 GA5 GD+9 Pts 24
Croatia P10 W7 D1 L2 GS18 GA7 GD+11 Pts 22
Israel P10 W5 D1 L4 GS13 GA11 GD+2 Pts 16
Latvia P10 W3 D2 L5 GS9 GA12 GD-3 Pts 11
Georgia P10 W2 D4 L4 GS7 GA9 GD-2 Pts 10
Malta P10 W0 D1 L9 GS4 GA21 GD-17 Pts 1

11 Oct : Georgia 1-2 Greece / Malta 0-2 Israel / Croatia 2-0 Latvia
Winner - Greece.
Runner - Croatia.


Group G
England P8 W5 D3 L0 GS17 GA5 GD+12 Pts 18
Montenegro P7 W3 D3 L1 GS7 GA5 GD+2 Pts 12
Switzerland P8 W3 D2 L3 GS12 GA10 GD+2 Pts 11
Wales P8 W3 D0 L5 GS6 GA10 GD-4 Pts 9
Bulgaria P8 W1 D2 L5 GS3 GA13 GD-10 Pts 5

11 Oct : Bulgaria 0-1 Wales / Switzerland 2-0 Montenegro
Winner - England.
Runner-up - Montenegro.


Group H
Denmark P8 W6 D1 L1 GS15 GA6 GD+9 Pts 19
Portugal P8 W5 D1 L2 GS21 GA12 GD+9 Pts 16
Norway P8 W5 D1 L2 GS10 GA7 GD+3 Pts 16
Iceland P8 W1 D1 L6 GS6 GA14 GD-8 Pts 4
Cyprus P8 W0 D2 L6 GS7 GA20 GD-13 Pts 2

11 Oct : Norway 3-1 Cyprus / Denmark 2-1 Portugal
Winner - Denmark.
Runner Up - Portugal.


Group I
Spain P8 W8 D0 L0 GS26 GA6 GD+20 Pts 24
Czech Republic P8 W4 D1 L3 GS12 GA8 GD+4 Pts 13
Scotland P8 W3 D2 L3 GS9 GA10 GD-1 Pts 11
Lithuania P8 W1 D2 L5 GS4 GA14 GD-10 Pts 5
Liechtenstein P7 W1 D1 L5 GS3 GA16 GD-13 Pts 4

11 Oct 2011 : Lithuania 1-4 Czech Republic / Spain 3-1 Scotland
Winner - Spain.
Runner-up - Czech.


Teams Tat Hv Already Qualified 4 The Finals
1) Co-host - Poland
2) Co-host - Ukraine
3) Group A Winner - Germany
4) Group B Winner - Russia
5) Group C Winner - Italy
6) Group D Winner - France
7) Group E Winner - Netherlands
8) Group F Winner - Greece
9) Group G Winner - England
10) Group H Winner - Denmark
11) Group I Winner - Spain
12) Best Runner Up - Sweden
13) Playoff Winner -
14) Playoff Winner -
15) Playoff Winner -
16) Playoff Winner -

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/st...f-draw?cc=4716

Ireland seeded for Euro 2012 play-offs
October 12, 2011

UEFA has confirmed Republic of Ireland, Portugal, Croatia & Czech Republic r the seeded nations 4 the Euro 2012 play-off draw.

Ireland secured their place in the play-offs aft clinching 2nd spot in Group B with a 2-1 victory over Armenia on Tuesday night, thanks 2 an own goal fr Valeri Aleksanyan & an effort fr Richard Dunne.

Giovanni Trapattoni's side will discover their play-off opponents on Thursday when the draw is made in Krakow, with Turkey, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Estonia & Montenegro the 4 unseeded teams.

Alongside co-hosts Poland & Ukraine, holders Spain, Germany, Russia, Italy, France, the Netherlands, Greece, England, Denmark & Sweden hv all already booked their spots @ next summer's tournament.

The current co-efficients will also be used 4 the finals, which means the top 2 pots of seeds will be:

Pot 1: Ukraine, Poland, Spain, Netherlands
Pot 2: Germany, Italy, England, Russia

Greece, Sweden & Denmark will be in Pot 3, with the 4th team in the pot depending on the play-off winners. If Croatia win they will be in Pot 3. Which would leave Portugal in Pot 4 with the other play-off winners, which could include Euro 2000 winners & 2006 World Cup finalists France in the bottom pot.

The only way France can be seeded 3rd is if both Croatia & Portugal lose in the play-offs.

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/st...f-draw?cc=4716

Euro 2012 play-off draw
October 13, 2011

Republic of Ireland hv landed the ideal Euro 2012 play-off draw as they take on Estonia, while Portugal face Bosnia, Czech Republic play Montenegro & Turkey take on Croatia in a rerun of the Euro 2008 quarter-final.

Having lost 4 of their last 5 play-offs 4 a major tournament, the Irish cannot take the Estonians, who edged out Serbia in Group C 2 2nd place, @ all lightly.

Their last appearance ended in acrimony when they were knocked out by France following a controversial handball by Thierry Henry ahead of the 2010 World Cup.

Former Republic of Ireland striker John Aldridge, though, believes Giovanni Trapattoni's men r well placed 2 progress.

Asked if he thought Ireland would go thru, he told Sky Sports News: "Yes. We've got the greatest travelling fans & it would be great 2 see them on the road again.

"It was probably the easiest of the 4 (seeded teams 2 draw). We travel better than we play @ home - we've had better results away than we hv had @ home."

On his hopes 4 the 1st leg in Estonia, he added: "They will try 2 get a clean sheet, try 2 get a win which would set us up nicely."

The Portuguese face the same opponents they defeated in play-off qualification 4 the 2010 WC but Bosnia goalkeeper Asmir Begovic is hopeful it will be a different story tis time around.

"It will be hard - that's probably clear 2 everyone," he told SuperSport. "However, I saw Denmark get the better of Portugal &, if they can do it, why can't we? We certainly can qualify.

"It is definitely a different situation [2 the 2010 WC play-off]. I think we're now a much better team & we should remember the 1st leg in Portugal, where it was a simple case of bad luck."

Montenegro's delight @ making tis stage may be further lifted by taking on a Czech team who made heavy weather in finishing ahead of Scotland.

Croatia, meanwhile, hv unfinished business aft they were denied @ the last Euro finals by a last-minute Turkish extra-time goal & in a shoot-out.

1st leg on 11 Nov & 2nd leg on 15 Nov.
Turkey vs Croatia
Estonia vs Republic of Ireland
Czech Republic vs Montenegro
Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Portugal

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UEFA_Euro_2012

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/st...d-card?cc=4716

Rooney given three-match ban
October 13, 2011

England striker Wayne Rooney has been banned for 3 matches 4 his sending off against Montenegro. He will miss the group stage of the European Championships.

UEFA's Disciplinary & Control Body met on Thursday 2 discuss the dismissal aft Rooney petulantly kicked out @ Montenegro's Miodrag Dzudovic.

With no more competitive games 4 England b4 next summer's finals in Ukraine & Poland, Rooney will miss the 1st 3 games of the tournament which means he will not be available until the quarter-finals, should England get tat far.

England hv 3 days 2 appeal the decision, which seems a formailty given the severity of the punishment.

UEFA deemed Rooney's challenge an assault, & the rules state tat carries a "suspension for 3 competition matches or 4 a specified period for assaulting another player or other person present at the match".

A statement from UEFA read: "The UEFA Control & Disciplinary Body has 2day handed down a 3-match suspension 2 England 4ward Wayne Rooney following his dismissal during the UEFA EURO 2012 qualifier in Montenegro last Friday, 7 October.

"Today's decision was taken in relation 2 the red card shown 2 Rooney 4 assault aft 74 mins of England's final Group G game, the 2-2 draw with Montenegro in Podgorica. The striker will now be suspended fr playing in his country's next 3 UEFA national competition matches 4 which he would be eligible.

"An appeal may be lodged against the verdict of the UEFA Control & Disciplinary Body within 3 days of the dispatch of the reasoned decision."

The FA say they will look @ the full reasons behind the UEFA decision b4 deciding whether 2 appeal.

An FA statement said: "Further to UEFA's decision 2 impose a 3-match suspension on Wayne Rooney following his sending off against Montenegro, the FA await the full reasons fr the disciplinary committee, & will give full consideration 2 the decision internally, b4 deciding on any response 2 UEFA or making any further public comment.''

It had been suggested tat Rooney's ban could be increased if England choose 2 appeal, but Article 62.3 of UEFA's Disciplinary Regulations 2011 states: "If the accused is the only party 2 hv lodged an appeal or if the disciplinary inspector appeals in favour of the accused, the punishment cannot be increased."

Russia's Andrei Arshavin was sent off against Andorra in their last qualifier 4 Euro 2008, in a very similar incident 2 tat of Rooney as he lashed out @ an opponent. Arshavin was suspended for 2 matches but still left a lasting imprint on the tournament when available 4 selection in the last group game.

England boss Fabio Capello has stated tat Wayne Rooney will not start any of England friendlies in the run-up 2 Euro 2012 as he tries 2 find a system tat works without the ManU man. But if the 3-match ban stands he may hv 2 consider his place in the squad.

Referee Wolfgang Stark, who sent Rooney off, had words of support 4 the ManU star @ the weekend, believing tat his reaction 2 the dismissal & calm exit fr the pitch may help his cause & limit his ban 2 a single match. But Rooney would hv been exceptionally lucky 2 escape with tat punishment.

The draw 4 the finals is on December 2 at 5pm GMT.

[joew2005]

Teams Going 2 The Finals
1) Co-host - Poland
2) Co-host - Ukraine
3) Group A Winner - Germany
4) Group B Winner - Russia
5) Group C Winner - Italy
6) Group D Winner - France
7) Group E Winner - Netherlands
8) Group F Winner - Greece
9) Group G Winner - England
10) Group H Winner - Denmark
11) Group I Winner - Spain
12) Best Runner Up - Sweden
13) Playoff Winner - Turkey OR Croatia
14) Playoff Winner - Estonia OR Republic of Ireland
15) Playoff Winner - Czech Republic OR Montenegro
16) Playoff Winner - Bosnia & Herzegovina OR Portugal

The Euro 2012 shall be held betw 8 June 2012 & 1 July 2012.
Tis will be the last European Championship finals tournament 2 contain 16 nations. 24 nations will compete fr Euro 2016 onward.

The winner of the tournament will qualify 4 the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup hosted by Brazil.

The draw 4 the final tournament will take place on 2 December 2011 @ the Ukraine Palace of Arts in Kiev, Ukraine.

The 16 finalists will be divided into 4 seeding pots, ranked by their UEFA coefficient, with each of the 4 groups having 1 team fr each pot.

[Heart Break Kid]

I hope Turkey, Ireland, Montenegro & Bosnia & Herzegovina qualify through next month playoff

[joew2005]

Originally Posted by Heart Break Kid

I hope Turkey, Ireland, Montenegro & Bosnia & Herzegovina qualify through next month playoff

Turkey(19/Fifa 27) vs Croatia(7/Fifa 9)
Estonia(31/Fifa 58) vs Ireland(20/Fifa 29)
Czech(25/Fifa 40) vs Montenegro(17/Fifa 26)
Bosnia-Herzegovina(14/Fifa 22) vs Portugal(4/Fifa 5)

ya ..... neutral ppl also hope 2 see the underdog win & progress @ the expense of the top teams, esp 4 Turkey & Bosnia-Herzegovina.

[joew2005]

Latest Uefa/Fifa ranking update on 19 Oct 2011.

1. Spain (Fifa 1)
2. Netherlands (Fifa 2)
3. Germany (Fifa 3)
4. Italy (Fifa 6)
5. England (Fifa 7)
6. Greece (Fifa 8)
7. Portugal (Fifa 8)
8. Denmark (Fifa 10)
9. Croatia (Fifa 12)
10. Russia (Fifa 13)
11. Sweden (Fifa 14)
12. France (Fifa 15)
13. Switzerland (Fifa 18)
14. Bosnia-Herzegovina (Fifa 21)
15. Serbia (Fifa 23)
16. Norway (Fifa 24)
17. Republic of Ireland (Fifa 25)
18. Turkey (Fifa 26)
19. Slovenia (Fifa 27)
20. Hungary (Fifa 36)
21. Belgium (Fifa 37)
22. Israel (Fifa 38)
23. Montenegro (Fifa 39)
24. Slovakia (Fifa 41)
25. Wales (Fifa 45)
26. Armenia (Fifa 46)
27. Czech Republic (Fifa 47)
28. Scotland (Fifa 51)
29. Romania (Fifa 55)
30. Co-host Ukraine (Fifa 58)
31. Estonia (Fifa 59)
32. Belarus (Fifa 61)
33. Co-host Poland (Fifa 64)
34. Georgia (Fifa 67)
35. Albania (Fifa 71)
36. Austria (Fifa 72)
37. Bulgaria (Fifa 75)
38. Latvia (Fifa 75)
39. Finland (Fifa 78)
40. Northern Ireland (Fifa 84)
41. Lithuania (Fifa 85)
42. FYR Macedonia (Fifa 93)
43. Iceland (Fifa 108)
44. Azerbaijan (Fifa 117)
45. Luxembourg (Fifa 118)
46. Cyprus (Fifa 120)
47. Faroe Islands (Fifa 122)
48. Moldova (Fifa 123)
49. Liechtenstein (Fifa 126)
50. Kazakhstan (Fifa 129)
51. Malta (Fifa 158)
52. Andorra (Fifa 203)
53. San Marino (Fifa 203)

http://www.fifa.com/worldranking/ran...ble/index.html

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/st...rooney?cc=4716

Dzudovic backs Rooney
October 29, 2011

Montenegro defender Miodrag Dzudovic will give his full support 2 Wayne Rooney in his bid 2 hv his 3-game Euro 2012 ban reduced.

Rooney was sent off in England's final qualifier in Montenegro 4 aiming a needless kick @ Dzudovic off the ball. UEFA deemed the challenge 2 be "an assault" & banned him for 3 competitive matches, which rules him out of the group stage in Poland & Ukraine.

England must wait 4 UEFA's official documentation, which details its reasoning 4 the ban, b4 submitting any appeal. The FA then has 3 days 2 lodge an appeal, & a further 6 days 2 submit their case.

UEFA was due 2 deliver the documentation on Thursday, but delayed tis 4 "@ least a week".

Contrary 2 reports elsewhere, UEFA's disciplinary regulations state a player's ban cannot be increased if he is the only party involved in appealing against the punishment. And as Dzudovic is backing Rooney there is no chance tat he could face a longer ban. It means @ FA appeal is inevitable.

The letter was written by the Soviet Sport newspaper & signed by Dzudovic, according 2 the Daily Mail.

The letter said: "Miodrag would like 2 underline tat he didn't notice any signs of aggression in Rooney's actions.

"In his opinion the England national team player was driven by emotions & it was an act of desperation rather than anger.

"The most important detail we ask 2 take notice of is Wayne Rooney's apology. He realised his fault & felt guilty. UEFA pay so much attention 2 'Fair Play' principles but Wayne's behaviour is the brightest example of fairness.

"It is rare when a player leaves the field blaming no 1 but himself aft being sent off. In our opinion, Wayne Rooney shouldn't be banned even 4 a single game. We hope 2 be heard in UEFA.''


http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/st...ension?cc=4716

UEFA delays Rooney ban explanation
October 26, 2011

UEFA is 2 delay giving a written explanation 2 the FA over the reasons 4 Wayne Rooney's 3-match ban by @ least another week.

Rooney, 26, was handed a straight red card in England's 2-2 Euro 2012 qualifying draw with Montenegro 4 kicking out @ Miodrag Dzudovic.

The ManU striker was subsequently hit with a 3-match ban by UEFA, meaning he is set 2 miss the entire group stage of Euro 2012.

UEFA has yet 2 provide the FA with written reasons regarding the suspension, & England's footballing body is waiting 2 receive the explanation b4 deciding 2 appeal the decision.

UEFA said the delay was becos they had prioritised disciplinary cases with players connected 2 countries playing in the Euro 2012 play-offs.

A UEFA spokesman said: ''Due 2 the urgency of disciplinary cases connected 2 the UEFA EURO 2012 play-off matches, we will deal with sending the full reasoned decision on Wayne Rooney 2 the FA in due course.''

An FA statement read: "The FA has 2day been advised by UEFA tat we may not be provided with the written reasons regarding Wayne Rooney's 3 match suspension 4 another week @ a minimum.

"1s the reasons r received, The FA will determine on any appeal aft discussions with Fabio Capello & Wayne Rooney."

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/st...ations?cc=4716

Blanc plays down expectations
October 28, 2011

Coach Laurent Blanc has warned France fans not 2 expect 2 much fr his side @ Euro 2012.

Blanc ensured his team would be in Ukraine & Poland next summer by guiding them 2 the top of qualifying Group D, though things were rather 2 close 4 comfort as they needed a Samir Nasri goal 12 mins fr the end of their final qualifier against Bosnia & Herzegovina 2 make sure.

Given where the team was coming fr - the debacle of the 2010 WC under the stewardship of Raymond Domenech - Blanc knows merely qualifying is an achievement.

He told L'Equipe: "The ideal is 2 win something with France, but you hv 2 realise where we came fr.

"People may be disappointed & 1 a team of great players aft only 15 months, 2 rival Holland, Germany & Spain. It's impossible! It has been said, & repeated, tat it will take time.''

Fans hv made little secret of their displeasure when things hv gone wrong of late, something Blanc attributes 2 the South African fiasco.

Asked abt the negative image of his team, he added: "But it's normal - wat do u 1 me 2 tell you? No 1 can accept wat happened (in South Africa).

"The scar will always be there. But we must live with it. Results will improve things & so will individuals' behaviour. But they r not suddenly going 2 become yes men. Tat's not possible.''

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns...siders?cc=4716

Netherlands' outsiders
October 11, 2011

In tis international week, the Dutch squad sports 2 special cases in Jeffrey Bruma & Tim Krul. As both left 4 England @ a young age, they hv never played a professional league game in their native country. They r among the many talents who travelled but among the few who made it. Tis is the story of 7 other outsiders, who wore the orange jersey without ever playing in the Dutch league.

Apart fr Law Adam - who played 4 Grasshoppers when at University in Zurich but remained a member of HVV Den Haag in the early 1930s - no 1 fr a foreign league was called up 4 the Dutch squad until Faas Wilkes, of Valencia, in 1955. 10 years later, Pierre Kerkhoffs, of Lausanne Sports, & Co Prins, of 1. FC Kaiserslautern, were the next & the 1st exponents of the exodus we know 2day.

Over the last decade, we hv sometimes seen a scenario where only 1 or 2 representatives of the national squad represent Eredivisie clubs. Dutch players root quickly & r usually good value 4 money. Just a few, though, played abroad their whole career.

The 1st was Willy Lippens, born & bred in Germany with a Dutch father. He had 13 years in the Bundesliga with Rot Weiss Essen & Borussia Dortmund, scoring 92 goals. Lippens carried a Dutch passport, 2 the dismay of German national coach Helmut Schon, who would hv loved 2 hv seen him play 4 Die Mannschaft. Near the end of the '60s, many Dutch households would watch German television with its highlights of the Bundesliga - & the tricky winger caught the eye.

Lippens, therefore, received a chance in the Dutch team in a qualifier against Luxemburg in 1971. He scored the 1st goal, but was ignored 4 the rest of the game. Some team-mates still had issues with the war & let it out on peacetime-born Willy Lippens, who was nicknamed 'Donald Duck' as soon as he walked in2 the team hotel. Tis annoying experience was enough 4 Lippens 2 stay rooted in the Bundesliga, where they rated him very highly.

12 years later, the golden generation had gone & national coach Kees Rijvers was looking 4 experience in midfield 2 complement Erwin Koeman & Frank Rijkaard. He turned 2 Wim Hofkens - who played 4 Willem II in the 1st Division b4 leaving 4 SK Beveren & Anderlecht in Belgium - in a decision met by critical acclaim. His debut, though, was unfortunate: the team sunk to a 3-0 home defeat against Sweden. In 1989, he returned 2 help the team qualify 4 the 1990 World Cup, but then lost out 2 Richard Witschge's lobby 4 a place in the squad.

At the same time, coach Thijs Libregts was anxiously searching 4 a central defender 2 partner with Ronald Koeman, as Frank Rijkaard only wished 2 play in midfield. Along with Addick Koot, Henk Fraser & Graham Rutjes, Rob Reekers of VfL Bochum was tried. Reekers went thru the youth academy of FC Twente, then left 4 the German Regionalliga. Bochum picked him up 2 enjoy 9 Bundesliga years & 4 caps, but he did not make the 1990 World Cup. There, Frank Rijkaard had 2 return 2 his old position, probably 1 of the many frustrations simmering in the squad.

In 1996, a magical name returned in the team. The season b4, Jordi Cruyff had exploded on the Barcelona scene, where his father was still manager. With 2 passports, he was also eligible 2 play 4 Spain, but 2 the nation's joy he opted 4 Netherlands @ a time when the team was in desperate need of a right winger. Having just returned fr a severe injury, Jordi made his debut in a friendly against the Germans in Rotterdam in which he hardly touched the ball, due 2 a lack of match fitness, but the belief in him remained. Once in the squad 4 Euro 96, he adapted rapidly. Meanwhile in Barcelona, his father was dismissed, aft which the club decided 2 let Jordi go as well, afraid they were 2 hv a spy in the club the next season.

At the tournament, Jordi could showcase his talents, but aft a good start & a goal against Switzerland, he faded with the team as they blundered 2 a shameful exit in the quarter-finals. ManU picked him up in the summer, helping him to 2 more caps, but his 4 years @ Old Trafford were marred by injuries.

He went back 2 Spain @ Alaves, where he had the best year of his football life as the team sensationally reached the UEFA Cup final & won every1's heart by holding Liverpool at 4-4 aft 90 mins, Cruyff scoring a late final equaliser. With 9 men aft 2 red cards in extra-time & an own goal as a sudden-death decider, Alaves arguably suffered the most dramatic defeat in a European final ever. When Jordi left the club in 2003, they were relegated fr the Primera Division & faded into oblivion. 2day, he is attracting notice as technical director of AEK Larnaca, the current surprise Europa League participant.

Just when Cruyff made his debut 4 Netherlands, a former 1st Division misfit had become top scorer of Campomaiorense. Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink had spent years on the bench @ AZ in the 1st Division, b4 resigning himself 2 life in non-league football. Trials all around the country led 2 nothing. 1 source remembers: "He trained with us 4 a week in which he was woefully inadequate. We were @ the foot of the table of the 1st Division in dire need 4 a striker, but we all saw tis was not going 2 work out." Then his agent helped him secure a contract in the Portuguese league in 1995. Hasselbaink became a world-beater. The following season, @ Boavista, he finished 2nd behind Jardel in the goalscoring charts, which made Leeds United manager George Graham decide 2 fork out £2 million.

Hasselbaink became a legend @ Elland Road, while he also received a call fr national coach Guus Hiddink 2 join the squad 4 the 1998 World Cup. He even started the tournament, paired with Patrick Kluivert against Belgium, but the latter was stupidly sent off & the former subsequently substituted in a goalless draw. When Dennis Bergkamp returned fr injury & Phillip Cocu became an instant success as a striker, Hasselbaink had 2 watch the rise of the team fr the bench.

Over the next few years, he faced fierce competition fr Kluivert, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Pierre van Hooijdonk & Roy Makaay, which limited his playing time. Only during the ill-fated Van Gaal-era, aft Hasselbaink had joined Chelsea, did he feature regularly in the team, even scoring 4 goals in as many consecutive games. Under Dick Advocaat, Hasselbaink dropped rapidly in the pecking order & said farewell 2 the national team when he was not included 4 Euro 2004.

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns...-shape?cc=4716

Prandelli plan taking shape
October 10, 2011

It says alot abt the lack of drama during Italy's Euro 2012 qualifying campaign tat the most memorable picture fr the whole set of matches shows some1 wearing a tracksuit & carrying an iPad.

Mario Balotelli listened 2 music while walking around the pitch b4 the away game @ the Faroe Islands, then sat on the bench & left his device locked away somewhere else, only 2 be accused of concentrating more on his apps than the game while his team-mates were unconvincingly making their way past the hosts thanks 2 an early goal fr Antonio Cassano.

The controversy died quickly, though. Balotelli met coach Cesare Prandelli, who'd been unaware of the affair @ 1st, & the air was cleared. In fact, the ManC striker emerged 2 become the star attraction again when the Azzurri visited a prison near Florence & several inmates asked him where his iPad was.

There were laughs all around, which set the tone 4 Italy's win over Slovenia the next day; a result tat secured passage 2 Euro 2012 with 2 games 2 go. It was a very good result fr a competitive perspective, but the formation of a potential problem 4 Prandelli, as Italy would now hv 2 go a full 8 months b4 playing a competitive game - with friendly (or meaningless) matches in the past never proving popular among the Italian media.

Having said tat, it was Italy's convincing 4-1 win over Germany in a friendly in Florence early in 2006 tat probably served as a launch pad 4 their World Cup success. And a similar improvement of the overall attitude could be detected aft Italy beat Spain 2-1 in mid-August tis year, an emphatic win tat erased the bad memory of its last match, a 2-0 defeat 2 Ireland in Liege 2 months earlier.

With a glamorous tie against Uruguay in November set up 2 fan the flames & another possible high-profile game expected next March, Prandelli might just keep his players on their toes long enough 2 bridge the gap fr the game against Slovenia & the pre-Euro 2012 tournament training camp.

He has, aft all, already issued a warning 2 those, like Balotelli, who hv been struggling 2 get a game 4 their clubs. While talent & skills will obviously be taken in2 consideration, only players who hv consistently played @ club level during the 2011-12 season will be called up 4 the European Championship; almost certainly a caveat 4 some1 like Antonio Cassano (who @ 1 point seemed set 2 be the 4th-choice striker 4 Milan) 2.

Somewhat surprisingly though, Cassano has played alot 4 the Rossoneri & has apparently become 1 of the 1st names Prandelli pencils in 4 his starting XI. Tat Italy has now started 5 of the past 6 matches with 2 mobile, diminutive strikers up front has been the most significant tactical development the manager has brought 2 the side.

Having reached the Champions League with Fiorentina by having Alberto Gilardino leading the line & trying 2 get on the end of crosses 4 the Viola, Prandelli experimented with different formations & attacking combinations in his 1st matches in charge of the national side. Amauri started as a centre-4ward in his inaugural 4-3-3 @ Upton Park against the Ivory Coast, followed by Gilardino & Marco Borriello, b4 tactics veered 2ward a 4-3-1-2 which has seen Cassano & Giuseppe Rossi paired up front with decent results.

Prandelli hinted @ this development last November as he reviewed the 1-1 draw with Romania in Klagenfurt: ''The Serie A does not provide me with the kind of wingers tat would allow me 2 look 4 a different formation. I m looking @ a set-up tat does not require me 2 use a central striker. I wanted 2 see how an attacking triangle would work''. @ the time, he was referring 2 Alessandro Diamanti, Balotelli & Rossi, who had started tat match, but it might hv been anybody else with the skills 2 play in those positions.

In later editions, we've seen Cassano & Rossi supported by 1st Alberto Aquilani then Riccardo Montolivo as a trequartista & tis leads us 2 other considerations abt the midfield, which has Andrea Pirlo as the central element, both in position on the pitch & in seniority & leadership. The start of his 2nd career, with Juventus, has been sensational &, while we're only 45 days in2 the competitive season & conclusions abt him should only be drawn next June, Pirlo has looked every bit as creative & functional as he was in his best years.

While Thiago Motta (when healthy), Montolivo, Daniele De Rossi, Antonio Nocerino & Claudio Marchisio hv all seen action as Pirlo's protectors - the way Milan used 2 do with Rino Gattuso & Massimo Ambrosini - the Juventus playmaker seems 2 be the only fixture in midfield & Friday's futile efforts by Serbia's Milos Ninkovic 2 shackle him will only hv encouraged Prandelli 2 go 4ward with his plan 2 hv Italy play patient, possession football, with Pirlo as the starting point.

When he's not involved or opponents play him 2 tight, it will be left 2 any of the other midfielders, especially those with creative feet & vision like Montolivo or Aquilani, 2 set the wheels in motion while the trequartista & the 2 strikers move in2 space pulling away defenders. Tis combination of defenders playing high, midfielders exchanging positions - Prandelli does not like 2 hear the word "trequartista" which he says reminds him of some1 who rarely moves fr his position - & small, mobile forwards trying 2 disrupt the opponents' build-up play, is designed 2 keep the ball as far as possible fr the Azzurri penalty area, which may account 4 the fact Italy has only let in 2 goals so far. It is an approach tat had some mention Barcelona as the side Italy most resembles; a risky comparison which should be put 2 rest asap.

The ultimate compliment paid 2 Italy aft the draw in Serbia tis weekend, however, was tat the team had approached the game & played just like a club side, which means Prandelli has so far been able 2 squeeze as much as he could fr the limited practice time & instil a 'team-1st' attitude tat has managed 2 take shape.

Tis positive outlook does not mean Italy would be ready 2 start Euro 2012 as favourites, of course, not least since the Azzurri, like most teams, thrive on being underdogs. It remains 2 be seen whether these tactics can be unleashed on all opponents. It took Italy a shift in tactics, with Giampaolo Pazzini replacing Cassano on the hour, then Balotelli coming in 4 Montolivo, 2 form a 4-3-3 for Italy 2 break down Slovenia, & 1 of the most glaring weaknesses in the 1-0 win @ the Faroes was the Azzurri's inability 2 stretch the home side's defence.

As Prandelli himself had noted, his own plan called 4 Cassano & Rossi 2 stay closer 2 the midfielders & pull defenders away fr their positions, but that had turned sour as possession had not translated in2 quick passing, & 2 many times it had seemed no 1 had tried 2 exploit space behind the defenders, reducing play 2 a poor man's tiki-taka with no real outlet tat was a source of frustration 4 the fans.

Speaking of fans, Saturday's game in Belgrade counted little 4 Italy as far as the group table was concerned, but had all the makings of a drama becos of wat had happened in the 1st leg last year in Genoa. Readers will remember the odd, ugly sight of a Serbian ultra, climbing along the chain link fence & meticulously cutting it apart with a pair of pliers while Italian Police stood back in order not 2 spark a full-scale riot of the type Italian grounds had sadly seen so much in the past.

The match was then abandoned & Italy were awarded a win, with some of the Serbian hooligans given jail sentences. There did not appear 2 be specific threats b4 the return leg, then 2 days b4 the game the Serbian authorities decreed all tickets bought by Italians fans would be voided & only tickets issued directly 2 the Italian FA (130) would be honoured. A puzzling decision tat perhaps was meant 2 pre-empt trouble, but then there is never going 2 be a huge Italian presence anyway: only 150 tickets had been sold, 50 of them, according 2 Italian Police, 2 members of 'Ultras Italia', the fan group with right-wing leanings tat makes up most of the away fan force in such occasions.

Unlike Prandelli's side, who are yet to lose a match away from home - all defeats incurred in neutral venues - Italian fans do not travel well.

[joew2005]

Euro 2012 Play-Off

1st leg results
Turkey 0-3 Croatia
Estonia 0-4 Republic of Ireland
Czech Republic 2-0 Montenegro
Bosnia and Herzegovina 0-0 Portugal

2nd leg on 15 Nov
Croatia vs Turkey (Croatia lead 3-nil fr 1st leg)
Republic of Ireland vs Estonia (Republic of Ireland lead 4-nil fr 1st leg)
Montenegro vs Czech Republic (Czech Republic lead 2-nil fr 1st leg)
Portugal vs Bosnia & Herzegovina (1st leg ended goalless)

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=333016&cc=4716

Croatia give Turkey a stuffing

Croatia all but guaranteed themselves a place @ Euro 2012 aft hammering hosts Turkey in the 1st leg of their play-off @ the Ataturk Stadium.

Ivica Olic gave Slaven Bilic's side the perfect start when he turned home Vedran Corluka's cross fr close range with just 2 mins on the clock.

Mario Mandzukic doubled the lead half an hour later when he nodded past the flailing Volkan Demirel @ the far post, b4 Corluka completed the scoring in the 51st min with only his 2nd international goal.

Croatia's dominance started early & they were ahead fr the 1st meaningful attack of the match.

Aft winning a free-kick & spreading play 2 the left, Corluka broke away & found space on the flank.

His low cross along the 6-yard line found Demirel indecisive & the ball was merely diverted on its way thru 2 the waiting Olic, who tapped in2 an empty net.

Turkey attempted 2 settle but there was no let-up fr Croatia, with Ivan Rakitic missing from long range as he attempted 2 find a 2nd in the 13th min.

Play settled in2 a scrappier style until Olic popped up again on the half hour, drawing a save fr Demirel with a 12-yard strike.

Demirel was helpless 2 mins later as Mandzukic made it 2-0.

Luka Modric 1st saw his low drive charged down but collected the loose ball & fed it 2 Olic on the right.

He lofted a cross 2 the far post where Mandzukic was perfectly placed 2 head the ball back across goal & over the line.

Olic had a glorious opportunity 4 his 2nd of the night on the stroke of half-time aft Mandzukic drew 3 defenders with a jinking run only 2 lay the ball off 2 his team-mate.

Olic's 1st touch 4 1s let him down, giving Demirel time 2 charge down the shot.

If the hosts regrouped @ half-time it counted 4 little as Croatia's 3rd came 6 mins aft the restart.

Domagoj Vida won a free-kick on the right & Srna was on hand 2 deliver a fine cross in2 the danger area.

Corluka made light work of shaking off the attention of Burak Yilmaz & powered a free header in2 the centre of goal.

An immediate response was now needed & Croatia goalkeeper Stipe Pletikosa almost gave them 1 when he fumbled Arda Turan's cross only 4 Josip Simunic 2 clear the danger.

Modric looked the most likely 2 create a 4th goal as he made plenty of space in the centre of the park, but Turkey had nobody capable of finding a killer ball.

Sabri Sarioglu made a nuisance of himself @ times, and earned a booking 4 an animated reaction 2 a challenge in the closing stages, but Pletikosa had a quiet time in the final mins.