Fotbal Internaţional Thread

[beavis]

Rooney talks up England's options in attack

Fabio Capello named 5 strikers in his latest England selection - Emile Heskey, Wayne Rooney, Jermain Defoe, Peter Crouch and Carlton Cole - and Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney believes the variety of options Capello can call upon is essential in a World Cup year.

"There's some great players here, the forwards in the squad give something a bit different", the 23-year-old, who has accumulated 53 international caps, informed a press conference on Thursday. "It's important to have that in order to change a game."

Regarding the omission of Michael Owen - a team-mate of Rooney's at Old Trafford - he claimed that it is up to the Italian tactician if and when he recalls the proven goal scorer back into the national side.

"That's the manager's decision", he said diplomatically. "I've trained with Michael in pre-season, he's looked sharp and looks better each game. He's got his first goal now. It's the manager's decision to pick him."

He continued: "In a tournament you need a full squad so it's important that players take the experience of playing the next year. Michael already has that, he's a great goal scorer."

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Gerrard likely to be England captain in Terry's absence

John Terry remains a big doubt because of his groin problem for Saturday’s friendly with Slovenia at Wembley, with Steven Gerrard poised to be captain.

Terry trained at Arsenal's London Colney complex on Thursday, but Fabio Capello is unlikely to risk him ahead of Wednesday's World Cup qualifier against Croatia, also at Wembley. A win in that could confirm England's place at next summer's finals in South Africa.

England confirmed that their entire squad trained "to some extent", with Bolton defender Gary Cahill joining in after his call-up as cover for Terry.

Terry's usual partner in the centre of England's defence, Rio Ferdinand, has already been ruled out of the games with a thigh problem. Tottenham's Ledley King is also unavailable because of injury. Matthew Upson and Joleon Lescott are likely to face Slovenia if Terry misses out. It will be the first time they have started together.

Wes Brown's prospects of challenging Glen Johnson at right-back looked brighter yesterday; he sat out Wednesday's training because of a small muscle problem.

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Bellamy back in Wales squad for Russia clash

Craig Bellamy has been recalled to the Wales squad for Wednesday's World Cup qualifier against Russia.

The Manchester City striker missed Wales's 2-1 defeat in Montenegro last month in circumstances which caused controversy because of his club's failure to inform the Football Association of Wales (FAW) of his non-availability.

Bellamy, who captains his country, has since reiterated his commitment to the national cause however and manager John Toshack has drawn a line under the incident.

Two other senior players, Jason Koumas and goalkeeper Boaz Myhill, are also back in the fold after missing the Montenegro defeat, while uncapped Doncaster midfielder Brian Stock is included for the first time in almost a year.

Skipper Bellamy, Koumas and Myhill were all out of the squad that lost 2-1 in Montenegro last month.

Wales have little chance of reaching next year's World Cup finals in South Africa but could boost Finland's chances of a play-off spot if they can beat the Russians, who currently occupy second spot in the group, behind leaders Germany.

Wales squad

Goalkeepers: Wayne Hennessey (Wolves), Boaz Myhill (Hull City), Lewis Price (Brentford)

Defenders: James Collins (Aston Villa), Neal Eardley (Blackpool), Danny Gabbidon (West Ham), Chris Gunter (Nottingham Forest), Craig Morgan (Peterborough), Lewin Nyatanga (Bristol City), Sam Ricketts (Bolton), Ashley Williams (Swansea)

Midfielders: Jack Collison (West Ham), David Cotterill (Sheffield United), David Edwards (Wolves), Jason Koumas (Wigan), Joe Ledley (Cardiff), Aaron Ramsey (Arsenal), Brian Stock (Doncaster)

Forwards: Craig Bellamy (Manchester City), Simon Church (Reading), Ched Evans (Sheffield United), Robbie Earnshaw (Nottingham Forest), Sam Vokes (Wolves)

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Robinho: Brazil more important



Robinho claims he was not dropped against Portsmouth but rather asked to be left out ahead of Brazil's international match.

Mark Hughes' decision to leave Robinho on the substitutes' bench for last Sunday's 1-0 win at Fratton Park caused the odd raised eyebrow, with Craig Bellamy preferred down the left flank.

Robinho has been asked to occupy a deeper role this season, with Emmanuel Adebayor and Carlos Tevez playing in front of him.

It has been suggested the 25-year-old Brazilian, often a peripheral figure away from home last season, could be used sparingly when City are not playing at Eastlands.

However, Robinho now claims it was his decision to be left out at Fratton Park so he could instead concentrate on getting fully fit for the upcoming international fixture.

On Saturday the two South American giants go head-to-head in a World Cup qualifier, with Argentina's campaign to date having left them struggling to book a place for South Africa 2010.

"I asked to not play because I had pains in the ankle, especially because Brazil against Argentina is more important," he is quoted as saying in the Daily Express.

"It is always a special match because of the rivalry of the two teams. No one ever wants to lose. Every player likes to play in these matches.

"Of course Carlos (Tevez) has expressed concern because Argentina are in a much more difficult situation than us."

[FanStiintza]

Karim Benzema Starts, Franck Ribery Benched For France



Head coach Raymond Domenech may just have wrong-footed the pundits again with his expected team selection, potentially dropping Ribery to the bench and installing Benzema has his offensive spearhead.

According to a report in daily sportspaper L’Equipe, Karim Benzema could start France’s crucial World Cup qualifying encounter against Romania on Saturday - while Bayern Munich star Franck Ribery could be benched by head coach Raymond Domenech.

The final training session at Clairefontaine, France’s international base, saw Benzema take up station at the head of a 4-2-3-1 formation, despite being rooted to the bench during les Bleus’ unconvincing 1-0 success over the Faroe Islands, a match in which his replacement, Andre-Pierre Gignac, was widely considered to have excelled.

Certainly more worrying for fans of les Bleus is the news regarding Ribery, who has been an influential figure throughout the qualifying campaign. As well as scoring a goal to instigate a comeback from 2-0 down against Romania 12 months ago, Ribery also grabbed two match-winning goals against Lithuania in the spring, keeping France on course for the World Cup.

However, there would appear to be method behind the decision to bench the Bundesliga-based man. Concerns over his fitness still remain, and ahead of an even more vital qualifier on Wednesday away in Serbia, Domenech does not want to risk his talisman unless he absolutely needs to.

Meanwhile, it is stated that several questions remain in the mind of the coach. Apparently, he has yet to decide whether Eric Abidal or Julien Escude will play in central defence alongside William Gallas, whether Alou Diarra or Jeremy Toulalan plays a holding role alongside Lassana Diarra in midfield and who plays in the wide areas.

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GRUPA 1

Denmark 1 - 1 Portugal REZUMAT

Hungary 1 - 2 Sweden REZUMAT


GRUPA 2

Moldova 0 - 0 Luxembourg

Israel 0 - 1 Latvia

Switzerland 2 - 0 Greece


GRUPA 3

Poland 1 - 1 Northern Ireland REZUMAT

Slovakia 2 - 2 Czech Republic REZUMAT


GRUPA 4

Azerbaijan 1 - 2 Finland

Russia 3 - 0 Liechtenstein REZUMAT


GRUPA 5

Armenia 0 - 2 Bosnia REZUMAT

Turkey 4 - 2 Estonia REZUMAT

Spain 5 - 0 Belgium REZUMAT


GRUPA 6

Ukraine 5 - 0 Andorra

Croatia 1 - 0 Belarus


GRUPA 7

Austria 3 - 1 Faroe Islands

France 1 - 1 Romania REZUMAT


GRUPA 8

Bulgaria 4 - 1 Montenegro

Georgia 0 - 2 Italy REZUMAT

Cyprus 1 - 2 Ireland


GRUPA 9

Scotland 2 - 0 Macedonia

Iceland 1 - 1 Norway

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Furious Evra slams critics



Patrice Evra hit out at France's critics and believes they deserved to take victory against Romania.

The 1-1 draw put Les Bleus four points adrift of Serbia at the top of their World Cup qualifying group, with the sides set to meet in a potentially crunch clash on Wednesday night.

Boss Raymond Domenech is likely to feel even more pressure following the result, after his controversial decision to start star forward Franck Ribery on the bench.

Julien Escude, surprisingly preferred to Eric Abidal in defence, scored an own-goal to cancel out Thierry Henry's 48th-minute opener.

Manchester United full-back Evra feels the result was harsh.

"In the game, we were better. We were fluid and moved the ball well," he said.

"People who say we did not play well do not know anything about football.

"The manner we played in should be retained. We did well but tried too many tricks in front of goal.

"We are disappointed because we deserved the victory and we should have scored at least once in the first half."

Henry had plenty of chances to add to his goal but Evra defended the Barcelona striker, insisting he was merely unlucky.

"He was stopped by the crossbar and by the saves of the goalkeeper, even with the end of his fingers."

Evra also backed his team to perform in their must-win against Serbia.

"If we play like that in Serbia, why should we not bring the points back?".

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Stevie-G desperate for revenge



Steven Gerrard is looking to avenge the 3-2 defeat suffered at the hands of Croatia nearly two years ago.

The Liverpool midfielder captained England on that fateful night in November 2007 when defeat at Wembley cost the Three Lions a place at Euro 2008.

The 29-year-old admits the loss was his worst moment in an England shirt and declares that he is yet to get over result.

However, Gerrard is looking to put things right in midweek when England know a positive result against Slaven Bilic's side will see them book their place at next summer's World Cup.

"There is unfinished business for all of us," explained Gerrard.

"It hurt. We still remember the feeling afterwards in the dressing room. We remember the result and will use it to motivate ourselves on Wednesday.

"If you can't get motivated to beat a team to get to the World Cup then you've got a problem.

"Losing to Croatia was definitely my worst moment in an England shirt. It has taken a long time to get over it - I am still not over it now.

"I don't think I will be until we get that qualification under out belts on Wednesday."

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"Draw against France would be enough"

Serbia defender Nemanja Vidic says a draw against beleaguered France in a World Cup qualifier on Wednesday would be as good as a victory.

The Serbs will reach next year's World Cup if they win on Wednesday, while France is clinging to its fading hopes of direct qualification from Group 7 after stumbling to a 1-1 draw against Romania at Stade de France on Saturday.

"We have to keep our heads cool and be aware that a point against France is as good as a win", Vidic said.

Serbia leads the group with 18 points from 7 matches, with France trailing 4 points behind. A French win in Belgrade would leave Raymond Domenech's side one point behind Serbia with 2 games to play.

A draw on Wednesday would mean that Serbia needed to win only one of its 2 remaining group matches - against Romania at home or Lithuania away - and still clinch a direct World Cup spot, no matter what France did against the Feroe Islands and Austria at home.

"We must not rush toward the French goal", Vidic said. "We have to be disciplined and organized because their players are great individuals who can easily solve one-on-one situations."

Serbia captain Dejan Stankovic agreed with Vidic, although he said that "it would be a pity to waste this match point against France."

Stankovic said he spoke to his Inter Milano teammate Christian Chivu, who led Romania's defense on Saturday against France and who gave him some advice.

"Christian said that the French midfield and defense are very strong and that we should keep our defense tight without giving them much space", Stankovic said.

Tevez out of Paraguay qualifier

Argentina striker Carlos Tevez will miss Wednesday's World Cup qualifier against Paraguay in Asuncion due to a knee injury.

The Manchester City player suffered a twisted right knee during Argentina's 3-1 home defeat by Brazil in Rosario on Saturday, the Argentine Football Association said on its website.

Argentina need a win to avoid possibly slipping out of the top 4 places in the South America group which offer automatic berths at the 2010 finals in South Africa.

The fifth-placed side will go into a two-leg play-off with a CONCACAF team.

[FanStiintza]

se duce cineva la meci deseara ?

Romania-Moldova

[deangel9]

se duce cineva la meci deseara ?

un coleg de al meu

[TwB-Edmond]

5 lei am vazut ca e intrarea Nu o sa vina asa multa lume din cauza vremii asteia nenorocite!

[yrinell]

eu ma duc

[FanStiintza]

un coleg de al meu

eu ma duc

si eu

5 lei am vazut ca e intrarea Nu o sa vina asa multa lume din cauza vremii asteia nenorocite!

si daca era vremea buna, nu venea lume

[yrinell]

pt elevi si pensionari e gratis..doar la peluza...cu carnetu de elev..sau cupon de pensie

[FanStiintza]

pt elevi si pensionari e gratis..doar la peluza...cu carnetu de elev..sau cupon de pensie

n-am carnet

[deangel9]

pirlo

[deangel9]

Del Bosque extends Spain stay

Del Bosque took charge after Euro 2008 when Luis Aragones guided them to the title.

Del Bosque has continued the good work of his predecessor, with Spain defeated just once during his tenure - the shock semi-final reverse to USA in the Confederations Cup.

Spain's latest victory came on Wednesday evening when they dispatched Estonia 3-0 to seal their place in South Africa.

The Spanish Football Federation have now been quick to confirm an agreement is in place for Del Bosque to continue as coach until 2012.

Speaking after gaining qualification, Del Bosque said: "We have fulfilled our first objective, to be present in South Africa.

"Now it is necessary to work hard and be in the best condition for the competition."

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Petric out of Croatia squad for Kazakh qualifier

Croatia have suffered another hammerblow ahead of their must-win World Cup qualifier against Kazakhstan on 14 October with news that Mladen Petric has joined fellow strike partner Eduardo out injured.

Croatia need a win in their final match in Group 6 to boost their chances of bagging a play-off place ahead of Ukraine, England having already secured qualification.

Ukraine trail the Croatians by 2 points yet have 2 games remaining, against England and Andorra.

Petric picked up an injury for his Hamburg club during a Bundesliga game against Hertha Berlin on the weekend.

The Croatian football federation said that the striker could be benched for up to 8 weeks because of the injury.

Brazilian-born sharpshooter Eduardo will likely miss the Kazakhstan game after aggravating a thigh problem in Arsenal's Champions League win over Olympiakos, federation spokesman Davor Gavran said Friday.

The Croatians will in any case be without Spurs midfielder Luka Modric, goalkeeper Stipe Pletikosa and potentially defender Josip Simunic.

France lose Ribery to knee trouble

Franck Ribery has been ruled out of France's World Cup qualifying matches against Austria and the Feroe Islands due to tendinitis in his left knee, the country's coaching set-up announced on Monday.

The Bayern Munich winger was ruled out of both matches after being seen by a specialist. No replacement has yet been named.

Ribery played from the start for Bayern against FC Koln in Bundesliga on Saturday but failed to shine in a drab 0-0 draw.

It was his second consecutive league start for the Bavarian giants after an injury-disrupted start to the season but he felt pain in his knee following's the club's goalless draw at home to Juventus in the Champions League last Wednesday.

Having been strongly linked with a move to Real Madrid in the summer, Ribery has cut an increasingly frustrated figure over the opening weeks of the 2009-2010 campaign.

His club manager, Louis van Gaal, repeatedly refused to name him in Bayern's starting XI due to his injury problems and he has also been unable to dislodge Barca's Thierry Henry from the left flank in the French first team.

France host the Feroe Islands in Guingamp on Saturday before welcoming Austria to Stade de France in Paris the following Wednesday.

They will also be without Girondins Bordeaux playmaker Yoann Gourcuff, who has been ruled out for up to 10 days with a hamstring injury.

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Ireland trio ruled out of Italy clash

Ireland will have to do without star winger Damien Duff for their crucial World Cup qualifier against Italy, head coach Giovanni Trapattoni conceded on Tuesday.

Duff, who has been in fine form for his club Fulham but missed Sunday's match at West Ham, is sidelined by a calf injury.

Manchester United youngster Darron Gibson, who has a groin injury and Blackburn midfielder Steven Reid (Achilles) were also ruled out of Saturday's match at Croke Park, for which Wigan striker Caleb Folan had already been declared unavailable due to a hamstring injury.

Unbeaten Ireland take on the Group 8 leaders knowing a victory would move them to within one point of top spot with one round of matches remaining.

Ireland entertain Montenegro next Wednesday while Italy, who will secure their place in next year's finals if they avoid defeat in Dublin, have a final match against Cyprus in Parma.