blogger visitor
SPORTS

Friday, June 1, 2012

Montag steigt er wieder ins Training ein Neue EM-Hoffnung für Schweinsteiger (BILD)

Montag steigt er wieder ins Training ein Neue EM-Hoffnung für Schweinsteiger

Löw: „Er war jetzt das erste Mal wieder schmerzfrei”

    Vergrößern

  • EM-Kader komplett Bayern-Stars steigen ins Training ein

    Bankdrücker beim letzten EM-Test gegen Israel: Bastian Schweinsteiger (mit Kaputze) verfolgt das Spiel seiner Kollegen in Leipzig
    Foto: dpa
    1 von 21

  • EM-Kader komplett Bayern-Stars steigen ins Training ein

    Nachdenklich auf der Bank: Bastian Schweinsteiger musste wegen seiner Waden-Verletzung geschont werden
    Foto: AFP
    2 von 21
  • Schweinsteiger schuftet für sein Comeback

    EM-Kader komplett Bayern-Stars steigen ins Training ein

    Schweini verfolgte das Spiel an der Seite von Fitness-Trainer Kugel
    Foto: Dennis Brosda
    3 von 21

  • EM-Kader komplett Bayern-Stars steigen ins Training ein

    Beifall für die Fans: Schweini vor dem dem letzten EM-Test gegen Israel
    Foto: Imago
    4 von 21

  • EM-Kader komplett Bayern-Stars steigen ins Training ein

    Vor dem Spiel stand Schweini zusammen mit Oliver Bierhoff im Spielertunnel in der Arena in Leipzig
    Foto: Revierfoto
    5 von 21
  • Rätsel um Bastian Schweinsteiger: Wird er noch richtig fit für die EM

    EM-Kader komplett Bayern-Stars steigen ins Training ein

    Die Verletzung von Bastian Schweinsteiger gibt Rätsel auf: Wird er rechtzeitig zum EM-Start fit?
    Foto: Reuters
    6 von 21
  • DFB-Arzt Dr. Müller-Wohlfahrt im Gespräch mit Schweinsteiger. Kriegt er unseren Mittelfeld-Chef wieder fit?

    EM-Kader komplett Bayern-Stars steigen ins Training ein

    DFB-Arzt Dr. Müller-Wohlfahrt im Gespräch mit Schweinsteiger. Kriegt er unseren Mittelfeld-Chef wieder fit?
    Foto: AFP
    7 von 21
  • Schweinsteiger: EM-Start in Gefahr

    EM-Kader komplett Bayern-Stars steigen ins Training ein

    Bastian Schweinsteiger gestern an einem Spezialgerät für Kraftübungen mit Fitnesstrainer Darcy Norman (verdeckt). Oliver Bierhoff (l.) beugt sich vor, spricht mit dem Bayern-Star
    Foto: Dennis Brosda
    8 von 21

  • EM-Kader komplett Bayern-Stars steigen ins Training ein

    Bayern-Star Bastian Schweinsteiger (r.) arbeitete beim Nachmittagstraining gesondert mit dem Fitness-Coach Darcy Norman
    Foto: Getty Images
    9 von 21

  • EM-Kader komplett Bayern-Stars steigen ins Training ein

    Gemeinsam trainierten die beiden auf dem Fahrrad-Ergometer
    Foto: Getty Images
    10 von 21

  • EM-Kader komplett Bayern-Stars steigen ins Training ein

    Aufwärmen für das Nachmittagstraining. Im Vordergrund macht auch erstmals Kapitän Philipp Lahm mit
    Foto: Getty Images
    11 von 21

  • EM-Kader komplett Bayern-Stars steigen ins Training ein

    Lahm reiste mit seinen Bayern-Kollegen erst am Samstag zur Nationalmannschaft nach Südfrankreich
    Foto: Getty Images
    12 von 21

  • EM-Kader komplett Bayern-Stars steigen ins Training ein

    Mit einer leichten Trainingseinheit in Tourrettes ging Lahm das Unternehmen Titelgewinn an
    Foto: Getty Images
    13 von 21

  • EM-Kader komplett Bayern-Stars steigen ins Training ein

    Auch erstmals dabei: Bayern-Star Thomas Müller
    Foto: Getty Images
    14 von 21

  • EM-Kader komplett Bayern-Stars steigen ins Training ein

    Thomas Müller (l.) zusammen mit seinem Teamkollegen Toni Kroos
    Foto: Getty Images
    15 von 21

  • EM-Kader komplett Bayern-Stars steigen ins Training ein

    Müller schaut sich die Trainingsarbeit seiner Kollegen an
    Foto: Getty Images
    16 von 21

  • EM-Kader komplett Bayern-Stars steigen ins Training ein

    Jogi Löw zusammen mit Bayern-Stürmer Mario Gomez
    Foto: Getty Images
    17 von 21

  • EM-Kader komplett Bayern-Stars steigen ins Training ein

    Gomez hatte sichtlich gute Laune beim ersten Training in Südfrankreich
    Foto: Getty Images
    18 von 21

  • EM-Kader komplett Bayern-Stars steigen ins Training ein

    Von Final-Frust gegen Chelsea war bei Gomez nichts zu spüren
    Foto: Getty Images
    19 von 21

  • EM-Kader komplett Bayern-Stars steigen ins Training ein

    Manuel Neuer beim Torwart-Training in Tourrettes
    Foto: Getty Images
    20 von 21

  • EM-Kader komplett Bayern-Stars steigen ins Training ein

    Auch der Nationaltorwart zeigte sich gut gelaunt auf dem Trainingsplatz
    Foto: Getty Images
    21 von 21
01.06.2012 — 10:54 Uhr
Beim 2:0 im EM-Test gegen Israel musste sich Bastian Schweinsteiger (27) mit der ungeliebten Zuschauerrolle begnügen. Noch immer muss der Bayern-Star wegen eines Blutergusses in der linken Wade geschont werden.
Aber jetzt gibt es Hoffnung, dass Schweini doch noch rechtzeitig zum deutschen EM-Start (9.Juni gegen Portugal) fit wird!

DFB-Team aktuell

Jogi, dieser Sieg macht uns Sorgen!

2:0 gegen Israel Jogi, dieser Sieg macht uns Sorgen!

BILD-Einzelkritik Schürrle schießt sich zu Note 2

„Titel ist Pflicht“ Berti setzt Löw unter Druck

Nach der Ankunft der deutschen Nationalmannschaft im EM-Quartier in Danzig soll Schweinsteiger am kommenden Montag endlich ins Teamtraining einsteigen.
Bundestrainer Joachim Löw (52) nach dem Länderspiel gegen Israel: „Schweinsteiger war jetzt das erste Mal wieder schmerzfrei.”
Fußball-Deutschland atmet vorsichtig auf: Der Bayern-Star könnte doch noch rechtzeitig wieder fit werden!
Zuletzt konnte der Bayern-Star im Trainingslager in Südfrankreich nur auf dem Ergometer trainieren oder Kraftübungen für den Oberkörper machen. An ein Training mit dem Ball war nicht zu denken...
Jetzt aber habe Schweini von den Ärzten grünes Licht erhalten, um nun richtig ins Training einzusteigen, erklärte Teammanager Oliver Bierhoff (44).
Am Freitag reist Schweinsteiger wie alle anderen Spieler drei Tage nach Hause, wo er individuell im läuferischen Bereich arbeiten soll. Löw: „Dann kann er vielleicht Montag oder Dienstag wieder mit der Mannschaft trainieren.“
Allerdings erklärte Löw weiter, dass eine Entscheidung über einen Einsatz von Schweinsteiger im ersten EM-Spiel der deutschen Mannschaft erst kurz vor dem Spiel fallen werde.
Löw: „Da müssen alle Spieler, die auflaufen wollen, schmerzfrei und in einer guten Verfassung sein.“

Mehr zum Thema

Vergrößern
Der Torero hat wieder gestochen: Mario Gomez machte gegen Israel sein 22. Tor im Nationaltrikot

Deutschland - Israel 2:0 Generalprobe abgehakt

Der Torero hat wieder gestochen: Mario Gomez machte gegen Israel sein 22. Tor im Nationaltrikot
Posted by at 0 comments

Computerspiel-Prognose Deutschland wird Europameister (BILD)


2:1-Sieg im Finale gegen die Niederlande • Spanien im Halbfinale raus

    Vergrößern
  • Fifa Euro 2012

    Sportspiel „Fifa Euro 2012“

    Virtueller Europameister: Schweinsteiger, Lahm und Hummels jubeln in „Fifa Euro 2012“.
    Foto: EA Sports
    1 von 10
  • Fifa Euro 2012

    Sportspiel „Fifa Euro 2012“

    Riesenjubel nach dem Titel. Den Pokal gibt Lahm nicht mehr her
    Foto: EA Sports
    2 von 10
  • Fifa Euro 2012

    Sportspiel „Fifa Euro 2012“

    Der Kapitän der Nationalmannschaft grätscht im Spiel alles weg
    Foto: EA Sports
    3 von 10
  • Fifa Euro 2012

    Sportspiel „Fifa Euro 2012“

    Die Niederlande gehen zunächst durch Van Persie in Führung, doch Özil und Gomez schlagen zurück
    Foto: EA Sports
    4 von 10
  • Fifa Euro 2012

    Sportspiel „Fifa Euro 2012“

    Mit mehr als 50 Nationalmannschaften lässt sich in der Spiel-Erweiterung auch die Qualifikation zur Endrunde nachspielen
    Foto: EA Sports
    5 von 10
  • Fifa Euro 2012

    Sportspiel „Fifa Euro 2012“

    Die deutsche Nationalmannschaft kämpft um jeden Ball. In der „Fifa Euro 2012“-Erweiterung zum Fußball-Spiel „Fifa 12“ greifen Jogis Jungs schon ab dem 24. April nach dem EM-Titel
    Foto: EA Sports
    6 von 10
  • Fifa Euro 2012

    Sportspiel „Fifa Euro 2012“

    Auch Details wie die neuen Auswärts-Trikots der DFB-Elf sind im Spiel zu sehen
    Foto: EA Sports
    7 von 10
  • Fifa Euro 2012

    Sportspiel „Fifa Euro 2012“

    Auch die acht EM-Stadien wurden für „Fifa Euro 2012“ umgesetzt
    Foto: EA Sports
    8 von 10
  • Fifa Euro 2012

    Sportspiel „Fifa Euro 2012“

    Schlüsselmomente des Turniers gibt es während der EM als spezielle Herausforderung
    Foto: EA Sports
    9 von 10
  • Fifa Euro 2012

    Sportspiel „Fifa Euro 2012“

    Erstmals erscheint ein „Fifa“‑Spiel zu einem großen Turnier ausschließlich als Zusatz-Download
    Foto: EA Sports
    10 von 10
01.06.2012 — 12:21 Uhr
Ach, wäre das schön: Deutschland wird Europameister! Das hat EA Sports errechnet, der Hersteller des Videospiels „Fifa Euro 2012“.
Die Spiele-Profis haben die komplette EM bereits im Computerspiel simuliert. Das Ergebnis: Jogis Jungs erweisen sich mal wieder als Turniermannschaft und schlagen die Niederlande im Finale mit 2:1!
Schon in der Gruppenphase gibt sich die deutsche Nationalelf keine Blöße, so die Simulation. Für Portugal, Dänemark und die Niederlande gibt es nichts zu holen. Mit blütenreiner Weste geht es weiter.
Im Viertelfinale wird Gastgeber Polen mit 3:1 vom Platz gefegt, ergab das „Fifa Euro 2012“-Turnier. Im Halbfinale nimmt Deutschland Revanche für die Niederlage gegen Italien bei der WM 2006. Klose schießt uns beim 1:0-Erfolg in der Verlängerung ins Finale.
Den Final-Klassiker gegen die Niederlande gewinnt die Nationalmannschaft – ganz traditionell mit 2:1. Die Torschützen heißen Gomez und Özil, zumindest im Videospiel.
Herrlich: England fliegt in der Simulation im Elfmeterschießen gegen Spanien raus!
Der Weltmeister erreicht das Halbfinale, wird dort aber von Robben & Co. mit 3:1 nach Hause geschickt.
ODER IST DAS ALLES QUATSCH?
Bei der Bundesliga-Partie zwischen Bayern München und Dortmund lag die „Fifa“-Prognose zwar daneben. Aber oft gibt es auch verblüffende Treffer. Das 2:1 von Chelsea gegen Liverpool im FA Cup sagte EA Sports torgenau voraus. Auch die Bilanz der Football-Simulation „Madden“ kann sich sehen lassen: Bei sieben der letzten neun Super Bowl Champions behielt die Simulation am Ende Recht.
Weitere spannende Spiele-News finden Sie hier.
Posted by at 0 comments

Ribery, Malouda spur French stroll (FIFA)


(PA) Thursday 31 May 2012
Print
A potentially serious injury to key midfielder Yann M'Vila took the shine off an otherwise encouraging 2-0 friendly victory for France over Serbia.
Rennes midfielder M'Vila took a kick to the ankle from Dusan Tadic in the opening exchanges and although he tried to carry on he left the pitch in obvious distress with just four minutes on the clock.
His team-mates went on to win with ease, scoring early goals through Franck Ribery and Florent Malouda while creating several other chances, but it will be the diagnosis for his central linchpin that will most concern Laurent Blanc tonight, with less than two weeks until the start of their UEFA EURO 2012 campaign.
"We're looking for perfection, but that doesn't exist," Blanc told TF1. "We had quite a few moves which resulted in chances where we scored in the first half. We were in better physical shape, but we're not yet ready. Overall I'm satisfied enough of this performance."
Midfielder Alou Diarra added: "We tried to impose our rhythm on the game, and it's that that made the difference. With the attacking talent that we've got we managed to score very early and that helped our cause. There were positive things, lots of good movements."
M'Vila would later return to the bench without crutches, but a scan is still expected on the ankle with a clear concern as to his fitness. France were still rocking from the loss of M'Vila when Ribery lifted the mood at the Stade Auguste-Delaune in Reims, rifling in a loose ball in the tenth minute after Zeljko Brkic spilled Gael Clichy's cross.
We were in better physical shape, but we're not yet ready. Overall I'm satisfied enough of this performance. 
Laurent Blanc, France coach

Moments later, Malouda's first-time pass had Karim Benzema through one-on-one with Brkic and the goalkeeper did well to palm it away for a corner. Malouda then doubled the lead in the 16th minute with a stunning strike, taking advantage of sloppy play from Serbia on the edge of their area to power home a swerving shot that was never going to be stopped.
France were buzzing, and Ribery and Benzema linked up well on the right, with Ribery almost feeding the Real Madrid man for an easy finish only to see him lose his footing at the vital moment. Yohan Cabaye's deflected shot then went narrowly wide, while Benzema's flick from Ribery's cross was blocked by a despairing hand from Brkic.
Serbia's first chance of the match came in the 43rd minute when Bosko Jankovic screwed a free-kick wide, but it was a taste of things to come as the visitors looked much improved in the second half as the substitutions began.
Branislav Ivanovic flashed a shot narrowly wide soon after the break, but there was a scare for Serbia moments later when Brkic fluffed a back-pass and was lucky to see the ball roll wide of the net. Just after the hour mark, Tadic gave Hugo Lloris his first test with a shot on the turn, but the French goalkeeper held it comfortably.
The game petered out as the substitutions mounted, and it will now be the results of M'Vila's expected scan that concern Blanc as much as the outcome here.
Posted by at 0 comments

Germany bounce back against Israel (FIFA)


(AFP) Thursday 31 May 2012
Print
Germany laboured to a 2-0 friendly win over Israel on Thursday to pick up their first victory in three games and boost flagging confidence ahead of their UEFA EURO 2012 campaign.
Having suffered a shock 5-3 defeat by Switzerland in Basel last Saturday, the Germans managed to avoid their third straight defeat of the year, having also lost to France in February, in their final EURO 2012 warm-up match.
A first-half goal from Bayern Munich striker Mario Gomez put the hosts ahead before Bayer Leverkusen's Andre Schuerrle came off the bench to double the lead eight minutes from time with a superb long-range strike.
But there was little else to cheer German fans on a damp night in Leipzig and captain Philipp Lahm succinctly summed up his team's performance: "we have a sensational squad, we only need to show it."
Germany coach Joachim Low was happy with the victory, even if his team failed to impress in front of goal. "That was a decent final test for us, it will give us some momentum," he said. "Not everything ran smoothly, we could have done with more goals, but the victory is good for us. The organisation was better than against Switzerland, but there is still work to do."
Having fielded an experimental team in Basel, coach Joachim Loew opted for a side which is more likely to start the opening EURO 2012 game against Portugal on 9 June in Lviv, Ukraine.
We have a sensational squad, we only need to show it. 
Philipp Lahm, Germany defender
Vice-captain Bastian Schweinsteiger, missing his sixth straight international and nursing a calf strain from the UEFA Champions League final, was the only noticeable absentee as seven Bayern Munich stars started for Germany.
"Bastian has been pain-free since Wednesday," Low told German television. "Now he has to start to run and he will train with the team again by Tuesday at the latest."
Schweinsteiger's club team-mate Toni Kroos slotted into the midfield defensive role alongside Real Madrid's Sami Khedira as the hosts spent the opening 20 minutes camped in the Israel half. Gomez tested Israel goalkeeper Ariel Harush early on and defender Jerome Boateng hit the left post with a well-timed shot.
The heavy rain affected the game's tempo and it took a clever pass fromKhedira which eventually landed at Gomez's feet for the Bayern star to fire home and break the deadlock on 40 minutes.
After the half-time break, Israel coach Eli Gutmann made three changes, including bringing off captain Yossi Benayoun of Chelsea. It was replacement Gil Vermouth who first tested German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer with a well-timed drive on 54 minutes which the Bayern star had to tip over the crossbar.
It proved to be the wake-up call the Germans needed as Arsenal-bound Lukas Podolski found plenty of space down the left flank and looked increasingly dangerous, before making way for Schuerrle on 66 minutes.
With a quarter of an hour to go, Bayern's Thomas Mueller wasted a golden chance to make it 2-0 when he fired wide with scarce pressure from the tiring guests' defence. Schuerrle made sure of Germany's win when he unleashed a fierce drive which gave the Israeli goalkeeper little chance on 82 minutes.
But with the Portuguese, FIFA World Cup™ finalists the Netherlands and Denmark awaiting them in Group B at EURO 2012, Germany can expect much tougher challenges in Ukraine and Poland.
Posted by at 0 comments

MEXICO: Hernandez grabs late winner (FIFA)


(AFP) Friday 1 June 2012
Print
Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez scored in the third minute of stoppage time to give Mexico a 2-1 victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina on Thursday in an international friendly.
With seconds remaining, Hernandez pounced for the winner after the Bosnian defenders failed to clear the ball.
The Mexicans opened the scoring before 51,240 spectators at Soldier Field in the seventh minute with a goal by Giovani Dos Santos but Edin Dzeko equalized for the European side in the 29th minute.
The Mexicans next face Brazil on Sunday at Arlington, Texas, before opening their 2014 FIFA World Cup™ qualifying campaign against Guyana in Mexico City on 8 June. They visit El Salvador for another qualifier four days later.
Posted by at 0 comments

Guly: English fans are amazing (FIFA)


(FIFA.com) Friday 1 June 2012
Print
When he left his native Brazil for Italy in 2002, aged only 21, Guilherme do Prado had only the experience he had acquired in the youth ranks at Portuguesa Santista to back him up. That said, he had come into brief contact there with Muricy Ramalho, one of the country’s finest coaches, and had, like all Brazilian players, a very specific objective in mind: to make it in Europe.
In the ten years that have elapsed since then, the attacking midfielder has managed to make his dream a reality, though not in calcio but in England’s second tier, having this season helped south coast outfit Southampton win promotion back to the Premier League. For the man known to his adoring Saints fans as “Guly”, the chance to play in one of the world’s top competitions is rich reward for his determination to overcome a serious injury that almost forced him to quit.
While his compatriots have traditionally found Italian football more to their liking, Guly has encountered the success in England that eluded him on his arrival in Serie B with Catania. After a season with the Sicilians, the imposing Brazilian joined Perugia, who were then in the top flight but were promptly relegated, with Guly moving in 2005 to Fiorentina. It was there that he endured the lowest point of his career, when a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament nearly caused him to hang up his boots for good.
“I was out of action for two years,” recalled the player, in conversation with FIFA.com. “I felt so low and I considered packing it all in. I was heading in that direction when my wife told me she was pregnant. I was 24 and it was a sign that there were brighter days ahead for me. I had two operations and recovered full fitness. I managed to turn things around.”
On the right track
A father to Alicia and Gabriel, aged five and four respectively, the Brazilian duly returned to action, making an impression with Cesena in 2009 by scoring nine goals in their successful bid for promotion to Serie A. Yet, despite finally finding his feet in Italy, he was sent out on loan to Southampton. With a family to look after, Guly was intent on learning the lessons of the previous eight years and making a go of things in England.
“When I arrived in Italy I couldn’t speak the language, which was a very big barrier for me and made it very hard for me to build up relationships with people,” he explained. “You can easily end up being excluded if you don’t make the effort to talk or you need a translator, but if you do manage to pick a little up then you can start getting on with people, which made things easier on the pitch too.”
Guly has adapted to life in Southampton without a hitch, even if he has yet to develop a taste for fish and chips: “We live a Brazilian life at home and eat Brazilian and Italian food. I do try to follow English customs, though. The city, which is famous for its port, is a very comfortable place to live in and it’s great if you’ve got a family. The kids love it and I get treated really well here.”
The stadiums are always full in England. It doesn’t matter whether it’s the first, second or third division: you’ll never see an empty ground.
Guly do Prado, Southampton's No10.
A crowd favourite at Southampton, Guly has earned the adulation of the St Mary’s faithful thanks to his total dedication. The scorer of 11 goals last season, the No10 is continually praised for his selfless play and commitment to the cause, happily fulfilling whatever role coach Nigel Adkins gives him. It was attributes such as those that persuaded the club to hand him a permanent contract on January 2011.
Impressed by the loyalty of the Saints supporters, who have stuck by the side through thick and thin, the Brazilian has been only too happy to stay: “The stadiums are always full in England. It doesn’t matter whether it’s the first, second or third division: you’ll never see an empty ground.
“And if the team gets relegated, the fans come back to support you the following season, which is great to see. It gives you even more motivation to play well. They’re there home and away, and when we got promoted to the first division (Premier League) the celebrations were amazing. We’ll never forget them.”
Staying put
Though his value on the transfer market has increased and several European clubs have made inquiries, Guly is staying put, determined to repay the devotion of the Southampton fans and push the club to even greater heights when they make their return to the top tier next season.
“Southampton are a big side and there’s not much to choose between teams here,” he said. “We’re on the same level as a lot of sides in the Premier League. We’re going up to win things, not just to try and avoid relegation. We’re aiming for the top.”
Immediate goals aside, the exile harbours hopes of returning home one day: “There’s not a Brazilian player who doesn’t dream of playing for Sao Paulo, Corinthians or Flamengo. You never know what life’s got in store for you, though.”
Having racked up plenty of mileage, experience is one thing Guly will not be lacking if he does eventually make that journey home. 
Posted by at 0 comments

Bishaw: Belief is essential against Bafana (FIFA)


(African Football Media) Friday 1 June 2012
Bishaw: Belief is essential against Bafana
© AFP
One of Africa’s earliest champions, Ethiopia have been far from recreating that kind of achievement for many decades. But there is a wind of optimism on the country’s football pitches after the Walya Antelopes blitzed past neighbours Somalia 5-0 in the opening round of 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ qualifying. Victory in that tie saw the 1962 continental kings qualify for the group stage, which begins on Sunday with a daunting trip to South Africa.
The second-most populous country on the continent, Ethiopia are sleeping giants in the world of sport, but Bafana Bafana are recognised powers in need of a win, so few are holding out much hope for the east Africans. However, there are few who know the Ethiopian set-up as well as veteran coach Sewnet Bishaw, who is back in charge of the team after guiding them for a few years in the 2000s. Bishaw was happy to overcome the Somalia hurdle despite rumbles after a scoreless first leg.  “I really appreciated our effort. Our formula was right, we qualified, and that's the most important thing," he said.
We never have a different formula, whether the opponent is Brazil or Somalia, home or away, our main goal is to create a competent team.
Ethiopia coach Sewnet Bishaw
Bishaw knows that Group A will be a non-stop challenge for his team even after this weekend. The following Sunday they host a much-improved Central African Republic and next spring is a test against CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2012 qualifiers Botswana. On 15 June, they also have the second leg of their first round qualifying tie for the 2013 AFCON finals against Benin. The first leg ended up scoreless in Addis Ababa, which leaves the visitors well-placed to sneak an away goal against the highly regarded Squirrels.
This week Bishaw insisted that Ethiopia were not overly concerned about this weekend's challenge in Rustenburg, no matter how over-matched they might seem. “We never have a different formula, whether the opponent is Brazil or Somalia, home or away, our main goal is to create a competent team,” he explained. “In international football, Ethiopia has been called an underdog for several years. This has made the players gloomy and always puts their mental readiness in jeopardy. We have been working hard to take measures to help them believe they can get something out of this game. Fortunately, the players have responded impressively.”

Proving Pienaar right
Bishaw says that Ethiopians are familiar with Bafana Bafana’s players because of the last FIFA World Cup and they watch the South African Premier League matches on television. But he’s careful to point out that the Group A challenge will be a fresh challenge on the day. “We are focused on how [South Africa] will play on the pitch on Sunday rather than them in the past. Tactically, we need to be flexible and pragmatic in our approach by observing the behaviour of our opponents on the pitch.”
The coach knows there is a mountain to climb, but he is determined to keep his side positive and believing in the possibility of an upset. “We know Bafana Bafana started their preparations with a full contingent of lots of players in a camp long before us, and we know they called up their European-based players for this fixture. But we can’t forget that it will be 11 against 11 on the pitch.”
Despite organisational challenges, Bishaw says that his team have been working hard in preparations this week. “Attitude!” he said when asked about the most important factor in the looming match. “That, surely, can make a difference. Self-belief is an essential factor here, and I have noticed significant progress in our mental ability to confront any team away from home. I read that Bafana Bafana captain Steven Pienaar said recently that ‘Ethiopians are not amateurs’ and I couldn't agree more!”
Posted by at 0 comments

Goals galore on opening day (FIFA)


(FIFA.com) Friday 1 June 2012
Goals galore on opening day
© FIFA.com
Tahiti and New Caledonia ended the opening day of the 2012 OFC Nations Cup as the big winners, with the scoreboard attendant forced to work overtime as the goals rained down. Spectators that braved the heat at the Lawson Tama Stadium in Honiara witnessed 18 goals across just two matches as Tahiti swamped Samoa 10-1, while New Caledonia survived a Vanuatu comeback for a 5-2 victory. The wins leaving the two victors having already made a giant stride towards qualifying for Oceana’s third and final stage of 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ qualifying, with the four semi-finalists to progress

After a five-year wait to resume their FIFA World Cup journey, Tahiti wasted little time in finding their goalscoring form. Lorenzo Tehau had the honour of scoring the tournament’s first goal and his strike after eight minutes was a sign of things to come for the Tahitians, with the striker finishing the match with four. Eddy Etaeta’s charges never looked like being headed and held a 4-0 advantage by half-time. Silas Malo bagged a consolation for the Round One victors midway through the second half, however a hat-trick of goals in the final ten minutes for Tehau left the Tahitians well placed after the opening day.

In the late match New Caledonia survived a second-half comeback from Vanuatu to end up with a handsome win and ensure a positive day’s work for Group A’s francophone duo. Striker Bertrand Kai scored a treble for New Caledonia who appeared well on their way to victory thanks to his opener just past the half-hour mark. Vanuatu’s youthful line-up turned in a spirited display to twice draw level, however, parity lasted barely five minutes before New Caledonia put the result beyond doubt with further goals.

Results
Samoa 1-10 Tahiti
Vanuatu 2-5 New Caledonia

Consequences
While both victors have already made strong claims for a semi-final berth, it is the latter result which could prove pivotal with both Vanuatu and New Caledonia having reached the final four in South Africa 2010 qualifying.

Next up
Continental champions New Zealand will have the opportunity to show their wares on Saturday when they face Fiji in a key match-up, while hosts Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea will have little scope for error in the late contest.
Posted by at 0 comments

ASIA: Familiar foes, new targets (FIFA)


(FIFA.com) Friday 1 June 2012
Familiar foes, new targets
© AFP
Old rivals meet again as Asia's final qualifying round for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ kicks off on Sunday. Some familiar rivals take centre stage on matchday 1, with Jordan resuming their battle with Iraq, while Lebanon cross paths with Qatar in an all-west Asian meeting.

Having met six times in the continental qualifying stage, Japan and Oman have once again been thrown together and are battling for the section's two automatic spots. Iran and Uzbekistan, of course, are by no means strangers having played each other on more than one occasion. Join FIFA.com as we preview these enticing match-ups.

Asian final qualifying round, matchday 1 fixtures:
3 June
Group A: Uzbekistan-Iran, Lebanon-Qatar
Group B: Jordan-Iraq, Japan-Oman

The match
Jordan-Iraq
A pair of west Asia's most familiar rivals, Group B's Jordan and Iraq square off in Amman for their ninth FIFA World Cup qualifying encounter and 35th meeting overall. A traditional continental powerhouse, Iraq proved dominant in their early exchanges, remaining undefeated with an incredible 14 wins from 16 matches. Their invincible aura would last until 1999, when the Jordanians brought a close to the Iraq monopoly with a 2-1 friendly win at home. From then on, the emerging Hashemite Kingdom have gradually grown into a genuine competitor, edging their opponents with seven wins to six in recent years, including a 2-0 opening triumph in the previous stage, a result which helped them advance to this round for the first time.

Jordan coach Adnan Hamad has called up all his major overseas-based players for the pre-match training camp. The notable fresh inclusion is Romanian-based marksman Thaer Bawab, although midfielder Hassan Fattah is ruled out due to injury. Furthermore, the hosts enter the game with 2-1 defeat of Lebanon and a 4-0 demolition of Sierra Leone, results which add to the former Iraq coach's confidence against his native country. Reaching Asia's qualifying final round for the first time since 2002, Zico's Iraq have fixed their sights on a return to the global showpiece. While a 3-1 defeat from the last meeting helped the side finish group winners, the 2007 Asian champions travel to Jordan in good form having edged Sierra Leone 1-0 before drawing against Botswana 1-1 in the build-up.

The other attractions
Despite an immense geographical distance, Japan and Oman have developed a certain rivalry having played each other eight times over the past decade, including six FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Coach Alberto Zaccheroni's hosts welcome the west Asians with a clear mental edge thanks to a record of five wins and three draws, although Paul Le Guen's visitors are desperate to end the Japanese jinx with a maiden victory. Fielding an almost entirely European-based line-up, Japan defeated Azerbaijan 2-0 with Shinji Kagawa and Shinji Okazaki on target as they won the recent Kirin Cup. Oman, despite the absence of Hassan Mudhafar and Hassan Rabia, played out a 1-1 draw with Lebanon in a friendly and are hoping to relive their amazing form which saw them progress at the expense of Saudi Arabia.

Much focus will be on Uzbekistan and Iran as the two group winners from the last round meet in Tashkent for a keenly-anticipated showdown. Boasting two wins and a draw from three previous meetings, Carlos Queiroz's visitors enter the re-match seeking to prolong their dominant record. Team Melli thrashed Mozambique 3-0 in a warm-up, but the recent 1-0 loss to Albania gave the Portuguese cause for concern. Uzbekistan, meanwhile, can take heart from their solitary-goal victory over Japan which saw them finish the last round as group winners. However, there are suspension woes for coach Vadim Abramov, with as many as five players absent, including captain and two-time AFC Player of the Year winner Server Djeparov.

Elsewhere, Qatar arrive in Beirut with a historical advantage thanks to three past wins. However, the unfazed hosts Lebanon seem confident of ending that streak as they seek to continue their fairytale run, having stormed into Asia's final qualifying round for the first time. While the Cedars are never lacking in spirit, it is their injury list that will cause coach Theo Bucker concern, with captain Roda Antar and striker Mahmoud El Ali both unfit to play. The German tactician has called up Mohamed Ghaddar and Zakaria Charara, both of whom are making waves in the Malaysian Super League. The Qataris, under newly-appointed Brazilian Paulo Autuori, begin their campaign in lacklustre form having lost 2-1 to Albania and being held to a goalless draw by Palestine.

Continental big guns Australia and Korea Republic, meanwhile, will have to cool their heels before re-starting their respective campaigns next Friday.

Player to watch
Having scored a brace in their previous 3-1 defeat of Jordan, Iraq playmaker Nashat Akram will aim to once again be his team’s talisman.

The stat
3 - Early June will be decisive for a quartet of contenders, with three opening games awaiting Japan, Oman, Qatar and Lebanon over a nine-day period.

What they said
"I think we are well-prepared going into the match against Iraq as well as the next game against Japan. Our players performed well in the recent friendly matches and can maintain their form into the opener. Although we are new faces in this stage of qualifying, we are aiming to finish top two to reach the World Cup," Jordan coach Adnan Hamad.
Posted by at 0 comments

Bellamy: I should thank Sierra Leone (FIFA)


(FIFA.com) Friday 1 June 2012
Bellamy: I should thank Sierra Leone
Liverpool and Wales forward Craig Bellamy is well known for his passionate and committed performances on the pitch, having appeared for a variety of clubs in England and Scotland as well as his beloved national team during a career which began in 1996.
Less established in the mainstream is Bellamy’s charity work away from the field, which now includes the Craig Bellamy Foundation in Sierra Leone, set up by the player himself in 2008. The foundation runs a non-profit football academy and a national youth football league. With a focus on education, equality and community on top of football development, the foundation has been a growing success. More than 2,000 children from the African country are involved in the foundation’s youth league and in March 2012 a girls’ league was formed. In an exclusive chat with FIFA.com, Bellamy explains why he felt compelled to help Sierra Leone, the progress the foundation has achieved in four years in operation, and its impact throughout the country.
FIFA.com: Craig, can you explain the feelings and emotions that pushed you to help Sierra Leone?
Craig Bellamy: In June 2007 I had a few weeks off so decided to visit a friend who had been working in Sierra Leone. I just went to see what it was like as, in football, you are shipped in and out of the top hotels and don’t usually get to experience different cultures. It left a very big impression on me and I have had feelings for the country ever since. I had always wanted to get involved in charity work in the UK but looking around the country made me realise just how lucky we are. Watching kids with nothing playing with footballs made out of rolled-up socks or oranges really inspired me. It made me think that I’d like to do something.
How daunting and difficult was it to start the foundation and overcome the various hurdles that occurred?
It’s been a lot of hard work. Originally I hired people who had experience setting up an academy in another West African country. It took me a while to realise that they were trying to run it from outside Sierra Leone but when I did it was clear to me that it just wasn’t possible to run it properly like that. My footballing commitments meant I couldn’t personally check on the progress, there were a few setbacks, but the hardest thing was not knowing what was going on. So in early 2011 I appointed someone to run it, someone that lives on-site and can manage everything on a day-to-day basis. I now get regular updates on everything from how the boys are doing in class to the condition of the pitch. We are now back on track.
How pleased are you with the progress the foundation has made since 2008?
The progress has been great. The 19 boys at the academy are all doing really well in the classroom and on the football pitch. We are building new classrooms and a new dormitory as we have a second generation of boys joining in September. But where the foundation has probably had the biggest impact so far has been the nationwide youth football league that now encourages over 2,000 children – boys and girls – to go to school and help their communities.
Do you think the achievements the foundation has accomplished can be replicated in other countries?
Football can be used to help tackle all sorts of problems. Our league was never just about football - it’s much more than that. It’s about education, fair play and improving local communities. Using football to get kids to go to school is definitely something that could work in other countries. UNICEF were amazed by the results we got in the first two seasons, when they were involved, and I can't see why it wouldn't work as well elsewhere.
I really believe that we will see some of the CBF graduates represent the national team over the next decade.
Craig Bellamy


Is the league for girls in many ways more important than the league for boys, given the gender inequality in the country?
It’s obviously very important and I’m really happy that we now offer girls and boys equal opportunities to play in our league. Gender inequality is a real issue in Sierra Leone and I’m happy that we are doing something to tackle it. After the success of the boy’s league, we decided to run a four-team pilot project in Makeni in the north of the country. This was a huge success, so this year on International Women’s Day, we launched an expanded girls’ league involving over 200 girls in the regions of Makeni and Kenema. We now have six teams in each region and if we can secure a league sponsor the plan is to go nationwide next year.
How have you found the level of football in the country during your visits to Sierra Leone?
Every time I visit Sierra Leone I am impressed by the passion for football. Everywhere you go there are people playing football and there is obviously a lot of potential. My academy runs a nationwide scouting drive each year for 11-13 year olds and the standard we see each time is improving. As is the quality of football and fair play on display in the league we run, and there are many teams waiting to get the chance to join. 
What are the chances of any of the foundation’s children becoming professional footballers?
I’m always impressed by how the academy boys are developing. They all train very hard, as I saw for myself last summer when three of them spent six weeks living with me and my family while they trained with Cardiff City. I really believe that we will see some of the CBF graduates represent the national team over the next decade, and their first chance for selection will be the U-17 qualifying match against Senegal in the autumn. But football is just a bonus – education comes first for me and if the boys are behind with their studies, they don’t get the football opportunities. To be honest, I would be happier if the boys went on to become doctors, lawyers or businessmen and could use their education to help improve the country. Two of the boys have scholarships to study in America and I expect them to come back well educated and able to make a big impact in their communities.
How has your involvement been received in the world of football? Are people surprised at the time and effort you have put in?
The reaction has been very positive. I was really touched by some of the messages of support and offers of help after ITV showed a documentary about the foundation earlier this year. It was the first time I had really spoken about my work in Sierra Leone and it took a while to convince me to do the documentary as I’m a private man. I didn’t set up the foundation for people to have a different opinion of me.
Have you been offered any support, from individuals or organisations?
Everything you see at the academy – from the pitch, to the classrooms and dormitories – has come from my own pocket. With the second generation of players joining in September we’ve just started building a new dormitory and classrooms. But the foundation has got to be self-sufficient at some point soon because I won’t be playing football forever. Partnerships with corporate sponsors are key and so far we have a logistics company in Sierra Leone called SSGI (Security Support Group International) who have been incredibly generous in sponsoring the academy. UNICEF were amazing in getting our unique league up and running, generously supporting the first two seasons. Now, in the third season we are getting individuals and organisations in Sierra Leone and around the world to sponsor teams in the league. For instance, Mohammed Kallon and the British Army based in Sierra Leone each sponsor teams. In terms of the public, I was amazed by all the messages and offers of support from around the world after the documentary
Would you encourage other footballers to make a similar commitment?
Whatever happens on the football pitch, I will always be able to go back to Sierra Leone to see the foundation. It is a massive commitment and people had doubts when I told them what I wanted to do. But it has been my biggest achievement and I would definitely encourage others to do the same. I’m very fortunate to be able to do this but I’m no different from anyone else – anyone in my shoes would have done the same and many players are already involved in charity work, especially in their local communities.
How long do you intend to remain involved with the Foundation and the country?
I’m in this for the long run - it’s my project and I’m responsible for it. I know it is important to have continuity, the people running it are on long-term contracts and my focus is now on securing partnerships to help fund the future of the foundation. Every time I visit the country I get thanks but, if I’m honest, I should be thanking them too for what they’ve done for me as a person.
Posted by at 0 comments

2014 OFC QUALIFIERS

Vanuatu 2-5 New Caledonia
Samoa 1-10 Tahiti

www.thefifaworldcups.com
Posted by at 0 comments
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)