Torres ends Spain's long wait for glory

Spain became European champions for the second time after Fernando Torres's first-half goal in Vienna proved enough to defeat Germany in the final of UEFA EURO 2008™.

History an inspiration
Spain had won their only previous piece of silverware in this competition in 1964 and had not been beyond the quarter-finals of any tournament in 24 years, yet Luis Aragonés's men chose to use that history as an inspiration rather than a burden. After a strong start from Germany, seeking a fourth title themselves, Spain were the more dangerous side throughout an entertaining final at the Ernst-Happel-Stadion although it took just one goal – in the 33rd minute, courtesy of Torres's pace, perseverance and unerring finish – to end their long wait.

Ballack boost
Germany received a significant boost before kick-off with captain Michael Ballack included despite a much-publicised calf problem, and, perhaps buoyed by that news, Joachim Löw's team settled quickly. Much had been made of the contrast in style between the sides yet in the opening exchanges it was Germany whose passing looked crisper, Miroslav Klose and Thomas Hitzlsperger failing to make the most of glimpses of goal. Meanwhile Spain, shorn of four-goal leading scorer David Villa due to a thigh injury, struggled to find their feet in a new 4-5-1 formation in which Cesc Fàbregas was rewarded for a fine semi-final display with a starting place.

Instinctive stop
As an indicator of the pattern of the match, however, Germany's bright beginning proved misleading. Spain soon worked their way into the contest, with Germany goalkeeper Jens Lehmann – becoming, at 38, the oldest player to appear in a UEFA European Championship final – forced into action for the first time in the 14th minute. Although his instinctive save came when his own defender, Christoph Metzelder, inadvertently deflected Andrés Iniesta's cross towards his own goal, Xavi Hernández's fine through pass had unpicked the Germany defence and showed the Spanish were finding their feet.

Torres on target
Right-back Sergio Ramos was then allowed to cut inside and deliver a deep cross, Torres peeling away from Per Mertesacker to create space for the header only for the right-hand post to come to Lehmann's rescue. The warning signs were there for Germany, yet they failed to heed them and duly fell behind three minutes past the half-hour. Again Xavi was the architect, playing a pass in behind the Germany back line towards Torres, who outmuscled a hesitant Philipp Lahm and clipped the ball over the diving Lehmann and just inside the far post. David Silva then volleyed over Iniesta's cross when given time and space inside the area as Spain threatened to increase their lead.

Spain openings
Spain had more openings in the early stages of the second half, Lehmann getting the merest of touches to Xavi's low shot before Ramos nearly guided in Silva's drive from the resulting corner. Yet a hint of the threat Germany still posed arrived on the hour, substitute Marcell Jansen and Bastian Schweinsteiger combining for Ballack to shoot centimetres wide. Klose then deflected a Schweinsteiger effort past the post and, in response to Germany's renewed menace, Spain coach Aragonés promptly introduced Xabi Alonso and Santi Cazorla in place of Fàbregas and Silva. The switches reinvigorated Spain instantly, Lehmann making smart stops from Ramos and Iniesta while Torsten Frings blocked another Iniesta effort on the line.

Celebrations
As the final moved into the last 20 minutes, Spain had had seven shots on goal to Germany's one, but with the Mannschaft having turned virtually one in two of their attempts on target into goals en route to the final, that would have been scant consolation to Aragonés and his side. In the event, however, it was Spain who continued to carve out chances as the match reached its conclusion, Marcos Senna narrowly failing to apply the finishing touch to an unselfish header from substitute Daniel Güiza – but the celebrations would not be delayed much longer.

Team statistics

Germany		Spain
0	Goals scored	1
2	Yellow card	2
0	Red card	0
1	Shots on goal	7
2	Shots wide	5
22	Fouls committed	19
4	Corners	7
5	Offsides	4
27' 56''	Ball. Poss. (time)	25' 50''
51%	Ball. Poss. (%)	49%

Pertembungan dua gergasi

petikan: Harian Metro

VIENNA: Pertarungan merebut takhta Euro 2008 kini tertumpu kepada pertembungan dua pemain tengah antara Micheal Ballack dan Cesc Fabregas, mempertaruhkan kekuatan kapten Jerman itu dengan kelincahan pemain Sepanyol dalam penentuan final, awal pagi esok.

Jika Ballack dan rakan sepasukannya, Torsten Frings serta Thomas Hitzlsperger mampu menguasai perlawanan maka sejarah kemenangan Jerman akan kembali berulang, kali ini di Stadium Ernst Happel.

Bagaimanapun jika Fabregas, Xavi, Andres Iniesta dan jentera Sepanyol yang lain mampu menggempur dan memusnahkan keampuhan kubu lawan, maka penantian Sepanyol untuk meraih trofi selama 44 tahun akan berakhir.

Fabregas dilihat sentiasa mengisi bangku simpanan dalam kebanyakan perlawanan sepanjang laluan Sepanyol ke final tetapi selepas menampilkan aksi cemerlang sewaktu menggantikan penyerang, David Villa hingga membelasah Russia, 3-0 menjadikan pemain itu sebagai pilihan utama.

Ballack sebaliknya kurang menyengat biarpun pasukannya menumpaskan Turki, 3-2 tetapi dengan keyakinan dan semangat tinggi untuk menebus kegagalan beraksi di final Piala Dunia 2002 akibat penggantungan, mampu menjadikannya pemain terbaik perlawanan itu.

Jurulatihnya, Joachim Loew turut berpegang kepada matlamat kemenangan yang sama. “Kami mempunyai mentaliti juara dan akan membawanya ke final,” katanya mengenai misi Jerman meraih gelaran Eropah keempat selain memiliki tiga Piala Dunia.

Sepanyol yang beraksi dalam final pertama sejak 1984 dan memburu kemenangan kedua selepas kejayaan Euro 1964 di laman sendiri, menyedari cabaran yang perlu dihadapi mereka tetapi kini dengan keyakinan yang semakin bertambah selepas berjaya melepasi halangan apabila sering tewas di peringkat suku akhir dalam mana-mana kejohanan besar.

“Jerman adalah Jerman dan mereka dilihat mampu menang biar siapa pun yang diturunkan,” kata jurulatih Sepanyol, Luis Aragones.

“Bagaimanapun kami bukan pasukan yang mudah ditentang, terutamanya dengan corak permainan pantas yang dimiliki,” katanya.

Setiap pasukan dijangka hanya menurunkan satu penyerang iaitu Fernando Torres bagi Sepanyol dan Miroslav Klose mewakili Jerman yang menjaringkan dua gol dalam dua perlawanan terakhirnya, memikul tanggungjawab lebih besar berbanding pemain tengah.

Gandingan dua pemain Jerman, Bastian Schweinsteiger dan Lukas Podolski dengan jumlah lima gol yang dijaringkan, mampu menjadi ancaman baik sebagai penggerak mahupun penyudah.

Jentera Sepanyol turut memiliki momentum tambahan, apabila mula membentuk lima pemain barisan tengah yang lebih mantap selepas Villa selaku penjaring terbanyak kejohanan cedera dalam separuh masa pertama yang hampir pasti terlepas peluang ke final, Khamis lalu.

Sejak sepak mula menentang Russia, Sepanyol dilihat lebih berbisa berbanding ketika menentang Itali di mana kehadiran Fabregas memberi sentuhan istimewa apabila menyertai pasukan utama.

Mereka mungkin berpeluang untuk memenangi perlawanan itu sekiranya berjaya menembusi empat pemain di barisan pertahanan Jerman.

Ancaman berterusan Klose memberikan cabaran berbeza buat pasukan lawan tetapi pertahanan Sepanyol juga dilihat semakin kemas dengan kemampuan bek tengah Carles Puyol mampu mengesan sebarang bahaya manakala penjaga gol Iker Casillas mengawal ketat kubu Sepanyol. -Reuters

Penantian berakhir Sepanyol hampiri gelaran Eropah kedua

VIENNA – Buat kali pertama dalam tempoh 24 tahun, Sepanyol berjaya melangkah ke perlawanan akhir Kejuaraan Eropah (Euro).

Semalam skuad kendalian Luis Aragones itu mara ke pentas akhir Euro 2008 selepas menewaskan Rusia 3-0, sekali gus menempah pertemuan dengan Jerman pada aksi akhir awal pagi Isnin ini.

Tiga jaringan yang dicipta pada babak kedua menerusi Xavi Hernandez, Daniel Guiza dan David Silva, sudah cukup membuktikan penguasaan Sepanyol dalam perlawanan yang berlangsung dalam keadaan hujan lebat itu.

“Rentak kami pada babak pertama agak sukar tetapi pada aksi babak kedua, kami amat luar biasa.

“Permainan kami lebih baik apabila beraksi dengan seorang penyerang. Kami dapat menambah seorang lagi pemain di bahagian tengah dan lebih mudah membuat asakan. Sebab itulah Xavi dapat menjaringkan gol,” kata Aragones.

Selepas jaringan Xavi, pemain Arsenal, Cesc Fabregas kemudian membuka dua lagi gol Sepanyol menerusi Guiza dan Silva, sekali gus mencerahkan peluang mereka memburu trofi kedua kempen Eropah ini.

Begitupun, Sepanyol terpaksa membayar harga yang mahal di atas kejayaan semalam apabila penyerang utamanya, David Villa mengalami kecederaan otot sehingga memaksa dia terlepas aksi akhir nanti.

Namun, Aragones masih memiliki Fabregas, perancang Arsenal yang mampu menjalankan tanggungjawab pada perlawanan akhir.

“Saya tahu betapa baiknya dia (Fabregas) apabila beraksi,” kata Aragones

“Saya gemar kepada pemain seperti Cesc, dia berusia 20 tahun tetapi memiliki pengalaman seperti pemain berusia 27-28 tahun. Bagi kami dia adalah aset utama.”

Sepanyol yang menjuarai kempen Euro 1964, berjaya menamatkan badi kegagalan mereka di suku akhir dengan menewaskan Itali menerusi penentuan penalti minggu lepas.

“Pasukan ini sudah bersedia sepenuhnya dari segi mental sejak sekian lama,” kata Aragones.

“Amat penting untuk bukan saja mempamerkan aksi yang bagus, kamu juga perlu tahu bagaimana hendak menanganinya. Itulah apa yang kami mahu, berada di pentas akhir.” – AP

Kosmo Online

Turkey stand tall after painful loss

Turkey were full of pride despite the 3-2 defeat against Germany which ended their UEFA EURO 2008™ dream, with Uğur Boral saying: "We lost but we were the better side."

'I feel proud'
Despite being decimated by injuries and suspensions, Fatih Terim's men took the game to Germany in the first semi-final in Basel, but were finally undone by Philipp Lahm's late goal. Fenerbahçe SK winger Uğur, who had given Turkey a 22nd-minute lead, spoke for many when he said: "We lost but we were the better side. I feel very proud to have been part of such a successful team. Turkish people have to applaud these players."

Final hurrah
Rüştü Reçber could only agree. "I am proud of each of my team-mates," he told euro2008.com. "Everybody in Turkey should get behind them because this team can achieve a lot." The semi-final was the goalkeeper's 118th and last appearance for Turkey, but while his blunder may have allowed Miroslav Klose to head Germany's second of the night, he bowed out with no regrets. "I am ending my international career, where I served with pride, glory and honour for 14 years," he said. "I would like to thank everybody who has helped me."

'Amazing time'
Rüştü's Beşiktaş JK team-mate Gökhan Zan was equally distraught and defiant after the final whistle. "We were very passionate, brave and courageous," he said. "There was a strong team spirit between the players who played and those who didn't. Anyone would be lucky to have such friends with such a team spirit. We have had an amazing time over the last 45 to 50 days. We were never bored. We wanted to go a step further but unfortunately this wasn't possible. But I believe that all the people in Turkey and Europe are proud of us.

Talking point
"We didn't deserve to lose," he added. "If we look at the statistics we had more possession and more shots on goal, but it wasn't much of a help. I'm sure that people in Europe will be talking about us. We were a fantastic team and we played an excellent game. We have to focus on the future. On the one hand we're happy and on the other sad; happy, because for the first time we made it to the semi-final, sad because we lost a game in which we played so well."

Proud send-off
Galatasaray AS midfielder Ayhan Akman made his first appearance of UEFA EURO 2008™ against Germany, becoming the 22nd member of Terim's 23-man squad to take the field, and is proud that Turkey have left an impressive calling card ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. "Tonight we proved that we don't have to feel small in comparison to the other teams here," he said. "We wanted to play in the final and lift the trophy but although we were the better team, we couldn't do it."

from euro.com

Germany strike late to seal final place

A 90th-minute strike from Philipp Lahm sent Germany into the UEFA EURO 2008™ final and ended the march of a brave Turkey side who were unable to summon one last dramatic equaliser.

Gripping contest
Semih Şentürk had already brought Turkey to the brink of extra time with an 86th-minute strike, yet Lahm's super finish from Thomas Hitzlsperger's pass finally flattened Fatih Terim's team. For once, they had led first, through Uğur Boral's 22nd-minute opener, only for Bastian Schweinsteiger to quickly equalise before Miroslav Klose wrested the initiative eleven minutes from time in an exciting semi-final in Basel.

Blistering start
Christoph Metzelder's early slice from Uğur's cross set the tone. Kazım Kazım broke confidently before Lahm's sloppiness allowed his FC Bayern München team-mate Hamit Altıntop – one of two German-born Turkey starters along with Hakan Balta – a half-chance he scuffed at Jens Lehmann. Terim's men were playing as if they had nothing to lose. From Ayhan Akman's cutback, Kazım smashed against the crossbar. Semih nearly turned in a cross, then a telescopic leg from Per Mertesacker denied Ayhan.

Uğur opener
After 17 minutes Germany woke up. Michael Ballack passed to Lahm, met the resulting cross with his head and sparked confusion in the opposition area. The Turkish thoroughbred had already bolted, though, and the first goal went their way after 22 minutes. Sabri Sarıoğlu threw the ball to Ayhan who chested it back, and from Sabri's cross Kazım's imperfect strike looped on to the crossbar – happily for the Crescent Stars an even untidier finish from Uğur burrowed under Lehmann's body.

Schweinsteiger reply
Semih and Mehmet Aurélio might have doubled the advantage, only for Germany to equalise against the run of play. Lukas Podolski, the left prong in the trident behind Klose, delivered the centre which Schweinsteiger turned in from close range. A Klose call at Turkey's end was then followed by Lehmann having to tip over a Hamit free-kick. In return, Hamit's mistake almost undid a vibrant Turkey when his misplaced pass resulted in Podolski sprinting through but rifling over. Uğur's free-kick, won by the willing Kazım, elicited another Lehmann save.

Key absentees
This was a tough contest for Joachim Löw's team, make no mistake. The forward runs of Kazım, Hamit, Ayhan and Uğur in support of Semih were causing no end of trouble. If green in places because of an absentee list including four injured, four suspended and one half-fit substitute, Turkey were also fresh, energetic and enthusiastic. Germany began to show the same qualities – Hitzlsperger found his range, Ballack did not after winning a free-kick. The Mannschaft had dominated both games when these sides met at the 1954 FIFA World Cup in Switzerland but you would not have guessed it was them, not Turkey, chasing a sixth final appearance and a fourth European title.

Thrilling finish
Full-back Sabri's right-wing surge went unrewarded, then Uğur warmed Lehmann's hands as Turkey continued to attack through clever use of the flanks. However, it was a long cross from a deeper position from Lahm that looked to have decided the match, goalkeeper Rüştü Reçber failing to reach a ball that Klose headed into the unguarded net. Turkey had redefined the term plucky underdog with last-gasp goals against Switzerland, Czech Republic and Croatia and duly came again. Sabri was the source, his cross being turned in at the near post by Semih. Extra time loomed, but that was discounting the one-two between Hitzlsperger and Lahm that provided the knockout punch.

Previu separuh akhir Euro 2008: Semangat juang Turki tidak cukup untuk benam Jerman

Oleh Sarapin Rasikin

Rabu, 25 Jun 2008

TURKI boleh berbangga dengan semangat juang dan tidak mudah mengaku kalah yang ditunjukkan dalam kejohanan Euro 2008 ini. Jerman pula berbekal pengalaman luas di peringkat antarabangsa di samping barisan pemain yang lebih berkualiti. Pasukan manakah menjadi pilihan apabila mereka bertemu dalam perlawanan separuh akhir di Basel, Switzerland, hari ini (2.45 pagi Khamis waktu Singapura)? Tidak dapat dinafikan ramai yang memilih Jerman selepas menyaksikannya menjinakkan Portugal di peringkat suku akhir. Pada masa yang sama, tidak kurang yang mengharapkan Turki mencatat kejutan seperti apabila ia bangkit menyingkirkan Croatia menerusi tendangan penalti untuk ke separuh akhir ini. Tetapi hakikatnya kelebihan memihak kepada Jerman, terutama dari pengalaman dan rekod kejayaan menjuarai Kejohanan Eropah sebanyak tiga kali (1972, 1980 dan 1996). Jerman juga pernah memenangi Piala Dunia sebanyak tiga kali iaitu dalam 1954, 1974 dan 1990. Bagi mencerahkan peluang Jerman ke final Euro 2008 ini, Turki sudah pasti kehilangan enam pemain dan mungkin lebih daripada itu, bergantung pada respons terhadap rawatan kecederaan masing-masing. Penjaga gawang utama Volkan Demiril, Emre Asik, Tuncay Sanli dan Arda Turan menjalani hukuman gantung, sementara penyerang Nihat Kahveci, yang menyumbatkan dua gol ke atas Republik Czech, telah pun diterbangkan ke Sepanyol untuk menjalani rawatan, dan Emre Gungor juga terkeluar daripada pertandingan ini kerana cedera. Kedudukan pemain pertahanan Servet Cetin dan Emre Belozoglu juga belum pasti kerana masing-masing masih dihantui kecederaan lutut dan kejang otot paha. Jadi dapat dibayangkan betapa sukar tugas jurulatih Fatih Terim memilih kesebelasan utamanya daripada barisan pemain yang amat terhad. Ini berbeza sekali dengan jurulatih Jerman, Joachim Loew, yang mempunyai skuad bebas cedera. Loew dijangka mengembalikan kedudukan pemain midfield Torsten Frings, yang cedera dan tidak beraksi ketika mengalahkan Portugal di suku akhir. Kehadirannya membolehkan kapten Michael Ballack lebih bebas bergerak menambah sengatan kepada jentera serangan pasukannya. Di samping itu, Turki perlu juga memberi perhatian kepada ancaman dua lagi pemain berbahaya Jerman iaitu gandingan penyerang Lukas Podolski dan Miroslav Klose. Bagaimanapun, Jerman tetap perlu bekerja lebih keras untuk meruntuh dan menyusup ke kubu Turki dan cuba membolosi penjaga gawang veteran, Rustu Recber, yang kelihatan masih handal. Kesebelasan dijangkakan. Jerman: Jens Lehmann, Arne Friedrich, Per Mertesacker, Christoph Metzelder, Philipp Lahm, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Simon Rolfes, Michael Ballack, Thomas Hitzlsperger, Lukas Podolski, Miroslav Klose. Turki: Rustu Recber, Hamit Altintop, Ugur Boral, Gokhan Zan, Hakan Balta, Sabri Sarioglu, Gokdeniz Karadeniz, Mehmet Topal, Mehmet Aurelio, Kazim Kazim, Semih Senturk Pengadil: Massimo Busacca (Switzerland) KLPos

Lippi Ends Careers Of Panucci, Matrix & Ambrosini

Lippi is heavily tipped to succeed Roberto Donadoni, who is almost certain to leave his post in the coming days following the Euro 2008 quarter final exit to Spain last Sunday.

The Viareggio-born tactician, who led Italy to World Cup glory in 2006, has already started making plans ahead of the 2010 World Cup campaign.

The 60-year-old will bring Ciro Ferrara and Angelo Peruzzi as part of his backroom staff. The former has rejected the chance to take over as the boss of Reggina in order to be with Lippi.

Lippi will also confirm goalkeeping coach Ivano Bordon, and doctor Enrico Castellacci.

On the playing side of things, the Paul Newman-look-alike will immediately axe the ageing Christian Panucci, Marco Materazzi and Massimo Ambrosini, who have all probably played their last games for their country.

Antonio Cassano is also heavily at risk, as Lippi is not convinced by the effectiveness of the Sampdoria man. Those who will be recalled are Vincenzo Iaquinta, Alberto Gilardino and Daniele Bonera, while Francesco Totti and Alessandro Nesta could be pressed out of retirement.

Anthony Sormani
Goal.Com

Donadoni: I Don't Want A Penny

he 44-year-old seems almost certain to receive his marching orders following the Euro 2008 quarter final defeat to Spain on penalties on Sunday night.

The Italian press have been calling for Donadoni’s head, and indeed it is reported that Marcello Lippi has already been lined up as his successor.

Donadoni signed a contract extension until 2010 just days before the Euros began, but a rescission clause was inserted that allowed the deal to be torn up if Italy failed to reach the semi finals.

The Italian Football Federation are believed to have offered the former Milan midfielder a pay settlement of around €550,000, but Donadoni says that if he is sacked, he won’t accept a penny.

“I said no to President Giancarlo Abete’s proposal on the day that I agreed the new deal,” Donadoni explained.

“Financial matters don’t concern me. If he doesn’t want me to be the Coach any longer I will leave without asking for anything.”

For all his shortcomings on the pitch, this gesture is certain to be viewed as another example of his class off the field.

Anthony Sormani
Goal.Com

Casillas' saves put Spain in semis

Iker Casillas was the penalty shoot-out hero as Spain held their collective nerve to throw out the record book and claim a UEFA EURO 2008™ semi-final against Russia.

Record
Before tonight Spain had lost three quarter-final penalty shoot-outs on 22 June but they stopped the rot at the Ernst-Happel-Stadion, prevailing 4-2 on spot-kicks after 120 minutes had failed to produce a goal. Although Gianluigi Buffon saved from Daniel Güiza, Casillas denied Daniele De Rossi and Antonio Di Natale, allowing Cesc Fàbregas to step up and send his side through. In truth, Luis Aragonés's team had enjoyed the better of the play on a humid night in Vienna, Marcos Senna coming closest when he was denied by the post in the closing stages of normal time. They continued to press in the additional half-hour, David Silva and Santi Cazorla both firing narrowly wide before Casillas's heroics saw them through to a rematch with a Russia side they defeated 4-1 in the group stage.

Omens
The Italy squad had arrived at the Ernst-Happel-Stadion some time after their Spanish counterparts, and for much of the first half Aragonés's men were similarly first to everything. With Xavi Hernández providing the pivot in midfield, Spain bossed the play, caressing the ball one way and then the other – all one-touch passing and quick bursts of activity as they picked at Italy's high defensive line, looking for a chink in the armour. The ploy of Andrés Iniesta switching flanks to create the overlap on the left was too obvious for the wizened Azzurri rearguard, although David Villa's cute back-heel almost forced an opening soon after and it took a timely block to deny Silva.

Duo missed
Italy were struggling to gain a foothold, unable to fill the sizeable void left by suspensions to their usual suppliers of industry and finesse, Gennaro Gattuso and Andrea Pirlo. It was a hole that Fernando Torres, in particular, was keen to exploit as he popped up all over the pitch, drawing Aragonés from his bench to tell him to calm down. Perhaps Aragonés was aware the omens were hardly stacked in his team's favour as they sought their first win against the Azzurri in a competitive fixture, Olympic Games excluded. Midway through the half Massimo Ambrosini gave Spain more to think about but Simone Perrotta was unable to make the most of his arcing cross before another centre just evaded Luca Toni.

Silva threat
With King Juan Carlos in the crowd, it was largely Spain who were rising to the occasion. Villa tested Buffon with a free-kick but it was the waspish Silva who was displaying the most menace. Seven minutes before half-time he fired a low effort past the post after a blocked Torres shot fell his way. He then profited from another fortuitous opening soon after the restart, when the ball cannoned into his path eight metres out. After a clever turn it took a timely intervention from the excellent Giorgio Chiellini to deny Silva. The Azzurri centre-back was immense, and slowly his team-mates began to respond. Just past the hour a long ball caused mayhem in the Spain defence, dropping favourably for substitute Mauro Camoranesi who forced a smothering save from Casillas.

Buffon escape
At the other end, with time ebbing away, Senna worked Buffon with a free-kick and then a low shot that bounced awkwardly in front of the goalkeeper, the ball evading his grasp and spinning on to the post before he fell on to it at the second attempt. It was a propitious bounce but there was no luck involved when the Italy No1 dived to keep out Güiza's effort with three minutes remaining, even if play was subsequently called back for handball. Such reactions would prove invaluable in the concluding penalty shoot-out, but, unfortunately for Roberto Donadoni's world champions, they came predominantly from Casillas.

Berakhirnya pesta Oren: Belanda tersungkur

Oleh AP

Ahad, 22 Jun 2008

BASEL: Rusia menjaringkan dua gol ke gawang Belanda pada masa tambahan dalam perlawanan yang berlangsung semalam sekali gus melayakkan pasukan itu ke separuh akhir. Gol kejayaan Rusia disempurnakan Dimitry Torbinski dan Andrei Arshavin dalam tempoh lima minit saja antara satu sama lain manakala Van Ruud Nistelrooy pula memungut mata untuk Belanda pada minit ke-86. Gol pertama Rusia dilakukan Roman Pavlyuchenko. Rusia menang 3-1. Andrei Arshavin dan lagenda jersi nombor 10 PERSAMAAN antara Pele, Maradona, Zico, Platini, Baggio dan Zidane adalah menyarung jersi bernombor 10 dan adakah Andrei Arshavin akan mengikut jejak langkah wira bolasepak berkenaan menjadi pemain unggul yang menyarung jersi bernombor sama. Sejarah bolasepak menyaksikan pemain yang memakai jersi nombor berkenaan sering dikaitkan dengan kuasa, keseimbangan, berwawasan dan bermatlamat penuh terhadap pasukannya lebih-lebih lagi dalam kejuaraan Eropah yang sedang berlangsung kini. Perlawanan penting dalam kejuaraan besar pula sering menuntut persembahan yang mantap dan bertenaga dan masa lalu juga menyatakan pemain yang memakai jersi nombor itu sering menepati keadaan dan persoalan itu akan terjawab dalam perlawanan yang akan berlangsung Sabtu ini. Arshavin menunjukkan kecemerlangan pada minit ke-90 ketika beraksi mewakili pasukannya, Rusia, menentang Belanda di St Jakob Park semalam dengan kesudahan Rusia menang 3-1 manakala penyerang Belanda, Ruud van Nistelrooy mengutip gol tunggal Belanda pada minit ke-86. Arshavin yang tidak begitu besar fizikalnya dan pipi yang merona merah itu beraksi dengan sangat cemerlang semasa 30 minit masa tambahan. Beliau menunjukkan prestasi luar biasa membantu pasukannya meraih kemenangan dengan membuat jaringan pada minit ke 116 sekali gus mengundang silauan cahaya kamera dan menarik perhatina berjuta peminat bolasepak serata dunia ke arahnya. Jaguh semulajadi Jurulatih Rusia, Guus Hiddink, menggelar Arshavin sebagai jaguh semula jadi. “Dia mempunyai kemahiran yang sangat hebat. Dia mengetahui bagaimana untuk menggelecek dalam pertahanan.” Kata Hiddink, pemain pertahanan boleh berlari dengannya tetapi mereka tidak boleh menyerangnya dengan tepat kerana sifat semulajadi yang dimiliknya. Arshavin juga dilihat berpotensi untuk menempa sejarah dalam bolasepak sejak dia beraksi di Basel. Arshavin dan Wesley Sneijder, kedua-dunya pemain Belanda, berkeupayaan menggalas kriteria penyarung jersi nombor klasik iaitu 10 itu. Mereka tenang dan dengan kesungguhan yang dimiliki, saiz bukan penghalang untuk mereka mara lebih cemerlang. Apa yang dianggap menyamakan mereka dengan Maradona ialah gaya permain yang menggerunkan ketika mempertahankan pasukan. Bagi Arshavin, walaupun beliau bukan ketua pasukan dan hanya berketinggian 173 sentimeter, beliau mengawal tempo permainan Rusia selain tangkas dan mengasak. Gandingan serasi Bagi pasukan Belanda, penyerang Rusia, Roman Pavlyuchenko adalah gandingan serasi Arshavin kerana beliau sentiasa memerhati kedudukan Arshavin yang membuat gerakan isyarat untuk menyesuaikan kedudukan mereka yang mencetus kepada persefahaman di padang. Arshavin sudah melakukan tugas yang cemerlang untuk kesebelasan pasukannya. Dia melalukan lebih daripada kemampuan fizikalnya dan itu jugalah yang dianggap membezakan beliau dengan Maradona. Penyarung jersi nombor 10 juga lazimnya cemerlang ketika membuat sepakan percuma dan Arshavin melakukannya untuk Rusia pada separuh masa kedua. Sejak Arshavin menjadi kesebelasan utama dalam pasukan itu, Rusia memenangi dua perlawanan dan Arshavin terbabit dalam kedua-dua kejayaan itu termasuklah menang 2-0 ketika menentang Sweden. Ketua pasukan Jerman, Michael Ballack, pernah memakai jersi nombor 10 walaupun memakai nombor 13 ketika menentang Portugal manakala pemain Croatia, Luka Modric juga menggunakan jersi nombor sama yang disembunyikan di bawah jersi bernombor 14. Hakikatnya, Andrei Arshavin akan diletakkan sebaris dalam senarai jaguh bolasepak dunia terdahulu kerana beliau dikatakan individu yang memiliki ciri berkenaan selain muncul muncul pada masa yang tepat juga. Guus Hiddink (baju putih) tonggak kebangkitan bolasepak Rusia Penyokong Rusia berpesta Lain tahun cuba lagi

Rusia benam Belanda 3-1 ketika masa tambahan

BASEL (Switzerland): Rusia menjaringkan dua gol ke gawang Belanda pada masa tambahan dalam perlawanan yang berlangsung semalam sekali gus melayakkan pasukan itu ke separuh akhir.

Gol kejayaan Rusia disempurnakan Dimitry Torbinski dan Andrei Arshavin dalam tempoh lima minit saja antara satu sama lain manakala Van Ruud Nistelrooy pula memungut mata untuk Belanda pada minit ke-86. Gol pertama Rusia dilakukan Roman Pavlyuchenko. Rusia menang 3-1. - AP

Rusia: Igor Akinfeev, Denis Kolodin, Sergei Ignashevitch, Aleksandr Anyukov, Konstantin Zyryanov, Yuri Zhirkov, Igor Semshov, Sergei Semak, Ivan Saenko, Roman Pavlyuchenko, Andrei Arshavin.

Belanda: Edwin van der Sar, Andre Ooijer, Joris Mathijsen, Khalid Boulahrouz, Nigel de Jong, Rafael Van der Vaart, Giovanni Van Bronckhorst, Wesley Sneijder, Orlando Engelaar, Ruud Van Nistelrooy, Dirk Kuyt.

Turkey beat Croatia to reach Euro 2008 semifinals

VIENNA, Austria (AP): Having watched his team come from behind for the third time at the European Championship, Turkey coach Fatih Terim is hoping Wednesday's semifinal match against Germany will be less dramatic but just as successful.

Semih Senturk scored a 120th-minute equalizer Friday for a 1-1 draw after extra time. One minute earlier, Ivan Klasnic gave Croatia the lead at Ernst Happel Stadium.

Goalkeeper Rustu Recber then saved Mladen Petric's spot kick for the Turks to win the ensuing penalty shootout 3-1 and complete their third rallying victory at Euro 2008.

Turkey had come from behind to beat Switzerland 2-1 and then scored two goals in the final three minutes to beat the Czech Republic 3-2.

"We seem to always come back - we do it the hard way and never the easy it, and that shows just how good a team we are,'' Turkey coach Fatih Terim said. "We always come back and that's not easy to do. Let's hope that we can take the lead against Germany.

"I tell my players never to give up. I tell them that they shouldn't be afraid of losing or conceding goals. This is football. You should never give up until the referee blows the final whistle.''

Terim only had 15 players from 23 to choose from due to injuries and suspension, and he will be without three more - Tuncay Sanli, Arda Turan and Emre Asik - after they picked up yellow cards to be banned for Wednesday's match in Basel, Switzerland.

"For us, it's important that we rest and then we will analyze Germany with our coach,'' Turkey midfielder Hamit Altintop said. "The team has shown it's important to believe in ourselves and our coach. If we do that, there's no reason we can't still go far.''

Arda, Semih and Altintop scored for Turkey in the shootout. Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic also missed for Croatia, while Darijo Srna scored the team's only penalty.

After a scoreless 90 minutes of regulation time, Klasnic gave Croatia the lead with a header in 119th minute. The first player to ever take part at the European Championship after a kidney transplant headed in Modric's cross from close range only 22 minutes after coming on as a substitute.

But before the Croatian fans had stopped celebrating with time almost up, Recber sent a long clearance into Croatia's box and the ball dropped to Semih, whose left-footed shot deflected off defender Robert Kovac and went into the top corner of the net with goalkeeper Stipe Pletikosa rooted to the ground.

"It seemed like the match was over, then to concede a goal, then go on to penalties, gave a psychological advantage to the Turks,'' Croatia coach Slaven Bilic said. "This certainly isn't going to be easy to forget. Not only will we not forget this, this will haunt me for the rest of my life. "We will probably weep for a few days, but such is life. We will be back.''

Altintop said he didn't have any time to worry about losing after Klasnic scored.

"We would have time to weep after the referee had blown the final whistle, so we had to play without fear,'' the midfielder said. "In football, emotions often don't have time to come into it.''

In a low quality match marked by defensive caution, a depleted Turkish team restricted Croatia to few opportunities by pressing in midfield and not allowing its opponent time on the ball.

Srna threaded a pass behind the defense and Modric's low, sweeping cross was thundered against the crossbar by Ivica Olic from inside the box, and Niko Kranjcar's follow-up header went wide in the 19th minute. But both teams were too often guilty of taking the wrong option in the final third of the field.

Recber, playing for the suspended Volkan Demirel, preserved the scoreline in regulation time when he made an amazing one-handed save from a free kick by Srna in the 83rd. Recber was also the goalkeeper that helped Turkey reach the 2002 World Cup semifinals, where the team lost to eventual champion Brazil.

Both teams made their European Championship debut at Euro 1996 and played each other, with Croatia winning 1-0 with Bilic playing in defense as Turkey finished the tournament in England without scoring a goal.

The only other previous matches between the teams had resulted in draws, 1-1 in 1997 and 2-2 in 2004.

The Turks were missing Emre Gungor (calf), Servet Cetin (hip and knee), Emre Belozoglu (groin), Tumer Metin (groin), while Demirel and defensive midfielder Mehmet Aurelio were both suspended.

Both teams had reached the quarterfinals once before: Croatia in 1996 and Turkey four years later in Belgium and the Netherlands.

Lineups:

Croatia: Stipe Pletikosa, Vedran Corluka, Josip Simunic, Robert Kovac, Danijel Pranjic, Darijo Srna, Niko Kovac, Luka Modric, Ivan Rakitic, Niko Kranjcar (Mladen Petric, 64), Ivica Olic (Ivan Klasnic, 97).

Turkey: Rustu Recber, Hamit Altintop, Gokhan Zan, Emre Asik, Hakan Balta, Mehmet Topal (Semih Senturk, 76), Sabri Sarioglu, Tuncay Sanli, Arda Turan, Kazim Kazim (Ugur Boral, 61), Nihat Kahveci (Gokdeniz Karadeniz, 116).

Euro 2008 Preview: Spain - Italy

Spain On Fire

Luis Aragones’ men are on fire, roaring into the last eight after finishing top of Group D with maximum points. They have scored eight goals in three games, and will go into this match as many people’s favourites to progress to the semi-finals.

Spain have indeed won all seven of their fixtures in 2008, including pre-Euro 2008 warm-up wins against France, U.S.A, Peru, and Italy themselves.

The question now is – will Spain once again flop when it really matters? We have seen this scenario so many times in the past where La Seleccion have made a flying start to a major tournament, only to then lose their nerve once it gets to a big knockout game.

This was the case at the last World Cup, when Spain played some delightful football in the group stages, only to then lose 3-1 to France in the second round.

Spain are certainly in better form than Italy, but they have a dreadful competitive record against their opponents. There is also the small matter of the so-called June 22 curse. Spain have exited three major tournaments on penalties on this exact date in recent history, losing to Belgium at World Cup ’86, England at Euro ’96, and South Korea at World Cup 2002.

Italy Scrape Into Knockouts

The Azzurri confirmed their status as being slow starters as they somehow sneaked through into the last eight, despite picking up just one point from their first two games.

After losing 3-0 to Holland and drawing 1-1 with Romania, Italy’s destiny was out of their own hands, however a 2-0 win over France, coupled with a Dutch victory over Romania, saw them progress.

Roberto Donadoni’s men were much improved against Les Bleus, and they will now be hoping that they have started to hit form at just the right time.

Italy have an outstanding knockout record in major tournaments, and indeed have not lost a knockout tie in 90 minutes since the 2-0 semi final defeat to the Soviet Union at Euro 1988.

The Azzurri are renowned for their big game temperament, in stark contract to their opponents Spain, who despite being in better form, are often labelled as big-game bottlers.

Past Meetings

In total Spain and Italy have met 28 times, with the Azzurri winning nine, Spain eight, and 11 ending in draws.

The last meeting was a friendly in March of this year when La Seleccion won 1-0 in Elche, with David Villa scoring a brilliant winner late in the game.

Italy have not defeated Spain since the dramatic quarter-final of the 1994 World Cup, when the legendary Roberto Baggio rounded goalkeeper Andoni Zubizarreta in trademark fashion to give Arrigo Sacchi’s men a last-minute 2-1 victory.

Italy however have not lost to Spain in a competitive match for 88 years, a 2-0 defeat at the 1920 Olympic Games. The Azzurri emerged victorious at the 1924 and 1928 Olympics, the 1934 World Cup, drew 0-0 at Euro 80’, and won 1-0 at Euro 88, thanks to a Gianluca Vialli strike.

FORM GUIDE

Spain

17/06 (Euro 2008) Spain-Greece 2-1

14/06 (Euro 2008) Spain-Sweden 2-1

10/06 (Euro 2008) Spain-Russia 4-1

04/06 (Friendly) Spain-United States 1-0

31/05 (Friendly) Spain-Peru 2-1

Italy

16/06 (Euro 2008) France-Italy 0-2

13/06 (Euro 2008): Italy-Romania 1-1

09/06 (Euro 2008): Holland-Italy 3-0

29/05 (Friendly): Italy-Belgium 3-1

26/03 (Friendly): Spain-Italy 1-0

TEAM NEWS

Spain

Defender Carles Puyol was originally thought to be a doubt for this game due to injury, however he will be fit enough to start in Vienna. Luis Aragones will bring back all of his big guns after resting many of them during the dead rubber 2-1 win over Greece on Wednesday.

Probable starting XI: Casillas; Ramos, Puyol, Marchena, Capdevila; Senna; Iniesta, Xavi, Silva; Villa, Torres

Italy

Roberto Donadoni has problems in his midfield area as Milan-duo Gennaro Gattuso and Andrea Pirlo are suspended. The coach will probably choose four from Daniele De Rossi, Simone Perrotta, Alberto Aquilani, Massimo Ambrosini and Mauro Camoranesi. Defender Andrea Barzagli picked up an injury in training on Thursday and is out for the rest of the tournament.

Probable starting XI: Buffon; Zambrotta, Panucci, Chiellini, Grosso; Camoranesi, Ambrosini, De Rossi, Perrotta; Cassano, Toni

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Spain – Fernando Torres: Following an outstanding club season for Liverpool, Torres has been overshadowed somewhat at Euro 2008 by his strike partner David Villa. However the 24-year-old has the pace and trickery to trouble the Italy backline if he is afforded the space to do so.

Italy – Luca Toni: Has still failed to score in Austria and Switzerland, and missed an absolute hatful of chances in the 2-0 win over France. However his overall game was good, and many feel it is only a matter of time until he finds the back of the net. If anyone is to score against Spain surely it will be Toni.

PREDICTION

This will surely be a tight game, and the chances are that it could go to extra time or even penalties. Clinical finishing could be the difference.

Spain 1-1 Italy

petikan goal.com

Gegaran Belanda, Rusia

VIENNA - Belanda menyinar pada saingan peringkat kumpulan tetapi Rusia tidak kurang hebatnya selepas kemenangan bergaya ke atas Sweden.

Ia bakal menjadi bekalan kedua-dua pasukan yang akan berentap di Basel untuk penentuan slot ke separuh akhir bola sepak Kejohanan Eropah (Euro) 2008 hari ini.

Seminggu lalu, Belanda diramal mudah mara ke separuh akhir namun selepas Rusia menewaskan Sweden 2-0 di Innsbruck Selasa lalu, peluang dilihat seimbang.

Jika Belanda memiliki Ruud van Nistelrooy di bahagian serangan, Rusia boleh menyandarkan harapan kepada Roman Pavlyuchenko.

Kemahiran Wesley Sneijder di bahagian tengah bakal diimbangi Andrei Arshavin.

Jika Belanda memiliki Arjen Robben di bahagian sayap Rusia bakal menggempur posisi yang sama menerusi pemain tengah serba boleh Konstantin Zyryanov.

Jurulatih Belanda Marco Van Basten belajar daripada kekalahan 1-4 Rusia kepada Sepanyol di awal kejohanan.

"Kami perlu melihat apa yang Sepanyol lakukan ke atas mereka (Rusia) dan kami menjadikan ia satu pengajaran,'' katanya.

Sebahagian besar pemain utama Belanda menikmati rehat seminggu dan cukup bersedia selepas Van Basten menggunakan sebahagian besar pemain simpanan ketika perlawanan terakhir menentang Romania.

Dia dijangka menurunkan barisan pemain di babak kedua yang menewaskan Perancis 4-1 Jumaat lalu iaitu mengharapkan sentuhan Robben manakala Orlando Engelaar menghuni bangku simpanan.

Robben yang terlepas perlawanan pembukaan menentang Itali kerana cedera, beraksi kemas selepas dimasukkan menggantikan Engelaar pada perlawanan dengan Perancis dan sekali lagi menyinar ketika menentang Romania.

Bagaimanapun ketika bakat Robben di bahagian serangan tidak diragui, Dirk Kuyt perlu membuktikan keupayaan di bahagian pertahanan untuk menyekat Yuri Zhirkov dan Alexander Anyukov.

Pemain Rusia mempunyai kurang daripada tiga hari penuh untuk rehat selepas perlawanan dengan Sweden dan ia mungkin menjadi faktor utama.

Pasukan itu tidak menghadapi masalah kecederaan serius dan Arshavin cukup bersedia setelah mengharungi 90 perlawanan di kejohanan kali ini.

Kembalinya dia dari penggantungan menjadi pemangkin dalam menukar corak permainan hantaran pantas Rusia yang mungkin ditiru dari pasukan Belanda.

Dengan jurulatih berbangsa Belanda, Guus Hiddink mengemudi pasukan itu, cara permainan sebegitu bukan kejutan besar.

"Para pemain telah membuktikan di kejohanan ini bahawa mereka boleh meneruskan corak permainan seperti itu.

"Menerusi cara permainan kami, kami dikagumi, kami akan bermain bola sepak seperti mana ia patut dimainkan dan saya rasa Belanda juga begitu,'' kata Hiddink..

- Reuters

utusan online

Arshavin stars as Russia oust Sweden

Guus Hiddink's gamble of taking the previously suspended Andrei Arshavin to UEFA EURO 2008™ paid off in spectacular fashion with the forward putting in a fine performance as Russia downed Sweden 2-0 to set up a Basel quarter-final against the Netherlands on Saturday.

Back in style
The FC Zenit St. Petersburg player was a constant menace to a Sweden side requiring only a draw to stay above their opponents on goal difference, scoring Russia's second goal and striking the post in the second half. If Arshavin showed what Russia had been missing in their first two games, his team-mates displayed class of their own when a fine move resulted in Roman Pavlyuchenko's breakthrough strike after 24 minutes in Innsbruck.

Guessing game over
With much of the talk in the build-up to the Group D decider centring around Arshavin and Zlatan Ibrahimović, the news that both were starting came as something of a surprise. Hiddink had hinted that Arshavin was not match-fit while the condition of Ibrahimović's knee meant the target man was a doubt until the last minute. The Russia coach was at least true to his promise that his side would chase victory from the off. Arshavin's pass into the middle of the Sweden area saw Igor Semshov and Diniyar Bilyaletdinov collide with the goal at their mercy, although Lars Lagerbäck's men threatened in return soon after. Anders Svensson's cross found Ibrahimović, only for the No10's downward header to be collected by Igor Akinfeev with Henrik Larsson lurking.

Fine opener
Arshavin and Bilyaletdinov missed chances as the quarter-hour approached before the former sent in a cross-shot that goalkeeper Andreas Isaksson tipped over. From Konstantin Zyryanov's corner, Yuri Zhirkov's thunderous shot zipped just wide. Then Russia's moment arrived. Arshavin released Zyryanov down the right and the midfielder in turn found Aleksandr Anyukov's run inside the box. The right-back rolled a pass to Pavlyuchenko and the tall striker calmly finished for his second goal of the finals. Sweden almost levelled moments later but Larsson's clever header from a Mikael Nilsson cross bounced back off the bar. At the other end, Pavlyuchenko's next effort struck an upright after another slick interchange involving Arshavin and Bilyaletdinov.

Lead doubled
Five minutes after the break and Russia had their second goal. Makeshift left-back Zhirkov found himself racing away from the Sweden defence before he crossed for the returning hero – on the run, Arshavin had no problem directing the ball past Isaksson's right hand. Sweden were visibly rocked and although their players began to react in the final third of the pitch, the best they could manage was an Olof Mellberg header that flew harmlessly over Akinfeev's crossbar. It was turning into the Andrei Arshavin show and after the little maestro was booked for upending substitute Kim Källström, he was almost through on goal again but was finally outmuscled by Fredrik Stoor.

Spurned chances
With the contest entering its closing stages, Russia should have enhanced their advantage as their enterprising attacking play produced several late chances. Zyryanov went close when his deflected attempt came back off the post before Pavlyuchenko spurned two great opportunities – first heading straight into the grateful hands of Isaksson, then mis-hitting a shot with only the goalkeeper to beat. No matter: the 2-0 scoreline was enough for them to overhaul Sweden by three points and finish second behind Spain.

Güiza goal completes Greek misery

Güiza goal completes Greek misery

by John Atkin from Stadion Salzburg Wals-Siezenheim

Rubén de la Red (left) celebrates his equaliser with Álvaro Arbeloa (©Getty Images)

First international goals for Rubén de la Red and Daniel Güiza earned a second-string Spain team a 2-1 comeback victory as Greece's hopes of ending their UEFA European Championship title defence on a high were spoiled at the last.

Comeback
RCD Mallorca's Güiza rose unmarked with two minutes remaining to head in Sergio García's cross and complete an impressive second-half revival by Spain, who had fallen behind to Angelos Charisteas's header just before the break. However, after a tepid first half, Spain began the second with renewed vigour – Xabi Alonso hitting the post before Real Madrid CF's De la Red made it 1-1 on 61 minutes, rifling in after Güiza had nodded the ball into his path. The same pair almost added gloss to this third successive win for Spain, while Charisteas grazed the outside of the post at the other end, but it was Güiza who had the last word.

Nikopolidis nerves
With the fate of the two sides bookending Group D already decided, and given the belated arrival of the Austrian summer, an end-of-term feel prevailed early on in Salzburg. For Greece's captain for the day, goalkeeper Antonis Nikopolidis, it was exactly that, with the 37-year-old having announced his international retirement in the wake of his error against Russia that sealed the holders' elimination. But while he may have been forgiven a few pre-match nerves at the Stadion Salzburg Wals-Siezenheim, these were quickly eased. The cheers of the Greece supporters behind his goal had barely died down when Nikopolidis was presented with a comfortable save, collecting Güiza's dinked cross after the forward failed to realise how much time Andrés Iniesta's expertly disguised pass had given him.

Alonso special
It was a false dawn in terms of attacking spectacle. Stung by the premature end to their campaign, Greece were circumspect at first despite the wide threat of recalled pair Giorgos Karagounis and Dimitris Salpingidis. Spain had the better of the possession, even if García and Cesc Fàbregas in particular did not make the most of it. Alonso offered a more serious threat midway through the opening period when he almost caused Nikopolidis embarrassment after spotting that he had been drawn off his goalline. The Liverpool FC midfielder nearly added another to his collection of goals from his own half, but with Nikopolidis scrambling, his attempt dropped just the wrong side of the upright.

Charisteas strike
If Spain were not exactly peppering Nikopolidis's goal, however, it was still more than Greece were mustering. Yet Otto Rehhagel's UEFA EURO 2004™ winners in Portugal were hardly renowned for their attacking play either – instead neutralising opponents and making their few chances pay, often from dead-ball situations. They found exactly that route to goal three minutes before half-time, with Karagounis's free-kick finding Charisteas all alone and the No9 burying his header into the top-left corner.

Turnaround
Goaded into action, Luis Aragonés's team were almost level soon after half-time as space opened up for Alonso to rifle an unstoppable effort that Nikopolidis was grateful to see come back off his post. It was a brief let-off for the Blue and Whites, and just after the hour De la Red restored parity with a fulsome finish. Both sides had opportunities to add to the scoring but the stage was set for Güiza, who ensured Spain would go into Sunday's quarter-final against Italy in Vienna on the back of a 100 per cent record in Group D. For Greece, it is home time.

Dutch bandwagon rolls over Romania

Second-half goals from Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and Robin van Persie ended Romania's hopes of a quarter-final place in Berne as the Netherlands rounded off an impressive Group C campaign with a third successive victory.

Netherlands on top
Romania knew three points would ensure they joined their opponents in the last eight, but Victor Piţurcă's side were always on the back foot and Huntelaar, having passed up one presentable opening in the first half, clinically guided in Ibrahim Afellay's teasing right-wing cross nine minutes into the second. The win was sealed for a largely second-string Oranje team with three minutes left as Van Persie drove in his second goal in as many games.

New-look lineup
With progress already assured following victories against Italy and France, Marco van Basten named a much-changed lineup with only Khalid Boulahrouz and Orlando Engelaar retaining their places. That was little relief for Romania, however, given that the reshuffle brought Arjen Robben, Van Persie and Huntelaar into the XI, and the Netherlands started the match showing their usual command of possession, Romania having to hector and hassle for every touch. Nonetheless, the best the Dutch had to offer in the early exchanges was an Engelaar shot from distance which Cristian Chivu bravely charged down. If the key to tackling Van Basten's side was to deny them space, it seemed Romania had found it with everyone chipping in to cut the Oranje supply lines.

Near misses
The Netherlands were not held entirely in check, as Van Persie headed wide from an Engelaar cross. Romania then threatened for the first time, Adrian Mutu collecting a throw-in and twisting and turning to work space only to pull his shot across the face of goal. Next, Boulahrouz got behind the Tricolorii back line on the right, cutting the ball back for Huntelaar, but the AFC Ajax striker lifted his effort over. Robben was soon guilty of a more glaring miss, running on to a Huntelaar flick only to nudge his attempt wide of Bogdan Lobonţ's right-hand post. Paul Codrea may have been equally disappointed to have missed the target after Răzvan Raţ's teasing pass from the left wrong-footed the Dutch defence as half-time approached.

Huntelaar strike
The Group C winners took up where they had left off after the interval and might have broken through within four minutes of the restart when a long ball found Van Persie with only Gabriel Tamaş for company. But while the Arsenal FC attacker spun his marker, Lobonţ turned his low shot round the post brilliantly. The goalkeeper had no chance five minutes later, however, Afellay's ball from the right finding its way through a crowded penalty area for Huntelaar to guide in expertly.

Late clincher
With news filtering through that Italy had taken a 2-0 lead against France, Romania's situation now looked desperate. Still unable to master possession, they continually found themselves on the defensive but while flying interceptions and timely challenges kept Piţurcă's men in contention, it was goals that were needed. Mutu set up substitute Florentin Petre for an overhead kick that looped over but for all their efforts, Romania were not to conjure up a second Miracle of Berne at the stadium that hosted West Germany's 1954 FIFA World Cup triumph, Van Persie underlining the class divide with the fiercely-struck second goal. The Netherlands will play either Sweden or Russia in the last eight in Basel on Saturday, while Romania finish in third position.

France sunk as Italy grab lifeline

World champions Italy qualified for the UEFA EURO 2008™ quarter-finals in impressive fashion on Tuesday as they defeated France 2-0 at the Letzigrund Stadion and Romania lost by the same scoreline to the Netherlands.

Pirlo penalty
Romania had begun the evening second in Group C and would have progressed regardless of events in Zurich had they beaten the already-qualified Dutch. But their reverse opened the door to the Azzurri who clinically grabbed the opportunity, inflicting another painful defeat on France and condemning the FIFA World Cup finalists to last place in the section. The game's turning point arrived in the 24th minute when, after fouling Luca Toni, Eric Abidal was sent off and Andrea Pirlo converted the resulting penalty. Daniele De Rossi's second-half strike added gloss to a wonderful evening for Italy, dampened only by the yellow cards for Pirlo and Gennaro Gattuso which mean they will miss the quarter-final against Spain on 22 June in Vienna.

Ribéry injury
France almost handed Italy an ideal start when Toni pounced on Abidal's slip, only to shoot narrowly wide. Having started slowly in each of their first two matches, Les Bleus were keen to seize an early grip and Franck Ribéry twice fired efforts wide before, to the dismay of the France fans, the winger injured his left leg in the tenth minute and was carried off. Samir Nasri was sent on, yet France's focus appeared to waver and Claude Makelele immediately needed to clear a Christian Panucci header off the line.

Red card
Italy looked menacing every time they broke and after Simone Perrotta had narrowly failed to collect Pirlo's pass, France finally cracked. Abidal fouled Toni as he bore down on goal, prompting the referee to point to the spot and brandish a red card. Pirlo made no mistake, expertly dispatching the ball into the top left-hand corner. The double blow left France reeling and despite defender Jean-Alain Boumsong replacing the unfortunate Nasri, the two-time champions were in disarray. Toni might have scored three in as many minutes before the half-hour, but after skilfully back-heeling Antonio Cassano's cross fractionally past the post, the FC Bayern München forward twice missed the target with only Grégory Coupet to beat.

Gross free-kick
Thierry Henry had a chance to raise French spirits in the 34th minute but after racing on to Jérémy Toulalan's slick pass, the FC Barcelona forward directed a cross-shot past the post. With the strikers struggling to find their range, Fabio Grosso looked to show them the way just before half-time, curling a brilliant free-kick towards the bottom corner only for his Olympique Lyonnais team-mate Coupet to push it on to the post.

Almighty roar
Despite playing with ten men, France began the second period in the ascendancy, with Karim Benzema volleying over before Henry had two shots comfortably saved by Gianluigi Buffon. News that the Netherlands had opened the scoring against Romania prompted an almighty roar from the Azzurri faithful and the celebrating continued when De Rossi scored on 62 minutes. The AS Roma midfielder's 30-metre free-kick took a cruel deflection off Henry, wrong-footing Coupet and effectively ending the French challenge. Although Benzema subsequently saw his swerving shot brilliantly tipped wide by Buffon in the 74th minute, there was no way back for France, who finished with just one point after losing back-to-back matches for the first time in 15 years.

Turki mara penuh dramatik

GENEVA - Turki yang beraksi 10 pemain mara ke suku akhir Euro 2008 walaupun ketinggalan 0-2 sebelum bangkit mengejutkan Republik Czech 3-2, semalam.

Harapan Turki seakan-akan berkubur sehingga minit ke-62 selepas tandukan penyerang 'gergasi' Republik Czech, Jan Koller dan gol babak kedua pemain sayap, Jaroslav Plasil mengukuhkan kedudukan lawan yang pernah mara ke separuh akhir Euro 2004.

Namun, tiga gol pada 15 minit terakhir termasuk dua gol menerusi ketua pasukan, Nihat Kahveci pada minit ke-87 dan 89, membawa Turki ke saingan suku akhir.

Penentuan penalti tidak diperlukan selepas Turki bangkit di penghujung permainan.

Bermula dengan Arda Turan yang merembat bola leret melepasi penjaga gol, Petr Cech untuk gol pertama, Turki kembali bernafas walaupun ketinggalan 1-2.

Kahveci yang beraksi di Villarreal, menjaringkan dua gol. Gol pertama dijaringkan daripada gerakan tanpa diduga yang lazimnya dapat dijangka oleh Cech.

Kemenangan itu meletakkan pasukannya ke pusingan kalah mati bertemu juara Kumpulan B, Croatia di Vienna, Jumaat ini.

Situasi tegang tercetus di babak akhir apabila penjaga gol Turki, Volkan Demirel dilayangkan kad merah tetapi ia tidak dapat meredakan kekecewaan pemain pasukan Republik Czech.

Penentuan penalti merupakan pilihan sebelum perlawanan apabila masing-masing menang dua perlawanan dalam Kumpulan A.

Namun, akhirnya Turki mengiringi Portugal ke suku akhir manakala Republik Czech terpaksa pulang awal.

Jurulatih Republik Czech, Karel Brueckner memilih penyerang tinggi lampai Nuremberg, Koller sebagai penyerang tunggal, menggantikan bekas penyerang Liverpool Milan Baros yang semakin merosot prestasinya selepas muncul penjaring terbanyak kejohanan empat tahun lalu.

Rakan sejawat Brueckner, Fatih Terim pula menurunkan pemain Fenerbahce, Semih Senturk yang digandingkan dengan Kahveci di bahagian serangan menerusi formula tradisi 4-4-2, tidak seperti formula 4-3-3 yang digunakan ketika menentang Switzerland.

Turki bermula agresif dengan pemain kelahiran Brazil, Mehmet Aurelio mengutip kad kuning kedua kejohanan.

Selepas berterusan mengasak kubu Turki, keputusan menurunkan Koller berbaloi pada minit ke-34 apabila dia menjaringkan gol ke-55 dalam 90 penampilan antarabangsa yang juga merupakan aksi terakhir untuk negaranya.

Pertahanan Juventus, Zdenek Grygera melakukan hantaran silang untuk Koller menyambar bola tinggi dan walaupun Demirel cuba menepis, bola akhirnya menerjah gawang.

Turki menggandakan asakan di babak kedua dengan Kahveci dua kali hampir mencipta gol, namun Cech kental di gawang gol Republik Czech.

Republik Czech seakan-akan mengesahkan kemenangan selepas mendahului 2-0 apabila Plasil melepaskan rembatan deras selepas mendapat bola lintang Libor Sionko pada minit ke-62 tanpa mampu diselamatkan Demirel.

Namun, Turki mempamerkan semangat juang dan menjaringkan gol selepas menembusi pertahanan Republik Czech menerusi pemain sayap Halil Altintop menampan bola lintang untuk Turan merembat ke gawang gol.

Kesilapan Cech selepas itu membolehkan Turki menyamakan kedudukan apabila ketua pasukan, Kahveci mudah menolak masuk bola yang terlepas daripada tangkapan penjaga gol Chelsea tersebut ketika permainan berbaki tiga minit.

utusan online

'Les Bleus tidak harus panik'

Prestasi sewaktu menentang Belanda sedikit sebanyak memberi harapan: Jacquet

'CHEXBRES (Switzerland): Bekas jurulatih, Aime Jacquet yang memimpin Perancis menjuarai Piala Dunia 1998, berkata barisan bergelar Les Bleus itu tidak harus mudah panik ketika turun dalam perlawanan terakhir, pertembungan hidup atau mati Kumpulan C menentang juara dunia, Itali, esok.

Dengan hanya punya pilihan tunggal meraih kemenangan selepas tumbang kepada Belanda dan seri dengan Romania, Jacquet kelmarin berkata, prestasi sewaktu menentang Belanda sedikit sebanyak memberi harapan meskipun keputusan tidak memihak Perancis.

"Kita dapat melihat wajah sebenar pasukan Perancis dengan dinamis, idea, kewujudan serta pemain yang kelihatan mampu memberi cabaran. Bagaimanapun, seperti yang kerap berlaku, kita dikejutkan dengan keadaan bola mati.

"Memang menyedihkan kita gagal kembali bangkit selepas jaringan Thierry Henry. Namun ia menunjukkan sejauh mana kemampuan lawan," kata Jacquet yang merakam detik terbaiknya sewaktu menewaskan Brazil 3-0 di Stade de France pada Piala Dunia 10 tahun lalu.

Pasukan Belanda mara penuh bergaya dengan elemen mereka memiliki barisan pemain simpanan yang boleh dikerah serta miliki pemain berbakat yang mempunyai semangat tinggi selain mampu menjaringkan gol, katanya.

Jacquet berkata, barisan bek Perancis tidak begitu ampuh dan mereka dibiarkan bersendiri mengekang serangan - perkara yang agak tidak seimbang. 'Saya ingin nyatakan, saya menghargai pemain depan seperti (Lilian) Thuram dan (William) Gallas'.

Bagaimanapun pada masa sama, Jacquet akur apabila berkata: "pasukan terbaik akan menang - dan sekarang, nasib tidak memihak di tangan kita'.

Dia menegaskan, harapannya kini supaya Perancis tidak terhumban ke dalam perangkap dan merasakan 'segala-galanya sudah tamat', ketika pasukan bimbang Belanda mungkin menurunkan barisan simpanan ketika berdepan dengan Romania - sesuatu yang boleh memberi kelegaan buat lawan untuk mengilhamkan kemenangan mengumpul empat mata dan tetap layak ke suku akhir.

"Pasukan simpanan Belanda pasti membuktikan kemampuan mereka dan menghantar mesej kepada jurulatih Marco van Basten bahawa mereka boleh diharapkan.

"Dan Romania pula mungkin berisiko berdepan kepenatan ketara selepas bermain dalam dua perlawanan hebat," kata Jacquet. - AFP

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