Monthly Archives: June 2012
Matchpack: Croatia v Spain
Reposted from Yahoo! Sport UK & Ireland
Team news
Striker Nikica Jelavic missed training for Croatia on Saturday with a fever, but is expected to recover in time for the crucial clash against the defending champions. It remains to be seen if coach Slaven Bilic sticks with his favoured midfield diamond or goes with the 4-2-3-1 that he switched to during the match against Italy four days ago, from which they scored to earn 1-1 draw.
Although Spain’s progress into the quarter-finals is by no means confirmed, coach Vicente del Bosque‘s thoughts may turn to his three players – Alvaro Arbeloa, Xabi Alonso and Fernando Torres – who are already on yellow cards and will be suspended for their next game if they pick up another booking against Croatia. Despite scoring in both of Spain’s matches thus far, Cesc Fabregas may find himself on the bench once more.
Qualifying chances
Spain and Croatia will both go through if Italy fail to beat Ireland, themselves already eliminated, in the final match.
If Italy do take all three points, they would go through with the winner of the Croatia v Spain clash.
If that game is drawn it would leave all three on five points with head-to-heads coming into play. That situation would favour Spain, who go through whatever the scores, but whether Croatia or Italy would join them is complicated.
A goalless draw would favour Italy but a 1-1 draw would make the score of the Italy v Ireland match vital. Italy would then have to do better than Croatia’s 3-1 win over Ireland to reach the last eight.
A 2-2 or higher draw between Croatia and Spain is Italy’s nightmare as that would take both Croatia and Spain through and eliminate the Italians.
Manager quotes
Slaven Bilic: “A [high-scoring] draw doesn’t enter into our minds, that would be stupid. My players know what they must do and their levels of determination are sufficiently high. This is the most important game of their generation. It won’t be easy as they have been the best team in the world over the past four or five years but we will look to hold possession for as long as possible while running as much as we can. We play our best when we play against the top teams.”
Vicente del Bosque: “We are a very strong team but football can always spring surprises. You saw that in the semi-finals of the Champions League this season while at these finals I thought Poland and Russia would go through but that didn’t come to pass. Anything can happen, we must be aware of that and of the fact that being overconfident in this sport can make things very tricky. If we are not alert we will be punished, I have no doubt about that.”
Match facts
Spain are unbeaten in three games against Croatia, last tasting defeat to them in 1994.
This will be the first competitive meeting between these two sides.
If Croatia and Spain share a draw in this match, scoring two or more goals each, they will both reach the quarter-finals.
Croatia are unbeaten in their last six fixtures at the European Championship Finals (four wins), and have scored in each of the last eight.
Spain are unbeaten in each of their last eight games at Euro Finals.
Last Thursday’s 4-0 win over the Republic of Ireland ended a run of five consecutive games between Euros and World Cup in which La Roja had always scored exactly one goal.
Antonio Di Natale’s goal in the opening game of this tournament was the only one Spain have conceded over their last six games in major international tournaments.
Over their last 24 fixtures at Euros and World Cup, the only side able to score more than a single goal against Spain were France (3-1 in the 2006 World Cup).
Mario Mandzukic has had only four shots at Euro 2012 but has scored with three of them.
The brace netted against Ireland has allowed Fernando Torres to join David Villa as the Spanish best-scorer at European Championships on four goals.
In their last game against Ireland, Spain set a new record for most passes in a match at the Euros: 860 (previous most was 778).
Match odds
Croatia 9/1, Spain 1/2, Draw 13/5
Article link: http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/news/match-facts-croatia-v-spain-230443457.html
Matchpack: Portugal v Netherlands
Reposted from Yahoo! Sport UK & Ireland
TEAM NEWS
Portugal coach Paulo Bento will almost certainly keep faith with the same starting line-up with none of his squad injured. That would mean an unchanged team for the fifth straight competitive match after their two play-off games with Bosnia and first two matches in this tournament.
Netherlands coach Bert van Marwijk is keeping his starting line-up to himself but the temptation will surely be to start with a formation similar to the one that finished against Germany. Trailing 2-0 at half-time Klaas-Jan Huntelaar was introduced at centre forward with Robin Van Persie and Arjen Robben playing in the wide roles and midfielder Wesley Sneijder given a more advanced position. Rafael van der Vaart is another option for the left flank while skipper and defensive midfielder Mark Van Bommel could be sacrificed.
MANAGER QUOTES
Paulo Bento: “Our aim is not only to go through but to win the game. We know what their tactics will be. Dutch teams like to have the ball and dictate the game. They have always had a great technical quality but this cannot let us rely just on our counter-attacks – we need to possess the ball too. And I don’t think the Netherlands have an advantage just because they’ve played here (Kharkiv) twice. We have already shown great defensive quality. We will try to counter-attack better and will fight until the end. Although the Netherlands haven’t won yet, they deserve a lot of respect. They are very organised and have great quality. They have great pedigree and also can reach the quarter-finals. I’m a great optimist. I wouldn’t be here otherwise.”
Bert van Marwijk: “The biggest change for us is that it is about one game, it’s like a final – a one off-game and so we have to go for it. We need Germany to win but we know from the start we have to win by two goals and I will keep that in mind. We have to go for it, that’s what the tactics are based on… the tactics will reflect that situation. It’s going to be a frantic game and there were lots of yellow and red cards in the past. So we need lots of discipline for this game. I told the players that but they know that themselves.”
QUALIFYING CHANCES
All four teams can still go through or be eliminated.
Germany hold the best cards and would qualify with a win or draw against Denmark. Even if they lose, they would still reach the quarter-finals if Portugal do not beat Netherlands.
Portugal and Denmark have identical records – and there it gets complicated. If both win their last group games, they would finish with Germany on six points and the three would have to be separated on the basis of head-to-heads. In that situation, Denmark would be sure to go through, whatever the scores, and Portugal would probably join them.
Germany could oust Portugal only if they lose by a single goal margin and score two or more goals, for example 2-3, 3-4 etc. Any other defeat would send them home.
If both matches are drawn, Portugal would go through and Denmark would be out by virtue of losing to the Portuguese in the direct encounter. In other circumstances, whichever of Portugal or Denmark gets the best result will qualify – unless both lose.
In that case the two countries would finish with the Dutch on three points and head-to-heads would again come into play. Netherlands would go through only if they beat Portugal by two goals or more. Denmark would definitely be out, whatever the scores, and Portugal would be through if they lose by one goal.
MATCH FACTS
Netherlands have only won one of their previous 10 internationals against Portugal; 1-0 in Rotterdam in a Euro 1992 qualification game.
Portugal have won both clashes with the Oranje in major tournaments, winning 1-0 in the 2006 World Cup and 2-1 in Euro 2004.
The Dutch have failed to score in six of their 10 meetings with Portugal.
The meeting between the sides at the 2006 World Cup holds the record for most red cards (four) shown in any game at World Cups or European Championships.
Portugal haven’t drawn a group stage game at the European Championships since a 1-1 against Denmark in 1996, (W10 L3).
The Netherlands have lost their last three games in Euros and World Cups combined, scoring only one goal in the process.
In 2008, the Dutch won all three games in the Euro group stages – now they fear losing all three.
The Netherlands are the team with the most shots (46) but the fewest goals (one) in Group B.
Portugal’s last five goals conceded at Euros were all headers.
None of the Netherlands’ last seven goals at Euros has been scored before the 54th minute.
In both games at Euro 2012 the Dutch have conceded the opening goal in the 24th minute.
The Netherlands’ only way to reach the quarter-finals is to beat Portugal by at least two goals and hope Denmark lose against Germany.
MATCH ODDS
Portugal 17/10 Draw 5/2 Netherlands 6/4
Article link: http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/news/match-facts-portugal-v-netherlands-013057635.html
Matchpack: Denmark v Germany
Reposted from Yahoo! Sport UK & Ireland
TEAM NEWS
The Danes will be without experienced winger Dennis Rommedahl, injured against Portugal, and he will likely be replaced by Tobias Mikkelsen. Midfielder Niki Zimling faces a race to recover from a muscle injury suffered in the early part of the 3-2 loss to Portugal on Wednesday.
The Germans will be without suspended right back Jerome Boateng with Lars Bender the most likely candidate to replace him, leaving captain Philipp Lahm on the left. Schalke’s Benedikt Hoewedes is an alternative. Assistant coach Hansi Flick said Lukas Podolski needed to improve in attack but the rest of the team that beat Portugal and the Dutch is set to be retained.
MANAGER QUOTES
Morten Olsen: “I am absolutely sure that Germany will not underestimate us. They know that we have a team that on the day can play against any opponent so we don’t have this advantage as we did 20 years ago. As sports people we have experienced two dressing rooms, one which was euphoric and one that was filled with grave emotions and darkness. We, of course, prefer the feeling we had after the Dutch game.”
Joachim Loew: “We will not underestimate them. We have not qualified yet and need at least one point. It will be a tight match. Denmark also have hopes of reaching the last eight, we always knew they would be a threat as they’re compact and very dangerous on the counterattack.”
QUALIFYING CHANCES
All four teams can still go through or be eliminated.
Germany hold the best cards and would qualify with a win or draw against Denmark. Even if they lose, they would still reach the quarter-finals if Portugal do not beat Netherlands.
Portugal and Denmark have identical records – and there it gets complicated. If both win their last group games, they would finish with Germany on six points and the three would have to be separated on the basis of head-to-heads. In that situation, Denmark would be sure to go through, whatever the scores, and Portugal would probably join them.
Germany could oust Portugal only if they lose by a single goal margin and score two or more goals, for example 2-3, 3-4 etc. Any other defeat would send them home.
If both matches are drawn, Portugal would go through and Denmark would be out by virtue of losing to the Portuguese in the direct encounter. In other circumstances, whichever of Portugal or Denmark gets the best result will qualify – unless both lose.
In that case the two countries would finish with the Dutch on three points and head-to-heads would again come into play. Netherlands would go through only if they beat Portugal by two goals or more. Denmark would definitely be out, whatever the scores, and Portugal would be through if they lose by one goal.
MATCH FACTS
All three clashes between Denmark and Germany in major tournaments have ended 2-0, with Denmark winning in the 1986 World Cup and Euro 1992 and Germany in Euro 1988.
Denmark are unbeaten in three clashes with Germany, winning two (all friendlies).
Dennis Rommedahl netted three goals in those matches.
The Danes have netted just one first half goal in their last 10 meetings with Germany combined.
Any Danish win guarantees them a place in the quarter-finals. Germany need just a draw to reach the last eight.
Germany have won all of their last 13 competitive games – an all-time record in DFB history.
Furthermore Germany are the only team to win all of their qualifying and tournament matches in EURO 2012 and have scored the first goal in each of these games.
The German team have won their first two matches at EURO finals for their fourth time. On the previous three occasions they managed this, they went on to lift the trophy.
Nicklas Bendtner became the fifth Danish player to score a brace at European Championship finals in his side’s last game against Portugal (after Arnesen, Larsen, B. Laudrup, Tomasson).
Mario Gomez netted three goals with his first five shots at EURO 2012 after failing to score with any of his five at Euro 2008.
MATCH ODDS
Denmark 9/2 Draw 14/5 Germany 8/13
Article link: http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/news/match-facts-denmark-v-germany-013623297.html
Matchpack: Greece v Russia
Reposted from Yahoo! Sport UK & Ireland
TEAM NEWS
Greece coach Fernando Santos is set to make changes with defenderSokratis Papastathopoulos available after serving a one-match suspension. Goalkeeper Michalis Sifakis will probably start after replacing the injured Kostas Chalkias midway through the first-half against the Czechs. Midfielder Giorgos Karagounis is poised to equal Theodoros Zagorakis‘s national record of 119 caps.
Midfielder Konstantin Zyryanov was sick on Friday but otherwiseRussia’s Dick Advocaat has a “fit and healthy squad”. The coach is set to retain misfiring striker Alexander Kerzhakov who has missed a glut of chances in Russia’s two games.
MANAGER QUOTES
Fernando Santos: “It has been written in the (Greek) press that our team was not well-prepared in the first two matches against the Czech Republic and Poland… but this was not the case. Our players had DVDs of each team we were to face in the group stage during our training camp in Austria (in May). Here (in Poland) we gave to each player, four days before our matches, a dossier with all the general characteristics of each team and also the particular qualities of each player – their strengths and their weaknesses. And we have studied the matches played by Russia in the tournament so far.”
Dick Advocaat: “In the second half we did not play that great against Poland, but that had to do with losing the ball unnecessarily. The first half was very good. There were not too many chances for either team and in the second half Poland did a lot better. We simply have to get better. Kerzhakov is a player who is going to take his opportunities and he can score a goal out of nothing, even though he may not play that well. He can score goals and has done that his whole career.”
MATCH FACTS
Russia have won 13 of their previous 21 internationals against Greece, losing just three.
The Greeks have lost both of their previous meetings with Russia in the European Championships however; 1-2 in Euro 2004 and 0-1 in Euro 2008.
This will be the first time that two teams have met each other in three consecutive editions of the European Championships.
Greece are without a win in their last five games at Euros (D1 L4).
Dzagoev’s first three shots on target at the tournament resulted in goals.
Five of Russia’s last seven goals at major tournaments have been scored (one) or assisted (four) by Arshavin.
Alexander Kerzhakov is yet to manage a shot on target at Euro 2012 (nine off target, two blocked).
Russia are unbeaten in 16 games (eight wins).
Greece have managed just three shots in the first half of matches so far (11 after the break).
A win for Greece would see them through to the quarter-finals and Russia eliminated as long as the Czech Republic-Poland game does not end in a draw.
The Greeks have never won their final group game at the Euros (D1 L2) – one of those defeats coming against Russia in 2004.
Russia are unbeaten in their final group game at European Championships (W2 D1, excludes USSR).
MATCH ODDS
Greece 4/1, Russia 8/11, Draw 11/4
Article link: http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/news/match-facts-greece-v-russia-034648661.html
Matchpack: Czech Republic v Poland
Reposted from Yahoo! Sport UK & Ireland
TEAM NEWS
Poland are set to keep Przemyslaw Tyton in goal against instead of usual first-choice Wojciech Szczesny who was sent off in a shaky Euro 2012 opener against Greece. Coach Franciszek Smuda will keep faith with 25-year-old Tyton, who saved a penalty with his first touch in the 1-1- draw with Greece in the tournament’s opening game. Damien Perquis has been ruled out after picking up a knee problem so Grzegorz Wojtkowiak will deputise for the France-born defender. Eugen Polanski and Dariusz Dudka are expected to be fit.
The Czechs are sweating over the fitness of captain Tomas Rosicky. The playmaker, whose creativity and passing skills fuel the Czech attack, injured his Achilles in the 2-1 win over Greece and said he could barely stand on Wednesday. Team officials said Rosicky’s fitness was improving but he is still doubtful for Saturday and Viktoria Plzen’s Daniel Kolar could deputise. The team received better news on Petr Cech‘s sore shoulder when the goalkeeper said he would be ready to play.
MANAGER QUOTES
Franciszek Smuda: “We do not need to (be more attacking). The Italians only defend and they seem to able to win as well. Why shouldn’t we? Our main aim is to stay focused and not commit any mistakes. This is the most important game of my life, I know this. We are not facing the same pressure that we were prior to our first match against Greece. But we know that it is hard to beat anyone here.”
Michal Bilek: “Tomas is our key player. “The team is more confident with him in it, because he is able to manage and lead the team. We want to go to the quarter-final. “Right now, it’s one or the other and we will do our utmost to achieve this goal. Of course, we respect our opponent but we are not scared. We don’t want to say goodbye to the Euros and we want to go through.”
MATCH FACTS
Czech Republic have won 13 and lost just six of 23 internationals against Poland (including games played as the former Czechoslovakia).
Poland’s six wins against the Czechs have come in their last six games on home turf against them.
The Czechs have won three of their four previous competitive meetings with Poland (though one of them was by default after Poland withdrew from qualifying for the 1934 World Cup).
Only Peter Schmeichel (20) has conceded more goals at European Championship finals than Petr Cech (15).
Cech has conceded five goals from only six shots on target so far in this tournament.
Poland have played more games at European Championships without winning than any other side (5).
A win for either side in this match would see them reach the quarter-finals.
A draw would see Poland eliminated, though not guarantee the Czechs a place in the last eight (depending on the result of Greece-Russia).
Only one host nation has ever failed to win a group stage match at the Euros (Austria in 2008).
On the two previous occasions the Czech Republic have made it past the group stages, they have at least reached the semi-finals (1996 and 2004).
No side has ever had the same result in all three group stage matches at the Euros (Poland have had two 1-1s so far).
No side has ever drawn all three group stage matches at a European Championships.
Ludovik Obrianiak set up eight shots for Poland in their last game against Russia – no Polish player has ever set up more in a single match at the Euros.
MATCH ODDS
Czech Republic 9/4, Poland 5/4, Draw 12/5
Article link: http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/news/match-facts-czech-republic-v-034240133.html
Arsenal At Euro2012: Heroes & Zeroes As Theo Buries The Past & Szczesny Pays The Price
Group D
Ukraine 0 – 2 France
Sweden 2 – 3 England
Lady Luck is a fickle mistress, something well-known to footballers. As quickly as you become the apple of her eye, she can toss you aside, sending you cartwheeling through the air with nonchalance before you rattle around the rim of the wastebasket and crash to the bottom.
As Theo Walcott savours being the nation’s saviour, Wojciech Szczesny‘s career trajectory has plateaued following his dismissal against Greece. That foul might well have saved his country from falling a goal behind, his replacement left no doubt saving a penalty with his first touch. Were Lukasz Fabianski so minded, he might smile with schadenfreude at how the footballing circle has turned; the replacement replaced.
Theo Walcott meanwhile finds himself at the crossroads of the manager’s mind. England had descended beyond the paucity of performance which beset Sweden in the first…
View original post 478 more words
How changes in MLB have increased the amount of No-Hitters
Written by Fantasy Furnace:
The pitching performances, no-hitters & perfect games in MLB so far this season, as well as over the past six years, begs the question, “Why so many?”In light of Matt Cain’s stunning ‘perfect game’ performance on Wednesday night, it seems that more and more, the significance and ‘awe’ that we once had for such outstanding feats has been minimized.
Not totake anything away from Cain’s superb outing, which was indeed masterful, it just seems like 10-20 years ago it would have had more interest and ‘shock’ appeal because it took place much less frequently.
Case in point…in the last 13 days we have witnessed three no-hitters. The last time that was done, albeit in 14 days, was 100 years ago!
So why are these events becoming more and more commonplace? One need only go back to the end of the steriod era as we know it; back all the way…
View original post 319 more words
Russia may face points deduction
Taken from Newsday
Taken from: Yahoo! Sport UK & Ireland
Russia will be docked six points in qualifying for the next European Championship if their fans step out of line again after disturbances at their opening Euro 2012 game against the Czech Republic last Friday, UEFA said.
The charges against Russia’s fans included setting off and throwing fireworks and the display of illicit banners at the match in Wroclaw which Dick Advocaat‘s team won 4-1.
Russian and Polish fans were also involved in the worst violence of the tournament around the second group game in Warsaw on Tuesday.
Police, who feared trouble at the Euro 2012 game due to uneasy relations between the two countries, detained 184 people, 156 of them Poles, 25 Russians, and three other foreign fans.
Russia, who drew 1-1 with Poland, top Group A on four points with the Czech Republic second on three.
UEFA opened another disciplinary case against the Russian FA on Wednesday following incidents inside the stadium in Tuesday’s game with the Poles, but said it would not have any impact on the suspended sanction related to the Wroclaw match.
Russia again face a hearing for setting off and throwing fireworks, displaying illicit banners and the invasion of the pitch by a supporter, while the Polish Football Association will answer a charge of setting off fireworks.
“Last night’s incidents do not have any impact on the probation period for the sanction imposed on the RFS following the incidents at their first match against the Czech Republic in Wroclaw. This means the six-point deduction is still currently suspended,” UEFA said.
UEFA’s Control and Disciplinary Body will deal with both cases on Sunday.
Reuters
Source: http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/13062012/58/euro-2012-russia-face-points-deduction.html
Sports, Sports, and more Sports 