Via Euronews: Dutch revival downs French as Germany drop down in the Nations League
Showing posts with label European Soccer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label European Soccer. Show all posts
3/6/13
UEFA European Soccer Cup: Manchester United Shouldn't Play the Blame Game - by Rob Hughes
The shoe is raised dangerously high, and the referee, given only one split-second view of it, red-cards the offending player. Uproar. The e-mails, the television commentaries, the tweets pour in.
Some said Manchester United had been robbed by the Turkish referee’s decision to send off its winger, Nani, in the Champions League against Real Madrid on Tuesday. Others said the referee, Cuneyt Cakir, had done his duty, gone by the book and punished dangerous play.
Either way, a game played between two clubs worth more than a billion dollars apiece and televised live around the globe was deemed to have been perverted by a single call from the arbiter.
Nobody knows whether United would have gone on to win the contest. It led at the time of the red card, but it ultimately lost, 2-1, after being reduced to 10 men against 11 for the remaining half-hour at Old Trafford Stadium.
Read more: Manchester United Shouldn't Play the Blame Game - NYTimes.com
2/4/13
Soccer Corruption - The Netherlands: - Five Dutch nationals implicated in European football-fixing probe
Five Dutch nationals have been implicated in a massive pan-European investigation into match-fixing in football, Dutch media reported on Monday.
The probe, carried out by the EU policing organisation Europol, has identified 380 matches across the continent which it says were fixed by an Asia-based crime syndicate.
The Dutch football association said it understood five Dutch individuals are involved but ‘it is not clear what form that involvement took’, spokesman Gijs de Jong is quoted as saying.
De Jong was also unable to say if the five were involved in matches involving Dutch clubs. ‘That is not clear. They may well have been involved in games abroad. That is certainly not out of the question,’ he said.
Read more: DutchNews.nl - Five Dutch nationals implicated in European football-fixing probe
The probe, carried out by the EU policing organisation Europol, has identified 380 matches across the continent which it says were fixed by an Asia-based crime syndicate.
The Dutch football association said it understood five Dutch individuals are involved but ‘it is not clear what form that involvement took’, spokesman Gijs de Jong is quoted as saying.
De Jong was also unable to say if the five were involved in matches involving Dutch clubs. ‘That is not clear. They may well have been involved in games abroad. That is certainly not out of the question,’ he said.
Read more: DutchNews.nl - Five Dutch nationals implicated in European football-fixing probe
6/13/12
European Soccer Cup: Germany beat Dutch, Portugal strike late
Mario Gomez scored twice for Germany, taking his tally to three goals in two games and leaving the Dutch needing victory over Portugal in their last Group B match to have any chance of progressing.
They are also dependent on Germany beating Denmark. The Danes came back from 2-0 down against Portugal thanks to two close-range headers by Nicklas Bendtner, before substitute Silvestre Varela smashed in the 87th-minute winner.
Germany have six points from two games, Denmark and Portugal have three and the Netherlands none.
Off the pitch, tension was growing between Russia and co-hosts Poland over fighting in which police fired rubber bullets and tear gas and detained 184 people before the countries' Group A match in Warsaw on Tuesday.
The Kremlin said President Vladimir Putin had told Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk by telephone that Warsaw bore "full responsibility" for fans' safety and Russia's Foreign Ministry accused Polish fans of provoking the violence.
Read more: Germany beat Dutch, Portugal strike late | Football | Reuters
They are also dependent on Germany beating Denmark. The Danes came back from 2-0 down against Portugal thanks to two close-range headers by Nicklas Bendtner, before substitute Silvestre Varela smashed in the 87th-minute winner.
Germany have six points from two games, Denmark and Portugal have three and the Netherlands none.
Off the pitch, tension was growing between Russia and co-hosts Poland over fighting in which police fired rubber bullets and tear gas and detained 184 people before the countries' Group A match in Warsaw on Tuesday.
The Kremlin said President Vladimir Putin had told Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk by telephone that Warsaw bore "full responsibility" for fans' safety and Russia's Foreign Ministry accused Polish fans of provoking the violence.
Read more: Germany beat Dutch, Portugal strike late | Football | Reuters
6/5/12
Britain - Soccer: Spate of injuries suggest another England soccer failure- by Mike Collett
England are the only European country to have won the World Cup but never be crowned European champions and following a spate of injuries, there are very few indicators suggesting that England’s disappointing European record will improve this month.
Whether Hodgson, 64, named on May 1 as England’s new permanent manager following the departure of Fabio Capello in February, can bring success remains one of the many unanswered questions facing the Three Lions this month.
In eight finals appearances since 1968 they have only reached the semi-finals twice: in 1968, when only four teams took part in Italy and in 1996 when they hosted the tournament.
Read more: Spate of injuries suggest another England soccer failure - The Globe and Mail
Whether Hodgson, 64, named on May 1 as England’s new permanent manager following the departure of Fabio Capello in February, can bring success remains one of the many unanswered questions facing the Three Lions this month.
In eight finals appearances since 1968 they have only reached the semi-finals twice: in 1968, when only four teams took part in Italy and in 1996 when they hosted the tournament.
Read more: Spate of injuries suggest another England soccer failure - The Globe and Mail
11/14/11
European Soccer: International friendly preview: Germany v Netherlands
Germany welcome the Netherlands at the Imtech Arena in Hamburg on Tuesday with both teams coming off draws last week.
Joachim Loew's German side travelled to Ukraine on Friday and had to come from two goals down to snatch a 3-3 draw, while the Netherlands were held to a goalless draw at home by a resilient Switzerland.
Loew experimented with a three-man backline against the Ukraine which left his side susceptible to counterattacks as they kept a high defensive line. The Germans conceded the first two goals against the run of play after losing possession.
For more: International friendly preview: Germany v Netherlands - Soccerway
Joachim Loew's German side travelled to Ukraine on Friday and had to come from two goals down to snatch a 3-3 draw, while the Netherlands were held to a goalless draw at home by a resilient Switzerland.
Loew experimented with a three-man backline against the Ukraine which left his side susceptible to counterattacks as they kept a high defensive line. The Germans conceded the first two goals against the run of play after losing possession.
For more: International friendly preview: Germany v Netherlands - Soccerway
11/12/11
Soccer: Spain dominates in Wembley but England wins 1-0
World Champion Spain slumped to a fourth loss since winning the World Cup after Frank Lampard’s header lifted England to a disciplined 1-0 victory, despite being outplayed for most of Saturday’s friendly.
In his 90th international appearance, captain Lampard scored four minutes into the second half, meeting the loose ball after Darren Bent’s header came off the post.
“The fact England only got near the goal with that chance from the free kick did show we dominated the game,” Spain coach Vicente del Bosque said through a translator. “But I’m a bit disappointed, almost angry, that we didn’t manage to win. At key moments in the game perhaps we lacked a bit of speed.”
For more: Spain dominates, England wins - thestar.com
In his 90th international appearance, captain Lampard scored four minutes into the second half, meeting the loose ball after Darren Bent’s header came off the post.
“The fact England only got near the goal with that chance from the free kick did show we dominated the game,” Spain coach Vicente del Bosque said through a translator. “But I’m a bit disappointed, almost angry, that we didn’t manage to win. At key moments in the game perhaps we lacked a bit of speed.”
For more: Spain dominates, England wins - thestar.com
9/20/11
Europe's 53 football countries hold two-day summit meeting
Europe's 53 football countries will have the future and popularity of their national teams at the top of the agenda as a two-day summit meeting in Cyprus opened yesterday.
Uefa member federations are under pressure from influential clubs to play fewer matches by scrapping some international friendly dates and cutting the size of qualifying groups for the World Cup and European Championship. Federation presidents and chief executives also will meet
Europe's eight representatives on Fifa's 24-man executive committee four weeks before Fifa President Sepp Blatter unveils his detailed anti-corruption reforms to clean up world football
For more: gulfnews : Europe's 53 football countries hold two-day summit meeting
Uefa member federations are under pressure from influential clubs to play fewer matches by scrapping some international friendly dates and cutting the size of qualifying groups for the World Cup and European Championship. Federation presidents and chief executives also will meet
Europe's eight representatives on Fifa's 24-man executive committee four weeks before Fifa President Sepp Blatter unveils his detailed anti-corruption reforms to clean up world football
For more: gulfnews : Europe's 53 football countries hold two-day summit meeting
9/15/11
UEFA European Soccer League: AZ (Netherlands) , Anderlecht (Belgium), Beşiktaş (Turkey) hit the early goal trail
Beşiktaş, AZ Alkmaar and RSC Anderlecht were the big winners as the UEFA Europa League group stage got under way while 2010 victors Club Atlético de Madrid and runners-up last season, SC Braga, also triumphed.
Watch all Thursday night's goals on UEFA.com
For more: The official website for European football – UEFA.com
Watch all Thursday night's goals on UEFA.com
For more: The official website for European football – UEFA.com
7/28/11
Soccer: Netherlands to keep producing top players
Dutch specialists believed that the Netherlands will keep producing top soccer players in the foreseeable future, based on the country's efficient youth training system.
Just one year ago the Netherlands advanced to the FIFA World Cup final in South Africa. Wesley Sneijder, Arjen Robben and Robin van Persie are the names of the current stars of the national team. They are the successors of stars from the past football legends like Johan Cruijff, Marco van Basten, Ruud Gullit and Dennis Bergkamp.
For more: Netherlands to keep producing top players - People's Daily Online
Just one year ago the Netherlands advanced to the FIFA World Cup final in South Africa. Wesley Sneijder, Arjen Robben and Robin van Persie are the names of the current stars of the national team. They are the successors of stars from the past football legends like Johan Cruijff, Marco van Basten, Ruud Gullit and Dennis Bergkamp.
For more: Netherlands to keep producing top players - People's Daily Online
5/28/11
Soccer: Barcelona Beats Man United 3–1 in Final
Lionel Messi scored one goal and created another Saturday, leading Barcelona to a 3–1 victory over Manchester United and a third Champions League title in six years.
Barcelona dominated play at Wembley with trademark one-touch passing, but the Spanish champions needed the Argentine striker to conjure a 54th-minute solo strike from the edge of the penalty area to take the lead for the second time.
After a shaky opening, Barcelona simply outclassed the English champions. Xavi, standing in as captain for injured defender Carles Puyol, orchestrated play from in front of Sergio Busquets, while Andres Iniesta and Messi tormented United with the pinpoint accuracy of their passing.
For more: Barcelona Beats Man United 3–1 in Final - TIME
Barcelona dominated play at Wembley with trademark one-touch passing, but the Spanish champions needed the Argentine striker to conjure a 54th-minute solo strike from the edge of the penalty area to take the lead for the second time.
After a shaky opening, Barcelona simply outclassed the English champions. Xavi, standing in as captain for injured defender Carles Puyol, orchestrated play from in front of Sergio Busquets, while Andres Iniesta and Messi tormented United with the pinpoint accuracy of their passing.
For more: Barcelona Beats Man United 3–1 in Final - TIME
5/24/11
Soccer - Champions League Final: Manchester United ready for Barcelona in final, says Sir Alex Ferguson
Manchester United are ready for Barcelona in the Champions League final, says manager Sir Alex Ferguson. Photograph: Carl Recine/Action Images
Sir Alex Ferguson does not believe Barcelona's status as favourites ahead of this weekend's Champions League final offers them any advantage, insisting his players "will be ready" regardless.Manchester United find themselves in the rare position of being underdogs for Saturday's Wembley showpiece, even though they have just claimed a record 19th title. However, with memories of the one-sided encounter in Rome two years ago when the Catalans eased to victory, it is Barça who are still expected to win.
For more: Manchester United ready for Barcelona in final, says Sir Alex Ferguson | Football | guardian.co.uk
3/30/11
Soccer Euro 2012: Netherlands edge thriller over Hungary and remain unbeaten
Dirk Kuyt fired a late double to help Holland maintain their 100% record at the top of Euro 2012 qualifying Group E with a dramatic 5-3 win over Hungary in Amsterdam.
The Dutch had to battle from behind after quick-fire goals from Gergely Rudolph and Zoltan Gera cancelled out Robin van Persie's early opener in the first five minutes of the second half. Wesley Sneijder and Ruud van Nistelrooy restored the home side's advantage and, despite Gera hauling Hungary back level, Kuyt clinched the points with his brace in the 78th and 81st minutes.
The win put the Dutch nine points clear at the top of the group while Sweden replaced Hungary in second place on goal difference after Mikael Lustig and Sebastian Larsson scored in a 2-1 home win over Moldova.
For more: Euro 2012: Netherlands edge thriller - ESPN Soccernet
The Dutch had to battle from behind after quick-fire goals from Gergely Rudolph and Zoltan Gera cancelled out Robin van Persie's early opener in the first five minutes of the second half. Wesley Sneijder and Ruud van Nistelrooy restored the home side's advantage and, despite Gera hauling Hungary back level, Kuyt clinched the points with his brace in the 78th and 81st minutes.The win put the Dutch nine points clear at the top of the group while Sweden replaced Hungary in second place on goal difference after Mikael Lustig and Sebastian Larsson scored in a 2-1 home win over Moldova.
For more: Euro 2012: Netherlands edge thriller - ESPN Soccernet
3/25/11
Soccer EURO Cup: Hungary 0 vs Netherlands 4
Van Marwijk said that his team looked like FC Barcelona. “I think only few teams are capable of this play. We really humiliated Hungary, despite this being their crucial home match.” Rafael van der Vaart agreed with the coach. “We really outplayed them, they did not know what to do and ended up playing rough.”
Rafael van der Vaart scored the opener in the eighth minute after a Wesley Sneijder assist and in the 45th minute the Dutch Barcelona-player Ibrahim Afellay doubled the score. Despite the absence of the injured captain Mark van Bommel the Netherlands dominated on the midfield with Sneijder, Van der Vaart and Afellay playing a spectacular passing game.
Hungary’s only weapon, PSV’s left winger Balázs Dzsudzsák was taken care of by Ajax’ right back Gregory van der Wiel, who also gave the assist for Afellay’s goal and in the second half assisted on Robin van Persie’s 4-0 (63’). The Arsenal striker could have scored 3-0 as well, but he left the honor to Liverpool’s Dirk Kuyt in the 54th minute.
For more: Hungary vs Netherlands Report :: Live Soccer TV
Rafael van der Vaart scored the opener in the eighth minute after a Wesley Sneijder assist and in the 45th minute the Dutch Barcelona-player Ibrahim Afellay doubled the score. Despite the absence of the injured captain Mark van Bommel the Netherlands dominated on the midfield with Sneijder, Van der Vaart and Afellay playing a spectacular passing game.
Hungary’s only weapon, PSV’s left winger Balázs Dzsudzsák was taken care of by Ajax’ right back Gregory van der Wiel, who also gave the assist for Afellay’s goal and in the second half assisted on Robin van Persie’s 4-0 (63’). The Arsenal striker could have scored 3-0 as well, but he left the honor to Liverpool’s Dirk Kuyt in the 54th minute.
For more: Hungary vs Netherlands Report :: Live Soccer TV
12/9/10
European Champions League: Field is set for European Champions League knockout stage - by Grahame L. Jones
Nearly six months after four dozen or so starry-eyed and hope-filled teams set out on the European Champions League trail, the final 16 survivors have been identified. By the end of May, Europe's new soccer champion will be known, just in time to start the process all over again in June.
England's Arsenal and Italy's AS Roma on Wednesday secured their places in the knockout rounds with a victory and a tie, respectively, in London and in the somewhat less salubrious surrounds of Cluj-Napoca in northwest Romania.
The Champions League final is in London on May 28, and two other London teams in the last 16, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur, won their respective groups. Arsenal, on the other hand, made difficult going of it after a fast start to the group phase. It had lost its previous two games on the road and its game against Partizan was tied, 1-1, going into the final 20 minutes.
The knockout stages guarantee some great and spectacular games, with no fewer than seven former winners in the field, including reigning champion Inter Milan.
For more: Champions League: Field is set for European Champions League knockout stage - latimes.com
England's Arsenal and Italy's AS Roma on Wednesday secured their places in the knockout rounds with a victory and a tie, respectively, in London and in the somewhat less salubrious surrounds of Cluj-Napoca in northwest Romania.
The Champions League final is in London on May 28, and two other London teams in the last 16, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur, won their respective groups. Arsenal, on the other hand, made difficult going of it after a fast start to the group phase. It had lost its previous two games on the road and its game against Partizan was tied, 1-1, going into the final 20 minutes.
The knockout stages guarantee some great and spectacular games, with no fewer than seven former winners in the field, including reigning champion Inter Milan.
For more: Champions League: Field is set for European Champions League knockout stage - latimes.com
9/30/10
Soccer - European Champions League: Lyon, FCK make it two as Inter and Spurs hit four on
Away wins for Olympique Lyonnais and FC København put them on six points from two UEFA Champions League matches on a night when FC Internazionale Milano and Tottenham Hotspur FC both scored four goals – watch all the night's action.
Holders Inter and newcomers Tottenham both achieved their feats in Group A. Samuel Eto'o starred for the Nerazzurri as he scored three and made the other for Wesley Sneijder in a 4-0 defeat of SV Werder Bremen. Joining them on four points, Tottenham beat FC Twente 4-1 in their home UEFA Champions League debut, all the goals coming in the second half.
For more details: Lyon, FCK make it two as Inter and Spurs hit four on UEFA.COM
Holders Inter and newcomers Tottenham both achieved their feats in Group A. Samuel Eto'o starred for the Nerazzurri as he scored three and made the other for Wesley Sneijder in a 4-0 defeat of SV Werder Bremen. Joining them on four points, Tottenham beat FC Twente 4-1 in their home UEFA Champions League debut, all the goals coming in the second half.
For more details: Lyon, FCK make it two as Inter and Spurs hit four on UEFA.COM
9/15/10
Soccer UEFA Cup: Dutch soccer newcomer Twente proud after tremendous night against Champion Milan
Playing in their first match in the competition against the champions FC Internazionale Milano in Group A, Twente were trailing to Wesley Sneijder's 13th-minute strike when Janssen fired high into the top left corner, leaving Júlio César grasping at air. A Diego Milito own goal on the half hour gave Twente the lead, only for Samuel Eto'o to strike four minutes before the break to earn Inter a 2-2 draw.
At the start fans behind the home goal unfurled a banner that spanned the entire stand with the Twente and fan club logos emblazoned over a map of Europe. As the home support roared their side on, it is clear the Dutch champions will enjoy the ride.
For more: Twente proud after tremendous night on UEFA.COM
At the start fans behind the home goal unfurled a banner that spanned the entire stand with the Twente and fan club logos emblazoned over a map of Europe. As the home support roared their side on, it is clear the Dutch champions will enjoy the ride.
For more: Twente proud after tremendous night on UEFA.COM
9/4/10
Soccer Europa Cup: Spain, Netherlands, England Easily Win to Open Qualifying for Euro 2012
World Cup winner Spain, England and the Netherlands easily won to open qualifying for soccer’s 2012 European Championship.
Fernando Torres scored two goals as Spain began defense of its European title with a 4-0 victory in Liechtenstein. Klass- Jan Huntelaar scored a hat trick as World Cup runnerup Netherlands routed San Marino 5-0, while Jermaine Defoe scored three goals to lead England past Bulgaria 4-0 in London. Germany won 1-0 at Belgium and Italy rallied for two second-half goals to win 2-1 in Estonia. Sergey Kisliak’s goal in the 86th minute gave Belarus a 1-0 win over France in Paris and Andreas Avraam scored in the final minute as Cyprus tied 4-4 in Portugal.
The second round of qualifying matches will be played Sept. 7.
For more: Spain, Netherlands, England Easily Win to Open Qualifying for Euro 2012 - Bloomberg
Fernando Torres scored two goals as Spain began defense of its European title with a 4-0 victory in Liechtenstein. Klass- Jan Huntelaar scored a hat trick as World Cup runnerup Netherlands routed San Marino 5-0, while Jermaine Defoe scored three goals to lead England past Bulgaria 4-0 in London. Germany won 1-0 at Belgium and Italy rallied for two second-half goals to win 2-1 in Estonia. Sergey Kisliak’s goal in the 86th minute gave Belarus a 1-0 win over France in Paris and Andreas Avraam scored in the final minute as Cyprus tied 4-4 in Portugal.
The second round of qualifying matches will be played Sept. 7.
8/12/09
Soccer: England and the Netherlands draw 2-2 in friendly Amsterdam match
EU-Digest
Soccer: England and the Netherlands draw 2-2 in friendly Amsterdam match
In the first half England's team was given a lesson by the Dutch Orange team in the art of keeping possession of the ball. As a result the first goal by the Netherlands was a killer for England, when Holland's Kuyt intercepted a loose ball from England's Terry and calmly dropped the ball in the goal after a few dribbles. In the rest of the first half the Dutch continued to menace the English team. England was no where and the Netherlands impressed with their fast "tick-tack" game. Their second goal arrived after England's Barry lost the ball to Robben, who raced through the middle and passed it to Van der Vaart who drilled the ball in.
Unfortunately for the Netherlands, their fortune did not last in the second half, mainly because England's trainer is the famous Italian coach Capello. He replaced poorly playing Beckham by Michael Carrick. As a result, the whole English team seemed to get a lift after the half time. This resulted in two excellent goals by Defoe one right after the break and the equalizer at the 76th minute.
Overall it was a nice high scoring open game with the Netherlands probably slightly better and more agile than England, but England showing that they too are a quality team which knows how to fight hard when they need to come from behind.
4/24/09
SportsYA: Dutch Premier Soccer league: AZ Alkmaar grabs title for second time
For the complete report from SportsYA click on this link
Dutch Premier Soccer league: AZ Alkmaar grabs title for second time
Founded just 42 years ago, when Alkmaar and Zaanstreekas FC got merged, AZ Alkmaar got their second title at the Dutch Soccer Premier League; they celebrated the first one in the 1980-81 season. On Saturday, Alkmaar couldn't celebrate their new title as they wanted to because they lost by 1-2 to Vitesse which was only their third defeat in the season. In the end, Twente lost to Feyenoord in Rotterdam, while Ajax lost to PSV in Eindhoven. This meant that AZ became the champion even while they still have to play 3 more games. So AZ Alkmaar's trip to Ajax on Sunday has lost a lot of its luster after AZ clinched the premier league title following Ajax's 6-2 defeat against PSV Eindhoven last weekend. Louis van Gaal's champion team will have little to play for at the Amsterdam Arena except prestige if they beat their Amsterdam hosts. For Ajax however, there is plenty on the line, who trail second-placed Twente by only one point. It should make for an interesting Sunday.
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