Soccer Player Profiles
Goalkeeper
Vedran Runje
Vedran Runje - Standard Liege and ex-Olympique Marseille's Croatian goalkeeper
Right Back
Warren Barton
Warren Barton, ex-Wimbledon, Newcastle United and England defender Warren Barton
Central Defender
Gareth Southgate
Gareth Southgate Middlesborough and England defender Gareth Southgate
Central Defender
Ramon Vega
Ramon Vega ex-Spurs' Swiss international defender Ramon Vega
Left Back
Seol Ki-hyeon
Seol Ki-hyeon, Korean World Cup 2002 star on his way to Wolves
Right Wing
Luis Figo
Luis Figo - Real Madrid's first "galactico" when he arrived from rivals Barcelona is now on his way to Inter
Central Midfield
Roy Keane
Roy Keane - Manchester United's inspirational captain
Central Midfield
Michael Ballack
Michael Ballack, current Bayern Munich and Germany's inspirational and elegant midfield dynamo
Left Wing
Zvonimir Boban
Zvonimir Boban, former AC Milan and Croatian national team great
Striker
Adriano
Adriano
Inter Milan striker and Brazil's new goal-scoring phenomenon
Striker
Gary Lineker Gary Lineker - ex-England, Everton, Barcelona and Spurs' legend Gary Lineker.
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Monday, October 31, 2005
Sunday, October 30, 2005
Shunsuke Nakamura Tees
Shunsuke Nakamura Tees
Shunsuke Gear
中村俊輔
"Shunsuke" - as he's known in Japan - is rapidly becoming a hero for the green and white half of Glasgow and we're marketing some new Shunsuke tribute tees for the new Celtic Bhoy.
Football has been around in Japan since 600AD in the ancient form of Kemari (basically keepy uppie to you or I!).
A great Kemari player is known as a "Meiashi" or "Meisoku" or described by some as possessing "God's Foot".
To be heralded as a "Meiashi" a player needs perfect ball control, exquisite timing and the ability to make it easy for others to control the ball.
This is not to mention the ability to strut your stuff in a traditional "Asuka" costume.
After watching Shunsuke Nakamura's dazzling ball control and measured passing ability we believe this tee is a fitting tribute to our new Number 25.
Moravcik was the Magician, Nakamura is "Meiashi"!!
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Shunsuke Gear
中村俊輔
"Shunsuke" - as he's known in Japan - is rapidly becoming a hero for the green and white half of Glasgow and we're marketing some new Shunsuke tribute tees for the new Celtic Bhoy.
Football has been around in Japan since 600AD in the ancient form of Kemari (basically keepy uppie to you or I!).
A great Kemari player is known as a "Meiashi" or "Meisoku" or described by some as possessing "God's Foot".
To be heralded as a "Meiashi" a player needs perfect ball control, exquisite timing and the ability to make it easy for others to control the ball.
This is not to mention the ability to strut your stuff in a traditional "Asuka" costume.
After watching Shunsuke Nakamura's dazzling ball control and measured passing ability we believe this tee is a fitting tribute to our new Number 25.
Moravcik was the Magician, Nakamura is "Meiashi"!!
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Thursday, October 27, 2005
Killing me softly…..with Boumsong
The pen is mightier than the sword, but definitely not in the hands of a Frenchman. As a result of Arsenal’s hilarious spot-kick, Thierry Henry is now responsible for the remainder of the Gunners’ penalties. The showboat capsized spectacularly, but it’s the bookies that will be turned over; back the French genius to be top Premiership goal scorer at 4/1.
Arsenal’s visit to Tottenham is the highlight of the weekend coupon, the Gunners won 5-4 on their last visit to the Lane (I think I tipped up 5-3), and another potential cracker is on the cards. Arsenal were as short as 8/15 for the thriller last season; with Edgar Davids unavailable due to suspension and 6/4 on offer for the Gunners, Arsenal are the nap of the week.
Like all housewives, the Mrs. has a cushy life. But after long research, I’ve discovered an occupation that’s even easier than watching TV and eating chocolate all day. The West Ham defenders have the cushiest job in the country this weekend, even easier than being Robbie Savage’s fan mail opener.
Anton Ferdinand & Co have the simple task of marking Peter Crouch. It’s now 13 games without a goal for the beanpole striker, although unconfirmed reports suggest that he hit a post in training 2 months ago. We have to go back to 1963 to find the last time West Ham won at Anfield (I think Teddy Sheringham scored the winner), but the Hammers can be confident of a clean sheet in this one; back the goalless draw at 8/1.
Man City and Aston Villa both like to play football, and luckily for them, they meet in a football match on Monday night. City are in scintillating form on their own patch and have hammered the Villa in this fixture for the last three seasons. The 4/5 on offer for Man City should be treated like a jam doughnut in the presence of Wayne Rooney; it should be dived on before it disappears.
If you think that under/over 2.5 is the spread on the amount of goals Peter Crouch will score this season, you’re only partially correct, it’s also one of the most popular bets on a football match.
For the uninitiated, ‘under’ = 2 goals or less, ‘over’ = 3 goals or more. The match between Birmingham and Everton is a no brain ‘under’; it’s as close as you can get to a certainty without finding Jordan’s telephone number.
6 of the last 8 Birmingham matches have gone ‘under’ and it’s 9 out of the last 10 for Everton. You can back ‘unders’ at 4/7 in this match, and that’s similar to printing your own money, only a lot more legal. Never look a gift horse in the mouth, in fact, just stay away from Van Nistelrooy altogether.
West Brom are rock bottom of the recent form table (8 matches), making Newcastle a great bet at a whopping 5/4. Emre looks an unusually superb signing from Graeme Souness; his left foot is an absolute peach, which makes him a plum bet to bag a pair against the Baggies, get on at 20/1.
The following mixed bag of specials are all available at Super Soccer.
“Robben Hood” – Arjen Robben to score with a header 13/2
“Claude it back” – Makelele to score the last goal 33/1
“In Denial” – Mido to be sent off 25/1
“Crouch a tiger, Did a dragon” – Crouch and Drogba both to score 9/2
“Helmet Cole” – Andy Cole to score with a header 9/2
“Killing me softly, with Boumsong” – Boumsong to score at any time 10/1
Quote of the week:
“You know why they (Arsenal) took the penalty like that? They have so many penalties in a season; they had to do something different.”
Jose Mourinho is a genius.
Stat, you’re a liberty:
Peter Crouch is not the tallest player to have graced the Premiership, Portsmouth goalkeeper Kostas Chalkias stood a centimetre taller.
Acc of the week:
Wigan
Arsenal
Sunderland
Newcastle
Man City
The five-fold pays a whopping 42/1, and will definitely* win.
* = probably will not.
Weekend Betting:
Wigan v Fulham Saturday 29th October 12.45 Live on Premiership Plus
Wigan 10/11
Draw 9/4
Fulham 5/2
Get on: Wigan
Fulham haven’t won away from home this season, the Latics are flying. Home win.
Match Special:
Wigan to win 2-1 15/2
Tottenham v Arsenal Saturday 29th October 13.00
Tottenham 6/4
Draw 11/5
Arsenal 6/4
Get on: Arsenal
The Gunners are unbeaten against Tottenham this century, get stuck into the 6/4.
Match Special:
Arsenal to score three or more goals 5/1
Birmingham v Everton Saturday 29th October 15.00
Birmingham 6/5
Draw 11/5
Everton 15/8
Get on: Draw
Neither team can afford to lose, it’s a goalless draw.
Match Special:
No Goalscorer in the match 15/2
Charlton v Bolton Saturday 29th October 15.00
Charlton 10/11
Draw 9/4
Bolton 5/2
Get on: Bolton
Bolton have never lost at the Valley in the Premiership. Charlton are imperious away, average at home. 5/2 spells value.
Match Special:
Bolton to win 2-1 12/1
Chelsea v Blackburn Saturday 29th October 15.00
Chelsea 1/6
Draw 9/2
Blackburn 12/1
Get on: Chelsea
Chelsea were knocked out of the League cup in midweek, Blackburn will feel the backlash. This finished 4-0 to Chelsea last season, a repeat could well be on the cards.
Match Special:
Chelsea to win 4-0 8/1
Liverpool v West Ham Saturday 29th October 15.00
Liverpool 8/15
Draw 12/5
West Ham 5/1
Get on: Draw
Liverpool can not be backed at 8/15, just say no.
Match Special:
No Goalscorer in the match 8/1
Sunderland v Portsmouth Saturday 29th October 15.00
Sunderland 5/4
Draw 9/4
Portsmouth 7/4
Get on: Sunderland
The Mackems are unbeaten in 10 games against Pompey, that mythical home win is finally in sight.
Match Special:
Stephen Elliott to score two or more goals 13/2
Middlesbrough v Man Utd Saturday 29th October 17.15 Live on Premiership Plus
Middlesbrough 7/2
Draw 12/5
Man Utd 4/6
Get on: Man Utd
United have won 6 of their last 7 league matches at the Riverside, Man U are a tentative pick.
Match Special:
Rooney and Van Nistelrooy both to score 11/2
West Brom v Newcastle Sunday 30th October 16.00 Live on Sky
West Brom 7/4
Draw 9/4
Newcastle 5/4
Get on: Newcastle
A team on the up plays a team on the way down. It’s an away win.
Match Special:
Newcastle to keep a clean sheet 7/4
Man City v Aston Villa Monday 31st October 20.00 Live on Sky
Man City 4/5
Draw 9/4
Aston Villa 3/1
Get on: Man City
City have bossed this fixture for the last three seasons, winning 2-0, 4-1 and 3-1 respectively. Nil points for the Villa again, if only they could play Birmingham each week.
Match Special:
Man City to score in both halves 7/4
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Arsenal’s visit to Tottenham is the highlight of the weekend coupon, the Gunners won 5-4 on their last visit to the Lane (I think I tipped up 5-3), and another potential cracker is on the cards. Arsenal were as short as 8/15 for the thriller last season; with Edgar Davids unavailable due to suspension and 6/4 on offer for the Gunners, Arsenal are the nap of the week.
Like all housewives, the Mrs. has a cushy life. But after long research, I’ve discovered an occupation that’s even easier than watching TV and eating chocolate all day. The West Ham defenders have the cushiest job in the country this weekend, even easier than being Robbie Savage’s fan mail opener.
Anton Ferdinand & Co have the simple task of marking Peter Crouch. It’s now 13 games without a goal for the beanpole striker, although unconfirmed reports suggest that he hit a post in training 2 months ago. We have to go back to 1963 to find the last time West Ham won at Anfield (I think Teddy Sheringham scored the winner), but the Hammers can be confident of a clean sheet in this one; back the goalless draw at 8/1.
Man City and Aston Villa both like to play football, and luckily for them, they meet in a football match on Monday night. City are in scintillating form on their own patch and have hammered the Villa in this fixture for the last three seasons. The 4/5 on offer for Man City should be treated like a jam doughnut in the presence of Wayne Rooney; it should be dived on before it disappears.
If you think that under/over 2.5 is the spread on the amount of goals Peter Crouch will score this season, you’re only partially correct, it’s also one of the most popular bets on a football match.
For the uninitiated, ‘under’ = 2 goals or less, ‘over’ = 3 goals or more. The match between Birmingham and Everton is a no brain ‘under’; it’s as close as you can get to a certainty without finding Jordan’s telephone number.
6 of the last 8 Birmingham matches have gone ‘under’ and it’s 9 out of the last 10 for Everton. You can back ‘unders’ at 4/7 in this match, and that’s similar to printing your own money, only a lot more legal. Never look a gift horse in the mouth, in fact, just stay away from Van Nistelrooy altogether.
West Brom are rock bottom of the recent form table (8 matches), making Newcastle a great bet at a whopping 5/4. Emre looks an unusually superb signing from Graeme Souness; his left foot is an absolute peach, which makes him a plum bet to bag a pair against the Baggies, get on at 20/1.
The following mixed bag of specials are all available at Super Soccer.
“Robben Hood” – Arjen Robben to score with a header 13/2
“Claude it back” – Makelele to score the last goal 33/1
“In Denial” – Mido to be sent off 25/1
“Crouch a tiger, Did a dragon” – Crouch and Drogba both to score 9/2
“Helmet Cole” – Andy Cole to score with a header 9/2
“Killing me softly, with Boumsong” – Boumsong to score at any time 10/1
Quote of the week:
“You know why they (Arsenal) took the penalty like that? They have so many penalties in a season; they had to do something different.”
Jose Mourinho is a genius.
Stat, you’re a liberty:
Peter Crouch is not the tallest player to have graced the Premiership, Portsmouth goalkeeper Kostas Chalkias stood a centimetre taller.
Acc of the week:
Wigan
Arsenal
Sunderland
Newcastle
Man City
The five-fold pays a whopping 42/1, and will definitely* win.
* = probably will not.
Weekend Betting:
Wigan v Fulham Saturday 29th October 12.45 Live on Premiership Plus
Wigan 10/11
Draw 9/4
Fulham 5/2
Get on: Wigan
Fulham haven’t won away from home this season, the Latics are flying. Home win.
Match Special:
Wigan to win 2-1 15/2
Tottenham v Arsenal Saturday 29th October 13.00
Tottenham 6/4
Draw 11/5
Arsenal 6/4
Get on: Arsenal
The Gunners are unbeaten against Tottenham this century, get stuck into the 6/4.
Match Special:
Arsenal to score three or more goals 5/1
Birmingham v Everton Saturday 29th October 15.00
Birmingham 6/5
Draw 11/5
Everton 15/8
Get on: Draw
Neither team can afford to lose, it’s a goalless draw.
Match Special:
No Goalscorer in the match 15/2
Charlton v Bolton Saturday 29th October 15.00
Charlton 10/11
Draw 9/4
Bolton 5/2
Get on: Bolton
Bolton have never lost at the Valley in the Premiership. Charlton are imperious away, average at home. 5/2 spells value.
Match Special:
Bolton to win 2-1 12/1
Chelsea v Blackburn Saturday 29th October 15.00
Chelsea 1/6
Draw 9/2
Blackburn 12/1
Get on: Chelsea
Chelsea were knocked out of the League cup in midweek, Blackburn will feel the backlash. This finished 4-0 to Chelsea last season, a repeat could well be on the cards.
Match Special:
Chelsea to win 4-0 8/1
Liverpool v West Ham Saturday 29th October 15.00
Liverpool 8/15
Draw 12/5
West Ham 5/1
Get on: Draw
Liverpool can not be backed at 8/15, just say no.
Match Special:
No Goalscorer in the match 8/1
Sunderland v Portsmouth Saturday 29th October 15.00
Sunderland 5/4
Draw 9/4
Portsmouth 7/4
Get on: Sunderland
The Mackems are unbeaten in 10 games against Pompey, that mythical home win is finally in sight.
Match Special:
Stephen Elliott to score two or more goals 13/2
Middlesbrough v Man Utd Saturday 29th October 17.15 Live on Premiership Plus
Middlesbrough 7/2
Draw 12/5
Man Utd 4/6
Get on: Man Utd
United have won 6 of their last 7 league matches at the Riverside, Man U are a tentative pick.
Match Special:
Rooney and Van Nistelrooy both to score 11/2
West Brom v Newcastle Sunday 30th October 16.00 Live on Sky
West Brom 7/4
Draw 9/4
Newcastle 5/4
Get on: Newcastle
A team on the up plays a team on the way down. It’s an away win.
Match Special:
Newcastle to keep a clean sheet 7/4
Man City v Aston Villa Monday 31st October 20.00 Live on Sky
Man City 4/5
Draw 9/4
Aston Villa 3/1
Get on: Man City
City have bossed this fixture for the last three seasons, winning 2-0, 4-1 and 3-1 respectively. Nil points for the Villa again, if only they could play Birmingham each week.
Match Special:
Man City to score in both halves 7/4
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Wednesday, October 26, 2005
Roy Keane
Roy Keane's Finale at Manchester United?
The Ranter looks back over a glittering career and to an end that hopefully won't drag on too long.
There's a passage in Roy Keane's suitably frank autobiography in which, to paraphrase, the fiery Irishman admits he wasn't the best player in his junior team, not even in the school side but that in living, breathing and fighting football he succeeded on determination alone.
It's a misrepresentation of the Cork master's talents but a fitting summary of a career that is surely now drawing to a close.
Born in Cork, Ireland, 10th August 1971, Roy Keane is most probably entering his final season as Manchester United captain; perhaps even his last in English football. Over the past decade he has cajoled, bullied and fought his way to the top.
His vein pumping, fist clenching all-action style has always been the surface of Keane. But below that has been a master tactician, the epitome of the modern midfielder's art – as the great Marcelo Lippi once called him, "Manchester United's heartbeat."
In the final year of his contract at Manchester United it looks increasingly likely that Keane will either retire or move on in May 2006. Keane's influence is as great as ever but successive injuries have blunted his physical abilities to the point that manager Sir Alex Ferguson has changed his side's tactics to offer the Irishman more protection.
With Keane injured until winter sets in and rumours of Bayern's Michael Ballack's January arrival at the club increasingly believable, Keane could even find himself on the bench come the New Year. It is with this backdrop that the crackerjack midfielder recently announced his expectation of leaving the club at the end of the current season.
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The Ranter looks back over a glittering career and to an end that hopefully won't drag on too long.
There's a passage in Roy Keane's suitably frank autobiography in which, to paraphrase, the fiery Irishman admits he wasn't the best player in his junior team, not even in the school side but that in living, breathing and fighting football he succeeded on determination alone.
It's a misrepresentation of the Cork master's talents but a fitting summary of a career that is surely now drawing to a close.
Born in Cork, Ireland, 10th August 1971, Roy Keane is most probably entering his final season as Manchester United captain; perhaps even his last in English football. Over the past decade he has cajoled, bullied and fought his way to the top.
His vein pumping, fist clenching all-action style has always been the surface of Keane. But below that has been a master tactician, the epitome of the modern midfielder's art – as the great Marcelo Lippi once called him, "Manchester United's heartbeat."
In the final year of his contract at Manchester United it looks increasingly likely that Keane will either retire or move on in May 2006. Keane's influence is as great as ever but successive injuries have blunted his physical abilities to the point that manager Sir Alex Ferguson has changed his side's tactics to offer the Irishman more protection.
With Keane injured until winter sets in and rumours of Bayern's Michael Ballack's January arrival at the club increasingly believable, Keane could even find himself on the bench come the New Year. It is with this backdrop that the crackerjack midfielder recently announced his expectation of leaving the club at the end of the current season.
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Monday, October 24, 2005
Croatian National League
Ever improving Dinamo, Inter at an all-time low
HNL - Usporedba s prošlom sezonom
Dinamo na +14, Inter na -16!
Nastavlja se napredak Dinama u odnosu na prošlu, za Zagrepčane najgoru sezonu otkad je HNL. Nakon 12 kola sezone 2004/05 Dinamo je imao 17 bodova, a godinu dana kasnije čak 14 više, što je fantastično poboljšanje što se rezultata tiče.
Vrlo je zanimljivo da Hajduk danas ima točno onoliko bodova koliko je Dinamo imao prije 12 mjeseci, i to s egzaktno jednakom bilancom: četiri pobjede, pet neriješenih i tri poraza! Je li to znak da će Splićani u nastavku natjecanja proći jednaku pokoru koja je zadesila ekipu iz Maksimira. Inače, Bijeli su tada imali 23 boda, što znači da danas imaju šest bodova manje nego krajem listopada 2004.
Rijeka i Varteks nalaze se na nuli u odnosu prema prošloj sezoni. Primorci su i prije godinu dana imali 24 boda, baš kao što je Varteks imao 19. Ne samo da je broj bodova isti, već i ostatak bilance. Rijeka u zadnje dvije sezone ima po 7 pobjeda, 3 remija i 2 poraza, a Varteks 6 pobjeda, 1 remi i 5 poraza.
Najdublji pad i dalje bilježi Inter. "Divovi" su se u kratkom razdoblju temeljito smanjili, pa u usporedbi s 2004/05 na računu imaju nevjerojatnih 16 bodova manje (9 prema 25). Dok su prije godine dana bili na čelu ljestvice, s bodom više od Rijeke, sada su na dnu.
Hajdukov današnji zaostatak za Dinamom od 14 bodova govori da Kužeova momčad bježi Gudeljovoj za po 1,17 bodova u svakom kolu. Kad bi slučajno oba kluba zadržala isti ritam, na koncu sezone Hajduk bi zaostao za Modrima za 37 bodova. Naravno, to je izrazito malo vjerojatno, ali i sadašnji zaostatak od 14 bodova najveći je koji je zabilježio bilo koji od naša dva čelna kluba u odnosu prema drugome u ovoj fazi natjecanja.
Kretanje forme
Klub 2004/05 2005/06 Usporedba
Dinamo 17 31 + 14
Rijeka 24 24 0
Varteks 19 19 0
Hajduk 23 17 - 6
Inter 25 9 - 16
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HNL - Usporedba s prošlom sezonom
Dinamo na +14, Inter na -16!
Nastavlja se napredak Dinama u odnosu na prošlu, za Zagrepčane najgoru sezonu otkad je HNL. Nakon 12 kola sezone 2004/05 Dinamo je imao 17 bodova, a godinu dana kasnije čak 14 više, što je fantastično poboljšanje što se rezultata tiče.
Vrlo je zanimljivo da Hajduk danas ima točno onoliko bodova koliko je Dinamo imao prije 12 mjeseci, i to s egzaktno jednakom bilancom: četiri pobjede, pet neriješenih i tri poraza! Je li to znak da će Splićani u nastavku natjecanja proći jednaku pokoru koja je zadesila ekipu iz Maksimira. Inače, Bijeli su tada imali 23 boda, što znači da danas imaju šest bodova manje nego krajem listopada 2004.
Rijeka i Varteks nalaze se na nuli u odnosu prema prošloj sezoni. Primorci su i prije godinu dana imali 24 boda, baš kao što je Varteks imao 19. Ne samo da je broj bodova isti, već i ostatak bilance. Rijeka u zadnje dvije sezone ima po 7 pobjeda, 3 remija i 2 poraza, a Varteks 6 pobjeda, 1 remi i 5 poraza.
Najdublji pad i dalje bilježi Inter. "Divovi" su se u kratkom razdoblju temeljito smanjili, pa u usporedbi s 2004/05 na računu imaju nevjerojatnih 16 bodova manje (9 prema 25). Dok su prije godine dana bili na čelu ljestvice, s bodom više od Rijeke, sada su na dnu.
Hajdukov današnji zaostatak za Dinamom od 14 bodova govori da Kužeova momčad bježi Gudeljovoj za po 1,17 bodova u svakom kolu. Kad bi slučajno oba kluba zadržala isti ritam, na koncu sezone Hajduk bi zaostao za Modrima za 37 bodova. Naravno, to je izrazito malo vjerojatno, ali i sadašnji zaostatak od 14 bodova najveći je koji je zabilježio bilo koji od naša dva čelna kluba u odnosu prema drugome u ovoj fazi natjecanja.
Kretanje forme
Klub 2004/05 2005/06 Usporedba
Dinamo 17 31 + 14
Rijeka 24 24 0
Varteks 19 19 0
Hajduk 23 17 - 6
Inter 25 9 - 16
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Mystery Man Contest Answers
Thank you to all the readers (all 3 of you; you know who you are) who wrote in with the correct answers to our Mystery Man contest.
The correct answer, of course, is present Busan I'Park manager Ian Porterfield.
Look out for another contest soon.
Friday, October 21, 2005
All hands to the plump
My grandmother used to swear by the following advice, if you burn your mouth eating soup, you’ll know to blow it the next time, which is unusually good advise from a clearly deranged pensioner.
After opposing Chelsea earlier in the season, i’m now flip-flopping like a fish in a Japanese restaurant. Conventional wisdom tells us that a team can not go through a Premiership season winning every match, but nothing in life is impossible, with the exception of a Peter Crouch hat-trick.
With nine wins out of nine matches under their belt, you can now back Chelsea at 40/1 to win the remainder of their Premiership matches; although the safer bet will be that Jose’s men remain unbeaten for the rest of the campaign at 4/1.
Chelsea’s performance against Bolton last week was sublime, but like the wife on our wedding night, I feel I have to comment on the disappointing tackle. Michael Essien’s challenge on Tal Ben Haim was the only real negative in a superb display, back Chelsea at 4/11 for an easy win at Goodison Park.
The average footballer is not the smartest tool in the box, take Robbie Savage, you’ll struggle to find a more average footballer than him. He’s on £30,000 a week and he still can’t find a hairdresser.
Robbie goes up against Birmingham City for the first time since his acrimonious departure last season. After facing taunts of ‘money grabber’ from City fans, and ‘geographically challenged hippy’ from a respected betting journalist, Savage will be more fired up than usual for this one. You can back Robbie to be sent off at 16/1.
The controversy surrounding David O’Leary’s celebration at the end of the Birmingham derby last week is understandable, I haven’t heard of a grown man running towards a pensioner with a big smile on his face since the Wayne Rooney story broke. Aston Villa are still on a high after their derby heroics, take the even money about back to back Villa victories.
Somewhat surprisingly, there have only been 10 goals in the last six meetings between Spurs and Man U, although it would have been 11 if it wasn’t for a serious dose of oldtrafforditis from Mark Clattenburg last season. As the plump one is returning to the United starting line up, goals are guaranteed. Man U are a cracking bet at 1/2.
Middlesbrough have been rocked by the news that Abel Xavier has failed a drugs test. Having seen him play, I’m betting they were not performance enhancing. Boro have been inconsistent all season, West Ham are looking better and better, get on the Hammers at 6/5.
The following ‘brace bagging’ specials are available at Super Soccer.
“Bent cops” – Darren Bent to score two or more goals 6/1
“The joy of Cesc” – Fabregas to score two or more goals 16/1
“Who let the Drog out” – Didier Drogba to score two or more goals 9/2
“The Zog on the Tyne” – N’Zogbia to score two or more goals 20/1
“Rocking Horse” – Van Nistelrooy to score two or more goals 4/1
“All hands to the plump” – Wayne Rooney to score two or more goals 5/1
Quote of the week:
“Bolton fans were tucking into their pies at half time, with relish.”
MOTD commentator Guy Mowbray drops a bombshell; is this how Abramovich made his money?
Stat, you’re a liberty:
Every time Wayne Rooney has scored for Man U, United have gone on to win the match. (17 times)
Stat’s not so surprising:
Brian McBride has scored more league goals than Cisse, Crouch and Morientes combined.
Acc of the week:
Arsenal
Aston Villa
Fulham
Man Utd
West Ham
The five fold pays out at 28/1.
Weekend Betting:
Blackburn v Birmingham Saturday 22nd October 12.45 Live on Sky
Blackburn 11/10
Draw 2/1
Birmingham 9/4
Get on: Blackburn
A high scoring match historically, there’s been 19 goals in the last five meetings. Blues have not won at Ewood Park since the swinging 60’s, if Savage doesn’t see red, it’s a home win.
Match Special:
Blackburn to win 3-1 16/1
Arsenal v Man City Saturday 22nd October 15.00
Arsenal 4/11
Draw 3/1
Man City 13/2
Get on: Arsenal
Arsenal have ruled this match in recent seasons, the last dozen meetings in the league have seen 11 wins for Arsenal and a draw. There is no argument for backing Man City.
Match Special:
Thierry Henry to score a hat-trick 12/1
Aston Villa v Wigan Saturday 22nd October 15.00
Aston Villa Evs
Draw 9/4
Wigan 9/4
Get on: Aston Villa
The Villa will still be on a high from their demolition of local neighbours Birmingham; definite home win.
Match Special:
Steven Davis to score at any time 4/1
Fulham v Liverpool Saturday 22nd October 15.00
Fulham 9/4
Draw 9/4
Liverpool Evs
Get on: Fulham
There were 10 goals scored in the 2 meetings last term, that’s more than Liverpool will score away from home all season. Home win.
Match Special:
Fulham to keep a clean sheet 11/5
Man Utd v Tottenham Saturday 22nd October 15.00
Man Utd 1/2
Draw 12/5
Tottenham 11/2
Get on: Man Utd
United only have one home win in the league this season, they’re about to double that figure.
Match Special:
Van Nistelrooy to score a hat-trick 14/1
Portsmouth v Charlton Saturday 22nd October 17.15 Live on Premiership Plus
Portsmouth 6/4
Draw 11/5
Charlton 6/4
Get on: Draw
Charlton have a 100% record on the road. That’s right, Charlton. Score draw.
Match Special:
Match to finish 2-2 14/1
Newcastle v Sunderland Sunday 23rd October 13.30 Live on Premiership Plus
Newcastle 8/13
Draw 11/5
Sunderland 9/2
Get on: Draw
With four of the last nine derbies ending in a draw, the 11/5 on offer for another looks a value bet.
Match Special:
Stephen Elliott to score at any time 9/4
Bolton v West Brom Sunday 23rd October 15.00
Bolton 8/13
Draw 12/5
West Brom 4/1
Get on: Bolton
Bolton have never beaten the Baggies in the Premiership, until now.
Match Special:
Bolton to score in both halves 13/8
West Ham v Middlesbrough Sunday 23rd October 15.00
West Ham 6/5
Draw 9/4
Middlesbrough 9/5
Get on: West Ham
West Ham enjoy hosting the Boro, the last three matches have all been won 1-0 by the Hammers.
Match Special:
West Ham to win 1-0 6/1
Everton v Chelsea Sunday 23rd October 16.00 Live on Sky
Everton 13/2
Draw 3/1
Chelsea 4/11
Get on: Chelsea
The last four games between Everton and Chelsea have produced a total of three goals; Chelsea could hit five in this one.
Match Special:
Chelsea to score five or more goals 9/1
English Premiership Betting & Odds Comparison
After opposing Chelsea earlier in the season, i’m now flip-flopping like a fish in a Japanese restaurant. Conventional wisdom tells us that a team can not go through a Premiership season winning every match, but nothing in life is impossible, with the exception of a Peter Crouch hat-trick.
With nine wins out of nine matches under their belt, you can now back Chelsea at 40/1 to win the remainder of their Premiership matches; although the safer bet will be that Jose’s men remain unbeaten for the rest of the campaign at 4/1.
Chelsea’s performance against Bolton last week was sublime, but like the wife on our wedding night, I feel I have to comment on the disappointing tackle. Michael Essien’s challenge on Tal Ben Haim was the only real negative in a superb display, back Chelsea at 4/11 for an easy win at Goodison Park.
The average footballer is not the smartest tool in the box, take Robbie Savage, you’ll struggle to find a more average footballer than him. He’s on £30,000 a week and he still can’t find a hairdresser.
Robbie goes up against Birmingham City for the first time since his acrimonious departure last season. After facing taunts of ‘money grabber’ from City fans, and ‘geographically challenged hippy’ from a respected betting journalist, Savage will be more fired up than usual for this one. You can back Robbie to be sent off at 16/1.
The controversy surrounding David O’Leary’s celebration at the end of the Birmingham derby last week is understandable, I haven’t heard of a grown man running towards a pensioner with a big smile on his face since the Wayne Rooney story broke. Aston Villa are still on a high after their derby heroics, take the even money about back to back Villa victories.
Somewhat surprisingly, there have only been 10 goals in the last six meetings between Spurs and Man U, although it would have been 11 if it wasn’t for a serious dose of oldtrafforditis from Mark Clattenburg last season. As the plump one is returning to the United starting line up, goals are guaranteed. Man U are a cracking bet at 1/2.
Middlesbrough have been rocked by the news that Abel Xavier has failed a drugs test. Having seen him play, I’m betting they were not performance enhancing. Boro have been inconsistent all season, West Ham are looking better and better, get on the Hammers at 6/5.
The following ‘brace bagging’ specials are available at Super Soccer.
“Bent cops” – Darren Bent to score two or more goals 6/1
“The joy of Cesc” – Fabregas to score two or more goals 16/1
“Who let the Drog out” – Didier Drogba to score two or more goals 9/2
“The Zog on the Tyne” – N’Zogbia to score two or more goals 20/1
“Rocking Horse” – Van Nistelrooy to score two or more goals 4/1
“All hands to the plump” – Wayne Rooney to score two or more goals 5/1
Quote of the week:
“Bolton fans were tucking into their pies at half time, with relish.”
MOTD commentator Guy Mowbray drops a bombshell; is this how Abramovich made his money?
Stat, you’re a liberty:
Every time Wayne Rooney has scored for Man U, United have gone on to win the match. (17 times)
Stat’s not so surprising:
Brian McBride has scored more league goals than Cisse, Crouch and Morientes combined.
Acc of the week:
Arsenal
Aston Villa
Fulham
Man Utd
West Ham
The five fold pays out at 28/1.
Weekend Betting:
Blackburn v Birmingham Saturday 22nd October 12.45 Live on Sky
Blackburn 11/10
Draw 2/1
Birmingham 9/4
Get on: Blackburn
A high scoring match historically, there’s been 19 goals in the last five meetings. Blues have not won at Ewood Park since the swinging 60’s, if Savage doesn’t see red, it’s a home win.
Match Special:
Blackburn to win 3-1 16/1
Arsenal v Man City Saturday 22nd October 15.00
Arsenal 4/11
Draw 3/1
Man City 13/2
Get on: Arsenal
Arsenal have ruled this match in recent seasons, the last dozen meetings in the league have seen 11 wins for Arsenal and a draw. There is no argument for backing Man City.
Match Special:
Thierry Henry to score a hat-trick 12/1
Aston Villa v Wigan Saturday 22nd October 15.00
Aston Villa Evs
Draw 9/4
Wigan 9/4
Get on: Aston Villa
The Villa will still be on a high from their demolition of local neighbours Birmingham; definite home win.
Match Special:
Steven Davis to score at any time 4/1
Fulham v Liverpool Saturday 22nd October 15.00
Fulham 9/4
Draw 9/4
Liverpool Evs
Get on: Fulham
There were 10 goals scored in the 2 meetings last term, that’s more than Liverpool will score away from home all season. Home win.
Match Special:
Fulham to keep a clean sheet 11/5
Man Utd v Tottenham Saturday 22nd October 15.00
Man Utd 1/2
Draw 12/5
Tottenham 11/2
Get on: Man Utd
United only have one home win in the league this season, they’re about to double that figure.
Match Special:
Van Nistelrooy to score a hat-trick 14/1
Portsmouth v Charlton Saturday 22nd October 17.15 Live on Premiership Plus
Portsmouth 6/4
Draw 11/5
Charlton 6/4
Get on: Draw
Charlton have a 100% record on the road. That’s right, Charlton. Score draw.
Match Special:
Match to finish 2-2 14/1
Newcastle v Sunderland Sunday 23rd October 13.30 Live on Premiership Plus
Newcastle 8/13
Draw 11/5
Sunderland 9/2
Get on: Draw
With four of the last nine derbies ending in a draw, the 11/5 on offer for another looks a value bet.
Match Special:
Stephen Elliott to score at any time 9/4
Bolton v West Brom Sunday 23rd October 15.00
Bolton 8/13
Draw 12/5
West Brom 4/1
Get on: Bolton
Bolton have never beaten the Baggies in the Premiership, until now.
Match Special:
Bolton to score in both halves 13/8
West Ham v Middlesbrough Sunday 23rd October 15.00
West Ham 6/5
Draw 9/4
Middlesbrough 9/5
Get on: West Ham
West Ham enjoy hosting the Boro, the last three matches have all been won 1-0 by the Hammers.
Match Special:
West Ham to win 1-0 6/1
Everton v Chelsea Sunday 23rd October 16.00 Live on Sky
Everton 13/2
Draw 3/1
Chelsea 4/11
Get on: Chelsea
The last four games between Everton and Chelsea have produced a total of three goals; Chelsea could hit five in this one.
Match Special:
Chelsea to score five or more goals 9/1
English Premiership Betting & Odds Comparison
Thursday, October 20, 2005
Woking v Nottingham Forest
Woking v Nottingham Forest LDV Vans Trophy
Inspired by the legendary manager Brian Clough, Nottingham Forest won the continent's premier football trophy twice and made their home city, a city that also boasts the oldest professional club in the world Notts County, the smallest in Europe to win the prize (until PSV Eindhoven in 1988). When the small, skinny Scot John McGovern raised the huge silver urn of the European Cup aloft to crown the reds' finest hour, an impossible dream had come wonderfully true.
Fast forward a quarter century and the same club find themselves on a rainy October night at Kingfield, the modest 6,000 capacity stadium of Conference side Woking, for an LDV Vans Trophy tie.
Woking v Nottingham Forest LDV Vans Trophy 2005
European soccer leagues - Dinamo Zagreb on top
Modri visoko u svakom pogledu
Dobro je zvati se Dinamo
Ovogodišnji Dinamo stvarno nije loš. Dapače, ne samo da ima najbolju gol razliku od svih europskih klubova (33:3), nego drugu najčvršću obranu i jedan od najviših postotaka osvojenih bodova. Dakako, sadašnji visoki položaji na europskim rang listama ne jamči Zagrepčanima državni naslov, ali je u najmanju ruku dobar početak stvaranja jake momčadi. S obzirom da predstojeće dvije utakmice Dinamo igra kod kuće protiv Cibalije i Osijeka, za očekivati je da će popraviti i postotak bodova i ionako fascinantnu razliku golova.
U gol-razlikama prednjače tri Dinama, no ironično je da ni bukureštanski ni kijevski nisu vodeće momčadi svojih prvenstava.
Jedini klub s manjim postotkom primljenih golova od Dinama lider je portugalskog prvenstva Sporting iz Brage, koji je "popio" jedan pogodak u sedam odigranih susreta. Dinamova je bilanca od 3 primljena u 11 utakmica relativno jednako vrijedna.
Prava junaštva iskazuju Juventus i Chelsea, koji u superiorno moćnim ligama drže prosjek od približno jednog primljenog gola u tri utakmice. Još jedan klub iz prvenstava koja su kasnije počela,
grčki Xanthi, zauzima visoku poziciju zahvaljujući malom broju odigranih utakmica, no Xanthijev (kao i Bragin) prosjek lako se može stropoštati nakon jednog uvjerljivog poraza.
Što se tiče postotka osvojenih bodova, na vrhu su neusporedivi Chelsea i Juventus, koji još nisu izgubili ni boda. U vrlo tijesnoj utrci, zagrebački Dinamo stoji na hvalevrijednom 11. mjestu meðu stotinama europskih prvoligaških klubova.
Najbolje gol-razlike: Nitko kao Dinamo
1. Dinamo Zagreb 33:3 +30
2. Domžale 32:6 +26
3. Šahtar 30:5 +25
4. Dinamo Kijev 31:7 +24
5. Dinamo Bukurešt 29:7 +22
6. Anderlecht 27:7 +20
7. Chelsea 23:3 +20
8. Hearts 24:7 +17
9. Basel 32:17 +15
10. Werder 27:12 +15
11-12. AZ Alkmaar 25:10 +15
Celtic 25:10 +15
13. Galatasaray 24:9 +15
14. Feyenoord 23:8 +15
15. Steaua 19:4 +15
Najmanje primljenih golova: Senzacija se zove Braga
1. Sporting Braga 1/7 0,14
2. Dinamo Zagreb 3/11 0,27
3. Juventus 2/7 0,29
4. Chelsea 3/9 0,33
5. Xanthi 2/6 0,33
6. Videoton 3/8 0,38
7. Šahtar 5/12 0,42
8. Domžale 6/12 0,50
9. Westerlo 5/10 0,50
10. Olympiakos 3/6 0,50
Napomena: brojevi označuju primljene golove, odigrane utakmice i
prosjek primljenih golova po utakmici
Najviši postotak bodova: Chelsea i Juve bez izgubljena boda
1-2. Chelsea 27/27 100%
Juventus 21/21 100%
3. Galatasaray 25/27 92,59%
4-5. Šahtar 32/36 88,88%
Xanthi 16/18 88,88%
6-7. Videoton 21/24 87,50%
Feyenoord 21/24 87,50%
8. Hearts 26/30 86,66%
9-10. Fenerbahce 23/27 85,18%
Steaua 23/27 85,18%
11. Dinamo Zagreb 28/33 84,84%
12-13. Standard 25/30 83,33%
Dinamo Kijev 30/36 83,33%
14. Lyon 27/33 81,81%
15-16. Werder, 22/27 81,48%
Bayern 22/27 81,48%
Napomena: brojevi označavaju osvojene bodove od maksimalno mogućih i postotak
osvojenih bodova
Copyright Soccerphile/SN
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Dobro je zvati se Dinamo
Ovogodišnji Dinamo stvarno nije loš. Dapače, ne samo da ima najbolju gol razliku od svih europskih klubova (33:3), nego drugu najčvršću obranu i jedan od najviših postotaka osvojenih bodova. Dakako, sadašnji visoki položaji na europskim rang listama ne jamči Zagrepčanima državni naslov, ali je u najmanju ruku dobar početak stvaranja jake momčadi. S obzirom da predstojeće dvije utakmice Dinamo igra kod kuće protiv Cibalije i Osijeka, za očekivati je da će popraviti i postotak bodova i ionako fascinantnu razliku golova.
U gol-razlikama prednjače tri Dinama, no ironično je da ni bukureštanski ni kijevski nisu vodeće momčadi svojih prvenstava.
Jedini klub s manjim postotkom primljenih golova od Dinama lider je portugalskog prvenstva Sporting iz Brage, koji je "popio" jedan pogodak u sedam odigranih susreta. Dinamova je bilanca od 3 primljena u 11 utakmica relativno jednako vrijedna.
Prava junaštva iskazuju Juventus i Chelsea, koji u superiorno moćnim ligama drže prosjek od približno jednog primljenog gola u tri utakmice. Još jedan klub iz prvenstava koja su kasnije počela,
grčki Xanthi, zauzima visoku poziciju zahvaljujući malom broju odigranih utakmica, no Xanthijev (kao i Bragin) prosjek lako se može stropoštati nakon jednog uvjerljivog poraza.
Što se tiče postotka osvojenih bodova, na vrhu su neusporedivi Chelsea i Juventus, koji još nisu izgubili ni boda. U vrlo tijesnoj utrci, zagrebački Dinamo stoji na hvalevrijednom 11. mjestu meðu stotinama europskih prvoligaških klubova.
Najbolje gol-razlike: Nitko kao Dinamo
1. Dinamo Zagreb 33:3 +30
2. Domžale 32:6 +26
3. Šahtar 30:5 +25
4. Dinamo Kijev 31:7 +24
5. Dinamo Bukurešt 29:7 +22
6. Anderlecht 27:7 +20
7. Chelsea 23:3 +20
8. Hearts 24:7 +17
9. Basel 32:17 +15
10. Werder 27:12 +15
11-12. AZ Alkmaar 25:10 +15
Celtic 25:10 +15
13. Galatasaray 24:9 +15
14. Feyenoord 23:8 +15
15. Steaua 19:4 +15
Najmanje primljenih golova: Senzacija se zove Braga
1. Sporting Braga 1/7 0,14
2. Dinamo Zagreb 3/11 0,27
3. Juventus 2/7 0,29
4. Chelsea 3/9 0,33
5. Xanthi 2/6 0,33
6. Videoton 3/8 0,38
7. Šahtar 5/12 0,42
8. Domžale 6/12 0,50
9. Westerlo 5/10 0,50
10. Olympiakos 3/6 0,50
Napomena: brojevi označuju primljene golove, odigrane utakmice i
prosjek primljenih golova po utakmici
Najviši postotak bodova: Chelsea i Juve bez izgubljena boda
1-2. Chelsea 27/27 100%
Juventus 21/21 100%
3. Galatasaray 25/27 92,59%
4-5. Šahtar 32/36 88,88%
Xanthi 16/18 88,88%
6-7. Videoton 21/24 87,50%
Feyenoord 21/24 87,50%
8. Hearts 26/30 86,66%
9-10. Fenerbahce 23/27 85,18%
Steaua 23/27 85,18%
11. Dinamo Zagreb 28/33 84,84%
12-13. Standard 25/30 83,33%
Dinamo Kijev 30/36 83,33%
14. Lyon 27/33 81,81%
15-16. Werder, 22/27 81,48%
Bayern 22/27 81,48%
Napomena: brojevi označavaju osvojene bodove od maksimalno mogućih i postotak
osvojenih bodova
Copyright Soccerphile/SN
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Wednesday, October 19, 2005
Germany - Golf & Golf Courses
Golf in Germany
With more than 500 courses and 300,000 players Germany is certainly a place where you can enjoy good golf.
It's crucial that you plan your trip properly in advance as you won't be able to just hire clubs and walk onto a course, but don't let that put you off, there are many great courses worth every Euro of the green fee.
The number of German golf courses has rocketed in the last fifteen years, in part due to the popularity brought to the sport by the greatest German golfer of all time, Bernhard 'The Ice Man' Langer.
One of Europe's top golfers, Langer has a slightly undeserved reputation for not showing emotion, but he certainly showed it after his two US Masters victories and after leading the European Team to victory in golf's most bitterly fought battle, the 2004 Ryder Cup.
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With more than 500 courses and 300,000 players Germany is certainly a place where you can enjoy good golf.
It's crucial that you plan your trip properly in advance as you won't be able to just hire clubs and walk onto a course, but don't let that put you off, there are many great courses worth every Euro of the green fee.
The number of German golf courses has rocketed in the last fifteen years, in part due to the popularity brought to the sport by the greatest German golfer of all time, Bernhard 'The Ice Man' Langer.
One of Europe's top golfers, Langer has a slightly undeserved reputation for not showing emotion, but he certainly showed it after his two US Masters victories and after leading the European Team to victory in golf's most bitterly fought battle, the 2004 Ryder Cup.
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Soccer News golf
Tuesday, October 18, 2005
J. League Results
J. League Results
Sat October 15
Albirex Niigata 1 Tokyo Verdy 69 1
Cerezo Osaka 1 Ardija 0
FC Tokyo 2 Sanfrecce Hiroshima 2
Urawa Reds 7 Kashiwa Reysol 0
Nagoya Grampus Eight 1 Kawasaki Frontale 4
Oita Trinita 5 Shimizu S-Pulse 0
Vissel Kobe 1 Gamba Osaka 4
Sun Oct 16
JEF United 2 Yokohama F Marinos 2
Jubilo Iwate 1 Kashima Antlers 1
League Leaders
Gamba P27 Pts 54
Antlers P27 Pts 49
Cerezo P27 Pts 46
Reds P27 Pts 44
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Sat October 15
Albirex Niigata 1 Tokyo Verdy 69 1
Cerezo Osaka 1 Ardija 0
FC Tokyo 2 Sanfrecce Hiroshima 2
Urawa Reds 7 Kashiwa Reysol 0
Nagoya Grampus Eight 1 Kawasaki Frontale 4
Oita Trinita 5 Shimizu S-Pulse 0
Vissel Kobe 1 Gamba Osaka 4
Sun Oct 16
JEF United 2 Yokohama F Marinos 2
Jubilo Iwate 1 Kashima Antlers 1
League Leaders
Gamba P27 Pts 54
Antlers P27 Pts 49
Cerezo P27 Pts 46
Reds P27 Pts 44
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Monday, October 17, 2005
Korean Import Steals The Show
From second choice to first class, Queensland Roar's Korean recruit Seo Hyuk-Su is rapidly rivalling Dwight Yorke for the title of most valuable A-League import. Marc Fox reports.
Earlier this year, when Queensland coach Miron Bleiberg was assembling his first-ever A-League squad ahead of the competition's August start, he invited Korean World Cup veteran Shin Tae-Yong to tropical Australia for a trial. When 35-year old Shin arrived, however, he wasn't alone.
Seongnam Ilhwa team-mate Seo Hyuk-Su had accompanied his senior colleague on the trip and was duly given the chance to impress Bleiberg on the pitch. With seemingly immeasurable stamina and astute positioning, Seo made an instant impact. The Roar snapped him up.
Six months later, clinching the 32-year-old's signature still stands as the best piece of business Queensland carried out during pre-season. Although the least garnered of the five Asian imports in the new league when he arrived, Seo has quickly established himself as the archetypal Most Valuable Player. Not only has the likeable midfielder stepped out of the shadows of Shin at his club, he has become the number one Asian import in the whole league - and is closing in on Dwight Yorke's untouchable status as most heralded overseas recruit.
Even though his playing resume from his days in Korea - seven seasons in the K-League following a lengthy spell in Korea's second tier - might not have suggested so, Seo has dwarfed the achievements of his continental counterparts during the new competition's opening exchanges.
The form of Adelaide United's Chinese marquee signing Qu Shengqing has been interrupted with niggling injuries and is only threatening to take off two months in. Meanwhile Qu's countryman at the New Zealand Knights, Xiaobin Zhang, has been in and out of the side currently languishing at the root of the table and Japan-born players Hiro Ishida (Perth Glory) and Naoki Imaya (NZ Knights) are only now flourishing after injury setbacks.
In contract, Seo has been an A-League ever-present for Bleiberg. In fact, nobody can remember the last time the star nicknamed Harold by his constantly ribbing colleagues didn’t start a match for the Roar.
And his influence is forever growing. Although arriving down under as a self-professed full-back, Seo has been converted into the league's most adept holding midfielder. The position is pivotal in Bleiberg's attack-minded 4-3-3 formation within which the Korean's midfield allies are encouraged to get forward and support the strikers as much as possible. Seo reads the game so well, the coach often relies on him to cover for marauding sweeper Chad Gibson when the captain strides forward.
He is a sweet passer, a tigerish tackler and packs a punch when shooting too. Seo has scored in each of his last two A-League outings, both strikes blockbusters from metres outside the box - one with the left, one with the right. Furthermore, a rare mistake to allow Sydney FC's opening goal in the defeat to the pre-season favourites hasn’t affected his cult hero status with home fans one bit.
After gradually adjusting to Western culture (his favourite foods are lasagne and Domino's pizza), Seo and his family are keen to remain in Australia. So with only six months of his contract remaining, Bleiberg had better act soon.
Road to 2006 Update: It's Uruguay!
After a tense final round of qualifying in the South American section, the game between Uruguay and Argentina - a match possibly as many people were watching in Australia as locally - decided the Socceroos' opponents for next month's World Cup playoff.
Uruguay headed into the ultimate round knowing a victory would assure them of snatching fifth-place and the right to meet Australia in the CONMEBOL / Oceania playoff for the 32nd World Cup berth. A draw would have even been enough had closest rivals Colombia only managed the same result in Paraguay.
However, with the Colombians taking an early lead in Asuncion through striker Luis Rey, tension in Montevideo mounted. Only in the second half did Uruguay look like taking the lead with slick combination play between Diego Forlan and Alvaro Recoba breaking the deadlock. In truth, the Uruguayan margin of victory might have been greater by the final whistle but nevertheless fifth position was theirs.
The fixture might be a repeat of the 2001 playoff which Uruguay won 3-1 on aggregate but the South Americans know there will be no walkover this time. With admired tactician Guus Hiddink at the helm, Australia's preparation will be well researched and schooled in know-how. Hiddink's preferred 3-4-3 system offers better defensive protection than recent regimes while still not isolating hot-and-cold striker Mark Viduka.
Their form is impressive too. The Socceroos overpowered Jamaica in London last weekend in the most cutthroat display commentators had seen for a number of years. Confidence is high here but expectation is too. Next month is shaping up as the biggest in recent memory for Australia's footballing community.
Australian A-League Soccer News
Earlier this year, when Queensland coach Miron Bleiberg was assembling his first-ever A-League squad ahead of the competition's August start, he invited Korean World Cup veteran Shin Tae-Yong to tropical Australia for a trial. When 35-year old Shin arrived, however, he wasn't alone.
Seongnam Ilhwa team-mate Seo Hyuk-Su had accompanied his senior colleague on the trip and was duly given the chance to impress Bleiberg on the pitch. With seemingly immeasurable stamina and astute positioning, Seo made an instant impact. The Roar snapped him up.
Six months later, clinching the 32-year-old's signature still stands as the best piece of business Queensland carried out during pre-season. Although the least garnered of the five Asian imports in the new league when he arrived, Seo has quickly established himself as the archetypal Most Valuable Player. Not only has the likeable midfielder stepped out of the shadows of Shin at his club, he has become the number one Asian import in the whole league - and is closing in on Dwight Yorke's untouchable status as most heralded overseas recruit.
Even though his playing resume from his days in Korea - seven seasons in the K-League following a lengthy spell in Korea's second tier - might not have suggested so, Seo has dwarfed the achievements of his continental counterparts during the new competition's opening exchanges.
The form of Adelaide United's Chinese marquee signing Qu Shengqing has been interrupted with niggling injuries and is only threatening to take off two months in. Meanwhile Qu's countryman at the New Zealand Knights, Xiaobin Zhang, has been in and out of the side currently languishing at the root of the table and Japan-born players Hiro Ishida (Perth Glory) and Naoki Imaya (NZ Knights) are only now flourishing after injury setbacks.
In contract, Seo has been an A-League ever-present for Bleiberg. In fact, nobody can remember the last time the star nicknamed Harold by his constantly ribbing colleagues didn’t start a match for the Roar.
And his influence is forever growing. Although arriving down under as a self-professed full-back, Seo has been converted into the league's most adept holding midfielder. The position is pivotal in Bleiberg's attack-minded 4-3-3 formation within which the Korean's midfield allies are encouraged to get forward and support the strikers as much as possible. Seo reads the game so well, the coach often relies on him to cover for marauding sweeper Chad Gibson when the captain strides forward.
He is a sweet passer, a tigerish tackler and packs a punch when shooting too. Seo has scored in each of his last two A-League outings, both strikes blockbusters from metres outside the box - one with the left, one with the right. Furthermore, a rare mistake to allow Sydney FC's opening goal in the defeat to the pre-season favourites hasn’t affected his cult hero status with home fans one bit.
After gradually adjusting to Western culture (his favourite foods are lasagne and Domino's pizza), Seo and his family are keen to remain in Australia. So with only six months of his contract remaining, Bleiberg had better act soon.
Road to 2006 Update: It's Uruguay!
After a tense final round of qualifying in the South American section, the game between Uruguay and Argentina - a match possibly as many people were watching in Australia as locally - decided the Socceroos' opponents for next month's World Cup playoff.
Uruguay headed into the ultimate round knowing a victory would assure them of snatching fifth-place and the right to meet Australia in the CONMEBOL / Oceania playoff for the 32nd World Cup berth. A draw would have even been enough had closest rivals Colombia only managed the same result in Paraguay.
However, with the Colombians taking an early lead in Asuncion through striker Luis Rey, tension in Montevideo mounted. Only in the second half did Uruguay look like taking the lead with slick combination play between Diego Forlan and Alvaro Recoba breaking the deadlock. In truth, the Uruguayan margin of victory might have been greater by the final whistle but nevertheless fifth position was theirs.
The fixture might be a repeat of the 2001 playoff which Uruguay won 3-1 on aggregate but the South Americans know there will be no walkover this time. With admired tactician Guus Hiddink at the helm, Australia's preparation will be well researched and schooled in know-how. Hiddink's preferred 3-4-3 system offers better defensive protection than recent regimes while still not isolating hot-and-cold striker Mark Viduka.
Their form is impressive too. The Socceroos overpowered Jamaica in London last weekend in the most cutthroat display commentators had seen for a number of years. Confidence is high here but expectation is too. Next month is shaping up as the biggest in recent memory for Australia's footballing community.
Australian A-League Soccer News
Friday, October 14, 2005
Who's been the best in the qualifiers
Brojčani pogledi na kvalifikacije
Hrvatska među najboljima po svakom kriteriju!
Hrvatska je jedna od kontinentalnih velesila. U to nema nikakve dvojbe. Sumnjičavcima nudimo nekoliko dokaza:
* Naši su među samo osam europskih reprezentacija koje nisu izgubile nijednu utakmicu u ovim kvalifikacijama, a ukupan niz hrvatske nepobjedivosti u kvalifikacijama za Svjetsko prvenstvo protegao se na 21 susret, koji je započeo u rujnu 1997. Taj će niz mirovati do rujna 2008. i idućeg mundialskog ciklusa!
* Kranjčarov je odred četvrti po kriteriju postotka osvojenih bodova, iza Nizozemske te Portugala i Engleske,
mada naša skupina sigurno nije bila među najlakšima, dapače.
* Samo su Nizozemska (4) i Engleska (5) izgubile manje bodova od Hrvatske, koja je "prosula" šest. Da nije bilo "omaške" na Malti, naši bi dijelili prvo mjesto!
* Hrvatska je na diobi 3. do 6. mjesta po skraćenim tablicama, koje se dobiju tako da momčadima koje bile u skupinama s po sedam članova izbrišemo susrete sa zadnjeplasiranima.
* Hrvatska zauzima visoko sedmo mjesto čak i u konkurenciji s reprezentacijama koje su odigrale 12 utakmica, dakle dvije više od Vatrenih. Točnije, od momčadi s po 10 odigranih susreta jedino je Engleska ispred naših, dok su s nama izjednačene Švedska i Poljska.
Prema postotku bodova: 4. do 6. mjesto
1. Nizozemska 88,88%
2-3. Portugal 83,33%
Engleska 83,33%
4-6. HRVATSKA 80%
Poljska 80%
Švedska 80%
7. Italija 76,66%
8. Češka 75%
9. SiCG 73,33
10-11. Rumunjska 69,44%
Ukrajina 69,44%
12-13. Španjolska 66,66%
Francuska 66,66%
Skraćene ljestvice: na diobi 3. mjesta
1. Nizozemska 10 8 2 0 26
2. Engleska 10 8 1 1 25
3-6.HRVATSKA 10 7 3 0 24
Poljska 10 8 0 2 24
Portugal 10 7 3 0 24
Švedska 10 8 0 2 24
7. Italija 10 7 2 1 23
8. SiCG 10 6 4 0 22
9-12. Češka 10 7 0 3 21
Španjolska 10 5 5 0 21
Francuska 10 5 5 0 21
Rumunjska 10 7 0 3 21
13. Ukrajina 10 5 4 1 19
14-15.Švicarska 10 4 6 0 18
Izrael 10 4 6 0 18
Apsolutni poredak: 7. do 9. mjesto
Pune tablice:
1. Nizozemska 12 10 2 0 32
2. Portugal 12 9 3 0 30
3. Češka 12 9 0 3 27
4. Engleska 10 8 1 1 25
5. Rumunjska 12 8 1 3 25
6. Ukrajina 12 7 4 1 25
7-9.HRVATSKA 10 7 3 0 24
Švedska 10 8 0 2 24
Poljska 10 8 0 2 24
10-13. Turska 12 6 5 1 23
Slovačka 12 6 5 1 23
Italija 10 7 2 1 23
Rusija 12 6 5 1 23
Napomena: Brojke, s lijeva na desno, predstavljaju odigrane utakmice, pobjede, neriješene, poraze i bodove
Hrvatska među najboljima po svakom kriteriju!
Hrvatska je jedna od kontinentalnih velesila. U to nema nikakve dvojbe. Sumnjičavcima nudimo nekoliko dokaza:
* Naši su među samo osam europskih reprezentacija koje nisu izgubile nijednu utakmicu u ovim kvalifikacijama, a ukupan niz hrvatske nepobjedivosti u kvalifikacijama za Svjetsko prvenstvo protegao se na 21 susret, koji je započeo u rujnu 1997. Taj će niz mirovati do rujna 2008. i idućeg mundialskog ciklusa!
* Kranjčarov je odred četvrti po kriteriju postotka osvojenih bodova, iza Nizozemske te Portugala i Engleske,
mada naša skupina sigurno nije bila među najlakšima, dapače.
* Samo su Nizozemska (4) i Engleska (5) izgubile manje bodova od Hrvatske, koja je "prosula" šest. Da nije bilo "omaške" na Malti, naši bi dijelili prvo mjesto!
* Hrvatska je na diobi 3. do 6. mjesta po skraćenim tablicama, koje se dobiju tako da momčadima koje bile u skupinama s po sedam članova izbrišemo susrete sa zadnjeplasiranima.
* Hrvatska zauzima visoko sedmo mjesto čak i u konkurenciji s reprezentacijama koje su odigrale 12 utakmica, dakle dvije više od Vatrenih. Točnije, od momčadi s po 10 odigranih susreta jedino je Engleska ispred naših, dok su s nama izjednačene Švedska i Poljska.
Prema postotku bodova: 4. do 6. mjesto
1. Nizozemska 88,88%
2-3. Portugal 83,33%
Engleska 83,33%
4-6. HRVATSKA 80%
Poljska 80%
Švedska 80%
7. Italija 76,66%
8. Češka 75%
9. SiCG 73,33
10-11. Rumunjska 69,44%
Ukrajina 69,44%
12-13. Španjolska 66,66%
Francuska 66,66%
Skraćene ljestvice: na diobi 3. mjesta
1. Nizozemska 10 8 2 0 26
2. Engleska 10 8 1 1 25
3-6.HRVATSKA 10 7 3 0 24
Poljska 10 8 0 2 24
Portugal 10 7 3 0 24
Švedska 10 8 0 2 24
7. Italija 10 7 2 1 23
8. SiCG 10 6 4 0 22
9-12. Češka 10 7 0 3 21
Španjolska 10 5 5 0 21
Francuska 10 5 5 0 21
Rumunjska 10 7 0 3 21
13. Ukrajina 10 5 4 1 19
14-15.Švicarska 10 4 6 0 18
Izrael 10 4 6 0 18
Apsolutni poredak: 7. do 9. mjesto
Pune tablice:
1. Nizozemska 12 10 2 0 32
2. Portugal 12 9 3 0 30
3. Češka 12 9 0 3 27
4. Engleska 10 8 1 1 25
5. Rumunjska 12 8 1 3 25
6. Ukrajina 12 7 4 1 25
7-9.HRVATSKA 10 7 3 0 24
Švedska 10 8 0 2 24
Poljska 10 8 0 2 24
10-13. Turska 12 6 5 1 23
Slovačka 12 6 5 1 23
Italija 10 7 2 1 23
Rusija 12 6 5 1 23
Napomena: Brojke, s lijeva na desno, predstavljaju odigrane utakmice, pobjede, neriješene, poraze i bodove
World Cup Playoff Draw
Draw Results
Norway v The Czech Republic
Spain v Slovakia
Switzerland v Turkey
The two-legged home and away ties will be played on 12 November and 16 November. The three teams highest in the FIFA world rankings--the Czech Republic (4th), Spain (8th) and Turkey (12th)--were placed in one pot and were then matched in a drawing with teams from the second pot: Norway (37th), Switzerland (38th) or Slovakia (45th). Winners of the home-away series proceed to the Final.
Norway v The Czech Republic
Spain v Slovakia
Switzerland v Turkey
The two-legged home and away ties will be played on 12 November and 16 November. The three teams highest in the FIFA world rankings--the Czech Republic (4th), Spain (8th) and Turkey (12th)--were placed in one pot and were then matched in a drawing with teams from the second pot: Norway (37th), Switzerland (38th) or Slovakia (45th). Winners of the home-away series proceed to the Final.
Thursday, October 13, 2005
The Moody Blues
As a child, I quickly came to terms with the concept of a caterpillar evolving into a butterfly. As an adult, I accepted the wife’s monthly tendency to turn into a raging psychopath, before reverting back to the more placid psychopath she would normally be. As a betting genius, I find Everton’s transformation from Champions League participants into Sunday League cloggers more difficult to comprehend.
What are the reasons behind their demise?
Two seasons ago, Everton finished 17th in the league, one spot off relegation. At the start of last season, instead of strengthening a poor team, they sold their best/plumpest player. Three consecutive 1-0 wins early in the season gave them an air of confidence, which coupled with a statistical anomaly not seen since I bet on red at roulette and black came out 37 times, landed the Evertonians a 4th place finish. To sum up, Everton are not in demise, they’re still the same poor team they were two seasons ago. Get on Tottenham at 4/7.
Next week, I solve the Middle East crisis.
Thomas Sorensen is a capable goalkeeper, but he suffers from ‘footballing anorexia’, he freezes when he sees Emile. The Villa keeper handed the bragging rights to Birmingham in both matches last season, but the luck is about to run out for the Blues.
Birmingham are conceding two goals a game on their own patch and have had a player sent off in their last three league matches. Barring a goalkeeping error, the Villa are a cracking bet at 7/4.
While watching England beat the Poles in a local tavern, I heard a drunken young man sing the following, “If Crouch can play for England so can I.” You’d think Phil Neville would spend his time more productively.
It’s now 10 games without a goal for Peter Crouch and Liverpool are 13th in the table as a result. With the Reds finding goals hard to come by, back Blackburn to snatch a draw at 12/5.
Sunderland v Man U would have been the game of the week if Roy Keane wasn’t out injured, although I hold out hope that Keano will offer Mick McCarthy tactical advise from the stand. The Mackems are on a four match unbeaten run in all competitions, but with Van Nistelrooy and Rooney in great form, United are the bet at 4/9.
Nothing lasts forever, with the possible exception of a conversation about cushions between the wife and her mother. Chelsea’s 100% record in the league has been a fantastic effort, but Bolton are a great bet to put an end to their domination.
Big Sam has avoided defeat at the Bridge for the last two seasons, and Bolton have won six of their last eight matches in all competitions. All good things must come to an end, back Bolton to win or draw at 3/1.
The following paired Goalscorer specials are all available at Super Soccer.
“Ham, Berger” – Dietmar Hamann and Patrik Berger both to score 33/1
“Chubby, Brown” – Wayne Rooney and Michael Brown both to score 10/1
“Bent, double” – Darren Bent and Marcus Bent both to score 13/2
“Horses, Four Courses” – Van Nistelrooy and Wayne Rooney both to score 3/1
“Sun, Bern” – Sun Jihai and Olivier Bernard both to score 66/1
“My big fat Greek wedding” – Wayne Rooney and Stelios both to score 12/1
“Chris, Musampa” – Chris Sutton and Kiki Musampa both to score 12/1
Conspiracy theory of the week:
Why would Liverpool pay £7 million for Peter Crouch? Could the following have taken place?
Rupert Lowe, “Harry, now that we’re relegated, sell that lanky Crouch, and try to recoup the £2 million we paid the Villa.
Harry Redknapp, “Rafa, i’m flogging Crouchy, he can’t head the ball, but he’s got two great feet, he’s yours for a million a foot.
Rafa Benitez, “O.K. here’s a cheque for £7 million.
Quote of the week:
“He’s been refereeing for years and has done a good job.”
Wayne Rooney applauds Kim Milton Nielson.
Most annoying sentence of the week:
Let’s join our commentators, John Motson and Graeme Le Saux.
Stat, you’re a liberty:
There’s only one team in the Premiership that have kept all opposing forwards off the scoresheet in the league this season; it’s West Ham.
Acc of the week:
Man Utd
Tottenham
Arsenal
West Ham
Charlton
The five-fold will pay over 20/1 when successful.
Weekend Betting:
Wigan v Newcastle Saturday 15th October 12.45 Live on Premiership Plus
Wigan 8/5
Draw 11/5
Newcastle 7/5
Get on: Draw
It’s three wins on the bounce for Wigan and they are yet to concede two goals in a game. With Michael back for the Geordies, a draw is on the cards.
Match Special:
Match to finish 1-1 11/2
Chelsea v Bolton Saturday 15th October 15.00
Chelsea 1/5
Draw 9/2
Bolton 9/1
Get on: Draw
Bolton have reaped an impressive four points from their last two visits to the Bridge, at 1/5 for Chelsea, I’d rather be a layer than a player.
Match Special:
One goal or less in the game 11/5
Liverpool v Blackburn Saturday 15th October 15.00
Liverpool 8/15
Draw 12/5
Blackburn 5/1
Get on: Draw
Liverpool are on a four match run in the league without a win, another draw is the only option.
Match Special:
Kuqi to score at any time 5/2
Sunderland v Man Utd Saturday 15th October 15.00
Sunderland 11/2
Draw 11/4
Man Utd 4/9
Get on: Man Utd
70% of United’s goals have been scored away from home this season; the omens are not good for the Mackems.
Match Special:
Man Utd to score four or more goals 5/1
Tottenham v Everton Saturday 15th October 15.00
Tottenham 4/7
Draw 12/5
Everton 9/2
Get on: Tottenham
Everton have never won at Spurs in the Premiership, even when they had a good team; home banker.
Match Special:
Tottenham to score in both halves 6/4
West Brom v Arsenal Saturday 15th October 15.00
West Brom 11/2
Draw 11/4
Arsenal 4/9
Get on: Arsenal
The Albion are currently woeful, the Gunners could run riot.
Match Special:
Arsenal to score four or more goals 5/1
Middlesbrough v Portsmouth Saturday 15th October 17.15 Live on Sky
Middlesbrough 8/11
Draw 11/5
Portsmouth 7/2
Get on: Middlesbrough
The Boro are a punters nightmare, their last two matches at home in the league have seen a win against Arsenal, followed by a defeat to Sunderland. A tentative home win.
Match Special:
Yakubu to score the first goal 4/1
Birmingham v Aston Villa Sunday 16th October 12.00
Birmingham 11/8
Draw 2/1
Aston Villa 7/4
Get on: Aston Villa
City can’t win at home, Villa are playing better than their results would indicate; away win.
Match Special:
Sorensen to keep a clean sheet 9/5
Man City v West Ham Sunday 16th October 16.00 Live on Sky
Man City 5/6
Draw 9/4
West Ham 11/4
Get on: West Ham
Man City’s recent win over Everton was their first victory in 5 games. The Hammers have a pearl in Benayoun, 11/4 looks tasty.
Match Special:
Benayoun to score the first goal 12/1
Charlton v Fulham Monday 17th October 20.00 Live on Sky
Charlton 8/11
Draw 9/4
Fulham 10/3
Get on: Charlton
Charlton’s only defeats this season have been at home to other London clubs, Fulham aren’t Tottenham or Chelsea.
Match Special:
Darren Bent to score two or more goals 9/2
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What are the reasons behind their demise?
Two seasons ago, Everton finished 17th in the league, one spot off relegation. At the start of last season, instead of strengthening a poor team, they sold their best/plumpest player. Three consecutive 1-0 wins early in the season gave them an air of confidence, which coupled with a statistical anomaly not seen since I bet on red at roulette and black came out 37 times, landed the Evertonians a 4th place finish. To sum up, Everton are not in demise, they’re still the same poor team they were two seasons ago. Get on Tottenham at 4/7.
Next week, I solve the Middle East crisis.
Thomas Sorensen is a capable goalkeeper, but he suffers from ‘footballing anorexia’, he freezes when he sees Emile. The Villa keeper handed the bragging rights to Birmingham in both matches last season, but the luck is about to run out for the Blues.
Birmingham are conceding two goals a game on their own patch and have had a player sent off in their last three league matches. Barring a goalkeeping error, the Villa are a cracking bet at 7/4.
While watching England beat the Poles in a local tavern, I heard a drunken young man sing the following, “If Crouch can play for England so can I.” You’d think Phil Neville would spend his time more productively.
It’s now 10 games without a goal for Peter Crouch and Liverpool are 13th in the table as a result. With the Reds finding goals hard to come by, back Blackburn to snatch a draw at 12/5.
Sunderland v Man U would have been the game of the week if Roy Keane wasn’t out injured, although I hold out hope that Keano will offer Mick McCarthy tactical advise from the stand. The Mackems are on a four match unbeaten run in all competitions, but with Van Nistelrooy and Rooney in great form, United are the bet at 4/9.
Nothing lasts forever, with the possible exception of a conversation about cushions between the wife and her mother. Chelsea’s 100% record in the league has been a fantastic effort, but Bolton are a great bet to put an end to their domination.
Big Sam has avoided defeat at the Bridge for the last two seasons, and Bolton have won six of their last eight matches in all competitions. All good things must come to an end, back Bolton to win or draw at 3/1.
The following paired Goalscorer specials are all available at Super Soccer.
“Ham, Berger” – Dietmar Hamann and Patrik Berger both to score 33/1
“Chubby, Brown” – Wayne Rooney and Michael Brown both to score 10/1
“Bent, double” – Darren Bent and Marcus Bent both to score 13/2
“Horses, Four Courses” – Van Nistelrooy and Wayne Rooney both to score 3/1
“Sun, Bern” – Sun Jihai and Olivier Bernard both to score 66/1
“My big fat Greek wedding” – Wayne Rooney and Stelios both to score 12/1
“Chris, Musampa” – Chris Sutton and Kiki Musampa both to score 12/1
Conspiracy theory of the week:
Why would Liverpool pay £7 million for Peter Crouch? Could the following have taken place?
Rupert Lowe, “Harry, now that we’re relegated, sell that lanky Crouch, and try to recoup the £2 million we paid the Villa.
Harry Redknapp, “Rafa, i’m flogging Crouchy, he can’t head the ball, but he’s got two great feet, he’s yours for a million a foot.
Rafa Benitez, “O.K. here’s a cheque for £7 million.
Quote of the week:
“He’s been refereeing for years and has done a good job.”
Wayne Rooney applauds Kim Milton Nielson.
Most annoying sentence of the week:
Let’s join our commentators, John Motson and Graeme Le Saux.
Stat, you’re a liberty:
There’s only one team in the Premiership that have kept all opposing forwards off the scoresheet in the league this season; it’s West Ham.
Acc of the week:
Man Utd
Tottenham
Arsenal
West Ham
Charlton
The five-fold will pay over 20/1 when successful.
Weekend Betting:
Wigan v Newcastle Saturday 15th October 12.45 Live on Premiership Plus
Wigan 8/5
Draw 11/5
Newcastle 7/5
Get on: Draw
It’s three wins on the bounce for Wigan and they are yet to concede two goals in a game. With Michael back for the Geordies, a draw is on the cards.
Match Special:
Match to finish 1-1 11/2
Chelsea v Bolton Saturday 15th October 15.00
Chelsea 1/5
Draw 9/2
Bolton 9/1
Get on: Draw
Bolton have reaped an impressive four points from their last two visits to the Bridge, at 1/5 for Chelsea, I’d rather be a layer than a player.
Match Special:
One goal or less in the game 11/5
Liverpool v Blackburn Saturday 15th October 15.00
Liverpool 8/15
Draw 12/5
Blackburn 5/1
Get on: Draw
Liverpool are on a four match run in the league without a win, another draw is the only option.
Match Special:
Kuqi to score at any time 5/2
Sunderland v Man Utd Saturday 15th October 15.00
Sunderland 11/2
Draw 11/4
Man Utd 4/9
Get on: Man Utd
70% of United’s goals have been scored away from home this season; the omens are not good for the Mackems.
Match Special:
Man Utd to score four or more goals 5/1
Tottenham v Everton Saturday 15th October 15.00
Tottenham 4/7
Draw 12/5
Everton 9/2
Get on: Tottenham
Everton have never won at Spurs in the Premiership, even when they had a good team; home banker.
Match Special:
Tottenham to score in both halves 6/4
West Brom v Arsenal Saturday 15th October 15.00
West Brom 11/2
Draw 11/4
Arsenal 4/9
Get on: Arsenal
The Albion are currently woeful, the Gunners could run riot.
Match Special:
Arsenal to score four or more goals 5/1
Middlesbrough v Portsmouth Saturday 15th October 17.15 Live on Sky
Middlesbrough 8/11
Draw 11/5
Portsmouth 7/2
Get on: Middlesbrough
The Boro are a punters nightmare, their last two matches at home in the league have seen a win against Arsenal, followed by a defeat to Sunderland. A tentative home win.
Match Special:
Yakubu to score the first goal 4/1
Birmingham v Aston Villa Sunday 16th October 12.00
Birmingham 11/8
Draw 2/1
Aston Villa 7/4
Get on: Aston Villa
City can’t win at home, Villa are playing better than their results would indicate; away win.
Match Special:
Sorensen to keep a clean sheet 9/5
Man City v West Ham Sunday 16th October 16.00 Live on Sky
Man City 5/6
Draw 9/4
West Ham 11/4
Get on: West Ham
Man City’s recent win over Everton was their first victory in 5 games. The Hammers have a pearl in Benayoun, 11/4 looks tasty.
Match Special:
Benayoun to score the first goal 12/1
Charlton v Fulham Monday 17th October 20.00 Live on Sky
Charlton 8/11
Draw 9/4
Fulham 10/3
Get on: Charlton
Charlton’s only defeats this season have been at home to other London clubs, Fulham aren’t Tottenham or Chelsea.
Match Special:
Darren Bent to score two or more goals 9/2
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Wednesday, October 12, 2005
European Zone Play-offs
European World Cup Qualifiers
Play-off teams
The Czech Republic
Norway
Slovakia
Spain
Switzerland
Turkey
The draw for the three European zone playoffs will take place in Zurich, Switzerland on Friday 14 October, 12.00 noon CET (Central European Time).
The two-legged home and away ties will be played on 12 November and 16 November.
The three teams highest in the FIFA world rankings:
the Czech Republic (4th), Spain (8th) and Turkey (12th) will be placed in one pot and will play a team drawn from the second pot either Norway (37th), Switzerland (38th) or Slovakia (45th).
European Zone - World Cup Results & Tables
Play-off teams
The Czech Republic
Norway
Slovakia
Spain
Switzerland
Turkey
The draw for the three European zone playoffs will take place in Zurich, Switzerland on Friday 14 October, 12.00 noon CET (Central European Time).
The two-legged home and away ties will be played on 12 November and 16 November.
The three teams highest in the FIFA world rankings:
the Czech Republic (4th), Spain (8th) and Turkey (12th) will be placed in one pot and will play a team drawn from the second pot either Norway (37th), Switzerland (38th) or Slovakia (45th).
European Zone - World Cup Results & Tables
Sunday, October 9, 2005
Croatia Marches on to Germany
Hrvatska, kraljica kvalifikacija
Samo pet poraza u 11 godina!
U 11 godina koliko se natječe u kvalifikacijama za Europska i Svjetska prvenstva, Hrvatska je u 55 utakmica pretrpjela samo pet poraza, od čega u 27 izlučnih susreta za Svjetska prvenstva jedan jedini - protiv Danske u rujnu 1997. To znači i da smo u kvalifikacijama za Mundiale neporaženi već osam godina i mjesec dana.
Osobito je veličanstvena hrvatska bilanca u borbama za Svjetska prvenstva. U 27 kvalifikacijskih utakmica, Vatreni su zabilježili 17 pobjeda, 9 neriješenih i jedan jedini poraz, u rujnu 1997. u gostima od Danske! Razlika pogodaka je zapanjujuća: 56:16!
Danska je ujedno jedina momčad s kojom Vatreni imaju negativan omjer od ukupno 21 reprezentacije s kojima su se sastajali od rujna 1994. do danas. Kad bismo sagledali međusobne omjere Hrvatske i svakog pojedinačnog protivnika kao da se kvalifikacijske utakmice igraju po kup sustavu, na ispadanje, naša bi reprezentacija 22 puta išla dalje, a pet bi puta ispala, od čega četiri puta "za dlaku".
Bolje su od Hrvatske bile samo spomenuta Danska (1:1 i 1:3), Republika Irska (0:2 i 1:0), Bugarska (0:2 i 1:0), te SR Jugoslavija (0:0 i 2:2) i Škotska (1:1 i 0:0) - ove dvije zadnje samo zahvaljujući golovima u gostima. U preostalom dvoboju protiv Mađarske zasad također imamo povoljan međusobni omjer.
Ukupna je hrvatska bilanca u svim kvalifikacijskim susretima izvanredna: 34 pobjede, 16 neriješenih i pet poraza, uz razliku pogodaka od 105:39. Vrijeme za šesti poraz nipošto nije došlo ni u Budimpešti, jer Zlatko Kranjčar želi produžiti nepobjedivost. Ako se i dogodi, neka to bude u nekom budućem kvalifikacijskom ciklusu i to kad Vatreni već matematički osiguraju mjesto u završnici!
Hrvatska u kvalifikacijama 1994.-2005.
EP 1996.
Hrvatska - Litva 2:0, 0:0
Hrvatska - Ukrajina 4:0, 0:1
Hrvatska - Slovenija 2:0, 2:1
Hrvatska - Estonija 7:1, 2:0
Hrvatska - Italija 1:1, 2:1
SP 1998.
Hrvatska - Grčka 1:1, 1:0
Hrvatska - Danska 1:1, 1:3
Hrvatska - Slovenija 3:3, 3:1
Hrvatska - BiH 3:2, 4:1
Hrvatska - Ukrajina 2:0, 1:1
EP 2000.
Hrvatska - Makedonija 3:2, 1:1
Hrvatska - Malta 2:1, 4:1
Hrvatska - Irska 1:0, 0:2
Hrvatska - SRJ 2:2, 0:0
SP 2002.
Hrvatska - Škotska 1:1, 0:0
Hrvatska - Latvija 4:1, 1:0
Hrvatska - San Marino 4:0, 4:0
Hrvatska - Belgija 1:0, 0:0
EP 2004.
Hrvatska - Estonija 0:0, 1:0
Hrvatska - Belgija 4:0, 1:2
Hrvatska - Andora 2:0, 3:0
Hrvatska - Bugarska 1:0, 0:2
Hrvatska - Slovenija 1:1, 1:0
SP 2006.
Hrvatska - Mađarska 3:0, ?
Hrvatska - Bugarska 2:2, 3:1
Hrvatska - Island 4:0, 3:1
Hrvatska - Malta 3:0, 1:1
Hrvatska - Švedska 1:0, 1:0
Napomena: prvonavedene utakmice igrane su u Hrvatskoj
Nepovoljan omjer samo s Danskom
Andora 2 2 0 0 5:0
Belgija 4 2 1 1 6:2
BiH 2 2 0 0 7:3
Bugarska 4 2 1 1 6:5
Estonija 4 3 1 0 10:1
Grčka 2 1 1 0 2:1
Danska 2 0 1 1 2:4
Irska 2 1 0 1 1:2
Island 2 2 0 0 7:1
Italija 2 1 1 0 3:2
Latvija 2 2 0 0 5:1
Litva 2 1 1 0 2:0
Mađarska 1 1 0 0 3:0
Makedonija 2 1 1 0 4:3
Malta 4 3 1 0 10:3
San Marino 2 2 0 0 8:0
Slovenija 6 4 2 0 12:6
SRJ 2 0 2 0 2:2
Škotska 2 0 2 0 1:1
Švedska 2 2 0 0 2:0
Ukrajina 4 2 1 1 7:2
Ukupno 54 34 16 5 105:39
Napomena:
Tablica donosi s lijeva na desno broj odigranih utakmica, pobjede,
neriješene, poraze i gol razliku
Samo pet poraza u 11 godina!
U 11 godina koliko se natječe u kvalifikacijama za Europska i Svjetska prvenstva, Hrvatska je u 55 utakmica pretrpjela samo pet poraza, od čega u 27 izlučnih susreta za Svjetska prvenstva jedan jedini - protiv Danske u rujnu 1997. To znači i da smo u kvalifikacijama za Mundiale neporaženi već osam godina i mjesec dana.
Osobito je veličanstvena hrvatska bilanca u borbama za Svjetska prvenstva. U 27 kvalifikacijskih utakmica, Vatreni su zabilježili 17 pobjeda, 9 neriješenih i jedan jedini poraz, u rujnu 1997. u gostima od Danske! Razlika pogodaka je zapanjujuća: 56:16!
Danska je ujedno jedina momčad s kojom Vatreni imaju negativan omjer od ukupno 21 reprezentacije s kojima su se sastajali od rujna 1994. do danas. Kad bismo sagledali međusobne omjere Hrvatske i svakog pojedinačnog protivnika kao da se kvalifikacijske utakmice igraju po kup sustavu, na ispadanje, naša bi reprezentacija 22 puta išla dalje, a pet bi puta ispala, od čega četiri puta "za dlaku".
Bolje su od Hrvatske bile samo spomenuta Danska (1:1 i 1:3), Republika Irska (0:2 i 1:0), Bugarska (0:2 i 1:0), te SR Jugoslavija (0:0 i 2:2) i Škotska (1:1 i 0:0) - ove dvije zadnje samo zahvaljujući golovima u gostima. U preostalom dvoboju protiv Mađarske zasad također imamo povoljan međusobni omjer.
Ukupna je hrvatska bilanca u svim kvalifikacijskim susretima izvanredna: 34 pobjede, 16 neriješenih i pet poraza, uz razliku pogodaka od 105:39. Vrijeme za šesti poraz nipošto nije došlo ni u Budimpešti, jer Zlatko Kranjčar želi produžiti nepobjedivost. Ako se i dogodi, neka to bude u nekom budućem kvalifikacijskom ciklusu i to kad Vatreni već matematički osiguraju mjesto u završnici!
Hrvatska u kvalifikacijama 1994.-2005.
EP 1996.
Hrvatska - Litva 2:0, 0:0
Hrvatska - Ukrajina 4:0, 0:1
Hrvatska - Slovenija 2:0, 2:1
Hrvatska - Estonija 7:1, 2:0
Hrvatska - Italija 1:1, 2:1
SP 1998.
Hrvatska - Grčka 1:1, 1:0
Hrvatska - Danska 1:1, 1:3
Hrvatska - Slovenija 3:3, 3:1
Hrvatska - BiH 3:2, 4:1
Hrvatska - Ukrajina 2:0, 1:1
EP 2000.
Hrvatska - Makedonija 3:2, 1:1
Hrvatska - Malta 2:1, 4:1
Hrvatska - Irska 1:0, 0:2
Hrvatska - SRJ 2:2, 0:0
SP 2002.
Hrvatska - Škotska 1:1, 0:0
Hrvatska - Latvija 4:1, 1:0
Hrvatska - San Marino 4:0, 4:0
Hrvatska - Belgija 1:0, 0:0
EP 2004.
Hrvatska - Estonija 0:0, 1:0
Hrvatska - Belgija 4:0, 1:2
Hrvatska - Andora 2:0, 3:0
Hrvatska - Bugarska 1:0, 0:2
Hrvatska - Slovenija 1:1, 1:0
SP 2006.
Hrvatska - Mađarska 3:0, ?
Hrvatska - Bugarska 2:2, 3:1
Hrvatska - Island 4:0, 3:1
Hrvatska - Malta 3:0, 1:1
Hrvatska - Švedska 1:0, 1:0
Napomena: prvonavedene utakmice igrane su u Hrvatskoj
Nepovoljan omjer samo s Danskom
Andora 2 2 0 0 5:0
Belgija 4 2 1 1 6:2
BiH 2 2 0 0 7:3
Bugarska 4 2 1 1 6:5
Estonija 4 3 1 0 10:1
Grčka 2 1 1 0 2:1
Danska 2 0 1 1 2:4
Irska 2 1 0 1 1:2
Island 2 2 0 0 7:1
Italija 2 1 1 0 3:2
Latvija 2 2 0 0 5:1
Litva 2 1 1 0 2:0
Mađarska 1 1 0 0 3:0
Makedonija 2 1 1 0 4:3
Malta 4 3 1 0 10:3
San Marino 2 2 0 0 8:0
Slovenija 6 4 2 0 12:6
SRJ 2 0 2 0 2:2
Škotska 2 0 2 0 1:1
Švedska 2 2 0 0 2:0
Ukrajina 4 2 1 1 7:2
Ukupno 54 34 16 5 105:39
Napomena:
Tablica donosi s lijeva na desno broj odigranih utakmica, pobjede,
neriješene, poraze i gol razliku
Friday, October 7, 2005
Toyota Stadium
Toyota Stadium
Toyota Stadium is the venue for the Sydney FC v Deportivo Saprissa game in the upcoming Club World Championship in Japan.
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Nabisco Cup Results
Nabisco Cup Results
Wed Oct 5
Semifinals
JEF United 2 Uruwa Reds 2
(JEF won 5-3 on aggregate)
Yokohama F Marinos 1 Gamba Osaka 1
(Scores 1-1 on aggregate; Gamba Osaka won 4-1 on penalties)
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Wed Oct 5
Semifinals
JEF United 2 Uruwa Reds 2
(JEF won 5-3 on aggregate)
Yokohama F Marinos 1 Gamba Osaka 1
(Scores 1-1 on aggregate; Gamba Osaka won 4-1 on penalties)
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Thursday, October 6, 2005
Fanaticos
Soccerphile World Cup Blog
Se llaman "Fanáticos"
1500 bosnios viajarán a Belgrado
Unos 1500 aficionados bosnios, llamados "Fanáticos" (el nombre original es en espańol), se desplazarán a Belgrado para asistir al encuentro entre su selección y Serbia y Montenegro el día doce de octubre. Bosnia y Hercegovina debe ganar este partido para estar como mínimo segunda en el Grupo 7, que incluye Espańa.
Aunque en un principio la Federación de Bosnia y Hercegovina había anunciado que no organizaría un viaje de los seguidores a la capital serbia, finalmente aceptó un compromiso
de llevar 1500 hinchas.
Los bosnios tienen el derecho a 5100 entradas, equivalente de un 10% de la totalidad de entradas puestas en venta, pero sus autoridades futbolísticas han optado una cifra más baja, por motivos de seguridad. Los seguidores bosnios estarán situados en la tribina sur del Estadio Marakana, llamado así del Maracaná del Rio de Janeiro.
Los organizadores tomarán unas medidas espectaculares de seguridad ya que se espera la presencia de unos 5000 policías, sin contar guardias privados.
La Federación bosnia ha aceptado llevar a los aficionados tras haber recibido una firme promesa de los lideres de los Fanáticos en cuanto a la conducta de los seguidores.
"Apelo a los seguidores de nuestro equipo nacional a que animen a nuestro equipo de forma deportiva y correcta." - ha manifestado el presidente de los Fanáticos, Izudin Becircic. - "Todos los aficionados que se dirijan a Belgrado y se encuentren en estado alcoholizado o narcotizado estarán detenidos a la entrada a Serbia y sancionados por la ley de ese país. Está prohibido gritar eslogans nacionalistas o llevar pancartas con contenido ofensivo, que serán retiradas y sus propietarios sancionados." - ha matizado Becircic, aconsejando a los que se dispongan a hacer en viaje al país vecino y no tan amigo.
La rivalidad entre Serbia-Montenegro y los bosnio-musulmanes, quienes son a los que de forma mayoritaria representa la selección de Bosnia-Hercegovina, rebasa las fronteras deportivas y estuvo reflejada en la terrible guerra entre las etnias serbia y bosnio-musulmana
entre el 1992 y el 1995.
Antes de jugar con Serbia-Montenegro, Bosnia-Hercegovina se enfrentará con San Marino, ante el que espera conseguir tres puntos seguros.
(Ozzie/EFE Madrid)
Se llaman "Fanáticos"
1500 bosnios viajarán a Belgrado
Unos 1500 aficionados bosnios, llamados "Fanáticos" (el nombre original es en espańol), se desplazarán a Belgrado para asistir al encuentro entre su selección y Serbia y Montenegro el día doce de octubre. Bosnia y Hercegovina debe ganar este partido para estar como mínimo segunda en el Grupo 7, que incluye Espańa.
Aunque en un principio la Federación de Bosnia y Hercegovina había anunciado que no organizaría un viaje de los seguidores a la capital serbia, finalmente aceptó un compromiso
de llevar 1500 hinchas.
Los bosnios tienen el derecho a 5100 entradas, equivalente de un 10% de la totalidad de entradas puestas en venta, pero sus autoridades futbolísticas han optado una cifra más baja, por motivos de seguridad. Los seguidores bosnios estarán situados en la tribina sur del Estadio Marakana, llamado así del Maracaná del Rio de Janeiro.
Los organizadores tomarán unas medidas espectaculares de seguridad ya que se espera la presencia de unos 5000 policías, sin contar guardias privados.
La Federación bosnia ha aceptado llevar a los aficionados tras haber recibido una firme promesa de los lideres de los Fanáticos en cuanto a la conducta de los seguidores.
"Apelo a los seguidores de nuestro equipo nacional a que animen a nuestro equipo de forma deportiva y correcta." - ha manifestado el presidente de los Fanáticos, Izudin Becircic. - "Todos los aficionados que se dirijan a Belgrado y se encuentren en estado alcoholizado o narcotizado estarán detenidos a la entrada a Serbia y sancionados por la ley de ese país. Está prohibido gritar eslogans nacionalistas o llevar pancartas con contenido ofensivo, que serán retiradas y sus propietarios sancionados." - ha matizado Becircic, aconsejando a los que se dispongan a hacer en viaje al país vecino y no tan amigo.
La rivalidad entre Serbia-Montenegro y los bosnio-musulmanes, quienes son a los que de forma mayoritaria representa la selección de Bosnia-Hercegovina, rebasa las fronteras deportivas y estuvo reflejada en la terrible guerra entre las etnias serbia y bosnio-musulmana
entre el 1992 y el 1995.
Antes de jugar con Serbia-Montenegro, Bosnia-Hercegovina se enfrentará con San Marino, ante el que espera conseguir tres puntos seguros.
(Ozzie/EFE Madrid)
Croatian Football News
Neka Švedska strahuje
Nepobijeđena Hrvatska!
Otkad se Hrvatska 1994. uključila u kvalifikacijske cikluse u okviru UEFA-e i FIFA-e, ponosi se fantastičnim dostignućem: nije još nikada poražena u kvalifikacijskoj utakmici na svom terenu! U tom je razdoblju, u kojemu je Hrvatska nanizala 27 utakmica bez poraza, gubila svaka europska momčad. Italiju smo na njenom terenu tukli baš mi, u jesen 1994. s 2:1 u Palermu.
Portugal se 1998. spotaknuo o Rumunjsku (0:1) u kvalifikacijama za Euro'2000, u kojima je Francuska posrnula od Rusije s 2:3, a Rusija s istim rezultatom kod kuće od Francuske u uzvratnom susretu.
Engleska je 2000. poražena na Wembleyju od Njemačke s 0:1, da bi joj uzvratila u Munchenu s poznatih 5:1. Španjolska je poklekla od Grčke (0:1) u izlučnom susretu za prošlo Europsko prvenstvo, kada je i sama Švedska pala pred Latvijom (0:1), osiguravši si prethodno mjesto u Portugalu.
Jedino hrvatski tereni stoje hrabro neosvojeni, a uzdamo se u čar maksimirskog terena i u dvoboju protiv Švedske. Zagreb je osobito sretan za našu reprezentaciju, koja je dobila 15 od 20 ovdje odigranih susreta uz izvrsnu razliku pogodaka od 49:13 te učinkovitost od 83,33%! S takvom se bilancom ne može pohvaliti nijedan nacionalni stadion. Neka se tradicija nepobjedivosti nastavi i protiv Švedske i u idućim kvalifikacijskim ciklusima!
TABLICA:
Hrvatske kvalifikacijske utakmice kod kuće
1994.
Zagreb, 9.10.1994. Hrvatska - Litva 2:0 (EP)
1995.
Zagreb, 25.3.1995. Hrvatska - Ukrajina 4:0 (EP)
Zagreb, 26.4.1995. Hrvatska - Slovenija 2:0 (EP)
Zagreb, 3.9.1995. Hrvatska - Estonija 7:1 (EP)
Split, 9.10.1995. Hrvatska - Italija 1:1 (EP)
1996.
Zagreb, 10.11.1996. Hrvatska - Grčka 1:1 (SP)
1997.
Split, 29.3.1997. Hrvatska - Danska 1:1 (SP)
Split, 2.4.1997. Hrvatska - Slovenija 3:3 (SP)
Zagreb, 6.9.1997. Hrvatska - BiH 3:2 (SP)
Zagreb, 29.10.1997. Hrvatska - Ukrajina 2:0 (SP)
1998.
Zagreb, 14.10.1998. Hrvatska - Makedonija 3:2 (EP)
1999.
Zagreb, 21.8.1999. Hrvatska - Malta 2:1 (EP)
Zagreb, 4.9.1999. Hrvatska - Irska 1:0 (EP)
Zagreb, 9.10.1999. Hrvatska - SRJ 2:2 (EP)
2000.
Zagreb, 11.10.2000. Hrvatska - Škotska 1:1 (SP)
2001.
Osijek, 24.3.2001. Hrvatska - Latvija 4:1 (SP)
Varaždin, 2.6.2001. Hrvatska - San Marino 4:0 (SP)
Zagreb, 6.10.2001. Hrvatska - Belgija 1:0 (SP)
2002.
Osijek, 7.9.2002. Hrvatska - Estonija 0:0 (EP)
2003.
Zagreb, 29.3.2003. Hrvatska - Belgija 4:0 (EP)
Varaždin, 2.4.2003. Hrvatska - Andora 2:0 (EP)
Zagreb, 11.10.2003. Hrvatska - Bugarska 1:0 (EP)
Zagreb, 15.11.2003. Hrvatska - Slovenija 1:1 (EP)
2004.
Zagreb, 4.9.2004. Hrvatska - Mađarska 3:0 (SP)
Zagreb, 9.10.2004. Hrvatska - Bugarska 2:2 (SP)
2005.
Zagreb, 26.3.2005. Hrvatska - Island 4:0 (SP)
Zagreb, 30.3.2005. Hrvatska - Malta 3:0 (SP)
Zagreb, 8.10.2005. Hrvatska - Švedska ? (SP)
Hrvatska na svom terenu
Od ostalih gradova u kojima je Hrvatska nastupala u sklopu kvalifikacija, Varaždin ima stopostotni učinak od dvije pobjede u dvije utakmice, Osijek je vidio pobjedu i remi (protiv Estonije), a Split samo tri neriješena u tri navrata kad je ugostio reprezentaciju.
Sve domaće utakmice u kvalifikacijama
27 18 9 0 64:19 63 (81) 77,77%
Hrvatska u Zagrebu
20 15 5 0 49:13 50 (60) 83,33%
Opaska:
Brojke označavaju broj odigranih utakmica, pobjeda, neriješenih i poraza, razliku pogodaka,
broj osvojenih bodova i broj mogućih bodova te postotak osvojenih bodova.
(Ozzie/Sportske novosti)
Nepobijeđena Hrvatska!
Otkad se Hrvatska 1994. uključila u kvalifikacijske cikluse u okviru UEFA-e i FIFA-e, ponosi se fantastičnim dostignućem: nije još nikada poražena u kvalifikacijskoj utakmici na svom terenu! U tom je razdoblju, u kojemu je Hrvatska nanizala 27 utakmica bez poraza, gubila svaka europska momčad. Italiju smo na njenom terenu tukli baš mi, u jesen 1994. s 2:1 u Palermu.
Portugal se 1998. spotaknuo o Rumunjsku (0:1) u kvalifikacijama za Euro'2000, u kojima je Francuska posrnula od Rusije s 2:3, a Rusija s istim rezultatom kod kuće od Francuske u uzvratnom susretu.
Engleska je 2000. poražena na Wembleyju od Njemačke s 0:1, da bi joj uzvratila u Munchenu s poznatih 5:1. Španjolska je poklekla od Grčke (0:1) u izlučnom susretu za prošlo Europsko prvenstvo, kada je i sama Švedska pala pred Latvijom (0:1), osiguravši si prethodno mjesto u Portugalu.
Jedino hrvatski tereni stoje hrabro neosvojeni, a uzdamo se u čar maksimirskog terena i u dvoboju protiv Švedske. Zagreb je osobito sretan za našu reprezentaciju, koja je dobila 15 od 20 ovdje odigranih susreta uz izvrsnu razliku pogodaka od 49:13 te učinkovitost od 83,33%! S takvom se bilancom ne može pohvaliti nijedan nacionalni stadion. Neka se tradicija nepobjedivosti nastavi i protiv Švedske i u idućim kvalifikacijskim ciklusima!
TABLICA:
Hrvatske kvalifikacijske utakmice kod kuće
1994.
Zagreb, 9.10.1994. Hrvatska - Litva 2:0 (EP)
1995.
Zagreb, 25.3.1995. Hrvatska - Ukrajina 4:0 (EP)
Zagreb, 26.4.1995. Hrvatska - Slovenija 2:0 (EP)
Zagreb, 3.9.1995. Hrvatska - Estonija 7:1 (EP)
Split, 9.10.1995. Hrvatska - Italija 1:1 (EP)
1996.
Zagreb, 10.11.1996. Hrvatska - Grčka 1:1 (SP)
1997.
Split, 29.3.1997. Hrvatska - Danska 1:1 (SP)
Split, 2.4.1997. Hrvatska - Slovenija 3:3 (SP)
Zagreb, 6.9.1997. Hrvatska - BiH 3:2 (SP)
Zagreb, 29.10.1997. Hrvatska - Ukrajina 2:0 (SP)
1998.
Zagreb, 14.10.1998. Hrvatska - Makedonija 3:2 (EP)
1999.
Zagreb, 21.8.1999. Hrvatska - Malta 2:1 (EP)
Zagreb, 4.9.1999. Hrvatska - Irska 1:0 (EP)
Zagreb, 9.10.1999. Hrvatska - SRJ 2:2 (EP)
2000.
Zagreb, 11.10.2000. Hrvatska - Škotska 1:1 (SP)
2001.
Osijek, 24.3.2001. Hrvatska - Latvija 4:1 (SP)
Varaždin, 2.6.2001. Hrvatska - San Marino 4:0 (SP)
Zagreb, 6.10.2001. Hrvatska - Belgija 1:0 (SP)
2002.
Osijek, 7.9.2002. Hrvatska - Estonija 0:0 (EP)
2003.
Zagreb, 29.3.2003. Hrvatska - Belgija 4:0 (EP)
Varaždin, 2.4.2003. Hrvatska - Andora 2:0 (EP)
Zagreb, 11.10.2003. Hrvatska - Bugarska 1:0 (EP)
Zagreb, 15.11.2003. Hrvatska - Slovenija 1:1 (EP)
2004.
Zagreb, 4.9.2004. Hrvatska - Mađarska 3:0 (SP)
Zagreb, 9.10.2004. Hrvatska - Bugarska 2:2 (SP)
2005.
Zagreb, 26.3.2005. Hrvatska - Island 4:0 (SP)
Zagreb, 30.3.2005. Hrvatska - Malta 3:0 (SP)
Zagreb, 8.10.2005. Hrvatska - Švedska ? (SP)
Hrvatska na svom terenu
Od ostalih gradova u kojima je Hrvatska nastupala u sklopu kvalifikacija, Varaždin ima stopostotni učinak od dvije pobjede u dvije utakmice, Osijek je vidio pobjedu i remi (protiv Estonije), a Split samo tri neriješena u tri navrata kad je ugostio reprezentaciju.
Sve domaće utakmice u kvalifikacijama
27 18 9 0 64:19 63 (81) 77,77%
Hrvatska u Zagrebu
20 15 5 0 49:13 50 (60) 83,33%
Opaska:
Brojke označavaju broj odigranih utakmica, pobjeda, neriješenih i poraza, razliku pogodaka,
broj osvojenih bodova i broj mogućih bodova te postotak osvojenih bodova.
(Ozzie/Sportske novosti)
Tuesday, October 4, 2005
Serbs and Croats looking forward to meeting in Germany
Soccerphile World Cup Blog
Clasificación Mundial - Grupo 8
Un encuentro serbo-croata hace temer a los organizadores del Mundial
Nueva "proeza" de hinchas croatas en Budapest
Aficionados croatas no están quietos ni cuando su equipo gana, ni cuando pierde. Si hace un mes vandalizaron una grada en La Valetta en Malta, supuestamente decepcionados por el peligroso empate cosechado por Croacia, anoche se enseńaron con los húngaros, pese a que su selección ya se ha clasificado para el Mundial.
A los 24 minutos del Hungría-Croacia (0-0) tres cohetes iluminaron el cielo sobre Budapest, una silla fue lanzada en el aire y luego una bengala cayo en pleno césped. Mientras tanto, en la grada detras del portero local Kiraly dos grupos de hinchas croatas pelearon entre si.
El presidente de la Federación croata Vlatko Markovic tapó los ojos, desesperado por lo que ve como una constante amenaza a la reputación de Croacia futbolística. Afortunadamente, los policías húngaros fueron muy eficientes (y duros) y sacaron a los principales autores de los incidentes fuera del estadio del Ujpest.
El resto de los hinchas (hubo unos 3000 croatas en Budapest) se tranquilizó, pero a los 60 minutos volvieron a pegarse, supuestamente seguidores de un equipo croata contra los del otro.
- "Eso es trágico, lo que hacen nuestros aficionados no tiene ningún sentido." - ha comentado Markovic, empeńado en la campańa para conseguir la organización del Europeo del 2012, junto con Hungría.
- "Me han informado que pelearon unos contra otros los hinchas del Hajduk y del Rijeka."
Croacia fue multada con sólo 55.000 francos por la vergüenza en Malta y ahora puede tocarle una cantidad mayor, aparte de que sus opciones de lograr el Euro'2012 disminuyen con cada nuevo incidente.
Y ahora estremece la policía en Alemania, ya que Croacia y Serbia-Montenegro se han metido en el Mundial. Ambos países tienen cientos de miles de obreros trabajando en las tierras alemanas, que además están cercanas para que acudan miles de seguidores de los Balcanes. Si alguna vez hubo necesidad de un sorteo programado para evitar que dos selecciones coincidan, será en Leipzig el próximo 9 de diciembre cuando se determinen grupos de la primera fase del Mundial.
Clasificación Mundial - Grupo 8
Un encuentro serbo-croata hace temer a los organizadores del Mundial
Nueva "proeza" de hinchas croatas en Budapest
Aficionados croatas no están quietos ni cuando su equipo gana, ni cuando pierde. Si hace un mes vandalizaron una grada en La Valetta en Malta, supuestamente decepcionados por el peligroso empate cosechado por Croacia, anoche se enseńaron con los húngaros, pese a que su selección ya se ha clasificado para el Mundial.
A los 24 minutos del Hungría-Croacia (0-0) tres cohetes iluminaron el cielo sobre Budapest, una silla fue lanzada en el aire y luego una bengala cayo en pleno césped. Mientras tanto, en la grada detras del portero local Kiraly dos grupos de hinchas croatas pelearon entre si.
El presidente de la Federación croata Vlatko Markovic tapó los ojos, desesperado por lo que ve como una constante amenaza a la reputación de Croacia futbolística. Afortunadamente, los policías húngaros fueron muy eficientes (y duros) y sacaron a los principales autores de los incidentes fuera del estadio del Ujpest.
El resto de los hinchas (hubo unos 3000 croatas en Budapest) se tranquilizó, pero a los 60 minutos volvieron a pegarse, supuestamente seguidores de un equipo croata contra los del otro.
- "Eso es trágico, lo que hacen nuestros aficionados no tiene ningún sentido." - ha comentado Markovic, empeńado en la campańa para conseguir la organización del Europeo del 2012, junto con Hungría.
- "Me han informado que pelearon unos contra otros los hinchas del Hajduk y del Rijeka."
Croacia fue multada con sólo 55.000 francos por la vergüenza en Malta y ahora puede tocarle una cantidad mayor, aparte de que sus opciones de lograr el Euro'2012 disminuyen con cada nuevo incidente.
Y ahora estremece la policía en Alemania, ya que Croacia y Serbia-Montenegro se han metido en el Mundial. Ambos países tienen cientos de miles de obreros trabajando en las tierras alemanas, que además están cercanas para que acudan miles de seguidores de los Balcanes. Si alguna vez hubo necesidad de un sorteo programado para evitar que dos selecciones coincidan, será en Leipzig el próximo 9 de diciembre cuando se determinen grupos de la primera fase del Mundial.
Croatian Soccer News
Hrvatski izgledi za plasman na SP
Šveđani gotovo sigurni i s porazom u Zagrebu!
Šveđanima nastup u Zagrebu nije presudan za odlazak na Mundial, mada Skandinavci "tupe" da im treba bod u subotu "da bi sve riješili." Netočno! Naime, Švedska je siguran putnik u Njemačku već i ako kod kuće svlada Island 12. listopada. S ta tri boda, Lagerback i ekipa bit će među dvije najbolje drugoplasirane momčadi, čak kad bi uvjerljivo izgubili od Hrvata. Jedino se moraju čuvati poraza većeg od 0:9, jer bi ih tada Češka ili Poljska mogle preskočiti zbog bolje razlike golova.
Bilo bi, ipak, pogrešno misliti da će nam Šveđani išta pustiti zbog spoznaje da im je dovoljna pobjeda nad Islandom, no moguće je da će trener u subotu poštedjeti igrače načete ozljedama.
Što se naših izgleda tiče, kombinacija ima mnogo, a najbolje vijesti glase: prvo, ovisimo o sebi; drugo, ako ne iskoristimo priliku, realni su izgledi da nam pomognu drugi. Evo cjelovitog pregleda svih mogućnosti.
1. Pobjeda nad Švedskom i barem neriješeno u Budimpešti donose nam sigurno prvo mjesto u skupini.
2. Neriješeno sa Švedskom tjeralo bi nas na pobjedu nad Mađarima od četiri razlike. U tom smo slučaju sigurno među dvije najbolje drugoplasirane reprezentacije.
3. Neriješeno sa Švedskom i mala pobjeda u Budimpešti stavlja nas u ovisnost o ishodima utakmica u skupinama I ili VI. Bitne su nam rezultati Čeha, Engleza, Poljaka te međusobni dvoboj Andore i Armenije.
4. Poraz sa Švedskom i bilo kakva pobjeda u Budimpešti samo je za nijansu lošija varijanta od one u kojoj osvajamo bod protiv Švedske. Isto vrijedi i za slučaj pobjede nad Švedima i poraza u Mađarskoj. S tri boda možemo biti najbolji drugi, uz bar jedan povoljan ishod u skupinama I ili VI.
5. S manje od tri boda u preostalim susretima vjerojatno ne bismo bili među dvije najbolje drugoplasirane momčadi, mada postoje teoretski izgledi i za to.
6. Dodatne kvalifikacije najgore su što nam se može dogoditi.
Kako biti najbolji drugi
Među dva najbolja druga možemo biti s tri ili četiri boda, ovisno o drugim ishodima. Bilo da se spotakne Češka, bilo da posrne Engleska, put bi nam do Njemačke bio otvoren i ako ne nokautiramo Švedsku!
U Skupini I Nizozemska je realno prva. Češka za prodor s drugog mjesta mora nadmašiti Nizozemsku doma i Finsku u gostima, a ni tada nije sigurna da će biti među dva najbolja druga. Makar jedno češko neriješeno Hrvatskoj bi došlo kao naručeno. Česi su nedavno pali u Rumunjskoj, dakle nisu nepobjedivi.
No, i da Česi dobiju obje, može ih srušiti Armenija pobjedom u Andori, jer bi tada Češkoj bile "brisane" visoke pobjede nad Andorom (4:0 i 8:1). Tada bi joj gol-razlika pala ispod hrvatske, pod uvjetom da Vatreni osvoje bod sa Švedskom i tri s Mađarskom.
Ako nam nijedan od rezultata iz skupine I ne ode u prilog, morali bismo svladati Mađare s četiri razlike, uz subotnji bod u Zagrebu.
U Skupini VI Poljska je prva ne izgubi li kod Engleza, ili ako Engleska ne tuče Austriju. Navijamo da Englezi budu drugi u skupini, jer su nam u tom slučaju dovoljna tri boda u preostala dva susreta. No, ako Engleska svlada Poljsku s četiri ili više razlike, tada su nam dostatni bod sa Švedskom i tri u Mađarskoj. Ako pak Engleska nadmaši Poljsku s manje od četiri razlike, treba nam visoka pobjeda u Budimpešti radi neutraliziranja poljske gol razlike, koja je sada za pet golova bolja od naše.
Hrvatska se diči neporaženošću kod kuće u kvalifikacijama. Od dvoboja s Litvom u listopadu 1994. do danas odigrali smo 27 utakmica bez poraza. No, valja znati da nam je bod protiv Švedske samo minimalno bolji od poraza. Minimalno, gotovo zanemarivo. Zašto? Poraz od Švedske naudio bi nam utoliko što nam više ne bi bila dovoljna pobjeda Armenije u Andori niti pobjeda Engleske nad Poljskom od četiri ili više razlike. Ispunjenje bilo kojeg od ostalih uvjeta, uz naš trijumf u Budimpešti, opet bi nas poslalo u Njemačku.
Dakle, valja riskirati i igrati na pobjedu u subotu, pa održati "nulu" u Budimpešti.
(SN)
Šveđani gotovo sigurni i s porazom u Zagrebu!
Šveđanima nastup u Zagrebu nije presudan za odlazak na Mundial, mada Skandinavci "tupe" da im treba bod u subotu "da bi sve riješili." Netočno! Naime, Švedska je siguran putnik u Njemačku već i ako kod kuće svlada Island 12. listopada. S ta tri boda, Lagerback i ekipa bit će među dvije najbolje drugoplasirane momčadi, čak kad bi uvjerljivo izgubili od Hrvata. Jedino se moraju čuvati poraza većeg od 0:9, jer bi ih tada Češka ili Poljska mogle preskočiti zbog bolje razlike golova.
Bilo bi, ipak, pogrešno misliti da će nam Šveđani išta pustiti zbog spoznaje da im je dovoljna pobjeda nad Islandom, no moguće je da će trener u subotu poštedjeti igrače načete ozljedama.
Što se naših izgleda tiče, kombinacija ima mnogo, a najbolje vijesti glase: prvo, ovisimo o sebi; drugo, ako ne iskoristimo priliku, realni su izgledi da nam pomognu drugi. Evo cjelovitog pregleda svih mogućnosti.
1. Pobjeda nad Švedskom i barem neriješeno u Budimpešti donose nam sigurno prvo mjesto u skupini.
2. Neriješeno sa Švedskom tjeralo bi nas na pobjedu nad Mađarima od četiri razlike. U tom smo slučaju sigurno među dvije najbolje drugoplasirane reprezentacije.
3. Neriješeno sa Švedskom i mala pobjeda u Budimpešti stavlja nas u ovisnost o ishodima utakmica u skupinama I ili VI. Bitne su nam rezultati Čeha, Engleza, Poljaka te međusobni dvoboj Andore i Armenije.
4. Poraz sa Švedskom i bilo kakva pobjeda u Budimpešti samo je za nijansu lošija varijanta od one u kojoj osvajamo bod protiv Švedske. Isto vrijedi i za slučaj pobjede nad Švedima i poraza u Mađarskoj. S tri boda možemo biti najbolji drugi, uz bar jedan povoljan ishod u skupinama I ili VI.
5. S manje od tri boda u preostalim susretima vjerojatno ne bismo bili među dvije najbolje drugoplasirane momčadi, mada postoje teoretski izgledi i za to.
6. Dodatne kvalifikacije najgore su što nam se može dogoditi.
Kako biti najbolji drugi
Među dva najbolja druga možemo biti s tri ili četiri boda, ovisno o drugim ishodima. Bilo da se spotakne Češka, bilo da posrne Engleska, put bi nam do Njemačke bio otvoren i ako ne nokautiramo Švedsku!
U Skupini I Nizozemska je realno prva. Češka za prodor s drugog mjesta mora nadmašiti Nizozemsku doma i Finsku u gostima, a ni tada nije sigurna da će biti među dva najbolja druga. Makar jedno češko neriješeno Hrvatskoj bi došlo kao naručeno. Česi su nedavno pali u Rumunjskoj, dakle nisu nepobjedivi.
No, i da Česi dobiju obje, može ih srušiti Armenija pobjedom u Andori, jer bi tada Češkoj bile "brisane" visoke pobjede nad Andorom (4:0 i 8:1). Tada bi joj gol-razlika pala ispod hrvatske, pod uvjetom da Vatreni osvoje bod sa Švedskom i tri s Mađarskom.
Ako nam nijedan od rezultata iz skupine I ne ode u prilog, morali bismo svladati Mađare s četiri razlike, uz subotnji bod u Zagrebu.
U Skupini VI Poljska je prva ne izgubi li kod Engleza, ili ako Engleska ne tuče Austriju. Navijamo da Englezi budu drugi u skupini, jer su nam u tom slučaju dovoljna tri boda u preostala dva susreta. No, ako Engleska svlada Poljsku s četiri ili više razlike, tada su nam dostatni bod sa Švedskom i tri u Mađarskoj. Ako pak Engleska nadmaši Poljsku s manje od četiri razlike, treba nam visoka pobjeda u Budimpešti radi neutraliziranja poljske gol razlike, koja je sada za pet golova bolja od naše.
Hrvatska se diči neporaženošću kod kuće u kvalifikacijama. Od dvoboja s Litvom u listopadu 1994. do danas odigrali smo 27 utakmica bez poraza. No, valja znati da nam je bod protiv Švedske samo minimalno bolji od poraza. Minimalno, gotovo zanemarivo. Zašto? Poraz od Švedske naudio bi nam utoliko što nam više ne bi bila dovoljna pobjeda Armenije u Andori niti pobjeda Engleske nad Poljskom od četiri ili više razlike. Ispunjenje bilo kojeg od ostalih uvjeta, uz naš trijumf u Budimpešti, opet bi nas poslalo u Njemačku.
Dakle, valja riskirati i igrati na pobjedu u subotu, pa održati "nulu" u Budimpešti.
(SN)
World Cup Qualifiers Review
Hrvatski izgledi za plasman na SP
Šveđani gotovo sigurni i s porazom u Zagrebu!
Šveđanima nastup u Zagrebu nije presudan za odlazak na Mundial, mada Skandinavci "tupe" da im treba bod u subotu "da bi sve riješili." Netočno! Naime, Švedska je siguran putnik u Njemačku već i ako kod kuće svlada Island 12. listopada. S ta tri boda, Lagerback i ekipa bit će među dvije najbolje drugoplasirane momčadi, čak kad bi uvjerljivo izgubili od Hrvata. Jedino se moraju čuvati poraza većeg od 0:9, jer bi ih tada Češka ili Poljska mogle preskočiti zbog bolje razlike golova.
Bilo bi, ipak, pogrešno misliti da će nam Šveđani išta pustiti zbog spoznaje da im je dovoljna pobjeda nad Islandom, no moguće je da će trener u subotu poštedjeti igrače načete ozljedama.
Što se naših izgleda tiče, kombinacija ima mnogo, a najbolje vijesti glase: prvo, ovisimo o sebi; drugo, ako ne iskoristimo priliku, realni su izgledi da nam pomognu drugi. Evo cjelovitog pregleda svih mogućnosti.
1. Pobjeda nad Švedskom i barem neriješeno u Budimpešti donose nam sigurno prvo mjesto u skupini.
2. Neriješeno sa Švedskom tjeralo bi nas na pobjedu nad Mađarima od četiri razlike. U tom smo slučaju sigurno među dvije najbolje drugoplasirane reprezentacije.
3. Neriješeno sa Švedskom i mala pobjeda u Budimpešti stavlja nas u ovisnost o ishodima utakmica u skupinama I ili VI. Bitne su nam rezultati Čeha, Engleza, Poljaka te međusobni dvoboj Andore i Armenije.
4. Poraz sa Švedskom i bilo kakva pobjeda u Budimpešti samo je za nijansu lošija varijanta od one u kojoj osvajamo bod protiv Švedske. Isto vrijedi i za slučaj pobjede nad Švedima i poraza u Mađarskoj. S tri boda možemo biti najbolji drugi, uz bar jedan povoljan ishod u skupinama I ili VI.
5. S manje od tri boda u preostalim susretima vjerojatno ne bismo bili među dvije najbolje drugoplasirane momčadi, mada postoje teoretski izgledi i za to.
6. Dodatne kvalifikacije najgore su što nam se može dogoditi.
Kako biti najbolji drugi
Među dva najbolja druga možemo biti s tri ili četiri boda, ovisno o drugim ishodima. Bilo da se spotakne Češka, bilo da posrne Engleska, put bi nam do Njemačke bio otvoren i ako ne nokautiramo Švedsku!
U Skupini I Nizozemska je realno prva. Češka za prodor s drugog mjesta mora nadmašiti Nizozemsku doma i Finsku u gostima, a ni tada nije sigurna da će biti među dva najbolja druga. Makar jedno češko neriješeno Hrvatskoj bi došlo kao naručeno. Česi su nedavno pali u Rumunjskoj, dakle nisu nepobjedivi.
No, i da Česi dobiju obje, može ih srušiti Armenija pobjedom u Andori, jer bi tada Češkoj bile "brisane" visoke pobjede nad Andorom (4:0 i 8:1). Tada bi joj gol-razlika pala ispod hrvatske, pod uvjetom da Vatreni osvoje bod sa Švedskom i tri s Mađarskom.
Ako nam nijedan od rezultata iz skupine I ne ode u prilog, morali bismo svladati Mađare s četiri razlike, uz subotnji bod u Zagrebu.
U Skupini VI Poljska je prva ne izgubi li kod Engleza, ili ako Engleska ne tuče Austriju. Navijamo da Englezi budu drugi u skupini, jer su nam u tom slučaju dovoljna tri boda u preostala dva susreta. No, ako Engleska svlada Poljsku s četiri ili više razlike, tada su nam dostatni bod sa Švedskom i tri u Mađarskoj. Ako pak Engleska nadmaši Poljsku s manje od četiri razlike, treba nam visoka pobjeda u Budimpešti radi neutraliziranja poljske gol razlike, koja je sada za pet golova bolja od naše.
Hrvatska se diči neporaženošću kod kuće u kvalifikacijama. Od dvoboja s Litvom u listopadu 1994. do danas odigrali smo 27 utakmica bez poraza. No, valja znati da nam je bod protiv Švedske samo minimalno bolji od poraza. Minimalno, gotovo zanemarivo. Zašto? Poraz od Švedske naudio bi nam utoliko što nam više ne bi bila dovoljna pobjeda Armenije u Andori niti pobjeda Engleske nad Poljskom od četiri ili više razlike. Ispunjenje bilo kojeg od ostalih uvjeta, uz naš trijumf u Budimpešti, opet bi nas poslalo u Njemačku.
Dakle, valja riskirati i igrati na pobjedu u subotu, pa održati "nulu" u Budimpešti.
Copyright Soccerphile/SN
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Šveđani gotovo sigurni i s porazom u Zagrebu!
Šveđanima nastup u Zagrebu nije presudan za odlazak na Mundial, mada Skandinavci "tupe" da im treba bod u subotu "da bi sve riješili." Netočno! Naime, Švedska je siguran putnik u Njemačku već i ako kod kuće svlada Island 12. listopada. S ta tri boda, Lagerback i ekipa bit će među dvije najbolje drugoplasirane momčadi, čak kad bi uvjerljivo izgubili od Hrvata. Jedino se moraju čuvati poraza većeg od 0:9, jer bi ih tada Češka ili Poljska mogle preskočiti zbog bolje razlike golova.
Bilo bi, ipak, pogrešno misliti da će nam Šveđani išta pustiti zbog spoznaje da im je dovoljna pobjeda nad Islandom, no moguće je da će trener u subotu poštedjeti igrače načete ozljedama.
Što se naših izgleda tiče, kombinacija ima mnogo, a najbolje vijesti glase: prvo, ovisimo o sebi; drugo, ako ne iskoristimo priliku, realni su izgledi da nam pomognu drugi. Evo cjelovitog pregleda svih mogućnosti.
1. Pobjeda nad Švedskom i barem neriješeno u Budimpešti donose nam sigurno prvo mjesto u skupini.
2. Neriješeno sa Švedskom tjeralo bi nas na pobjedu nad Mađarima od četiri razlike. U tom smo slučaju sigurno među dvije najbolje drugoplasirane reprezentacije.
3. Neriješeno sa Švedskom i mala pobjeda u Budimpešti stavlja nas u ovisnost o ishodima utakmica u skupinama I ili VI. Bitne su nam rezultati Čeha, Engleza, Poljaka te međusobni dvoboj Andore i Armenije.
4. Poraz sa Švedskom i bilo kakva pobjeda u Budimpešti samo je za nijansu lošija varijanta od one u kojoj osvajamo bod protiv Švedske. Isto vrijedi i za slučaj pobjede nad Švedima i poraza u Mađarskoj. S tri boda možemo biti najbolji drugi, uz bar jedan povoljan ishod u skupinama I ili VI.
5. S manje od tri boda u preostalim susretima vjerojatno ne bismo bili među dvije najbolje drugoplasirane momčadi, mada postoje teoretski izgledi i za to.
6. Dodatne kvalifikacije najgore su što nam se može dogoditi.
Kako biti najbolji drugi
Među dva najbolja druga možemo biti s tri ili četiri boda, ovisno o drugim ishodima. Bilo da se spotakne Češka, bilo da posrne Engleska, put bi nam do Njemačke bio otvoren i ako ne nokautiramo Švedsku!
U Skupini I Nizozemska je realno prva. Češka za prodor s drugog mjesta mora nadmašiti Nizozemsku doma i Finsku u gostima, a ni tada nije sigurna da će biti među dva najbolja druga. Makar jedno češko neriješeno Hrvatskoj bi došlo kao naručeno. Česi su nedavno pali u Rumunjskoj, dakle nisu nepobjedivi.
No, i da Česi dobiju obje, može ih srušiti Armenija pobjedom u Andori, jer bi tada Češkoj bile "brisane" visoke pobjede nad Andorom (4:0 i 8:1). Tada bi joj gol-razlika pala ispod hrvatske, pod uvjetom da Vatreni osvoje bod sa Švedskom i tri s Mađarskom.
Ako nam nijedan od rezultata iz skupine I ne ode u prilog, morali bismo svladati Mađare s četiri razlike, uz subotnji bod u Zagrebu.
U Skupini VI Poljska je prva ne izgubi li kod Engleza, ili ako Engleska ne tuče Austriju. Navijamo da Englezi budu drugi u skupini, jer su nam u tom slučaju dovoljna tri boda u preostala dva susreta. No, ako Engleska svlada Poljsku s četiri ili više razlike, tada su nam dostatni bod sa Švedskom i tri u Mađarskoj. Ako pak Engleska nadmaši Poljsku s manje od četiri razlike, treba nam visoka pobjeda u Budimpešti radi neutraliziranja poljske gol razlike, koja je sada za pet golova bolja od naše.
Hrvatska se diči neporaženošću kod kuće u kvalifikacijama. Od dvoboja s Litvom u listopadu 1994. do danas odigrali smo 27 utakmica bez poraza. No, valja znati da nam je bod protiv Švedske samo minimalno bolji od poraza. Minimalno, gotovo zanemarivo. Zašto? Poraz od Švedske naudio bi nam utoliko što nam više ne bi bila dovoljna pobjeda Armenije u Andori niti pobjeda Engleske nad Poljskom od četiri ili više razlike. Ispunjenje bilo kojeg od ostalih uvjeta, uz naš trijumf u Budimpešti, opet bi nas poslalo u Njemačku.
Dakle, valja riskirati i igrati na pobjedu u subotu, pa održati "nulu" u Budimpešti.
Copyright Soccerphile/SN
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K. League Results
Sun 2 October
Bucheon 3 Chonbuk 1
Busan I'Park 2 Ulsan 3
Daegu 1 Seongnam 0
Daejeon 0 Sangmu 1
FC Seoul 2 Incheon United 2
Suwon 2 Pohang 0
Leading positions
Bucheon P6 Pts 13
Daegu P6 Pts 12
Suwon P6 Pts 11
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Bucheon 3 Chonbuk 1
Busan I'Park 2 Ulsan 3
Daegu 1 Seongnam 0
Daejeon 0 Sangmu 1
FC Seoul 2 Incheon United 2
Suwon 2 Pohang 0
Leading positions
Bucheon P6 Pts 13
Daegu P6 Pts 12
Suwon P6 Pts 11
Bet with Bet 365
World Soccer News
Soccer betting tips
Soccer Books & DVDs
Tags
Soccer News soccer football J-League K-League Betting
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