World Soccer News 05/04/07
European soccer leagues Twenty two titles awarded
No less than 22 league championships throughout Europe have been resolved to date, including those in the countries where the competitions are played within a calendar year. League titles have been decided in France, Italy, Holland, Scotland and Greece, while dramatic outcomes are expected in Spain, Germany, Poland and Czechia.
The most dramatic finish occurred in Holland, where AZ Alkmaar under Louis van Gaal had all the trumps in their hands to win the league for the first time in 26 years. Of the three clubs going into the last day even on points, AZ had by far the best goal difference and needed any win away to lowly Excelsior to clinch the title. On the other hand, PSV were in the worst position having let slip an eight point advantage over AZ and ten points' over Ajax in the past two months.
Miraculously, AZ were beaten by Excelsior, on their way to the play-offs to avoid relegation, while Ajax beat Willem II with an insufficient 2-0 in Tillburg. In the meantime, PSV thrashed Vitesse 5-1, edging Ajax by a single goal for their third successive title. In fact, if Ajax had won by three goals they would have been champions!
League champions
Armenia: Pyunik Erevan (for 2006)
Austria: Salzburg
Belarus: Bate Borisov (for 2006)
Cyprus: Apoel Nikosia
Estonia: Levadia Tallinn (for 2006)
Faroe Islands: Hb Torshavn (for 2006)
Finland: Tampere Utd. (for 2006)
France: Lyon
Greece: Olympiacos
Croatia: Dinamo Zagreb
Ireland: Shelbourne (for 2006)
Iceland: Hafnarfjordur (for 2006)
Italy: Inter
Kazakhstan: Astana (for 2006)
Latvia: Ventspils (for 2006)
Lithuania: Kaunas (for 2006)
Netherlands: PSV (by a single goal over Ajax)
Norway: Rosenborg (for 2006)
Romania: Dinamo Bucharest
Russia: CSKA (for 2006)
Scotland: Celtic
Sweden: Elfsborg (for 2006)
Races nearly resolved
Just a step separates FC Kobenhavn from the Danish title, since no team have ever dropped a 16 points' advantage with six matches to go. Slovenia's Domzale and Serbia's Red Star have all but clinched their respective titles having ten points more than their immediate persuers.
Denmark: Kobenhavn +16 over Midtjylland
Luxembourg: Dudelange +11 over Etzella and Differdange
Hungary: Debrecen + 8 over MTK
Malta: Marsaxlokk +12 over Sliema
Moldavia: Sheriff +17 over Zimbru
Slovenia: Domzale +10 over Gorica
Serbia: Red Star +10 over Partizan
Drama in sight
In Germany, Schalke and Werder are competing at wasting chances of securing the title and Stuttgart's bid is gaining momentum with three matches to go as two points separate three teams. In Portugal, champions Porto have already lost five games but neither Sporting nor Benfica have capitalized. Anderlecht look like a safe bet in Belgium in spite of just a two point lead over Racing Genk, while the Polish and Czech champions will not be known until the last day.
Belgium: Anderlecht +2 over Genk
Czechia: Slovan Liberec +1 over Sparta and +2 over Slavia
England: Manchester Utd. +5 over Chelsea
Germany: Schalke +1 over Stuttgart, +2 over Werder
Poland: Belchatow and Zaglebie (L) tied
Portugal: Porto +3 over Sporting:
Spain: Barcelona +1 over Sevilla, +2 over Real Madrid
Switzerland: Zurich +3 over Basel
Ukraine: Dinamo Kijev +3 over Shakhtar
Angelo Peruzzi bids farewell
Lazio goalkeeper Angelo Peruzzi (37) announced the end of his playing career last Sunday after a goalless derby with Roma. The former Roma, Juventus and Inter keeper had planned to quit at the end of the season, but an injury to a finger sped up his decision with four matches to go. Peruzzi played 31 times for Italy and gained notoriety in 1990 when he was suspended for eight months due to a positive doping test.
Sepp Blatter: "South Africa is FIFA's plan A and B"
FIFA's threats to strip South Africa of the 2010 World Cup upset the whole African continent, prompting chairman Sepp Blatter to go back on his words criticizing the pace at which the designated hosts have been making progress with the infrastructure.
"Our plan A is South Africa, the plan B is also South Africa and there is no plan C," said Blatter, who had previously warned that FIFA was eyeing other options such as Mexico and Spain which already have the facilities in place.
"Yes, there are certain difficulties over items like security, but I am fully convinced it will be a precious World Cup," said Blatter.
It will be curious to note whether there will be similar concern within FIFA's pals UEFA in two years time when the sensationally elected Euro 2012 hosts Poland and Ukraine present delays in all aspects regarding infrastructure.
Erwin Koeman quits Feyenoord
Erwin and Ronald Koeman used to win things simultaneously. In 1988 their clubs, KV Mechelen and PSV Eindhoven, respectively, collected the European Cup Winners' Cup and the Champions' Cup. The same year both of them starred in the Dutch squad that won the European Championship in Western Germany. This season Ronald won the Dutch league with PSV, but Erwin's Feyenoord finished a dismal seventh, which prompted the elder brother to resign.
"After such a poor finish, I cannot be a hundred-percent motivated to coach the team in the playoffs for the UEFA Cup, which is of crucial significance for Feyenoord," admitted Koeman, who had taken over from Ruud Gullit two years ago.
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Friday, May 4, 2007
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
McCaffrey’s Gone Flat
You have to admire the Chinese. Their ability to knock up a wall and eat with sticks is impressive enough, but it’s their work in the field of insightful proverb creation where they truly excel.
‘Give a man a fish and he’ll eat for a day; teach him how to fish and he’ll bore you in conversation’ is one of theirs, and never a truer word was spoken.
Personally, the phrase i use most often is ‘good things come in little packages’, but it is a blatant lie. Good things do come to those who wait though; and after a four year hiatus, the Premiership trophy is on its way back to Old Trafford.
United can wrap up the title at Eastlands against a Manchester City side who have only scored 10 goals at home all season. Another blank for Psycho’s mob will leave them with the worst record since the latest offering from the sexually ambiguous Robbie Williams. I’m only going one way in this match; United will see off a Barton-less City at 8/15.
It’s been another fantastic season for Sam Allardyce, if we choose to disregard the odd episode of Panorama. The threat of a Glasgow kiss has forced the big man to walk away from the Reebok; West Ham can take full advantage at 5/4.
The press believe that the Hammers were only spared a points deduction for rule-breaking as they pleaded guilty at the last minute. I guess throwing your hands up to a mistake is always the right course of action; I await a statement from Mr and Mrs McCaffrey. I’m admitting to a little interest in Tevez to score at any time at 15/8.
Arsenal and Chelsea meet for the first time since the Snarling Cup final where Adedayor saw red for looking like Eboue. An Arsenal win over a deflated Chelsea resembles value at 19/10.
I would hate to see anyone lose their job, with the possible exception of Tim Lovejoy, but the omens do not look good for Glenn Roeder. Fat Freddie has allegedly been courting Sven Goran Eriksson (It’s a step up for Sven after Ulrika) and Big Sam is also in the frame. A Newcastle win over Blackburn at 13/10 will keep Roeder in his position, for now.
Gareth Southgate is better than Pele; the Middlesbrough manager can keep Wood on a permanent basis. I’m getting up early to back Boro at 5/2 to beat Wigan.
A few members of the betting community are still sore with Harry Redknapp. It’s not a result of the great ‘next Pompey manager’ sting of 2005; it’s the fact that he’s almost certainly partly responsible for Jamie. All will be forgiven if Pompey leave Goodison Park with a point at 12/5.
The Villa have a 100% record at home to Sheffield United in the Premiership, but admittedly, that form is older than Helen Chamberlain. History is against the Blades, recent form is also against them, but perhaps most tellingly of all, the G man is against them. The Villa will turn it on at 11/10.
Lefty lunatic Michael Moore made the point that soldiers on the front line are rarely sons of influential people, but Prince Harry’s decision to toil for the oil has bucked that trend. His old man is understandably anxious though; keep your chin up Major. It’ll be a major surprise if Spurs fail to beat Charlton; I’m getting involved at a slick 7/5.
The last three matches between Reading and Watford may have finished goalless, but the Hornets are now easier to beat than a Frenchman in Manchester. The Royals can consolidate their UEFA Cup spot at a fighting 4/9.
Appointing a boss on a temporary basis can occasionally pay dividends, but Lawrie Sanchez is the worst caretaker since Ian Huntley. Liverpool have won their last two meets with Fulham by four clear goals, a great week for the Reds is about to get better at 13/10.
Banking the cash from last week’s winning accer may appeal to some, but I plan to roll over the profit like it was Kate Moss. Newcastle, Reading, West Ham and Aston Villa are the four good-things, the payout is a titillating 14/1.
Copyright (c) Gerry McDonnell & soccerphile.com
‘Give a man a fish and he’ll eat for a day; teach him how to fish and he’ll bore you in conversation’ is one of theirs, and never a truer word was spoken.
Personally, the phrase i use most often is ‘good things come in little packages’, but it is a blatant lie. Good things do come to those who wait though; and after a four year hiatus, the Premiership trophy is on its way back to Old Trafford.
United can wrap up the title at Eastlands against a Manchester City side who have only scored 10 goals at home all season. Another blank for Psycho’s mob will leave them with the worst record since the latest offering from the sexually ambiguous Robbie Williams. I’m only going one way in this match; United will see off a Barton-less City at 8/15.
It’s been another fantastic season for Sam Allardyce, if we choose to disregard the odd episode of Panorama. The threat of a Glasgow kiss has forced the big man to walk away from the Reebok; West Ham can take full advantage at 5/4.
The press believe that the Hammers were only spared a points deduction for rule-breaking as they pleaded guilty at the last minute. I guess throwing your hands up to a mistake is always the right course of action; I await a statement from Mr and Mrs McCaffrey. I’m admitting to a little interest in Tevez to score at any time at 15/8.
Arsenal and Chelsea meet for the first time since the Snarling Cup final where Adedayor saw red for looking like Eboue. An Arsenal win over a deflated Chelsea resembles value at 19/10.
I would hate to see anyone lose their job, with the possible exception of Tim Lovejoy, but the omens do not look good for Glenn Roeder. Fat Freddie has allegedly been courting Sven Goran Eriksson (It’s a step up for Sven after Ulrika) and Big Sam is also in the frame. A Newcastle win over Blackburn at 13/10 will keep Roeder in his position, for now.
Gareth Southgate is better than Pele; the Middlesbrough manager can keep Wood on a permanent basis. I’m getting up early to back Boro at 5/2 to beat Wigan.
A few members of the betting community are still sore with Harry Redknapp. It’s not a result of the great ‘next Pompey manager’ sting of 2005; it’s the fact that he’s almost certainly partly responsible for Jamie. All will be forgiven if Pompey leave Goodison Park with a point at 12/5.
The Villa have a 100% record at home to Sheffield United in the Premiership, but admittedly, that form is older than Helen Chamberlain. History is against the Blades, recent form is also against them, but perhaps most tellingly of all, the G man is against them. The Villa will turn it on at 11/10.
Lefty lunatic Michael Moore made the point that soldiers on the front line are rarely sons of influential people, but Prince Harry’s decision to toil for the oil has bucked that trend. His old man is understandably anxious though; keep your chin up Major. It’ll be a major surprise if Spurs fail to beat Charlton; I’m getting involved at a slick 7/5.
The last three matches between Reading and Watford may have finished goalless, but the Hornets are now easier to beat than a Frenchman in Manchester. The Royals can consolidate their UEFA Cup spot at a fighting 4/9.
Appointing a boss on a temporary basis can occasionally pay dividends, but Lawrie Sanchez is the worst caretaker since Ian Huntley. Liverpool have won their last two meets with Fulham by four clear goals, a great week for the Reds is about to get better at 13/10.
Banking the cash from last week’s winning accer may appeal to some, but I plan to roll over the profit like it was Kate Moss. Newcastle, Reading, West Ham and Aston Villa are the four good-things, the payout is a titillating 14/1.
Copyright (c) Gerry McDonnell & soccerphile.com
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
Learning from their mistakes
Learning from their mistakes
Australia's football hierarchy has reacted to its clubs flagging performances on Asian soil during the Champions League by scrapping plans for a Brisbane-based get-together before the Asian Cup finals in favour of an acclimatisation training camp in Singapore.
“The camp in Singapore will give us a good indication of what to expect at the Asian Cup,” declared Socceroos coach Graham Arnold last week. “Acclimatisation will be a key to success at the tournament so training and playing in Singapore will get us in good shape for the conditions that we will face for the tournament."
Welcome news indeed, and proof of the gravity with which Football Federation Australia is holding the Socceroos' maiden venture into Asian competition.
Over the past couple of months we've seen how the Australian clubs in the ACL have been caught with their trousers around their ankles by supposedly inferior opponents, particularly in tired-looking second-half displays by Adelaide in Vietnam and Sydney in Indonesia.
Sure, a lack of regular match action has some claims, but the A-League sides have comfortably proven that simply turning up a few days beforehand and expecting to roll over the opposition is a theory fast losing credibility down under.
As Arnold added in a far-ranging interview with the Sydney Morning Herald over the weekend, "They're 50 per cent better at home, so when we go to these types of nations we have to make sure we have a minimum of a week to prepare properly, otherwise we'll get ourselves into trouble." A little tactless perhaps, but spot on.
Of course, the climatic conundrum is effectively multiplied for Arnold. Not only is Australia, geographically, not even in Asia, the basis of his Asian Cup squad will come from the English Premiership, a league played across the northern winter save for a few months of relative sunshine at its beginning and end. Derby days in Liverpool and London aren’t exactly the ideal preparation for an Asian Cup opener against Oman in Bangkok.
Then there's Australia's glaring lack of experience playing in the types of conditions you can expect in Thailand in July. The Socceroos have played just three matches on Asian soil since joining the AFC 16 months ago with only four players - Scott McDonald, Michael Beauchamp, Luke Wilkshire and Brett Holman, not exactly what you'd call the big guns - involved in all three of the away trips to Kuwait City, Manama and Guangzhou.
Worryingly for Arnold, the list of those who haven't been involved in any of the three trips, for a variety of reasons, includes World Cup stars Tim Cahill, Brett Emerton, Josh Kennedy, Harry Kewell and Craig Moore.
Cahill, Kennedy, Kewell and Moore are the quartet giving Arnold most headaches with just 10 weeks until Australia's cup opener. All four are rated by Arnold as a major concern with the coach now openly saying that if any of them make it, it will be a fantastic luxury for the side.
Arnold and team manager Gary Moretti jetted over to Europe a week ago to assess the players' progress and build some bridges with a handful of (particularly English) club managers. Once again the cause of the Australian national team doesn’t exactly seem in the best interests of the clubs with a healthy chunk of pre-season set to be missed if the Socceroos make it all the way to the final. Cahill, for instance, hasn’t had a proper break for four years after playing in the 2004 Olympics, 2005 Confederations Cup and last year's World Cup.
Any absences from those four might open the door for one of Rob Baan's up-and-coming under-23s who have been pitting their wits against Asia's best sides leading into next year's Olympics in Beijing. "I'm definitely taking some young players to the Asian Cup - some will be train-on players and some will be in the actual squad," Arnold has said.
Baan's Olyroos captain is Mark Milligan, a player who was a surprising choice by Guus Hiddink 12 months ago for Germany and one who adds crucial versatility across the defence and midfield. Milligan has also been in action for Sydney FC in the ACL.
The other player making a dramatic statement of intent is Bruce Djite. The powerful US-born forward has been knocking down the door after becoming an ever-present for the under-23s under Baan and has also been elevated to the post of No.1 striker at Adelaide United after Shengqing Qu's release.
Copyright © Marc Fox and Soccerphile.com
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Australia's football hierarchy has reacted to its clubs flagging performances on Asian soil during the Champions League by scrapping plans for a Brisbane-based get-together before the Asian Cup finals in favour of an acclimatisation training camp in Singapore.
“The camp in Singapore will give us a good indication of what to expect at the Asian Cup,” declared Socceroos coach Graham Arnold last week. “Acclimatisation will be a key to success at the tournament so training and playing in Singapore will get us in good shape for the conditions that we will face for the tournament."
Welcome news indeed, and proof of the gravity with which Football Federation Australia is holding the Socceroos' maiden venture into Asian competition.
Over the past couple of months we've seen how the Australian clubs in the ACL have been caught with their trousers around their ankles by supposedly inferior opponents, particularly in tired-looking second-half displays by Adelaide in Vietnam and Sydney in Indonesia.
Sure, a lack of regular match action has some claims, but the A-League sides have comfortably proven that simply turning up a few days beforehand and expecting to roll over the opposition is a theory fast losing credibility down under.
As Arnold added in a far-ranging interview with the Sydney Morning Herald over the weekend, "They're 50 per cent better at home, so when we go to these types of nations we have to make sure we have a minimum of a week to prepare properly, otherwise we'll get ourselves into trouble." A little tactless perhaps, but spot on.
Of course, the climatic conundrum is effectively multiplied for Arnold. Not only is Australia, geographically, not even in Asia, the basis of his Asian Cup squad will come from the English Premiership, a league played across the northern winter save for a few months of relative sunshine at its beginning and end. Derby days in Liverpool and London aren’t exactly the ideal preparation for an Asian Cup opener against Oman in Bangkok.
Then there's Australia's glaring lack of experience playing in the types of conditions you can expect in Thailand in July. The Socceroos have played just three matches on Asian soil since joining the AFC 16 months ago with only four players - Scott McDonald, Michael Beauchamp, Luke Wilkshire and Brett Holman, not exactly what you'd call the big guns - involved in all three of the away trips to Kuwait City, Manama and Guangzhou.
Worryingly for Arnold, the list of those who haven't been involved in any of the three trips, for a variety of reasons, includes World Cup stars Tim Cahill, Brett Emerton, Josh Kennedy, Harry Kewell and Craig Moore.
Cahill, Kennedy, Kewell and Moore are the quartet giving Arnold most headaches with just 10 weeks until Australia's cup opener. All four are rated by Arnold as a major concern with the coach now openly saying that if any of them make it, it will be a fantastic luxury for the side.
Arnold and team manager Gary Moretti jetted over to Europe a week ago to assess the players' progress and build some bridges with a handful of (particularly English) club managers. Once again the cause of the Australian national team doesn’t exactly seem in the best interests of the clubs with a healthy chunk of pre-season set to be missed if the Socceroos make it all the way to the final. Cahill, for instance, hasn’t had a proper break for four years after playing in the 2004 Olympics, 2005 Confederations Cup and last year's World Cup.
Any absences from those four might open the door for one of Rob Baan's up-and-coming under-23s who have been pitting their wits against Asia's best sides leading into next year's Olympics in Beijing. "I'm definitely taking some young players to the Asian Cup - some will be train-on players and some will be in the actual squad," Arnold has said.
Baan's Olyroos captain is Mark Milligan, a player who was a surprising choice by Guus Hiddink 12 months ago for Germany and one who adds crucial versatility across the defence and midfield. Milligan has also been in action for Sydney FC in the ACL.
The other player making a dramatic statement of intent is Bruce Djite. The powerful US-born forward has been knocking down the door after becoming an ever-present for the under-23s under Baan and has also been elevated to the post of No.1 striker at Adelaide United after Shengqing Qu's release.
Copyright © Marc Fox and Soccerphile.com
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