Sunday, February 26, 2006

Schweinsteiger Profile

Who's the new German stalwart

Bastian Schweinsteiger - another Effenberg?

Simbol novog Bayerna

Neumorni radnik koji stvara višak prostora i kvalitetno raspoređuje loptu, Bastian Schweinsteiger stoji pred blistavom karijerom u Bayernu i u reprezentaciji Njemačke. Svojim razvojem u zadnje dvije godine najavljuje se kao jedna od zvijezda predstojećeg Svjetskog prvenstva.

Izraz "meteorski uspon do slave" kao da je skovan za Bastiana Schweinsteigera. Još je 2001. bio član Bayernove momčadi koja je osvojila prvenstvo u konkurenciji do 17 godina, a godinu potom i prvenstvo do 19 godina. Već je u drugom dijelu sezone 2002/03, kao 18-godišnjak, uskočio u prvu momčad najvećeg njemačkog kluba, igrajući naizmjenično za seniore i za juniore. Godinu dana kasnije, nakon proslave prve seniorske Bundeslige s Bavarcima, našao se u reprezentaciji Rudija Vollera i putovao u Portugal na Europsko prvenstvo.

Schweinsteigera mnogi vide kao novog Sfefana Effenberga, donedavnog Bayernovom borca i kreativca sredine terena, a uistinu svom prethodniku sliči i tjelesno i po stilu igre. I još je, kao i Effenberg, rođen u znaku Lava!

Momak iz provincije potpisao je juniorski ugovor s Bayernom 1. srpnja 1998. i brzo se uspinjao kroz klupski podmladak. Osvojivši omladinsko prvenstvo 2002., probio se u Bayernove rezerve i odradio niz zapaženih nastupa u trećoj ligi.

Nakon samo dva treninga za prvu momčad, u jesen 2002. dobio je priliku od Ottmara Hitzfelda da debitira u Ligi prvaka. Samo nekoliko minuta nakon ulaska s klupe protiv Lensa, momak je pokazao vrijednost, pripremivši gol Markusu Feulneru. U prvoj je profi-sezoni skupio 16 nastupa i odmah se okitio dvostrukom krunom - sve prije 19. rođendana! Prvi je pogodak za Bayern postigao u rujnu 2003. protiv Wolfsburga, a u proljeće 2004. već je zaslužio prvi poziv u reprezentaciju.

(mn) Samo Makaay popularniji

Na Euru u Portugalu iskazao se kao jedan od rijetkih njemačkih igrača koji nisu razočarali, dok je Elf ispao u prvoj rundi s dva osvojena boda od mogućih devet. Svojom je borbenošću spasio Nijemce od veće nevolje, namjestivši klupskom suigraču Ballacku pogodak u porazu protiv Češke (1:2).

Mada je pokupio jednoglasne komplimente za nastup na Europskom prvenstvu, novi ga je trener, "glavonja" Felix Magath senzacionalno vratio među amatere početkom sezone 2004/05. Ipak, Bastian je među starim kolegama proveo samo tri tjedna, prije no što ga je Magath povukao natrag u prvotimce. Unatoč oštroj konkurenciji još devetorice veznih igrača, u nastavku sezone ovaj je dinamični, rastrčali vezist potvrdio ugled, doprinijevši značajno još jednoj Bayernovoj dvostrukoj kruni.

Prošle je sezone, u kojoj je osvojio drugu Bundesligu, Schweinsteiger izabran u navijačkoj anketi za drugog najboljeg igrača Bayerna, iza Roya Makaaya, a on i Nizozemac skupili su zajedno preko 80% glasova.

Jurgen Klinsmann, Vollerov nasljednik na klupi Elfa, nije imao dvojbe u pogledu nastavka Bastianove reprezentativne karijere te je mladić i u novom režimu nastavio gdje je stao pod Vollerom.

Prve je pogotke za izabranu momčad (odmah dva!) postigao 8. lipnja prošle godine protiv Rusije. Na Kupu konfederacija održanom istog mjeseca u Njemačkoj iznova je bio među najboljima, postigavši po pogodak Tunisu i Meksiku.
(op/nogomet)

(okvir)

Osobna karta

Ime i prezime: Bastian Schweinsteiger
Nadimak: Schweini
Datum rođenja: 1. kolovoza 1984.
Mjesto rođenja: Kolbermoor
Visina i težina: 181 cm, 77 kg
Pozicija: vezist
Broj dresa: 31
Bračno stanje: djevojka Daniela

Obrazovanje: srednja škola
Vrline: pristupačan, točan, lukav
Hobiji: glazba, druženje, Playstation
Moto: "Vjeruj u sebe"
Internet: www.bastian-schweinsteiger.de

Klupska karijera:
1990-92 Oberaudorf
1992-98 Rosenheim
1998-02 Bayern (II)
2002/03 Bayern 14 - 0
2003/04 Bayern 26 - 4
2004/05 Bayern 26 - 3
2005/06 Bayern 15 - 1

Reprezentacija:
2004-06 Njemačka 23 - 4


Uspjesi:
Njemačko prvenstvo 2003. i 2005.
Njemački kup 2003. i 2005.
Liga kup 2004.

Juniorska karijera:
Prvenstvo do 17 g. 2001.
Prvenstvo do 19 g. 2002.


HNL: Naslovi se osvajaju u gostima
Dinamo zeli rekordnu seriju
HNL - Usporedba s proslom sezonom
Dobro je zvati se Dinamo
Neka Svedska strahuje
Najbolje gol razlike u europskim ligama
Usporedna ljestvica
Argentina ili Hrvatska, pitanje je sad



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Thursday, February 23, 2006

The Jewell of Denial

Here’s a question for all you deep thinkers. Can a fairytale really have a happy ending?

Imagine the classics today; Cinderella could never marry the prince, the problem of female binge drinking coupled with a march towards a 24 hour boozing culture simply wouldn’t allow her to leave the ball by midnight. Sleeping Beauty would be literally a 50/1 shot to get a decent kip with all the ASBO ridden teenagers roaming the streets, and if Jack is gullible enough to swap a cow for a handful of magic beans, he’d be well advised to steer clear of the betting exchanges.

I ask this question because Wigan’s charge to the Cup final is nothing short of a modern day fairytale, but like the examples above, a happy ending is highly unlikely. I would love to see Wigan win it, I’ve always been a fan of the underdog, although the wife usually needs convincing. The head must always rule the heart when punting though; Man U demolished Wigan 4-0 in the league, a reversal is unlikely. Get on United at 8/13 to win the match in 90 minutes.

Van Nistelrooy had the cheek to berate Harry Kewell for going down easily last week; he’ll be having a pop at Celine Dion next for having a long face. Van the man is a worthy favourite at 7/2 to open the scoring in the Cardiff showpiece; he’s 9/2 to bag a pair.

Gary Neville’s had a bad week, he’s been fined £5,000 by the FA for doing the Haka in front of devastated Liverpool supporters, and news has just broke that the police are struggling to find the identity of the burger throwing scally, although they’ve safely ruled out Wayne Rooney. It’s 12 games without a goal for Roon the loon, the big lad’s due, he’s available at 5/4 to score at any time.

Whatever the outcome on Sunday evening, Wigan’s charge to Cardiff has brought a little romance back to the Cup, and win or lose, the great sport of football will be the winner. Or to be more factual, football and Man Utd will be the winners, Wigan will lose heavily. A 3-0 win for United is available at 10/1, give it some thought.

Back to the Premiership, before the Barcelona match, Jose Mourinho compared the Chelsea pitch to an ugly scientist. I took offence to that, my wife looks a lot like Stephen Hawking. However, I’m not one to hold a grudge, especially as Jose’s boys will make me a few quid this weekend. Pompey have played Chelsea five times in the Premiership, the Champions have won either 2-0 or 3-0 every time. At 11/4 for either outcome to occur, my valueometer has just exploded.

Newcastle are like a new team since Graeme Souness left, unfortunately, still not a very good one. The stats show a dramatic improvement for the Toon since Souey was chopped, but there’s a question mark over the Villa and Southampton wins. Everton are the visitors to St James’ Park and their recent form is sensational; not for the first time, I’m playing away from home. Tuck in to the Toffees at 2/1.

Liverpool should be backed at 1/2 to see off Man City; as soon as Psycho handed Robbie Fowler to the Reds on a silver plate, sod’s law demanded that he’d break his goal scoring duck against the team that gave him away. By the way, don’t pass this on to Steve McClaren; he’ll probably bid £3 million for the duck.

How quickly things change. On a cold day two weeks ago, McClaren was an awful manager who couldn’t be trusted in the transfer market and a relegation battle was on the cards. Today, it’s a little bit warmer. Luckily for Boro, Albion are in an even worse state, McClaren’s men are the call at 7/4.

The Cup final weekend specials: (all bets are 90 minutes only)

“Filthy Rich” - Kieran Richardson to be booked 5/2
“Crazy horse” - Van Nistelrooy to be booked 10/3
“Bull fighting” - Jimmy Bullard to be booked 9/2
“Raging Bull” - Jimmy Bullard to be sent off 66/1
“Fletch lives” - Darren Fletcher to score at any time 5/1
“Flyin' Giggs” - Ryan Giggs to score in the first half 12/1
“Camma Roon” - Henri Camara and Wayne Rooney both to score 8/1

Quote of the week:

“Sometimes you see beautiful people with no brains, but you see ugly people who are intelligent scientists. Our pitch is a little bit like that.”

Jose Mourinho, the King of the analogy.

Stat, you’re a liberty:

Portsmouth have scored just eight goals at home this season, that’s the lowest figure in the Premiership, the Football League, the Conference, and alarmingly for Pompey fans, the Scottish Leagues.

Acc of the week:

Birmingham, Arsenal, Chelsea, Man Utd and Middlesbrough form the accer this week, I can’t say they’ll all definitely win, even though they will. It pays out at 16/1.

Weekend Betting:

Birmingham v Sunderland Saturday 25th February 15.00

Birmingham 4/7
Draw 12/5
Sunderland 9/2

Get on: Birmingham

The Blues have won four of their last five at St Andrews; Sunderland have lost their last three matches away from home.
Match Special:
Birmingham to keep a clean sheet 10/11

Blackburn v Arsenal Saturday 25th February 15.00

Blackburn 9/5
Draw 9/4
Arsenal 6/5

Get on: Arsenal

The Gunners have won their last six matches against Blackburn without conceding a goal; three of the last four have finished 3-0. Their form on the road is poor, but the Madrid result is a corner-turner.
Match Special:
Thierry Henry to score two or more goals 5/1

Charlton v Aston Villa Saturday 25th February 15.00

Charlton 11/10
Draw 9/4
Aston Villa 2/1

Get on: Draw

The Addicks have won five of their last six home matches, and drew the other. Villa are unbeaten in seven away from home, a real toughie to call.
Match Special:
Match to finish 1-1 11/2

Chelsea v Portsmouth Saturday 25th February 15.00

Chelsea 1/7
Draw 9/2
Portsmouth 16/1

Get on: Chelsea

Pompey have lost their last seven away from home in the Premiership, six of those games by two goals or more. Chelsea are a wounded animal, Pompey must pay.
Match Special:
HT Draw FT Chelsea 9/2

Newcastle v Everton Saturday 25th February 17.15 Live on Premiership Plus

Newcastle 11/10
Draw 9/4
Everton 2/1

Get on: Everton

It’s three wins out of four for the Toon; Everton have won four of their last five in the league. Everton’s form can stand close scrutiny.
Match Special:
Everton to win 1-0 15/2

Liverpool v Man City Sunday 26th February 12.15 Live on Sky

Liverpool 1/2
Draw 12/5
Man City 11/2

Get on: Liverpool

Liverpool have beaten Arsenal and Man U in their last two home matches, City are hit and miss away from home.
Match Special:
Robbie Fowler to score at any time 11/10

Bolton v Fulham Sunday 26th February 13.00

Bolton 8/11
Draw 9/4
Fulham 10/3

Get on: Bolton

Fulham are running out of games to register a win on the road. They lost twice at the Reebok last season, a third spanking in a year is approaching.
Match Special:
Nolan and Stelios both to score 14/1

West Brom v Middlesbrough Sunday 26th February 15.00

West Brom 5/4
Draw 9/4
Middlesbrough 7/4

Get on: Middlesbrough

Albion are not playing well, it’s four losses and a draw from their last five matches. The Boro have won their last three away from home, 7/4 tempts.
Match Special:
Yakubu to score two or more goals 7/1

Man Utd v Wigan (Carling Cup Final) Sunday 26th February 15.00 Live on Sky

Man Utd 8/13
Draw 12/5
Wigan 4/1

Get on: Man Utd

United have won six of their last eight matches; the Latics are winless in six. This is United’s only hope of a trophy this season, they’re the weekend nap.
Match Special:
Van Nistelrooy and Rooney both to score 11/2
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Sunday, February 19, 2006

European Leagues Statistical Review

Dinamo's defence toughest in Europe

Dinamova nepropusna obrana

Sedam primljenih pogodaka u 18 kola, od čega devet gostovanja, uključujući Rijeku, Varaždin i Split - to je trenutna obrambena bilanca zagrebačkog Dinama. Dok se mnogo mjeseci Dinamo mogao dičiti apsolutnom najboljom gol-razlikom u Europi (po čemu je i dalje među prvih pet), danas se ponosi najčvršćom obranom u okviru državnih prvenstava. Razumljivo je da ovaj statistički podatak ne stavlja modru obranu ispred Juventusove ili Chelseajeve, ali odlično zvuči i govori o vrhunskoj ozbiljnosti u igri Kužeove momčadi.

Neposredno iza Dinama su dvije momčadi iz Gruzije, Lokomotiv i Dinamo iz Tbilisija, te ukrajinski Šahtar iz Donjecka, što govori o primatu obrana u zemljama bivšeg Sovjetskog Saveza. Od zapadnoeuropskih klubova, ističe se Bordeaux sa samo 12 primljenih golova u 26 kola, dok je Chelsea svoj izvanredan postotak, koji je bio niži od 0,50, pokvarila s nevjerojatnih 0:3 u Middlesbroughu. (O. Podnar)


Najmanje primljenih golova:

1. Dinamo Zagreb 7/18 0,39
2. Lokomotiv Tbilisi 6/15 0,40
3. Šahtar 8/19 0,42
4-5. Bordeaux 12/26 0,46
Dinamo Tbilisi 7/15 0,46
6. Elbasani 11/21 0,52
7. Dinamo Kiev 11/19 0,58
8-9. Juventus 15/25 0,60
Fehervar 9/15 0,60
10. Chelsea 16/26 0,61
11. PSV Eindhoven 15/24 0,62
12-13. Olympiacos 12/19 0,63
AEK Atena 12/19 0,63
14. Sarajevo 10/15 0,66


Napomena:
Brojevi označuju primljene golove, odigrane utakmice i prosjek primljenih golova po utakmici