http://www.skysports.com/football/match_report/0,19764,11065_3227685,00.html (http://www.skysports.com/football/match_report/0,19764,11065_3227685,00.html)
Fulham celebrate Shakhtar win
Striker's goal keeps European dream alive for Hodgson's charges
Bobby Zamora's screamer helped Fulham secure a 2-1 win over Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk in their Europa League round of 32 first-leg tie at Craven Cottage.
The Cottagers made a dream start after three minutes when Zoltan Gera converted Danny Murphy's incisive pass, controlling the ball before firing it under the body of Shakhtar keeper Andrei Pyatov.
Donetsk had the better of the first half thereafter and bossed possession, pulling level with 33 minutes gone when Luis Adriano showed a clean pair of heels to sidestep Mark Schwarzer and slot into the net.
Fulham then pieced together a delightful passing move on 63 minutes, Murphy and Gera setting up Zamora to smash an unstoppable 20-yard drive into the top corner for his fifth goal of the Europa League campaign.
Gera was denied by Pyatov and Zamora should have headed another for his side as the hosts pressed for more goals, although Roy Hodgson's men held on to leave next week's second leg tie at the Donbass Arena evenly poised.
Raced out of the blocks
Zamora's 14th goal of the season gives Fulham hope of progressing in the competition, although big-spending Shakhtar will console themselves with an away goal ahead of next Thursday's second leg.
Fulham raced out of the blocks and would have taken the lead after just 50 seconds but Pyatov reacted swiftly to save Brede Hangeland's header at the far post.
The Shakhtar keeper was culpable when Fulham powered ahead in the third minute, however, after sharp passing from Murphy and Zamora split open the visiting defence.
Zamora laid on a brilliant chance for Gera and although the Hungarian's shot lacked menace, it still slipped beneath Pyatov who got a despairing hand to the ball.
Stunned into action, the strike provoked a flurry of activity from Shakhtar aided by Hangeland losing the ball too easily and keeper Schwarzer producing a dismal goal-kick that fell straight to the dangerous Fernandinho.
Jadson saw a shot blocked by the busy Hangeland before captain Darijo Srna fired wide from 25 yards out.
Fulham were buckling as they struggled to contain the speed and movement of their opponent's Brazilian contingent.
In the 32nd minute they cracked, Ilsinho slipping a beautifully weighted pass between Aaron Hughes and Kelly to his fellow Brazilian Luiz Adriano who easily beat Schwarzer.
Shakhtar cranked up the pressure but had Srna booked on one attack after the right-back made a meal of a challenge by Kelly.
Nervy finish
Shakhtar displayed their counter-attacking skills when Zamora was caught dithering on the edge of the area, stripping him of the ball and then breaking clear through William.
The only way of halting the jet-heeled midfielder was for Murphy to nudge him over and the Fulham skipper was booked as a result.
The Cottagers were beginning to look more threatening with Zamora holding the ball up well and Damien Duff proving a handful down the left flank.
Shakhtar occasionally looked suspect at the back and in the 63rd minute they were undone by a pile-driver from Zamora.
The ball was quickly played out of defence by Hangeland to Gera, who spotted an unmarked Zamora and the Fulham marksman pulled the trigger on a 20-yard shot that struck the underside of the crossbar before crashing home.
Gera and Zamora then had chances to produce a third, but both players directed their headers at Pyatov.
Shakhtar had lost momentum and their forays forward lacked the conviction of earlier, although some hesitancy in Fulham's defence ensured home fans were subjected to a nervy finish.
The real heart-stopping moment came when Schwarzer produced a magnificent save from Fernandinho deep into injury time.
http://fourfourtwo.com/blogs/talentspotter/archive/2010/02/18/scouting-report-shakhtar-could-prove-too-much-for-fulham.aspx (http://fourfourtwo.com/blogs/talentspotter/archive/2010/02/18/scouting-report-shakhtar-could-prove-too-much-for-fulham.aspx)
Scouting report: Shakhtar could prove too much for Fulham
Thursday 18 February 2010 16:00
Fulham's reward for progressing beyond the new-fangled Europa League group stage is a mouth-watering tie with last season's UEFA Cup winners, Shakhtar Donetsk of Ukraine.
One of the most improved sides in Europe over the past decade, Donetsk have played in the Champions League group stages in three of the last six seasons.
Last season they recorded a famous 3-2 victory away to eventual European champions Barcelona, before dropping into the UEFA Cup.
If last season's successful campaign is anything to go by, Shakhtar will be looking to keep things tight in the away leg and get the job done back at the new 51,000 capacity Donbass Arena.
If the Cottagers are to make progress to the next round, they'll need to be at their best over the two legs, and will probably need to take some kind of advantage with them into next week's return leg.
Roy Hodgson has, of course, instilled a very high work rate into his players at Craven Cottage, but Shakthar have a very technically gifted team, and will be more than capable of keeping them at arms length by retaining possesion, if they're on form.
This time last year, the Ukrainians were also in London, facing Tottenham. Spurs rested many of their key players over that two-legged encounter with one eye on the upcoming Carling Cup final and another on their battle with relegation from the Premier League (yes, that is both eyes...)
Despite Spurs being considerably under strength, Shakthar needed defensive errors to score two late goals to win the home leg 2-0, before scrapping to a 1-1 draw at White Hart Lane.
While Fulham will be taking this tie more seriously, they will still be without the likes of Clint Dempsey, Andrew Johnson and John Paintsil through injury.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1252090/Fulham-2-Shakhtar-Donetsk-1-Bobby-Zamora-fires-dazzler-stun-holders.html (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1252090/Fulham-2-Shakhtar-Donetsk-1-Bobby-Zamora-fires-dazzler-stun-holders.html)
Fulham 2 Shakhtar Donetsk 1: Bobby Zamora fires a dazzler to stun holders
By Laura Williamson Last updated at 1:20 AM on 19th February 2010
Bobby Zamora gave Fulham the advantage in their last-32 tie with a sensational 25-yard strike at Craven Cottage.
His first-time shot on the turn with his right foot - not usually his weapon of choice - after a pass from Zoltan Gera fired Fulham into the lead from after 63 minutes.
(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2010/02/18/article-1252090-085C2C6A000005DC-645_468x310.jpg)
: Bobby Zamora celebrates after his long-range effort
Fulham manager Roy Hodgson said: 'It was a wonder goal, a strike of real quality. He's a great two-footed player and can score goals with both feet.
'We're talking about a striker who has scored 14 goals this season in his 31 games. I hope he can get over the 20-goal barrier.'
Fulham had taken the lead after just 130 seconds when Danny Murphy threaded a ball to Zamora, who set Gera free in the left channel. Shakhtar goalkeeper Andriy Pyatov will not have enjoyed the replay as he was beaten easily at his near post by Gera's left-foot finish.
But Shakhtar soon began to show the form that led to them winning the UEFA Cup last season as their five-strong Brazilian spearhead embarked on an exhibition of intricate attacking football. It soon became apparent why 19-year-old Douglas Costa, scouted by Manchester United before his £5million move from Gremio last month, started on the bench.
(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2010/02/18/article-1252090-085C95C0000005DC-96_468x286.jpg)
Netbuster: Fulham's Bobby Zamora scores against Shakhtar Donetsk
At first the visitors' play was easy on the eye without penetrating Fulham's defence, but Shakhtar's dominance of possession eventually paid off.
Ilsinho threaded a beautifully-weighted ball through to Luiz Adriano, who made a clever run to dart past Aaron Hughes and level the score after 32 minutes. It was the first goal Fulham had conceded in February but no less than Shakhtar deserved.
The Barclays Premier League side then spent the rest of the half pinned in their penalty area as the attacking midfield trio of Ilsinho, Jadson and Willian gave Craven Cottage a taste of Brazilian magic.
Fernandinho nearly nicked a second away goal at the death, forcing a fine save from Mark Schwarzer with a curling right-foot effort from just outside the box.
Shakhtar watched Fulham's FA Cup win over Notts County on Sunday and indulged in a spot of shopping on Monday. The team were deemed too scruffy to enter luxury department store Harrods, owned by Fulham chairman Mohamed Al Fayed, in their tracksuits, but there was nothing casual about their play last night.
(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2010/02/18/article-1252090-085BFDFB000005DC-446_468x292.jpg)
Level pegging: Luiz Adriano beats Mark Schwarzer to make it one apiece
Hodgson would have been a relieved man to reach half-time on level terms, but his side showed Shakhtar much less respect in the second half.
Gera headed Damien Duff's cross over after 65 minutes with Zamora lurking, unmarked, a metre behind him. The striker, so often regarded as lacking the necessary selfish streak, looked even less impressed a minute later when he guided a header wide from a Murphy free-kick.
(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2010/02/18/article-1252090-085BE5E8000005DC-279_468x265.jpg)
Mircea Lucescu's side are unbeaten at home this season, so the pressure was on Fulham to put down a marker ahead of their 1500-mile trip to the Ukraine next week.
Premier League matches and their FA Cup quarter-final may be Fulham's priority, but Hodgson fielded a full-strength side in front of a packed Craven Cottage last night.
The match was, after all, something of a historic occasion, as the last 32 of the Europa League is the furthest Fulham have gone in European competition. It was a testimony to the team's progress in the two years since Hodgson took over.
The Fulham boss said: 'If you'd have told me two years ago that we'd be beating Shakhtar Donetsk, I'd have thought you were taking the mickey.
'I'm happy to have got a victory against such a good team. I thought it was an exciting Cup tie, played in the right spirit between two sides who try to pass the ball.'
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1252090/Fulham-2-Shakhtar-Donetsk-1-Bobby-Zamora-fires-dazzler-stun-holders.html#ixzz0fy9CtLZr (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1252090/Fulham-2-Shakhtar-Donetsk-1-Bobby-Zamora-fires-dazzler-stun-holders.html#ixzz0fy9CtLZr)
http://hammyend.com/?p=5407 (http://hammyend.com/?p=5407)
Still in with a Shout
by lydia on February 18, 2010
With the final whistle having just blown down at the Cottage, I sit here, in my living room as a pretty happy Fulham fan.
The first 3 minutes were all Fulhams however, dispite scoring in these early stages, the next 42mins +injury time belonged to Shakhtar. Their passing was memorising at times and the Fulham players often found themselves chasing shadows. Their play finally got them a deserved equaliser.
The second half was adifferent story. Hodgson must have said to the boys in that dressing room,"Anything they can do, we can to!" After some quality passing, Fulham began to create more chances. The delivery from Duff in particular was superb and it was just a matter of trying to get somebody on the end of the crosses.
Then the 63minute produced a moment of brilliance. The combination of BZ to Gera for the first goal was reversed and a sweet pass from Gera was thumped by Zamora off the bottom of the crossbar and into the goal. I'm not even sure the Shakhtar keeper saw it coming. Soon after Zamora had a chance to double his tally but he headed the ball just wide.
A final piece of fine passing from Shakhtar nearly give them another equaliser but Schwarzer was equal to it.
Now we have set ourselves up nicely for a Ukranian showdown next Thursday night. We should be aiming to get an early away goal and keep a clean sheet.
We are still in with a shout!
http://www.eecho.ie/news/index.aspx?c=sport&jp=eyeygbidaumh (http://www.eecho.ie/news/index.aspx?c=sport&jp=eyeygbidaumh)
Zamora strike does it for Fulham
(http://newsfeed.tcm.ie/media/images/z/zoltangerascores.jpg)
Fulham 2 Shakhtar Donetsk 1
Fulham striker Bobby Zamora struck a brilliant winner to round off a miserable trip to London for Europa League champions Shakhtar Donetsk.
Just two days after the squad was denied entrance into Harrods – owned by Cottagers chairman Mohamed Al Fayed – for looking scruffy, Shakhtar lost a match they looked destined to win comfortably.
Zoltan Gera marked his recovery from a knee injury by firing the opener with just two minutes on the clock, although Shakhtar will be unhappy with keeper Andriy Pyatov's role in the goal.
But then it was one-way traffic as the Ukrainians, inspired by their five-strong Brazilian contingent, outclassed Fulham who clung onto their precious lead until the half hour mark.
Luiz Adriano pounced for the equaliser and a second seemed imminent but Fulham survived until half-time and then clawed back some of the initiative.
Zamora struck the decisive blow in the 63rd minute, unleashing a thunderous 20-yard shot that rattled the crossbar and crashed home for his 14th goal of the season.
It was a magnificent strike that gives Fulham hope of progressing in the competition, although big-spending Shakhtar will console themselves with an away goal ahead of next Thursday's second leg.
Fulham raced out of the blocks and would have taken the lead after just 50 seconds but Pyatov reacted swiftly to save Brede Hangeland's header at the far post.
The Shakhtar keeper was culpable when Fulham powered ahead in the third minute, however, after sharp passing from Danny Murphy and Zamora split open the visiting defence.
Zamora laid on a brilliant chance for Gera and although the Hungarian's shot lacked menace, it still slipped beneath Pyatov who got a despairing hand to the ball.
Stunned into action, the strike provoked a flurry of activity from Shakhtar aided by Hangeland losing the ball too easily and keeper Mark Schwarzer producing a dismal goal-kick that fell straight to the dangerous Fernandinho.
Fulham were buckling as they struggled to contain the speed and movement of their opponent's Brazilian contingent.
In the 32nd minute they cracked, Ilsinho slipping a beautifully weighted pass between Aaron Hughes and Kelly to his fellow Brazilian Luiz Adriano who easily beat Schwarzer.
Shakhtar cranked up the pressure but had Srna booked on one attack after the right-back made a meal of a challenge by Kelly.
Shakhtar displayed their counter-attacking skills when Zamora was caught dithering on the edge of the area, stripping him of the ball and then breaking clear through William.
The only way of halting the jet-heeled midfielder was for Murphy to nudge him over and the Fulham skipper was booked as a result.
The Cottagers were beginning to look more threatening with Zamora holding the ball up well and Damien Duff proving a handful down the left flank.
Shakhtar occasionally looked suspect at the back and in the 63rd minute they were undone by a pile-driver from Zamora.
The ball was quickly played out of defence by Hangeland to Gera, who spotted an unmarked Zamora and the Fulham marksman pulled the trigger on a 20-yard shot that struck the underside of the crossbar before crashing home.
Gera and Zamora then had chances to produce a third, but both players directed their headers at Pyatov.
Shakhtar had lost momentum and their forays forward lacked the conviction of earlier, although some hesitancy in Fulham's defence ensured home fans were subjected to a nervy finish.
The real heart-stopping moment came when Schwarzer produced a magnificent save from Fernandinho deep into injury time.
http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/matches/season=2010/round=2000038/match=2000914/postmatch/report/index.html (http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/matches/season=2010/round=2000038/match=2000914/postmatch/report/index.html)
Zamora thunderbolt shakes Shakhtar
Fulham FC 2-1 FC Shakhtar Donetsk
A startling strike from the Cottagers' burly front-man Bobby Zamora handed the 2008/09 UEFA Cup winners a narrow defeat on the banks of the Thames.
Fulham FC extended their unbeaten run at home in European ties to 13 against the winners of the last edition of the UEFA Cup, FC Shakhtar Donetsk.
Zoltán Gera's early goal gave the hosts the perfect start before Luiz Adriano equalised, but Bobby Zamora's second-half rocket ensured Roy Hodgson's men take a slender lead into next Thursday's UEFA Europa League round of 32 return leg in Ukraine.
The Londoners opened with confidence befitting a side that had never lost at home in Europe, and Andriy Pyatov was forced to tip over Brede Hangeland's header from Danny Murphy's delivery in the first 30 seconds. Murphy again had a key role as the hosts took a third-minute lead, with his incisive through ball finding Zamora, whose lay-off played in Gera. The Hungarian's shot squirmed under Pyatov and in.
Murphy went close in the 23rd minute when his free-kick sailed just wide of Pyatov's left-hand post, but Mircea Lucescu's side recovered from their tough opening and began to pass the ball smoothly. After 31 minutes, Darijo Srna's cross-shot fizzed just wide after Răzvan Raţ's centre from the left had not cleared. Fulham's reprieve was brief: one minute later, Ilsinho sent Luiz Adriano clear and the Brazilian beat Mark Schwarzer courtesy of a sidestep and composed finish.
With few second-half chances, it took a moment of brilliance for Hodgson's side to retake the lead on 63 minutes. This time Gera set up Zamora, his delightful back-heel being smashed into the top corner by the powerful striker via the underside of the bar. Zamora almost added to his haul moments later but headed wide while unmarked. Fernandinho's late goal had rescued a draw on Shakhtar's last visit to London, against Tottenham Hotspur FC at the same stage last season, and he almost repeated the trick in added time, only for Schwarzer to parry his lofted chip and ensure Fulham held on.
http://www.rs.goal.com/en/news/166/europa-league/2010/02/18/1797090/fulham-2-1-shakhtar-donetsk-bobby-zamora-beats-ukrainian (http://www.rs.goal.com/en/news/166/europa-league/2010/02/18/1797090/fulham-2-1-shakhtar-donetsk-bobby-zamora-beats-ukrainian)
Fulham 2-1 Shakhtar Donetsk: Bobby Zamora Beats Ukrainian Giants
Whites beat defending champs thanks to Zamora wondergoal
Fulham produced a fighting display to beat reigning champions Shakhtar Donetsk 2-1 thanks to goals from Bobby Zamora and Zoltan Gera.
Fulham manager Roy Hodgson made two changes from the side that dumped Notts County out of the FA Cup, with Stephen Kelly in for the ineligible Nicky Shorey and Gera returning at the expense of David Elm.
Holders Shakhtar Donetsk lined up without experienced forward Julius Aghahowa, but influential Brazilians Fernandinho, Willian and Jadson all started.
The hosts made an excellent start to the match and nearly took the lead in the very first minute. A Danny Murphy free kick found Brede Hangelend unmarked at the far post but he could only power his header straight at Andriy Pyatov
With just two minutes played Fulham took the lead through the Hungarian Gera. Danny Murphy played a low through ball into Zamora; the striker laid the ball off to Gera who fired his left foot shot under Pyatov. The Ukrainian goalkeeper should have done better but it was an excellent move from Fulham and gave them a deserved early lead.
Fulham's goal sparked the defending champions into life with midfielder Ilsinho the creative force, but despite holding onto possession they were unable to find a way through Fulham's well organised defence.
In the 21st minute the home side had a chance to double their lead; a foul by Yaroslav Rakitskiy on Zamora 25 yards out from goal gave Fulham a free kick in a promising position. Experienced midfielder Danny Murphy struck the free kick; his shot curled around the wall but didn't do enough to creep past Pyatov.
Three minutes later Mark Schwarzer had his first shot to save. Shakhtar worked the ball from right to left which found Willian with a chance to run at Chris Baird. The attacking midfielder found himself a shooting opportunity but his shot deflected off Baird and was easy for Schwarzer to save.
The Ukrainians were slowly finding their feet and beginning to find gaps in the Fulham defence. A patient build up from the defending champions created an opportunity for Darijo Srna to fire a long range shot which curled away from Schwarzer.
One minute later Shakhtar were back in the game thanks to a calm Luiz Adriano goal following a wonderfully crafted passing move. Ilsinho delivered a defence splitting pass to find Luiz Adriano racing through on goal, the Brazilian striker took the ball around Schwarzer and fired a low shot into the back of the net to level the scores and give the visitors a vital away goal.
Roy Hodgson's half time team talk clearly had an effect as the opening stages of the second half began very evenly and saw much better build up play by Fulham who were also not giving Shakhtar as much time in possession
In the 62nd minute Fulham took the lead against the run of play thanks to an outstanding strike from Zamora. Gera flicked Murphy's pass into the path of the striker and he fired his 20 yard shot off the underside of the bar and into the back of the net giving Pyatov no chance.
Five minutes later Fulham nearly extended their lead as the home side began to fight their way back into the match. A neat move down the right hand side released Damien Duff, his cross was met by the leaping Gera but he was unable to get enough power to beat Pyatov who made an easy save.
The home side's dominance continued and in the 69th minute Zamora should have made it 3-1. A free kick from Danny Murphy found Zamora unmarked at the back post but he put his header wide with the Pyatov nowhere.
Shakhtar's mid season break in league competition appeared to be catching up with them as they struggled to find the form they showed at the end of the first half. Coach Mircea Lucescu attempted to freshen things up with 15 minutes to go as new signing Douglas Costa replaced Jadson.
As the visitors searched for a second equaliser the game became scrappy and chances were at a premium. With nine minutes to play Willian worked a nice move with Ilsinho but his shot went harmlessly wide of Schwarzer's goal.
In injury time Schwarzer made a match winning save from Fernandinho, the Brazilian jinked his way into the box and fired goal wards but the Australian goalkeeper made a diving save to secure Fulham's victory.
http://blogs.soccernet.com/fulham/archives/2010/02/fulham_on_track_in_europa_leag.php (http://blogs.soccernet.com/fulham/archives/2010/02/fulham_on_track_in_europa_leag.php)
Fulham on Track in Europa League, FA Cup and Premier League
Posted by Tom Wille 10 hours, 51 minutes ago
Just three weeks ago I was concerned about Fulham's lackluster form in league play. The Cottagers had injuries mounting and were winless in league play in January and only defeated some lower league minnow in the FA Cup. However, things have turned around in a hurry as Roy Hodgson's side have returned to form in time to stay in the top ten of the Premier League, advance to the final eight of the FA Cup and on Thursday, the Whites defeated defending UEFA Cup champions Shakhtar Donetsk in the first leg of their Europa League tie at Craven Cottage.
While the FA Cup win over the weekend over lower league Notts County was expected, Fulham made quick work of them in a 4-0 thrashing at the Cottage. The Cottagers advance to take on the winner of Tottenham and Bolton for a chance to play in the semifinals and perhaps ultimately the final for the first time since 1975 where Fulham lost 2-1 to West Ham at Wembley.
The win over Shakhtar on Thursday was fantastic. While the tie is far from settled, the 2-1 win puts Fulham in a strong position heading to Ukraine for next week's decisive match between the two sides.
Fulham was definitely the better team on Thursday. Zoltan Gera opened up the scoring in the third minute to give the home supporters something to cheer about.
Despite Shakhtar pulling even later in the first half, it was Fulham that came out the stronger of the two teams in the second half. Fulham's player of the year, Bobby Zamora continued his scinitilating form scoring one of the goals of the season to give the Cottagers a lead in which they would not relinquish.
Mark Schwarzer once again played a great game in goal. He thwarted the Shakhtar attack on countless occasions to keep Fulham in front and in charge throughout the match. He has been one of the unheralded players throughout the season for the Cottagers.
So, here we are in the middle of February and we are still alive in three strong competitions. The Premier League is not going to yield Fulham any silverware, but to finish inside the top ten for the second consecutive season would be a nice accomplishment for the team. With some winnable matches ahead against Birmingham City and Sunderland, the Cottagers could cement themselves inside the top ten with two months to play in the season.
The FA Cup is quite intriguing. With big guns like Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool out of the mix, as well as Chelsea and Manchester City squaring off in a 6th round match, the field is thin. Obviously I would rather see the Cottagers play Bolton than Tottenham but the fact that the match is being played at Craven Cottage bodes well for Fulham. I really feel this could be the season Fulham gets back to Wembley and plays for an FA Cup final.
In terms of the Europa League, the Cottagers still have a big job ahead of them heading to Ukraine next week to think about the next round. One thing that Fulham does have in their favor is that Shakhtar is out of season. In fact, Thursday's match was their first in 2010. Next week's tie will only be their second. While that did not prove to be a problem for them last season, it could this year. Fulham has a lot of veterans on their team that will not allow the rest of the squad to let up in Ukraine. It will not be easy for the Cottagers next week, but I like their chances of getting through.
If Fulham does get through it will be Juventus or Ajax waiting in the round of sixteen. Juventus has a 2-1 lead over Ajax and is in pole position to advance. The thought of a European tie with Juve is mouth watering. Let's hope Fulham can get by next week in Ukraine.
It is quite amazing to me that Fulham has turned what looked to be a horrible run of form in January into what today looks like a minor blip this season. Roy Hodgson has to take a lot of the credit there as he never panicked and bought a load of new players and kept believing in his team. His presence alone in the manager's role is worth more than he will ever get paid. I have said this before and I will say many times in the future, but Roy Hodgson is a Fulham legend. If his fantastic work continues, perhaps a statue will be erected of this guy at Craven Cottage.
Up next for Fulham is Birmingham City at the Cottage on Sunday. The Cottagers will go into the match on short rest because of the Europa League match and while Birmingham City is ahead of Fulham in the league table, the Cottagers are playing at the Cottage and City is not playing as well as it was in December and January. Thus, I think Sunday's match is there for Fulham to take all three points.
Craven Cottage has been a fortress of late for Fulham. Despite their blip of form in January, the Cottagers have played exceptionally well at home. They have played well at home in the league, the FA Cup and the Europa League. The atmosphere sounds great on tv and the home supporters have given Fulham a twelfth man with their never ending support of the team. I commend the Fulham supporters for their effort this season in cheering on the boys. It's been fantastic. I wish I could say I was a part of some of those crowds at the Cottage. But, my TV does me fine back here in Chicago.
So how do all of you feel Fulham will fare in the second leg against Shakhtar? Do you agree with me that Fulham was the better side on Thursday? What about the FA Cup? Would you rather see Bolton or Spurs in the next round? And in league play, what are your predictions for the Birmingham City and Sunderland matches? I would love to read your thoughts.
http://www.teamtalk.com/football/story/0,16368,1775_5958513,00.html (http://www.teamtalk.com/football/story/0,16368,1775_5958513,00.html)
Murphy backs Zamora for England
Fulham midfielder Danny Murphy tipped team-mate Bobby Zamora for an England call-up after the hitman fired the winner against Shakhtar Donetsk.
(http://images.teamtalk.com/09/12/330/Bobby-Zamora-Fulham-celebrate-v-Basle_2397904.jpg)
The Ukrainian side, who won the 2009 UEFA Cup, now have a deficit to make up in the home leg of this last 32 Europa League tie.
Zoltan Gera gave the Cottagers an early lead but Luiz Adriano equalised on 32 minutes. However, Zamora showed he is full of confidence by lashing in his side's second in the 63rd minute.
Murphy told ITV4: "You can see his confidence is sky-high, he has got better each month with his goalscoring, confidence and all-round game.
"If he carries on the way he is, he's got to have a shout at the England squad."
Asked for his thoughts on the game, the former Liverpool midfielder added: "I thought we started brightly and got the goal, but we got a bit nervy after that. They settled down and passed the ball well and got a deserved equaliser.
"We got to grips with them a bit better in the second half and pushed them into a few errors. It was a great goal from Bobby which took the pressure off us defensively.
"We have got something to fight for now, it will be a great game over there."
Cottagers boss Roy Hodgson added: "Shakhtar were exceptional in the first half and maybe we got a bit scared in that situation and weren't prepared to get on the ball as much as we normally do.
"But we pulled ourselves together in the second half. We don't come up against sides like this week in and week out, and we had to really dig deep to get there."
http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/18022010/63/brilliant-bobby-strikes.html (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/18022010/63/brilliant-bobby-strikes.html)
Brilliant Bobby strikes again
Bobby Zamora fired a brilliant winner as Fulham edged Europa League holders Shakhtar Donetsk 2-1 in an entertaining Round of 32 clash at Craven Cottage.
Zoltan Gera marked his recovery from a knee injury by firing the opener with just two minutes on the clock, although Shakhtar will be unhappy with keeper Andriy Pyatov's role in the goal.
Luiz Adriano pounced for the equaliser on the half hour mark before Zamora smashed home in the 63rd minute to settle the first leg.
The Shakhtar keeper was culpable when Fulham powered ahead, after sharp passing from Danny Murphy and Zamora split open the visiting defence. Zamora laid on a brilliant chance for Gera and although the Hungarian's shot lacked menace, it still slipped beneath Pyatov who got a despairing hand to the ball.
In the 32nd minute, after some heavy pressure, Fulham cracked, Junior Ilsinho slipping a beautifully weighted pass between Aaron Hughes and Stephen Kelly to his fellow South American Luiz Adriano, who easily beat Mark Schwarzer.
Shakhtar occasionally looked suspect at the back and in the 63rd minute they were undone by a piledriver from Zamora. The ball was quickly played out of defence by Brede Hangeland to Gera, who spotted an unmarked Zamora and the Fulham marksman pulled the trigger on a 20-yard shot that struck the underside of the crossbar before crashing home.
http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/18022010/58/europa-league-zamora-stunner-gives-fulham-edge.html (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/18022010/58/europa-league-zamora-stunner-gives-fulham-edge.html)
Europa League - Zamora stunner gives Fulham edge
A fantastic strike from Bobby Zamora gave Fulham a slight advantage over holders Shakhtar Donetsk after an entertaining 2-1 win at Craven Cottage for the Whites in the first leg of their Europa League last-32 clash.
Zamora smashed an unstoppable shot from the edge of the box that crashed against the bar and bounced over the line, adding to Zoltan Gera's goalkeeper-aided early goal.
Luiz Adriano had equalised for the visitors, who at times over-ran Fulham but rarely found the finish to match their delicate passing moves.
Fulham had keeper Mark Schwarzer to thank for the win on the night as, despite rarely being tested in the match, he pulled off a superb save in injury-time to deny Fernandinho an equaliser.
Shakhtar started like a team in the middle of pre-season and the West Londoners exploited it as Brede Hangeland went close with two early headers before Gera struck a fortuitous opener.
At the start of the third minute, Oleksandr Kucher slid wildly to clear Danny Murphy's through ball, missing it completely and allowing the Hungarian midfielder to drill a low shot that Andriy Pyatov should have stopped but allowed to squirm through his body.
The reigning champions woke up soon afterwards though and switched into the passing dominance that one expects from a starting XI containing five Brazilians.
Initially they lacked a cutting edge, with 22-year-old striker Luiz Adriano often outmuscled by Hangeland and Aaron Hughes.
But they passed Fulham into a daze and just after the half hour Croatia wide-man Darijo Srna fired a low drive wide after one such spell of possession saw Fulham camped in their box for a full minute.
The warning sign was not heeded when, a minute later, Shakhtar sliced through Fulham in a split second, with Ilsinho sliding Luiz Adriano through to finish low past Schwarzer.
The Ukraine-based side dominated possession for the rest of the half - at one point Fulham did not get a touch for nearly two minutes - but they did lack a cutting edge and Fulham almost made it 2-1 on the break when Simon Davies flicked Damien Duff's cross wide.
Fulham were brighter in the second half as the sides exchanged attacks and counters without either keeper being tested.
Gera went down easily in the box under a challenge from Srna and, while there was the slightest contact, it was not a push and referee Serge Gumienny correctly waved his appeals away.
The direct attacking approach yielded results for the Cottagers thanks to a moment of magic from Zamora.
A quick break saw Gera release the striker with a super flick but, on the edge of the box and with defenders in his way, he had it all to do.
Zamora elected to shoot first-time and hammered a thundering drive in off the crossbar as Pyatov stood and watched - assuming he even saw it.
Having scored arguably the finest goal of his career and his 14th of the season, Zamora proceeded to bully the visiting defence as Shakhtar - while still passing well - lost their drive, seemingly stunned by the strike.
Gera could have made it three after rising highest to meet Damien Duff's cross, but he headed straight at Pyatov: Zamora should have made it three minutes later but headed wide when Murphy's free-kick found him unmarked.
The introduction of another Brazilian, winger-playmaker Douglas Costa, gave the visitors some renewed vigour as they put Fulham under a spell of sustained pressure.
But for all their nice passing they seemed to lack the belief to shoot and Schwarzer looked on as his defence dealt with the threat.
The last few minutes saw Fulham on the back foot as Shakhtar moved the ball with ease, Costa and Fernandinho pulling the strings.
And, in the first minute of injury time, Australia's Schwarzer showed why a team can only be as good as its keeper when he clawed away a Fernandinho strike that was destined for the top right after Shakhtar pounded the Whites' box with their scintillating one and two-touch play.
Fulham held on and take a slender lead to the second leg in Ukraine next week.
Reda Maher / Eurosport
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11681_5958524,00.html (http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11681_5958524,00.html)
Murphy - Zamora for England
Skipper hails match winners' "all-round game"
Fulham midfielder Danny Murphy called for team-mate Bobby Zamora to be handed an England call-up after the striker fired his side to a 2-1 win over Shakhtar Donetsk in the Europa League.
Zamora blasted home a superb 20-yard winner an hour into his side's first leg clash with the 2009 Uefa Cup winners, his 14th of the season and fifth in the Europa campaign.
Earlier, Zoltan Gera had put the Cottagers into an early land but Donetsk hit back in an entertaining encounter at Craven Cottage.
But Zamora handed Fulham a vital advantage ahead of next week's return leg in the Ukraine with a fine strike.
The goal led former Liverpool star Murphy to hail the contribution of the 29-year-old to the Londoners' season, backing the once-maligned front man to be given a chance by Three Lions boss Fabio Capello.
He said: "You can see his confidence is sky-high, he has got better each month with his goal scoring, confidence and all-round game.
"If he carries on the way he is, he's got to have a shout at the England squad."
Murphy played a part in both of Fulham's goals, laying on the pass for Gera to turn and beat Shakhtar keeper Andrei Pyatov at his near post, before linking up with the Hungarian to set up Zamora's unstoppable strike.
The club captain praised his team's performance, and said they would take heart from a display that keeps them in the hunt for a place in the last 16.
"I thought we started brightly and got the goal, but we got a bit nervy after that," added Murphy. "They settled down and passed the ball well and got a deserved equaliser.
"We got to grips with them a bit better in the second half and pushed them into a few errors. It was a great goal from Bobby which took the pressure off us defensively.
"We have got something to fight for now, it will be a great game over there."
Boss Roy Hodgson was also in an upbeat mood after the win, although he admitted his side had been naïve in stages against the experienced European campaigners.
Shakhtar looked threatening on the break and came within inches of grabbing another vital away goal, only for keeper Mark Schwarzer to deny Luis Fernandinho with a tremendous one-handed save.
Hodgson said his side must keep possession better at the Donbass Arena, but he too was happy with the spirit that earned his men a win.
He added: "Shakhtar were exceptional in the first half and maybe we got a bit scared in that situation and weren't prepared to get on the ball as much as we normally do.
"But we pulled ourselves together in the second half. We don't come up against sides like this week in and week out, and we had to really dig deep to get there."
http://www.irishtimes.com/sports/soccer/2010/0218/1224264797996.html (http://www.irishtimes.com/sports/soccer/2010/0218/1224264797996.html)
Zamora fires Fulham winner
Fulham 2 Shakhtar Donetsk 1: Bobby Zamora fired a brilliant winner as Fulham beat Europa League holders Shakhtar Donetsk 2-1 in an entertaining third round clash at Craven Cottage.
Zoltan Gera marked his recovery from a knee injury by firing the opener with just two minutes on the clock, although Shakhtar will be unhappy with keeper Andriy Pyatov's role in the goal.
Luiz Adriano pounced for the equaliser on the half hour mark before Zamora smashed home in the 63rd minute to settle the first leg.
Fulham midfielder Danny Murphy is predicting a great second leg in Ukraine next week.
He told ITV4 : "I thought we started brightly and got the goal, but we got a bit nervy after that. They settled down and passed the ball well and got a deserved equaliser.
"We got to grips with them a bit better in the second half and pushed them into a few errors. It was a great goal from Bobby which took the pressure off us defensively.
"We have got something to fight for now, it will be a great game over there."
Cottagers boss Roy Hodgson added: "Shakhtar were exceptional in the first half and maybe we got a bit scared in that situation and weren't prepared to get on the ball as much as we normally do.
"But we pulled ourselves together in the second half. We don't come up against sides like this week in and week out, and we had to really dig deep to get there."
http://fourfourtwo.com/news/restofeurope/48397/default.aspx (http://fourfourtwo.com/news/restofeurope/48397/default.aspx)
Zamora scorcher sinks Shakhtar
LONDON - A stunning Bobby Zamora goal gave Fulham a 2-1 victory at home to Shakhtar Donetsk, winners of the last edition of the UEFA Cup, while five-times European champions Liverpool struggled to a 1-0 win over Romania's Unirea Urziceni at Anfield
AS Roma missed a chance to set a club record of 21 games without defeat in all competitions when they lost 3-2 at Panathinaikos after leading with less than 10 minutes to go.
While Amauri scored in each half to give Juventus a 2-1 win at Ajax as two former European champions met in the Europa League round of 32 on Thursday.
Ajax and Juventus, who met in the 1973 European Cup final and the 1996 Champions League final, this time crossed swords in less glamorous circumstances.
The Dutch side, no longer a major force in European club soccer, went ahead in the 17th minute when Miralem Sulejmani raced clear to score.
Juve, one of eight teams for whom the Europa League is a consolation after finishing third in the Champions League groups, levelled before halftime with an Amauri header.
Alessandro del Piero, in inspirational form for the Italians, provided the cross for Amauri to score the winner with another header just before the hour.
Fulham took the lead after only three minutes when Zoltan Gera squeezed a shot home under the body of goalkeeper Andriy Pyatov who watched in anguish as the ball squirmed through and trickled over his goalline.
The holders began to take control as the first half developed and were well worth their 32nd-minute equaliser, superbly executed by Brazilian Luiz Adriano who timed his angled run to perfection to beat the offside trap before firing past Mark Schwarzer.
The initiative swung back Fulham's way after 63 minutes when Zamora scored with an unstoppable right-foot shot from 20 metres out.
"We proved that even against the very best European teams we can get a result," said Fulham manager Roy Hodgson.
BREAK DEADLOCK
In a meeting of two teams who dropped down from the Champions League, Liverpool took 80 minutes to break the deadlock against Unirea.
The only goal of the game was fashioned by substitutes with Daniel Pacheco heading Ryan Babel's cross to David Ngog who headed in from close range.
"We had to be patient, they were very difficult to break down," said Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard.
"This is a tough competition with good teams in it like Ajax, Juventus and the rest and it won't be easy to win it."
Austrian champions Salzburg, the only team to complete the group phase with a 100 percent record, squandered a 2-0 lead as they lost 3-2 at Champions League drop-outs Standard Liege.
Marc Janko scored twice as the visitors took control in the first half.
Axel Witsel pulled one back with a penalty, Igor de Camargo levelled in the 80th minute with a 30-metre shot and Witsel popped up to head the winner two minutes later.
Roma appeared set to extend their unbeaten run when Chile midfielder David Pizarro converted a penalty nine minutes from time against Panathinaikos.
Instead, Lazaros Hristodoulopoulos equalised in the 84th minute and Djibril Cisse snatched the winner.
Mirko Vucinic had put Roma ahead in the first half with Dimitris Salpingidis making it 1-1 midway through the second half.
Brazilian striker Grafite scored twice for VfL Wolfsburg away to Villarreal but it was not enough for the German champions to end a 12-match winless run in all competitions as Marco Ruben snatched an 85th minute equaliser for the Spaniards.
http://www.tribalfootball.com/we-had-dig-deep-win-%E2%80%93-fulham%E2%80%99s-hodgson-651971 (http://www.tribalfootball.com/we-had-dig-deep-win-%E2%80%93-fulham%E2%80%99s-hodgson-651971)
We had to dig deep for win – Fulham's Hodgson
19.02.10 | Andrew Slevison
Fulham manager Roy Hodgson was clearly proud of his players after they managed to overhaul Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk 2-1 in the Europa League on Thursday.
The Cottagers hit the lead through Zoltan Gera in just the 3rd minute before Shakhtar equalised just after the half-hour mark thanks to a Luiz Adriano goal.
But the West Londoners again took the lead when Bobby Zamora netted in the 63rd minute and although Hodgson admits his players weren't at their best early, praised them for fighting hard and recording a character-building victory.
"Shakhtar were exceptional in the first half and maybe we got a bit scared in that situation and weren't prepared to get on the ball as much as we normally do," Hodgson said.
"But we pulled ourselves together in the second half. We don't come up against sides like this week in and week out, and we had to really dig deep to get there."
http://www.tribalfootball.com/fulham-skipper-murphy-lauds-zamora-after-europa-win-651981 (http://www.tribalfootball.com/fulham-skipper-murphy-lauds-zamora-after-europa-win-651981)
Fulham skipper Murphy lauds Zamora after Europa win
19.02.10 | Andrew Slevison
Fulham captain Danny Murphy has heaped praise on Bobby Zamora after the striker put in another superb performance.
Zamora fired the winner as the Cottagers edged past reigning UEFA Cup champions Shakhtar Donetsk 2-1 in the Europa League on Thursday night and Murphy believes the hitman should be highly considered for the England World Cup squad.
"You can see his confidence is sky-high, he has got better each month with his goalscoring, confidence and all-round game," Murphy told ITV4.
"If he carries on the way he is, he's got to have a shout at the England squad."
Murphy added that he believed Fulham played well but conceded Shakhtar deserved their equaliser whilst once again naming Zamora as the key to the victory.
"I thought we started brightly and got the goal, but we got a bit nervy after that. They settled down and passed the ball well and got a deserved equaliser," he added.
"We got to grips with them a bit better in the second half and pushed them into a few errors. It was a great goal from Bobby which took the pressure off us defensively.
"We have got something to fight for now, it will be a great game over there."
http://hammyend.com/?p=5410 (http://hammyend.com/?p=5410)
Bobby for England
by lydia on February 18, 2010
I've already heard that at least twice tonight and then I read it again on the completley non-biased BBC site
Fulham goal: That is surely the best goal Bobby Zamora has ever scored. The soon-to-be England striker picks up the ball from Zoltan Gera and smashes a glorious right-foot shot into the top corner from 20 yards. His 14th goal of the season and an absolute cracker.
It's a nice thought, isn't it? Even from the perspective of a Northern Ireland supporter I quite like the idea of having a Fulham player on the England squad. I hope he gets his chance, especially ahead of the rather useless Heskey.
http://www.football365.com/story/0,17033,8652_5958543,00.html (http://www.football365.com/story/0,17033,8652_5958543,00.html)
HODGSON HAILS `IMPORTANT SCALP`
Roy Hodgson claimed Fulham's 2-1 victory over Europa League champions Shakhtar Donetsk was evidence of how far the club have progressed.
Bobby Zamora struck a stunning 63rd-minute winner at Craven Cottage to give Fulham a strong chance of progressing in the competition when they travel to the Ukraine for next Thursday's second leg.
Big-spending Shakhtar threatened to cut loose after Luiz Adriano equalised Zoltan Gera's early opener, but Fulham rallied as Bobby Zamora grabbed the winner to leave Hodgson beaming with pride.
"We're very happy to get a victory against such a good team," he said.
"It was a very exciting cup tie played in the right spirit and it was very competitive. Both teams tried to pass the ball.
"I'm pleased to have taken such an important scalp. It's a big game for Fulham and we've come an awful long way.
"If someone had said to me during my first season here when we were battling to stay in the Premier League that we'd beat Shakhtar in a couple of years, I'd have thought they were taking the mickey.
"We've done it and are very proud of it. There's an awful lot left in this tie because we saw how skilful they are, but we still have a chance to make a name for ourselves.
"This was a very good victory - probably our best in Europe."
http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/February/GeraShakhtarReaction.aspx (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/February/GeraShakhtarReaction.aspx)
Golden Gera Strikes Again
Thursday 18th February 2010
(http://www.fulhamfc.com/Images/MainNews/NewsPages/Players/gera/CelebVShakhtarNews.jpg)
Zoltan Gera added to his tally of crucial European goals for Fulham on Thursday when he struck after just two minutes of the UEFA Europa League Round of 32 First Leg against Shakhtar Donetsk.
The Hungarian schemer arguably bagged two of the most important strikes of the Whites' European campaign when he headed in the only goal in the home win over CSKA Sofia, and then slotted home the important third that gave Fulham a two-goal cushion in the crunch group finale in Basel.
And on Thursday night he wasted no time in making it three in a row in European matches.
"I have been lucky, I have lots of good balls from my team-mates." he said modestly after the game. "I love to play in Europe. I love to play against teams from other countries and the test that presents."
However, it was anything but plain-sailing for Fulham on the night for, having gone one-nil up early on, Shakhtar fought back with a vengeance, dictating play for much of the first period, and equalising before half-time. Gera and his fellow forward players were forced to play a waiting game as they defended as a team in hope of a break.
"After the early goal, we didn't get a lot of the ball," he admitted. "Shakhtar Donetsk proved themselves to be a very, very good team with lots of skilful players who were confident with the ball and they put us under a lot of pressure. But in the second-half we started very well and it was much better for us."
Fortunately, the interval worked in Fulham's favour, breaking the visitors' momentum and allowing Roy Hodgson's side to get a foothold, and eventually impose themselves once more.
"The gaffer told us at half-time to keep doing exactly the same," he explained. "To keep our shape and be patient, because if we go out of our positions Shakhtar are good enough to punish us. So we stuck to our plan and the result was a much better second-half performance."
Indeed, it was the Whites that started the second period much the brighter, and Gera was involved in another defining moment after the hour as he deftly flicked the ball through for Bobby Zamora to unleash a rocket of a second goal.
"Bobby is playing with full confidence," enthused Zolly. "He's very strong and very quick and good with both feet. He's proving very good for us and hopefully he will keep this form going for the rest of the season and beyond. We're very happy with Bobby because he's proving himself to be one of the best strikers in the Premier League."
However, whilst Fulham fans will be celebrating another memorable European win tonight, Gera is keen to warn caution ahead of next week's second leg in Ukraine, as at 2-1, the tie is far from over.
"This isn't really a great result, because they scored a goal and away goals are very, very important. Now if they score just one at home we are out, so they are in a good position.
"But we never go out for a game just wanting to avoid defeat, we want to win every game. It will be difficult, but we will go out and play the same as today and see what happens."
Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/February/GeraShakhtarReaction.aspx#ixzz0fyFd9Ylr (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/February/GeraShakhtarReaction.aspx#ixzz0fyFd9Ylr)
http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/February/HodgsonShakhtarReaction.aspx (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/February/HodgsonShakhtarReaction.aspx)
Hodgson's Reaction
Thursday 18th February 2010
Speaking after Fulham's two-one win over Shakhtar Donetsk at Craven Cottage on Thursday evening, Roy Hodgson gave his post-match reaction.
"We're very happy to get a victory against such a good team," he said.
"It was a very exciting cup tie played in the right spirit and it was very competitive. Both teams tried to pass the ball.
"I'm pleased to have taken such an important scalp. It's a big game for Fulham and we've come an awful long way.
"If someone had said to me during my first season here when we were battling to stay in the Premier League that we'd beat Shakhtar in a couple of years, I'd have thought they were taking the mickey.
"We've done it and are very proud of it. There's an awful lot left in this tie because we saw how skilful they are, but we still have a chance to make a name for ourselves. This was a very good victory - probably our best in Europe."
Bobby Zamora capped off another fine performance with a quite spectacular second-half strike, and Hodgson was full of praise for the front man.
"It was a wonder strike. He's got two feet, I don't know which is his best and neither does he," Hodgson quipped.
"Apart from his accomplished display as a target man setting things up, working hard, his strike was of real quality.
"We're talking about a striker who has scored 14 goals in 31 starts. I hope he can get 20 goals to crown his season."
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Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/February/HodgsonShakhtarReaction.aspx#ixzz0fyFrXYYy (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/February/HodgsonShakhtarReaction.aspx#ixzz0fyFrXYYy)
http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/159111/Zamora-stunner-seals-Fulham-win (http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/159111/Zamora-stunner-seals-Fulham-win)
ZAMORA STUNNER SEALS FULHAM WIN
Bobby Zamora fired a brilliant winner as Fulham edged Europa League holders Shakhtar Donetsk 2-1 in an entertaining Round of 32 clash at Craven Cottage.
Zoltan Gera marked his recovery from a knee injury by netting the opener with just two minutes on the clock, although Shakhtar will be unhappy with keeper Andriy Pyatov's role in the goal.
Luiz Adriano pounced for the equaliser on the half hour mark before Zamora struck the decisive blow in the 63rd minute, unleashing a thunderous 20-yard shot that rattled the crossbar and crashed home for his 14th goal of the season.
Fulham powered ahead in the third minute after sharp passing from Danny Murphy and Zamora split open the visiting defence. The striker laid on a brilliant chance for Gera and although the Hungarian's shot lacked menace, it still slipped beneath Pyatov who got a despairing hand to the ball.
Stunned into action, the strike provoked a flurry of activity from Shakhtar aided by Brede Hangeland losing the ball too easily and keeper Mark Schwarzer producing a dismal goal-kick that fell straight to the dangerous Fernandinho.
Jadson saw a shot blocked by the busy Hangeland before captain Darijo Srna fired wide from 25 yards out.
In the 32nd minute Fulham cracked, Ilsinho slipping a beautifully weighted pass to his fellow Brazilian Luiz Adriano who easily beat Schwarzer.
The Cottagers looked more threatening in the second half with Zamora holding the ball up well and Damien Duff proving a handful down the left flank. Shakhtar occasionally looked suspect at the back and in the 63rd minute they were undone by a pile-driver from Zamora.
The ball was quickly played out of defence by Hangeland to Gera, who spotted an unmarked Zamora and the Fulham marksman pulled the trigger on an unstoppable drive that struck the underside of the crossbar before crashing home.
Gera and Zamora then had chances to produce a third, but both players directed their headers at Pyatov.
http://www.fulhamfc.com/MatchAndTeam/MatchCentre/Matches/0910/EuropaLeague/ShakhtarDonetskHome.aspx (http://www.fulhamfc.com/MatchAndTeam/MatchCentre/Matches/0910/EuropaLeague/ShakhtarDonetskHome.aspx)
The Whites got the game off to a fantastic start; a Damien Duff free kick had Shakhtar in trouble almost immediately off the bat, allowing Brede Hangeland to aim his header on target and forcing a fine save from Pyatov.
The Whites took the lead only moments later when a wonderful piece of deceptive play from Bobby Zamora allowed European specialist Zoltan Gera in on goal. The Hungarian international made no mistake with his finish, slotting a low shot under the body of Pyatov to hand Fulham the lead.
But there were soon nervy moments for Fulham when Brede Hangeland was robbed of possession on the touchline by Fernandinho, who raced away towards the Fulham by-line. Fortunately his cross was blocked by Aaron Hughes and the danger was averted.
The game settled down somewhat following Fulham's flying start and it was Shakhtar who were dictating the pace of the game. Their unorthodox 4-2-3-1 formation looked to be keeping the Whites off balance.
The visitors, despite not being able to find space in front of Fulham's penalty area, still looked extremely adept in possession as they worked the ball from left to right with great skill. Fulham stood firm however and stoically maintained their shape.
Darijo Srna, who previously faced the Whites in European competition with Hajduk Split, went close to netting an equaliser when he fired wide on 30 minutes. It proved to be just a warning shot as Adriano got the visitors back on level footing on 32 minutes. The striker raced on to a through ball, nipping in front of Stephen Kelly before taking the ball around Mark Schwarzer and passing into the net.
The game started to open up following the equaliser and Simon Davies came close to putting the Whites back in the lead when his header from a Damien Duff cross flashed just wide of the goal.
A loose ball from Danny Murphy was almost capitalised upon by Willian, who seized possession and let fly with a fierce shot which was well blocked by Hughes. Fulham's Northern Ireland international was again Fulham's saviour when he provided a vital interception on 40 minutes to cut out a dangerous final pass.
The Craven Cottage crowd were whipped up into frenzy when Darijo Srna was booked for dissent in the closing stages of the first-half, having been fouled moments before.
Shakhtar got the second-half under way, with Fulham facing a tough task in trying to wrestle the advantage from their opponents. And it was certainly a cautious start from the visitors as they looked to draw Fulham's sting, having learned their lesson from the first-half.
With the visitors quick to try and prevent Fulham from linking up their defence and midfield, the Whites duly adapted to the circumstances and started played a slightly more direct game. As a result, Fulham were able to get at Shakhtar's defence with greater speed – causing a degree of panic in the Miners' back line. Shakhtar were by no means looking as fluid as they did in the first-half.
With the game repeatedly punctuated by stoppages, both sides were struggling to get into their rhythm. If anything was going to decide this game, it was going to be a moment of brilliance or a calamitous error.
As the second-half progressed Fulham started to establish more of a rhythm, it was achieved by making the game more 'English' in nature.
The high tempo Fulham were setting was personified by Damien Duff on the right wing, who was keeping his opposing numbers busy.
The Whites re-took the lead in spectacular fashion through Bobby Zamora on 63 minutes. Zoltan Gera passed into the path of Zamora on the edge of the area and the Fulham font man smashed a glorious right-footed shot past Pyatov into the top corner of the net.
A fine move between Baird and Duff set up Gera with a headed chance which was put just wide – Fulham were certainly pressing their advantage. When not in possession the Whites were keeping things tight. This saw Shakhtar hitting more long passes out of play in an attempt to find a way through Fulham's lines.
With the game entering the final ten minutes Shakhtar started to force their way back into the game, but resilient defending from Hangeland and Hughes helped restrict the Ukrainians to shots from distance.
Zoltan Gera's involvement ended on 88 minutes when he was replaced by David Elm as Fulham looked to see out the remaining minutes.
The result was secured when a world-class save from Mark Schwarzer denied a certain equaliser late on and despite the energetic efforts of Mircea Lucescu's men, Fulham heroically held of for a memorable victory.
Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/MatchAndTeam/MatchCentre/Matches/0910/EuropaLeague/ShakhtarDonetskHome.aspx#ixzz0fyGZISNQ (http://www.fulhamfc.com/MatchAndTeam/MatchCentre/Matches/0910/EuropaLeague/ShakhtarDonetskHome.aspx#ixzz0fyGZISNQ)
http://hammyend.com/?p=5413 (http://hammyend.com/?p=5413)
Hodgson hails Zamora
by Dan on February 19, 2010
Roy Hodgson heaped praise on Bobby Zamora after the Fulham striker's wondergoal secured a narrow first-leg win over Shakhtar Donetsk at Craven Cottage tonight.
Zamora's stunning 25-yarder ensured Fulham will take a slender lead to Ukraine for next week's second leg and Hodgson was full of praise for his striker.
It was a wonder strike. He's got two feet, I don't know which is his best and neither does he.
Apart from his accomplished display as a target man setting things up, working hard, his strike was of real quality.
We're talking about a striker who has scored 14 goals in 31 starts. I hope he can get 20 goals to crown his season.
http://hammyend.com/?p=5409 (http://hammyend.com/?p=5409)
Zamora puts Fulham in front
by Dan on February 19, 2010
Walking to the ground in the early evening rain tonight, I chanced upon a conversation between a father and son. The elder man, sensing that his young boy – who couldn't have been more than six – might not comprehend the significance of the game ahead of him, whispered quietly: 'This is a massive game. Massive. Shakhtar are the defending champions'.
His critics might have disagreed at the start of the season but, when it comes to massive games, you can count of Bobby Zamora. The much-maligned striker delivered a terrific performance against Roma and Fulham's attacking effectiveness only dipped once he was withdrawn early by Roy Hodgson. Zamora scored two crucial first half goals in Basel and slayed Manchester United before Christmas and he produced a quite astonishing strike here to give Fulham a decent chance of toppling the UEFA Cup holders in the second leg in Ukraine next week.
This was an enthralling game from the outset and one that Shakhtar, with their sublime, short passing football, will have felt unfortunate to lose. You sensed that the home side's best chance of success came at the Cottage and that they needed to attack with purpose from the first whistle. Fulham heeded the call. They might have gone in front inside the first minute but Andriy Pyatov did brilliantly to turn over a header from Brede Hangeland. Delirium was merely postponed for a couple of minutes.
Captain Danny Murphy prized open the Shakhtar defence with a precise pass that Zamora galloped onto and the returning Zoltan Gera thumped his shot underneath a surprised Pyatov from a seemingly impossible angle. Fulham swarmed forward with intent but gradually the visitors gained a foothold in the game, playing the ball patiently from side to side across the Fulham penalty area, almost toying with Hodgson's side. Fernandinho, their gifted playmaker, was at the heart of each move and nearly embarassed Hangeland after robbing the tall Norwegian defender when he dwelt on the ball in a dangerous position.
For all their possession, Shakhtar had precious few chances. Brazilian Rodrigues Jadson spurned the first from the edge of the box, shooting wide of Mark Schwarzer's goal, and captain Darijo Srna came very close to finishing a flowing move from distance when his ambitious effort whizzed narrowly wide. You could see the South American imprint on Shakhtar's side and it was appropriate that two Brazilians combined to level the tie shortly before the break.
In the blink of an eye, Ilsinho created oceans of space by driving a ball over the retreating Stephen Kelly and top scorer Luiz Adriano was in. Schwarzer gallantly tried to narrow the angle with a desperate dash off his line, but Adriano skated past the otherwise excellent Aaron Hughes, rounded the goalkeeper and rolled the ball into the empty net.
Fulham began the second half with much more vigour and Damien Duff was posing particular problems with his maurauding runs down the right flank. The Irish winger was involved in one glorious passing move that Shakhtar would have been proud of as Fulham ferried the ball infield, Etuhu finding Gera and Zamora just failed to play a perfect return ball to the Hungarian as space opened up behind the Shakhtar back line.
Shakhtar were now choosing to operate on the break and Fulham sensed there was a chance of a second. Zamora snatched it in marvellously opportunistic fashion. Gera offered a glimpse of his remarkably quick feet again as a deft backheel freed Zamora and the former West Ham man smashed an unstoppable volley past Pyatov and in off the underside of the crossbar from 25 yards. The finish was all the more remarkable considering it came from his weaker foot.
Shakhtar seemed to wilt after that. Fulham could have had a third. Gera guided a header into the arms of Pyatov after a fine cross from Duff and Zamora nodded just wide after peeling away at the far post. Fulham being Fulham the final ten minutes were frantic and Hodgson's side were indebted to a superb Schwarzer stop in injury time as he flung himself across goal to claw away a curler from Fernandinho. Such a slender lead sets the second leg up perfectly.
FULHAM (4-4-1-1): Schwarzer; Baird, Kelly, Hughes, Hangeland; Etuhu, Murphy, Duff, Davies; Gera (Elm 89); Zamora. Subs (not used): Zuberbuhler, Marsh-Brown, Smalling, Greening, Riise, Nevland.
BOOKED: Murphy.
GOALS: Gera (3), Zamora (63).
SHAKHTAR DONETSK (4-2-3-1): Pyatov; Srna, Kucher, Rakitskiy, Rat; Fernandinho, T Hübschman (Kravchenko 78); Ilsinho, Jadson (Costa de Souza 75), Willian; Luiz Adriano. Subs (not used): Khudzhamov, Lewandowski, Gai, Gladkiy, Ishchenko.
BOOKED: Luiz Adriano, Srna.
GOAL: Luiz Adriano (32).
REFEREE: Serge Gumienny (Belgium).
ATTENDANCE: 21,832
http://www.dailystar.co.uk/football/view/122988/Bobby-Zamora-upstaged-boys-from-Brazil-/ (http://www.dailystar.co.uk/football/view/122988/Bobby-Zamora-upstaged-boys-from-Brazil-/)
BOBBY ZAMORA UPSTAGED BOYS FROM BRAZIL
FULHAM 2 SHAKHTAR 1
England hopeful Bobby Zamora last night upstaged the boys from Brazil.
After Zoltan Gera put the Cottagers ahead in the third minute, it looked like the west Londoners might make it a night of pain for the team from Ukraine.
But with five Samba stars in their team, Shakhtar – the holders of the UEFA Cup, now called the Europa League – turned on the style and deservedly equalised through their goal machine Luiz Adriano.
Fulham, though, are not short of confidence and shortly after the hour went back ahead thanks to a cracker of a goal scored by Zamora.
Donestk proved quality opposition and for long periods produced football of the highest order, especially the ultra-talented midfielder Ilsinho.
At times, they were reminiscent of Arsenal at their best, with their comfort on the ball, excellent control and quickfire interchanges a joy to behold.
Yet Roy Hodgson's outfit had opened in blistering fashion with Brede Hangeland forcing keeper Andriy Pyatov to acrobatically tip over his header in the first minute.
And within two minutes, Fulham were in front when Danny Murphy played a clever, low pass to Zamora's feet. His lay-off for Gera was of an equally high standard and the Hungarian drove in an angled left-foot shot from around 10 yards which Pyatov couldn't keep out.
Shakhtar had not played a competitive match since December 12 but after the early setback soon got into their stride.
In the 14th minute, Hangeland was dispossessed by Fernandinho who burst clear before aiming a cross for striker Adriano, but Aaron Hughes snuffed out the danger.
As the match progressed, stylish Shakhtar started to exert far more of an influence and it was no surprise when they equalised on 32 minutes.
Ilsinho threaded through to Adriano who ran past Mark Schwarzer before shooting into an empty net.
It sparked massive celebrations from the noisy contingent of away fans, who were more than a match when it came to enthusiasm to the home fans.
Early in the second half, Zamora seemed to want to play like he was Brazilian, but was dispossessed by Fernandino and Donetsk were off in a flash downfield.
Luckily for Zamora, Hangeland got in the way of Ilsinho's firm shot at goal.
Backed by Ukrainian banker Rinat Akhmetov, said to be the richest man in Europe, Donetsk gave the impression he had not been splashing out his money foolishly.
With big names Ajax or Juventus – the Italians won 2-1 in Holland – waiting for the winners in the next round, the Cottagers knew this European expedition could be one to put their name on the map.
And to be fair, they battled bravely to get a foothold in the game and managed to restored their lead.
They did just that in the 63rd minute with a strike which was even easier on the eye than their first.
Hangeland picked out Gera with a low pass, he flicked on to Zamora and the striker blasted a superb shot from 18 yards which flashed high into the net.
http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/159154/Bobby-Zamora-has-gift-in-store-for-Roy-Keane (http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/159154/Bobby-Zamora-has-gift-in-store-for-Roy-Keane)
BOBBY ZAMORA HAS GIFT IN STORE FOR ROY KEANE
(http://images.dailyexpress.co.uk/img/dynamic/67/285x214/159154_1.jpg)
Fulham 2 Shakhtar 1
Having been denied a shopping trip at Harrods by security guards earlier this week, Shakhtar Donetsk left Craven Cottage similarly empty- handed last night.
But it took two inspired moments, first from Bobby Zamora and then from Mark Schwarzer, to settle a thrilling encounter in the home side's favour.
Unlike the disappointed Ukrainians, who were refused entry to Mohamed Al Fayed's exclusive Knightsbridge store on Tuesday afternoon, both Fulham's leading scorer and goalkeeper might just find hampers under their pegs when they arrive in the dressing room for Sunday's Premier League encounter against Birmingham.
Zamora's stunning second-half goal, lashed in from 20 yards off the underside of the bar just after the hour, wrestled back momentum for Fulham in a two-legged affair, just when things appeared to be swinging away from them.
In the dying moments of stoppage time, Schwarzer's save, diving full length and backwards to push Fernandinho's lofted effort around the post, ensured that Shakhtar will need to beat the Londoners back in the Ukraine in six days' time.
On the available evidence last night it will be no easy task. The Ukrainian side brought with them a side full of Brazilian talent that threatened for a period in the first half to utterly overwhelm Fulham.
For all that a third-minute strike from Zoltan Gera had appeared to set up Fulham nicely, it was cancelled out by the craft of Ilsinho and pace and finish of Luiz Adriano a third of the way through the game.
It was a measure of the balance of this match that it took a wonder goal to beat them. Zamora's 14th strike of the campaign left manager Roy Hodgson purring, even if he accepted this tie remained "in the balance".
"It is nice to go there with a one-goal lead and it is nice to take such an important scalp in a great game," he said.
"If people had said two years ago that we would be beating Shakhtar Donetsk here on a European night, I would have thought they were joking."
Hodgson remained suitably serious then, particularly having seen close up what he suspected from videos and scouting reports and from the money and pedigree last year's UEFA Cup winners brought to London.
"Their ability showed at times and if anything we were guilty of showing them a little too much respect," he said.
Shakhtar had not played since December 12 and might have been a touch rusty – something Hodgson evidently instructed his team to test early with some success. Brede Hangeland forced a fine save from a headed effort with just 20 seconds on the clock and then Gera, fed by Danny Murphy and Zamora, put the home side in the lead.
From there to the break Fulham found themselves pinned back against the ropes as Ilsinho and Jadson eased into their passing repertoire and Luiz Adriano levelled with a burst of pace and fine finish just after the half hour.
It was, then, with an air of apprehension that the crowd returned to their seats at the start of the second period. But with the rain falling heavier and a slippy surface levelling things out, Fulham became a little more assured.
Then came Zamora's wonder strike. After he had assisted Gera's opening goal in the first half, it was appropriate that the Hungarian returned the favour. It was his back-heel that set up Zamora on the edge of the box and, turning and swinging a right foot at the ball, he beat keeper Andriy Pyatov before he had even thought about a dive.
As Shakhtar assaulted an increasingly nervy Fulham with the clock ticking down, Schwarzer kept out first a fine long-range effort from Konstyantyn Kravchenko and then a lofted chip in the penultimate minute.
"We have paid the price with some tired legs out there tonight but, thankfully, our keeper has stayed alert to the 92nd minute and that has helped enormously to set it up nicely," added Hodgson.
FULHAM (4-4-2): Schwarzer; Baird, Hughes, Hangeland, Kelly; Duff, Murphy, Etuhu, Davies; Gera (Elm 89), Zamora. Booked: Murphy. Goals: Gera 3, Zamora 63.
Shakhtar Donetsk (4-2-3-1): Pyatov; Srna, Kucher, Rakitskiy, Rat; Hubschman (Kravchenko 78), Fernandinho; Ilsinho, Jadson (De Souza 75), Willian; Luiz Adriano. Booked: Srna, Luiz Adriano. Goal: Luiz Adriano 32.
Referee: S Gumienny (Bel).
http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2010/02/18/zamora-goal-gives-fulham-first-leg-advantage-116451-25867602/ (http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2010/02/18/zamora-goal-gives-fulham-first-leg-advantage-116451-25867602/)
Zamora goal gives Fulham first leg advantage
Fulham 2-1 Shakhtar Donetsk
A STUNNING drive from Bobby Zamora – his 14th goal of a season of redemption for the once-maligned striker – has given Fulham a precious lead to take to the Ukraine for the second leg next week.
The advantage is as slender as can be and will undoubtedly be put to the test by the stylish Uefa Cup winners of last season.
Chock full of Brazilians, Shakhtar were full of technical brilliance and crisp passing during a first half they dominated at the Cottage.
But Zamora's 63rd minute effort from 22 yards – crashing in off the underside of the bar after a turn onto a clever flick from Zoltan Gera – capped a stirring fightback.
The Whites had stolen a third minute lead when Gera buried a shot inside the near post with an assist from Danny Murphy and Zamora, but the early advantage proved misleading.
Shakhtar deservedly drew level in the 33rd minute when the flamboyant Luiz Adriano raced onto a clever pass which bisected the Fulham defence and sauntered around Mark Schwarzer before rolling the ball into an empty net
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/sport/2010/0219/1224264799952.html (http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/sport/2010/0219/1224264799952.html)
Fulham get one up on Shakhtar Zamora blasts winner at home
Fulham 2 Shakter Donetsk 1: BOBBY ZAMORA'S 63rd-minute strike grabbed a victory which may just provide Fulham a path into the Europa League last 16.
Almost instantly from kick-off Danny Murphy's diagonal into the Donetsk area was headed at Andriy Pyatov by Brede Hangeland, forcing the goalkeeper to steer it over. The ensuing corner again found the central defender, which was cleared, but within three minutes Fulham had the lead.
From a throw-in Murphy again collected and played a reverse ball into Zamora, who was lurking on the edge of visitor's area. His instant touch turned it on to Gera whose sliding finish rolled underneath Pyatov to put Fulham ahead.
This provoked the home crowd to enquire of the reigning champions, "Who are you?", but enough Shakhtar possession and threat ensued to offer an answer which had their team twisting on its heels.
The visitors fielded an all-Brazilian front-five. And, as the game approached the quarter hour, Fernandinho, a 24-year-old midfielder from Londrina, robbed Hangeland and his delivery from the right came skimming over the turf and required the intervention of Aaron Hughes.
Shakhtar's equaliser derived from a move which broke Fulham's offside trap. Ilsinho, who had drifted inside from his wide right berth, played a weighted ball beyond Hughes to Adriano, Donesk's lone striker. He persuaded Mark Schwarzer to commit himself by going to ground early, before finishing calmly in the 32nd minute.
Fulham stepped the pace up after the break and were rewarded when, after Gera's delightful heeled pass found Zamora, the striker looked up and fired a 25-yard belt beyond Pyatov, via the bar.
FULHAM: Schwarzer, Baird, Hughes, Hangeland, Kelly, Davies, Etuhu, Murphy, Duff, Gera (Elm 89), Zamora. Subs not nsed: Zuberbuhler, Nevland, Riise, Smalling, Greening, Marsh-Brown. Booked: Murphy.
SHAKHTAR DONETSK: Pyatov, Srna, Kucher, Rakitskiy, Rat, Ilsinho, Hubschman (Kravchenko 78), Fernandinho, Willian, Jadson (Douglas Costa 75), Luiz Adriano.
Subs not nsed: Khudzamov, Lewandowski, Gai, Gladkyy, Ischenko. Booked: Luiz Adriano, Srna.
Referee: Serge Gumienny (Belgium).
http://www.dailyexpress.co.uk/posts/view/159167/Bobby-Zamora-shakes-Shakhtar/ (http://www.dailyexpress.co.uk/posts/view/159167/Bobby-Zamora-shakes-Shakhtar/)
BOBBY ZAMORA SHAKES SHAKHTAR
BOBBY Zamora scored a wonder goal to give Fulham a first leg Europa League lead over defending champions Shakhtar Donetsk last night.
Zamora lit up Craven Cottage with a 20-yard strike in a tight last-32 tie.
Zoltan Gera fired Fulham ahead in the third minute but the Ukrainians hit back with a goal from Luiz Adriano.
Liverpool also got off to a winning Europa League start thanks to a late goal from David Ngog which ended the resistance of Romanians Unirea.
http://www.cityam.com/sport/shakhtar-are-shaken-zamora (http://www.cityam.com/sport/shakhtar-are-shaken-zamora)
Shakhtar are shaken by Zamora
Friday, 19th February 2010
EUROPA LEAGUE
FULHAM (2) v/s SHAKHTAR DONETSK (1)
BOBBY ZAMORA fired a brilliant winner as Fulham claimed a crucial home leg victory over holders Shakhtar Donetsk at Craven Cottage.
The striker smashed home an unstoppable 25-yard drive to net his fifth goal of the Europa League campaign and give the Cottagers a vital lead going into the second leg in the Ukraine next week.
Roy Hodgson's men got off to the best possible start when, on just three minutes, Danny Murphy threaded through for Zoltan Gera to slot home under the body of Andriy Pyatov.
Donetsk, however, had the better of the opening period and were well worthy of their 33rd minute equaliser when Luis Adriano pounced to prod home past Mark Schwarzer.
But Fulham dug in and got their rewards when Murphy and Gera combined for Zamora to smash home the second. The hosts missed chances to make it 3-1 late on but will still be grateful for the lead they take to the Donbass Arena next Thursday.
http://fulhampatsfan.blogspot.com/2010/02/big-win-for-fulham-against-shakhtar.html (http://fulhampatsfan.blogspot.com/2010/02/big-win-for-fulham-against-shakhtar.html)
Big win for Fulham against Shakhtar Donetsk
Going into this match I thought a win tonight by Fulham would be huge for their confidence. Their is no question that the priority for this season is the league and the F A Cup. Anything more they can do in the Europa League is a bonus. With this win now Fulham are playing with "house money". It will be a very tough task to win in the Ukraine next week. However, I wouldn't bet against Fulham finding away to move ahead in the Europa League.
Shakhtar Donetsk are a very gifted team. I left watching the match very impressed by this Ukranian club. I think that is what makes this victory even more significant. The most talented and skilled team doesn't always win. Sometimes it is a lucky bounce or a shot of the ball. Tonight though I will call this a victory by a team that is disciplined and found a way to win.
Fulham actually came flying out of the gate. In the first few minutes Fulham dominated. Danny Murphy sent a free kick in the first minute right to Brede Hangeland. He headed the ball, and almost got it past the goalkeeper Andriy Pyatov. The goalkeeper made a nice save.
In the 3rd minute Danny Murphy found Bobby Zamora who passed the ball to Zoltan Gera. He then scored the first goal of the game. This action was very early into the match. Shakhtar Donetsk at this point had not gotten there feet wet yet.
After about the first 10 minutes Shakhtar Donetsk started to settle in. They were starting to control the ball and the game was starting to be played in Fulham's half. In the 13th minute, Shakhtar Donetsk's first threat of the match came. Brede Hangeland had a ball taken away from him by Fernandinho. He tried a pass that was blocked by Aaron Hughes. Fulham dodged a bullet there, but you could tell the tone of the match was changing. A little later in the 31st minute Darijo Srna took a strong right footed shot that just went wide of the net.
The momentum and play at this point was with the Ukranian team. You could see that equalizing goal coming. In the 32nd minute Luiz Adriano was sent a ball through from Darijo Srna. He got by Stephen Kelly and put the ball past Schwarzer. The game was now tied 1 - 1.
There was another good chance by Fulham later in the half. Simon Davies tried to head in a great ball from Damien Duff. Unfortunately for Davies his header was slightly wide of the net.
The half ended 1 - 1 , but Shakhtar Donetsk controlled the majority of the half.
There was a completely different tone to the second half. Fulham started to control more of the ball in the opening several minutes. This led to the 63rd minute of the match. Brede Hangeland sent a pass to Zoltan Gera. He made a great touch pass to Bobby Zamora. He then scored on a booming right footed shot that got by the goalkeeper. The shot went right to the top corner and the keeper didn't have a chance. Fulham were now up 2 - 1.
Bobby Zamora wasn't done being dominant tonight. In the 70th minute off of a free kick from Danny Murphy, Bobby Zamora's header went just wide. This was a major chance for Fulham to go up 2 goals.
After that moment Shakhtar Donetsk started to increase the pressure again. They were in the Fulham half for a good portion of the last 20 minutes of the match. Fulham's defense was strong to hold off the pressure. The best and last chance for the Ukranian team came in stoppage time. Mark Schwarzer made a beautiful save off of a shot from Fernandinho. This saved secured the victory for Fulham. The game ended 2 - 1 in favor of Fulham.
Whatever happens next week in the Ukraine, Fulham players and the fans should be proud of the victory tonight. It is the type of game you can build on. Just remember only 2 years ago Fulham were in a relegation battle. Tonight they beat a team that won the UEFA Cup last season. I would call that some serious progress.
http://www.tribalfootball.com/fulham-boss-hodgson-hails-his-matchwinner-zamora-652831 (http://www.tribalfootball.com/fulham-boss-hodgson-hails-his-matchwinner-zamora-652831)
Fulham boss Hodgson hails his matchwinner Zamora
19.02.10 | tribalfootball.com
Fulham boss Roy Hodgson hailed matchwinner Bobby Zamora after their Europa League victory over Shakhtar Donetsk.
Hodgson lavished praise on Zamora, who struck from 20-yards with a powerful drive that cannoned off the crossbar and crashed into the net.
The impressive Fulham marksman also set-up the opener for Zoltan Gera.
"It was a wonder strike from Bobby. He's got two feet, I don't know which is his best and neither does he," said Hodgson.
"Apart from his typically accomplished performance as a target man setting things up and working hard, his strike was of real quality.
"We're now talking about a striker who has scored 14 goals in 31 starts.
"It's an excellent strike rate. I hope he can get over the 20-goal mark to crown his season."
http://www.tribalfootball.com/fulham-boss-hodgson-one-our-greatest-euro-nights-652731 (http://www.tribalfootball.com/fulham-boss-hodgson-one-our-greatest-euro-nights-652731)
Fulham boss Hodgson: One of our greatest Euro nights
19.02.10 | tribalfootball.com
Fulham boss Roy Hodgson hailed their Europa League victory over Shakhtar Donetsk.
Bobby Zamora struck a stunning 63rd-minute winner at Craven Cottage to give Fulham a strong chance of progressing in the competition when they travel to the Ukraine for next Thursday's second leg.
Big-spending Shakhtar threatened to cut loose after Luiz Adriano equalised Zoltan Gera's early opener, but Fulham rallied as Bobby Zamora grabbed the winner to leave Hodgson beaming with pride.
"We're very happy to get a victory against such a good team," he said.
"It was a very exciting cup tie played in the right spirit and it was very competitive. Both teams tried to pass the ball.
"I'm pleased to have taken such an important scalp. It's a big game for Fulham and we've come an awful long way.
"If someone had said to me during my first season here when we were battling to stay in the Premier League that we'd beat Shakhtar in a couple of years, I'd have thought they were taking the mickey.
"We've done it and are very proud of it. There's an awful lot left in this tie because we saw how skilful they are, but we still have a chance to make a name for ourselves.
"This was a very good victory - probably our best in Europe."
http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/premiership/zamora-winner-a-nudge-to-capello-14689770.html (http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/premiership/zamora-winner-a-nudge-to-capello-14689770.html)
Zamora winner a nudge to Capello
Fulham 2 Shakhtar Donetsk 1
Fulham midfielder Danny Murphy tipped team-mate Bobby Zamora for an England call-up after the striker fired the winner against Shakhtar Donetsk tonight.
The Ukrainian side, who won the UEFA Cup last year, now have a deficit to make up in the home leg of this last 32 Europa League tie.
Zoltan Gera marked his recovery from a knee injury by giviing the Cottagers the lead after just two minutes but Luiz Adriano equalised on 32 minutes.
However, Zamora showed he is full of confidence with a stunning strike in the 63rd minute, pulling the trigger on a 20 yards shot that struck the underside of the crossbar before crashing home.
Murphy said: "You can see his confidence is sky-high, he has got better each month with his goalscoring, confidence and all-round game.
"If he carries on the way he is, he's got to have a shout at the England squad."
Asked for his thoughts on the game, the former Liverpool midfielder added: "I thought we started brightly and got the goal, but we got a bit nervy after that. They settled down and passed the ball well and got a deserved equaliser.
"We got to grips with them a bit better in the second half and pushed them into a few errors. It was a great goal from Bobby which took the pressure off us defensively.
"We have got something to fight for now, it will be a great game over there."
Cottagers boss Roy Hodgson added: "Shakhtar were exceptional in the first half and maybe we got a bit scared in that situation and weren't prepared to get on the ball as much as we normally do.
"But we pulled ourselves together in the second half. We don't come up against sides like this week in and week out, and we had to really dig deep to get there."
Read more: http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/premiership/zamora-winner-a-nudge-to-capello-14689770.html#ixzz0fyL3CXyq (http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/premiership/zamora-winner-a-nudge-to-capello-14689770.html#ixzz0fyL3CXyq)
http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/zamora-hits-home-winner-2070416.html (http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/zamora-hits-home-winner-2070416.html)
Zamora hits home winner
Bobby Zamora smashed home a fine winner to give Fulham the edge over Shakhtar Donetsk in this Europa League first-leg clash at Craven Cottage.
Zoltan Gera fired the home side ahead in the third minute after being set up by Zamora.
Gera, who was recalled to the first team after recovering from a knee injury, struck in the third minute after Fulham made a strong start.
Sharp passing from Danny Murphy and Zamora split open the visiting defence and the striker then laid on a brilliant chance for Gera, who slipped the ball home.
Stunned into action, the strike provoked a flurry of activity from Shakhtar with Fulham struggling to contain the speed and movement of their opponent's Brazilian contingent.
And in the 32nd minute they cracked, Ilsinho slipping a beautifully weighted pass between Aaron Hughes and Stephen Kelly to his fellow South American, Luiz Adriano, who found the net.
But Shakhtar occasionally looked suspect at the back and in the 63rd minute they were undone by a piledriver from Zamora, who smashed the ball home from 20 yards to put Fulham ahead.
Gera and Zamora then had chances to produce a third, but both players directed their headers at Andriy Pyatov as Fulham held out for the victory.
Irish Independent
http://www.teamtalk.com/football/story/0,16368,1775_5958772,00.html (http://www.teamtalk.com/football/story/0,16368,1775_5958772,00.html)
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Roy pleased to take Shakhtar scalp
Roy Hodgson claimed Fulham's 2-1 victory over Europa League champions Shakhtar Donetsk was evidence of how far the club have progressed.
(http://images.teamtalk.com/10/02/330/Fulham-v-Shakhtar-Bobby-Zamora-winner_2421615.jpg)
Bobby Zamora struck a stunning 63rd-minute winner at Craven Cottage on Thursday night to give Fulham a strong chance of progressing in the competition when they travel to the Ukraine for next Thursday's second leg.
Big-spending Shakhtar threatened to cut loose after Luiz Adriano equalised Zoltan Gera's early opener, but Fulham rallied as Bobby Zamora grabbed the winner to leave Hodgson beaming with pride.
"We're very happy to get a victory against such a good team," he said.
"It was a very exciting cup tie played in the right spirit and it was very competitive. Both teams tried to pass the ball.
"I'm pleased to have taken such an important scalp. It's a big game for Fulham and we've come an awful long way.
"If someone had said to me during my first season here when we were battling to stay in the Premier League that we'd beat Shakhtar in a couple of years, I'd have thought they were taking the mickey.
"We've done it and are very proud of it. There's an awful lot left in this tie because we saw how skilful they are, but we still have a chance to make a name for ourselves.
"This was a very good victory - probably our best in Europe."
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/premierleague/fulham/7265230/Fulham-v-Birmingham-City-match-preview.html (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/premierleague/fulham/7265230/Fulham-v-Birmingham-City-match-preview.html)
Fulham v Birmingham City: match preview
Read a full match preview of the Premier League game between Fulham at Birmingham City at Craven Cottage, London, on Sunday Feb 21 2010, kick-off 15.00 GMT.
(http://i.telegraph.co.uk/telegraph/multimedia/archive/01463/roy-hodgson_1463817c.jpg)
Tale of the game
In November, Lee Bowyer's goal separated the teams at St Andrew's. That was four games into a 12-match unbeaten League run but, in the last four, they have lost two and drawn one. They face a Fulham side unbeaten in three Premier League games and with three successive clean sheets.
Fulham have conceded only eight home goals in the Premier League, the joint lowest in the division. Fulham are without Kagisho Dikgacoi, Andrew Johnson, Paul Konchesky, Clint Dempsey and John Pantsil while Birmingham miss Lee Carsley, Garry O'Connor and Teemu Tainio.
Team details (probable)
Fulham (4-4-2): Schwarzer; Hughes, Smalling, Hangeland, Shorey; Davies, Murphy, Baird, Duff; Okaka, Zamora.
Birmingham (4-4-2): Hart; Carr, R Johnson, Dann, Ridgewell; Larsson, Bowyer, Ferguson, McFadden; Benitez, Jerome. Referee: Phil Dowd. Matches: 21. R4 Y66.
This season: Birmingham 1 Fulham 0.
Last season: N/A.
Stat of the game: In five Premier League visits to Fulham, Birmingham have failed to score in three.
Betting tip: Fulham getting better; try a 2-1 home win at 7-1.
http://articles.squarefootball.net/squarefootball/2010/02/fulham-v-birmingham-city-whod-make-it-into-the-ultimate-starting-xi.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Squarefootball+%28Squarefootball%29 (http://articles.squarefootball.net/squarefootball/2010/02/fulham-v-birmingham-city-whod-make-it-into-the-ultimate-starting-xi.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Squarefootball+%28Squarefootball%29)
Fulham v Birmingham City: Who'd make it into the ultimate starting XI?
Fulham and Birmingham City have been the surprise packages this season in the Premier League. Both sides were tipped to struggle to retain their Premier League status but here we are in the middle of February and both Roy Hodgson's and Alex McLeish's men are sitting pretty in the top half of the table.
The Cottagers' small squad wasn't expected to be able to cope with the demands of European football while Birmingham were predicted to go straight back down but Hodgson and McLeish have defied those gloomy forecasts to give their fans a season they'll never forget.
This weekend they square up at the Cottage with three crucial points up for grabs. A win for the home side would see them go level on points with the Blues but victory for Big Eck's side would see them keep the pressure on for European football next season.
Hodgson and McLeish have assembled two talented and hard working squads, but who would make it into the ultimate starting XI? Here is what I believe is the best starting XI from the two squads available to play in a traditional 4-4-2 formation.
Goalkeeper
Both Mark Schwarzer and Joe Hart are brilliant shot stoppers with excellent reactions but I only have room for one number one. Schwarzer is now 37 and has bags of top flight and international experience while Hart is just 22 but has a great future ahead of him.
Schwarzer has conceded 28 goals this season in the league and kept nine clean sheets in the process. Meanwhile Hart, who was born in Shrewsbury, has let just 26 efforts go by him and managed eight clean sheets. It is easily the toughest call to make it this team but I think I will have to go with the experienced head of Schwarzer.
Defenders
It makes a change to have a battle between two English players for the coveted left-back role. In the white corner we have Fulham's Paul Konchesky and in the blue corner it's Birmingham's Liam Ridgewell. Both Konchesky and Ridgewell are strong and resolute defenders although Ridgewell, signed from rivals Villa in 2007, is traditionally a central defender. Konchesky, 28, is in the prime of his career while Ridgewell, 25, still has a lot to learn about the game. However, Ridgewell's goal return just nicks it ahead of Konchesky for me.
Brede Hangeland cost Roy Hodgson just £2.5 million in 2008 and he has proved to be one of the bargain buys of the past 10 years. Strong in the air, quick on the ground and a good organiser, Hangeland has caught the eye of a number of Premier League bosses. The big Norwegian is a definite starter in my back four. Lining up alongside him is Birmingham's Roger Johnson. The former Cardiff City star signed for the Blues in the summer and has thrived on testing himself against the biggest names in the game. A real no-nonsense defender, Johnson snuffs out danger and doesn't dwell on the ball too long.
Completing my back four is Birmingham's Stephen Carr. The former Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur defender arrived at St Andrews on a free transfer last January and has been given a new lease of life under McLeish. The former Republic of Ireland international still has bags of pace and has been a vital cog in Birmingham's impressive form this season.
Midfielders
The first name on my team sheet would have been Fulham's goalscoring midfielder Clint Dempsey but injury has put paid to that. Fortunately there are a number of quality players from both squads to choose from.
First up I'd have to go for Barry Ferguson to marshal the back four. The former Rangers captain has been a revelation at St Andrews and proved all the doubters who thought he was past it wrong. A great passer of the ball and decision maker Ferguson can collect his shirt. Alongside him I have to go for former Liverpool and Spurs midfielder Danny Murphy. The 32-year-old has one of the best football brains in the game and is deadly from the penalty spot. He may be less than a month away from his 33rd birthday but Murphy can still split a defence and has a good few years ahead of him at the top.
Ferguson and Murphy have all the experience and skill needed to succeed but you really need some legs in there to get down the flanks, hence why I'm plumping for the services of Damien Duff and Sebastian Larsson.
Duff, who will turn 31 in March, has grabbed five league goals this season – a feat he hasn't managed to replicate since he scored six for Chelsea five years ago. The former Newcastle United ace is comfortable on the ball and loves to take defenders on. He has repaid the manger's faith in him with goals and he is always a threat on the break.
Completing my midfield is Birmingham's Swedish international Larsson. The 24-year-old started his career at Arsenal but was unable to break into the first team. However, he has established himself into a quality player at St Andrews. His execution at free-kicks is second to none and is rated as the most accurate free-kick taker in the top flight. He is always useful to have around at set-pieces.
Strikers
Zamora for England! Granted Bobby has been a bit of a dazzler for Fulham this season but he hasn't been that good! The former West Ham and Spurs striker has found the back of the net 13 times this season in all competitions and has been Hodgson's main striking threat. Physically and mentally strong, Zamora can hold the ball up and bring his team-mates into play and is not afraid to try and catch the opposing keeper off guard.
Lining up with Zamora is Birmingham's Cameron Jerome. The former Cardiff man has bags of strength, loads of pace and an eye for goal. His blistering strike against Liverpool earlier this season was simply sensational. Jerome is Birmingham's top scorer in the league with five and always puts himself about. I'm pretty sure Zamora and Jerome would forge a good partnership.
So my team is:
Schwarzer
Ridgewell
Hangeland
Johnson
Carr
Duff
Murphy
Ferguson
Larsson
Zamora
Jerome
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/feb/19/roy-hodgson-fulham-shakhtar-donetsk (http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/feb/19/roy-hodgson-fulham-shakhtar-donetsk)
Fulham's spirit against Shakhtar Donetsk impresses Roy Hodgson• 'We had to dig deep to get there' Fulham manager says
• Match-winner Zamora has England shout, Murphy thinks
(http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Football/Pix/pictures/2010/2/18/1266532709346/Fulham-manager-Roy-Hodgso-001.jpg)
Fulham's manager, Roy Hodgson, left, and the Shakhtar Donetsk manager, Mircea Lucescu, in conversation during the home side's 2-1 Europa League win at Craven Cottage. Photograph: Anthony Devlin/PA
Roy Hodgson praised his Fulham side's resilience after they gained a 2-1 victory in the first leg of the Europa League tie against Shakhtar Donetsk, thanks to Bobby Zamora's long-range shot. The winning goal provoked Danny Murphy to suggest his team-mate should be close to a place in Fabio Capello's England squad.
Hodgson said: "Shakhtar were exceptional in the first half and maybe we got a bit scared in that situation and weren't prepared to get on the ball as much as we normally do.
"But we pulled ourselves together in the second half. We don't come up against sides like this week in, week out and we had to really dig deep to get there."
Zoltan Gera gave Fulham an early lead but Luiz Adriano equalised on 32 minutes. However, Zamora showed he is full of confidence by lashing in his side's second in the 63rd minute.
Murphy said: "You can see his confidence is sky-high, he has got better each month with his goalscoring, confidence and all-round game.
"If he carries on the way he is, he's got to have a shout at the England squad."
Asked for his thoughts on the game, the former Liverpool midfielder added: "I thought we started brightly and got the goal but we got a bit nervy after that. They settled down and passed the ball well and got a deserved equaliser.
"We got to grips with them a bit better in the second half and pushed them into a few errors. It was a great goal from Bobby which took the pressure off us defensively.We've got something to fight for now; it will be a great game over there."
http://www.ananova.com/sport/story/sm_3685279.html?menu=sport.topheadlines (http://www.ananova.com/sport/story/sm_3685279.html?menu=sport.topheadlines)
More to come from Zamora - Hodgson
Roy Hodgson has challenged Bobby Zamora to smash through the 20-goal barrier after the Fulham striker sealed a 2-1 Europa League victory over Shakhtar Donetsk.
Zamora headlined a commanding display against last year's UEFA Cup winners by firing a spectacular 63rd-minute winner that saw the ball smash onto the crossbar and cannon into the net.
"It was a wonder strike from Bobby. He's got two feet - I don't know which is his best and neither does he," said the Fulham boss. "Apart from his typically accomplished performance as a target man setting things up and working hard, his strike was of real quality."
He added: "We're now talking about a forward who has scored 14 goals in 31 starts. It's an excellent strike rate. I hope he can get over the 20-goal mark to crown his season."
Big-spending Shakhtar threatened to cut loose after Luiz Adriano equalised Gera's early opener, but Fulham rallied to give themselves a good chance of progressing in the competition ahead of next Thursday's second leg.
The Ukrainians, who fielded five Brazilians, played some wonderful football and threatened to overwhelm opponents fatigued by a punishing schedule.
But Fulham found a second wind after half-time and were helped by a superb stoppage-time save by Mark Schwarzer from Fernandinho.
"We're very happy to get victory against such a good team," said Hodgson. "It was a very exciting cup tie played in the right spirit and was very competitive. Both teams tried to pass the ball.
"I'm pleased to have taken such an important scalp. It's a big game for Fulham and we've come an awful long way.
"If someone had said to me during my first season here when we were battling to stay in the Premier League that we'd beat Shakhtar in a couple of years, I'd have thought they were taking the mickey. We've done it and are very proud of it."
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/premierleague/fulham/7269092/Fulham-v-Shakhtar-Donetsk-Europa-League-win-probably-best-in-Europe-says-Hodgson.html (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/premierleague/fulham/7269092/Fulham-v-Shakhtar-Donetsk-Europa-League-win-probably-best-in-Europe-says-Hodgson.html)
Fulham v Shakhtar Donetsk: Europa League win 'probably best in Europe', says Hodgson
Roy Hodgson has said Fulham's 2-1 victory over Europa League champions Shakhtar Donetsk was evidence of how far the club have progressed.
(http://i.telegraph.co.uk/telegraph/multimedia/archive/01581/fulham_1581580c.jpg)
Narrow lead: Fulham will go into return leg in Ukraine with one-goal advantage Photo: PA Bobby Zamora struck a stunning 63rd-minute winner at Craven Cottage to give Fulham a strong chance of progressing in the competition when they travel to the Ukraine for next Thursday's second leg.
Shakhtar threatened to cut loose after Luiz Adriano equalised Zoltan Gera's early opener, but Fulham rallied as Bobby Zamora grabbed the winner to leave Hodgson beaming with pride.
"We're very happy to get a victory against such a good team," he said. "It was a very exciting cup tie played in the right spirit and it was very competitive. Both teams tried to pass the ball.
"I'm pleased to have taken such an important scalp. It's a big game for Fulham and we've come an awful long way.
"If someone had said to me during my first season here when we were battling to stay in the Premier League that we'd beat Shakhtar in a couple of years, I'd have thought they were taking the mickey.
"We've done it and are very proud of it. There's an awful lot left in this tie because we saw how skilful they are, but we still have a chance to make a name for ourselves.
"This was a very good victory - probably our best in Europe."
Hodgson heaped praise on Zamora, who struck from 20-yards with a powerful drive that cannoned off the crossbar and crashed into the net.
The impressive Fulham forward also set-up the opener for Gera.
"It was a wonder strike from Bobby. He's got two feet, I don't know which is his best and neither does he," said Hodgson.
"Apart from his typically accomplished performance as a target man setting things up and working hard, his strike was of real quality.
"We're now talking about a striker who has scored 14 goals in 31 starts.
"It's an excellent strike rate. I hope he can get over the 20-goal mark to crown his season."
Shakhtar are midway through their winter break and coach Mircea Lucescu blamed their inactivity for allowing Fulham to sneak ahead through Gera in the second minute.
"A lack of practice coming into the game saw us concede the first goal. After that we had the game under control," he said.
"There were a lot of chances which we could have scored from but we couldn't always get the breakthrough.
"We will have to realise our potential in the second leg and win the game, but this will be very hard to do as Fulham are very well organised."
http://hammyend.com/?p=5415 (http://hammyend.com/?p=5415)
Gera gets another one
by Dan on February 19, 2010
Bobby Zamora might have scored some vital goals this season, but another of last year's scapegoats Zoltan Gera has certainly proved his worth in Europe this season. The Hungarian had already been enjoying a much better second season at the Cottage by popping up with some crucial goals but his strikes against CSKA Sofia and Basel ensured Fulham's progress from the group stage and his early goal against Shakhtar Donetsk last night was the perfect start.
It was his third Europa League goal in three consecutive games but Gera was modest enough not to take all the credit.
I have been lucky, I have lots of good balls from my team-mates. I love to play in Europe. I love to play against teams from other countries and the test that presents.
After the early goal, we didn't get a lot of the ball. Shakhtar Donetsk proved themselves to be a very, very good team with lots of skilful players who were confident with the ball and they put us under a lot of pressure. But in the second-half we started very well and it was much better for us.
The gaffer told us at half-time to keep doing exactly the same. To keep our shape and be patient, because if we go out of our positions Shakhtar are good enough to punish us. So we stuck to our plan and the result was a much better second-half performance.
Bobby is playing with full confidence. He's very strong and very quick and good with both feet. He's proving very good for us and hopefully he will keep this form going for the rest of the season and beyond. We're very happy with Bobby because he's proving himself to be one of the best strikers in the Premier League.
Gera's still got his feet on the ground as he looks ahead to the second leg – and Shakhtar's away goal certainly means his caution is merited.
This isn't really a great result, because they scored a goal and away goals are very, very important. Now if they score just one at home we are out, so they are in a good position.
But we never go out for a game just wanting to avoid defeat, we want to win every game. It will be difficult, but we will go out and play the same as today and see what happens.
http://hammyend.com/?p=5417 (http://hammyend.com/?p=5417)
Roy delighted with 'important scalp'by Dan on February 19, 2010
Roy Hodgson was delighted to see his Fulham side claim 'probably our best victory in Europe' and described the first leg win over Shakhtar Donetsk as 'an important scalp'.
The Fulham boss saw his side score early through Zoltan Gera and then, despite being pegged back just before half-time, produce a much better second half performance. The Whites will take the narrowest of leads to the Ukraine thanks to a sublime strike from Bobby Zamora.
We're very happy to get a victory against such a good team. It was a very exciting cup tie played in the right spirit and it was very competitive. Both teams tried to pass the ball.
I'm pleased to have taken such an important scalp. It's a big game for Fulham and we've come an awful long way.
If someone had said to me during my first season here when we were battling to stay in the Premier League that we'd beat Shakhtar in a couple of years, I'd have thought they were taking the mickey.
We've done it and are very proud of it. There's an awful lot left in this tie because we saw how skilful they are, but we still have a chance to make a name for ourselves. This was a very good victory – probably our best in Europe.
It was a wonder strike. He's got two feet, I don't know which is his best and neither does he.
Apart from his accomplished display as a target man setting things up, working hard, his strike was of real quality. We're talking about a striker who has scored 14 goals in 31 starts. I hope he can get 20 goals to crown his season.
Roy was just as pleased with Fulham's grit and determination.
Shakhtar were exceptional in the first half and maybe we got a bit scared in that situation and weren't prepared to get on the ball as much as we normally do. But we pulled ourselves together in the second half. We don't come up against sides like this week in, week out and we had to really dig deep to get there.
BBC Sport - Football - Roy Hodgson hails Fulham win over Shakhtar Donetsk (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/f/fulham/8523410.stm#id8520000/8523500/8523537-audio)
Roy Hodgson hails Fulham win over Shakhtar Donetsk
Fulham boss Roy Hodgson said his side were hitting new heights after they beat Shakhtar Donetsk in the first leg of their Europa League last 32 tie.
Zoltan Gera and Bobby Zamora sealed a 2-1 win after Luiz Adriano had levelled for last year's Uefa Cup winners.
"I'm pleased to take such an important scalp. It's a big game for Fulham and we've come a long way," said Hodgson.
"We've done it and are very proud of it. This was a very good victory - probably our best in Europe."
Hodgson added: "If someone had said to me during my first season here when we were battling to stay in the Premier League that we'd beat Shakhtar in a couple of years, I'd have thought they were taking the mickey.
The Cottagers are enjoying a fine season, despite injuries ravaging the squad, with striker Andrew Johnson ruled out for the campaign and forward Clint Dempsey and defender John Pantsil also on the sidelines.
Having progressed into the FA Cup quarter-finals, Fulham are 10th in the Premier League and their hopes of progression in the Europa League now rest on taking a slender one-goal lead to Ukraine on 25 February.
"We're very happy to get victory against such a good team," said Hodgson.
"It was a very exciting cup tie played in the right spirit and was very competitive. Both teams tried to pass the ball.
"There's an awful lot left in this tie because we saw how skilful they are, but we still have a chance to make a name for ourselves."
Fulham were often outplayed in Wednesday's entertaining clash, but a valiant defensive display and Zamora's 25-yard blast on the hour ensured a satisfying win over the team who beat Werder Bremen to lift the Uefa Cup last year.
606: DEBATE
A blistering goal from a happy Bobby and some stout defending saw us take the advantage to Ukraine
frogman27
The 29-year-old Zamora, pushing for a spot in England's World cup squad, bagged his 14th goal of the season in 31 starts and Hodgson has high hopes for the striker who almost joined Hull in the summer.
"It was a wonder strike from Bobby. He's got two feet - I don't know which is his best and neither does he," said the Fulham boss.
"Apart from his typically accomplished performance as a target man setting things up and working hard, his strike was of real quality.
"He has an excellent strike rate. I hope he can get over the 20-goal mark to crown his season."
http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/matches/season=2010/round=2000038/match=2000914/postmatch/quotes/index.html (http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/matches/season=2010/round=2000038/match=2000914/postmatch/quotes/index.html)
Gera gears up for Donetsk duel
Zoltán Gera told UEFA.com that Fulham FC are steeling themselves for a "very, very difficult game in Ukraine" after they edged past FC Shakhtar Donetsk in their round of 32 opener.
Zoltán Gera believes Fulham FC still have plenty of work to do if they are to overcome FC Shakhtar Donetsk and reach the UEFA Europa League round of 16.
Gera played a key role in Fulham's 2-1 victory over last year's UEFA Cup winners in London on Thursday, scoring early and then setting up Bobby Zamora for a sublime winner after Luiz Adriano had equalised. However, the Hungarian international knows his side will have to be at their best to keep Mircea Lucescu's men at bay in the second leg on 25 February. "It will be a very, very difficult game in Ukraine," he told UEFA.com. "They are a top team, but we really want to go through."
The former West Bromwich Albion FC midfielder acknowledges that Shakhtar gave Fulham a tough test at Craven Cottage, especially in the opening period. "They had a lot of possession in the first half and caused us a lot of problems, but in the second half we played very well," the 30-year-old said. "We deserved the win."
According to Gera, Fulham's success in gaining control of the tie lay in a more aggressive approach after the restart. "We wanted to go forward quicker and earlier in the second half, and we made them lose the ball more." Zamora's 63rd-minute goal perhaps underlined the difference. "It was a top goal by Bobby and I'm very happy for him," he said.
Luiz Adriano also praised his fellow goalscorer's strike, admitting Shakhtar had been caught cold. "In the second half we were unlucky to concede a great goal, which was totally unexpected," he said. The Brazilian's neat effort, his tenth goal in UEFA club competition, had rewarded an enterprising first 45 minutes from the visitors. "The first half started badly when we conceded, but happily we managed to get back into the game and draw level," he said. The 22-year-old is also taking heart from Shakhtar's strong finish to the match: "We were going forward and kept working, but now we have to focus on getting the victory at home. Winning that game is very important to us."
Captain Darijo Srna also promises that Shakhtar will be a different proposition in Donetsk. "It is a bigger pitch and we will have a big crowd for our first competitive game in Ukraine for three months, so we have a great chance," said the 27-year-old Croatian international. "It will be a different game and we only need to score once, so if we play like today but without any mistakes we will go through. I believe in this team."
http://www.sport.co.uk/news/Football/34406/Hodgson_proud_of_famous_victory.aspx (http://www.sport.co.uk/news/Football/34406/Hodgson_proud_of_famous_victory.aspx)
Hodgson proud of famous victory
Fulham boss Roy Hodgson cannot believe how far his side has come after watching them beat last season's UEFA Cup winners Shakhtar Donetsk 2-1 in the first leg of their last-32 Europa League clash at Craven Cottage.
Zoltan Gera and Bobby Zamora netted for the Cottagers to leave the Premier League side with a slender advantage going into next Thursday's second leg in Ukraine.
It is all a far cry from two years ago when Fulham were staring relegation to the Championship in the face.
The veteran manager said: "We're very happy to get a victory against such a good team. It was a very exciting cup tie played in the right spirit and it was very competitive. Both teams tried to pass the ball.
"I'm pleased to have taken such an important scalp. It's a big game for Fulham and we've come an awful long way.
"If someone had said to me during my first season here when we were battling to stay in the Premier League that we'd beat Shakhtar in a couple of years, I'd have thought they were taking the mickey.
"We've done it and are very proud of it. There's an awful lot left in this tie because we saw how skilful they are, but we still have a chance to make a name for ourselves. This was a very good victory - probably our best in Europe.
"It was a wonder strike from Bobby (Zamora). He's got two feet, I don't know which is his best and neither does he.
"Apart from his typically accomplished performance as a target man setting things up and working hard, his strike was of real quality. We're now talking about a striker who has scored 14 goals in 31 starts.
"It's an excellent strike rate. I hope he can get over the 20-goal mark to crown his season."
http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/matches/season=2010/round=2000038/match=2000914/postmatch/report/index.html#zamora+downs+shakhtar (http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/matches/season=2010/round=2000038/match=2000914/postmatch/report/index.html#zamora+downs+shakhtar)
Zamora thunderbolt shakes Shakhtar
Fulham FC 2-1 FC Shakhtar Donetsk
A startling strike from the Cottagers' burly front-man Bobby Zamora handed the 2008/09 UEFA Cup winners a narrow defeat on the banks of the Thames.
Fulham FC extended their unbeaten run at home in European ties to 13 against the winners of the last edition of the UEFA Cup, FC Shakhtar Donetsk.
Zoltán Gera's early goal gave the hosts the perfect start before Luiz Adriano equalised, but Bobby Zamora's second-half rocket ensured Roy Hodgson's men take a slender lead into next Thursday's UEFA Europa League round of 32 return leg in Ukraine.
The Londoners opened with confidence befitting a side that had never lost at home in Europe, and Andriy Pyatov was forced to tip over Brede Hangeland's header from Danny Murphy's delivery in the first 30 seconds. Murphy again had a key role as the hosts took a third-minute lead, with his incisive through ball finding Zamora, whose lay-off played in Gera. The Hungarian's shot squirmed under Pyatov and in.
Murphy went close in the 23rd minute when his free-kick sailed just wide of Pyatov's left-hand post, but Mircea Lucescu's side recovered from their tough opening and began to pass the ball smoothly. After 31 minutes, Darijo Srna's cross-shot fizzed just wide after Răzvan Raţ's centre from the left had not cleared. Fulham's reprieve was brief: one minute later, Ilsinho sent Luiz Adriano clear and the Brazilian beat Mark Schwarzer courtesy of a sidestep and composed finish.
With few second-half chances, it took a moment of brilliance for Hodgson's side to retake the lead on 63 minutes. This time Gera set up Zamora, his delightful back-heel being smashed into the top corner by the powerful striker via the underside of the bar. Zamora almost added to his haul moments later but headed wide while unmarked. Fernandinho's late goal had rescued a draw on Shakhtar's last visit to London, against Tottenham Hotspur FC at the same stage last season, and he almost repeated the trick in added time, only for Schwarzer to parry his lofted chip and ensure Fulham held on.
http://www.teamtalk.com/football/story/0,16368,1775_5958908,00.html (http://www.teamtalk.com/football/story/0,16368,1775_5958908,00.html)
More to come from Bobby - Hodgson
Roy Hodgson has challenged Bobby Zamora to smash through the 20-goal barrier after the Fulham striker sealed a 2-1 win over Shakhtar Donetsk.
In Thursday night's Europa League round-of-32 first-leg tie at Craven Cottage, Zamora headlined a commanding display against last year's UEFA Cup winners by firing a spectacular 63rd-minute winner that saw the ball smash onto the crossbar and cannon into the net.
It was his 14th strike of the season and he also set up the opener for Zoltan Gera to revive speculation over his chances of an England call-up.
Hodgson believes there is more to come from a player who has surpassed all expectations this season after almost joining Hull in the summer.
"It was a wonder strike from Bobby. He's got two feet - I don't know which is his best and neither does he," said the Fulham boss.
"Apart from his typically accomplished performance as a target man setting things up and working hard, his strike was of real quality.
"We're now talking about a forward who has scored 14 goals in 31 starts.
"It's an excellent strike rate. I hope he can get over the 20-goal mark to crown his season."
Big-spending Shakhtar threatened to cut loose after Luiz Adriano equalised Gera's early opener, but Fulham rallied to give themselves a good chance of progressing in the competition ahead of next Thursday's second leg.
The Ukrainians, who fielded five Brazilians, played some wonderful football and threatened to overwhelm opponents fatigued by a punishing schedule.
But Fulham found a second wind after half-time and were helped by a superb stoppage-time save by Mark Schwarzer from Fernandinho
http://www.footballfancast.com/football-news/hodgson-our-best-european-win?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+ffc_Premiership_Blogs+%28FFC_Premiership_Blogs%29 (http://www.footballfancast.com/football-news/hodgson-our-best-european-win?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+ffc_Premiership_Blogs+%28FFC_Premiership_Blogs%29)
Hodgson: our best european win
(http://www.footballfancast.com/football-news/hodgson-our-best-european-win?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+ffc_Premiership_Blogs+%28FFC_Premiership_Blogs%29)
Fulham boss Roy Hodgson cannot believe how far his side has come after watching them beat last season's UEFA Cup winners Shakhtar Donetsk 2-1 in the first leg of their last-32 Europa League clash at Craven Cottage.
Zoltan Gera and Bobby Zamora netted for the Cottagers to leave the Premier League side with a slender advantage going into next Thursday's second leg in Ukraine.
It is all a far cry from two years ago when Fulham were staring relegation to the Championship in the face.
The veteran manager said:"We're very happy to get a victory against such a good team. It was a very exciting cup tie played in the right spirit and it was very competitive. Both teams tried to pass the ball.
"I'm pleased to have taken such an important scalp. It's a big game for Fulham and we've come an awful long way.
"If someone had said to me during my first season here when we were battling to stay in the Premier League that we'd beat Shakhtar in a couple of years, I'd have thought they were taking the mickey.
"We've done it and are very proud of it. There's an awful lot left in this tie because we saw how skilful they are, but we still have a chance to make a name for ourselves. This was a very good victory – probably our best in Europe.
"It was a wonder strike from Bobby (Zamora). He's got two feet, I don't know which is his best and neither does he.
"Apart from his typically accomplished performance as a target man setting things up and working hard, his strike was of real quality. We're now talking about a striker who has scored 14 goals in 31 starts.
"It's an excellent strike rate. I hope he can get over the 20-goal mark to crown his season."
http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/813955-zamora-and-gera-strikes-give-fulham-europa-league-win (http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/813955-zamora-and-gera-strikes-give-fulham-europa-league-win)
Zamora and Gera strikes give Fulham Europa League win
Bobby Zamora thunderbolt ensured Fulham will take a 2-1 lead to Ukraine next week for the second leg of their round of 32 tie with Shakhtar Donetsk.
(http://img.metro.co.uk/i/pix/2010/02/19/article-1266570400179-085BE8BB000005DC-466549_636x486.jpg)
The striker smashed home a 63rd-minute effort to settle the first-leg encounter at Craven Cottage. Zoltan Gera (pictured) had given the Cottagers the lead on 11 minutes after a neat move but Luiz Adriano's calm finish levelled matters before half-time.
http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/February/LuckyProgrammeNumberShakhtar.aspx (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/February/LuckyProgrammeNumberShakhtar.aspx)
Lucky Programme Number Friday 19th February 2010
The lucky programme number from Thursday night's match against Shakhtar Donetsk at the Cottage was
02364.
If you were the lucky buyer of this numbered edition then please email
[email protected]| with a scan or photograph of the inside back cover as proof of your success.
The winner will receive a medium Fulham shirt, signed, as well as a signed copy of Thursday's programme.
Be sure to pick up a copy of the programme at every home game to be in with a chance of winning great Fulham prizes like these.
http://www.eecho.ie/news/index.aspx?c=sport&jp=eyeygbidqley (http://www.eecho.ie/news/index.aspx?c=sport&jp=eyeygbidqley)
Shorey back for Fulham
(http://newsfeed.tcm.ie/media/images/f/fulham0910.jpg)
Fulham defender Nicky Shorey will return for Sunday's Barclays Premier League clash with Birmingham City at Craven Cottage.
Shorey, on loan from Aston Villa, was ineligible for the 2-1 Europa League victory over Shakhtar Donetsk but will replace Stephen Kelly at left-back against the Blues.
Paul Konchesky could figure on the bench after recovering from a foot injury, but long-term casualties Kagisho Dikgacoi (ankle), Andrew Johnson, Clint Dempsey and John Pantsil (all knee) are out.
Provisional squad: Schwarzer, Zuberbuhler, Baird, Kelly, Konchesky, Stoor, Hangeland, Hughes, Smalling, Shorey, Gera, Duff, Murphy, Greening, Davies, Etuhu, Riise, Nevland, Okaka, Elm, Zamora.
http://www.givemefootball.com/europa-league/bobby-is-just-the-jobby-for-england (http://www.givemefootball.com/europa-league/bobby-is-just-the-jobby-for-england)
Bobby is just the jobby for England
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Fulham's midfield general Danny Murphy reckons Fabio Capello should check out Bobby Zamora before deciding on his World Cup squad.
Zamora is in the best form of his career and showed his class, and growing confidence, by scoring a wonder goal and creating another as Fulham shaded a tight Europa League clash.
Whilst manager Roy Hodgson has challenged his 14-goal striker to break through the 20-goal barrier, Murphy has challenged his pal to make the step up to international level.
After the 2-1 win against Shakhtar Donetsk, last year's UEFA Cup winners, Murphy said of Zamora: "You can see his confidence is sky-high, he has got better each month with his goalscoring, confidence and all-round game.
"If he carries on the way he is, he's got to have a shout at the England squad."
Asked for the result against one of the tournament favourites, the former Liverpool midfielder added: "I thought we started brightly and got the goal, but we got a bit nervy after that. They settled down and passed the ball well and got a deserved equaliser.
"We got to grips with them a bit better in the second half and pushed them into a few errors. It was a great goal from Bobby which took the pressure off us defensively. We have got something to fight for now, it will be a great game over there."
Meanwhile, Hodgson believes there is more to come from Zamora who has surpassed all expectations this season after almost joining Hull in the summer.
"It was a wonder strike from Bobby. He's got two good feet - I don't know which is his best and neither does he.
"Apart from his typically accomplished performance as a target man setting things up and working hard, his strike was of real quality.
"We're now talking about a forward who has scored 14 goals in 31 starts. It's an excellent strike rate. I hope he can get over the 20-goal mark to crown his season."
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_5959106,00.html (http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_5959106,00.html)
Hodgson sets Zamora target
Fulham boss challenges striker to reach 20 goals
Fulham manager Roy Hodgson has challenged striker Bobby Zamora to reach the 20-goal mark this season and fire his side to Europa League glory.
Zamora notched his 14th of the campaign with the decisive strike in Fulham's 2-1 fist leg win over Shakhtar Donetsk in the round of 32 clash on Thursday night and Hodgson is backing the 29-year-old to reach his target.
"We're talking about a forward who has scored 14 goals in 31 starts," said Hodgson.
"It's an excellent strike rate. I hope he can get over the 20-goal mark to crown his season."
The former Tottenham forward came close to leaving Craven Cottage in the summer, but opted to stay and fight for his place in the starting XI.
Zamora has responded with an impressive goal haul which has increased his outside chances of an England call-up that was unthinkable at the start of the season.
Contribution
Hodgson praised Zamora's contribution against Uefa Cup holders Donetsk and was pleased to have secured a narrow advantage ahead of the second leg at the Donbass Arena next week.
"It was a wonder strike from Bobby. He's got two feet - I don't know which is his best and neither does he," added the Cottagers boss.
"Apart from his typically accomplished performance as a target man setting things up and working hard, his strike was of real quality.
"It was a very exciting cup tie played in the right spirit and was very competitive. Both teams tried to pass the ball.
"I'm pleased to have taken such an important scalp. It's a big game for Fulham and we've come an awful long way.
"We've done it and are very proud of it. There's an awful lot left in this tie because we saw how skilful they are, but we still have a chance to make a name for ourselves.
"This was a very good victory - probably our best in Europe."
http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/February/MirceaLucescuReaction.aspx (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/February/MirceaLucescuReaction.aspx)
From the Other Side
Friday 19th February 2010
(http://www.fulhamfc.com/Images/MainNews/NewsPages/NonFulhamManagers/MirceaLucescuMain.jpg)
Speaking after Thursday evening's match between Fulham and Shakhtar Donetsk, visiting manager Mircea Lucescu gave his assessment of the game.
"It is a good thing that we've got a second leg so we'll still have a chance," the Shakhtar Manager explained. "We've lost a game that we shouldn't have lost. A lack of practice coming into the game saw us concede the first goal. After that we had the game under control.
"There were a lot of chances out of which we could have scored but unfortunately we couldn't find the right solution. This was a rivalry between two different styles of game - Fulham were playing very strong passes and we based our game on technique and speed. As a result we had a spectacular game for the fans.
"Now we have to do our best to realise our potential in Donetsk and win the game. It will be very difficult because Fulham are very well organised, especially in defence. We'll definitely have to find ways to weaken their defence and create our own chances.
"We hope that the referees in Donetsk will facilitate a beautiful game and not what happened today, I'm not judging the referee - he had his own method of judgement which facilitated more physical football.
"But I congratulate Fulham, they are a great team who have a very good defence and play in a compact manner, that's why it's going to be very difficult in the second leg. I'm sure we will be in better form in Donetsk. Fulham definitely had some luck and managed to take advantage of their chances but that doesn't mean that I don't appreciate Fulham's defensive strength."
http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/February/BirminghamTravelUpdate.aspx (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/February/BirminghamTravelUpdate.aspx)
Birmingham Travel Update
Friday 19th February 2010
Supporters planning on coming to this Sunday's match between Fulham and Birmingham City at Craven Cottage should note that ongoing works to Hammersmith Bridge and the London Underground could affect travel times.
Hammersmith Bridge
Work on Hammersmith Bridge will continue until March 2010, the bridge will be closed to all traffic in both directions every weekend until March 15. However, the bridge will be open to cyclists and pedestrians at all times during these works.
Circle Line, District Line and Hammersmith and City Line
There is no service on the Circle Line on the entire line due to track replacement work this weekend.
There is no service between Edgware Road and High Street Kensington on the District Line due to track replacement work.
There is no service between Baker Street and Hammersmith on the Hammersmith and City Line due to track replacement work.
Your journey time could take up to 45 minutes extra. If you need any further information visit tfl.gov.uk| , phone 0843 222 1234 (24 hours) or speak to station staff.
Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/February/BirminghamTravelUpdate.aspx#ixzz0fyhDKfig (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/February/BirminghamTravelUpdate.aspx#ixzz0fyhDKfig)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/8521835.stm (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/8521835.stm)
Fulham v Birmingham
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Fulham play on Thursday in the Europa League so there's always a worry over fitness with players potentially picking up injuries. They have had their rocky spell but they now look like they are on the way back. They are still in the FA Cup and have got their form back on track.
After a fantastic run from Birmingham they are now going into the classic period of inconsistency where you are not quite sure what you are going to get.
Verdict: 2-1
