Brede's Europa Brief
Wednesday 24th February 2010
Fulham FC News
Fulham defender Brede Hangeland knows Fulham will need to produce another top class performance to overcome Shakhtar Donetsk at the Donbass Arena on Thursday night and the Norwegian international captain is clearly desperate to continue this season's memorable European adventure.
"We're in the lead after the hone game but it's a very narrow lead to take to a place like this. We'll have to play really well, defend well and take our chances when they come. Hopefully we can go through.
"I was very impressed with them [Shakhtar Donetsk] – they were quick, athletic and very good on the ball. It was a different to what we are used to in the Premier League but I thought we did well at the Cottage and if we can do something similar hopefully we can go through.
"We came into this competition as a sort of bonus for doing well last season and obviously we'd like to go as far as we can. We're just enjoying every opportunity and travelling to some places that we haven't been before.
"It would be great to go through but we're fully focused on the game against Shakhtar and we not looking at what might happen after."
http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/February/bredeEuropaBrief.aspx#ixzz0gUrLUUoN
Europa Preview
Wednesday 24th February 2010
Fulham FC News
Fulham arrived in Donetsk on Wednesday afternoon ahead of Thursday night's UEFA Europa League clash against Shakhtar Donetsk and Roy Hodgson revealed the latest Team news before taking the evening training session at the stunning Donbass Arena.
"It's the same situation we had at the weekend, but of course Nicky Shorey and Stefano Okaka are cup tied," said Hodgson.
"In these European matches we are limited – we've got two young players with us who have no First Team experience at all. Our squad isn't big enough to allow us to have 18 senior professionals with the injuries we currently have."
Fulham will take a 2-1 lead into Thursday night's encounter and Hodgson is hoping his Team can reproduce another memorable European performance to secure a place in the last 16 to face either Juventus or Ajax.
"We're confident we'll give them a good game. We obviously have a lot of respect for them as a football team. We had that before we met them because we knew they were good.
"I think if we had any doubts those doubts would have been dispelled at Craven Cottage when we saw how well they can play and how dangerous they can be.
"The task in front of us is a big one but we don't lack confidence in any way - but at the same time we're not suffering from overconfidence. We know if we're going to get a result here [Donetsk] on Thursday night we'll have to play exceptionally well.
"It's nice to be here and it's nice to be in this situation. The players have got their focus firmly set on the game and they've also got their attitude firmly in place for the game. It's not the be all and end all but going through is certainly something we would like to do."
Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/February/HodgsonShakhtarPreview.aspx#ixzz0gUsX2iFN (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/February/HodgsonShakhtarPreview.aspx#ixzz0gUsX2iFN)
Stoke Ticket Options
Wednesday 24th February 2010
Fulham FC News
Supporters who purchased tickets for the postponed Barclays Premier League match against Stoke City should note that the following three options are available to them:
You can keep your tickets as they will be valid for the rescheduled game.
Once a new date for the Stoke game has been announced, you can return your tickets with a covering letter within seven days of the announcement for a full refund.
You can swap your Stoke tickets for FA Cup Quarter-Final tickets - however your tickets will need to be returned with a covering letter. Tickets should be received no later than 3pm on Wednesday 3rd March.
How to return your tickets:
You can return your tickets in person to the Craven Cottage Ticket Office
You can post your tickets to the Ticket Office:
Craven Cottage
Ticket Office
Stevenage Road
London
SW6 6HH
Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/February/StokeTicketUpdate.aspx#ixzz0gUt90IDI (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/February/StokeTicketUpdate.aspx#ixzz0gUt90IDI)
Reserve Match Moved
Wednesday 24th February 2010
Fulham FC News
Supporters should note that Fulham's Barclays Premier Reserve League fixture against West Ham United, which was due to be played on Tuesday 9th March, has been rescheduled.
The fixture will now take place on Tuesday 27th April at Bishop's Stortford FC (kick-off 7pm).
http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/February/WestHamReservesMoved.aspx
http://hammyend.com/?p=5614
It's Tottenham!
by Dan on February 24, 2010
Fulham will host Tottenham Hotspur in the FA Cup quarter final on Saturday 6 March after Spurs got past Bolton in tonight's fifth round replay.
Harry Redknapp's side secured their trip to Craven Cottage with a comfortable win over Wanderers at White Hart Lane. Russian striker Roman Pavlyuchenko, once linked with a loan move to Fulham, set Tottenham on their way with the opening goal on 28 minutes and two unfortunate own goals from Jussi Jaaskelainen and Alan O'Brien sealed Bolton's fate. Pavlyuchenko grabbed his fourth goal in two games – the previously out-of-favour forward scored twice at Wigan on Saturday night – with three minutes left to complete the rout.
The game will screened live by ITV1 and kick off at 5.20pm.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/8534385.stm
Shakhtar Donetsk v Fulham (agg 1 - 2)
Thursday, 25 February 2010
Europa League
Home Team Score Away Team Time
S. Donetsk v Fulham 18:00
(agg 1-2)
Venue: Donbass Arena Date: Thursday 25 February Kick-off: 1800 GMT
Coverage: BBC Sport website, BBC Radio 5 live updates and live on ITV4
TEAM NEWS
Fulham will be without on-loan defender Nicky Shorey for the second leg of the Europa League last 32 tie against 2009 Uefa Cup winners Shakhtar Donetsk.
Shorey, who is on loan from Aston Villa, is ineligible for the match.
Full-back Paul Konchesky is nearing a return after missing the last five weeks with an ankle injury but the game in Ukraine may come too soon.
Fulham take a 2-1 first leg lead to Ukraine to face a Shakhtar side that are unbeaten at home this season.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/premierleague/fulham/7309206/Shakhtar-Donetsk-v-Fulham-club-can-be-proud-win-or-lose-says-Roy-Hodgson.html
Shakhtar Donetsk v Fulham: club can be proud win or lose says Roy Hodgson
Roy Hodgson admitted that even if Fulham's Europa League journey comes to an end in the impressive Donbass Arena, the club can be proud of their achievements.
By John Ley in Donetsk
Published: 6:46PM GMT 24 Feb 2010
Fulham lead 2-1 from the first leg against Uefa Cup holders Shakhtar Donetsk can reach the final 16 of the tournament.
Hodgson said: "It's an enormous stride to get here, it was an enormous scalp to beat the reigning champions and it has been enormous for the club to take scalps like Roma, Basle, CSKA Sofia, so we have proved we have come along way.
Shakhtar Donetsk refused Harrods entry "If we get a result it will be fantastic, but if we don't get a result it will have been a wonderful experience and helped increase the stature of the club amongst people in England.
"Sooner or later we may come up against a team who could beat us, we hope it won't happen tomorrow night.
"As a manager you shouldn't be looking to make history, you should be looking to do a good job. We will enjoy this game in a fantastic arena and against a tremendous team. But it won't make or break the feeling I have for Fulham FC."
Hodgson is without the injured Paul Konchesky, Clint Dempsey, Andrew Johnson, John Pantsil and Kagisho Dokgacoi while Nicky Shorey and Stefano Okacha are cup-tied.
He added: "We are confident we'll give them a good game after we gave them a good game at Craven Cottage. We have a lot of respect for them as a football team.
"We know how dangerous we can be, we don't lack confidence, but we are not suffering from over confidence. We will have to play well."
Hodgson's side could try to hold out for a goalless draw, but the Ukrainians have
A valuable away goal and he added: "Playing for draws is always a difficult thing to do because you automatically give the advantage to the other team.
"We really want to play them and to match them in their play and that means attacking rather than defending.
"Everything we do is to prepare to do well and based on when we get the ball cause them the problems.
"An away goal is useful in matches; by scoring an away goal to make the task easier. But they still need to win the game and I don't think they will underestimate us.
"It is nice to have an advantage but it is a slender advantage and we are expecting an onslaught from Shakhtar."
Fulham will play in the 51,000, $400m Donbass Arena built to for the 2012 European Championship finals and Hodgson was impressed, adding: "The stadium is quite outstanding, a magnificent place. It bodes well for the European Championship finals."
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11681_5977773,00.html
Bance reveals English ambition
Powerful African forward eyes Premier move
By Giscard Gourizro Last updated: 24th February 2010
Mainz striker Aristide Bance has admitted he is hoping to one day play his football in the Premier League.
The 25-year-old Burkina Faso international has reportedly attracted interest from a number of English clubs, with Birmingham, Blackburn and Fulham touted as possible destinations.
Bance, who was born and raised in the Ivory Coast, says he is currently focused on his role in the German Bundesliga, although he made no secret of his ambition.
"For me it is simple," he told skysports.com.
"I am here in Mainz and trying to do my best, but my ambition is to play in the Premier League one day.
"I am 25 years old so I am ready for big challenges now, I want to finish this season strongly and see.
"My advisors are in England so they will let me know if there is an interested club. I know some are through the press, but I am calm and will wait."
http://www.football365.com/story/0,17033,8652_5977833,00.html
COTTAGERS CHASING MORE THAN A POINT
Posted 24/02/10 18:32
Roy Hodgson has no intention of playing for a draw when his Fulham side take on Shakhtar Donetsk for a place in the last 16 of the Europa League.
Fulham head to Shakhtar's impressive Donbass Arena holding a 2-1 advantage following the first leg at Craven Cottage last week.
But the wily Hodgson said: "Playing for a draw is a difficult thing to do, you automatically give the initiative to the other team.
"I don't think it's in our nature or in our style of play to do that, surrender the initiative and try to shut up shop for 90 minutes.
"I think we want to play them, match them at least in their play and that means attacking well and defending well.
"Certainly there is going to be nothing in our preparations that will take into account that we only need a draw.
"We are preparing to play well against a team that we know will come at us and try to cause us problems.
"First of all we will try to stop that and then when we get the ball we can cause them some problems."
Luiz Adriano's goal has given the 2009 UEFA Cup winners room for optimism, as did an eye-catching display in west London.
But a fine strike from Bobby Zamora, added to Zoltan Gera's opener, leaves Cottagers fans dreaming of a clash with Ajax or, more likely, Juventus in the next round.
"An away goal is useful, of course, you make the task a little bit easier for yourself," added Hodgson.
"But it's an away goal in a defeat so they've still got to win the game.
"Shakhtar will be perfectly aware of that and I don't think they will under-estimate us.
"Their coach, who I spoke to after the game, was impressed with our performance at Craven Cottage and I'm sure his team will be preparing, as we are, for another tough encounter."
As well as the in-form Zamora, Hodgson will be looking for another big performance from defender Brede Hangeland.
And the Norwegian knows he will have to be at his rock-solid best if Fulham are to make the last 16 for the first time in their history.
"We are in the lead but we all saw at Craven Cottage what a good team they are," said Hangeland.
"We will have to play well, defend well and take our chances when they come.
"I was very impressed with them. They are quick, athletic, good on the ball. It's a different game to what we are used to in the Premier League.
"We came into this competition as a bonus for doing well last year but we'd like to go as far as we can.
"It would be great to get through, but we are fully focused on this game and not what might happen after."
http://fulhampatsfan.blogspot.com/2010/02/my-5-keys-to-victory-for-fulham-at.html
My 5 Keys to Victory for Fulham at Shakhtar Donetsk
The day of reckoning is tomorrow. Fulham play at Shakhtar Donetsk in the Final 32 of the Europa League. The game is at 6PM UK Time and 1PM EST. Fulham hold on to a slim lead in the competition. There are several questions going into this match. What starting lineup will Roy Hogdson go with? Will they play defensive and protect the slim lead? How will the referees effect this match? Which style of football will dominate? All of these questions and more will be answered after the game. Below are my 5 keys to victory for Fulham.
1. Stephen Kelly has to be at this best in this match on defense. I have been hard on him. However, he has looked out of place in several matches. Was he beat on the Luiz Adriano goal in the first match? With the attacking style of Shakhtar Donetsk, for Fulham to win he is going to have to be at his best. I will be watching Stephen Kelly.
2. Fulham can't afford to sit on the lead. Fulham hold a narrow 2 -1 lead going into the match. They cannot afford to sit back and let this team attack the entire game. It is imperative that the ball is pushed up to Bobby Zamora and Zoltan Gera. They need to attack and score. If they do decide to sit back I believe this is a recipe for disaster. Shakhtar have too much talent.
3. Fulham need to dictate their style of football on Shakhtar Donetsk. Shakhtar play a more wide open attacking football. Some could call it a "beautiful style" of football. Fulham need to play their physical brand of football. They need to force their will on Shakhtar. Players like Bobby Zamora and Dickson Etuhu can set that tone.
4. Fulham need to be aware of how the referees are calling the match. Unfortunately, the referees I believe will play a major part in this match. Fulham need to play how the match is being called. If the officials are letting them be physical they need to take that physicality as far as they can. If they are calling it close they need to be careful with their physical play. Physical players like Dickson Etuhu and Bobby Zamora have to be careful. Fulham don't need anymore red cards that effected the last Roma match.
5. Mark Schwarzer needs to have an exceptional game in net. I think he will be under constant pressure. He is a great goalkeeper. I have faith that he will be on his game.
I am sure there are other keys for the match but these 5 stand out to me. Shakhtar Donetsk are a very impressive team. This game will be a tough challenge for Roy Hogdson. If Fulham can control the game they have a chance. Let's hope for the best.
Posted by Fulham-Pats Fan at 11:40 AM
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/preview?id=285556&cc=5739
Cottagers to take positive approach
Competition Stats
Shakhtar Donetsk Fulham
Goals da Silva Luiz Adriano 4 Bobby Zamora 3
Reds Erik Nevland 1
Yellows da Silva Luiz Adriano 2 Jonathan Greening 4
· Club Squads : Shakhtar Donetsk | Fulham
Last Five Matches in Competition
Shakhtar Donetsk Fulham
A: Fulham 2-1 H: Shakhtar Donetsk 2-1
A: Partizan Belgrade 1-0 A: FC Basel 2-3
H: Club Brugge 0-0 H: CSKA Sofia 1-0
A: Toulouse 0-2 A: AS Roma 2-1
H: Toulouse 4-0 H: AS Roma 1-1
· Club Results: Shakhtar Donetsk | Fulham
Next Five Matches in Competition
Shakhtar Donetsk Fulham
25/2 H: Fulham 25/2 A: Shakhtar Donetsk
· Club Fixtures: Shakhtar Donetsk | Fulham
Updated: February 24, 2010, 6:53 PM UK
Roy Hodgson has no intention of playing for a draw when his Fulham side take on Shakhtar Donetsk for a place in the last 16 of the Europa League.
Fulham head to Shakhtar's impressive Donbass Arena holding a 2-1 advantage following the first leg at Craven Cottage last week.
But the wily Hodgson said: "Playing for a draw is a difficult thing to do, you automatically give the initiative to the other team.
"I don't think it's in our nature or in our style of play to do that, surrender the initiative and try to shut up shop for 90 minutes.
"I think we want to play them, match them at least in their play and that means attacking well and defending well.''
Luiz Adriano's goal has given the 2009 UEFA Cup winners room for optimism, as did an eye-catching display in west London.
But a fine strike from Bobby Zamora, added to Zoltan Gera's opener, leaves Cottagers fans dreaming of a clash with Ajax or, more likely, Juventus in the next round.
"An away goal is useful, of course, you make the task a little bit easier for yourself,'' added Hodgson.
"But it's an away goal in a defeat so they've still got to win the game.
"Shakhtar will be perfectly aware of that and I don't think they will under-estimate us.''
Indeed, Shakhtar coach Mircea Lucescu is all too aware of the challenge his team faces.
"It is going to be very important and hard fixture,'' he said.
"Our rivals are in good form. They won the last six matches and succeeded to qualify for the next stage in FA Cup.
"They also improved their standing in the English Premier League.
"They also beat us for the first time and most likely enjoyed it very much. They said a win over Shakhtar was their biggest win ever in European football, so that is why it is going to be hard.''
Hodgson will restore Stephen Kelly to defence with Nicky Shorey ineligible, while Stefano Okaka is also cup-tied while Andrew Johnson, Clint Dempsey and John Pantsil (all knee) are still out.
Razvan Dinca Rat and Luiz Adriano are both doubtful for Shakhtar having only been fit enough to resume training on Tuesday.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/premierleague/fulham/7309494/Shakhtar-Donetsk-v-Fulham-Donbass-Arena-hints-at-eastern-Europes-growing-stature.html
Shakhtar Donetsk v Fulham: Donbass Arena hints at eastern Europe's growing stature
The city was founded by a Welshman, miner John Hughes, and everywhere you look are gob piles – a by-product of mining formed of waste products from the industry, pok-mark Shakhtar.
By John Ley in Donetsk
Published: 6:52PM GMT 24 Feb 2010
Yet, sat in the centre, like a brightly-lit blue spaceship, sits the Donbass Arena, Ukrainian football's pride and joy.
On Thursday night, Fulham become the first English side to enjoy the extravagance and style this remarkable arena offers. The city, twinned with Sheffield, may be a testament to the lure of industrial wealth, but the new stadium hints at eastern European football's growing stature.
Shakhtar Donetsk won the Uefa Cup last season and, in August, they unveiled the Donbass Arena, a stadium that will be used for the finals of Euro 2012, held jointly in Poland and Ukraine.
The $400 million, 51,000 seat dome has already staged concerts by stars such as Beyonce Knowles, having been designed by the same company that saw the building of the City of Manchester Stadium, Munich's Allianz Arena and the home of the Olympic games, the Beijing National Stadium.
It boasts an exceptional engineering solution – the soaring roof effect – which gives the effect of a flying saucer, and as Fulham's players witnessed before training last night, external lighting makes the stadium shine like a beacon.
The stadium, situated in the Lenin Comsomol park, is so at odds with the city, where both Arsenal and Tottenham have lost. In 1869 little existed here until Hughes established a steel mill and coal mines. The city was, as a result, originally named Yuzovka, and as a testament to his influence, one of the oldest structures here is the Hotel Great Britain, which dates from 1883, and continuing the English theme, there is also a Hotel Liverpool.
Indeed, there is something alluring about this city; punk legend and former Clash frontman Joe Strummer included a song entitled 'Shakhtar Donetsk' on his 2001 album Global A Go-Go.
A near sell-out crowd has been urged to spur on the "Motherland", in what is the first game here since December following the long Ukrainian winter break. It may be minus one degree centigrade – or colder -- for the game, but the heat will be turned up when the men they call the Miners attempt to bury the Cottagers.
(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2010/02/24/article-1253597-08740868000005DC-85_468x1544.jpg)
11. Bobby Zamora
Fulham fans will tell you he can run the line up front, if not better than the other candidates for the target-man role – Peter Crouch, Emile Heskey or Carlton Cole.
And he's banging in more goals than those competing for the role. His 13 goals eclipse Crouch's 10, Cole's nine and Heskey's five.
And he's scoring belters, too. The goals against Shakhtar and Birmingham will have certainly given Capello plenty of food for thought.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1253492/THE-LIST-Sportsmails-50-English-footballers-Fabio-Capellos-radar.html#ixzz0gWjL0N7k (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1253492/THE-LIST-Sportsmails-50-English-footballers-Fabio-Capellos-radar.html#ixzz0gWjL0N7k)
http://www.dailystar.co.uk/football/view/123773/Roy-s-men-caught-in-Shak-web/
ROY'S MEN CAUGHT IN SHAK WEB
25th February 2010
By George Scott
FULHAM have complained to Shakhtar Donetsk after the Ukrainian club posted their itinerary on their website.
Their Europa League rivals revealed Fulham's airport arrival time, time of training sessions and named their hotel.
Fulham, who are 2-1 up and bidding for the last 16 of a European tournament for the first time, immediately complained and Shakhtar removed the information.
Last Tuesday, two days before the first match at Craven Cottage, Shakhtar players were turned away from Fulham owner Mohamed Al Fayed's Harrods store.
But Fulham manager Roy Hodgson shrugged off this latest situation, saying: "I think the owner of the club also owns the hotel where we are staying, and I think he likes to get a bit of publicity.
"They do it for every European game and it doesn't bother me." Shakhtar coach Mircea Lucescu then raised the temperature ahead of this tie in the spectacular 51,000 Donbass Arena, when talking about the previous match against Hodgson's men.
Lucescu said: "It was a duel between two completely different styles of playing.
"Fulham were based on physical strength and long passes. We construct our game with technique and fast dribbling.
"Our team deserves to play in the final phase of any tournament it takes part in because we show a spectacular game which is interesting for everyone.
"We will have to find ways to break them down as well as to reach the penalty area." But Hodgson refused to get involved in a row, saying: "I don't know about that. I don't ever comment on those things.
"I know Lucescu quite well and I spoke to him at length after the last game and I don't think there's any doubt in his mind about the type of team we are.
"We matched them in the second half, we took the game to them and played well.We are confident we will give them a good game and we have a lot of respect for them.
"Any doubts will have been dispelled at Craven Cottage, we know how dangerous they can be. We don't lack confidence, but we are not suffering from over confidence.
"It is nice to have an advantage but it is a slender advantage and we are expecting an onslaught from Shakhtar."
Shakhtar Donetsk (probable): Pyatov; Srna, Kucher, Rakitskiy, Rat; Ilsinho, Jadson, Hubschman, Fernandinho, Willian; Adriano.
Fulham (probable): Schwarzer; Baird, Hughes, Hangeland, Kelly; Davies, Etuhu, Murphy, Duff; Gera; Zamora.
Referee: Svein Oddvar Moen (Norway).
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/tottenham/article7040059.ece
Fulham feel heat as they bid to knock out favourites Shakhtar Donetsk
Tom Dart
Before the glamour, the graft. A tie against Juventus or Ajax awaits Fulham if they can secure at least a draw away to Shakhtar Donetsk tonight, but although they take a 2-1 lead to Ukraine it would be bold to describe Roy Hodgson's side as favourites.
Shakhtar knocked out Tottenham Hotspur en route to lifting the Uefa Cup last year and have won eight of their past ten European fixtures at home. It took a superb strike from Bobby Zamora to beat them at Craven Cottage in last Thursday's first leg of the Europa League round-of-32 tie and Fulham can expect to face a heated atmosphere in sub-zero conditions.
Hodgson, the Fulham manager, does not want his side to be cautious this evening, despite the temptation to try to protect their lead.
"Playing for a draw is a difficult thing to do, you automatically give the initiative to the other team," he said. "I don't think it's in our nature or in our style of play to do that, surrender the initiative and try to shut up shop for 90 minutes.
"I think we want to match them at least in their play and that means attacking well and defending well."
The West London club's enthusiasm for the tournament has increased as it has gone on.
"We came into this competition as a bonus for doing well last year but we'd like to go as far as we can," Brede Hangeland, the 28-year-old Fulham and Norway defender, said. "We all saw at Craven Cottage what a good team they are. I was very impressed with them. They are quick, athletic, good on the ball. It's a different game to what we are used to in the Premier League."
Shakhtar Donetsk (possible; 4-2-3-1): A Pyatov — D Srna, O Kucher, Y Rakytskiy, R Rat — Fernandinho, T Hübschman — Ilsinho, Jadson, Willian — Luiz Adriano.
Fulham (possible; 4-4-1-1): M Schwarzer — C Baird, B Hangeland, A Hughes, S Kelly — S Davies, D Murphy, D Etuhu, D Duff — Z Gera — R Zamora.
Referee: S Moen (Norway).
Roy anger at Shak attack
From ANDREW DILLON in Donetsk
Published: Today
Add a comment (2)
ROY HODGSON is fuming after being labelled a 'long-ball merchant' by Shakhtar Donetsk.
Fulham go into this Europa League last-32 second-leg tie leading 2-1 against the UEFA Cup holders.
Following last week's shock victory at Craven Cottage, moaning Shakhtar coach Mircea Lucescu said: "It was a duel between two completely different styles of playing.
"Fulham were based on their physical strength and long passes. We construct our game with technique and with fast dribbling.
"We deserve to play in the final phase of any tournament because we play a spectacular game which is interesting for everyone."
The sabre-rattling and mind games only serve to spice up a crucial match.
Fulham shocked Europe with their impressive 2-1 win over Shakhtar in the first leg and are through to the last eight of the FA Cup and riding high in the Premier League.
Shakhtar are the defending champions and regular Champions League competitors with lofty ambitions.
Fulham manager Hodgson said: "I know Lucescu quite well. I don't think there are any doubts in his mind about the type of team we are.
"We're confident we'll give them a good game after we gave them a good game at home.
"In the second half, we took the game to them and just about deserved to come away with a victory. We have a lot of respect for Donetsk. We don't lack confidence but we are not suffering from over confidence.
"An away goal is useful, of course, as you make the task a little bit easier for yourself.
"But it's an away goal in a defeat so they've still got to win the game.
"It is nice to have an advantage but it is a slender one and we are expecting an onslaught from them.
Hodgson added: "Playing for a draw is a difficult thing to do, you automatically give the initiative to the other team.
"I don't think it's in our nature or in our style of play to do that, surrender the initiative and try to shut up shop for 90 minutes.
"First of all, we will try to stop them causing us problems and then when we get the ball, we can cause them some."
Hodgson will be looking for another big performance from defender Brede Hangeland in the Donbass Arena tonight.
And the Norwegian knows he will have to be at his rock-solid best if Fulham are to make the last 16 for the first time in their history.
Hangeland, 28, said: "We are in the lead but we all saw at Craven Cottage what a good team they are.
"We will have to play well, defend well and take our chances when they come.
"I was very impressed with Donetsk. They are quick, athletic and good on the ball.
"It's a different game to what we are used to in the Premier League.
"We came into this competition as a bonus for doing well last year but we'd like to go as far as we can.
"It would be great to get through but we are fully focused on this game and not what might happen after."
FULHAM LIKELY LINE-UP: Schwarzer, Baird, Hughes, Hangeland, Kelly, Duff, Murphy, Etuhu, Davies, Gera, Zamora.
Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/2867518/Roy-anger-at-Shak-attack.html?OTC-RSS&ATTR=Football#ixzz0gWnodZNt (http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/2867518/Roy-anger-at-Shak-attack.html?OTC-RSS&ATTR=Football#ixzz0gWnodZNt)
http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Shakhtar-Donetsk-vs-Fulham-preview-Roy-Hodgson-tells-his-side-to-go-out-and-play-article334471.html
Hodgson tells his side to go out and play ahead of Shaktar match
Published 22:45 24/02/10
By MirrorFootball
Roy Hodgson will tell his side to go out and play to win tonight.
Fulham head to Shakhtar's impressive Donbass Arena holding a 2-1 advantage and know that a draw will see them through.
But the wily Hodgson said: "Playing for a draw is a difficult thing to do, you automatically give the initiative to the other team.
"I don't think it's in our nature or in our style of play to do that, surrender the initiative and try to shut up shop for 90 minutes.
"I think we want to play them, match them at least in their play and that means attacking well and defending well.
"Certainly there is going to be nothing in our preparations that will take into account that we only need a draw.
"We are preparing to play well against a team that we know will come at us and try to cause us problems.
"First of all we will try to stop that and then when we get the ball we can cause them some problems."
Luiz Adriano's goal has given the 2009 UEFA Cup winners room for optimism, as did an eye-catching display in west London.
But a fine strike from Bobby Zamora, added to Zoltan Gera's opener, leaves Cottagers fans dreaming of a clash with Ajax or, more likely, Juventus in the next round.
"An away goal is useful, of course, you make the task a little bit easier for yourself," added Hodgson.
"But it's an away goal in a defeat so they've still got to win the game.
"Shakhtar will be perfectly aware of that and I don't think they will under-estimate us.
"Their coach, who I spoke to after the game, was impressed with our performance at Craven Cottage and I'm sure his team will be preparing, as we are, for another tough encounter."
As well as the in-form Zamora, Hodgson will be looking for another big performance from defender Brede Hangeland.
And the Norwegian knows he will have to be at his rock-solid best if Fulham are to make the last 16 for the first time in their history.
"We are in the lead but we all saw at Craven Cottage what a good team they are," said Hangeland.
"We will have to play well, defend well and take our chances when they come.
"I was very impressed with them. They are quick, athletic, good on the ball. It's a different game to what we are used to in the Premier League.
"We came into this competition as a bonus for doing well last year but we'd like to go as far as we can.
"It would be great to get through, but we are fully focused on this game and not what might happen after."
http://salutsunderland.footballunited.com/2010/02/who-are-you-were-fulham-3/
Who are you? We're Fulham
On May 4 2006, Sunderland beat Fulham 2-1 in the last home game of the season, with Kevin Ball as caretaker manager. We were already doomed and all that was at stake was avoidance of the added humiliation of becoming the first team in English league history to fail to win a single tie at home all season. We do not have to go back quite as far now as we did then for the last Premier win (home or away): it was, of course, Nov 21 when we beat Arsenal and thought ourselves in clover.
Is Sunday to be our day? James Alexander Tizzard*, our undercover, non-Lily Allen Fulham fan discovered at the Cottage Corner fansite, thinks we will have to wait a little longer for our next victory. We should wish his team well tonight at Shakhtar Donetsk in the Europa League – and hope they're too knackered to muster much of a challenge on Sunday ...
Salut! Sunderland: As a Sunderland fan, I was embarrassed by our first half performance at Craven Cottage, and I know you all felt it was a 3-0 win dressed up as 1-0. Were you surprised at how bad we were?
At the start of the season, Sunderland looked like a side capable of pushing for Europe. The past two seasons you had dominated the games at our place so it was particularly suprising to witness such a poor first half display.
And Fulham fans are entitled to say don;t just knock your team, give us credit?" Indeed, a very good bunch of footballers playing well together. All down to Roy Hodgson?
Hodgson deserves all the credit for the position we find ourselves in. He has built a squad of honest, hard working players which play a very disciplined and attractive style of football. Much of our success has been built on a solid defence
How far can Fulham go? Is it simply unrealistic to hope for a top four breakthrough?
Top 4 will always be out of reach due to the financial restraints at our club. Many fans would like the chairman to flash the cash and live the dream but its important we don't get ahead of ourselves and try to build our club steadily
And what about us? Have you memories, good or bad, of games between us, of players and officials linked with both clubs (Andy Melville, Paul Bracewell, Steed Malbranque, Lee Clark spring to mind)?
I'll stick to the names above! Andy Melville has a cult hero status at the club. Never the classiest, most reliable of defenders, he did play a big role in our promotion to the Premiership and game us a couple of solid years in our first few seasons. Lee Clark also is remembered fondly at CC. Obviously the way in which he left Sunderland will stick in your fans' minds, but he was a true talisman in our rise to the Premier League and was a great captain. Injuries really held him back but he still managed to play an important role in a strong premiership season 2004/2005.
Name this season;s finishing top four in order.
Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester City
And the bottom three
Pompey, Hull, Burnley
If Fulham and Sunderland were in neither, where will we each end up?
Fulham should finish 9th or 10th Sunderland 13th or 14th
The Eduardo question: last second opf the last game of the season. It's 1-1 and you need a win to secure a place in Europe/top four/ or to win the cup. Murphy or Johnson goes down in the box. Everyone in the ground knows it was a dive – except the ref. You score and win. You take it gladly, you take it guiltily or you're so ashamed you almost wish you'd only drawn?
After the incident with Thierry Henry, it's clear that cheats will be allowed to prosper in the game. Whilst no fan likes to see his player cheat, football has a tremendous ability to let things go. With that in mind, I'd happily take any form of cheating if it meant success for Fulham
How outrageous was it to suggest Danny or Andy would do any such thing, and who are the Premier's worst divers?
Danny is very unlikely to throw himself down for a penalty. Johnson has been labelled a diver most of his career! Diving seems to be a dying out in the Premier League. The last one i remember doing it was Rooney.
Club vs country. With the World Cup looming, who wins for you and why?
Club everytime. Its hard to supports an English Team that consists of characters such as John Terry or Ashley Cole (not just because their Chelsea). England seems much more a money making thing these days
Will you be at the match – have you ever been to Sunderland? – and what will be the score on Feb 28?
I will indeed be at the game. We play in Donetsk the Thursday before so its going to be a really tough ask for our side. That said our side have surprised me this season so I'll go for a 1-1 draw.
* James Alexander Tizzard on James Alexander Tizzard: I have been followed Fulham since the mid-70s. My late father Jack was a season ticket holder for some 30 years and was chairman of the Disabled Fulham Trust. It's great to be able to watch Fulham in what has been the best period in the clubs history, hopefully we can add our first major trophy to crown it. The club is very much growing in stature, as can be seen in the slow rise in attendances over the past few years
Read more: http://salutsunderland.footballunited.com/2010/02/who-are-you-were-fulham-3/#ixzz0gXfOuyEV (http://salutsunderland.footballunited.com/2010/02/who-are-you-were-fulham-3/#ixzz0gXfOuyEV)
Shakhtar Preparation Photos
Thursday 25th February 2010
http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/February/ShakhtarAwayPreparationPhotos.aspx
Step By Step
Thursday 25th February 2010
Fulham FC News Powered by
Since returning from international duty with Nigeria at the African Cup of Nations, Dickson Etuhu's presence in Fulham's first eleven has coincided with an impressive run of results for the Club.
The powerful midfielder is clearly delighted to be back in the heart of Fulham's midfield, although he clearly feels there is much more to come from him over the next few months.
"It's good to be back," said Etuhu ahead of Thursday night's game. "I've played the last five games now. I'm feeling good but still not where I want to be yet. That will come soon. Everybody knows what I'm like when I play at my best."
Etuhu wasn't in the least bit surprised to see Damien Duff and Bobby Zamora score scintillating goals against Birmingham City last weekend. According to the midfield powerhouse both strikes were trademark finishes from the pair.
"It was a great strike by Bobby but he does it all the time in training so I wasn't really surprised," explained Etuhu. "He's a great player and he's having a great season and I'm really happy for him.
"Duffer loves that one where he comes inside and hits it. He scored a similar one when he first signed. It's something you see him doing a lot."
If Fulham can continue their impressive winning form in Donetsk this evening Etuhu and company could be facing either Ajax or Juventus in the last 16 of the UEFA Europe League - although Etuhu is keeping his feet firmly on the ground.
"We're thinking about each game as it comes along and getting everything out of it. We don't think too far ahead – that's the good thing about Fulham Football Club – we just think about the next game.
"Everybody knows they're a great team and we did really well to beat them at the Cottage. They played really well and now we're looking forward to going over there and playing in a big match.
"All the boys are relishing the opportunity to play in this game. We're going there to win the game but at the same time we're not thinking too far ahead."
Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/February/EtuhuShakhtarAway.aspx#ixzz0gXjHhjLH (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/February/EtuhuShakhtarAway.aspx#ixzz0gXjHhjLH)
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/premierleague/fulham/7309468/Fulham-complain-after-Shakhtar-Donetsk-put-trip-details-on-website.html
Fulham complain after Shakhtar Donetsk put trip details on website
Fulham complained to Shakhtar Donetsk after the Uefa Cup holders published the London club's itinerary for their trip for Thursday night's match, including details of their flight arrival, training sessions and their hotel, on their website. The details were quickly taken down.
By John Ley in Donetsk
Published: 7:00AM GMT 25 Feb 2010
The complaint follows an incident last week when Shakhtar's players were turned away from Harrods, owned by Fulham chairman Mohamed Fayed. He later apologised to the club.
Manager Roy Hodgson insisted Fulham would not let it distract them from attempting to make history. He said: "I think the owner of the club also owns the hotel where we are staying and I think he likes to get a bit of publicity for it."
Both episodes add a touch of spice to this finely balanced tie, with Fulham leading 2-1 from the first leg, thanks to Bobby Zamora's outstanding late effort at Craven Cottage. The winners play Juventus or Ajax.
Hodgson is without the injured Paul Konchesky, Clint Dempsey, Andrew Johnson, John Pantsil and Kagisho Dokgacoi while Nicky Shorey and Stefano Okacha are cup-tied.
Hodgson admitted that even if Fulham's European journey comes to an end in the impressive Donbass Arena tomorrow, the club can be proud of their achievements.
Hodgson said: "If we get a result it will be fantastic, but if we don't it will have been a wonderful experience and helped increase the stature of the club."
Probable teams
Fulham (4-4-1-1): Schwarzer; Baird, Hughes, Hangeland, Kelly; Davies, Etuhu, Murphy, Duff; Gera; Zamora.
Shakhtar Donetsk (4-5-1): Pyatov; Srna, Kucher, Rakitskiy, Rat; Ilsinho, Jadson, Hubschman, Fernandinho, Willian; Adriano.
Referee: S Moen (Norway).
Shakhtar Donetsk v Fulham – Preview – 25 February 2010
by: Jonathon Feyerherm
25 Feb 2010
Shakhtar Donetsk v Fulham
UEFA Europa League Round of 32 2nd Leg
Donbass Arena – Donetsk, Ukraine
25 February 2010 – 18:00 GMT
EPL side Fulham heads to Ukraine with a 2-1 aggregate lead against defending UEFA Cup champions Shakhtar Donetsk.
Shakhtar Donetsk v Fulham Preview
Fulham won the first leg 2-1 at Craven Cottage but will have a tough test at the Donbass Arena in Donetsk. Shakhtar have not lost at home in the Europa League this season and have a +7 goal difference in three matches. They won Group J with a dominating 4-1-1 record and conceding only three goals. Fulham were second in Group E with a 3-2-1 record and a +2 goal difference. They had one win on the road (at Basel) in the group stage.
Shakhtar had an impressive run last season to win the UEFA Cup and is one of the favorites to win the entire tournament. They are second in the Ukraine Premier League (behind Dynamo Kiev) with only one loss in 17 matches. Brazilians Luiz Adriano (9 goals) and Jadson (6 goals) provide most of the scoring for Shakhtar. Adriano provied the lone goal in the first leg against Fulham.
Fulham are in position for another top half finish in the English Premier League with 37 points through 27 matches. They are led in the attack by Bobby Zamora (8 goals) and Damien Duff (6 goals). The London club is healthy now after several early season injuries but midfielder Clint Dempsey remains unavailable. Since arriving, manager Roy Hodgson has instilled a disciplined style of play that has made Fulham one of the EPL's stongest defensive sides.
Shakhtar will have the advantage playing at home but Fulham are capable of playing a defensive match. Fulham will play offensive and generally rely on the counterattack to get any chances. If either side is able to get an early goal, it will probably that side that advances to the quarterfinals.
Shakhtar Donetsk v Fulham Prediction
Shakhtar are a strong team and will advance 4-3 on aggregate (3-1 win on Thursday's match).
Watch Shakhtar Donetsk v Fulham Live Online
You can watch Shakhtar Donetsk v Fulham live online as well as all other Europa League games. Read our live Europa League football page for more details.
Read more: http://soccerlens.com/fulham-shakhtar-donetsk/41212/#ixzz0gXluBnaI (http://soccerlens.com/fulham-shakhtar-donetsk/41212/#ixzz0gXluBnaI)
http://hammyend.com/?p=5618
Rufus in Donetsk
by Dan on February 25, 2010
The quite brilliant Rufus Brevett lapping up the view from the bench in the Donbass Arena.
(http://hammyend.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/25454_1193743613618_)
I still think he could do a good job at left back tonight.
http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard-sport/football/article-23809693-we-can-go-all-the-way-in-europa-league-says-fulhams-brede-hangeland.do
We can go all the way in Europa League, says Fulham's Brede Hangeland
25.02.10
Brede Hangeland admits Fulham are in bonus land as they stand on the brink of the last 16 of the Europa League - but insists they can go all the way in the competition.
Roy Hodgson's side take a slender 2-1 lead to the Donbass Stadium following last week's first-leg win over Shakhtar Donetsk, and know avoiding defeat will set up a mouthwatering clash with Ajax or Juventus in the next round.
Defender Hangeland said: "We came into this competition as a bonus for doing well last year but we'd like to go as far as we can.
"It would be great to get through, but we are fully focused on this game and not what might happen after."
The Cottagers go into the game ahead courtesy of goals from Zoltan Gera and Bobby Zamora but Luiz Adriano's away goal gives Shakhtar, the 2009 UEFA Cup winners, something to cling on to.
"We are in the lead but we all saw at Craven Cottage what a good team they are," he added.
"We will have to play well, defend well and take our chances when they come.
"I was very impressed with them. They are quick, athletic, good on the ball. It's a different game to what we are used to in the Premier League."
Hodgson, predictably, has no intention of trying to hold out for a draw.
He said: "Playing for a draw is a difficult thing to do, you automatically give the initiative to the other team.
"I don't think it's in our nature or in our style of play to do that, surrender the initiative and try to shut up shop for 90 minutes.
"I think we want to play them, match them at least in their play and that means attacking well and defending well.
"Certainly there is going to be nothing in our preparations that will take into account that we only need a draw. We are preparing to play well against a team that we know will come at us and try to cause us problems.
"First of all we will try to stop that and then when we get the ball we can cause them some problems."
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11681_5979486,00.html
Brede focused on Shakhtar
Hodgson insists Fulham will not play for a draw in second leg
Last updated: 25th February 2010
Brede Hangeland insists Fulham are not looking ahead at a potential glamour tie in the Europa League and are solely focused on knocking out Shakhtar Donetsk.
Fulham take a 2-1 lead into Thursday's second leg against Shakhtar in Ukraine, with the winners facing either Ajax or Juventus in the last 16 of the competition.
But, rather than dream of facing a former European Cup winner in the next stage, Hangeland wants his team-mates' minds to be concentrated on the immediate task in hand.
"We came into this competition as a bonus for doing well last year, but we'd like to go as far as we can," said Hangeland.
"It would be great to get through, but we are fully focused on this game and not what might happen after.
"We are in the lead, but we all saw at Craven Cottage what a good team they are. We will have to play well, defend well and take our chances when they come.
"I was very impressed with them. They are quick, athletic, good on the ball. It's a different game to what we are used to in the Premier League."
Initiative
Meanwhile, Fulham boss Roy Hodgson, predictably, has no intention of trying to hold out for a draw to ensure his team's progression.
He said: "Playing for a draw is a difficult thing to do, you automatically give the initiative to the other team.
"I don't think it's in our nature or in our style of play to do that, surrender the initiative and try to shut up shop for 90 minutes.
"I think we want to play them, match them at least in their play and that means attacking well and defending well.
"Certainly there is going to be nothing in our preparations that will take into account that we only need a draw. We are preparing to play well against a team that we know will come at us and try to cause us problems."
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/article7040081.ece
Carlos Tévez, their leading goalscorer, should be available with the Argentina striker due to return to England tomorrow after a two-week absence in the wake of the premature birth of his second daughter and it is as well given that Adebayor will be missing.
A tumultuous season for the Togo striker took another turn for the worse when he lashed out at Shawcross in the 82nd minute, catching the Stoke defender just below the chin with his arm. As well as the Chelsea game, he will miss the league matches at home to Tottenham and away to Fulham.
http://www.walesonline.co.uk/footballnation/football-in-wales/2010/02/25/bellamy-faces-tosh-91466-25908471/
But every other senior player available to Toshack will be selected ... including a return of veteran Simon Davies, whose own Wales career was up in the air in the wake of the World Cup qualifying flop against Finland a year ago.
Toshack knows everything about Davies too, but wants him as part of his team in the absence of injured Wolves midfielder David Edwards.
Davies, Bellamy and Jason Koumas were among the crop of senior figures Toshack criticised after that demoralising 2-0 defeat to the Finns in Cardiff, the Wales boss saying they had failed to show the sort of leadership the younger members of the team needed.
Toshack will recall Davies for Sweden, the Fulham man having dispelled fears he was ready to quit international football.
But we understand Toshack is prepared to omit Bellamy as he looks to build on the boom factor created by Aaron Ramsey and his new-look strike force as a result of that 3-0 triumph over the Scots last time out.
http://hammyend.com/?p=5611
Up next: Shakhtar Donetsk (a)
by Dan on February 25, 2010
Forget the trip to the Stadio Olimpico and discard the must-win match in Basel. This will be Fulham's toughest European test to date. Much was made of Shakhtar's pretty passing in the first leg last week but their performance could only be improved with a little more match practice after having previously not played a competitive game since the Ukrainian league began a long winter break in mid-December.
There's also the fact that Shakhtar will be a very different proposition in Donetsk. Their home record is nothing short of astonishing. They have lost just one game this season and our almost impregnable at the Donbass Arena. They sit just two points behind leaders Dynamo Kyiv in the league – and will hoping to put Fulham on the back foot early on this evening.
Much of Shakhtar's success is down their genial coach Mircea Lucescu. Regarded by his players as an inspirational manager, the Romanian has had an almost Mourinho-like effect on the Miners since taking over the reigns in 2004. He has won three Ukrainian championships and, of course, launched the unforgettable odyssey to UEFA Cup glory last year. Such achievements make it all the more remarkable that the Shakhtar board were heavily rumoured to be close to approaching Juande Ramos, the former Tottenham coach who had a disastrous 47-day spell at CSKA Moscow after being sacked at White Hart Lane, as they inexplicably pondered whether to offer Lucescu a new deal after his European success.
Shakhtar's South American influence gives them a distinctly different flavour to a lot of former Soviet republic sides. Though they have the capacity to be as gritty and industrious as spirited Russian and Ukrainian outfits, Shakhtar have a unique style of their own. At times in the first leg, it seemed as though Shakhtar were playing to a Samba beat. For 40 minutes in the first half, their Brazilian front five had a real influence on the contest. Ilsinho illustrated his importance with a brilliantly threaded ball through the Fulham defence to find the deadly Luiz Adriano for the equaliser. Fernandinho ran the game from an exceptionally deep position in midfield and the wondering Willian drifted into dangerous positions. Regular Shahktar watchers report that the likes of Jadson and Douglas Costa could a hell of a lot more effective in the home game.
The conventional wisdom is that Shakhtar could well win comfortably tomorrow night. Their irresistable approach play will certainly test Hodgson's reputation for meticulous planning and organisation. Hangeland and Hughes will have a busy night at the heart of the Fulham back four but, for me, the game will be won and lost in midfield. Where Chris Baird was unexpectedly outstanding when pressed in central midfield earlier this season, Dickson Etuhu has been disappointing since returning from the African Cup of Nations recently. The Nigerian needs to be at his imposing best to disrupt Shakhtar's rhythm this evening.
Just as important will be the mentality with which Fulham stride onto the pitch tonight. The dangerous strategy would be to try and protect what we have – I'd go as far as to say that would be particularly foolish. Far better for Fulham to show some attacking ambition, especially as the Donetsk defence creaked alarmingly under pressure in London last week. Goalkeeper Andriy Pyatov couldn't have done much to stop Bobby Zamora's winning thunderbolt but you would imagine that he was disheartened to let Zoltan Gera's early shot slip through his grasp.
Donetsk had little answer to Zamora's pace and power and it was encouraging to note Zoltan Gera's impact on proceedings. The Hungarian scampered into several threatening positions and his classy flick into Zamora's path created the winner almost out of nothing. Gera could have a similar influence on things tonight, especially if he continues in such a rich vein of form. With Damien Duff rediscovering the zest that characterised his entry into English footbnall with Blackburn all those years ago, Fulham will have plenty of ways to unlock the Shakhtar defence.
Much of Hodgson's success at Fulham has stemmed from selecting the same side. That luxury hasn't been available to the wily coach for much of this season due to just the ill-fortune with injuries that we had managed to avoid during our record breaking previous campaign. But he seems to have settled on a system that works, especially with Duff and Davies cutting in from the opposite/'wrong' flanks, to such great effect. Indeed, perhaps the only change from the team that showed such spirit to see off Birmingham on Sunday will be enforced as the ineligible Nicky Shorey is replaced by Stephen Kelly at left back.
MY FULHAM XI (4-4-1-1): Schwarzer; Baird, Kelly, Hughes, Hangeland; Etuhu, Murphy, Duff, Davies; Gera; Zamora. Subs: Zuberbuhler, Marsh-Brown, Smalling, Greening, Riise, Nevland, Elm.
http://www.wsc.co.uk/content/view/4779/38/
Fulham's floating fans
25 February ~ Cramming myself into a busy tube carriage last Thursday evening, I had to wonder – is the Europa League really this uninspiring? I'm within a few stops of Craven Cottage, about an hour before Fulham play UEFA Cup holders Shakhtar Donetsk, and I expected a more obviously match-going crowd. From previous experience, you know you're on the way to a match when you see the first stragglers in polyester shirts, carrying scarves or walking with that quick nervy gait symptomatic of pre-match nerves.
Instead I'm surrounded by glum-looking women, carrying bags from River Island or Iceland, and men in suits and dark coats, trying to read their books and avoid the jutting elbows. Your average commuters. Nobody is singing. I see no black and white scarves. There isn't the palpable tension you'd expect considering Fulham are about to resume their longest-ever European campaign. Eventually I spot a few replica shirts on a group of lads behind me, but when I eavesdrop on their conversation they express relief, in American accents, that they booked their hotels in Paris and Rome ahead of time. It's clear they're not quite regulars at the Cottage.
Fulham's leap from lower-league struggles to European nights is remarkable. As recently as 1996 any pre-match tension on the District Line would have been attributable to the prospect of the club dropping into the Conference. But it hasn't quite turned the Cottagers into the "Manchester United of the south", as Mohamed al-Fayed promised around the turn of the century. Fulham's attendances are certainly respectable considering their sudden ascension to the top flight but it'll be a long time before they can muster a local following to compete with Chelsea's. When the club returned to the redeveloped Craven Cottage in 2004 after a brief groundshare at QPR, they applied to FIFA for permission to introduce a neutral's section, next to the away fans in the Putney End, going on the assumption that within London are plenty of rootless fans (like me) who want to see a game of football. Despite being in a game steeped in a culture of fierce parochialism and an us-against-them mentality, Fulham are selling themselves as the outsider's choice.
That's not to say Fulham don't have a fanbase of their own, of course, and it was reassuring to leave the train station and see the familiar street-clogging clot of fans. Those fans made an impressive racket during the 2-1 win over an impressive Shakhtar who – despite a heavy Brazillian contingent – were the very embodiment of that half-forgotten cliche from European ties of old, the crack eastern European outfit. The Shakhtar game was nominally of the traditional segregated home-and-away-only model, but still the crowd was more cosmopolitan than usual. Walking through the park from tube station to ground I had to skip past a group of Japanese girls excited at the sight of floodlights. One of the first genuine London accents I heard on the walk to the stadium was that of a Del Boy-type character selling tickets for £25 (it was a fiver less to get in on the gate) and during the second half, I witnessed a young couple posing for mobile phone pictures taken by an obliging home fan.
It's to the credit of Fulham's fanbase that a neutral section works. On the club website there's an optimistic-looking claim that the section is also for "home and away fans who don't mind sitting together". It sounds like a recipe for trouble but there have been no significant incidents at the Cottage since the scheme began and Fulham fans were bottom of last season's Premier League arrests table. At the risk of edging into archaic stereotypes, it's hard to think of many clubs who could operate a similar scheme. If Fulham's location means the club are disadvantaged by their proximity to Chelsea (let alone Arsenal, Tottenham, QPR, Brentford...), it also offers an advantage, in the sheer volume of nearby non-Londoners who want to see top-flight football. At a time when many mid-ranking Premier League clubs seem to be losing match-going supporters (how must those rows of sparse stands play in the Far East?), Fulham seem to have found their own way of cutting down on empty seats. Karl Sturgeon
Roy on how to approach second legs.
http://en.archive.uefa.com/trainingground/index.html#34002/430/548676
http://shakhtar.com/en/news/12293
Rinat Akhmetov: "My heart wants everything to be determined in the first minutes"
24-02-10 21:30:24
On the eve of the very important clash of the Miners against English Fulham the President of FC Shakhtar Rinat Akhmetov visited his team's training and shared with journalists his hopes and expectations about tomorrow's game.
– Rinat Leonidovich, a non-football question for the beginning, it is connected with the festival that passed – Defender of the Fatherland Day. As a child, didn't you want to become the military man?
– No, I didn't dream about it, but we celebrated this holiday in our family. I wanted to become a footballer. But my team doesn't need such footballers as me.
– Is there any additional motivation for the team for the tomorrow's match?
– If you mean some financial stimuli, I've already said that if there is too much of financial motivation, it's hard to run. And we need a good speed for tomorrow. I'm sure that the footballers will do their best to defeat Fulham.
– Is the President of Ukraine going to be at Donbas Arena tomorrow?
– We are always glad to see Viktor Fedorovich at Donbas Arena, but tomorrow, that is a very important day, he will be very busy. So I think that Viktor Fedorovich can miss the possibility to watch the game.
– And you will be in Kiev?
– Of course, I will be in Kiev and surely I will be at the stadium in the evening. I will worry with our fans and hope that Shakhtar will show nice and victorious game. I think the footballers will do their best to defeat Fulham.
– Rinat Leonidovich, for the victory we need 1-0 score, and what result would satisfy you personally?
– Certainly such score is OK, we go further, but at the same time we will "tremble" till the last second. I always like when just 15 minutes into the match the score is 3-0, and I watch football relaxed. But this is not always so, that's why the main thing is for the result to be in our favour. If the fans are in thrill till the last second, everybody will get the great pleasure. Moreover, football fans like it, when it is n the last minutes or seconds the result of the match is determined. And my heart wants everything to be clear in the first minutes.
– Returning to the question about the additional motivation for the team. Earlier here were some methods, getting down into the mine, for example. But there haven't been meetings with the fans for a long time. Why is it so?
– The full stadium with 50 000 of fans and several millions people watching the match on TV will be the additional motivation. I'm sure the atmosphere will be marvelous and the players will do everything to please their fans. And as for the meetings – they are always important. But it seems to me that the main meeting will be tomorrow at Donbas Arena.
– Do you think now about the Ukrainian Premier League, that starts in three days? Lucescu says that the main target is Shakhtar performance in Europe, but the title of the winner of the country's championship is a guaranteed place in the UEFA Champions League.
– Now I think only about the tomorrow's game and think that we should do our best for our team to get to the next stage of Europa League. As for the Ukrainian Premier League, I've always said that our main task is to gain the great success in Europe. This is our target. And the victory in Ukrainian Premier League is means. If we don't win the championship, we won't reach our goal. So now the winning of the championship or the possession of the Ukrainian Cup is not the target, it was like this ten years ago. This is natural. We can win the championship and play badly in Europe. This is not the right taste: not the one of the champion's title, not the one of Ukrainian Cup. And when I say that our target is Europe, that we want to compete with the best European teams, than it is necessary to win the country's championship, it's the obligatory condition.
– Do you watch other tournaments where Shakhtar doesn't participate? UEFA Champions League yesterday, for example?
– I always watch football with great pleasure. Yesterday, for example, I liked VfW Stuttgart in the first half, the German club created a lot of problems for Barcelona. And in the second half Barcelona showed their real strength. Now it's easier for them to look into the Round 8 of UEFA Champions League.
– How do you think, is the Barcelona of today an ideal team? Would you like Shakhtar to play and look like the Catalan club?
– If Ukraine held the championship of such level as Spain or England do, I would do everything for us to have such a team – that plays such "tasty" football. I think today Barcelona is the best team in the world.
FC Shakhtar
Press Office
http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard-sport/football/article-23809843-fulham-are-wound-up-by-shakhtars-web-blunder.do
Fulham are wound up by Shakhtar's web blunder
David Smith
25.02.10
The thermometer will tonight hover around freezing inside the futuristic new Donbass Arena, gracing the Ukrainian city of Donetsk, when Fulham seek to progress to the last 16 of the Europa League.
But temperatures threatened to reach boiling point ahead of the game when officials of Shakhtar Donetsk, whose side have it all to do after losing last week's first leg of the 2-1 at Craven Cottage, published Fulham's itinerary and hotel details on their official club website.
A potential threat to Fulham's security was exposed when Shakhtar fans were told when the team would fly in for the game, the location of their hotel and timings for their training sessions.
Fulham immediately complained to the UEFA Cup holders - that competition has now become the Europa League - and the website entry was taken down.
But the incident has stoked tension between Roy Hodgson's side and Shakhtar, whose players were turned away from Harrods, owned by Fulham chairman Mohamed Fayed, last week in London.
A subsequent Shakhtar website poll of supporters' principal wish for the outcome of tonight's clash revealed that a significant number wanted Fulham's Al Fayed to "shed tears" at his team's demise.
Hodgson sought to defuse the row over the leaking of Fulham's movements, saying: "The owner of their club also owns the hotel where we are staying and I think he likes to get a bit of publicity."
He also dismissed a charge by Shakhtar coach Mircea Lucescu that Fulham are a "functional" long-ball team and insisted his side will not play for a draw.
"That is a difficult thing to do," said Hodgson. "You automatically give the initiative to the other team.
"I don't think it's in our nature or in our style of play to do that, surrender the initiative and try to shut up shop for 90 minutes.
"We want to match them in all departments and that means attacking well and defending well."
Goals from Zoltan Gera and Bobby Zamora gave Fulham their first-leg victory and Hodgson is set to name the same line-up with Stephen Kelly at left-back in place of the Cup-tied Nicky Shorey.
The winner of the match will play either Juventus or Ajax for a place in the quarter-finals.
http://www.sport.co.uk/news/Football/34703/Hodgson_full_of_respect_for_Shakhtar.aspx
Hodgson full of respect for Shakhtar
Author: Andrew Allen
Posted on:25 February 2010 - 11:20 AM
Fulham boss Roy Hodgson is aware that his side must be on top of their game if they are to knock Shakhtar Donetsk out of the Europa League.
The Cottagers take a 2-1 lead into the second leg of their last-32 clash in Ukraine but face a tough task trying to hang on to their advantage against a team that won the competition last season when it was still called the UEFA Cup.
Hodgson said: "In these European matches we're limited - we've got two young players with us who have no first-team experience at all. Our squad isn't big enough to allow us to have 18 senior professionals with the injuries we currently have.
"We're confident we'll give them a good game. We obviously have a lot of respect for them as a football team. We had that before we met them because we knew they were good.
"I think if we had any doubts those doubts would have been dispelled at Craven Cottage when we saw how well they can play and how dangerous they can be.
"The task in front of us is a big one but we don't lack confidence in any way - but at the same time we're not suffering from overconfidence. We know if we're going to get a result here on Thursday night we'll have to play exceptionally well.
"It's nice to be here and it's nice to be in this situation. The players have got their focus firmly set on the game and they've also got their attitude firmly in place for the game. It's not the be all and end all but going through is certainly something we would like to do."
http://hammyend.com/?p=5634
Snippets from Shakhtar
by Dan on February 25, 2010
Modern technology means even though we're absolutely miles away, we miss out on none of the pre-match build up. Jacqui Oatley tweeted that she was on her way to Roy Hodgson's press conference and invited me to send some questions over. I did, asking mainly about Fulham's approach to the game and how we'd stop Shakhtar's midfield.
This afternoon she's come back with the answers from Roy:
RH: "Expecting onslaught from them but we'll try to play same football as 1st leg and see how successful that is. Won't play for draw."
Four Four Two's Russian football correspondent also noted that Shakhtar shirts were available for between £50 and £60 and, somewhat strangely, shorter-sleeved shirts were cheaper than longer ones. In a reply to me, he also says that there's a 'huge disparity in wealth in the former Soviet Union':
Average wage in Moldova = £70p/m; shirts in Chi?in?u's Debenhams = £45.
