http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/feb/25/shakhtar-donetsk-fulham-europa-league
Famous win for Fulham as Brede Hangeland header sinks Shakhtar
UEFA Europa League Round of 32 2nd Leg
Shakhtar Donetsk 1 Jadson 69
Fulham 1 Hangeland 33
Dave Middleton guardian.co.uk, Thursday 25 February 2010 20.36 GMT Article history
Fulham's Aaron Hughes, goalscorer Brede Hangeland, Dickson Etuhu and Stephen Kelly celebrate the club's first foray into the Europa League's last 16. Photograph: Matthew Childs/Action Images
Fulham enjoyed a famous night as they qualified for the last 16 of the Europa League thanks to a first-half headed goal against the run of play from Brede Hangeland that gave the Londoners a 3-2 aggregate win. The defender also starred at the opposite end of the pitch as Fulham withstood a determined Shakhtar Donetsk onslaught that saw tempers fray in the closing stages at the Donbass Arena.
Fulham's delight at eliminating last year's Uefa Cup holders and making the last 16 of the revamped competition for the first time in the club's history was soured by the red card shown to Danny Murphy in stoppage time, the midfielder's petulant kick at Darijo Srno coming moments after Shakhtar's Ilsinho had been booked for a vicious tackle on Damien Duff.
Shakhtar started full of vim and vigour and their five-strong Brazilian contingent were soon making sure the Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer was on his game early, forced to save a low shot from Luiz Adriano and acrobatically tip a long-range effort from Willian over the bar within the first three minutes.
As Fulham retreated under the early onslaught, the Australia international preserved the Londoner's aggregate advantage with a superb diving one-handed save to deny Fernandinho. Fulham's overworked keeper also had to block another low Willian drive midway through the first half.
It was all hands to the pump in the Fulham area with the striker Bobby Zamora hacking away a dangerous low centre before Schwarzer turned Yaroslav Rakitskiy's 30-yard shot round a post.
Having withstood the barrage, Fulham who the lead with their first attack of the night. Zamora won a free-kick down the right, Duff floated in the cross and centre-half Hangeland's glancing header beat a leaden-footed Shakhtar goalkeeper Andriy Pyatov.
That cancelled out Luiz Adriano's away goal seven days earlier at Craven Cottage, to the delight the 350 travelling fans.
Although Shakhtar continued to dominate Hangeland was imperious at the back, cutting out a driven centre from Razvan Rat with an immaculate first touch and getting his head onto just about everything else thrown at him.
Fulham were able to control possession for a brief spell to start the second half but the introduction of the 19-year-old Douglas Costa shortly before the hour mark upped Shaktar's tempo. Fulham struggled to cope with his pace but the Brazil Under-20 star's finishing left something to be desired, missing to the left and high when Fulham were stretched.
A switch the right brought almost immediate results. A piece of handy footwork wrong-footed Stephen Kelly and Douglas Costa's cross from the byline was turned in by Jádson.
Roy Hodgson would have feared the worst as Shakhtar pushed for a second goal that would have forced extra-time and hearts were in mouths with 10 minutes to go when a powerful curling shot struck by Yaroslav Rakitskiy had Schwarzer beaten but hit the side netting.
Fulham were survived a decent penalty shout for handball when a Douglas Costa shot was deflected off the elbow of Murphy. Zoltan Gera passed up another chance to put Fulham clear when he scuffed wide in the final minute when put clear, before the match became heated and Murphy was shown a red card.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/match/3099752
Shakhtar Donetsk v Fulham
Match facts
UEFA Europa League Round of 32 2nd Leg
Thursday 25 February 2010 18.00
Score line
Final score Shakhtar Donetsk 1 – 1
(HT 0 – 1)
Fulham
Jadson 69
Hangeland 33
Fulham win 3-2 on aggregate
Aggregate Shakhtar Donetsk 2 – 3 Fulham
Bookings Ilsinho 90
Gera 77
Sent off Murphy 90
Shakhtar Donetsk's Percentage Fulham's Percentage
Corners 17 100% 0 0%
Goal attempts 20 83% 4 17%
On target 10 90% 1 10%
Fouls 10 40% 15 60%
Offside 2 66% 1 34%
Shakhtar Donetsk Andriy Pyatov, Tomas Hubschmann (Konstyantyn Kravchenko, 46), Olexander Kucher, Razvan Rat, Yaroslav Rakytskyy, Fernando Luis Roza Fernandinho, Rodrigues da Silva Jadson, Pereira Dias Ilsinho, Borges da Silva Willian (de Souza Douglas Costa, 54), Darijo Srna, Souza de Silva Luiz Adriano (Olexandr Gladkiy, 76)
Fulham Mark Schwarzer, Stephen Kelly, Brede Hangeland, Chris Baird, Aaron Hughes, Zoltan Gera, Danny Murphy, Damien Duff, Dickson Etuhu, Simon Davies (Bjorn Helge Riise, 89), Bobby Zamora (David Elm, 72)
Referee Moen, SO
Venue RSK Olimpiyskyi
Attendance 47,509
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/f/fulham/8537896.stm
Hodgson 'proud' of Euro triumph
Roy Hodgson hailed his Fulham side's display after they knocked Uefa Cup holders Shakhtar Donetsk out of Europe.
Brede Hangeland's goal helped the Cottagers seal a place in the last 16 of the Europa League with a 1-1 draw in Ukraine and a 3-2 win on aggregate.
"It was one of those nights that the fans and everyone connected with Fulham can be very proud of," said Hodgson.
"We did marvellously well to score and then keep them at bay like we did, they are one of the best teams in Europe."
Shakhtar dominated the match before Hangeland's first-half header and Hodgson was full of praise for Fulham's opponents.
"Shakhtar showed what a good team they are. Their ability to pass and keep the ball is as good as I've seen in my 35-year career," said the 62-year-old.
The Fulham boss also described it as an "expensive night" after England hopeful Bobby Zamora went off with an Achilles injury and Danny Murphy was sent off.
"Hopefully it doesn't start to catch up with us further down the road, for now we'll just enjoy the splendour of the occasion," said Hodgson.
The injury will not help Zamora's chances of earning a call-up from England manager Fabio Capello.
The 29-year-old former West Ham, Tottenham and Brighton striker has scored 15 goals in all competitions this season.
http://goal.com/en/news/166/europa-league/2010/02/25/1807659/player-ratings-shakhtar-donetsk-1-1-fulham-agg-2-3
Player Ratings: Shakhtar Donetsk 1-1 Fulham (agg 2-3)
By Steve Alexander
Feb 25, 2010 8:55:00 PM
SHAKHTAR DONETSK
Andriy Payatov - 6 - Was a spectator for most of the game and had very little to do. Could do nothing about the goal from Brede Hangeland.
Darijo Srna - 6.5 - Got forward all night down the right-hand side, causing Chris Baird problems, but the Croatian's final ball was often wasteful and he failed to create any chances for his team.
Olexsander Kucher - 6.5 - Was not really tested, as he only had to deal with the threat of Bobby Zamora for most of the game. Often had time to bring the ball out from the back.
Yaroslav Rakytskyy - 6 - Looked unconvincing at set-pieces and was beaten in the air by Hangeland for the Fulham goal. Pushed further forward as the game progressed, as his side searched for the winning goal and had a couple of close efforts at goal.
Razvan Dinca Rat - 5.5 - Played almost as a left winger getting forward well and pinning Stephen Kelly back, although his final ball was poor and he created very little.
Tomas Hubschmann - 5 - Sat in front of the back four and did the simple things well. He offered no attacking threat however, and was taken off at half-time.
Fernandinho - 7 - Got the better of Dickson Etuhu and Danny Murphy in midfield, getting forward well to support his strikers. Had a great effort saved by Mark Schwarzer in the first half and often looked dangerous.
Ilsinho - 7 - Looked very comfortable on the ball in the first half and linked up well with Luiz Adriano. The Brazilian failed to get involved as much as he would have liked in the second half though and got booked for a rash tackle on Damien Duff late on.
Jadson - 7.5 - Was in and out of the game all night. The striker failed to get involved in the first half but was a danger after the break and finished well for the equalising goal. He should have done better with a chance late on, which he fired wide.
Willian - 7.5 - Showed some great touches and looked dangerous running with the ball cutting in from the left hand side. He tested Schwarzer on a couple of occasions in the first half and looked most likely to create a chance for his side, before picking up an injury early in the second half and being replaced by Douglas Costa.
Luiz Adriano - 7 - Held the ball up well, but wasn't involved in the game as often as he should have been. He was given little time and space by Hangeland and Aaron Hughes and was replaced with 15 minutes remaining.
Substitutes
Konstantin Kravchenko - 5.5 - Sat in front of the back four and had little impact on the game in the second half, firing a shot wildly over the bar with his side desperately searching for a goal.
Douglas Costa - 7.5 - Replaced Willian for his home debut shortly after half time and looked a similar sort of player. He had a great run down the left beating three Fulham players, showing his pace and playing a dangerous ball in. He set up the Shakhtar goal after another fantastic run and cross for Jadson.
Oleksandr Gladkyy - 5.5 - Came on for Luiz Adriano with around 15 minutes left but failed to get involved in the game.
FULHAM
Mark Schwarzer - 8 - The Australian made some good saves early on from Willian and Fernandinho and a couple of saves in the second half, which he dealt with comfortably. Could do nothing about the goal.
Chris Baird - 8 - Didn't get forward often enough, as he had to cope with Willian and then Douglas Costa. He defended well though and looked stronger as the game went on.
Brede Hangeland - 9 - Won everything in the air all night and kept Luiz Adriano extremeley quiet. The defender got the crucial away goal, rising well and directing the ball into the bottom corner of the net. Outstanding performance.
Aaron Hughes - 8.5 - Great partnership with Hangeland at the back, breaking up several attacks when Shakhtar tried to play through the defence.
Stephen Kelly - 7.5 - Failed to get forward much but dealt well with the threat from Srna down the right. He grew in confidence as the game went on although he was beaten easily by Costa for Shakhtar goal.
Damien Duff - 6.5 - Spent most of the evening helping out Baird defensively in first half. Had a quiet game but provided the crucial cross for Hangeland's goal.
Danny Murphy - 5.5 - Never really gained control of the midfield and was often over-run. He worked hard but tired in the second half after seeing very little of the ball. He lost his head late on was sent off in the last minute for stupidly kicking out.
Dickson Etuhu - 6 - Battled hard throughout the game, but was over-run in midfield although he cut out a number of Shakhtar attacks.
Simon Davies - 6.5 - Was never in the game with the ball but helped out well defensively breaking up the play. He didn't have much of the ball but worked hard and was replaced with a couple of minutes left, after his legs had tired.
Zoltan Gera - 5 - Had an ineffective night and gave the ball away needlessy at times. He didn't support Zamora as often as he would have liked but had a great chance late on, which he hit wide.
Bobby Zamora - 7 - Worked hard up front by himself all night, getting very little service or support. He did a crucial job for the team trying to hold the ball up but got very tired towards the end of game and was replaced with 20 minutes to go.
Substitutes
David Elm - 6.5 - Replaced Zamora with 20 minutes left and tried to hold the ball up with little support. He did well to keep possession late on to run down the clock.
Bjorn Helge Riise - N/A - Came on with two minutes remaining but had no chance to make any impact on the game.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/8534385.stm
Shakhtar Donetsk 1 - 1 Fulham (agg 2 - 3)
By Kevin Darling
Fulham produced a backs-to-the-wall display to seal a famous Europa League win against Uefa Cup holders Shakhtar.
The Ukrainian side dominated before Brede Hangeland headed in Damien Duff's free-kick with Fulham's first chance.
Jadson swept home an equaliser from 12 yards after great work from Douglas Costa on the right-hand side.
Danny Murphy was sent off for kicking out at Darijo Srna late on but Fulham held on to set up a mouth-watering last-16 clash against Juventus.
It was a resilient, if not pretty, performance from Roy Hodgson's men against the side who won the competition last season in its previous guise as the Uefa Cup.
But the hardy Fulham fans who travelled to near-freezing Donetsk will care little about the manner of a triumph that should be classed among the finest in the club's history.
Shakhtar had not played since the first leg, because of the Ukrainian league's winter break, but showed no signs of rustiness as they began the game in electric fashion.
With five Brazilians in the hosts' team, the South American influence was plain to see from the slick one-touch passing that left Fulham chasing shadows from the first whistle.
Cottagers' keeper Schwarzer could have guessed he would be in for a busy evening when he was tested by Luiz Adriano's drive after just 45 seconds.
The Australian keeper was forced to make an even better stop moments later when he tipped Willian's rasping 30-yard effort over the bar.
Jadson then dragged a shot wastefully wide after being perfectly teed up by Srna before Fernandinho's long-range strike was palmed away by Schwarzer as the visitors barely made it out of their own half.
Fulham's defenders were finally given a breather when Bobby Zamora won a free-kick near the opponents' corner flag, and it brought a goal that could not have been more against the run of play.
Duff whipped the set-piece into the danger area and Hangeland rose highest in the area to nod the ball past the flat-footed Andrei Pyatov to deliver a classic sucker punch for the visitors.
The goal seemed to breathe confidence into the west Londoners, who began passing the ball around for the first time, while Shakhtar looked shell-shocked.
Fulham continued to look comfortable after the break and restricted the hosts to long-range efforts. The introduction of a sixth Brazilian, the pacy Douglas Costa, gave the hosts added impetus and he immediately drilled a sizzling shot just over from 20 yards.
Fulham then had a great chance for a second goal on the counter-attack when Zamora burst clear down the right-hand side - but he released a poor final ball that was just behind the onrushing Zoltan Gera.
Fulham were left to rue the missed opening minutes later when two Brazilians combined to drag Shakhtar back into the tie.
Douglas Costa outwitted Stephen Kelly with a stepover, raced to the bye-line and cut the ball back for Jadson to sweep past Schwarzer from 12 yards.
Fulham's problems increased when top scorer Zamora was taken off with an Achilles problem that could potentially deprive him of a first England call-up against Egypt next week.
The Cottagers' defence readied themselves for the inevitable onslaught in the closing stages, but Shakhtar continually attempted to intricately pass their way through Fulham's back four and clear-cut chances were at a premium.
Rakitskiy unleashed a 25-yard volley that was well held by Schwarzer, and Jadson's shot was unintentionally charged down by the elbow of Chris Baird.
But it was Fulham who had the best opportunity of the closing stages when Gera ran free on the break only to slide his effort inches wide with just the keeper to beat.
As tensions flared in injury time, Murphy lashed out at Srna with an off-the-ball trip to earn himself a needless straight red card.
But there was no time for Shakhtar to take advantage and Fulham sealed a place in the last 16 of a European competition for the first time.
Live text and stats
Thursday, 25 February 2010
Europa League
Home Team Score Away Team Time
S. Donetsk 1-1 Fulham R
(HT 0-1)
(agg 2-3)
Jadson 69
Hangeland 33
Hide team line-ups and match stats
Shakhtar Donetsk
30 Pyatov
03 Hubschman (Kravchenko 46)
05 Kucher
26 Rat
44 Rakitskiy
07 Fernandinho
08 Jadson
11 Ilsinhoyellow card
22 Willian (Douglas Costa 54)
33 Srna
17 Luiz Adriano (Gladkyy 76)
Substitutes
60 Tetenko, 18 Lewandowski, 32 Ischenko, 19 Gai, 20 Douglas Costa, 23 Kravchenko, 21 Gladkyy Fulham
01 Schwarzer
02 Kelly
05 Hangeland
06 Baird
18 Hughes
11 Gerayellow card
13 Murphyred card
16 Duff
20 Etuhu
29 Davies (Riise 89)
25 Zamora (Elm 72)
Substitutes
19 Zuberbuhler, 26 Smalling, 44 Marsh-Brown, 17 Riise, 27 Greening, 10 Nevland, 35 Elm Ref: Oddvar Moen
Att: 47,509
S. DONETSKFULHAMPossession
S. Donetsk 50% Fulham 50% Attempts on target
S. Donetsk 9 Fulham 2 Attempts off target
S. Donetsk 10 Fulham 2 Corners
S. Donetsk 17 Fulham 0 Fouls
S. Donetsk 7 Fulham 8
http://goal.com/en/news/596/exclusive/2010/02/25/1807694/fulham-usa-midfielder-clint-dempsey-backs-on-fire-bobby
Fulham & USA Midfielder Clint Dempsey Backs 'On Fire' Bobby Zamora For England
Demps also expects March return from injury and can't wait for World Cup
Feb 25, 2010 9:57:00 PM
By Amar Singh
Fulham and USA star Clint Dempsey today backed his in-form team-mate Bobby Zamora to earn an England call-up.
The 26 year-old winger said that Zamora's is "on fire" and described the striker's decision to turn down representing Trinidad & Tobago as a "blessing in disguise" for England.
Speaking to Goal.com UK, Dempsey, who confirmed that he could return from his ligament injury lay-off as early as mid-March, said: "I think Bobby is on fire at the moment. Maybe it's a blessing in disguise that he didn't go and play for Trinidad."
A number of players and pundits have called on England manager Fabio Capello to pick Bobby Zamora for next week's friendly against Egypt with the 29-year-old striker netting 15 times for his club this season.
On the night Fulham enjoyed a famous win against UEFA cup holders Shakhtar Donetsk, Dempsey praised Zamora and his club manager Roy Hodgson.
"Roy Hodgson has done well," he said. "He has changed things around for us. The whole coaching staff and deserve credit and some of the key players have really stepped up.
"It's great at Fulham. I have been here for three years and feel I have progressed each year on the pitch and my stats."
Dempsey, a key player for the USA national team, said he is looking forward to meeting England in their first group match at the 2010 World Cup, on June 12 in Rustenberg.
When asked whether keeping Wayne Rooney would be the key to defeating Fabio Capello's team, Dempsey said: "You have to focus on all the players. England have a very talented side and have more weapons than just one.
"We will have to play compact against England and limit the chances they create."
"You know when you play internationally it is different then when you play in a club. It's about coming together quickly and getting on the same page. In club football, you have the whole year to focus together.
Dempsey declined to comment on England's off the pitch woes following the announcement by Wayne Bridge that he was quitting international football, in the aftermath of a sex scandal involving his child's mother and John Terry.
"The Wayne Bridge thing is a crazy one but that's an issue that England have to deal with," he insisted. "I don't like to talk about anyone's business."
Dempsey added that he was focusing on his comeback from a knee injury.
"It's going well, I am back running now. They project I will be back playing in mid-March," he said.
"I am looking forward to the World Cup. I have been fortunate in all my competitions. I was able to score at the last World Cup I was able to play well in the Confederations Cup. I have had good seasons since I have been here.
"I think I have been very consistent and hopefully I can take that form into the World Cup."
http://hammyend.com/?p=5659
Fulham to face Juventus
by Dan on February 25, 2010
It's Juventus in the next round for Fulham after the Italian giants secured their passage to the last 16 of the Europa League with a dreary draw against Ajax in Turin. Alberto Zaccheroni's side progress 2-1 on aggregate.
Fulham will travel to Italy for the first leg on March 11 and the tie will be concluded the following week at Craven Cottage.
http://hammyend.com/?p=5657
Hodgson marvels at 'wonderful' win
by Dan on February 25, 2010
Roy Hodgson was full of praise for his battling Fulham side after they grabbed a draw against Shakhtar Donetsk to progress to the last sixteen of the Europa League.
Hodgson's charges had the audacity to take the lead at the Donbass Arena through Brede Hangeland and held on to knock out the UEFA Cup holders despite an equaliser from Jadson.
It has been a wonderful night for the club. Shakhtar showed what a good team they are. Their ability to pass and keep the ball is as good as I've seen in my 35-year career.
I don't like to compare nights, but it's yet another marvellous night along the way and great credit to the team. I really enjoyed the night and the performance but I still hope there'll be some more good nights to come. I'll wait until I retire to discuss which were the great moments and which were the lesser moments.
The only thing that marred the evening was the sending-off of Danny Murphy, who had a very good game and will now miss the next game. I thought it was a bad foul on Damien Duff and I was angry he fouled him in that way, but if ever you let your emotions get the better of you it's not good and inexcusable and I made my excuses to the referee.
Sometimes things happen to make the red mist fall, but I'm thankful no further damage has been done.
http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2010/02/25/shakhtar-donetsk-1-1-fulham-2-3-on-aggregate-fulham-go-through/
Shakhtar Donetsk 1-1 Fulham (2-3 on aggregate) (Fulham go through)
Filed under: Match info — weltmeisterclaude @ 9:46 pm
"I can't tell you how I feel. My heart is like a wheel..."
Fulham have beaten the Europa League champions, Shakhtar Donetsk. Over two legs.
The 2-1 first leg lead was always going to be tested tonight, but my word how the team battled. Shakhtar piled on the pressure, racking up the shots and the corners, but there were always white bodies around and Mark Schwarzer in goal to beat things away. Hangeland and Hughes were at their repellant best, and the famed Hodgson organisation once more trumped the fancy football of our illustrious opponents. That's the way to do it.
In all these European games the away goal is central to everything. Shakhtar got one at our place so, if we were to go through, we'd need one there. This felt unlikely before the game, but as time marched on there grew a sense that we could just nick something. Soon enough a Damian Duff free-kick whizzed onto the head of Brede Hangeland, who nodded the ball beyond the unmoved goalkeeper to make it 1-0.
Moments later the TV people gave us a shot count: Shakhtar 11-1 Fulham. It felt slightly underhand for us to be ahead.
But there's no sense apologising for these things. Shakhtar were blasting balls at Schwarzer's goal like an old lady spending her pension money on scratchcards: certainly the potential gain is attractive, is this really the best approach, given the situation? Fulham held the game in a strange kind of control.
We knew that Shakhtar would score eventually, it was just a case of when, and what would happen after that. The turning point (such that it was) saw Douglas Costa introduced. He promptly beat several Fulham players in one dribble and suggested much danger lay ahead. Douglas Costa (I am assuming this to be his full name) was popping up everywhere, and eventually had the nous to have a crack at our third choice left back (heretofore putting in another admirable shift, it must be said). The Brazilian dummied and hurtled around Kelly, cut the ball back to a teammate, and before we knew it the ball was in the net.
Would Fulham survive? David Elm replaced the tiring Zamora and Fulham did all that they could to keep the ball away from trouble. Zoltan Gera missed a Geoff Hurst style counter-attack chance, shooting *just* wide when he could have wrapped things up, but Shakhtar still couldn't find an answer. As time ran down Danny Murphy was sent off for hacking at a Shakhtar player in a nothing position (a decision Murphy and everyone else will regret bitterly) but soon enough the final whistle had blown.
Erm. Bloody hell. We've just beaten Shakhtar Donetsk. Juventus await.
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11681_5981023,00.html
Hodgson hails 'wonderful' win
Cottagers boss proud of players following rousing display
Last updated: 25th February 2010
Roy Hodgson had nothing but praise for his players following a 1-1 draw in Donetsk that secured Fulham's progression to the last 16 of the Europa League.
It took a monumental effort in the Ukraine for Fulham to repeatedly repel wave after wave of attacks from a stylish and talented Shakhtar Donetsk side.
Brede Hangeland headed in against the run of play in the first half and Fulham, 2-1 up from the first leg, made it through despite Jadson's strike for Shakhtar levelling the game on the night.
Shakhtar, the 2009 Uefa Cup winners, were sent spinning out as Fulham's European adventure took them further than they have been in their history in the revamped competition.
Hodgson said: "It has been a wonderful night for the club.
"Shakhtar showed what a good team they are. Their ability to pass and keep the ball is as good as I've seen in my 35-year career.
"I don't like to compare nights, but it's yet another marvellous night along the way and great credit to the team.
"I really enjoyed the night and the performance but I still hope there'll be some more good nights to come.
"I'll wait until I retire to discuss which were the great moments and which were the lesser moments."
The only blot on what was an otherwise memorable night was Danny Murphy's late and unnecessary sending off in the game's dying stages.
"The only thing that marred the evening was the sending-off of Danny Murphy, who had a very good game and will now miss the next game," added Hodgson, who also apologised for his touchline rant after a foul by Douglas on Duff.
"I thought it was a bad foul on Damien Duff and I was angry he fouled him in that way, but if ever you let your emotions get the better of you it's not good and inexcusable and I made my excuses to the referee.
"Sometimes things happen to make the red mist fall, but I'm thankful no further damage has been done."
Hodgson also saw Bobby Zamora limp off with an Achilles injury and rated the striker doubtful for Sunday's trip to Sunderland.
http://www.skysports.com/football/match_report/0,19764,11065_3227701,00.html
Fulham claim Shakhtar scalp
Hangeland header decides matters in Ukraine
Last updated: 25th February 2010
A herculean performance from Fulham in the Ukraine ensured their qualification to the last 16 of the Europa League, as they held Shakhtar Donetsk to a 1-1 draw which saw them progress 3-2 on aggregate.
It was a backs to the wall effort for Roy Hodgson's side for much of what was the most engrossing of encounters, with Brede Hangeland's first half header setting the foundations for a result that will raise eyebrows across Europe.
Uefa Cup holders Shakhtar are as pleasing on the eye as perhaps any in the competition but Fulham, who played some excellent football themselves, refused to be daunted amid fevered and partisan Donetsk support.
Mark Schwarzer was inspired in Fulham's goal but could do little to repel Rodrigues Jadson's sharply taken leveller on the night that made for a frenetic and compelling final twenty minutes.
Some hairy moments ensued for the Cottagers but not even Danny Murphy's late red card, following an uncharacteristic rush of blood to the head, could spoil what was a magnificent night for the West London outfit.
Sharp Shakhtar
Shakhtar, who had Luiz Adriano's away goal to show for their efforts in the first leg at Craven Cottage, were quickly into their stride with their five-strong Brazilian contingent looking sharp.
In the first minute Adriano fired in a low shot which was comfortably dealt with by Schwarzer.
The Fulham goalkeeper was called into more serious action when he tipped a long-range effort from Willian over the crossbar with just three minutes gone.
Adriano should have done better with an attempted curler moments later before, with the visitors retreating deeper and deeper, Schwarzer kept his side on level terms with a superb diving one-handed save to deny Fernandinho.
Fulham's overworked keeper then had to block another low Willian drive midway through the first half.
It was all hands to the pump in the Fulham area with striker Bobby Zamora hacking a dangerous low centre clear before Schwarzer scrambled Yaroslav Rakitsky's 30-yarder round a post.
But having stood up to the barrage, incredibly it was Fulham who took the lead with their first attack of the night.
After 33 minutes Zamora won a free-kick down the right, Damien Duff floated in the cross and Hangeland's glancing header beat the motionless Shakhtar goalkeeper Andriy Pyatov.
It cancelled out Adriano's strike seven days earlier, to the delight of 350 hardy travelling fans, and meant Shakhtar needed to score twice to stay in the tie.
The hosts were straight back on the attack after the break and Adriano headed captain Darijo Srna's cross into the arms of Schwarzer.
But although Shakhtar continued to dominate Hangeland was imperious at the back, cutting out a driven centre from Razvan Rat with an immaculate first touch and getting his head onto just about everything else thrown at him.
Frustration
With frustration growing in the home ranks, substitute Douglas blazed an ambitious 25-yarder high over Schwarzer's crossbar.
The Cottagers had a chance to kill off the tie when a rare counter-attack saw Zamora break clear down the right but his square cross, towards an unmarked Zoltan Gera, was cut out by defender Olexander Kucher.
And the moment Fulham feared came in the 69th minute when Douglas reached the byline and pulled the ball back for Jadson to sweep past Schwarzer to level the match on the night.
Fulham hearts were in their mouths with 10 minutes to go when a vicious curler from defender Rakitsky thundered into the side-netting.
Then Douglas' shot was deflected wide off Murphy with Shakhtar screaming for handball.
Gera passed up another chance to put Fulham clear when he scuffed wide in the final minute, before Murphy was shown a red card for kicking out at Srna moments before the final whistle.
Shakhtar Donetsk
Team Statistics
Fulham
1 Goals
1
0 1st Half Goals
1
10 Shots on Target
1
10 Shots off Target
3
4 Blocked Shots
2
17 Corners
0
10 Fouls
15
2 Offsides
1
1 Yellow Cards
1
0 Red Cards
1
84.4 Passing Success
73.6
17 Tackles
19
82.4 Tackles Success
89.5
63.9 Possession
36.1
65.1 Territorial Advantage
34.9
http://www.skysports.com/football/user_ratings/0,19768,11065_3227701,00.html
Fulham Player ratings
Player Our Rating Your Rating Rate player
Mark Schwarzer 8 8.1 Rate 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Brede Hangeland 8 8.3 Rate 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Aaron Hughes 7 7.9 Rate 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Stephen Kelly 5 7.0 Rate 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Chris Baird 7 6.8 Rate 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Danny Murphy 6 7.1 Rate 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Simon Davies 6 6.7 Rate 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Dickson Etuhu 6 6.5 Rate 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Bobby Zamora 6 7.4 Rate 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Damien Duff 6 7.9 Rate 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Zoltan Gera 6 7.9 Rate 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/premierleague/fulham/7318315/Shakhtar-Donetsk-1-Fulham-1-agg-2-3-match-report.html
Shakhtar Donetsk 1 Fulham 1; agg 2-3: match report
Read a full match report of the Uefa Europa League second leg game between Shakhtar Donetsk and Fulham at the Donbass Arena, Donestsk, Ukraine on Thursday Feb 25 2010.
By John Ley in Donetsk
Published: 8:03PM GMT 25 Feb 2010
Fulham recorded one of the greatest results in their history when they knocked holders Shakhtar Donetsk out of the Europa League and moved into the last sixteen of the competition.
Brede Hangeland's first half goal gave Fulham a 3-1 aggregate advantage and though Jadson responded in the 70th minute, Roy Hodgson's team held out to book a place against Juventus or Ajax.
Sport on television But the one disappointment was a red card shown to Danny Murphy in added time for kicking out agt Darijo Srno, but the decision left manager Roy Hodgson fuming.
Whenever Shakhtar attacked the roar from the crowd was spine-tingling. Having won the Uefa Cup last season, the Ukrainians were determined to maintain their challenge for the latest version.
Proof of their determination to cancel Fulham's slender advantage quickly came when Luiz Adriano, whose goal at Craven Cottage gave Shakhtar hope, tested goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer with a tame effort inside the first minute.
The next threat was more dangerous with another Brazilian, Willian, unleashing a potentially threatened 30 yard drive which forced Schwarzer to save well, parrying the ball over the bar.
The fever-pitch atmosphere in this magnificent arena increased further as Shakhtar continued to press and Fulham were relieved when Jadson side-footed a good chance wide of the target.
And after Luiz Adriano squandered another opportunity, Schwarzer made an even more impressive save, the Australian arching to his right to deny what looked a certain goal, from Fernandinho.
As they showed in London, Shakhtar are slick and quick with five Brazilians dictating the frenzied pace of this absorbing contest.
Even Bobby Zamora, who scorfed the vital winner at Craven Cottage, was forced to help out in defence as Fulham faced a barrage of orange and black attacks.
Shakhtar forced their 11th goal attempt when Schwarzer saved again, from Razvan Rat, as early as the 27th minute to highlight the home side's total dominance.
Fulham rarely ventured into the Shakhtar half but on a rare foray it was wasted, with Chris Baird failing to control Danny Murphy's clever cross-field delivery.
Yet Fulham, so typically this season, overcame adversity to stun the home crowd when, in the 33rd minute, they took the lead, claiming a valuable away goal and extending their advantage to 3-1 on aggregate.
Zamora won a free-kick on the right and from Damien Duff's perfect delivery Hangeland flicked his header into find the top corner to claim only his second goal of the season, following his first in the group stages against Roma.
By half time, Shakhtar had forced 11 corners and forced 14 goal attempts to Fulham's two but the Premier League side were just 45 minutes from an outstanding achievement.
Shakhtar made two early changes and still they attacked, with Schwarzer saving again from Luiz Adriano.
One of the newcomers, Douglas Costa, tested Fulham's resolve further with a darting run into the area but his cross was cut out by Aaron Hughes before the substitute fired another attempt over.
In the 65th minute Fulham could have added a second when Duff fed Zamora, but his cross for Zoltan Gera was cut out by a defender.
Schwarzer was almost caught out by a dipping 40 yard effort from Yaroslav Rakitskiy, but the goalkeeper still managed to save.
The pressure eventually told, in the 70th minute, when Douglas fed Jadson and he found the bottom corner, and the Donbass Arena burst into life, with Shakhtar chasing a second goal.
But Fulham frustrated Shakhtar until the end to claim a remarkable result.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/fulham/article7041686.ece
Fulham hold firm to knock out holders Shakhtar Donetsk
Shakhtar Donetsk 1 Fulham 1 (agg 2-3)
Fulham cannot lay claim to many glorious European nights in their history, but a short list is growing longer by the game.
The Premier League side, ambivalent about the merits of the Europa League in its early stages, are now fully paid-up members of its fan club. Fulham produced a terrifically stubborn display last night to oust Shakhtar Donetsk and have advanced deeper into a continental competition than ever before.
Danny Murphy was dismissed in stoppage time and his absence will certainly be felt in the round of 16 when Fulham face either Juventus or Ajax. However, coping without his influential captain in a glamour tie in the next round is a situation that Roy Hodgson might have settled for.
The virtues that have served Fulham so well domestically — solidity, organisation, determination — are proving a recipe for success in Europe as well. Hodgson, the Fulham manager, had named the same team that had beaten Shakhtar 2-1 at Craven Cottage last week.
This was just about the toughest task that Fulham could have faced: a second leg away to the last winners of this tournament in its previous guise as the Uefa Cup.
Predictions that this would be a severe test were borne out by a first 30 minutes in which the visiting team must have felt tempted to break out the bunting whenever they advanced beyond the halfway line. As so often, though, a single set-piece proved more valuable than oceans of possession.
In the 33rd minute, Fulham profited from the dubious award of a free kick. Damien Duff's cross from the right was terrific and Brede Hangeland glanced the ball beyond Andriy Pyatov. It was Fulham's first proper attack.
After that, Hodgson's side repelled the many subsequent Shakhtar attempts on goal. The statistics are eloquent: Shakhtar had 16 corners to Fulham's none and 24 attempts on goal to Fulham's four. Quite a tribute to the away team's resilience.
They were breached midway through the second half, however, and it set up a tense final quarter. Douglas Costa, a substitute, bamboozled Stephen Kelly, dribbled to the byline, pulled the ball back and Jadson was in space to level the scores on the night. Shakhtar needed another to take the tie to extra time, but Fulham held their discipline until late.
Evidently angered by a brutal challenge on Duff by Ilsinho that even drew the ire of the normally placid Hodgson, Murphy senselessly lunged at Darijo Srna as the ball went out for a goal kick. The red mist was followed by a red card.
Shakhtar Donetsk (4-2-3-1): A Pyatov — D Srna, O Kucher, Y Rakitskiy, R D Rat — T Hubschman (sub: K Kravchenko, 46min), L Fernandinho — Ilsinho, R Jadson, Willian (sub: Douglas Costa, 53) — Luiz Adriano (sub: O Gladky, 76). Substitutes not used: A Tetenko, M Lewandowski, O Gai, M Ischenko. Booked: Ilsinho.
Fulham (4-4-1-1): M Schwarzer — C Baird, B Hangeland, A Hughes, S Kelly — D Duff, D Murphy, D Etuhu, S Davies (sub: B H Riise, 89) — Z Gera — R Zamora (sub: D Elm, 72). Substitutes not used: P Zuberbühler, E Nevland, C Smalling, J Greening, K Marsh-Brown. Booked: Gera. Sent off: Murphy.
Referee: S Moen (Norway).
Shakhtar 1 Fulham 1
From ANDREW DILLON in Donetsk
(Fulham win 3-2 on aggregate)
Published: 25 Feb 2010
Add a comment (5)
BREDE HANGELAND was immense in every sense as Fulham came to Ukrainian mining country and dug out an amazing result.
The defender's goal put the tie beyond Shakhtar's reach and he marshalled a defence which let its guard slip just once against an onslaught.
But there were heroes all over the pitch for boss Roy Hodgson's side as they reached the last 16 with a 3-2 aggregate win.
Keeper Mark Schwarzer pulled off five stunning saves during a first 45 minutes in which the holders Shakhtar pummelled the Londoners with 12 shots and 10 corners.
Midfielders Danny Murphy and Dickson Etuhu threw themselves at everything as a shield in front of the back four and striker Bobby Zamora ran himself into the ground.
And then there is boss Hodgson, who masterminded arguably the Cottagers' finest night without either of his first-choice full-backs and an injured £10million striker in Andrew Johnson.
The fact that Fulham are into the last 16 of a European competition for the first time is of little consequence to Hodgson.
So is the fact that the Ukrainian giants have beaten both Arsenal and Tottenham in European ties in recent years.
Hodgson still views three Premier League points as the priority as opposed to the Europa League.
But even the mild-mannered manager was moved by the night and the passion of his side's performance.
Hangeland glanced home Damien Duff's 33rd-minute free-kick and Fulham - a team which has not won an away match in the league since August 15 - were ahead until Brazilian midfielder Jadson poked in from close range with 69 minutes gone.
Tempers frayed as the clock ticked down and Hodgson picked on the wrong man by ranting from the dugout at sub Douglas Costa for a foul on Duff.
Hodgson, 62, had to be held back by the fourth official and was still fuming at the final whistle.
Skipper Murphy also paid the price with an injury-time red card for lashing out at Shakhtar captain Darijo Srna.
Fulham will not appeal against Murphy's sending off which means he misses the first leg of the next round.
Striker Zamora also suffered for his punishing work-rate by picking up an Achilles tendon injury which is likely to keep him out of Sunday's trip to Sunderland - giving Hodgson another headache.
By the end, Shakhtar had amassed 24 efforts on goal compared to Fulham's four. But it was the one Hangeland scored that made the difference.
DREAM TEAM
STAR MAN - MARK SCHWARZER (Fulham)
Fulham: Schwarzer 9, Baird 6, Kelly 6, Hughes 7, Hangeland 8, Duff 7, Davies 7 (Riise 6), Etuhu 8, Murphy 8, Gera 7, Zamora 8 (Elm 5). Subs not used: Zuberbuhler, Smalling, Marsh-Brown, Greening, Nevland. Booked: Gera. Sent off: Murphy.
Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/2868717/Shakhtar-1-Fulham-1.html?OTC-RSS&ATTR=Football#ixzz0gcalVYPb (http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/2868717/Shakhtar-1-Fulham-1.html?OTC-RSS&ATTR=Football#ixzz0gcalVYPb)
No holding Shakh from Roy
SHAKH 'N AWE ... Roy lets rip after a tasty tackle on Duff
From ANDREW DILLON in Donetsk
Published: Today
Add a comment (5)
ROY HODGSON had to apologise to the referee as Fulham made it to the Europa League's last 16.
Boss Hodgson was restrained by the fourth official during an outburst over Shakhtar's tactics.
He said: "It was a bad foul on Damien Duff by Costa and I was angry. It's not good if you let your emotions get the better of you, it's inexcusable.
"I made my excuses to ref Svein Oddvar Moen. Sometimes, the red mist falls but I'm thankful no further damage has been done.
"I want to apologise. It's been a wonderful night for the club only marred by Danny Murphy's sending off."
Skipper Murphy misses the tie with Juventus after seeing red in injury time for lashing out at Darijo Srna.
Furious Shakhtar boss Mircea Lucescu said: "I don't like the ref. He's Norwegian and that's not right. Fulham have Norwegians and at the end they were hugging."
Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/2869346/No-holding-Shakh-from-Roy.html?OTC-RSS&ATTR=Football#ixzz0gcbRtPz7 (http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/2869346/No-holding-Shakh-from-Roy.html?OTC-RSS&ATTR=Football#ixzz0gcbRtPz7)
Shakhtar Donetsk 1 Fulham 1: Roy Hodgson's heroes rewarded with Juventus clash
By Sportsmail Reporter Last updated at 1:16 AM on 26th February 2010
Fulham pulled off their greatest result in European competition last night to set up a last-16 clash with the mighty Juventus.
However, their success was marred by an injury-time red card for Danny Murphy, who was judged to have kicked out at right back Darijo Srna by the corner flag.
The midfielder will miss at least the first leg against the Italian giants, who later in the evening saw off Ajax thanks to a goalless draw which earned a 2-1 aggregate win.
Roy Hodgson hailed Shakhtar as the best side he had faced in 35 years of management, but his troops thwarted the UEFA Cup holders thanks to stunning defensive performances from centre-half Brede Hangeland and goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer.
Hangeland was also the hero at the other end, heading a 33rd-minute goal against the run of play that Shakhtar never quite recovered from.
Jadson pulled one back with 21 minutes to play, but Fulham held on, restricting the home side to mostly long-range efforts and taking advantage of a 2-1 lead from the first leg.
But Bobby Zamora, who pushed his England claims with a hard-working performance as an often isolated lone striker, may have lost his chance of being called up by Fabio Capello by aggravating an achilles injury that forced him off with 18 minutes to play.
'This Shakhtar team is as good as any team I have come across in 35 years, and perhaps over two games, they may feel they deserved to win,' said Hodgson.
It has been a wonderful night for the club. Shakhtar showed what a good team they are; their ability to pass and keep the ball is as good as I've seen.
'Most of the testing came from long shots, which was a credit to us. The only thing that marred the evening was the sending-off.'
Fulham will not appeal the decision, but the normally placid Hodgson did lose his rag after a hard challenge minutes before left Damien Duff floored.
Ilsinho was booked and Hodgson appeared to lay into the wrong man - impressive substitute Douglas Costa - for which he apologised.
This was supposed to have been a night when a Shakhtar victory followed Donetsk celebrating the inauguration of local man Viktor Yanukovych as the country's president.
A pre-match poll on the club's website had asked not if Shakhtar would win, but by which scenario.
Both clubs put out the same line-ups as in the first legs and Shakhtar started at a frantic pace. Neither of Fulham's English left backs could stake their claim to replace Wayne Bridge in Fabio Capello's thoughts, with Paul Konchesky still out with an ankle injury and on-loan Nicky Shorey not part of the UEFA squad.
While they could have been accused of trying to walk the ball into the net a week before, this time they set about peppering Schwarzer's goal from distance as soon as they got sight.
MATCH FACTS
SHAKHTAR DONETSK (4-2-3-1):
Pyatov 5; Srna 6, Kucher 6, Rakitskiy 5,
Rat 5; Hubschman 6 (Kravchenko 46min, 6) Fernandinho 6; Ilsinho 7, Jadson 7, Willian 7 (Douglas Costa 53, 7); Luiz Adriano 5 (Gladkiy 76). Booked: Ilsinho.
FULHAM (4-4-1-1): Schwarzer 8; Baird 6,
Hughes, 6 Hangeland 8, Kelly 6; Duff 7,
Murphy 6, Etuhu 5, Davies 5 (Riise 89);
Gera 5; Zamora 7 (Elm 72, 6).
Booked: Gera. Sent off: Murphy.
Man of the match: Mark Schwarzer.
Referee: Svein Oddvar Moen (Nor).
By half an hour in, they had racked up 11 shots and nine corners, but it was Fulham who took the lead with their first meaningful attack.
Zamora won a free-kick down the right, Murphy crossed it in and Hangeland nodded in only his third Fulham goal from eight yards.
The crowd of almost 50,000 were silenced and Shakhtar struggled to retain their composure, seeming to get in their way and firing increasingly poor long-range efforts as the break approached.
The Ukrainians were better after boss Mircea Lucescu had got at them, but Fulham's defence - Hangeland in particular - blocked everything thrown at them Shakhtar improved with the introduction of Douglas Costa, who fashioned the equaliser by skinning Stephen Kelly and cutting it back from the right for Jadson to score from 10 yards.
But the winner never came. Lucescu cried conspiracy, claiming the Norwegian officials embraced with their Fulham compatriots at the end. Fulham deserved their glory, though.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1253821/Shakhtar-Donetsk-1-Fulham-1-Hero-Brede-Hangeland-seals-famous-win-battling-Cottagers-eliminate-holders.html#ixzz0gcdNzVwK (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1253821/Shakhtar-Donetsk-1-Fulham-1-Hero-Brede-Hangeland-seals-famous-win-battling-Cottagers-eliminate-holders.html#ixzz0gcdNzVwK)
http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Shakhtar-Donetsk-1-1-Fulham-Roy-Hodgson-s-side-go-through-3-2-on-aggregate-after-nervy-finish-article335919.html
Shakhtar Donetsk 1-1 Fulham: Daily Mirror match report
Published 20:09 25/02/10
By MirrorFootball
Brede Hangeland was the hero on a European glory night for Fulham as they stunned Shakhtar Donetsk to reach the last 16 of the Europa League.
The defender, along with goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer, kept out almost everything the Ukrainians threw at them at the vast Donbass Arena.
Hangeland popped up with Fulham's goal - with their first attack of the night - to set up a stunning success for Roy Hodgson's men.
During their visit to England Shakhtar's players were barred from Harrods, owned by Fulham chairman Mohamed Al Fayed, and the Londoners knew that if they could shut up shop again they would be going through.
They managed to do just that, under immense pressure and in front of a vociferous home crowd, for 69 minutes until Jadson fired Shakhtar level.
But Fulham held out for the final, nerve-jangling last 20 minutes to knock out the 2009 UEFA Cup winners and make the last 16 of the revamped competition for the first time in their history.
Only a stoppage-time red card for Danny Murphy, which will rule him out of their next match, marred a memorable evening in Donetsk.
Shakhtar, who had Luiz Adriano's away goal to show for their efforts in the first leg at Craven Cottage, were quickly into their stride with their five-strong Brazilian contingent looking sharp.
In the first minute Adriano fired in a low shot which was comfortably dealt with by Schwarzer.
The Fulham goalkeeper was called into more serious action when he tipped a long-range effort from Willian over the crossbar with just three minutes gone.
Adriano should have done better with an attempted curler moments later before, with the visitors retreating deeper and deeper, Schwarzer kept his side on level terms with a superb diving one-handed save to deny Fernandinho.
Fulham's overworked keeper then had to block another low Willian drive midway through the first half.
It was all hands to the pump in the Fulham area with striker Bobby Zamora hacking a dangerous low centre clear before Schwarzer scrambled Yaroslav Rakitsky's 30-yarder round a post.
But having stood up to the barrage, incredibly it was Fulham who took the lead with their first attack of the night.
After 33 minutes Zamora won a free-kick down the right, Damien Duff floated in the cross and Hangeland's glancing header beat the motionless Shakhtar goalkeeper Andriy Pyatov.
It cancelled out Adriano's strike seven days earlier, to the delight of 350 hardy travelling fans, and meant Shakhtar needed to score twice to stay in the tie.
The hosts were straight back on the attack after the break and Adriano headed captain Darijo Srna's cross into the arms of Schwarzer.
But although Shakhtar continued to dominate Hangeland was imperious at the back, cutting out a driven centre from Razvan Rat with an immaculate first touch and getting his head onto just about everything else thrown at him.
With frustration growing in the home ranks, substitute Douglas blazed an ambitious 25-yarder high over Schwarzer's crossbar.
The Cottagers had a chance to kill off the tie when a rare counter-attack saw Zamora break clear down the right but his square cross, towards an unmarked Zoltan Gera, was cut out by defender Olexander Kucher.
And the moment Fulham feared came in the 69th minute when Douglas reached the byline and pulled the ball back for Jadson to sweep past Schwarzer to level the match on the night.
Fulham hearts were in their mouths with 10 minutes to go when a vicious curler from defender Rakitsky thundered into the side-netting.
Then Douglas' shot was deflected wide off Murphy with Shakhtar screaming for handball.
Gera passed up another chance to put Fulham clear when he scuffed wide in the final minute, before Murphy was shown a red card for kicking out at Srna moments before the final whistle.
http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/hangeland-inspires-fulham-to-win-over-shakhtar-1911067.html
Hangeland inspires Fulham to win over Shakhtar
Shakhtar Donetsk 1 Fulham 1 (Fulham win 3-2 on aggregate)
By Andy Sims at Donbass Arena
Friday, 26 February 2010
Brede Hangeland was the hero on a European glory night for Fulham as they stunned Shakhtar Donetsk to reach the last 16 of the Europa League.
The defender, along with goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer, kept out almost everything the Ukrainians threw at them here last night. Hangeland also popped up with Fulham's goal – with their first attack of the night – to set up a stunning success for Roy Hodgson's men. "It has been a wonderful night for the club," the Fulham manager said. "Shakhtar showed what a good team they are. Their ability to pass and keep the ball is as good as I've seen in my 35-year career. It's another marvellous night and great credit to the team."
During their visit to England Shakhtar's players were barred from Harrods, owned by the Fulham chairman, Mohamed al-Fayed, and the Londoners knew that if they could shut up shop again they would be going through. They managed to do just that until Rodrigues Jadson fired Shakhtar level after 69 minutes.
But Fulham held out to knock out the 2009 Uefa Cup winners and make the last 16 of the competition for the first time in their history.
Only a stoppage-time red card for Danny Murphy, which will rule him out of their next match and an Achilles injury sustained by Bobby Zamora, marred a memorable evening in Donetsk. The striker is rated doubtful by Hodgson for Sunday's Premier League game at Sunderland. Fulham were under the cosh for the first half-hour but then took the lead. Zamora won a free-kick, Damien Duff floated in the cross and Hangeland's glancing header beat the Shakhtar goalkeeper Andriy Pyatov.
It cancelled out Adriano's strike seven days earlier, and meant Shakhtar needed to score twice to stay in the tie.
The hosts were straight back on the attack after the break but frustration grew as the substitute Douglas Costa blazed over Schwarzer's crossbar.
The moment Fulham feared arrived when Douglas reached the byline and pulled the ball back for Jadson to sweep past Schwarzer. Fulham hearts were in their mouths as Murphy was shown a red card for kicking out at Srna in stoppage time but the final whistle soon followed.
Shakhtar Donetsk (4-4-2): Pyatov; Srna, Kucher, Rakitskiy, Rat; Hubschman (Kravchenko, h-t), Fernandinho, Ilsinho, Jadson; Willian (Douglas Costa, 54), Luiz Adriano (Gladkyy, 76). Substitutes not used: Tetenko, Lewandowski, Gai, Ischenko.
Fulham (4-4-1-1): Schwarzer; Baird, Hangeland, Hughes, Kelly; Duff, Murphy, Etuhu, Davies (Riise, 89); Gera; Zamora (Elm, 72). Substitutes not used: Zuberbühler (gk), Nevland, Smalling, Greening, Marsh-Brown.
Referee: S Oddvar Moen (Norway).
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/premierleague/sunderland/7318994/Sunderland-v-Fulham-match-preview.html
Sunderland v Fulham: match preview
Read a full match preview of the Premier League game between Sunderland and Fulham at Stadium of Light on Sunday Feb 28 2010, kick-off 15.00 GMT.
By John Ley
Published: 6:00AM GMT 26 Feb 2010
Sunday, Feb 28
Sunderland v Fulham
Stadium of Light
Kick-off: 15.00 GMT
TV: Highlights BBC MOTD
Sunderland have gone 13 Premier League games without a win, dropping from eighth to 14th. But they have lost only two games at the Stadium of Light. Lee Cattermole and David Meyler are available after suspension but Andy Reid and Jordan Henderson are injured.
Bobby Zamora scored a seventh minute goal to earn Fulham the points when they met Sunderland at Craven Cottage in December. And the striker has now scored 15 goals, his best return for eight years and most productive haul in top-flight football.
Team details (probable)
Sunderland (4-4-2): Gordon; Hutton, Mensah, Turner, McCartney; Campbell, Cana, Ferdinand, Richardson; Bent, Jones.
Fulham (4-4-1-1): Schwarzer; Baird, Hughes, Hangeland, Shorey; Davies, Etuhu, Murphy, Duff; Gera; Zamora.
Referee: Martin Atkinson. Matches: 21. R3 Y86.
This season: Fulham 1 Sunderland 0.
Last season: Fulham 0 Sunderland 0, Sunderland 1 Fulham 0.
Stat of the game: In five Premier League visits, Fulham have won just once, in September 2002.
Betting tip: Tight. 1-1 is 9-2.
Defensive Giant
Friday 26th February 2010
Fulham FC News
Brede Hangeland was one of the many heroes on Thursday evening as he put in a colossal display in defence, and scored the crucial goal, as Fulham progressed to the last 16 of the UEFA Europa League at the expense of reigning UEFA Cup holders Shakhtar Donetsk.
"It feels fantastic. It's a really, really great achievement for this club and I'm proud to be a part of it," he beamed after the historic aggregate victory.
"It proves how far we've come as a team since Roy Hodgson became Manager. We've beaten one of the top teams in Europe and we've achieved that by trusting in the way we play and working hard.
"It's been a fantastic team effort so we're really proud of ourselves."
After a successful first leg a week earlier, the Whites travelled to Donetsk with a 2-1 lead, but with the hosts' imperious home record and their characteristic attacking outlook, Brede and his team-mates knew that they would have to fight to prevent their hosts from scoring the single goal that would send them through on the away goals rule.
However, after an initial Shakhtar onslaught, Hangeland gave his team-mates some vital breathing space when he nodded a crossed Damien Duff free-kick from the left past Pyatov, grabbing an away goal of our own and clinching a two-goal lead in the tie.
"We knew we had a good chance from set pieces because when you're a team of tricky Brazilians, you can't be big giants at the same time!" He said of his well-timed strike.
"When I looked at my marker I thought, "If the ball comes in at the right angle I have a good chance." We'd said to Duffer to be sure to put all the crosses into the box instead of playing them short and he did that, so as it came in all I had to do was flick it into the corner.
"It turned out to be a very important goal, but I'm not too bothered about who scores the goals as long as we get the result we need.
"If we're honest, it was against the run of play. It felt like we were defending for 90 minutes today, but having said that, we did that well and restricted them to long shots, which Mark did really well to save.
However, Shakhtar's incessant pressure did bring a goal with just over 20 minutes remaining, as Jadson slotted in a low shot after a typically stylish attacking sweep, setting up a tense and dramatic finale as the Ukrainian side threw everything forward.
Skipper Danny Murphy's dismissal heaped further pressure on Roy Hodgson's charges, but they held on firmly to their aggregate advantage, eventually seeing the game out.
"Normally you have a glance at the stadium clock every now and then, but there wasn't a chance for that, it was really hectic," reflected Hangeland.
"I remember speaking to Hughesy with about five minutes to go and agreeing that if we managed to get through it, it would be a really big achievement.
"But we all knew what was ahead of us if we managed to hold on, and we kept focused to do that. So when they finally blew the final whistle it was a good feeling."
The result that will surely go down as one of the greatest in the history of Fulham Football Club secured progression to the Quarter-Finals of the UEFA Europa League, setting up another great European occasion against Italian giants Juventus.
"It's certainly great to be a part of nights like this," concluded Brede. "Who would have thought this would be possible with this club a while back?
"But it just proves that with hard work and a group of players and coaching staff pulling in the same direction, you can achieve things like this. Now we look forward to playing Juventus at the Cottage, as I'm sure the fans do too."
Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/February/bredeshakhtarreaction.aspx#ixzz0gcgOdzrs (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/February/bredeshakhtarreaction.aspx#ixzz0gcgOdzrs)
Shakhtar Photo Special
Thursday 25th February 2010
http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/February/ShakhtarAwayPhotos.aspx
Fulham v Juventus
UEFA Europa League
Thursday 18 March
Kick-Off TBC
On-sale dates
Season Ticket Holders 9am 26 Feb (six tickets) (seats held until 9am 2 Mar)
Fulham Club Members 1 Mar (six tickets)
General Sale 3 Mar (six tickets)
How to Buy Tickets
buy tickets online - 7 days a week, 24 hrs a day. Save on booking fees by booking online*
by phone on 0870 442 1234 (option 1) - 7 days a week, 24 hrs a day
in person from the Ticket Office: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm; non-match day Sat 10am-12pm
by fax 0207 384 4810 (download printable form )
by postal application to FFC Ticket Office, Stevenage Road, Fulham, SW6 6HH enclosing a stamped addressed envelope (download printable form )
Seatwave - the official fan-to-fan ticket exchange
Thomas Cook - match breaks for all Fulham FC home games
* Lower booking fees compared to telephone booking
Prices
Stadium Areas Adults Conc Juniors
Riverside & Haynes (excludes A/AL) £40 £25 £20
Hammersmith & Putney & Haynes A&AL (family area)* £30 £20 £15
*Family Area of A & AL to be sold from FFC Ticket Office only.
Junior - under 16
Consessions: Young Person - under 21
Concessions: Senior - over 65
Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Tickets/Games/EuropaLast16Home.aspx#ixzz0gcgxMLNI (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Tickets/Games/EuropaLast16Home.aspx#ixzz0gcgxMLNI)
Shakhtar 1 - 1 Fulham
It was another remarkable night of European football for Fulham in the Ukraine on Thursday, with the Whites defeating the UEFA Cup holders, Shakhtar Donetsk, 3-2 on aggregate. A 1-1 draw at the Donbass Arena was enough to see the Whites through to the final 16.
Fulham, in their all-white kit, got Thursday evening's UEFA Europa League clash against Shakhtar Donetsk underway, in front of a sea of orange and black inside the stunning Donbass Arena.
With Fulham holding a 2-1 advantage over the current UEFA Cup holders, Shakhtar went on the offensive from the first whistle.
Luiz Adriano fired in the first shot of the game inside the first minute of play; his 25 yard effort falling safely into Mark Schwarzer's arms.
Just two minutes later the striker fired in a scintillating shot from distance, forcing Schwarzer to produce a superb fingertip save to keep Fulham's lead intact.
For all of Shakhtar's possession and attacking intent during the opening exchanges, Roy Hodgson's team kept their composure with some well organised defensive play.
After 10 minutes Jadson latched onto a cross from the right in a central position 12 yards from goal. The home crowd were off their feet, sensing a finish, but Jadson fluffed his shot.
The deafening noise inside the Donbass Arena went up a few notches when Fernandinho smashed a thirty-yard effort in on goal. It was a fierce drive but once again, Schwarzer was on hand to produce a stunning fingertip save.
The Whites were certainly camped in their own half during the first half but Fulham's two banks of four were keeping the tide at bay. If Fulham were to increase their advantage it would be on the counter but every effort was needed to protect their advantage.
As the half hour mark approached Shakhtar turned the pressure up, winning several corners off long-range strikes. Fortunately Schwarzer was once again producing another world-class performance in goal.
To their credit Fulham remained resolute and some of Brede Hangeland's last-ditch tackling was inspired. The towering Norwegian was taking no prisoners on Thursday night, as Ilsinho discovered in a tussle on the by-line after 30 minutes of play.
Fulham's 'catch them on the counter' tactic worked an absolute treat after 32 minutes play when Brede Hangeland sent the Donbass Arena into complete silence when he headed Damien Duff's corner into the Shakhtar net.
Hangeland rose above Shakhtar's defence to head into the corner of the net from 8 yards out. It was a stunning moment, which left Shakhtar shaken. Fulham's tails were up with a 3-1 advantage and after defending for near on half an hour the balance of play literally switched halves. Roy Hodgson's Team were attacking at will as half-time approached.
Hangeland's goal certainly took the sting out of Shakhtar's offensive play and the remainder of the first-half was played out in relative comfort for Fulham.
Shakhtar came out early for the second half with Fulham retaining the same eleven for the second period.
The home side, looking to recover a two-goal deficit, attacked from the flanks but Roy Hodgson's side never looked troubled during the early stages of the second half.
Hangeland underlined his defensive strength after 47 minutes when Fernandinho smashed into a fifty-fifty challenge with the Norwegian powerhouse 20 yards from goal. Hangeland didn't move an inch from the full-blooded challenge, remaining rooted to the ground.
After 52 minutes play Willian limped from the field of play, replaced by Douglas Costa. It wasn't until the 62nd minute until Costa earned his first sight of goal but his long range effort sailed harmlessly over Schwarzer's bar.
For Fulham, Bobby Zamora was working tirelessly in attack, hunting down any stray balls and harrying Shakhtar's defence - the big man provided a crucial outlet on Thursday night.
The Donbass Arena erupted after 68 minutes when Jadson stroked the ball home from close range after latching onto Costa's cross from the right. The aggregate was now 3-2 in Fulham's favour.
If Fulham were to reach the last 16 they would have to ride out 20 minutes of unabated pressure. Roy Hodgson made his first change of the game immediately after Shakhtar's equaliser, replacing Bobby Zamora with David Elm.
The home side attacked in waves and utter composure was required on and off the ball inside the cauldron that was the Donbass Arena. It was nerve-wracking stuff for Fulham's supporters in the top tier but the players were producing a sterling and stubborn defensive performance to keep Shakhtar at bay.
Ten minutes from time Rat went within a whisker of bringing the game level with a fierce left footed drive from 30 yards out down the left channel. The home crowd thought it was a cert but much to Fulham's relief the ball rebounded off the advertising board behind Schwarzer's goal.
Fernandinho was appealing for a penalty after 84 minutes following a rebound off Hughes in the area but the Referee was not impressed. Some relief came four minutes from time as Fulham entered into an extended spell of possession.
Roy Hodgson then introduced Bjorn Helge Riise for Simon Davies with barely a minute of normal time remaining. As the Fourth Official indicated one minute of added time Zoltan Gera was handed a glorious chance to put the contest beyond doubt. Racing through for a on-on-one Gera sent his shot agonisingly wide of goal.
Fulham rode out the storm and a final flourish wasn't required as a 1-1 draw was enough to see Roy Hodgson's Team through to the final 16 of the UEFA Europa League. It was another memorable night of European football for the Club and the Europan adventure continues. The only sore point on a otherwise stunning night was a red card for captain Danny Murphy in the final seconds of the contest at the Donbass Arena.
Roy's Reaction
Roy Hodgson credits his Team following a "marvellous performance" in Donetsk on Thursday night.
A delighted Roy Hodgson spoke of his pride at seeing his Team knock out the UEFA Cup holders on Thursday night after Fulham recorded a 3-2 aggregate win over Shakhtar Donetsk in the Donbass Arena.
"It means a lot to me," said Hodgson of Thursday night's victory. "The performance will live long in the memory because we've done it with a Team, if you look at our squad on paper, that is missing maybe three, four or possibly five players who we believe can strengthen us. It's great credit to the players that have come into the Team.
"The game was as tough as we expected it to be. They're a very talented team and we knew they'd take the game to us and we'd be under pressure.
"I think it was a marvellous performance from the players to score the goal and keep them at bay and hold them out in the closing stages. It's one of those nights that every Fulham fan can be extremely proud of."
The only blemish on an otherwise memorable night in Donetsk was a red card for captain Danny Murphy and a possible injury to striker Bobby Zamora
"It was an expensive night again with Bobby Zamora suffering with his Achilles and Danny Murphy sent off, " Hodgson explained. "It's one of those evenings that will be expensive in the future.
"Bobby felt his Achilles in the second half. The pitch was very hard and that doesn't help. We can only hope that it's not too serious but I would have my doubts for this weekend's game against Sunderland."
Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/MatchAndTeam/MatchCentre/Matches/0910/EuropaLeague/ShakhtarDonetskAway.aspx#ixzz0gchIshCO (http://www.fulhamfc.com/MatchAndTeam/MatchCentre/Matches/0910/EuropaLeague/ShakhtarDonetskAway.aspx#ixzz0gchIshCO)
Fulham's Danny Murphy admits he made a "silly" mistake as he was sent off on an historic night for Fulham as they progressed to the quarter-finals of the Europa League after beating Uefa Cup holders Shakhtar Donetsk 3-2 on aggregate.
BBC Sport - Football - Murphy disappointed with himself after seeing red (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/f/fulham/8538009.stm#id8530000/8538000/8538009-audio)
http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/sam-wallace-a-wimp-no-a-man-who-has-suffered-all-that-he-can-bear-1911121.html
Desperation point? England's left-back options
Stephen Warnock (Aston Villa)
Age 28
Caps 1
Best club honour European Super Cup Winner 2005, with Liverpool.
Shares the shortest England playing career of eight minutes.
Leighton Baines (Everton)
Age 25
Caps 0
Best club honour FA Cup runner-up 2009
Reknowned for his impressive dead-ball skills, has twice made the squad.
Nicky Shorey (Fulham, on loan from Aston Villa)
Age 29 Caps 2
Best club honour Championship 2006
In Fabio Capello's first England squad, recently loaned to Nottingham Forest.
Paul Konchesky (Fulham)
Age 28
Caps 2
Best club honour FA Cup runner-up 2006
Injured and last played for England in 2005. Never been in a Capello squad.
http://www.football365.com/story/0,17033,8750_5980443,00.html
Sunderland
13 games without a win now. Arsenal away last weekend was perhaps not realistically winnable. Fulham at home this weekend most certainly is. Remember, this is a Fulham side who have not won away since the opening weekend of the season. Anything but victory is surely not an option.
http://www.football365.com/story/0,17033,8652_5982146,00.html
BLACK CATS BEHIND BRUCE - BENT
Posted 26/02/10 08:35
Sunderland star Darren Bent insists the whole squad remains behind under-fire manager Steve Bruce.
Bruce's position at the Stadium of Light has come under the microscope in recent weeks after a disastrous run of form in the Premier League.
After a promising start to the campaign, Sunderland have now gone 13 games without a win to leave them nervously looking over their shoulders at the relegation scrap at the wrong end of the table.
However, Bent insists Bruce is the right man to turn things around on Wearside.
"All the players are behind the manager 100 per cent," said Bent.
"We know he's the man to take us forward. We'd all like to be further up the league, but it shouldn't be forgotten that it's still early days for him and his team.
"At every club, the manager is the one who gets the stick, but it's the players who have to perform on the pitch."
Bent has also pledged his long-term future to Sunderland, saying he is enjoying life in the North East following his arrival from Tottenham last summer.
"I feel like an honorary Mackem," added Bent. "I feel like I've got into the spirit of the Sunderland way.
"I knew before I came here that this was a massive club and nothing I've seen has dented that.
"Every time I train, every time I go out on to the pitch, I want to grasp it, to show that I'm worthy of playing for a big club like Sunderland ."
http://www.journallive.co.uk/nufc/nufc-results-reports/2010/02/26/fa-youth-cup-newcastle-4-crystal-palace-2-61634-25918173/
Newcastle U-18s 4 Crystal Palace U-18s 2
Feb 26 2010 by Lee Ryder, The Journal
FA Youth Cup
NOT since the days of a youthful Paul Gascoigne have Newcastle United lifted the FA Youth Cup.
Well, as the Fog on the Tyne swirled into St James' Park last night the dreams of a new generation of young Geordies to emulate Gazza and the class of '85 remained in tact.
United now find themselves into the semi-finals of the competition and face a two-legged crack against Fulham or Aston Villa.
http://www.bettingpress.com/category/Football/Liverpool-FC-are-now-9-2-favourites-to-win-the-Europa-League-201002260026/
Liverpool FC are now 9/2 favourites to win the Europa League
Betting Press Staff - 26 Feb 2010
Liverpool FC have been made 9/2 favourites to win the Europa League with Skybet after their 3-1 win over Unirea Urziceni booked their place in the last 16.
The Reds avoided potential embarrassment in Romania as they came from behind after Bruno Fernandes' header gave Unirea Urziceni the lead.
Goals from Javier Mascherano and Ryan Babel turned things around before the interval and Steven Gerrard's 33rd European goal wrapped up a 4-1 aggregate success for Rafael Benitez's men.
They face French side Lille (25/1) next and while city rivals Everton crashed out, Fulham made it two English teams through by beating the 2009 UEFA Cup winners Shakhtar Donetsk on aggregate.
Things do not get easier for Roy Hodgson's men, though, and they face Italian giants Juventus next, the Serie A side 6/1 second favourites with Skybet outright while Fulham are 20/1 shots.
Along with Liverpool and Juve, Valencia, Hamburg and Benfica are available at single-figure prices with Skybet.
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=285556&cc=5739
Shakhtar Donetsk 1 - 1 Fulham
2ND LEG: 2 - 3 (Agg)
Cottagers seal shock passage
Updated: February 25, 2010, 8:09 AM UK
Brede Hangeland was the hero on a European glory night for Fulham as they stunned Shakhtar Donetsk to reach the last 16 of the Europa League.
The defender, along with goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer, kept out almost everything the Ukrainians threw at them at the vast Donbass Arena.
Hangeland popped up with Fulham's goal - with their first attack of the night - to set up a stunning success for Roy Hodgson's men.
During their visit to England Shakhtar's players were barred from Harrods, owned by Fulham chairman Mohamed Al Fayed, and the Londoners knew that if they could shut up shop again they would be going through.
They managed to do just that, under immense pressure and in front of a vociferous home crowd, for 69 minutes until Jadson fired Shakhtar level.
But Fulham held out for the final, nerve-jangling last 20 minutes to knock out the 2009 UEFA Cup winners and make the last 16 of the revamped competition for the first time in their history.
Only a stoppage-time red card for Danny Murphy, which will rule him out of their next match, marred a memorable evening in Donetsk.
Shakhtar, who had Luiz Adriano's away goal to show for their efforts in the first leg at Craven Cottage, were quickly into their stride with their five-strong Brazilian contingent looking sharp.
In the first minute Adriano fired in a low shot which was comfortably dealt with by Schwarzer.
The Fulham goalkeeper was called into more serious action when he tipped a long-range effort from Willian over the crossbar with just three minutes gone.
Adriano should have done better with an attempted curler moments later before, with the visitors retreating deeper and deeper, Schwarzer kept his side on level terms with a superb diving one-handed save to deny Fernandinho.
Fulham's overworked keeper then had to block another low Willian drive midway through the first half.
It was all hands to the pump in the Fulham area with striker Bobby Zamora hacking a dangerous low centre clear before Schwarzer scrambled Yaroslav Rakitsky's 30-yarder round a post.
But having stood up to the barrage, incredibly it was Fulham who took the lead with their first attack of the night.
After 33 minutes Zamora won a free-kick down the right, Damien Duff floated in the cross and Hangeland's glancing header beat the motionless Shakhtar goalkeeper Andriy Pyatov.
It cancelled out Adriano's strike seven days earlier, to the delight of 350 hardy travelling fans, and meant Shakhtar needed to score twice to stay in the tie.
The hosts were straight back on the attack after the break and Adriano headed captain Darijo Srna's cross into the arms of Schwarzer.
But although Shakhtar continued to dominate Hangeland was imperious at the back, cutting out a driven centre from Razvan Rat with an immaculate first touch and getting his head onto just about everything else thrown at him.
With frustration growing in the home ranks, substitute Douglas blazed an ambitious 25-yarder high over Schwarzer's crossbar.
The Cottagers had a chance to kill off the tie when a rare counter-attack saw Zamora break clear down the right but his square cross, towards an unmarked Zoltan Gera, was cut out by defender Olexander Kucher.
And the moment Fulham feared came in the 69th minute when Douglas reached the byline and pulled the ball back for Jadson to sweep past Schwarzer to level the match on the night.
Fulham hearts were in their mouths with 10 minutes to go when a vicious curler from defender Rakitsky thundered into the side-netting.
Then Douglas' shot was deflected wide off Murphy with Shakhtar screaming for handball.
Gera passed up another chance to put Fulham clear when he scuffed wide in the final minute, before Murphy was shown a red card for kicking out at Srna moments before the final whistle.
Roy Hodgson saluted a historic night for Fulham after Brede Hangeland's goal sent them into the last 16 of the Europa League.
Hodgson said: "It has been a wonderful night for the club. Shakhtar showed what a good team they are. Their ability to pass and keep the ball is as good as I've seen in my 35-year career.
"I don't like to compare nights, but it's yet another marvellous night along the way and great credit to the team. I really enjoyed the night and the performance but I still hope there'll be some more good nights to come. I'll wait until I retire to discuss which were the great moments and which were the lesser moments.''
But they survived the final nerve-jangling 20 minutes and the stoppage-time dismissal of Danny Murphy, for kicking out at Darijo Srna, to see out a stunning success.
"The only thing that marred the evening was the sending-off of Danny Murphy, who had a very good game and will now miss the next game,'' added Hodgson, who also apologised for his touchline rant after a foul by Douglas on Duff.
"I thought it was a bad foul on Damien Duff and I was angry he fouled him in that way, but if ever you let your emotions get the better of you it's not good and inexcusable and I made my excuses to the referee.
"Sometimes things happen to make the red mist fall, but I'm thankful no further damage has been done.''
http://blogs.soccernet.com/fulham/archives/2010/02/down_goes_shakhtar_down_goes_s.php
Down Goes Shakhtar!! Down Goes Shakhtar!!
Posted by Tom Wille 14 hours, 55 minutes ago
Fulham has knocked out the defending UEFA Cup champions on Thursday with a nailbiting 1-1 draw in Donetsk. It was not pretty and there were some nervy moments throughout the match, but Roy Hodgson's side continue to defy the odds in what was a tie most experts thought would be won by Shakhtar.
With Fulham holding a 2-1 lead heading into Thursday's affair, it was important for the Cottagers to start well. Unfortunately, it was the Ukrainian side that was getting most all of the possession and in turn the shots on goal in the opening 30 minutes. The ball was in the Shakhtar end almost exclusively and it seemed as that it was not a matter of if, but when Orange and Black attack from Ukraine would score the match's opening goal.
That opening goal came.....but it was Fulham that did the scoring. Brede Hangeland headed home a free kick in the 34th minute to give the Cottagers a shocking early lead and a 3-1 aggregate lead in the tie. It was a goal that was completely against the run of play and one in which I did not see coming from a million miles away.
Truth be told, my belief heading into the match was that if Fulham was going to advance they would need to hold Shakhtar scoreless. I never in my wildest dreams thought Fulham would go to the Ukraine and score in Donetsk. Fortunately, I was wrong.
While Fulham held the 3-1 aggregate lead at halftime, Shakhtar continued to pile the pressure on the Cottagers throughout the second half. The Orange and Black won corner after corner only to either take a short corner or do nothing with the longer corner kicks.
It is not as though Shakhtar did not have shots on goal Thursday. It was more a matter of Mark Schwarzer being on top of his game and thwarting almost every single advance on his goal.
Things got even more interesting with 20 minutes to play as Rodrigues Jadson scored for Shakhtar to make it 3-2 Fulham on aggregate. The goal was well deserved and honestly, it was a long time in the making.
After the goal, Shakhtar looked as though they might add another and send the match to extra time. However, the defense hunkered down and Schwarzer continued his masterful play to keep the hosts from scoring another.
In stoppage time things go a bit chippy as Damien Duff was basically punched on the side of the head and thrown down by two Shakhtar players with no whistle from the referee. Then with less than a minute to play, Danny Murphy was given a straight red card for what the referee said to be a trip on Dario Srna in the Fulham end as Murphy was trying to keep the ball in the corner and waste time. That red card means Murphy will mess the next round against either Juventus or Ajax. That is disappointing to say the least as a straight red card was very harsh.
The magical ride of Fulham Football Club continued today. This win over Shakhtar will go down as one of the biggest, if not the biggest win in the club's long history. Few believed this team would get past the group stage of the tourney, let alone knocking out the defending champions. But that is exactly what this team did on Thursday.
Up next in the Europa League will be Ajax or Juventus. While both of those clubs have a lot of history in European competitions and are clearly bigger clubs than Fulham, I do not doubt the Cottager's chances of advancing to the quarterfinals of the Europa League.
It is a glorious day for Fulham supporters everywhere. The Danny Murphy red card is disappointing and will play a factor in the next round, but the win overshadows that in what will be a day many Fulham supporters will cherish and remember for a long, long time.
Where does this win rank for you in the club's history? What are Fulham's chances in the next round against Juve or Ajax? What did you think of Fulham's gameplan against Shakhtar? Was the Murphy red card harsh? Let's read what you have to say.
http://hammyend.com/?p=5655
Good old Rufus
by Dan on February 25, 2010
Via Jacqui Oatley:
Rufus Brevett got so excited about his old club Fulham scoring that he jumped up and knocked out the BBC London commentary line!
Get in there, Ruuuuuufuuuuuuuus!
http://fulham.theoffside.com/team-news/fulham-dig-deep-shock-shaktar.html
Fulham dig deep, shock Shaktar
By: timmyg | February 25th, 2010
There was something vaguely Italian about today's match. Or Greek?
It was anonymous yet defensive; nervy but at times boring. Shaktar dominated possession, shots (19 to 4), and corners (17 to 0), but found Fulham difficult to ultimately break down. Fulham's first shot on target was from a set piece, as Brede Hangeland took Henry Rollins' advice to "Rise Above" and nodded the ball into the corner net.
Goal scored. Mission (sort of) Accomplished.
Come the second half Fulham dropped 9 (sometimes 10) men behind the ball but held their lines. Shaktar passed around and around, and shot and shot but fluffed their chances or fired over and away from the goal. Rodrigues Jadson found space and fired in a ball — a tidy goal — setting up a nervous last 20 minutes. But no mass offensive, no Picketts Charge, really materialized. Fulham held on to the 1-1 draw, prevailing 3-2 on aggregate.
But will Danny Murphy's sending off become a Pyrrhic victory? Unless the straight red is rescinded Murphy could miss anywhere from one to three matches. Considering all the injuries, losing a player to suspension of any sort compounds Fulham's worries. When it is our talismanic captain, the impact is immesurable.
But hey I don't mean to be negative. FULHAM JUST KNOCKED OFF THE CUP HOLDERS! WOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Oh, and he's probably locked up to some long term, lucrative deal, but watch out for Ilsinho in the years to come. He was absolute quality.
http://hammyend.com/?p=5661
Listen to Roy's press conference
by Dan on February 25, 2010
Hear the Fulham manager speak after the win over Shakhtar Donetsk. Audio from the Shakhtar website.
http://shakhtar.com/ru/news/12311 (http://shakhtar.com/ru/news/12311)
http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/160506/Fulham-knock-out-holders-Shakhtar-Donetsk
FULHAM KNOCK OUT HOLDERS SHAKHTAR DONETSK
Friday February 26,2010
By Frank Wiechula
FULHAM'S fantastic European adventure lives on after they achieved one of their best results to knock out reigning Europa League holders Shakhtar Donetsk in an exhilarating encounter.
The campaign began last July in the homespun setting of Lithuanian side Vetra and now continues against the cream of the Continent in the shape of Juventus, as Fulham made club history to reach the last 16 thanks to Brede Hangeland's goal against Shakhtar Donetsk.
But how Fulham rode their luck and stretched the nerves of their fans as they somehow initially weathered an incredible Shakhtar storm, took the lead and control – and then hung on frantically at the finish with skipper Danny Murphy sent off for a straight red in stoppage-time.
The result will go down in west London folklore, an unforgettable occasion for the Fulham diehards fortunate enough to witness it – a roller-coaster ride in which even the usually cool manager Roy Hodgson lost his rag near the end after Damien Duff was chopped by Ilsinho.
Hodgson ran to the edge of the pitch and had to be restrained by the fourth official such was his anger although, like the true gentleman he is, he apologised later.
Hodgson said: "It was a bad foul on Damien and I was angry. But if ever you let your emotions get the better of you it's not good and inexcusable. And I've made my excuses to the referee.
"Sometimes things happen to make the red mist fall but I'm thankful no further damage has been done. I don't like to compare nights but it's yet another marvellous night along the way and great credit to the team.
"I enjoyed the performance but I still hope there will be some more good nights to come.
"I'll wait until I retire to discuss which were the great moments and which were the lesser moments.
"It's a fantastic atmosphere here and it must be a marvellous place to play regularly. I see why Shakhtar have done so well; when you play here you realise why.
"Shakhtar showed what a good team they are – their ability to pass and keep the ball is as good as I've seen in my 35-year career.
"Most of the testing came from long shots, which is a credit to us. The only thing that marred the evening was the sending-off of Murphy, who had a very good game and will now miss the next one." Murphy, who kicked out at Darijo Srna as tiredness crept in, was a giant, alongside goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer, Hangeland and lone striker Bobby Zamora.
Schwarzer brilliantly tipped over a long-range, third-minute thunderbolt from Willian.
Shakhtar, roared on by a passionate, partisan crowd in the marvellous 51,000-seater, space-age Donbass Arena, spurned a fantastic 11th-minute opportunity when Rodrigues Jadson shot weakly wide. Schwarzer kept out a regulation low shot from Adriano and then had another memorable one-handed stop after 14 minutes, denying a viciously struck, angled effort from Fernandinho.
Once again Fulham were indebted to Schwarzer's alertness as he held on to a low shot from Willian after 21 minutes.
Willian badly screwed an effort wide before Schwarzer made another fine save from Yaroslav Rakitskiy's long-range attempt after 27 minutes. Then, as so often happens, the team on the receiving end broke away to score against the run of play.
Zamora won a free-kick on the right, Duff curled in an inviting, inswinging cross and there was Hangeland, on the edge of the six-yard box, to flick his header low into the far corner, leaving goalkeeper Andriy Pyatov powerless.
It was only the third goal Norwegian Hangeland had scored in 95 Fulham appearances, but his second in Europe this season – and such an utterly priceless one.
Still Fulham had to be wary and Schwarzer was almost caught out by Rakitskiy's 69th-minute effort.
Moments later, Shakhtar did finally break through Fulham's indomitable rearguard to set up a grandstand finish, level on the night and one behind overall.
Substitute Douglas Costa de Souza got clear past left-back Stephen Kelly on the byline, cut it back and Jadson drilled home from six yards to send the crowd wild.
In the 90th minute, Fulham's Zoltan Gera broke away and had a golden chance to make the game safe but shot wide, ensuring an even nervier final four minutes of stoppage-time which included Schwarzer making a save from Rakitskiy.
Murphy's sending-off added to the tension but Fulham held on and deservedly so.
SHAKHTAR DONETSK (4-2-3-1): Pyatov; Srna, Kucher, Rakitskiy, Rat; Hubschman (Kravchenko 46), Fernandinho; Ilsinho, Jadson, Willian (Costa 54); Adriano (Gladkiy 76). Booked: Ilsinho. Goal: Jadson 70.
FULHAM (4-4-1-1): Schwarzer; Baird, Hughes, Hangeland, Kelly; Duff, Etuhu, Murphy, Davies (Riise 89); Gera; Zamora (Elm 72). Booked: Gera.Sent off: Murphy 90. Goal: Hangeland 33.
Referee: S Moen (Norway).
SHAKHTAR 1 FULHAM 1
(Fulham win 3-2 on agg)
http://hammyend.com/?p=5668
The case for the defence
by Dan on February 26, 2010
Last night showed just how far Fulham have come under Roy Hodgson. The European run has been a terrific experience for the club and the fans but our beloved side have stood on the brink of something special many times before, albeit often at a much lower level than where we find ourselves now. Only those have proven to be false dawns. Too often when it came to the crunch, Fulham would fail to play, slip at the final hurdle or make a silly mistake.
Not last night. Not in Shakhtar. Not, in truth, too often under Hodgson. He deserves great credit for taking an almost ludicrously leaky defence and reshaping it to such an extent that it is now miserly. Much has been made of Hodgson's Italian influences. The manner in which the coach organises his sides and sides them up away from home has all the marks of an Italian coach, whose first priority is, in the words of a writer at Corriere dello Sport many moons ago, to 'protect the nil after the opponent's name'. Such organisation requires discipline in the midfield, especially the two central midfielders in a regular 4-4-2 (or – as we've seen more recently in the 4-4-1-1), but also demands a strong work ethic from the wide players.
Hodgson's tactics were spot on last night. Fulham defended excellently from the front. He noted just how well Zoltan Gera stuck to Barry Ferguson on Sunday and the Hungarian was more than willing to drop back into midfield to supplement the four behind him when Shakhtar had the ball. Bobby Zamora would frequently drop off as deep as the halfway to make it difficult for the home side to play their way through Fulham, even with their ridiculously precise and successful passing.
More than that, there was something subtle about the little tweaks to Hodgson's formation. Fulham have always been narrow in midfield since Hodgson came to the helm, but the 'wide' players probably couldn't even be given that moniker last night. Davies and Duff have immense ability with the ball at their feet and can turn a game in an instant (as the Irishman demonstrated with an inch-perfect cross for the Fulham goal) but their value tonight was in stopping Shakhtar's raiding forwards from gaining too much joy, especially when the Ukrianians tried to switch the ball quickly.
The midfielders also had a responsibility to get back and shut down the space in the full back positions. That was because Fulham's back four were so close together at times you could have thrown some playing cards over them and covered the defensive line easily. This was obviously a reaction to how Shakhtar played in the pockets of space between the centre backs and the gaps between centre half and full back. It largely worked – although Shakhtar had a lot of the ball they didn't gallop through any holes. Roy also referred, in the post-match press conference, to the fact that Shakhtar played largely 'in front of us' – a welcome development after the way Ilsinho floated a ball behind a square defence for the equaliser at the Cottage.
Hangeland was immense at the back but we expect that. It was reassuring to see him back to his best after an iffy January with injuries and some sub-par performances. Aaron Hughes was outstanding, full of confident last-ditch tackles and important blocks, especially as the crosses came flying in during the second period.
But I'd like to finish with a word about our fabulous full-backs. It's easy to forget that neither Chris Baird nor Stephen Kelly were playing in their rightful positions last night. I'd quibble with the ITV assertion that 'Baird is a midfielder by trade,' however well he's done when forced into that role this season. It would have been tempting prior to Christmas to say he wasn't a right back either, but the newly confident Northern Ireland international is revelling in proving the doubters wrong. Plenty of people questioned his ability during a nightmare start at the Cottage, but nobody can doubt his quite brilliant character to put all that behind him and be playing probably the best football of his career right now.
Many observers were worried about Kelly being the weak link in the second leg and rued the absence of both Paul Konchesky and Nicky Shorey. The on-loan Aston Villa left back has made a real difference since he's come in on loan but this was a strong performance from Kelly, who certainly didn't let anybody down. I'd go further than that still. It was a confident display, full of determination and his distribution was pretty progressive throughout. Anyone who blames Kelly for the goal, when he gets beaten by an electric turn of pace and a sumptuous bit of skill from the Brazilian Douglas Costa, is being unduly harsh. It could be the night Kelly came of age.
Let's face it: with Roy Hodgson's Fulham, the sky's the limit.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/premierleague/fulham/7322058/Shakhtar-Donetsk-v-Fulham-Europa-League-win-wonderful-night-says-Roy-Hodgson.html
Shakhtar Donetsk v Fulham: Europa League win 'wonderful night', says Roy Hodgson
Roy Hodgson saluted a historic night for Fulham after Brede Hangeland's goal sent them into the last 16 of the Europa League.
Published: 7:58AM GMT 26 Feb 2010
Shakhtar, the 2009 Uefa Cup winners, were sent spinning out as Fulham's European adventure took them further than they have been in their history in the revamped competition.
Roy Hodgson said: "It has been a wonderful night for the club.
"Shakhtar showed what a good team they are. Their ability to pass and keep the ball is as good as I've seen in my 35-year career.
"I don't like to compare nights, but it's yet another marvellous night along the way and great credit to the team.
"I really enjoyed the night and the performance but I still hope there'll be some more good nights to come.
"I'll wait until I retire to discuss which were the great moments and which were the lesser moments."
During their visit to England, Shakhtar's players were barred from Harrods, owned by Fulham chairman Mohamed Al Fayed, and the Londoners knew that if they could shut up shop again they would be going through.
In a frantic opening half an hour they did just that, with goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer pulling off a string of superb saves to deny Brazilian attackers Adriano, Willian and Fernandinho.
And having stood up to the barrage, incredibly it was Fulham who took the lead with their first attack of the night.
Bobby Zamora won a free-kick down the right, Damien Duff floated in the cross and Hangeland's glancing header beat the motionless Shakhtar keeper Andriy Pyatov.
The moment Fulham feared came in the 69th minute when substitute Douglas reached the byline and pulled the ball back for Jadson to sweep past Schwarzer to level the match on the night.
But they survived the final nerve-jangling 20 minutes and the stoppage-time dismissal of Danny Murphy, for kicking out at Darijo Srna, to see out a stunning success.
"The only thing that marred the evening was the sending-off of Danny Murphy, who had a very good game and will now miss the next game," added Hodgson, who also apologised for his touchline rant after a foul on Duff.
"I thought it was a bad foul on Damien Duff and I was angry he fouled him in that way, but if ever you let your emotions get the better of you it's not good and inexcusable and I made my excuses to the referee.
"Sometimes things happen to make the red mist fall, but I'm thankful no further damage has been done."
Hodgson also saw Zamora limp off with an Achilles injury and rated the striker doubtful for Sunday's trip to Sunderland.
Last-16 draw
Juventus v Fulham
Atlético Madrid v Sporting Lisbon
Valencia v W Bremen
Hamburg v Anderlecht
Benfica v Marseille
Lille v Liverpool
Panathinaikos v Standard Liege
Rubin Kazan v Wolfsburg
Two-leg ties to be played March 11 & 18
http://hammyend.com/?p=5679
What the papers say
by Dan on February 26, 2010
The press are full of praise for a fine Fulham performance this morning. And rightly so.
Dave Middleton, Guardian online:
Fulham enjoyed a famous night as they qualified for the last 16 of the Europa League thanks to a first-half headed goal against the run of play from Brede Hangeland that gave the Londoners a 3-2 aggregate win. The defender also starred at the opposite end of the pitch as Fulham withstood a determined Shakhtar Donetsk onslaught that saw tempers fray in the closing stages at the Donbass Arena.
Kevin Darling, BBC:
Fulham produced a backs-to-the-wall display to seal a famous Europa League win against Uefa Cup holders Shakhtar.
The Ukrainian side dominated before Brede Hangeland headed in Damien Duff's free-kick with Fulham's first chance.
Sky Sports:
A herculean performance from Fulham in the Ukraine ensured their qualification to the last 16 of the Europa League, as they held Shakhtar Donetsk to a 1-1 draw which saw them progress 3-2 on aggregate.
John Ley, Daily Telegraph:
Fulham recorded one of the greatest results in their history when they knocked holders Shakhtar Donetsk out of the Europa League and moved into the last sixteen of the competition.
Brede Hangeland's first half goal gave Fulham a 3-1 aggregate advantage and though Jadson responded in the 70th minute, Roy Hodgson's team held out to book a place against Juventus or Ajax.
Times Online:
Fulham cannot lay claim to many glorious European nights in their history, but a short list is growing longer by the game.
The Premier League side, ambivalent about the merits of the Europa League in its early stages, are now fully paid-up members of its fan club. Fulham produced a terrifically stubborn display last night to oust Shakhtar Donetsk and have advanced deeper into a continental competition than ever before.
Andrew Dillon, The Sun:
BREDE HANGELAND was immense in every sense as Fulham came to Ukrainian mining country and dug out an amazing result.
The defender's goal put the tie beyond Shakhtar's reach and he marshalled a defence which let its guard slip just once against an onslaught.
But there were heroes all over the pitch for boss Roy Hodgson's side as they reached the last 16 with a 3-2 aggregate win.
Daily Mail:
Roy Hodgson hailed Shakhtar as the best side he had faced in 35 years of management, but his troops thwarted the UEFA Cup holders thanks to stunning defensive performances from centre-half Brede Hangeland and goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer.
Hangeland was also the hero at the other end, heading a 33rd-minute goal against the run of play that Shakhtar never quite recovered from.
Andy Sims, PA/Independent/Daily Mirror:
Brede Hangeland was the hero on a European glory night for Fulham as they stunned Shakhtar Donetsk to reach the last 16 of the Europa League.
The defender, along with goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer, kept out almost everything the Ukrainians threw at them at the vast Donbass Arena.
Hangeland popped up with Fulham's goal – with their first attack of the night – to set up a stunning success for Roy Hodgson's men.
During their visit to England Shakhtar's players were barred from Harrods, owned by Fulham chairman Mohamed Al Fayed, and the Londoners knew that if they could shut up shop again they would be going through.
Hodgson's Heroes
Friday 26th February 2010
Fulham FC News
A delighted Roy Hodgson spoke of his pride at seeing his Team knock out the UEFA Cup holders on Thursday night after Fulham recorded a 3-2 aggregate win over Shakhtar Donetsk in the Donbass Arena.
"It means a lot to me," said Hodgson of Thursday night's victory. "The performance will live long in the memory because we've done it with a Team, if you look at our squad on paper, that is missing maybe three, four or possibly five players who we believe can strengthen us. It's great credit to the players that have come into the Team.
"The game was as tough as we expected it to be. They're a very talented team and we knew they'd take the game to us and we'd be under pressure.
"I think it was a marvellous performance from the players to score the goal and keep them at bay and hold them out in the closing stages. It's one of those nights that every Fulham fan can be extremely proud of."
The only blemish on an otherwise memorable night in Donetsk was a red card for captain Danny Murphy and a possible injury to striker Bobby Zamora
"It was an expensive night again with Bobby Zamora suffering with his Achilles and Danny Murphy sent off, " Hodgson explained. "It's one of those evenings that will be expensive in the future.
"Bobby felt his Achilles in the second-half. The pitch was very hard and that doesn't help. We can only hope that it's not too serious but I would have my doubts for this weekend's game against Sunderland."
Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/February/ShakhtarReactionHodgson.aspx#ixzz0gdo31JIv (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/February/ShakhtarReactionHodgson.aspx#ixzz0gdo31JIv)
Holding the Line
Friday 26th February 2010
Fulham FC News
Fulham produced a resolute defensive display on Thursday evening in the Donbass Arena to secure passage through to the last 16 of the UEFA Europa League. Fulham held firm as Shakhtar Donetsk used their considerable attacking prowess to try and find a way back into the tie.
Chris Baird continued his fine run of form in the right-back position and was a critical component in the Whites' defensive line-up - helping Fulham to repel Shakhtar's numerous attacks.
"It was a good performance and a good result," Baird said as he looked back on the game. "Obviously after the first game we knew that we had something to fight for and we certainly did that. We're always a threat from set-pieces and we knew that if we could get some, take our time and do it properly then we'd have a chance.
"Thankfully Brede got on the end of one and it went in for us. From there on they had all of the possession and a few good chances but we held out and thoroughly deserved it.
"We're just thrilled to get through this one, we knew it was going to be a tough game - they're the holders and are a very good side.
"With the quality of players they've got in the side, they won it last year, we knew what to expect but I think all of our players gave everything they had. We definitely deserved the result and we're looking ahead to the next round.
"It shows how far the Club's come, certainly since I've been here. We were fighting relegation in the first year; to finished seventh to get into this cup the next year was absolutely fantastic. Now that we're safe in the league, in the Quarter-Final of the FA Cup and in the last 16 in the Europa League - it shows what a good side we really are. We don't want it to end, we want to keep going and see how far we can go."
Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/February/BairdShakhtarReaction.aspx#ixzz0gdoumaQ0 (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/February/BairdShakhtarReaction.aspx#ixzz0gdoumaQ0)
...a classic comment from the cravencottagenewsround:--
"Shakhtar were blasting balls at Schwarzer's goal like an old lady spending her pension money on scratchcards" It describes the vanquished team so well, profligate with little end result, very funny...
Travel to Turin
Friday 26th February 2010
Fulham FC News
It was another remarkable night of European football for Fulham in Ukraine on Thursday, with the Whites defeating the UEFA Cup holders Shakhtar Donetsk 3-2 on aggregate. A 1-1 draw at the Donbass Arena was enough to see the Whites through to the final 16.
Fulham are now set to take on Italian giants Juventus in the final 16 of the UEFA Europa League and the Club is making every effort to ensure fans have a safe and affordable travel option to Italy when the Whites take on Juventus in Turin on Thursday 11th March (Kick-off TBC).
The Club will be running Official travel packages for this fixture and we will endeavor to make an announcement before the end of the day.
Register your interest
Register your interest now
Name* Please enter your name
Email* Please enter email
Telephone No
Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/February/TraveltoTurin.aspx#ixzz0gdpIE91F (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/February/TraveltoTurin.aspx#ixzz0gdpIE91F)
http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2010/02/26/fulham-v-sunderland-82029-25919849/
Fulham v Sunderland
Feb 26 2010 By Jacob Murtagh
BOBBY Zamora is a major doubt for Fulham's trip to Sunderland on Sunday.
The in-form striker limped out of last night's Europa League win in Shakhtar Donetsk with an Achilles injury, so David Elm is ready to deputise.
Roy Hodgson is also without John Pantsil, Andy Johnson, Clint Dempsey and Kagisho Dikgacoi for the trip to the Stadium of Light, where Fulham lost 1-0 last season.
However, Hodgson is boosted by the return of Nicky Shorey, who should return to replace Stephen Kelly at left-back.
http://community.footballpools.com/blog/2010/02/26/alan-hansens-premier-league-preview-sunderland-v-fulham/
Alan Hansen's Premier League Preview: Sunderland v Fulham
Steve Bruce's Sunderland face another tough game this weekend as they look to end their 13-match win-less run in the league. The Black Cats have not won a Premier League match since November and they sit just three points above the relegation zone which will be worrying everyone at the club. The sooner they pick up 3 points the better but with the Cottagers in a good run of form, they may have to wait a bit longer.
Fulham have got over their own poor run to win three and draw one of their last four in the league. They've also progressed to the FA Cup quarter-finals and the last 16 of the Europa League, so all is rosy in the Cottagers camp. Roy Hodgson's team have also tightened up considerably at the back by keeping three clean-sheets in those games, so this could be another miserable weekend for the Black Cats.
It is difficult to understand why Sunderland's form has slumped so miserably especially when they've managed to beat the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal this season. Away from the Stadium of Light, the Black Cats have been consistently poor but with home wins also drying up, this could be a very tough end to the season for the club. They have got some massive games coming up in the next few weeks including Aston Villa, Man City, Birmingham, Liverpool and Tottenham, so it's not going to get any easier.
Steve has got some talented players at the club which makes their form even more surprising. Sunderland have a quartet of strikers that would be the envy of most of the clubs in the Premier League in the shape of Kenwyne Jones, Darren Bent, Fraizer Campbell and Benjani. However, the goals have dried up of late with just two goals scored in the last five league games. Defensively, the Black Cats have only kept one clean-sheet in the last 13 league games which suggests they may struggle to contain Fulham's in-form frontman Bobby Zamora.
Bobby has scored in four of his last five games in all competitions and is even being tipped to make the England squad for the World Cup. There's no doubt he is in the form of his career and is leading the line superbly well. He and the rest of the squad will be in great spirits after knocking out the reigning UEFA Cup holders in the Europa League this week. This was yet another outstanding achievement from Roy's team but I'd expect some of the players to be a bit tired after the long distance travel and what was a tough match.
That fatigue could work in Sunderland's favour especially if they can keep the match at a high-tempo. Although Fulham may be the form team, their away record is not impressive. They've failed to win any of their last 12 away league games and failed to score in the last three. Therefore, I am backing a low-scoring draw in this match. With an estimated £30,000 Premier 10 jackpot to play for, a stalemate at the Stadium of Light seems most likely.
http://www.safc.com/news/20100226/boylesports-match-betting-fulham_2256213_1977746
Boylesports Match Betting: Fulham
Sunderland's official club partners take a look at the odds and markets ahead of Sunday's top-flight action.
Boylesports.com preview Sunderland's Barclays Premier League encounter with Fulham at the Stadium of Light.
London side Fulham travel north to face the Black Cats in another crucial league clash.
Sunderland are match favourites at odds of 5/4. Fulham are priced at 9/4, while the draw is available at 11/5 on Boylesports.com
The last time these sides met was at Craven Cottage when Bobby Zamora was the hero of the day with a seventh minute strike which ensured all three points for the Cottagers.
Steve Bruce's side go into the back on the back of a 2-0 defeat at Arsenal.
Kenwyne Jones (pictured) had Sunderland's best chance of the game and he's priced at 11/2 to grab the first goal of Sunday's encounter.
His strike partner Darren Bent is available at odds of 9/2 to score first or 11/8 to score anytime.
Sunderland have drawn four of their last five Premier League matches at home. A result of 0-0 is priced at 15/2, while a 1-1 draw result is valued at 11/2.
Full match betting available at Boylesportssafc.com.
Match Betting
Sunderland 5/4
Draw 11/5
Fulham 9/4
http://www.teamtalk.com/football/preview/0,16374,1775_5982348,00.html
Bobby set to miss Black Cats battle
Bobby Zamora is doubtful for Fulham's Premier League trip to Sunderland on Sunday because of an Achilles injury sustained on Thursday night.
The 15-goal striker limped out of the Europa League success at Shakhtar Donetsk.
Boss Roy Hodgson will consider making changes at the Stadium of Light after a gruelling trip to Ukraine and can welcome back defender Nicky Shorey and forward Stefano Okaka, who were both cup-tied.
But Hodgson's small squad is stretched with Paul Konchesky (ankle) still struggling and Andrew Johnson, Clint Dempsey and John Pantsil (all knee) sidelined.
Cottagers (from): Schwarzer, Zuberbuhler, Baird, Kelly, Shorey, Stoor, Konchesky, Hangeland, Hughes, Smalling, Gera, Duff, Murphy, Greening, Davies, Etuhu, Riise, Nevland, Elm, Okaka, Zamora, Marsh-Brown.
http://www.safc.com/news/20100226/view-from-the-press-box-fulham_2256213_1976908
View from the Press Box: Fulham
Fulham expert Jacob Murtagh joins safc.com to take an exclusive look at Sunday's opponents.
Jacob Murtagh of the Fulham Chronicle gives you the inside track on Sunderland's upcoming opponents, Roy Hodgson's Cottagers.
"In the league, Fulham had a bad January and that's cost them. If they can finish in the top 10 this season it will be a great achivement. We can probably rule out a European finish as there are six or seven teams fighting it out and Fulham are already nine points off fourth place. Fulham have had a horrendous record in the FA Cup but they will believe they can win it this year as they are a match for anyone on their day."
"Roy is a great man and a great man-manager. He has taken pretty much the same core of players and got them to perform way beyond expectations. They have caused some surprises - no-one expected Fulham to get into Europe last season. Roy has always played a weaker team in Europe up until the Shakhtar game but the sides he's put out have always done a job, no matter what."
"Bobby Zamora, without a doubt. He has really turned it around and has been a revelation this season. He's always been criticised for his lack of goals but he's got 15 already this season and the manager wants him to reach 20. With Andy Johnson out, Zamora has had to step into his boots and contribute. He's hit a purple patch at the moment and he had another one earlier in the season. At the start of the season he couldn't buy a goal but now he's really firing on all cylinders. The calls to bring him into the England squad are justified."
"Darren Bent against Brede Hangeland will be the key battle. Fulham don't score a lot away from home and when they do lose it's usually 1-0, so it will be up to Hangeland to keep Bent quiet. Fulham have one of the worst away records in terms of goals. Hangeland is really doing the business since signing a new contract and putting the transfer speculation behind him, and he's formed a good partnership with Aaron Hughes. The back four doesn't really change when everyone is fit - they're confident and having Mark Schwarzer in form behind them helps as well."
"The fans will have expected more. They had a great start when Steve Bruce came in but haven't really built on it. I expect them to pull away from the bottom and there are definitely worse teams than them in the league. It would be a shock if they went down. I expect a number of teams to finish below Sunderland."
http://shakhtar.com/en/news/12317
Roy Hodgson: "Don't be angry with your team"
26-02-10 00:29:38
At the press-conference after the second-leg match between Shakhtar and Fulham the coach of the London team was in a good mood, behaved freely and openly. And he had a lot of reasons for that.
– We had a wonderful evening. Certainly we felt the pressure, but you should believe me, that in the whole 35-year carrier of mine the team showed a high-level play. I say once more, it was difficult, but we coped with it. It seemed that our goalkeeper was tested all the time. Especially there were a lot of strong shots from the long distance. Thanks God Mark coped with everything. I want to thank Murphy individually...
– Mister Hodgson, how were you impressed by the atmosphere at Donbas Arena?
– I wouldn't say that I was surprised. It wasn't a surprise for me anyway. It was the very thing I hoped to see. Everything was wonderful. Shakhtar felt the support of their fans. The high quality of the stadium certainly impressed me. Now I understand why Shakhtar performs so nicely at the stadium of the European level.
– Could you please comment on the situation when Douglas took the field?
– I was angry with Duff. It was his fault, he didn't cope with his emotions. I adduce an excuse to the referee. Sometimes things like this happen, I think that there is a place for a foul in football. I should certainly thank the players who try to avoid it.
– Did you manage to talk to Fulham boss?
– Yes, I did. But this success has a very big part of our players' merit. They coped with the game. thanks to this we got to the next stage of the tournament. I think, when I retire, I will have the possibility to discuss the best game in my career. It may be the today's match. As for the game I can add that our hard work was rewarded by this result. We really worked at tactics a lot. especially today we felt the help of those footballers who were at the substitutes' bench. Separate thanks to Kelly. He took part in several matches, but made a good fame for himself during that time. I think he will help us greatly in Premier League.. I'd like to tell Ukrainian fans something. You can be proud of your team, your stadium. Shakhtar is the best club I have met during my career. You have the championship of your country. I'm sure that there you will gain a great success. great thanks to Mircea Lucescu. You should thant the coach for his working very hardly with the team. Don't be upset and don't be angry with your team.
FC Shakhtar
Press Office
http://shakhtar.com/en/news/12316
Brede Hangeland: "In Donetsk the hotel, the stadium and the girls are wonderful"
26-02-10 00:15:58
After the clash against Shakhtar Fulham footballers looked very happy, exchanged compliments and talked to the journalists willingly.
Bobby Zamora:
– It was a very interesting game. Shakhtar is a good team of the Euro Cup level. It was very difficult for us to keep the defense from the first minutes, but Simon brilliantly coped with it, he performed the fantastic game. The stadium impressed us very much, Shakhtar fans supported their team from the first minute to the last.
Damien Duff:
– It was really fantastic game against the owner of the UEFA Cup. I'd say that this is not a simple team. I'd like to distinguish Davies and Zamora, they did their best and had a very good match.
Brede Hangeland:
– Before the game Duff said that the match against Shakhtar is important for us, but Premier League is even more important. Have you changed your mind?
– No, I haven't. Premier League is still number one for us. We constantly play there and the matches for Euro Cup are a kind of bonus, so to say. Moreover, it is the possibility to play with such a good team as Shakhtar and to come to such a luxurious stadium. I would compare it only to Emirates stadium in London.
– Could you compare Shakhtar to some team from the English Premier League?
– It's very difficult to tell because these are entirely different styles of play. Shakhtar has excellent technique and skills, but they just play another way. Maybe their play style is similar to that of Chelsea or Manchester United. I understand that it's a disappointment for you that we have won.
– Whom did you like in the rival's lineup?
– Ilsinho.
– Did something impress you in Donetsk?
– I didn't see enough. But I managed to see the hotel, the stadium and the girls – they are wonderful.
Danny Murphy:
– Shakhtar dominated during the whole game. Nevertheless, we managed to gain fantastic results. Perhaps, it was possible due to our organization and active training. Certainly, we had far less possibilities for targeting the goal, but at last we managed to use our chance, though in defense we had some problems in some moments. I think, we went further to the UEFA Europa League deservedly, defeated Shakhtar thanks to the quality of the play and we are proud of it.
FC Shakhtar
Press Office
http://shakhtar.com/en/news/12315
Mircea Lucescu: "We won't change our playing style"
26-02-10 00:07:47
Having played the second leg in the UEFA Europa League Round of 32, FC Shakhtar head coach first commented on the clash and then answered the media's questions.
– It's hard to comment the game where we passed 17 corner kicks and our rivals passed none, we shot the cross-section 10 times and they did so only once, we did 18 shots towards the goal, they did yet one. When one reaches such level, perform in UEFA Champions League and plays poorly in some episode, it is punished at once. We have foreseen that the only variant they can use to score a goal is our foul at the flank, i.e. we'll get the tall rivals into our penalty area. So it happened. I'd like to say that we played against the team that was well-organized. It can be seen that they participate in the serious championship and they know how to defend the score they need to go further.
FC Shakhtar
Press Office
http://shakhtar.com/en/news/12313
Darijo Srna: "It's a hard blow for the team"
25-02-10 23:25:20
After the match against Fulham in the mixt-zone of Donbas Arena was unusually quietly. Willian was the first to limp sullenly past the journalists. Hübschman with his head low followed him hastily. Several minutes later the other Miners appeared, gloomy and sullen. Depressed by the atmosphere, the journalists, even the English, were quiet.
Oleksandr Gladkyy:
– Sasha, was it hard to enter the game?
– Yes, because it was in full glow.
– Were your muscles stiff because of the cold weather?
– A bit. But we did some exercises during the interval. Later it was OK.
– How could one defeat Fulham? What were you counting on?
– We held the ball well, came to the rivals' goal, but, perhaps, we should have kicked more and not play passing.
– There were a lot of goal kicks in the first half, and at the beginning of the second half there were almost no kicks. Why?
– We had a lot of possibilities for a kick, but all the time we tried to make somebody to go tête-à-tête. And Fulham had a very good defense.
– Is Shakhtar's loss toFulham a lesson or a trouble?
– It's a lesson. We should make some conclusions and prepare for the match against Vorskla.
Darijo Srna:
– Darijo, have you done all your best today?
– I'm sure, that the team did their utmost to go further. But we couldn't, we missed the goal. Although we knew that when there are corner kicks they choose the position well, moreover they are all very tall.
– There were two questionable episodes when the ball hit the hand...
– What is the sense of talking now: the game is over, 1-1. We'll go further. I feel sorry. But we are thankful to our fans who came to the stadium, supported us, especially during the last minutes. To put it bluntly, the team is very upset. We wanted to go to the next stage.
– What is to be waited for next? Was this a hard psychological blow for Shakhtar?
– Yes, it is a horrible blow. Everybody is in a very bad mood. But in two days we have the match against Vorskla – we should analyze everything and go further.
Razvan Rat:
– Razvan, how could one defeat Fulham?
– I don't know. Perhaps, we needed more luck. They kicked only once and there they are... I don't even know what to talk about: a foul, that was no foul, a penalty, that wasn't appointed at Jadson, when the defender made handling. It's too late to talk about it now. I don't want to praise myself and the team, but you saw yourself that Shakhtar played better.
– Does Fulham have an ideal goalkeeper?
– Why should he be called ideal? they were simply lucky and we weren't. We had about 20 or 30 kicks. And what?
– But you kicked high and low and he took all the balls.
– I don't know, it's hard for me to talk after such a game. because Fulham is not the team to go further.
– About fifteen corner kicks. You caught them but didn't kick and played them out. Why?
– The corner kicks are not the most important. What is the sense of talking about them, when we had 20 moments. But they were lucky.
– They had one standart...
– They didn't. It's my opinion.
– Will Fulham go to the next stage?
– I don't think so. But I thought that Shakhtar will go further. I don't know.
FC Shakhtar
Press Office
http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2010/02/26/i-have-nothing-to-prove-against-sunderland-says-fulham-midfielder-dickson-etuhu-82029-25920210/
I have nothing to prove against Sunderland, says Fulham midfielder Dickson Etuhu
Feb 26 2010 By Jacob Murtagh
DICKSON Etuhu insists he's not nothing to prove against former club Sunderland on Sunday.
The Fulham midfielder spent a season at the Stadium of Light, making 21 appearances, before moving to Craven Cottage in 2008.
He had an unhappy return to the North East last time when the Whites went down 1-0, but the Nigerian international says he's got no regrets about leaving the Black Cats for SW6.
He said: "I'm past having a point to prove now. I'm a big boy and don't think about all that. I'll just go out there and play like it was against any other team.
"We played really well and were unfortunate to lose last year. It was a very even game, we had a few chances and so did they.
"We're looking forward to going there and playing in a beautiful stadium."
http://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/default.aspx?Tab=1&Page=6&Article=1656
Club Focus - Fulham - Cottagers triumph with solidarity over Shakhtar's superiority
By Matt Domm
It is not often Brede Hangeland's name makes its way on to the scoresheet, but the Norwegian picks his moments very well indeed. His header against Europa League holders Shakhtar Donetsk was only his second, but both arrived in remarkable results for the Whites.
His first signalled the arrival of the new Fulham under Roy Hodgson when he bundled the only goal of the game in a 1-0 win over Arsenal, right at the start of Hodgson's first full season in charge. His second took a full 18 months to come but, being one of the biggest goals in the club's history, it was worth waiting for. The significance of Hangeland's neatly glanced opener is that it has put Fulham into the last 16 of a European competition, so far from Hodgson's initial task at the club - keeping them in the league in almost impossible circumstances - that is must put the manager right up there amongst the very best. Hodgson's turnaround of the club is remarkable considering his side is far from star-studded, has fewer recognised flair players than many Premier League clubs, and is still several first-team regulars short. On paper - and indeed grass - Donetsk ooze class and were again at times near-impossible to rid of the ball, but Hodgson, after proving to the Premier League last season, is now showing Europe that organisation, teamwork and defence is the best form of attack and can really get a team places.
It was never going to be easy and the relief of every Fulham player and fan proved it wasn't. But whether the Ukrainian outfit were at their passing best or not, the Whites needed a leader in their well-drilled pack. Hangeland, Hodgson's first Fulham signing - who has arguably not reached the same heights as he managed for most of last season - realised this and stepped up magnificently. Unmissable as a giant of a man, he was a titan on the pitch last night and led the defence as well as he ever has. If he missed a header throughout the whole 90 minutes then this writer missed it, and he was aware of his teammates' responsibilities too, mopping up behind the line to clear any danger. It was possibly the adrenaline from his goal which allowed him to be first to every ball in both boxes, but is more likely to be a result of the work-ethic Hodgson - and very few other managers - manages to inspire in all players who turn out for his team. In fact, to credit Hangeland entirely for the win is to discredit those in white around him. Every single player did his job, and when that happens, a Hodgson-drilled unit are very rarely defeated.
Shakhtar, as expected, saw an awful lot of the ball, but for all their movement and intricate passing, very rarely was a player in orange in behind the wall which held strong in front of him. The statistics will read many more shots from the home side, and many, many more corners. But, while statistics don't lie, they do often fail to tell the full story. Of the 20 shots Shakhtar attempted, more than half were from outside the box and, barring a couple of early saves from Mark Schwarzer, the Fulham stopper was not troubled as much as the statistics suggest, as his defence blocked the majority of the distance efforts. This happens to also be the reason why the corner count reads 17-0 in favour of the hosts - the majority coming from the aforementioned blocked efforts on goal. At the other end, the Whites scored from their only shot on target - clinical finishing being the key to a set up designed to defend well and try to steal a goal. And, even with five times more attempts from the home side, it was the Londoners who had the best chance of the game - Zoltan Gera missing late on which would have made stoppage-time a far more comfortable experience. Fortunately, it mattered little, and the travelling support saw solidarity triumph over superiority - a Hodgson victory indeed.
Fulham fans could surely never have imagined still being in this tournament when March came around, but the European tour continues with the Old Lady of Turin next on the Whites' hit list. Juventus are laden with history, and a tie against Fulham, who are starting to create their own, will be two games not to miss. Dare the Cottage faithful dream of a second quarter-final of the season? At least now no-one will be ruling them out.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/premierleague/fulham/7323312/Shakhtar-Donetsk-v-Fulham-Europa-League-success-brings-cash-bonanza.html
Shakhtar Donetsk v Fulham: Europa League success brings cash bonanza
Fulham are contemplating the unexpected benefits from a prolonged run in the Europa League following their magnificent 3-2 aggregate victory over Shakhtar Donetsk.
By John Ley
Published: 10:33AM GMT 26 Feb 2010
Roy Hodgson's team sent the Uefa Cup holders out of the re-branded competition and now have a fascinating two-legged clash with Juventus, the two-time Champions League winners.
The Europa League is more profitable than the old Uefa Cup - by reaching the final 16 Fulham have guaranteed around £3 million, and that could rise to £4m by the time they have played against David Trezeguet, Alessandro del Piero and company.
And if Fulham can progress to the quarter-finals or even beyond the financial incentives are even greater.
Fulham owed an historic passage into the final 16 to Brede Hangeland's first-half goal. Though Shakhtar equalised, Fulham went through on aggregate.
Hangeland said: "It feels fantastic. It's a really, really great achievement for this club and I'm proud to be a part of it.
"It proves how far we've come as a team since Roy Hodgson became manager. We've beaten one of the top teams in Europe and we've achieved that by trusting in the way we play and working hard.
"It's certainly great to be a part of nights like this. Who would have thought this would be possible with this club a while back?
"But it just proves that with hard work and a group of players and coaching staff pulling in the same direction, you can achieve things like this."
Last-16 draw
Juventus v Fulham
Atlético Madrid v Sporting Lisbon
Valencia v W Bremen
Hamburg v Anderlecht
Benfica v Marseille
Lille v Liverpool
Panathinaikos v Standard Liege
Rubin Kazan v Wolfsburg
Two-leg ties to be played March 11 & 18
http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2010/02/26/sunderland-v-fulham-82029-25919849/
Sunderland v Fulham
Feb 26 2010 By Jacob Murtagh
BOBBY Zamora is a major doubt for Fulham's trip to Sunderland on Sunday.
The in-form striker limped out of last night's Europa League win in Shakhtar Donetsk with an Achilles injury, so David Elm is ready to deputise.
Roy Hodgson is also without John Pantsil, Paul Konchesky, Andy Johnson, Clint Dempsey and Kagisho Dikgacoi for the trip to the Stadium of Light, where Fulham lost 1-0 last season.
However, Hodgson is boosted by the return of Nicky Shorey, who should return to replace Stephen Kelly at left-back.
Our prediction: Fulham's miserable away record to continue in the North East.
http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/sport/editor-s-picks-ignore/diomansy-kamara-can-picture-celtic-catching-eye-in-english-top-flight-1.1009627
Diomansy Kamara can picture Celtic catching eye in English top flight
Dimoansy has been surprised at the level of football in Scotland and reckons Celtic would be Top-10 hits down south
Ronnie Cully
Published on 26 Feb 2010
Diomansy Kamara reckons Celtic would be a Top 10 smash in the English Premiership.
But it's finishing as No.1 in the SPL that the Senegalese hitman has in his sights – and he is fully aware a win this weekend is essential if they are to knock Rangers off top spot in the league charts.
Kamara may be new to the Scottish scene, but he is already up to speed on the importance of Sunday's shoot-out as they try to reduce the seven-point gap.
He said: "We are behind, but we have good players and know we can do something and win something this season.
"The atmosphere here is good at the moment."
The loan signing from Fulham openly admits the prospect of moving north of the border to add pace and goals to Celtic's challenge did not initially rock his boat, even if being reunited with Tony Mowbray did.
But the half-dozen games he has played since arriving at Parkhead on the final day of the transfer window have convinced Kamara that there is a lot of satisfaction to be gained from playing in Paradise – and that things are only going to get better for him and Celtic.
The former West Brom star explained: "I think I have made a good start. I've scored two goals and played some good football.
"In the beginning, I was a little bit unsure if I wanted to come to come and play in the Scottish league. But now I am happy to be at Celtic."
He added: "I know I can do better because I had not played for so long before I came here. But, for the moment, it is okay.
"Scoring always helps you settle because a striker needs to score to be confident. I've now scored in the Scottish Cup against Dunfermline and in the league against Aberdeen."
If Kamara thought it would be easy to find the net against Scottish clubs, he has quickly discovered that's not the case.
While he has been impressed by the standard of opposition, he has been even more pleasantly surprised by the quality on show at Celtic.
The man who joined Fulham from West Brom for £6million in 2007 told Channel 67: "The football here is a good level. There are plenty of good teams, though I was surprised Kilmarnock beat us.
"Celtic is a very good team and if they were in the Premiership, they would finish in the Top 10 easily.
"There are a lot of good players here and I have been very impressed with the quality of the team."
A team that is still very much a work in progress, as Kamara was just one of eight new players brought in by Mowbray during the last window.
While it is a transitional period for everyone involved, the Paris-born star is confident the manager is the man to get them back to the top and said: "He is my favourite coach. When I was with him at West Brom, I scored a lot of goals.
"He knows what I can do, and I love his training and I am so happy to work with him again."
With his wife and kids sharing in his contentment as they settle into their city centre home, Kamara is already casting his mind towards what will happen at the end of his loan deal.
He has 18 months of his Craven Cottage contract to run. But whether or not Celtic are in a position to try and make the move permanent could depend on qualifying for the Champions League next term, and the £10m that adds to their coffers.
The chance to play regularly again has already brought a bonus for Kamara, as he has been recalled to the Senegal national side two years after winning his 40th cap.
And next week's friendly against Greece has already put a smile on his face, as he prepares to face Hoops team-mate Georgios Samaras.
He smiled: "I was speaking to Georgios a few days ago and I told him we would beat them 2-1, and that he would score and I would score."
A serious knee injury after the 2008 African Cup of Nations had contributed to his international career going on hold.
But, with a new coach in place, and his fitness no longer in doubt, Kamara is happy to return to the national fold.
He said: "It means a lot to me to play for Senegal. Although I was born and brought up in Paris, my dad is from Senegal and it makes me so happy to play for them."
Trio charged for ref remarks
26/02/2010 - 12:04:48
The Football Association today charged Bolton striker Kevin Davies, Crystal Palace manager Neil Warnock and Sheffield United boss Kevin Blackwell with improper conduct.
Davies has been charged following comments made about referee Mark Clattenburg after Bolton's match with Fulham on February 6.
The official ruled out what would have been a winner from Davies towards the end of the game at the Reebok Stadium, and after the game Davies suggested the referee had "something personal" against him.
Warnock has been charged following comments made after Palace's FA Cup fifth-round tie with Aston Villa on February 14.
Warnock called for assistant referee Trevor Massey to be banned for incorrectly awarding the corner which led to Villa's late equaliser in the 2-2 draw at Selhurst Park.
Blackwell has also been charged in relation to an incident during United's Coca-Cola Championship game with Nottingham Forest on February 16.
The United boss was critical of the referee after Darius Henderson was shown a straight red for what was deemed to be an elbow on Forest's Paul Anderson.
The FA confirmed the trio have until March 12 to respond to the charges.
Meanwhile, Derby's Jay McEveley has been fined £2,500 and warned as to his future conduct by the FA after admitting a charge of improper conduct
Read more: http://www.breakingnews.ie/sport/trio-charged-for-ref-remarks-447846.html#ixzz0geDfiCQH (http://www.breakingnews.ie/sport/trio-charged-for-ref-remarks-447846.html#ixzz0geDfiCQH)
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/352744-hodgson-shows-his-class
Hodgson Shows His Class
by Niall Owens
Written on February 26, 2010
Should Hodgson manage England?
Yes No vote to see results
On the 28th of December 2007 the forgotten man of English management returned to to the Premier League and what a difference he has made.
Roy Hodgson the twice former manager of Inter Milan, Blackburn Rovers and the Swiss national side took up his role as Fulham boss with his side facing a certain relegation and years of struggle trying to get back up into the top tier.
He came into Craven Cottage determined that the club would stay up and was proven right on the final day of the season when club captain Danny Murphy's goal in a 1-0 away win at Portsmouth ensured they would stay up. They had gone into the last few games looking as if they would go down and but won three games in a row for the first time in the club's top flight history and since then Hogdson's men have continued to amaze the world of football.
On the 16th of December 2009 Fulham headed to Basel a country Hodgson knew well in all his years of management, knowing only a win would see them into the knock out stage of the Europa League .
A fantastic performance inspired by Bobby Zamora's two goals ensured their passage but bad news came in the draw a few days later when they were to face UEFA Cup holders Shakhtar Donetsk but the confidence in the Fulham camp was obvious with goalkeeper, Mark Schwarzer saying: "anything's possible."
Last week they made the perfect start against the holders when Zoltan Gera put his side in front after only three minutes at the Cottage, Donetsk had not played since their final group game because of the end of season break in the Ukraine but as proven last year the break was of benefit to them as they leveled just before the break through Luiz Adriano.
Bobby Zamora fired home a wonder goal just past the hour mark to notch up what was a famous victory for the Londoners. But surely the away goal they conceded meant their task in the Ukraine was going to be too much for them.
As they made their way onto the pitch last night in what was an intimidating atmosphere as England had experienced in their recent World Cup Qualifying defeat in the Autumn Fulham knew it was the David versus Goliath tie.
They were brave and kept their heads as the home side began well and battered the Fulham defence with Schwarzer pulling off a string of great stops, but with the skill and flair of Damien Duff and Zoltan Gera Fulham knew they had the chance to get the vital away goal.
And it came ten minutes from half time when the defensive rock Brede Hangeland headed home and all of a sudden the whole of Europe took notice. Unlike youngster Chris Smalling who is leaving to join Manchester United in the summer, Fulham have managed to keep a hold of Hangeland. But after a performance of this magnitude a lot of clubs will be sniffing around come the opening of the window.
Although the home side equalised with twenty minutes to play Fulham hung on to what is their greatest achievement in European football, and Hodgson was quick to praise the spirit and the belief of his side: "
"We put in an enormous amount of work, trained a lot and the result shows it wasn't in vain," said the 62-year-old. "I wouldn't rule out that at the end of my coaching days I will name this match as the best in my career."
At the end of last season Hodgson had come on record as saying he had the tough task of calming expectations down at the club and ensured that Premier League survival was of paramount importance, but after their late show against Birmingham City saw them move into nineth and on 37 points they have their safety assured.
They take on Sunderland in the league on Sunday, but then have a home FA Cup quarter final tie against Tottenham the following weekend and then take on Italian giants Juventus a side Hodgson knows well over two legs sandwiched with a league game against Manchester United.
The other 15 teams Liverpool aside will not have heard much about Fulham but they will have done now and do not be suprised if their fairytale run continues as they face a Juventus side in all sorts of turmoil in the next round.
Fulham have nothing to lose as for Juventus it is the opposite and once again Fulham fans can rely on a fantastic team spirit Hodgson has instilled at Craven Cottage to ensure they can run the Italians all the way. As for the rest of the season they have a genuine chance of winning the FA Cup and will hold no fears in the Europa League as has been proven, and as for the league as said earlier with survival an almost certainty and can play with no pressure as they find themselves only eight points of Europa league qualification and nine off the top four.
Hodgson is one of the nicest men in world football and is a genuine footballing man and he is dying breed in our game today with managers now being media driven and money mad. Sir Alex Ferguson regards him as one of his closest friends in management and a top boss and who is argue with that?
Let's all sit back and enjoy how he gets the best out of side week after week because it is a dying art in this modern football world.
http://www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk/sport/Spotlight-on-Swansea--260210.6107467.jp
STAR MAN
THE Achilles heel in Swansea's push for the Premier League can be identified by midfielder Darren Pratley's position at the top of the club's scoring charts.
Pratley is enjoying an outstanding campaign highlighted by six goals, most of them thanks to well-timed runs into the penalty area.
Pratley was signed from Fulham for a bargain £100,000 in the summer of 2006.
http://www.footballfancast.com/football-blogs/top-10-group-stage-threats-england
2. Clint Dempsey – The Fulham and USA winger has been in superb form this season. Once again another playmaker who will look to get at England. Defenders must not give him time on the ball and allow him to get his shots off. He has a bundle of international experience with 17 goals in 60 games.
http://www.skysports.com/football/match_preview/0,19764,11065_3230224,00.html
Sunderland v Fulham preview
Cattermole back for Black Cats, Fulham could be without Zamora
Last updated: 26th February 2010
Sunderland will be aiming to ease the mounting pressure on manager Steve Bruce with a much-needed win against Fulham on Sunday.
This week, Lee Cattermole and Darren Bent have come out to show their support for Bruce, whose side sit just three points above the relegation zone, as the Black Cats are without a win in 13 Premier League games.
In contrast, Roy Hodgson's men are pushing for another European place and have progressed to the round of 16 in the Europa League, following a 3-2 aggregate win over Uefa Cup holders Shakhtar Donetsk.
The Cottagers have also been impressive in the league, taking 10 points from a possible 12, keeping three clean sheets in this time.
However, Fulham have a poor league record away from Craven Cottage, which has seen them win just one in 13 on the road and fail to score in the last three games.
Team news
Sunderland midfielder Cattermole returns from suspension after serving a one-match ban.
On-loan defender John Mensah is set to continue at centre-back after coming through 90 minutes against Arsenal last week following injury.
Jordan Henderson is out of action for six weeks because of an ankle injury, while another long-term injury worry, Andy Reid (hamstring), could miss another four games.
Fulham have not won at the Stadium of Light since 2002, and could be without top scorer Bobby Zamora who is doubtful for the clash.
The 15-goal striker limped out of Thursday night's win in Donetsk with an Achilles tendon injury.
Hodgson will consider making changes after a gruelling trip to Ukraine and can welcome back defender Nicky Shorey and forward Stefano Okaka, who were both cup-tied.
But Fulham's small squad is stretched with Paul Konchesky (ankle) still struggling and Andrew Johnson, Clint Dempsey and John Pantsil (all knee) sidelined.
Possible starting Xls:
Sunderland: Gordon, McCartney, Turner, Ferdinand, Mensah, Hutton, Richardson, Cana, Cattermole, Bent, Jones.
Fulham: Schwarzer, Baird, Kelly, Shorey, Hangeland, Gera, Duff, Murphy, Greening, Davies, Okaka.
By leaving out Bellamy, Toshack has steered clear of a potential club-versus-country row with City, who face crucial Barclays Premier League games against Chelsea and Tottenham either side of the international.
Wales squad to face Sweden
Hennessey (Wolves), Myhill (Hull),
Bale (Tottenham), Collins (Aston Villa), Eardley (Blackpool), Gunter (Nott Forest), Morgan (Peterborough), Nyatanga (Bristol City), Ricketts (Bolton), Williams (Swansea), Collison (West Ham), Crofts (Brighton), Davies (Fulham), Dorman
(St Mirren), King (Leicester), Ramsey (Arsenal), Vaughan (Blackpool), Church (Reading), Cotterill (Swansea), Earnshaw (Nott Forest), Vokes (Wolves) Evans (Sheffield United)
Bellamy is one of Wales' senior stars having scored 17 goals in 58 appearances. His absence is likely to mean Sheffield United's Ched Evans will again partner Simon Church of Reading up front.
The squad has a youthful look, with the likes of Aaron Ramsey, Jack Collison and Gareth Bale included, but there is also a recall for Fulham's Simon Davies.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1254007/Craig-Bellamy-picked-Wales-Sweden-John-Toshack-sticks-young-guns.html#ixzz0geJwXmoF (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1254007/Craig-Bellamy-picked-Wales-Sweden-John-Toshack-sticks-young-guns.html#ixzz0geJwXmoF)
http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/February/NextOneUpSunderland1.aspx (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/February/NextOneUpSunderland1.aspx)
Next One Up: Sunderland
Friday 26th February 2010
Sunderland v Fulham, Barclays Premier League
Sunday February 28th 2010, KO 3pm.
(http://www.fulhamfc.com/Images/MainNews/NewsPages/Stadia/StadiumofLight.jpg)
Fulham return to Barclays Premier League action this Sunday when they take on Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.
We have visited the Stadium of Light on five previous occasions, but our only victory to date came in September 2002, when Junichi Inamoto was amongst the scorers in a 3-0 win. Last season the only goal of the game came from Kenwyne Jones 10 minutes after the break in a narrow 1-0 defeat.
Sunderland returned to the top-flight after a one-year absence in 2007, and have struggled in both subsequent seasons, finishing 16th last term.
In attempt to breathe new life, the club enticed Steve Bruce back to his native north east last summer, replacing caretaker boss Ricky Sbragia. And the Black Cats got off to a moderate start to the new campaign before hitting some excellent form in the autumn with goals flowing freely. Hull were hammered 4-1 at the Stadium of Light and Wolves left a few weeks later on the wrong end of a 5-2 scoreline. Only a late Anton Ferdinand own goal cost them a memorable victory at Old Trafford too, but there was better luck in the home game against Liverpool when a stray beach ball was awarded an assist to Darren Bent's winning goal.
Subsequently form has not been as hot with little to cheer following a home victory over Arsenal in mid-November. This included an astonishing 7-2 defeat at Chelsea as well as a 1-0 reverse here at the Cottage.
Three January recruits were added to attempt to bring more consistency: Defenders Matt Killgallon and Alan Hutton from Sheffield United and Tottenham respectively, as well as striker Benjani from Manchester City.
Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/February/NextOneUpSunderland1.aspx#ixzz0gesL1g9a (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/February/NextOneUpSunderland1.aspx#ixzz0gesL1g9a)
http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/February/EtuhuShakhtarReaction.aspx (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/February/EtuhuShakhtarReaction.aspx)
Playing to Our Strengths
Friday 26th February 2010
(http://www.fulhamfc.com/Images/MainNews/NewsPages/Players/Etuhu/vShakhtarAway.jpg)
Dickson Etuhu summed up the mood in the dressing room as one of jubilation on Thursday evening after Fulham recorded a memorable UEFA Europa League victory over UEFA Cup champions Shakhtar Donetsk.
"It's a dream come true," he enthused. "A lot of people didn't think we could do it, but we always knew that if we worked hard and kept our organisation we would cause them problems, and things worked out for us, so now we look forward to the next game."
Dickson played a key role in the centre of midfield, on the frontline of two defensive banks that worked tirelessly to keep Shakhtar's creative attackers at bay. It required 90 minutes of total concentration, tracking and interceptions, but it was nothing that the Nigerian powerhouse isn't accustomed to.
"They're a great team – anyone can see that, but we're not an easy team to play against either," he assessed. "We're used to playing against the best teams in the world like Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United, so we were well prepared and came with a game plan.
"The gaffer prepared us to deal with their pressure and hopefully everybody saw that. We're lucky because we've got great coaches at the Club who help us to play to our strengths against these teams."
Next up for Fulham's European heroes is a Round of 16 tie with Juventus in a fortnight's time, but, as Dickson points out, with Premier League and FA Cup fixtures to come before then, there is plenty else to prepare for before the meeting with the Italian giants.
"We're excited and enjoying the moment now, not thinking about the next game yet," he said. "Before Juventus comes Sunderland away on Sunday in the league, our bread and butter, and the most important thing. So we're happy, we'll enjoy this, but tomorrow we'll move on."
The two-legged Round of 16 provides yet another spectacle in what is shaping up to be one of the best seasons in Fulham Football Club history. A solid campaign in the top half of the Premier League, coupled with progress to the latter stages of two major cup competitions is success to savour, and the games are coming thick and fast in a season that just keeps on giving.
"It's crazy," he exclaimed. "I only got back from the African Nations two-and-a-half weeks ago and I've played six games already. But it's good to be back in the thick of things and playing every week – or every three days.
"We're all enjoying it and long may it continue."
Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/February/EtuhuShakhtarReaction.aspx#ixzz0geskaFqp (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/February/EtuhuShakhtarReaction.aspx#ixzz0geskaFqp)
http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2010/02/26/clint-dempsey-closes-in-on-fulham-return-82029-25922184/ (http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2010/02/26/clint-dempsey-closes-in-on-fulham-return-82029-25922184/)
Clint Dempsey closes in on Fulham return
(http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/fulhamchronicle/jan2010/7/9/clint-dempsey-image-1-95955513.jpg)
FULHAM flyer Clint Dempsey has returned to training after just five weeks out with a knee injury.
There were fears the US international would miss the rest of the season, as well as this summer's World Cup, when he got crocked in the defeat at Blackburn in January.
But we can reveal the 26-year-old began light jogging this week to hand a welcome boost to Roy Hodgson's injury-ravaged squad.
http://www.sport.co.uk/news/Football/34774/Black_Cats_hoping_to_end_barren_run.aspx (http://www.sport.co.uk/news/Football/34774/Black_Cats_hoping_to_end_barren_run.aspx)
Black Cats hoping to end barren run
Sunderland may never have a better chance of ending a dismal 13-match winless sequence in the Premier League than when Fulham visit the Stadium of Light on Sunday.
A run of six draws and seven defeats since their excellent Stadium of Light success against Arsenal more than three months ago has left the Black Cats only three points above the drop-zone.
It is in sharp contrast to their hopes in November when they were outside bets to break into a Europa League spot.
Despite the poor run, Sunderland remain difficult to beat on Wearside where only Chelsea and Aston Villa have returned home with all three points this season.
Meanwhile, Fulham have only won one league game away from Craven Cottage all season and endured a long trip to Ukraine in midweek for a Europa League last-32 second leg clash against Shakhtar Donetsk.
The only three-point haul on their travels came on the opening weekend of the campaign when they beat Portsmouth 1-0 at Fratton Park since when they have drawn five matches and lost seven.
Roy Hodgson's team have recovered from a dismal January to beat Pompey, Burnley and Birmingham City this month though as well as grinding out a goalless draw at Bolton Wanderers to move back up to ninth in the table.
Sunderland boss Steve Bruce is able to welcome Lee Cattermole back into his squad after the former Middlesbrough and Wigan Athletic midfielder completed his suspension but David Meyler will serve the second of his three-match ban.
Andy Reid (hamstring) and Jordan Henderson (ankle) once again look set to miss out while the Cottagers will be without injured quartet Clint Dempsey, John Paintsil, Andy Johnson (all knee) and Kagisho Dikgacoi (ankle).
Last season Kenwyne Jones' goal proved to be enough for Sunderland to claim all three points from a 1-0 victory against the side from the capital.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1253990/Sunderland-v-FULHAM-Roy-Hodgson-set-Bobby-Zamora-Wearside-trip.html?ITO=1490 (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1253990/Sunderland-v-FULHAM-Roy-Hodgson-set-Bobby-Zamora-Wearside-trip.html?ITO=1490)
Sunderland v FULHAM: Roy Hodgson set to be without Bobby Zamora for Wearside trip
(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2010/02/26/article-0-085C72E2000005DC-160_468x300.jpg)
Bobby Zamora is doubtful for Fulham's Barclays Premier League trip to Sunderland on Sunday.
The 15-goal striker limped out of Thursday night's Europa League success at Shakhtar Donetsk with an Achilles tendon injury.
Bobby Zamora is doubtful for Fulham's Barclays Premier League trip to Sunderland on Sunday.
The 15-goal striker limped out of Thursday night's Europa League success at Shakhtar Donetsk with an Achilles tendon injury.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1253990/Sunderland-v-FULHAM-Roy-Hodgson-set-Bobby-Zamora-Wearside-trip.html?ITO=1490#ixzz0geuEQuGY (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1253990/Sunderland-v-FULHAM-Roy-Hodgson-set-Bobby-Zamora-Wearside-trip.html?ITO=1490#ixzz0geuEQuGY)
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1254039/SUNDERLAND-v-Fulham-Steve-Bruce-boosted-return-Lee-Cattermole-suspension.html?ITO=1490 (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1254039/SUNDERLAND-v-Fulham-Steve-Bruce-boosted-return-Lee-Cattermole-suspension.html?ITO=1490)
Sunderland midfielder Lee Cattermole will return from suspension for Sunday's Barclays Premier League clash with Fulham.
The 21-year-old missed last weekend's 2-0 defeat at Arsenal after being sent off at Portsmouth. David Meyler, who was dismissed during the same game, still has two more matches to serve.
Manager Steve Bruce is otherwise only without Andy Reid (hamstring) and Jordan Henderson (ankle), and they could both be back in business within 10 days.
Team (from): Gordon, Fulop, Bardsley, Hutton, Turner, Ferdinand, Mensah, Kilgallon, Da Silva, Cattermole, Cana, Zenden, Richardson, Malbranque, Campbell, Bent, Jones, Benjani, Liddle, Noble.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1254039/SUNDERLAND-v-Fulham-Steve-Bruce-boosted-return-Lee-Cattermole-suspension.html?ITO=1490#ixzz0geue8oSL (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1254039/SUNDERLAND-v-Fulham-Steve-Bruce-boosted-return-Lee-Cattermole-suspension.html?ITO=1490#ixzz0geue8oSL)
http://www.kentonline.co.uk/kentonline/news/2010/february/26/cohen_tips_smalling_for_top.aspx (http://www.kentonline.co.uk/kentonline/news/2010/february/26/cohen_tips_smalling_for_top.aspx)
England World Cup winner George Cohen tips Chris Smalling for the top
(http://www.kentonline.co.uk/images/10_02_26_kol_cohen_v_Variation_2.jpg)
An England World Cup winner has tipped former Maidstone United defender Chris Smalling to make it all the way to the top.
As accolades go, they don't get much bigger than praise from George Cohen.
The England defender, who lifted the Jules Rimet trophy as part of Alf Ramsey's legendary 1966 side, is often dubbed the nation's greatest ever right-back.
He played every game of his professional career at Smalling's current club, Fulham, and has been keeping a watchful eye on the former Stones player.
The centre-back, a former Chatham Grammar School pupil whose family lives at Walderslade, moves to Manchester United at the end of the season as part of a multi-million-pound deal.
Cohen said: "I've seen Chris play three or four times. I have an idea he's got the right frame of mind and attitude and desire to do good and we've got high hopes for him at Fulham, even though he'll only be with us until the end of the season. But we wish him all the best at Manchester United.
"Bringing him on as they're doing is the right thing and he'll turn out to be a very good player. In three seasons you'll know whether he'll be an international player holding his own in the international side.
"He certainly looks like a good one at the moment, we may have sold him too cheap."
Cohen was in Maidstone this week as part of a promotional tour, signing the largest England shirt in the world, which will be handed to the squad prior to their first World Cup clash this summer.
He knows the county town well, having spent a spell managing Tonbridge Angels in the 1970s, leading them to Kent Senior Cup glory in 1975.
