http://www.eatsleepsport.com/fulham/cottagers-ace-could-face-wolfsburg-1048416.html (http://www.eatsleepsport.com/fulham/cottagers-ace-could-face-wolfsburg-1048416.html)
Cottagers ace could face Wolfsburg
Fulham may be able to call upon John Panstil for the Europa League clash in Wolfsburg after he played an hour for the reserves.
The Cottagers defender has been sidelined since December with knee ligament damage, suffered in the derby defeat to Chelsea, but is closing in on a first-team return.
Pantsil played 60 minutes of the second string's 1-1 draw with Wolves on Tuesday night and is now pushing for a place in the squad for Thursday's Europa League second leg in Germany.
The return of the Ghana international will come as a major plus for Roy Hodgson for the end of season run-in, with the manager forced to use three different players, Stephen Kelly, Chris Baird and Simon Davies, to cover Pantsil's absence in the last four months.
http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=194497 (http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=194497)
Fulham - Tomorrow Looms Large
I woke up this morning with the sorest of foreheads and the achiest of bones, and, in all honesty, little knowledge in the exact day of the week.
Upon prizing open my laptop though, it became apparent it's the 7th of April, which, I'm confident in saying is a Wednesday. One day before we face Wolfsburg in one of the biggest matches in this clubs fine, if not in-consistent, history.
It feels rather peculiar, following our infamous 4-1 victory over Italian giants Juventus, to even comprehend the idea that a bigger and better game could unfold tomorrow in Germany, yet, given a good performance and a good result, Fulham fans around the World may well scream that little bit louder and with a little more pride tomorrow evening than they did around 3 weeks previously.
Given the 'Fulhamish' nature of our club, the sheer thought that a Thursday night would offer my team a European quarter-final tie would have seemed ludicrous only a matter of years ago.
On the last day of the 2008 season, even after securing that oh-so-important extra year in the Premiership, anyone that had even mentioned European football would have been laughed off the terraces and maybe punched in the face for good measure.
Now though, I sit here queerly grinning at the prospect of defying the critics one more time and silencing the doubters yet again. Fulham Football Club have finally become a force to be reckoned with.
And reckon, Wolfsburg will. Come on You Whites!
Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=194497#ixzz0kUMWuvVD (http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=194497#ixzz0kUMWuvVD)
http://www.goal.com/en/news/11/transfer-zone/2010/04/07/1867605/roma-loanee-stefano-okaka-hoping-to-extend-fulham-stay (http://www.goal.com/en/news/11/transfer-zone/2010/04/07/1867605/roma-loanee-stefano-okaka-hoping-to-extend-fulham-stay)
Roma Loanee Stefano Okaka Hoping To Extend Fulham Stay
Youngster happy at Craven Cottage...
On-loan striker Stefano Okaka is hoping that he can prolong his stay at Fulham beyond the current season.
The Roma-owned youngster joined the Premier League outfit in February on loan until the remainder of this term, but has made only a handful of appearances under manager Roy Hodgson.
The 20-year-old recently came off the bench to score the leveller against Wigan Athletic, before Brede Handgland ensured that three points were secured at Craven Cottage.
"At this stage I don't know if there's a possibility of extending my stay here, but I feel really good here and it certainly wouldn't be a problem for me to stay," Okaka told the Fulham Chronicle.
"In fact, I'd like it very much, but we'll just have to see how it goes.
"It's really up to the manager in terms of team selection, but my ambition will just be to do my best between now and the end of the season and hopefully get more opportunities to show what I can do."
He added: "For me, it was a great opportunity to come here at 20 years of age and have the chance to open my mind to a different country and experience a different level of football.
"It wasn't a case of limited opportunities at Roma; I've already played for quite a while. This is just something that came up and I was interested in.
"It's very different from Italy. There, it's more tactical and here it's more physical and of course I like that side of it. But I like both styles."
http://www.itv.com/sport/football/news/uefacup/previews/fulham-v-wolfsburg-750746638.html (http://www.itv.com/sport/football/news/uefacup/previews/fulham-v-wolfsburg-750746638.html)
Fulham v Wolfsburg
Hodgson wary of Wolfsburg
Fulham boss Roy Hodgson has no intention of taking Wolfsburg lightly as he attempts to guide his side into yet more unchartered territory.
Fulham's Europa League adventure has already seen them account for UEFA Cup holders Shakhtar Donetsk and Italian giants Juventus.
Wolfsburg may not be as quite as big a name as the Serie A giants but they are the Bundesliga champions and began the season in the Champions League - exiting the tournament after Manchester United beat them 3-1 thanks to Michael Owen's hat-trick.
Hodgson has dismissed suggestions they are any less of a threat to his side's chances of a historic place in the semi-finals.
"I wouldn't say that," he said. "Wolfsburg were in the Champions League, they won the German league last year ahead of Bayern Munich. And Bayern Munich have just beaten Manchester United - so we have no chance.
"What I've learned about Wolfsburg I have only learned since we were drawn against them. But I know they are a good team, they score a lot of goals, they have good attacking players and they are hard-working and well-organised.
"We know the task is a tough one but for me every one of the seven teams we could have played is a good team and a team capable of beating us."
Fulham have lost their last three matches since that epic night at Craven Cottage when Juve were hammered 4-1.
But Hodgson rested five key players in last weekend's defeat at Hull as he prioritised Thursday's first leg at Craven Cottage.
"I don't think our performances have been worthy of criticism but there is no doubt that, all the time we were in the cup competitions, they would be somewhat more of a priority than the league because in the league we are relatively safe," he said.
"We have put the cup matches in the shop window.
"We feel a sense of achievement and pride that we have overcome so many obstacles to get this far.
"But we are also conscious of the fact that the teams we are playing are more than capable of beating us so it's going to require another fantastic effort if we are going to continue this adventure."
Wolfsburg manager Lorenz-Gunther Kostner told this side they will need to produce something "exceptional" to win following Fulham's giant-killing run so far.
Kostner said: "We need to come up with some extraordinary performances tomorrow.
"Roy Hodgson is such an experienced manager who had huge success with teams abroad.
"Here at Fulham he has built up a team that not only plays very good football but is also really tight and when they are at their best they are capable of beating any opponent."
Despite Fulham's recent stuttering form since their win over Juve, Kostner is wary they are unbeaten at home in Europe and this tournament is now their priority.
Kostner said: "The Juventus game was not a one-off. They have played Roma (drawing 1-1 at Craven Cottage) and other big teams," he said.
"When you look at Fulham as a club you have to respect them."
http://www.cottagersconfidential.com/2010/4/7/1409141/my-5-keys-to-victory-for-fulham-in (http://www.cottagersconfidential.com/2010/4/7/1409141/my-5-keys-to-victory-for-fulham-in)
My 5 Keys to Victory for Fulham in the Europa League against Wolfsburg - Match Preview
(http://cdn0.sbnation.com/entry_photo_images/338634/zoltan_gera_vs._wolfsburg_large.jpg)
Fulham play tomorrow against Wolfsburg in Germany. This is the second leg of the quarterfinals in the Europa League. The game takes place at 8:05PM UK Time and 3:05PM EST. The game will be shown in the U.S. on Direc TV only.
Fulham won the first leg at Craven Cottage last Thursday 2 - 1. To move ahead to the semifinals, Roy Hogdson's Cottagers need to either tie or win tomorrow against Wolfsburg. This will be a tough challenge on the road for the Cottagers. The German champions impressed me with their skill up front. Below are " My 5 Keys to Victory for Fulham in the Europa League against Wolfsburg.".
1. Fulham need to survive the first 20 minutes without ging up a goal . Mark Schwarzer and the defense need to be on top of their game. I see this game as similar to the Shakhtar Donetsk game on the road. Shakhtar came out real strong in the first 20 minutes. Fulham were able to survive the beginning stages of the match without giving up a goal. They were able to score a goal later in the first half and took control of the match. If Fulham can survive the beginning of the match, and then potentially score a goal they could be on their way to moving on in the Europa League.
2. Fuham need Mark Schwarzer to play an exceptional match. Mark Schwarzer has been great this year for Fulham. The goals Mark tends to give up are beyond his control. I hardly ever see him give up a soft goal. Similar to the Shakhtar Donetsk match on the road I think Schwarzer will be under constant pressure in the beginning of the match. Edin Dzeko is a real talent but he is not the only threat. Grafite is also a striker Fulham need to watch. For Fulham to move ahead in the Europa League Mark Schwarzer needs to be exceptional. I have a feeling he is going to need a few incredbile saves to deny Dzeko and company.
3. Fulham need to be near perfect on set pieces. Fulham at times have struggled against set pieces. In the first leg against Juventus , Fulham gave up a few goals that set pieces were involved. In the last match against Wolfsburg, the Germans scored off of a play starting from a corner kick. After the corner kick, Zvjezdan Misimovic sent a great ball into the box that was headed in by Alexander Madlung. On the road Fulham cannot afford to give up a goal off of a set piece. Players like Hangeland and Hughes will be crucial during these plays.
4. Fulham need to take advantage of any opening Wolfsburg gives them to score. Like I mentioned prior I expect Wolfsburg to come out extremely strong with strong pressure. If Fulham can get some counter attacks off of this pressure it could lead to a goal. I think there could be a few opportunities tomorrow to take advantage of Wolfsburg aggressive play.
5. Damien Duff needs to be dangerous tomorrow. I have become a big fan of Duff. I think his ability to make some great runs could set up some serious scoring chances for Fulham. If he can feed the ball into Zamora and Gera I like Fulham's chances in scoring tomorrow. Also, if he has an opportunity to shoot he should let it fly. He has a rocket shot that can get by the goalkeeper.
Tomorrow night's game is just another great opportunity for Fulham to shine. This has been an incredible season no matter what happens tomorrow. Let's hope the Cottagers can find a way to the Europa League Semifinals
http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=194514 (http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=194514)
Fulham - How Do You Beat Wolfsburg?
Taking a 2-1 lead away from home, in Europe, is always a precarious commodity!
The late, late goal Wolfsburg snaffled at Craven Cottage changed the whole outlook of the quarter-final, the Bundesliga side now have that crucial away goal leaving (Sir) Roy Hodgson with a difficult decision to make.
Should (Sir) Roy go for broke on Thursday night seeking that vital away goal that would cancel out that scored by Wolfsburg or should he play it cautious and defend the lead he has?
When it comes to the team selection, should Roy go with a lone striker and pack the midfield and try to stifle the German side or should he be bold and go for two up front?
As you can see, question after question needs answering, so what are you opinions?
How can Fulham, once again, surprise the rest of Europe and carve out another memorable European night?
We`d be interested to hear your thoughts!
Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=194514#ixzz0kUOIwQah (http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=194514#ixzz0kUOIwQah)
http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=194513 (http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=194513)
Fulham - Pantsil Back!
Great news for all Fulham fans!
John Pantsil, who suffered a bad knee injury and who has been out of action for several months now, is finally on the comeback trail.
The popular full back started in the reserves 1-1 draw with Wolves last night and was given a sixty minute run-out.
It was Pantsil`s first start since December and he was given a rousing reception by those in attendance.
Now we`re not sure if we`ll see John in a Fulham shirt before next season but his comeback augers well for his chances of participating in the 2010 World Cup.
Great to see you back John!
Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=194513#ixzz0kUOaHP6V (http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=194513#ixzz0kUOaHP6V)
http://football.fanhouse.co.uk/2010/04/07/wolfsburg-v-fulham-preview-roy-hodgson-still-annoyed-about-late/ (http://football.fanhouse.co.uk/2010/04/07/wolfsburg-v-fulham-preview-roy-hodgson-still-annoyed-about-late/)
Wolfsburg v Fulham Preview: Roy Hodgson Still Annoyed About Late Goal
(http://www.blogcdn.com/football.fanhouse.co.uk/media/2010/04/ful-wolf.jpg)
EUROPA LEAGUE: VOLKSWAGEN ARENA , THURSDAY APRIL 8, 2010. KICK-OFF: 2005 BST
FULHAM:
You could tell that the mild-mannered and eternally upbeat Fulham manager Roy Hodgson was annoyed his men had conceded in the last minute of their Europa League quarter-final first leg tie against Wolfsburg.
Until Alexander Madlung scored to give the German side a vital away goal, Fulham looked to be dealing with their 52nd game of the season with ease.
Damien Duff and Bobby Zamora had scored and everything was progressing smoothly against the Bundesliga champions, but now they head to the Volkswagen Arena knowing Wolfsburg can go through with a single goal.
Hodgson is urging caution, claiming that even at 2-0 up with a minute to go, he didn't know whether they would have been classed as favourites over two legs.
He said: "Certainly at 2-1 you relinquish your chance of being called favourites because they can score once, shut up shop and go through on away goals."
Fulham have only won twice on the road in European competition this season. The first was way back in July last year, in their first game of the current campaign, when they beat Vetra 1-0. And they narrowly escaped from Basel with a 3-2 victory.
But Fulham have shown in their European adventure this season that their team is sometimes more than the sum of its parts. And if they can conjure the same team ethic that disposed of Juventus in the previous round – or even the single-mindedness which dealt with Wolfsburg last week – then they have a decent chance of getting to the semi-finals.
The only thing is that pesky late Wolfburg goal at Craven Cottage, which caused Hodgson to bite his tongue when assessing his defence in the first leg.
He said: "We just have to hope we defend as well as we did for large parts in the first leg. . I can't say we defended perfectly because otherwise we wouldn't have conceded the goal."
Strategy: Fulham have to keep their defence tight against Wolfsburg, who will be going all out to score the single goal that will send them through to the semi-finals – with Grafite the man they should look to shackle. The Brazilian has six goals in European competition this season – three in the Champions League and the rest in the Europa League. He has helped his team avoid defeat in all but one of their European games, with the one loss coming against Manchester United in the Champions League group stages. Fulham, who will feature fit-again Zamora in their ranks, should also be on the lookout for a counter-attacking goal, which would make their position infinitely stronger.
Injury Update: Zamora's missed the weekend's win over Wigan with a bruised Achilles tendon but that was more of a precautionary absence and there appears to be little doubt the forward will start. David Elm was hospitalised after suffering from the after-effects of a virus against Wigan while Andrew Johnson and John Pantsil are still unfit.
WOLFSBURG:
Unlike Fulham, whose Europa League progress has been at the expense of their recent domestic form, Wolfsburg head to the home leg of the semi-final on the up. They have lost just one of their last seven Bundesliga games and in their last outing ran out 4-0 winners against fellow mid-table side TSG 1899 Hoffenheim.
In fact they have won every one of their domestic fixtures since the middle of February barring a shock loss to bottom side Hertha. Striker Edin Dzeko is in dangerous form heading to the Volkswagen Arena game, having scored twice against Hoffenheim to join Kevin Kuranyi and Stefan Kiessling at the top of the Bundesliga scoring charts with 18 goals to their names.
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=767458&sec=europe&cc=5739 (http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=767458&sec=europe&cc=5739)
Wolfsburg want Dzeko to end Premier League talk
Wolfsburg coach Lorenz Gunther Kostner has called upon star striker Edin Dzeko to end speculation about a summer move to Chelsea or Manchester City by committing his future to the club.
Last season the Bosnia striker scored 26 goals in 29 league starts to help fire Wolfsburg to their first Bundesliga title in history. The 24-year-old pledged his future to the Wolves last summer by signing a new contract and rejecting overtures from Serie A giants AC Milan.
The striker has repaid the faith shown in him by the German side by scoring 18 league goals to help rescue Wolfsburg's faltering league campaign.
Rumours of a summer transfer to the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City have surfaced recently, and Dzeko has said he would be keen to join a Premier League side at the end of the season. Kostner admits he is unsure whether Dzeko will stay at the Volkswagen Arena, but he admits he is desperate for the striker to remain at the club.
"Edin Dzeko will finish the season a Wolfsburg player, that's for definite, whatever happens after that is down to rumours,'' said Kostner.
"Edin Dzeko saying he will stay would be an absolutely huge sign for us. I can't tell you how important that would be for us, but that's neither here nor there. Right now we have to wait to see what happens in May.
"As his manager I can't have much influence on whether he stays or not. All I can say at the moment is that he is on absolute top form. He's really firing on all cylinders. He's doing fantastic.''
Dzeko will line up alongside his Brazilian counterpart Grafite against the Cottagers on Thursday as they look to overturn a 2-1 deficit from last week's first leg at Craven Cottage.
Fulham had looked to be coasting towards their first Europa League semi-final after opening the scoring courtesy of goals from Bobby Zamora and Damien Duff. Alexander Madlung's last minute header gave the German side a vital away goal though and Kostner has called on his team to give their all to set up a last four tie with either Hamburg or Standard Liege.
"Before the game in Fulham I said that we'd need two excellent performances to get through,'' the 58-year-old said. "We didn't give them two weak goals in the first leg but we made life easier for them by not concentrating for the two goals.
"Madlung's goal gives us a good chance now but what we need to do is to be determined. We have to have the will, be determined to give an absolutely excellent performance.
"We need everyone in this club, including the fans, to give a performance for 90 minutes, maybe longer and that's the way we'll get through to the semi finals.''
Kostner's side warmed up for the game with an emphatic 4-0 win over Hoffenheim to move up to ninth in the Bundesliga. The Wolfsburg manager has been boosted by the news that captain Josue and key defender Madlung should be fit for tomorrow's clash after overcoming hamstring injuries.
Fulham's 2-1 win over Wigan on Sunday was their first since February but Kostner has warned against taking the Londoners too lightly. "We can't go hell for leather tomorrow,'' said Kostner.
"Fulham are a compact dangerous team who are strong in defence and have big guys up front so that provides us with a dangerous situation.''
Arguably Fulham's most famous fan, Hugh Grant, is reported to be attending Thursday night's match but Wolfsburg midfielder Zvjezdan Misimovic has warned the actor that his trip to Lower Saxony may turn out to be an unhappy one.
"I've only just heard that he's a Fulham fan,'' said the 27-year-old, who set up Madlung's crucial goal last week. "Of course he's welcome to come to the game but come the final whistle he won't have much to laugh about.''
http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2010/0408/fulham_wolfsburg.html (http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2010/0408/fulham_wolfsburg.html)
Europa League: Wolfsburg v Fulham
A thigh injury to Clint Dempsey has left Fulham short of options up front for the second leg of Thursday's Europa League quarter-final against Wolfsburg.
The American suffered the injury in Sunday's Barclays Premier League win over Wigan and he will miss out along with fellow striker David Elm, who is sidelined through illness.
If Bobby Zamora (Achilles) fails to make it through tonight's training session, manager Roy Hodgson will have to turn to Erik Nevland to partner Zoltan Gera up front.
Fulham squad: Schwarzer, Konchesky, Baird, Riise, Hughes, Smalling, Etuhu, Duff, Murphy, Gera, Davies, Zamora, Zuberbuhler, Greening, Kelly, Hangeland, Stoor, Nevland.
Give me the grace to accept the things that I can't change and the strength to change the things that I can.
http://www.teamtalk.com/fulham/6080611/Dempsey-injury-leaves-Fulham-short (http://www.teamtalk.com/fulham/6080611/Dempsey-injury-leaves-Fulham-short)
Dempsey injury leaves Fulham short
(http://images.teamtalk.com/10/03/402x210/ClintDempsey_2432864.jpg)
Fulham are short on attacking options for Thursday's Europa League quarter-final second leg against Wolfsburg in Germany.
Clint Dempsey suffered a thigh injury in Sunday's Premier League win over Wigan and he will miss out along with fellow striker David Elm, who is sidelined through illness.
If Bobby Zamora (Achilles) fails to make it through tonight's training session, Roy Hodgson will partner Erik Nevland and Zoltan Gera up front.
Kick-off is at 8.05pm.
Cottagers (from): Schwarzer, Konchesky, Baird, Riise, Hughes, Smalling, Etuhu, Duff, Murphy, Gera, Davies, Zamora, Zuberbuhler, Greening, Kelly, Hangeland, Stoor, Nevland.
http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/matches/season=2010/round=2000040/match=2000959/prematch/preview/index.html (http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/matches/season=2010/round=2000040/match=2000959/prematch/preview/index.html)
Köstner targets Fulham weak spots
Published: Wednesday 7 April 2010, 21.05CET
After a late goal at Fulham FC gave VfL Wolfsburg a foothold in their quarter-final, coach Lorenz-Günther Köstner wants to fully expose the English side's shortcomings in Germany.
(http://www.uefa.com/MultimediaFiles/Photo/competitions/Comp_Matches/01/46/55/93/1465593_w2.jpg)
Coach Lorenz-Günther Köstner promised VfL Wolfsburg were in for the long haul as they look to fight back from 2-1 down against Fulham FC, insisting on total commitment for as long as it takes to reach the UEFA Europa League semi-finals.
Alexander Madlung's late header at Craven Cottage last week gave the German champions a crucial foothold in the quarter-finals, and their coach is determined to make full use of that little bit of luck. "That last-minute goal brought us back into the tie," said the 58-year-old Köstner, who replaced Armin Veh in January. "Now we must show real desire to achieve something exceptional. We are all willing to give everything until the very end, whether that is 90 minutes, 120 or until after the penalty shoot-out."
Defender Madlung and team captain Josué both trained on the eve of the game, but the former in particular is rated doubtful for the match itself. However, while those potential absences would limit Wolfsburg's defensive options, Köstner believes he now has the measure of the Premier League side after a series of lapses at Craven Cottage lead to Bobby Zamora and Damien Duff scoring in the space of four second-half minutes.
"We are well prepared for Fulham," he said. "In the first leg we saw some weaknesses in their team which we did not exploit. This time we want to do better. We had Zamora well under control in the first leg up until their two goals, so we have to do better this time around. We will not take risks from the start, though. We have to be sensible."
Fulham, meanwhile, will be without injured midfielder Clint Dempsey and have concerns over Zamora's fitness too, as the striker is struggling with an Achilles injury. Team-mate Brede Hangeland said: "He's a key player and we don't look the same when he's not playing. Hopefully he'll be back and 100% fit to give their defence a few problems."
http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/clubfootball/news/newsid=1190597.html?cid=rssfeed&att= (http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/clubfootball/news/newsid=1190597.html?cid=rssfeed&att=)
Dempsey injury hits Cottagers
A thigh injury to Clint Dempsey has left Fulham short of options up front for the second leg of tomorrow's Europa League quarter-final against Wolfsburg.
The US international forward suffered the injury in Sunday's Premier League win over Wigan and he will miss out along with fellow striker David Elm, who is sidelined through illness.
If Bobby Zamora (Achilles) fails to make it through tonight's training session, manager Roy Hodgson will have to turn to Erik Nevland to partner Zoltan Gera up front.
Provisional squad: Schwarzer, Konchesky, Baird, Riise, Hughes, Smalling, Etuhu, Duff, Murphy, Gera, Davies, Zamora, Zuberbuhler, Greening, Kelly, Hangeland, Stoor, Nevland.
http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2010/04/07/cometh-the-hour/ (http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2010/04/07/cometh-the-hour/)
Cometh the hour
Filed under: General — weltmeisterclaude @ 5:33 pm
Well, Nevland has come through at important moments in the past...
LONDON (AP) — United States foward Clint Dempsey will miss the second leg of Fulham's Europa League quarterfinal at Wolfsburg on Thursday because of a thigh injury.Fulham beat Wolfsburg 2-1 in the first leg last week. Dempsey was hurt in Sunday's Premier League win over Wigan.Dempsey's injury means Erik Nevland may play up front alongside Zoltan Gera, because first-choice Bobby Zamora is struggling with an Achilles' injury and David Elm is ill.
Yikes all the same.
http://www.itv.com/sport/football/news/uefacup/previews/wolfsburg-v-fulham-951770060.html (http://www.itv.com/sport/football/news/uefacup/previews/wolfsburg-v-fulham-951770060.html)
Wolfsburg v Fulham
Kostner keen for Dzeko speculation to end
Wolfsburg coach Lorenz Gunther Kostner has called on star striker Edin Dzeko to end speculation about a summer move to Chelsea or Manchester City by committing his future to the club ahead of Thursday's crunch Europa League clash with Fulham.
Last season the Bosnia striker scored 26 goals in 29 league starts to help fire Wolfsburg to their first Bundesliga title in history.
The 24-year-old pledged his future to the Wolves last summer by signing a new contract and rejecting overtures from Serie A giants AC Milan.
The striker has repaid the faith shown in him by the German side by scoring 18 league goals to help rescue Wolfsburg's faltering league campaign.
Rumours of a summer transfer to the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City have surfaced recently, and Dzeko has said he would be keen to join a Barclays Premier League side at the end of the season.
Kostner admits he is unsure whether Dzeko will stay at the Volkswagen Arena, but he admits he is desperate for the striker to remain at the club.
"Edin Dzeko will finish the season a Wolfsburg player, that's for definite, whatever happens after that is down to rumours," said Kostner.
"Edin Dzeko saying he will stay would be an absolutely huge sign for us. I can't tell you how important that would be for us, but that's neither here nor there. Right now we have to wait to see what happens in May.
"As his manager I can't have much influence on whether he stays or not. All I can say at the moment is that he is on absolute top form. He's really firing on all cylinders. He's doing fantastic."
Dzeko will line up alongside his Brazilian counterpart Grafite against the Cottagers as they look to overturn a 2-1 deficit from last week's first leg at Craven Cottage.
Fulham had looked to be coasting towards their first Europa League semi-final after opening the scoring courtesy of goals from Bobby Zamora and Damien Duff.
Alexander Madlung's last-minute header gave the German side a vital away goal though and Kostner has called on his team to give their all to set up a last four tie with either Hamburg or Standard Liege.
"Before the game in Fulham I said that we'd need two excellent performances to get through," the 58-year-old said.
"We didn't give them two weak goals in the first leg but we made life easier for them by not concentrating for the two goals.
"Madlung's goal gives us a good chance now but what we need to do is to be determined. We have to have the will, be determined to give an absolutely excellent performance."
The Wolfsburg manager has been boosted by the news that captain Josue and key defender Madlung should be fit for Thursday's clash after overcoming hamstring injuries.
Duff, meanwhile, is hoping to bury his memories of World Cup heartbreak by guiding Fulham to Europa League glory.
Duff's hopes of making his second appearance at a World Cup finals were dashed in November after Thierry Henry's handball helped France seal a 2-1 aggregate play-off win over the Republic of Ireland.
The Cottagers' winger lashed out at officials for failing to notice Henry's foul afterwards, but he admits his bad memories have been put to the back of his mind, partly due to Fulham's European success this year.
Roy Hodgson's side have gone on an incredible run in the Europa League this season.
They have accounted for the likes of UEFA Cup champions Shakhtar Donetsk and Juventus to make the quarter finals, and Duff admits he is desperate for the Cottagers to end the season by lifting the trophy.
"Will winning the Europa League make up for losing out on the World Cup? Yes, that and more," the 31-year-old said.
"It has been an amazing journey, and in a way that night in Paris is a distant memory now.
"We've played so many games since then and they seem to be getting bigger and bigger. To get to a final and win would be just unbelievable."
A thigh injury to Clint Dempsey has left Hodgson short of attacking options at the Volkswagen Arena.
Zamora is struggling with an Achilles injury while David Elm has not travelled with the squad after going to hospital to have checks on the recurrence of a virus he picked up in Turin last month.
Zamora trained on Wednesday night but if he misses out Hodgson will have to pair midfielder Zoltan Gera with veteran striker Erik Nevland up front.
http://www.sportinglife.com/football/overseas/germany/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/10/04/07/SOCCER_Fulham_Nightlead.html&TEAMHD=germany (http://www.sportinglife.com/football/overseas/germany/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/10/04/07/SOCCER_Fulham_Nightlead.html&TEAMHD=germany)
DUFF HOPES TO ERASE PLAY-OFF HEARTACHE
(http://images.sportinglife.com/10/02/330/Damien-Duff-Fulham-Premier-League_2422771.jpg)
Damien Duff is hoping to bury his memories of World Cup heartbreak by guiding Fulham to Europa League glory.
Duff's hopes of making his second appearance at a World Cup finals were dashed in November after Thierry Henry's now infamous handball helped France seal a 2-1 aggregate playoff win over the Republic of Ireland in Paris.
The Cottagers' winger lashed out at officials for failing to notice Henry's foul afterwards, but he admits his bad memories have been put to the back of his mind, partly due to Fulham's European success this year.
Roy Hodgson's side have gone on an incredible run in the Europa League this season.
They have accounted for the likes of UEFA Cup champions Shakhtar Donetsk and Juventus to make the quarter finals, where they hold a 2-1 lead going into tomorrow's second leg against Wolfsburg.
The Cottagers will set up a semi-final against Hamburg or Standard Liege should they progress and Duff admits he is desperate for the Cottagers to end the season by lifting the trophy.
"Will winning the Europa League make up for losing out on the World Cup? Yes, that and more," the 31-year-old said.
"It has been an amazing journey, and in a way that night in Paris is a distant memory now.
"We've played so many games since then and they seem to be getting bigger and bigger. To get to a final and win would be just unbelievable.
"When we started out in the summer nobody would ever have thought we'd get this far so bring it on."
A thigh injury to Clint Dempsey has left manager Roy Hodgson short of attacking options for tomorrow night's clash at the Volkswagen Arena.
Bobby Zamora is struggling with an Achilles injury while David Elm has not travelled with the squad after going to hospital to have checks on the recurrence of a virus he picked up in Turin last month.
Zamora trained tonight but if he misses out Hodgson will have to pair midfielder Zoltan Gera with veteran striker Erik Nevland up front tomorrow.
Hodgson, who is already without Andy Johnson for the rest of the season, is confident his side will be able to perform even if Zamora does not play.
"We've played quite a lot of games without Bobby this season so I don't think I had any fears. We needed to prove we could win without him," said the 62-year-old.
"We've been stretched up front all season.
"We lost Andy Johnson in the first week in January, so that limited us.
"Dempsey took a knock against Wigan and he could be out for some time.
"That means resources are even more stretched than they have been but Gera has partnered Bobby up front and together they've done a very good job for the team."
Fulham were in control for the majority of last week's first leg at Craven Cottage and they should have gone 3-0 up before Alexander Madlung scored what could turn out to be a vital away goal for Wolfsburg.
Tomorrow night's clash in Lower Saxony will be the Cottagers' 54th match of a long season which began with a win over Lithuanian minnows Vetra in July.
Hodgson's side have complained of tiredness, but he is adamant that both he and his players will not be suffering from fatigue tomorrow.
"These sort of games fire you up even more and they remind you why you still want to be involved at the very top level," said Hodgson, who took Inter Milan to the UEFA Cup final in 1997.
"We've had some great games in the Europa League, we'll have another one tomorrow night and another one (against Liverpool in the Premier League) at Anfield on Sunday."
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11681_6080746,00.html (http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11681_6080746,00.html)
Dempsey blow hits Fulham
Hodgson to make late decision on Zamora's fitness
Clint Dempsey will miss the second leg of Fulham's Europa League quarter-final against Wolfsburg, while a late decision will be made on Bobby Zamora.
USA international Dempsey suffered a thigh injury in Sunday's 2-1 win over Wigan Athletic in the Premier League and has been ruled out of Thursday's European encounter.
Roy Hodgson fears Dempsey may be out for 'some time' and it leaves the Fulham boss short of options, particularly with Zamora struggling to shake off an Achilles injury.
Zamora trained on Wednesday evening and could be supported in attack by Zoltan Gera if fit, while Erik Nevland is an option to start as David Elm is absent due to illness.
Stretched
"We've played quite a lot of games without Bobby this season so I don't think I had any fears. We needed to prove we could win without him," said Hodgson, whose team take a 2-1 lead into the second leg.
"We've been stretched up front all season.
"We lost Andy Johnson in the first week in January, so that limited us.
"Dempsey took a knock against Wigan and he could be out for some time.
"That means resources are even more stretched than they have been, but Gera has partnered Bobby up front and together they've done a very good job for the team."
Fulham were in control for the majority of last week's first leg at Craven Cottage and they should have gone 3-0 up before Alexander Madlung scored what could turn out to be a vital away goal for Wolfsburg.
The return on Thursday will be the Cottagers' 54th match of a long season, but Hodgson is adamant that both he and his players will not be suffering from fatigue.
He added: "These sort of games fire you up even more and they remind you why you still want to be involved at the very top level.
"We've had some great games in the Europa League, we'll have another one tomorrow night and another one (against Liverpool in the Premier League) at Anfield on Sunday."
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/preview?id=290200&cc=5739 (http://soccernet.espn.go.com/preview?id=290200&cc=5739)
Kostner keen for Dzeko speculation to end
Wolfsburg coach Lorenz Gunther Kostner has called on star striker Edin Dzeko to end speculation about a summer move to Chelsea or Manchester City by committing his future to the club ahead of Thursday's crunch Europa League clash with Fulham.
Last season the Bosnia striker scored 26 goals in 29 league starts to help fire Wolfsburg to their first Bundesliga title in history.
The 24-year-old pledged his future to the Wolves last summer by signing a new contract and rejecting overtures from Serie A giants AC Milan.
The striker has repaid the faith shown in him by the German side by scoring 18 league goals to help rescue Wolfsburg's faltering league campaign.
Rumours of a summer transfer to the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City have surfaced recently, and Dzeko has said he would be keen to join a Barclays Premier League side at the end of the season.
Kostner admits he is unsure whether Dzeko will stay at the Volkswagen Arena, but he admits he is desperate for the striker to remain at the club.
"Edin Dzeko will finish the season a Wolfsburg player, that's for definite, whatever happens after that is down to rumours,'' said Kostner.
"Edin Dzeko saying he will stay would be an absolutely huge sign for us. I can't tell you how important that would be for us, but that's neither here nor there. Right now we have to wait to see what happens in May.
"As his manager I can't have much influence on whether he stays or not. All I can say at the moment is that he is on absolute top form. He's really firing on all cylinders. He's doing fantastic.''
Dzeko will line up alongside his Brazilian counterpart Grafite against the Cottagers as they look to overturn a 2-1 deficit from last week's first leg at Craven Cottage.
Fulham had looked to be coasting towards their first Europa League semi-final after opening the scoring courtesy of goals from Bobby Zamora and Damien Duff.
Alexander Madlung's last-minute header gave the German side a vital away goal though and Kostner has called on his team to give their all to set up a last four tie with either Hamburg or Standard Liege.
"Before the game in Fulham I said that we'd need two excellent performances to get through,'' the 58-year-old said.
"We didn't give them two weak goals in the first leg but we made life easier for them by not concentrating for the two goals.
"Madlung's goal gives us a good chance now but what we need to do is to be determined. We have to have the will, be determined to give an absolutely excellent performance.''
The Wolfsburg manager has been boosted by the news that captain Josue and key defender Madlung should be fit for Thursday's clash after overcoming hamstring injuries.
Duff, meanwhile, is hoping to bury his memories of World Cup heartbreak by guiding Fulham to Europa League glory.
Duff's hopes of making his second appearance at a World Cup finals were dashed in November after Thierry Henry's handball helped France seal a 2-1 aggregate play-off win over the Republic of Ireland.
The Cottagers' winger lashed out at officials for failing to notice Henry's foul afterwards, but he admits his bad memories have been put to the back of his mind, partly due to Fulham's European success this year.
Roy Hodgson's side have gone on an incredible run in the Europa League this season.
They have accounted for the likes of UEFA Cup champions Shakhtar Donetsk and Juventus to make the quarter finals, and Duff admits he is desperate for the Cottagers to end the season by lifting the trophy.
"Will winning the Europa League make up for losing out on the World Cup? Yes, that and more,'' the 31-year-old said.
"It has been an amazing journey, and in a way that night in Paris is a distant memory now.
"We've played so many games since then and they seem to be getting bigger and bigger. To get to a final and win would be just unbelievable.''
A thigh injury to Clint Dempsey has left Hodgson short of attacking options at the Volkswagen Arena.
Zamora is struggling with an Achilles injury while David Elm has not travelled with the squad after going to hospital to have checks on the recurrence of a virus he picked up in Turin last month.
Zamora trained on Wednesday night but if he misses out Hodgson will have to pair midfielder Zoltan Gera with veteran striker Erik Nevland up front.
http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/April/HodgsonPreWolfsburg.aspx (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/April/HodgsonPreWolfsburg.aspx)
Europa Team News
(http://www.fulhamfc.com/Images/MainNews/HeadlineImages-small/Management/Hodgson/roywolfsburgtraining.jpg)
Roy Hodgson revealed on Wednesday evening that Bobby Zamora could return for Fulham when the Whites challenge Wolfsburg for a place in the Semi-Final of the Europa League in Germany on Thursday night.
Stephen Kelly, who has recovered from a recent injury, has joined Zamora in the travelling party. However it was not all good news ahead of the game, with Hodgson confirming that Clint Dempsey would not be available for the game due to injury.
"He's [Bobby Zamora] with us but he hasn't trained yet. He will train this evening [Wednesday] and we'll see what happens in the training session and how he reacts tomorrow, but we're hopeful he'll play.
"Clint Dempsey has not travelled with us. In the very last minute of the game against Wigan he was, in our opinion, fouled in the penalty area. Not only did we not get a penalty - we also lost a player because he was injured in the challenge.
"Unfortunately he's going to be out for a period of time - certainly tomorrow and on Sunday against Liverpool and possibly longer. The scan has shown there is a muscular injury and it's going to keep him out for a period of time.
"Stephen Kelly has recovered but David Elm has not recovered from the virus that took him out of the game at half time against Wigan."
The loss of Dempsey once again limits Hodgson's attacking options, but this has been a familiar scenario for Fulham's Manager this sesason, who took time to praise an attacking partnership that has blossomed for Fulham during the current campaign.
"We've been stretched all season to be perfectly honest," said Hodgson. "We lost Andrew Johnson in the first week of January and took Stefano Okaka on loan but he is cup tied.
"The loss of Dempsey means our resources up front are more stretched than they had been, but fortunately for a long period now, Zoltan Gera has partnered Bobby Zamora and they've done an extremely good job.
"We know we've got to give a good performance on Thursday evening. What Wolfsburg did with the late goal in the first leg tie is make the game very interesting but we come here knowing to go through we need a positive result."
Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/April/HodgsonPreWolfsburg.aspx#ixzz0kUT9Zoc6 (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/April/HodgsonPreWolfsburg.aspx#ixzz0kUT9Zoc6)
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11681_6080785,00.html (http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11681_6080785,00.html)
Duff aims to bury heartbreak
Winger wants to finally forget World Cup pain
Fulham winger Damien Duff wants to win the Europa League in order to bury the lingering remains of his World Cup heartbreak.
The Republic of Ireland international was a part of the team who were eliminated from a World Cup qualifying play-off by France after the infamous Thierry Henry handball in Paris last November.
Duff has managed to calm the pain from the defeat with his country by concentrating on Fulham's marathon season, which currently stands at 53 games in all competitions, but the memory remains.
Roy Hodgson's side's next match is Thursday's Europa League quarter-final second leg at Wolfsburg and Duff wants to progress and lift a trophy to finally erase the last hurt of the defeat to Les Bleus.
Ahead of the match in Germany, which Fulham are preparing for with a 2-1 aggregate advantage, the wide-man said: "Will winning the Europa League make up for losing out on the World Cup? Yes, that and more.
"It has been an amazing journey, and in a way that night in Paris is a distant memory now.
"We've played so many games since then and they seem to be getting bigger and bigger. To get to a final and win would be just unbelievable.
"When we started out in the summer nobody would ever have thought we'd get this far so bring it on."
http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/April/DuffPreWolfsburg.aspx (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/April/DuffPreWolfsburg.aspx)
Bring It On
(http://www.fulhamfc.com/Images/MainNews/NewsPages/Players/Duff/duffplane.jpg)
Fulham play arguably their most important match of the season on Thursday night when they challenge Wolfsburg for a place in the final four of the Europa League and Damien Duff is relishing the opportunity to make this a season to remember.
"Obviously after last weekend's win we're more or less safe on 41 points in the League and tomorrow night is the biggest game of the season," Duff expained on Wednesday night. "We're all looking forward to it and can't wait to get started.
"I think every week we seem to be saying that this is our biggest game. A few weeks ago it was Spurs in the FA Cup and on Sunday, if you listened to the Team talk, it was the same again.
"We're going into the game on Thursday with the usual mindset – to win it. We believe we can score tomorrow night.
"To get to a European Cup Final would be massive for a club the size of Fulham. That's what we're all working hard for so bring it on. It's been an amazing journey and I'm enjoying it."
Duff has been in sparkling form this season following his summer move from Newcastle and the Republic of Ireland international is clearly loving every minute at the Cottage.
"I think it's well documented that my three years at Newcastle didn't work out and it was a massive move for me to come to Fulham and get my career going again.
"I knew the gaffer from my Blackburn days and obviously coming to play at such a good Club and Team was going to excite me. This whole season, especially working with the Manager, has sparked me so to speak and I've loved every minute of it.
"It's been really enjoyable and exactly what I needed after the three years I had. It's been a great season so far but we need to keep getting positive results. We've had some fabulous night at home and away this season."
Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/April/DuffPreWolfsburg.aspx#ixzz0kUTpnR7r (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/April/DuffPreWolfsburg.aspx#ixzz0kUTpnR7r)
http://www.ealinggazette.co.uk/sport/football-ealing/fulham-fc-ealing/2010/04/07/i-want-to-stay-at-fulham-vows-roma-youngster-stefano-okaka-64767-26186284/ (http://www.ealinggazette.co.uk/sport/football-ealing/fulham-fc-ealing/2010/04/07/i-want-to-stay-at-fulham-vows-roma-youngster-stefano-okaka-64767-26186284/)
I want to stay at Fulham, vows Roma youngster Stefano Okaka
LOAN-star Stefano Okaka has vowed to secure an extension to his stay at Fulham.
The Roma striker has had limited opportunities to shine for the Whites since arriving from Serie A on a short-term deal in January, but came off the bench to score in the 2-1 victory against Wigan on Sunday.
He said: "At this stage I don't know if there's a possibility of extending my stay here, but I feel really good here and it certainly wouldn't be a problem for me to stay.
"In fact, I'd like it very much, but we'll just have to see how it goes.
"It's really up to the manager in terms of team selection, but my ambition will just be to do my best between now and the end of the season and hopefully get more opportunities to show what I can do."
Okaka is determined to impress the Craven Cottage faithful and make a name for himself in English football.
"For me, it was a great opportunity to come here at 20 years of age and have the chance to open my mind to a different country and experience a different level of football," he added.
"It wasn't a case of limited opportunities at Roma; I've already played for quite a while. This is just something that came up and I was interested in.
"It's very different from Italy. There, it's more tactical and here it's more physical and of course I like that side of it. But I like both styles."
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/8606928.stm (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/8606928.stm)
Wolfsburg v Fulham (agg 1 - 2)
Fulham striker Clint Dempsey will not be fit for their Europa League quarter-final second leg tie at Wolfsburg after picking up a thigh injury on Sunday.
Fellow striker David Elm is missing through illness, while Bobby Zamora faces a fitness test on his Achilles.
If Zamora misses out, Erik Nevland will partner Zoltan Gera up front for the Cottagers, who lead the tie 2-1.
Bundesliga champions Wolfsburg have captain Josue and key defender Alexander Madlung both fit.
The pair were struggling with hamstring injuries, but manager Lorenz Gunther Kostner expects both to be fit for the Volkswagen-Arena contest.
The Germans will line up with Bosnian Edin Dzeko and Brazilian Grafite leading their attack as they seek to overturn the deficit from last week's first leg at Craven Cottage.
"We can't go hell for leather on Thursday," said Kostner. "Fulham are a compact dangerous team who are strong in defence and have big guys up front so that provides us with a dangerous situation.
"We have a good chance now but what we need to do is to be determined. We have to have the will, be determined to give an absolutely excellent performance.
"We need everyone in this club, including the fans, to give a performance for 90 minutes, maybe longer and that's the way we'll get through to the semi finals."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fulham (from): Schwarzer, Konchesky, Baird, Riise, Hughes, Smalling, Etuhu, Duff, Murphy, Gera, Davies, Zamora, Zuberbuhler, Greening, Kelly, Hangeland, Stoor, Nevland.
http://www.ealinggazette.co.uk/sport/football-ealing/fulham-fc-ealing/2010/04/08/fulham-s-stars-are-playing-through-pain-admits-brede-hangeland-64767-26197351/ (http://www.ealinggazette.co.uk/sport/football-ealing/fulham-fc-ealing/2010/04/08/fulham-s-stars-are-playing-through-pain-admits-brede-hangeland-64767-26197351/)
Fulham's stars are playing through pain, admits Brede Hangeland
BREDE Hangeland says Fulham's heroes will play through the pain barrier to keep their European hopes alive in Wolfsburg tonight.
Easter Sunday's Premier League victory over Wigan was the 53rd game of a gruelling season for the Cottagers and the schedule has taken its toll with top striker Bobby Zamora aggravating an achilles tendon injury.
However, Zamora is expected to be back for the trip to Germany that is finely poised at 2-1 to Roy Hodgson's men after the first leg, and Hangeland, who has shrugged off a chest problem to lead Fulham's glory bid, said: "We are carrying a few knocks and injuries at the moment and it is about just trying to do your best in a match.
"We get a lot of treatment and recovery in between so that has been the name of the game in the past few months and it will be until the end of the season.
"I have had a little bit of pain, but when you go out on the pitch the adrenaline takes over."
Hangeland is confident of continuing Fulham's glory run and edging into the semi-final tonight.
"It will be a tough game of course, but we are winning and they have to beat us to go through," he added. "I am not sure that they will be too confident that they can go through and if we play well then it will take a lot for them to beat us."
http://www.tribalfootball.com/fulham-defender-hangeland-zamora-fitness-crucial-wolfsburg-755061 (http://www.tribalfootball.com/fulham-defender-hangeland-zamora-fitness-crucial-wolfsburg-755061)
Fulham defender Hangeland: Zamora fitness crucial for Wolfsburg
Brede Hangeland admits the fitness of Fulham striker Bobby Zamora is key going into tonight's Europa League second-leg clash at Wolfsburg.
Fulham are in Germany tonight defending a 2-1 lead.
Zamora was unavailable for selection last weekend after an aggravation to his Achilles tendon; however Hangeland is hoping Fulham's leading scorer will be in line for a return.
He told fulhamfc.com: "He's [Zamora] a key player and we don't look the same when he's not playing. Hopefully he'll be back and 100% fit for Thursday to give their defence a few problems."
http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/euro-glory-can-soothe-duffs-paris-pain-2129293.html (http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/euro-glory-can-soothe-duffs-paris-pain-2129293.html)
Euro glory can soothe Duff's Paris pain
THE anger will rise again for Damien Duff when he brings himself to watch this summer's World Cup finals, but the injustice the Irishman suffered at the hand of Thierry Henry would be tempered somewhat by winning the Europa League this season.
Never before, perhaps, has capturing this second-tier trophy been equated with being denied a place on the sport's biggest stage, but Duff went even further saying it would mean more than simply making up for the disappointment.
"That and more," he said. "I suppose in a way it is a distant memory, that November night in Paris (the play-off defeat to France). Getting to a European final would be massive. No one thought we would have a chance of getting to the final when we set off on this journey."
The 31-year-old midfielder said Fulham's impressive run in the competition, which takes them to the second leg of a quarter-final tonight away to German champions Wolfsburg, had already helped him "get over" what happened with Ireland.
"It will open new wounds when I'm watching it (the World Cup) on the TV but it's been a fantastic journey, there have been some great games in the group stages and in the knockout stages we have had some fantastic fixtures."
Talking of a final, when in the last eight, and with a slender 2-1 lead, may sound presumptuous, but Duff's enthusiasm for the game, which had all but died during three miserable years at Newcastle, has been refired by his move to Craven Cottage last summer.
"It's well documented that my three years in Newcastle didn't work out," he said. "It was a massive move for me to Fulham. I knew the gaffer (manager Roy Hodgson) from my Blackburn days and this whole season has sparked me again. I'm really enjoying it." (© Daily Telegraph, London)
Fulham (probable, 4-4-1-1) -- Schwarzer; Kelly, Hughes, Hangeland, Konchesky; Duff, Murphy, Etuhu, Davies; Gera; Zamora.
Wolfsburg (probable, 4-1-2-1-2) -- Benaglio; Pekarik, Madlung, Barzagli, Schafer; Josue; Riether, Gentner; Misimovic; Dzeko, Grafite.
Wolfsburg v Fulham
Live, Setanta Ire/ITV 4, 8.05
- jason burt
Irish Independent
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/premierleague/fulham/7564753/Wolfsburg-v-Fulham-Damien-Duff-handed-chance-to-heal-Thierry-Henry-wounds.html (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/premierleague/fulham/7564753/Wolfsburg-v-Fulham-Damien-Duff-handed-chance-to-heal-Thierry-Henry-wounds.html)
Wolfsburg v Fulham: Damien Duff handed chance to heal Thierry Henry wounds
The anger will rise again for Damien Duff, when he brings himself to watch this summer's World Cup finals, but the injustice the Irishman suffered at the hand of Thierry Henry would be tempered somewhat by winning the Europa League this season.
(http://i.telegraph.co.uk/telegraph/multimedia/archive/01611/Damien_Duff__1611667c.jpg)
Never before, perhaps, has capturing this second-tier trophy been equated with being denied a place on the sport's biggest stage but Duff went even further saying it would mean more than simply making up for the disappointment.
"That and more," he said. "I suppose in a way it is a distant memory, that November night in Paris [the play-off defeat to France]. Getting to a European final would be massive, especially for a club like Fulham. No one thought we would have a chance of getting to the final when we set off on this journey. Bring it on."
The 31-year-old midfielder said Fulham's impressive run in the competition, which takes them to the second leg of a quarter-final tonight here away to German champions Wolfsburg, had already helped him "get over" what happened with the Republic of Ireland. "It will open new wounds when I'm watching it [the World Cup] on the TV but it's been a fantastic journey, there have been some great games in the group stages and in the knockout stages we have had some fantastic fixtures."
Talking of a final, when in the last eight, and with a slender 2-1 lead, may sound presumptuous but Duff's enthusiasm for the game, which had all but died during three miserable years at Newcastle United, has been refired by his move to Craven Cottage last summer.
"It's well documented that my three years in Newcastle didn't work out, for whatever reason," he said. "It was a massive move for me to Fulham, to get my career going again. I knew the gaffer [manager Roy Hodgson] from my Blackburn days and this whole season has sparked me again, so to speak, I'm really enjoying it."
Hodgson has to take credit. It is no fluke that he has revitalised Duff's career, cleverly compensating for a loss of pace by moving the left-footed player to the right, so he can cut inside. The same renaissance has taken place to Simon Davies, Danny Murphy and Bobby Zamora, who is a significant injury doubt, with a sore Achilles, but will be given up until kick-off to recover. Hodgson is already denied Clint Dempsey, out for several weeks after suffering a muscle problem in last weekend's win over Wigan Athletic.
"We have played quite a lot of games without him [Zamora] this season so I don't have any fears that we can't win a game without him," Hodgson said.
Nevertheless it was a relief that the powerful striker trained without impediment.
Hodgson was bullish about his side's prospects despite conceding a late goal last week. "It doesn't change anything," Hodgson said. "If you lose the game away from home, whatever the result of the first leg, then you are unlikely to go through."
He has set his players the task of scoring the away goal that will cancel out the one claimed by Wolfsburg.
It has been a long, testing — and impressive — season for Fulham and their 62-year-old manager. How is he coping? "Rather than feel tired or lacking energy these games do the opposite and fire you up and remind you why you want to be involved at this level," Hodgson said.
If Fulham avoid defeat, a semi-final against either Standard Liege or, more probably, Hamburg awaits.
Fulham (probable, 4-4-1-1): Schwarzer; Kelly, Hughes, Hangeland, Konchesky; Duff, Murphy, Etuhu, Davies; Gera; Zamora.
Wolfsburg (probable, 4-1-2-1-2): Benaglio; Pekarik, Madlung, Barzagli, Schafer; Josue; Riether, Gentner; Misimovic; Dzeko, Grafite.
Referee: V Kassai (Hungary)
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/apr/08/bobby-zamora-fulham-wolfsburg (http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/apr/08/bobby-zamora-fulham-wolfsburg)
Bobby Zamora in race to be fit to lead Fulham's depleted strike force
• Achilles problem could deny striker chance to face Wolfsburg
• Clint Dempsey stays at home after picking up weekend injury
(http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Sport/Pix/columnists/2010/4/7/1270667019238/bobby-zamora-001.jpg)
Bobby Zamora's achilles problem is a concern to Fulham ahead of the Europa League tie at Wolfsburg. Photograph: Joe Giddens/Empics
Bobby Zamora's chances of spearheading Fulham's quest to overcome Wolfsburg tonight and make the Europa League semi-finals are in the balance because of an achilles problem.
The 29-year-old Zamora is enjoying the best season of his career, with 18 goals catching the eye of the England coach Fabio Capello. Seven of Zamora's strikes have come in Fulham's remarkable run to the quarter-finals, including the first goal of the 2-1 victory in the first leg at Craven Cottage.
Zamora trained with Roy Hodgson's squad and the Fulham manager remains optimistic he will play. "We'll see what happens in the session and how he reacts," Hodgson said. "We'll make a decision tomorrow. We've always hoped Bobby would be fit for this game and I'm very hopeful that will be the case."
Fulham's attacking options are already depleted by the absence of Clint Dempsey, who was unable to travel after picking up an injury in last Sunday's 2-1 victory over Wigan. Hodgson said: "In the last minute he was fouled in the penalty area. He'll be out for a period of time – certainly against Wolfsburg, Sunday against Liverpool and possibly longer. He had a scan yesterday, which showed it was a muscular injury [to his leg]."
Hodgson has been able to include Stephen Kelly, who may resume his regular place at right-back, with Simon Davies possibly moving back into midfield for Dempsey.
This will be Fulham's 54th game of a campaign that started in July when Vetra Vilnius were defeated 3-0 in Lithuania. Yet despite the gruelling schedule for Hodgson and his players, the 62-year-old said his team's success has invigorated him.
"I've got to say that rather than feel tired or lacking energy I think these games do just the opposite," Hodgson said. "They fire you up even more and they remind you why you still want to be involved at the very top level. It's the ones we've had in the Europa League, the one we'll have tomorrow night and the one at Anfield on Sunday [against Liverpool].
"As a coach they are the highlights. There was a time I thought it used to keep me young but that was when I had a magic mirror. The mirror's gone and it's taken its toll but that's life, I'll have to battle on."
Damien Duff said success in the competition would ease the pain of his and the Republic of Ireland's elimination by France from the World Cup following Thierry Henry's handball.
Duff said: "In a way it's a distant memory that night in Paris [last November]. We've played so many games since, they seem to be getting bigger and bigger. To get to a final and win would be just unbelievable. When we started out in the summer nobody would have thought it. So yes, bring it on."
Wolfsburg (4-1-3-2 probable) Benaglio; (4-1-3-2 probable) Pekarik, Barzagli, Madlung, Schäfer; Josué; Gentner, Riether, Misimovic; Dzeko, Grafite. Subs from Lenz, Simunek, Martins, Hasebe, Johnson, Dejagah, Rever.
Fulham (4-4-1-1 probable) Schwarzer; Kelly, Hughes, Hangeland, Konchesky; Duff, Murphy, Etuhu, Davies; Gera; Zamora or Nevland. Subs from Zuberbühler, Baird, Riise, Nevland, Smalling, Kelly, Greening.
http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/10/04/08/SOCCER_Fulham_Duff.html&TEAMHD=soccer (http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/10/04/08/SOCCER_Fulham_Duff.html&TEAMHD=soccer)
DUFF HAILS HODGSON INFLUENCE
(http://images.sportinglife.com/10/04/330/Fulham-v-Wolfsburg-Damien-Duff-celeb_2438099.jpg)
Fulham winger Damien Duff has thanked Roy Hodgson for providing him with the spark that he believes has re-ignited his career.
Duff will line up against Wolfsburg tonight as Fulham look to take their fairytale season one step further by claiming a place in the last four of the Europa League.
Duff's arrival at Craven Cottage last year brought to an end an unhappy three-year at Newcastle that was ravaged by injury and inconsistency.
His hard work and tenacity made him an instant hit with the Fulham faithful, and he has provided four goals and many assists for the Londoners so far this term.
The winger admits his rejuvenation is mainly down to 62-year-old Hodgson, who also managed Duff during his first years as a professional at Blackburn.
"It was well documented that my three years at Newcastle didn't work out so it was a massive move for me to come to Fulham to get my career going again," said Duff, who won two titles at Fulham's west London rivals Chelsea before joining Newcastle.
"I knew the gaffer from my Blackburn days so it was always going to be exciting.
"Working with him has sparked me again - I've loved every minute of it and it's been really enjoyable. It's just what I needed after my three years at Newcastle. It's been a great season."
Duff and Bobby Zamora gave Fulham a 2-0 lead in the first leg at Craven Cottage but Alexander Madlung's last-minute header gave the Bundesliga champions what could turn out to be a vital away goal.
Hodgson is without Clint Dempsey and David Elm for tonight's clash at the Volkswagen Arena but Zamora is expected to overcome an Achilles injury to start alongside Zoltan Gera up front.
The Fulham players have complained of fatigue during a long season which has encompassed 53 games and began with a Europa League qualifier against Lithuanian minnows Vetra in July.
Hodgson admits such a long season has taken its toll on his side but he is adamant that both he and his players will be up for the game.
"These sort of games fire you up even more and they remind you why you still want to be involved at the very top level," said Hodgson, who took Inter Milan to the UEFA Cup final in 1997.
"We've had some great games in the Europa League."
http://hammyend.com/?p=6779 (http://hammyend.com/?p=6779)
Up next: Wolfsburg (a)
by Dan on April 8, 2010
Nobody could complain if Fulham's European adventure came to an end in Wolfsburg tonight. Since starting way back in the sunny days of June, the Whites have gone further and further in Europe's second-biggest competition and seen the Europa League even usurp the league in Roy Hodgson's list of priorities: some achievement when you consider he was originally using the tournament to give some of our fringe players a bit of much practice. Nobody believed we'd get out of a tricky group, especially after a traumatic defeat in Rome, much less beat the holders and one of the favourites in the knockout stages.
The tantalising thing about this tie is had we had not afforded Alexander Madlung a free header from a short corner in the dying embers of the first leg at Craven Cottage last week, even some of notoriously pessimistic fans might be dreaming of a semi-final meeting with Hamburg or Standard Liege. The more and more you think about the ramifications of that away goal, though, the more it makes you wonder whether it may work in Fulham's favour. At 2-0, a continental coach like Hodgson, well-drilled in the Italian defensive philosophy, might well have been tempted to shut up shop. Now, by being a bit more daring, Fulham will have more of a chance to cancel that Wolfsburg away goal.
The German champions are having something of a disastrous domestic season, having dispensed with Felix Magath's replacement at the turn of the year. They sit halfway up the Bundesliga, a legacy of a pitiful home record and some particularly generous defending. As we saw in the second half of the first game, there's no doubt that Fulham can trouble a defence that didn't look terribly Germanic. Both Bobby Zamora and Zoltan Gera will be licking their lips in anticipation of adding to their impressive European goal tallies.
As in the first leg, Fulham will have to watch the dangerous Dzeko and Grafite, who never really flourished at the Cottage, and perhaps Obafemi Martins, too, who perked the visitors up when he came on as a late substitute. Wolfsburg will probably be a different proposition at home, roared on by their own fans, although they had plenty of the game in the first period of the first leg. It will be important for Fulham to keep the ball better than they did in that first 45 minutes and get some of the flowing passing that eventually unlocked the German defence going. Discipline will also be vital and Hodgson will want to draw on the considerable European experience of Schwarzer, Hughes, Murphy and Duff to calm any nerves.
Hodgson's selection shouldn't be too surprising. He's been a consistent coach since taking over at the Cottage and the same 4-4-1-1 system, originally designed for when he had a lack of forwards at his disposal, should be employed tomorrow night. Indeed, Fulham's major concerns are about the availability of players rather than any late tactical switch.
Stephen Kelly's injury is likely to keep him out of this game and John Pantsil's return for the reserves yesterday has probably come too soon for this contest. That means Simon Davies, who did very well as a makeshift right back a week ago, will probably fill in there again tonight. That will allow Hodgson to fit Davies, Duff, Dempsey and Gera into the same side – something he has struggled to do since the Irish international arrived at Fulham just after the start of the season – and at once that should sprinkle some more creativity throughout the team.
Dickson Etuhu will probably keep out Chris Baird and partner Danny Murphy in central midfield but the Nigerian will need to be back to his imposing best. It will have to be more a case of Juventus revisited for Etuhu, who has the ability to scrap with the very best of them. If he might be persuaded to unleash a few more thunderbolts from distance rather than being so passive in possession, Fulham may yet find another vital away goal. The most likely source of a goal remains Zamora, who so superbly opening the scoring in the first leg, and Hodgson remains confident that the England hopeful will be fit to play despite an Achilles injury that ruled him out of Sunday's win over Wigan.
This team have surprised us many times this season. Tonight, in Volkswagen country, it would be lovely turn up if the Whites manage to motor into the last four. Here's hoping.
MY FULHAM XI (4-4-1-1): Schwarzer; Davies, Konchesky, Hughes, Hangeland; Baird, Murphy, Duff, Dempsey; Gera; Zamora. Subs: Zuberbuhler, Smalling, Riise, Etuhu, Greening, Nevland, Elm.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/premierleague/fulham/7564593/Wolfsburg-v-Fulham-match-preview.html (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/premierleague/fulham/7564593/Wolfsburg-v-Fulham-match-preview.html)
Wolfsburg v Fulham: match preview
Read a full match preview of the Europa League quarter-final second leg between Wolfsburg and Fulham at Volkswagen Arena on Thursday April 8, kick-off 20.05BST.
(http://i.telegraph.co.uk/telegraph/multimedia/archive/01611/Edin_Dzeko_1611645c.jpg)
Tactical duel:
Wolfsburg are growing in confidence after a poor start to a season they began as Bundesliga champions. However they deserve huge credit for ending the first leg of this tie with four strikers as they desperately, and successfully, sought an away goal. It showed bravery and it worked. Fulham will have to beware and also need to bypass holding midfielder Josue if they are to score again.
Key clash:
The Germans biggest threat is in attack where Grafite and, in particular, Edin Dzeko score freely. This season they have not been quite so effect, though Dzeko is still scoring, but Brede Hangeland will have to marshall his defensive team-mates more confidently than in the first-leg, when he struggled, to deny them. The Bosnian striker Dzeko also has the added incentive of trying to impress to earn a summer move, possibly to the Premier League.
Touchline duel:
Lorenz-Gunther Kostner took over as caretaker coach in January and will remain in charge to the end of the season. The 58-year-old German is little-known — although Wolfsburg is the 12 club he has coached in 28 years after a playing career that peaked at Borussia Moenchengladbach — but has steadied the ship, notwithstanding a horrific 5-1 defeat to Hertha Berlin, and restored confidence. The already high stock of Fulham manager Roy Hodgson, in Europe and England, has grown with this campaign. Like his opponent, Hodgson can also be tactically bold.
Probable teams:
Fulham (4-4-1-1): Schwarzer; Kelly, Hughes, Hangeland, Konchesky; Duff, Murphy, Etuhu, Davies; Gera; Zamora.
Wolfsburg (4-1-2-1-2): Benaglio; Pekarik, Madlung, Barzagli, Schafer; Josue; Riether, Gentner; Misimovic; Dzeko, Grafite.
Referee: Victor Kassai (Hungary).
http://www.tribalfootball.com/swiss-whiz-kerim-frei-delighted-fulham-move-755051 (http://www.tribalfootball.com/swiss-whiz-kerim-frei-delighted-fulham-move-755051)
Swiss whiz Kerim Frei delighted with Fulham move
Exciting Swiss prospect Kerim Frei is delighted with his move to Fulham.
The former Grasshoppers Zurich midfielder joined Fulham's academy in January.
"There were a few options for me," Frei told fulhamfc.com. "But I have no doubt that I made the right decision choosing Fulham because this is a very good club, and from the moment that I came in I knew it was the place for me.
"I saw a bright future here, and I would love to progress and do all I can for the Club. I left my home, which is a big step, especially when you move to a foreign country.
"It was important to feel comfortable in my new surroundings and I did. When I first trained with the U18s I felt that my style suited the way they played football and that is was a good match. Hopefully I can show what I can do."
http://www.dailystar.co.uk/football/view/129902/Damien-Duff-using-Fulham-s-Europa-League-success-to-get-over-World-Cup-misery/ (http://www.dailystar.co.uk/football/view/129902/Damien-Duff-using-Fulham-s-Europa-League-success-to-get-over-World-Cup-misery/)
DAMIEN DUFF USING FULHAM'S EUROPA LEAGUE SUCCESS TO GET OVER WORLD CUP MISERY
DAMIEN Duff is using Fulham's Europa League success to wipe away his World Cup misery.
The 31-year-old Republic of Ireland international was denied probably his last chance of playing on the world's biggest stage by Thierry Henry's infamous handball in Paris in November.
But Fulham's progress in Europe, with a last four slot in their sights when they line up for their quarter-final second leg at Wolfsburg tonight, has helped Duff forget his frustration.
"It will probably open old wounds in the summer when I'm watching on TV," said Duff of the World Cup finals.
"But it's been an amazing journey and everyone's enjoying it.
"In a way, that night in Paris is now a distant memory. We've played so many games this season.
"And as a result I haven't really had time to think about the disappointment of not getting there.
"The games just seem to be getting bigger and bigger, but to get to a final would be just unbelievable.
"When we started out in the summer nobody would have thought it [would be possible], so bring it on."
Fulham conceded a late goal in their 2-1 first leg victory last week.
But despite that setback at Craven Cottage, Duff feels his side will not be underdogs against the reigning Bundesliga champions.
"I don't know about that," he said. "It puts a slightly different look on things with away goals obviously massive in two-game ties.
"For all that, it was disappointing to concede in the last minute though we believe we can score and cancel out that goal."
Fulham's leading goal-scorer, Bobby Zamora, is set to start after missing Sunday's game against Wigan.
But Clint Dempsey will miss out after suffering a thigh injury in the same game.
Fulham boss Roy Hodgson said: "In any cup competition you want to go all the way if you can. And there are enough players in our team with experience – internationals who have played top-level UEFA football with their clubs before coming to Fulham.
"I don't need to persuade them that a quarter-final is only a quarter-final. We need to get to the final and they know that themselves."
Duff added: "I think every week we seem to be saying that this is our biggest game of the season so far.
"Spurs away in the FA Cup and Sunday against Wigan ... if you listened to the gaffer's team talk, it was the same again.
"But after getting ourselves more or less safe with 41 points, this is the biggest game of the season and we're all looking forward to getting started."
http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/duff-savours-fulhams-amazing-run-1938552.html (http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/duff-savours-fulhams-amazing-run-1938552.html)
Duff savours Fulham's 'amazing' run
Damien Duff is hoping to bury his memories of World Cup heartbreak by guiding Fulham to Europa League glory. Duff's hopes of making his second appearance at a World Cup finals were ended in November after Thierry Henry's now infamous handball helped France to seal a 2-1 aggregate win over the Republic of Ireland.
The Londoners' winger lashed out at officials for failing to notice Henry's foul afterwards, but he admits his bad memories have been put to the back of his mind, partly due to Fulham's European success this year.
Roy Hodgson's side have gone on an incredible run in the Europa League this season, accounting for the likes of Shakhtar Donetsk and Juventus to make the quarter-finals, where they hold a 2-1 lead going into tonight's second leg away to Wolfsburg.
The Irishman has been a crucial part of Fulham's success this season, scoring nine in all competitions having signed from Newcastle in August.
Fulham will set up a semi-final against Hamburg or Standard Liège should they progress and Duff admits he is desperate for the Cottagers to end the season by lifting the trophy. "Will winning the Europa League make up for losing out on the World Cup? Yes, that and more," the 31-year-old said. "It has been an amazing journey, and in a way that night in Paris is a distant memory now.
"We've played so many games since then and they seem to be getting bigger and bigger. To get to a final and win would be unbelievable. When we started out nobody would have thought we'd get this far, so bring it on."
A thigh injury to Clint Dempsey has left manager Roy Hodgson short of attacking options for tonight's match at the Volkswagen Arena. Bobby Zamora is struggling with an Achilles injury while David Elm has not travelled with the squad after going to hospital to have checks on the recurrence of a virus he picked up in Turin last month.
Zamora trained last night but if he misses out Hodgson will have to pair midfielder Zoltan Gera with veteran striker Erik Nevland up front tonight. The manager, who is without Andy Johnson for the season, is confident his side will be able to perform, even if Zamora does not play. "We've played quite a lot of games without Bobby so I don't think I had any fears. We needed to prove we could win without him," said the 62-year-old.
"We've been stretched up front all season. We lost Andy Johnson in the first week in January, so that limited us. Dempsey took a knock against Wigan and he could be out for some time. That means resources are even more stretched than they have been but Gera has partnered Bobby up front and together they've done a very good job for the team."
Wolfsburg (probable, 4-4-2): Benaglio; Pekarik, Madlung, Barzagli, Schäfer; Riesther, Josue, Gentner, Misimovic; Dzeko, Grafite.
Fulham (probable, 4-4-1-1): Schwarzer; Kelly, Hangeland, Hughes, Konchesky; Davies, Murphy, Etuhu, Duff; Gera; Zamora.
Referee: V Kassai (Hungary).
TV: ITV4, kick-off 8.05pm.
http://www.imscouting.com/global-news-article/Arsenal-monitor-Fulhams-Hangeland-as-Wenger-reviews-defence/6973/ (http://www.imscouting.com/global-news-article/Arsenal-monitor-Fulhams-Hangeland-as-Wenger-reviews-defence/6973/)
Arsenal monitor Fulham's Hangeland as Wenger reviews defence
According to a report in this morning's Daily Telegraph, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger may look to overhaul the Gunners' defence with Fulham's Brede Hangeland a possible target.
Arsenal's fragility at centre-back was highlighted during the Champions League defeat against Barcelona. William Gallas hobbled off injured in the first leg with Wenger reluctant to play Sol Campbell as a direct replacement. Having opted to use Mikael Silvestre in the second leg, the Frenchman looked uncomfortable at the mercy of Barcelona's attack.
Gallas and Campbell are both out of contract at the end of the season and Silvestre is 32 years-old, leaving Thomas Vermaelen as the only centre-back with his long-term Arsenal future secure.
The Daily Telegraph speculates that Wenger will look to bring in new defensive talent over the summer. The Arsenal boss was beaten to the signing of Chris Smalling by Manchester United in January.
However, the Daily Telegraph says that Wenger has been monitoring Smalling's Fulham team-mate Brede Hangeland . The 28 year-old Norwegian international has been a rock for Roy Hodgson's side this season, playing an important role which has taken Fulham to the brink of the Europa League semi-finals.
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_6081397,00.html (http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_6081397,00.html)
Duff thanks Hodgson
Cottagers ace praises manager for re-igniting career.
The former Blackburn and Chelsea ace's career suffered during his three years in the North East with Newcastle United.
After winning three trophies in three seasons with Chelsea he suffered relegation with Newcastle in the 2008-09 campaign before joining Fulham.
Duff knew Hodgson from his Rovers days and was looking forward to working with the ex-Switzerland and Inter Milan boss again.
The 31-year-old Republic of Ireland ace has been back to his best and believes it has been a great season for the West Londoners, who are still in Europa League contention.
Massive
"It was well documented that my three years at Newcastle didn't work out so it was a massive move for me to come to Fulham to get my career going again," explained Duff.
"I knew the gaffer from my Blackburn days so it was always going to be exciting.
"Working with him has sparked me again - I've loved every minute of it and it's been really enjoyable.
"It's just what I needed after my three years at Newcastle. It's been a great season."
Fulham tackle Wolfsburg in the second leg of their Europa League quarter-final in Germany following a 2-1 first-leg success at Craven Cottage.
http://www.eatsleepsport.com/fulham/cottagers-fitness-hope-1048670.html (http://www.eatsleepsport.com/fulham/cottagers-fitness-hope-1048670.html)
Cottagers fitness hope
Fulham say they are hopeful Bobby Zamora will be fit to face Wolfsburg on Thursday night, but Clint Dempsey will miss out.
Dempsey has not travelled with the Cottagers squad having suffered a muscular leg injury in the last minute of Sunday's win over Wigan, with the US international also ruled out of this weekend's clash with Liverpool.
Zamora sat out Sunday's Premier League victory due to an Achilles problem and has been in a race against time to be fit to face the Bundesliga champions.
The former Tottenham and West Ham man did train though on Wednesday and Roy Hodgson will give him as long as possible to prove his fitness.
Hodgson said: "We'll see how he reacts to the session. We've always hoped Bobby would be fit for this game and I'm very hopeful that will be the case."
Stephen Kelly is also being tipped for a recall and could resume his regular place at right-back, with Simon Davies expected to move back into midfield for the absent Dempsey.
http://www.clubcall.com/fulham/zamora-injury-update-1048670.html (http://www.clubcall.com/fulham/zamora-injury-update-1048670.html)
Zamora injury update
Fulham, 11:04, April 8, 2010
Fulham say they are hopeful Bobby Zamora will be fit to face Wolfsburg on Thursday night, but Clint Dempsey will miss out.
Dempsey has not travelled with the Cottagers squad having suffered a muscular leg injury in the last minute of Sunday's win over Wigan, with the US international also ruled out of this weekend's clash with Liverpool.
Zamora sat out Sunday's Premier League victory due to an Achilles problem and has been in a race against time to be fit to face the Bundesliga champions.
The former Tottenham and West Ham man did train though on Wednesday and Roy Hodgson will give him as long as possible to prove his fitness.
Hodgson said: "We'll see how he reacts to the session. We've always hoped Bobby would be fit for this game and I'm very hopeful that will be the case."
Stephen Kelly is also being tipped for a recall and could resume his regular place at right-back, with Simon Davies expected to move back into midfield for the absent Dempsey.
http://www.givemefootball.com/premier-league/arsenal-set-to-swoop-for-norwegian-international- (http://www.givemefootball.com/premier-league/arsenal-set-to-swoop-for-norwegian-international-)
Arsenal set to swoop for Norwegian international
Fulham defender Brede Hangeland has attracted interest from Arsenal
(http://www.givemefootball.com/GMF/files/73/7349a938-706f-49a2-aa49-c791d9bafdd3.jpg)
Fulham defender Brede Hangeland has been outlined as a potential summer target for Arsenal, according to the Daily Telegraph.
It is thought that Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is planning a summer clear out at the back in an attempt to strengthen his defence for next season.
The Gunners defensive frailties were exposed on Tuesday night when Lionel Messi ripped apart the Arsenal back line, who were missing the influential figure of William Gallas.
Sol Campbell is likely to leave the Emirates at the end of the season when he contract expires whilst the future of William Gallas also remains uncertain who is yet to agree a new deal.
Wenger is keen to add another centre back to his talented team in the summer and has identified Brede Hangeland as a potential candidate after impressing in the Premier League.
However, Fulham manager Roy Hodgson will be reluctant to part with the 28-year-old with teammate Chris Smalling already heading to Old Trafford in the summer.
http://www.itv.com/sport/football/news/uefacup/manualstories/blogfulhamandwolfsburgtherespectablefaceoffootball/default.html (http://www.itv.com/sport/football/news/uefacup/manualstories/blogfulhamandwolfsburgtherespectablefaceoffootball/default.html)
Blog: Fulham and Wolfsburg, the respectable face of football
ITV Sport's Ned Boulting blogs from Wolfsburg ahead of their Europa League quarter-final with Fulham
Watching Bayern Munich get the better of Manchester United in a bar in Wolfsburg last night was a curious experience. At first there was only passing interest from the locals. After all, we are a long way from Bavaria here, and Bayern are just as disliked for their success by fans of other clubs in Germany as Manchester United are themselves.
Yet, the more that Bayern clawed their way into the game, the more the spectacle sucked in local support. In the end, it all got a bit partisan, and the final whistle was greeted with cheers and smiles, before the punters got back to the more pressing matter of talking about tonight's encounter with Fulham.
Bayern's victory though, to many in Germany feels like a long-overdue national reward for the fact that the Bundesliga appears to have got things thoroughly right in all sorts of ways, (except for the small matter of sticking the ball in the opponents net often enough.). The clubs now all benefit from the colossal overhaul of their grounds which has remodelled the landscape of their football into the finest there is. Full stop. From Schalke to Hertha, Hamburg to Frankfurt, not forgetting the cauldron of Dortmund, they have the biggest noisiest crowds in the most awe-inspiring surroundings. Gone are the days of the concrete bowl with the athletics track. These grounds are built with 'Purer Fussball' in mind.
And, what is even more remarkable, they have managed this transition, by and large without the need to sell up to US speculators or to go begging in the Emirates. The clubs are often debt-free, and yet somehow keep their prices down, so that everyone can go. Yes, everyone. Most tickets here cost just 15-22 Euros. And these, let's not forget are the reigning champions – a small club, rebuilt and rehoused and now top of the pile (albeit for one season only). When I lived over here in the early nineties, this club was a byword for the less-glamorous reaches of the lower leagues. Germany's equivalent of the patronising expression 'a wet Tuesday night in Grimsby'.
I rubbed my eyes in disbelief when they won the championship last season. It's the kind of metamorphosis that will never happen again in England.
Fulham are similar in some ways, at least in stature, although Craven Cottage's antique charm contrasts sharply with the steel and glass modernity of the VW Arena. Oh, and London is a place, not a factory town in the middle of nowhere. But, under Hodgson's astute stewardship, they spend within their means, and a growing a team who have taken the club further than they've ever gone before.
But, the Premier League glass ceiling is never far away. While Fulham know the realistic extent of their remarkable ambitions, Wolfsburg have dreamt the dream, and lived it too. It seems that's still possible here.
Just a shame that one of these two fine clubs has to go out tonight. For different reasons they represent the acceptable face of 21st Century football.
Watch Wolfsburg v Fulham live on ITV4 & ITV.com tonight at 7.30pm
http://www.epltalk.com/fulham-and-liverpool-fans-beware-of-bobby-gould/17589?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+EPLTalk+%28EPL+Talk%29 (http://www.epltalk.com/fulham-and-liverpool-fans-beware-of-bobby-gould/17589?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+EPLTalk+%28EPL+Talk%29)
Fulham and Liverpool Fans: Beware of Bobby Gould
Previously, I've written about how English soccer matches sound better on radio than television, as well as how the FA Cup third round is made for radio not TV. Richard Whittall from the A More Splendid Life blog agreed. However, I was wrong.
What I should have said is that BBC radio commentaries are often better than watching matches on television. Notice I didn't include TalkSport. That's because they're bloody rubbish.
For example, while listening to the Benfica against Liverpool match last Thursday, co-commentator Bobby Gould (former manager of Wimbledon and Wales) was abysmal.
The whole point of a radio commentator is that s/he should paint a picture of what is happening on the field so you can imagine in your mind what a goal or near miss looked like. But Gould continually pissed me off last Thursday because he would gasp and cry out as the ball would sail near the net, but we listeners on radio had no idea what was happening because he didn't explain it to us — at least not until seconds later, by which time the game had already moved on.
The way Gould was commentating was as if the radio listener was watching a TV broadcast of the game at the same time and we could see what was happening and then hear Gould's oohs and aahs and it would all make sense. But of course, while listening to the radio, we can't see any pictures and we need to rely on the commentator to help guide us through the match.
Listening to the commentaries on BBC Radio Five Live, they really are at the top of their game. The list of quality commentators is long. Mike Ingham, Mark Pougatch, Graham Taylor, Jimmy Armfield, Darren Fletcher and many others. They really are a joy to listen to and do a spectacular job of bringing the game to life.
On Thursday, for the quarter-finals of the Europa League featuring Wolfsburg versus Fulham and Liverpool against Benfica will be shown on US television via DirecTV and GolTV respectively. But if you are able to find a stream of BBC Radio 5 Live commentary, I highly recommend you listen to it. Or, as a last resort, you can try TalkSport. Just keep your fingers crossed that Bobby Gould will be far away from the mic.
http://www.skysports.com/football/match_preview/0,19764,11065_3260913,00.html (http://www.skysports.com/football/match_preview/0,19764,11065_3260913,00.html)
Wolfsburg v Fulham preview
Cottagers look to retain the advantage in Germany
Fulham look to retain the advantage in Germany when they play the second leg of their Europa League quarter-final tie with Wolfsburg.
Roy Hodgson's side travel to the Volkswagen Arena having beaten their opponents 2-1 in the reverse fixture.
They will be missing key players on Thursday which will make their task of qualifying for the last four somewhat harder.
Fulham's main concern will be their win-rate away from home which is a far cry from their record at Craven Cottage.
They have not won in their last eight games on the road in all competitions and can boast just two wins in seven European matches away from home this term.
That being said, they have only lost one of their last seven Europa League fixtures, home and away.
Their German opponents will fancy their chances on home soil though, especially with an away goal to their credit.
The Bundesliga champions need only a 1-0 win to qualify for the last four, which they will see as a more than doable task on current form.
After a slow start, Wolfsburg appear to be back on track in the top flight of German football having won six of their last seven league games.
Team news
Fulham's top scorer Bobby Zamora will face a late fitness test but is expected to overcome an Achilles injury to start alongside Zoltan Gera.
Hodgson will be forced into at least one change, though, with Clint Dempsey out of contention with a thigh injury.
Striker David Elm (virus) will also miss out for the Cottagers who have managed just three goals in their last six away games.
Stephen Kelly has recovered from a recent injury and will join the squad in Germany but Stefano Okaka is cup-tied.
Wolfsburg skipper Josue and key defender Alexander Madlung should be fit for Thursday's clash after overcoming hamstring injuries.
Star striker Edin Dzeko will likely start and will be hoping to add to his impressive goal tally for the German champions this season.
http://www.goal.com/en/news/15/germany/2010/04/08/1869108/wolfsburg-are-well-prepared-for-fulham-clash-lorenz-guenther (http://www.goal.com/en/news/15/germany/2010/04/08/1869108/wolfsburg-are-well-prepared-for-fulham-clash-lorenz-guenther)
Wolfsburg Are Well Prepared For Fulham Clash - Lorenz-Guenther Koestner
The Wolfsburg gaffer is confident his men will be ready for Fulham...
Bundesliga outfit Wolfsburg lost the first leg of their Europa League tie with English side Fulham 2-1, but head coach Lorenz-Guenther Koestner is confident his side will be ready to turn things around in Thursday's second leg.
"We are well prepared for Fulham. In the first leg we saw some weaknesses in their team which we did not exploit. This time we want to do better," said the Wolfsburg gaffer to uefa.com.
"That last minute goal brought us back into the tie. Now we must show real desire to achieve something exceptional. We are all willing to give everything until the very end, whether that is 90 minutes, 120 or until after the penalty shoot-out.
"We had Zamora well under control in the first leg up until their two goals, so we have to do better this time around. We will not take risks from the start, though. We have to be sensible."
http://www.express.co.uk/football/view/167993/Damien-Duff-s-too-busy-to-feel-the-pain (http://www.express.co.uk/football/view/167993/Damien-Duff-s-too-busy-to-feel-the-pain)
DAMIEN DUFF'S TOO BUSY TO FEEL THE PAIN
DAMIEN DUFF has had more reason than most to ponder the relationship between pain and gain this season, having endured an arduous campaign for both club and country.
But last night he insisted that the unremitting demands of progression to the Europa League's latter stages has helped him get over the pain of elimination from the World Cup.
Ireland international Damien Duff, 31, saw quite possibly his last chance of featuring in the summer spectacular ripped from his grasp by the unseen hand of Thierry Henry against France that fateful evening last November.
However, ahead of their quarter-final second leg against Wolfsburg here in Germany, winger Duff testified to the restorative qualities of a competition that has become the focus of Fulham's season.
"It will probably open old wounds in the summer when I am watching on TV, " said Duff before training at the Volkswagen Arena last night.
"But this has been an amazing journey and everyone's enjoying it.
"In a way, that night in Paris is now a distant memory as we have played so many games this season.
And as a result I haven't really had much time to think about the disappointment of not getting there.
"The games just seem to be getting bigger and bigger but to get to a final would be just unbelievable.
"When Fulham started out in the summer none of our fans would have thought this would be possible. So bring it on."
Fulham take a 2-1 advantage into tonight's match against Germany's champions. And while it could have been so much better had they not conceded a late goal, Duff raised his eyebrows when the word 'underdog' was put to him last night.
"I don't know about that, " he said. "It puts a slightly different look on things with away goals obviously massive in two-game ties. For all that it was disappointing to concede in the last minute, though we believe we can score and cancel out that goal."
To that end, both Duff and his Craven Cottage boss Roy Hodgson will have been delighted to see top scorer Bobby Zamora joining in a training session in the stadium last night, having missed the Wigan game on Sunday with a "slight knock to his Achilles".
Hodgson insisted they were hopeful Zamora would be fit.
However another attacking arrow has been removed from the quiver after Clint Dempsey did not travel after suffering a thigh injury in Sunday's victory. Also, striker David Elm continues to battle the after effects of a viral infection that put him in hospital at the weekend.
Hodgson will juggle his squad but knows that the absence of Dempsey will probably lead to the experiment of playing Simon Davies at right-back being abandoned, with the Wales international on the left wing and Stephen Kelly in at right-back.
For all that the attendance is set to be hit by the fact the match coincides with a shift change at the Volkswagen factory that dominates this club and their city - thereby ruling 10,000 out of taking up their seats - Wolfsburg will be confident hosts.
The bitterness of an unlucky defeat at Craven Cottage last Thursday will have been soothed somewhat by a convincing 4-0 win over Hoffenheim on Sunday.
"In any cup competition you want to go all the way if you can, " said Hodgson.
"And there are enough players in our team with real experience, internationals who have played top level UEFA football with their clubs before coming to Fulham. So I don't need to persuade them that a quarter-final is only a quarter-final.
We need to get to the final and they know that themselves."
Duff needs no further motivation.
He said: "Every week we seem to be saying that this is our biggest game of the season so far. Spurs away in the FA Cup; Sunday against Wigan, if you listened to the gaffer's team talk.
"But after getting ourselves more or less safe with 41 points in the Premier League, this is now the biggest match of the season.
And we are all looking forward to getting started."
FULHAM (probable): Schwarzer; Kelly, Hughes, Hangeland, Konchesky; Duff, Etuhu, Murphy, Davies; Gera, Zamora
WOLFSBURG (probable): Benaglio; Pekarik, Madlung, Barzagli, Schafer; Josue; Riether, Misimovic, Gentner; Dzeko, Grafite Referee: V Kassai (Hungary).
Kick-off: 8.05pm. TV: ITV4, 7.30.
http://www.newcastleunited-mad.co.uk/news/tmnw/duff_one_of_the_slackers_we_were_pleased_to_see_go_514503/index.shtml (http://www.newcastleunited-mad.co.uk/news/tmnw/duff_one_of_the_slackers_we_were_pleased_to_see_go_514503/index.shtml)
Duff One Of The 'Slackers' We Were Pleased To See Go?
By Nu Mad Thursday, 8th April 2010
Fulham winger Damien Duff says Roy Hodgson for providing him with the spark that he didn't have at Newcastle.
Duff will go down in the record books as being the player who scored the goal that relegated Newcastle United.
That own-goal at Villa Park on the last day of the season cost the club millions ... but he says it couldn't have worked out better for him ... because he "didn't have that spark at Newcastle".
Those are not OUR words ... those are HIS words.
Damien Duff: "It was well documented that my three years at Newcastle didn't work out so it was a massive move for me to come to Fulham to get my career going again.
"I knew the gaffer from my Blackburn days so it was always going to be exciting.
"Working with him has sparked me again - I've loved every minute of it and it's been really enjoyable.
"It's just what I needed after my three years at Newcastle. It's been a great season."
He has made 37 starts for Fulham this season and scored 10 goals.
During his three years at Newcastle United he played 86 games and scored 6 goals (not including that one AGAINST us at Villa Park).
At Chelsea he made 95 starts and scored 19 goals.
You don't need me to work out the maths for you. He obviously didn't give Newcastle what he gave everyone else ... and I'm sure he would admit to it.
Three weeks into his stay at Newcastle there were rumours he wanted a return to London ... and finally ... he got it.
Kevin Nolan and Andy Carroll have often spoken about the players "who couldn't give a poo" when they played for us, and I think you can put Duff second to Michael Owen on the list.
http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=194602 (http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=194602)
Fulham - Arsenal Come Knocking Again
Amidst all the talk of our Europa League clash with Wolfsburg tonight, a rather glum yet rather repetitive piece of news has arisen from the grapevine.
It would seem Brede Hangeland has done himself no harm in sticking by the Thames for another season, in the respect that the campaign he's had so far, has again attracted a keen Frenchman's eye. A keen Frenchman by the name of Arsene Wenger.
We've all heard the news before and it has got to a stage where I almost turned a blind eye to it upon glancing at the story, however, one must feel that the offer may be quite appealing to the International captain.
It's been proposed that Arsenal are planning a slight revamp with regards to their back line over the course of the Summer and Hangeland has already been touted as a perfect fill in for their new look defence.
Arsenal certainly did no harm in proving their defensive frailties with one Lionel Messi completely ripping them apart late Tuesday evening.
I hope though, with the departure of Chris Smalling to deal with, Hodgson will be more than reluctant to allow the huge Norwegian to clamber onto pastures new. Also, I must pleasingly add, when it comes to loyalty, Hangeland is no Jimmy Bullard.
I hope this article leaves you feeling a sense of Deja Vu. It has me.
Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=194602#ixzz0kVoDvAkj (http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=194602#ixzz0kVoDvAkj)
http://www.viewlondon.co.uk/news/duff-europa-league-success-will-erase-world-cup-h-19709646.html (http://www.viewlondon.co.uk/news/duff-europa-league-success-will-erase-world-cup-h-19709646.html)
Duff: Europa League success will erase World Cup heartache
Fulham winger Damien Duff has said winning the Europa League this season will go some way to erasing the heartache of failing to qualify for this year's World Cup with the Republic of Ireland.
Duff and his Irish team-mates were denied to the chance to play in South Africa this summer after losing their qualifying playoff against France thanks to Thierry Henry's now infamous handball.
Speaking ahead of Fulham's second leg against Wolfsburg tonight, Duff said: "Will winning the Europa League make up for losing out on the World Cup? Yes, that and more.
"It has been an amazing journey, and in a way that night in Paris is a distant memory now.
"We've played so many games since then and they seem to be getting bigger and bigger. To get to a final and win would be just unbelievable.
"When we started out in the summer nobody would ever have thought we'd get this far so bring it on."
Fulham lead their quarter-final against Wolfsburg 2-1 after goals from Bobby Zamora and Duff in the first leg.
You are working hard today Mr WhiteJC thanks for your efforts.
http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/April/HoesenJoinsHJKHelsinki.aspx (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/April/HoesenJoinsHJKHelsinki.aspx)
Hoesen Joins HJK Helsinki
Thursday 8th April 2010
Fulham Football Club can confirm that Dutch striker Danny Hoesen will join Finnish champions HJK Helsinki on loan from 9th April until 30th August.
.
Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/April/HoesenJoinsHJKHelsinki.aspx#ixzz0kVpl5yCY (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/April/HoesenJoinsHJKHelsinki.aspx#ixzz0kVpl5yCY)
Quote from: bobby01 on April 08, 2010, 01:46:07 PM
You are working hard today Mr WhiteJC thanks for your efforts.
the problem is that I'm not working, can't concentrate, and as I'm self-employed its an issue :023:
...still there's always tomorrow
http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/April/AstonVillaReserveMatchChange.aspx (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/April/AstonVillaReserveMatchChange.aspx)
Reserve Match Change
Thursday 8th April 2010
Fulham's Barclays Premier Reserve League match against Aston Villa on Monday 12th April will now kick-off at 3pm at Villa's Bodymoor Heath Training Ground.
The match will be played behind closed doors.
.
Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/April/AstonVillaReserveMatchChange.aspx#ixzz0kVqlNEqT (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/April/AstonVillaReserveMatchChange.aspx#ixzz0kVqlNEqT)
Quote from: WhiteJC on April 08, 2010, 01:52:02 PM
Quote from: bobby01 on April 08, 2010, 01:46:07 PM
You are working hard today Mr WhiteJC thanks for your efforts.
the problem is that I'm not working, can't concentrate, and as I'm self-employed its an issue :023:
...still there's always tomorrow
i'm self employed to, no problems with the recession last year but it's hurting this year, but as you say theres always tomorrow.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/premierleague/fulham/7564593/Wolfsburg-v-Fulham-match-preview.html (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/premierleague/fulham/7564593/Wolfsburg-v-Fulham-match-preview.html)
Wolfsburg v Fulham: match preview
Read a full match preview of the Europa League quarter-final second leg between Wolfsburg and Fulham at Volkswagen Arena on Thursday April 8, kick-off 20.05 BST.
Tactical duel:
Wolfsburg are growing in confidence after a poor start to a season they began as Bundesliga champions. However they deserve huge credit for ending the first leg of this tie with four strikers as they desperately, and successfully, sought an away goal. It showed bravery and it worked. Fulham will have to beware and also need to bypass holding midfielder Josue if they are to score again.
What they're saying:
Lorenz Gunther Kostner, Wolfsburg coach: "Alexander Madlung's goal gives us a good chance now but what we need to do is to be determined. We have to have the will, be determined to give an absolutely excellent performance. We need everyone in this club, including the fans, to give a performance for 90 minutes, maybe longer and that's the way we'll get through to the semi-finals."
Roy Hodgson, Fulham coach: "These sort of games fire you up even more and they remind you why you still want to be involved at the very top level. We've had some great games in the Europa League, we'll have another one tomorrow night and another one (against Liverpool in the Premier League) at Anfield on Sunday."
Key clash:
The Germans biggest threat is in attack where Grafite and, in particular, Edin Dzeko score freely. This season they have not been quite so effect, though Dzeko is still scoring, but Brede Hangeland will have to marshall his defensive team-mates more confidently than in the first-leg, when he struggled, to deny them. The Bosnian striker Dzeko also has the added incentive of trying to impress to earn a summer move, possibly to the Premier League.
Touchline duel:
Lorenz-Gunther Kostner took over as caretaker coach in January and will remain in charge to the end of the season. The 58-year-old German is little-known — although Wolfsburg is the 12 club he has coached in 28 years after a playing career that peaked at Borussia Moenchengladbach — but has steadied the ship, notwithstanding a horrific 5-1 defeat to Hertha Berlin, and restored confidence. The already high stock of Fulham manager Roy Hodgson, in Europe and England, has grown with this campaign. Like his opponent, Hodgson can also be tactically bold.
Probable teams:
Fulham (4-4-1-1): Schwarzer; Kelly, Hughes, Hangeland, Konchesky; Duff, Murphy, Etuhu, Davies; Gera; Zamora.
Wolfsburg (4-1-2-1-2): Benaglio; Pekarik, Madlung, Barzagli, Schafer; Josue; Riether, Gentner; Misimovic; Dzeko, Grafite.
Referee: Victor Kassai (Hungary).
http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/matches/season=2010/round=2000040/match=2000959/prematch/background/index.html (http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/matches/season=2010/round=2000040/match=2000959/prematch/background/index.html)
Wolves ready to pounce on Fulham
Published: Friday 2 April 2010
Alexander Madlung's late strike in London could prove to be priceless for VfL Wolfsburg as they head into the home leg of their quarter-final against Fulham FC with a 2-1 deficit to overturn.
(http://www.uefa.com/MultimediaFiles/Photo/competitions/Comp_Matches/01/47/15/85/1471585_w2.jpg)
Alexander Madlung's 89th-minute strike in London could prove to be priceless for VfL Wolfsburg as they head into the home leg of their UEFA Europa League quarter-final against Fulham FC with a 2-1 deficit to overturn.
• The Cottagers looked set for another famous European victory after goals from Bobby Zamora (59) and Damien Duff (63) handed them a 2-0 lead, but Madlung's header in the closing moments has swung the tie back in the German champions' direction.
Previous meetings
• Before the first leg, the two sides had never met. In Fulham's only previous encounter with German opposition, they lost 2-1 away and drew 0-0 at home against Hertha BSC Berlin in the third round of the 2002/03 UEFA Cup. Wolfsburg defender Madlung was an unused substitute in the first leg.
• Wolfsburg have now played four games against English sides, beating Portsmouth FC 3-2 in last season's UEFA Cup group stage before losing 2-1 away and 3-1 at home against Manchester United FC in the UEFA Champions League group stage earlier this term.
Match background
• Neither side have reached the quarter-finals of a major UEFA club competition before.
• Fulham's first-leg win means that they are unbeaten in 15 UEFA club home games since making their continental debut in the 2002 UEFA Intertoto Cup.
• Wolfsburg have won both of their home games since transferring from the UEFA Champions League. They have lost only once at home in Europe this season, 3-1 to Fulham's English rivals Manchester United.
• Fulham's seven away games since they kicked off the season in the UEFA Europa League third qualifying round have ended W2 D2 L3.
Team facts
• Fulham have been marginally more dangerous in the first halves of their games, with ten goals coming before the interval and eight after. Five of their 18 successful efforts from the group stage onwards have come between the 31st and 45th minutes.
• Grafite is Wolfsburg's top scorer in Europe this season with six goals – three in the UEFA Champions League and three in the UEFA Europa League. However, Džeko is just behind him on five goals (four in the UEFA Champions League and one in the UEFA Europa League).
• Zoltán Gera and Zamora are Fulham's joint European top scorers since the start of the group stage with five goals apiece.
• Fulham manager Roy Hodgson coached in five European games against German opposition with Halmstads BK, FC Internazionale Milano and most recently Viking FK, with his record reading W2 D0 L3. He has now won all three of his home games against Bundesliga sides, but lost all three of his games in Germany.
• As coach of Inter, Hodgson suffered the pain of losing the 1996/97 UEFA Cup final on penalties against German opponents FC Schalke 04.
• Born in Australia to German parents, Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer can draw on some experience of German football having represented 1. FC Dynamo Dresden (1994/95) and 1. FC Kaiserslautern (1995/96) before moving to England, initially with Bradford City FC.
• Wolfsburg and Fulham are the least experienced teams in the quarter-finals, going into the second leg as veterans of 49 and 29 UEFA club competition games respectively.
• Four of the sides in the last eight competed in the UEFA Europa League group stage: SL Benfica, Fulham, Hamburger SV and Valencia. The other four transferred from the UEFA Champions League group stage: Club Atlético de Madrid, Liverpool FC, R. Standard de Liège and Wolfsburg.
• By a quirk of the draw, all four quarter-final ties feature one side from the UEFA Champions League group stage and one from the UEFA Europa League.
• The winners face the victors in the contest between Hamburg and Standard in the semi-finals on 22 and 29 April, playing the second leg at home. The side that comes through those games will be the nominal away team in the final in Hamburg on 12 May.
Penalties
• Fulham and Wolfsburg have never been involved in a European penalty shoot-out.
Quote from: WhiteJC on April 08, 2010, 07:49:52 AM
http://www.itv.com/sport/football/news/uefacup/previews/fulham-v-wolfsburg-750746638.html (http://www.itv.com/sport/football/news/uefacup/previews/fulham-v-wolfsburg-750746638.html)
Fulham v Wolfsburg
Hodgson wary of Wolfsburg
Fulham boss Roy Hodgson has no intention of taking Wolfsburg lightly as he attempts to guide his side into yet more unchartered territory.
Fulham's Europa League adventure has already seen them account for UEFA Cup holders Shakhtar Donetsk and Italian giants Juventus.
Wolfsburg may not be as quite as big a name as the Serie A giants but they are the Bundesliga champions and began the season in the Champions League - exiting the tournament after Manchester United beat them 3-1 thanks to Michael Owen's hat-trick.
Hodgson has dismissed suggestions they are any less of a threat to his side's chances of a historic place in the semi-finals.
"I wouldn't say that," he said. "Wolfsburg were in the Champions League, they won the German league last year ahead of Bayern Munich. And Bayern Munich have just beaten Manchester United - so we have no chance.
"What I've learned about Wolfsburg I have only learned since we were drawn against them. But I know they are a good team, they score a lot of goals, they have good attacking players and they are hard-working and well-organised.
"We know the task is a tough one but for me every one of the seven teams we could have played is a good team and a team capable of beating us."
Fulham have lost their last three matches since that epic night at Craven Cottage when Juve were hammered 4-1.
But Hodgson rested five key players in last weekend's defeat at Hull as he prioritised Thursday's first leg at Craven Cottage.
"I don't think our performances have been worthy of criticism but there is no doubt that, all the time we were in the cup competitions, they would be somewhat more of a priority than the league because in the league we are relatively safe," he said.
"We have put the cup matches in the shop window.
"We feel a sense of achievement and pride that we have overcome so many obstacles to get this far.
"But we are also conscious of the fact that the teams we are playing are more than capable of beating us so it's going to require another fantastic effort if we are going to continue this adventure."
Wolfsburg manager Lorenz-Gunther Kostner told this side they will need to produce something "exceptional" to win following Fulham's giant-killing run so far.
Kostner said: "We need to come up with some extraordinary performances tomorrow.
"Roy Hodgson is such an experienced manager who had huge success with teams abroad.
"Here at Fulham he has built up a team that not only plays very good football but is also really tight and when they are at their best they are capable of beating any opponent."
Despite Fulham's recent stuttering form since their win over Juve, Kostner is wary they are unbeaten at home in Europe and this tournament is now their priority.
Kostner said: "The Juventus game was not a one-off. They have played Roma (drawing 1-1 at Craven Cottage) and other big teams," he said.
"When you look at Fulham as a club you have to respect them."
Talk about last week's news ...
http://www.itv.com/sport/football/news/uefacup/manualstories/watchwolfsburgvfulhamliveonitvcomtonight2362/default.html (http://www.itv.com/sport/football/news/uefacup/manualstories/watchwolfsburgvfulhamliveonitvcomtonight2362/default.html)
Watch Wolfsburg v Fulham live on ITV.com tonight
Fulham's Europa League adventure continues in Germany this evening and you will be able to see every kick of their quarter-final second-leg tie against Wolfsburg live on ITV.com.
The Cottagers hold a 2-1 advantage following last week's first clash in West London, but Alexander Madlung's late away goal for the Bundesliga champions makes them slight favourites to go through to the last four.
For Fulham to stop them, Roy Hodgson's men will need to find a way to stop the German side's impressive strikeforce of Edin Dzeko and Grafite.
Can they do it? Find out right here from 7.30pm where you will also be able to have your say in our live online chat.
And at the end of the game, you will also be able to see highlights of Liverpool's quarter-final clash with Benfica at Anfield.
http://www.givemefootball.com/europa-league/wolfsburg-v-fulham-big-match-preview (http://www.givemefootball.com/europa-league/wolfsburg-v-fulham-big-match-preview)
Wolfsburg v Fulham: Big Match preview
Europa glory would erase World Cup woe, says Damien Duff
Team News
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Fulham striker Clint Dempsey will not be fit for their Europa League tie at Wolfsburg after picking up a thigh injury on Sunday. Fellow striker David Elm is missing through illness, while Bobby Zamora faces a fitness test on his Achilles.
If Zamora misses out, Erik Nevland will partner Zoltan Gera up front for the Cottagers, who lead the tie 2-1. Bundesliga champions Wolfsburg have captain Josue and key defender Alexander Madlung both fit.
Europa glory would erase World Cup woe, says Damien Duff
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Having already beaten Shakhtar Donetsk, last season's winners, and favourites Juventus on their memorable run to the last eight, Fulham face arguably the toughest test of the lot against German champions Wolfsburg tonight.
It's been a fantastic European journey for the Cottagers, who will face either Hamburg or Standard Liege in the semis, should they progress, and manager Roy Hodgson is confident his side will be able to advance, even if the inspirational Bobby Zamora is ruled out.
"We've played quite a lot of games without Bobby this season so I don't think I had any fears," said the 62-year-old, who led Inter Milan to the 1997 UEFA Cup final. "We've been stretched up front all season. We lost Andy Johnson in the first week in January, so that limited us.
"Dempsey took a knock against Wigan and he could be out for some time. That means resources are even more stretched than they have been but Gera has partnered Bobby up front and together they've done a very good job for the team."
Apart from Zamora, one of Fulham's many other star performers this season has been the rejuvenated Damien Duff who has rediscovered his best form under former Blackburn boss Hodgson.
"It was well documented that my three years at Newcastle didn't work out so it was a massive move for me to come to Fulham to get my career going again," said Duff, who won two titles at Fulham's west London rivals Chelsea before joining Newcastle. "I knew the gaffer from my Blackburn days so it was always going to be exciting.
"Working with him has sparked me again - I've loved every minute of it and it's been really enjoyable. It's just what I needed after my three years at Newcastle. It's been a great season."
When asked if winning the Europa League make up for losing out on the World Cup with the Republic of Ireland, Duff said: "Yes, that and more. It has been an amazing journey, and in a way that night in Paris is a distant memory now.
"We've played so many games since then and they seem to be getting bigger and bigger. To get to a final and win would be just unbelievable. When we started out in the summer nobody would ever have thought we'd get this far so bring it on."
http://betting.stanjames.com/Football-Betting-News/2010-04-08/Wolfsburg-chief-eyes-Fulham-scalp (http://betting.stanjames.com/Football-Betting-News/2010-04-08/Wolfsburg-chief-eyes-Fulham-scalp)
Wolfsburg chief eyes Fulham scalp
Wolfsburg boss says his side must be at their very best if they are to overturn a first-leg deficit and see off Fulham in Thursday's Europa League quarter-final (Wolfsburg 4/6, Fulham 4/1 to win the second leg with Stan James).
The Bundesliga outfit trail 2-1 from last week's first game between the two sides but have home advantage and know a 1-0 win would be enough as they look to dump Roy Hodgson's side out of the competition.
It was Alexander Madlung's late goal at Craven Cottage that significantly boosted Wolfsburg's chances of progression but Kostner insists they must produce their best against the Premier League side if they are to come out on top overall (Fulham 11/10 to qualify).
"We can't go hell for leather on Thursday," he said.
"Fulham are a compact dangerous team who are strong in defence and have big guys up front so that provides us with a dangerous situation.
"We have a good chance now but what we need to do is to be determined. We have to have the will, be determined to give an absolutely excellent performance."
He added: "We need everyone in this club, including the fans, to give a performance for 90 minutes, maybe longer and that's the way we'll get through to the semi finals."
http://www.football.co.uk/fulham/wolfsburg_v_fulham_-_match_preview_rss684118.shtml (http://www.football.co.uk/fulham/wolfsburg_v_fulham_-_match_preview_rss684118.shtml)
Wolfsburg v Fulham - Match preview
All the team news as Roy Hodgson's Fulham travel to Germany seeking to protect a 2-1 first-leg lead against Wolfsburg in the quarter-finals of the Europa League.
Fulham striker Bobby Zamora (Achilles) faces a late fitness test, but is expected to start up front alongside Zoltan Gera.
- Follow it LIVE from 8.05pm
Clint Dempsey (thigh) and Dave Elm (virus) are out for Fulham, but Stephen Kelly has been passed fit for the tie.
Wolfsburg are optimistic over the fitness of captain Josue and defender Alexander Madlung - who have both recovered from hamstring injuries.
In-demand striker Edin Dzeko is also set to start.
