Fulham Hungary for Racing Genk midfielder Daniel Tozser
By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 11:09 PM on 30th May 2010
Fulham are weighing up a move for Racing Genk midfielder Daniel Tozser.
The 25-year-old is an international teammate of Fulham's Hungarian midfielder Zoltan Gera and can operate in a defensive midfield role or on the left hand side.
Manager Roy Hodgson has a limited budget and Tozser could be snared for around £2.5million despite being bought from Athens a year ago for £1.5m.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1282706/Fulham-Hungary-Racing-Genk-midfielder-Daniel-Tozser.html?ito=feeds-newsxml#ixzz0pTuBz9gt (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1282706/Fulham-Hungary-Racing-Genk-midfielder-Daniel-Tozser.html?ito=feeds-newsxml#ixzz0pTuBz9gt)
United States 2 Turkey 1
From SIMON VENESS
Published: Today
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USA's dangermen
LANDON DONOVAN
EVERTON fans will need no convincing their on-loan LA Galaxy hitman can be a real danger to England. This is his third World Cup.
CLINT DEMPSEY
THE Texan finished the season in style for Fulham, with key goals against Juventus in the Europa League and West Ham in the Premier League. Has shaken off a serious knee injury.
JOSE TORRES
A SURPRISE pick, the midfielder, 22 and 5ft 6in, has been a revelation, helping Mexican side Pachuca to the FIFA Club World Cup.
BE afraid, England. Be very afraid.
That was the crystal-clear message from across the Pond this weekend as the USA wrapped up their home World Cup preparations with an impressive win over Turkey.
What was scary was not so much the fact that Bob Bradley's men finally settled into a South African groove after months of doubts, injury worries and inconsistent form. It was that they have suddenly developed a confident cutting edge.
And, after looking like Yankee Doodle poodles since qualifying last year, there is now a Rottweiler snarl to their normally mild-mannered style thanks to the likes of Clint Dempsey, Landon Donovan and Michael Bradley.
Donovan spent an impressive loan spell with Everton this year and knows what it takes to be successful in big tournaments after helping the US to the Confederations Cup final last year.
And, after a sizzling second half against the Turks in which he created goals for both Jozy Altidore and Fulham frontman Dempsey, he was bullish about America's chances.
The LA Galaxy star insisted: "We're going to be as good as we want to be. And, if we play the way we're capable of playing, we can beat a lot of teams in the world.
"When you go into a major tournament like this, the urgency is very apparent. Every game, every goal, every minute is magnified and very important. And we had that in the second half."
Boss Bradley fielded a full-strength team to prepare for their June 12 showdown with England in Rustenberg.
And, despite a shoddy first half as the back four struggled to gel and West Ham full-back Jonathan Spector's gaffe gifted a 27th-minute opener to Arda Turan, Bradley was jubilant.
The head coach admitted: "I think we accomplished everything we would have wanted here. The type of game we were in today pushed the players very hard and they responded well."
Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/2993007/United-States-2-Turkey-1.html#ixzz0pTvtoaGI (http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/2993007/United-States-2-Turkey-1.html#ixzz0pTvtoaGI)
Ghana's Boat Heads To The Finals
Published: Today
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PORTSMOUTH'S midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng has been rewarded for switching his allegiance to Ghana by winning a place in their 23-man World Cup squad.
Berlin-born Boateng, 23, had played for Germany at every age up to Under-21 level.
But he switched to Ghana after failing to win a cap at full level - and could play in a Group D game against Germany on June 23.
Fulham's John Pantsil is also in the squad.
Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/2993298/Ghanas-Boat-heads-to-finals.html#ixzz0pU093UlF (http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/2993298/Ghanas-Boat-heads-to-finals.html#ixzz0pU093UlF)
http://www.teamtalk.com/fulham/6181651/Hodgson-eyes-bid-for-Clarets-star-Bikey (http://www.teamtalk.com/fulham/6181651/Hodgson-eyes-bid-for-Clarets-star-Bikey)
Hodgson eyes bid for Clarets star Bikey
Sunday 30th May 2010 23:07
Fulham boss Roy Hodgson is reportedly ready to offer Burnley outcast Andre Bikey a Premier League lifeline this summer.
The Cottagers chief is keen to bolster his defensive options and has targeted 25-year-old Bikey, according to the Daily Star Sunday.
The Cameroon hardman fell out of favour with Clarets gaffer Brian Laws towards the end of last season.
And Hodgson is hoping a bid of £1million will tempt Burnley's hierarchy following their relegation to the Championship.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/398907-schwarzer-wanted-by-the-gunners-could-it-be-the-downfall-of-fulham
Schwarzer Wanted By The Gunners; Could It Be The Downfall Of Fulham?
by Antony Herbert Correspondent
Written on May 30, 2010
Fulham got into the premiership with money—no one can deny that. Mohammed Al Fayed revolutionized the club and the fans were forever grateful.
And one purchase has kept them in the highest division in England for the last couple of years, elevating them clear of the relegation zone.
That same person helped them to a Europa League final, and that same person is the reason why Fulham have earned a reputation of having a frustratingly yet at the same time wonderfully stubborn defence.
That man is Mark Schwarzer.
His consistent performances are the reason why many feel abundantly confident in placing him within their fantasy football team.
He has brought in points by the bucket load by gaining clear sheets here, there, and everywhere.
The only time you need to switch to your reserve keeper is when the starting eleven for the Cottagers come up against the likes of Arsenal, Manchester United, and Chelsea.
They have even conquered Liverpool! Although with the Merseyside team's dramatic downfall, that was an easier accomplishment than it would have sounded at the start of the recently run season.
Yet Arsenal wants to snatch him away, and understandably so. With his ever increasing mountain of powerful credentials, every team should surely be after the awesome Aussie.
And the Gunners need him like a cat needs a tongue. Their title challenge halted this season with some clumsy surrendering of points. They need a keeper who will afford them a goal difference worthy of champions.
Fulham fans would be reduced to tears if the move came into fruition. Their team without Mark would leave goals piling in from every angle unless they could find a worthy substitute.
For the pessimists out there, surely lightning won't strike twice.
At least with the funds from the sale, they could attempt to rescue their distinct defensive reputation.
They could even use the excess for a Mark Schwarzer helpline, to aid those not able to come to terms with the exit of a legend!
Thankfully, for the time being, Schwarzer has played down the speculation about a possible move to the Emirates.
Fulham are on the charge, and surely Schwarzer can see a reason to stay. Maybe he has visualised an even greater campaign for the 2010/11 season. That's an optimistic reason to stay if ever there was one.
If all else fails though, then all Fulham need to do is send him into hibernation after the World Cup, hide him in the locker room in Craven Cottage, and deny all knowledge of his current whereabouts.
http://football.fanhouse.co.uk/2010/05/30/the-world-cups-got-talent-we-predict-the-players-who-will-star/
Julio Cesar, Buffon, Casillas and Lloris all play for countries who are expected to reach the later rounds of the tournament, but Australia aren't and in Mark Schwarzer they have a goalkeeper who has been at the top of his game in 2009-10.
As well as helping Fulham finish 12th in the English Premier League, the 37-year-old was a key figure in the London club's extraordinary run to the Europa League final, so expect him to grab a few headlines in South Africa.
Should we let Beattie go at any price?
James Beattie may have fallen foul of his boss, Tony Pulis but that doesn't seem to mean he'll be leaving on the cheap.
Both Blackburn Rovers and West Brom appear keen to take on the Stoke striker, who seems to have finally used up all of his lives at the Brit after his infamous shower room bust-up with the boss just before Christmas.
In truth, even though he's spent most of this year languishing on the bench (at best). Last season, he never lived up to those match-winning performances after he joined from Sheffield United in January 2009. It's a scenario that seems to match his time at Everton where he scored 10 goals in his first full season and then rapidly fell away.
Stoke are said to be to keen to try and recoup the £2m or so that he cost us and with a year left on his contact, you'd have thought that was a bargain for a 'Premier League striker'. Unfortunately, 'Championship striker' is probably something nearer to the mark and that tied to his public fallings out will have made any prospective clubs very cautious and caused his price to plummett.
He very nearly went to Fulham in the January sales after we'd agreed a fee, but his personal demands apparently exceeded what he was on at Stoke and the deal collapsed. His best chance of any Premier League football seems to be in a move to his home town of Blackburn - the fans would love to see him play at Ewood, but I'd have thought Sam Allardyce would be a good deal more cautious.
Read more: http://www.stoke.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=200293#ixzz0pU6sSJU1 (http://www.stoke.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=200293#ixzz0pU6sSJU1)
http://www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/sport/football/830682/BLACKPOOL-OFFER-FINNAN-PREMIER-LIFELINE.html
BLACKPOOL OFFER FINNAN PREMIER LIFELINE
29/05/2010
BLACKPOOL boss Ian Holloway is ready to offer Steve Finnan a Premier League lifeline.
Former Republic of Ireland defender Finnan, 34, is available on a free because penniless Pompey cannot afford to renew his contract.
But Holloway wants the ex-Liverpool and Fulham star to spearhead his side's survival bid.
Finnan said: "I was not surprised Portsmouth let me go. I have a big decision to make on my future over the next six weeks."
http://www.tribalfootball.com/fulham-fullback-konchesky-warming-birmingham-move-873171? (http://www.tribalfootball.com/fulham-fullback-konchesky-warming-birmingham-move-873171?)
Fulham fullback Konchesky warming to Birmingham move
Birmingham City remain favourites for Fulham fullback Paul Konchesky.
The Sunday Sun says Blues have already had a £1.5 million bid for the ex-England left-back knocked back by the Cottagers.
However Konchesky, who has one year left on his current deal at Craven Cottage, has indicated to the west Londoners that he does not intend to sign a new contract.
The 29-year-old is believed to be interested in joining the Alex McLeish revolution at St Andrew's and Blues will return with an improved offer sooner rather than later.
http://www.thefootballnetwork.net/main/s192/st158894.htm (http://www.thefootballnetwork.net/main/s192/st158894.htm)
Greening return is not an option
West Bromwich Albion have sent former Captain Jonathan Greening a stark reality check; that return to the Hawthorns is not an option. Greening made the move to Premiership Fulham on an initial 12 month loan spell at the end of the 2008/09 season, which ended in top flight relegation for the Midlanders.
The initial 12 month deal which took Greening to Craven Cottage is due to expire, and comments made by the player this week seemed to indicate that a return to the Hawthorns was likely should negotiations over a new contract between himself and Fulham gaffer Roy Hodgson break down.
West Bromwich Albion however have been quick to nip any such speculation in the bud, stating that Greening's loan move agreement was only drawn up on a loan to permanent transfer basis, meaning that Fulham had indeed agreed to the full purchase of Greening after the 12 month loan spell expired.
For Greening in simple terms this means that there is no return option in the contract - counting a return to the Hawthorns well and truly out of the picture.
This kind of deal is not uncommon, and in fact Albion have taken advantage of it on several occassions, such as in the instance of Paul Robinson at Bolton Wanderers and Tomasz Kuszczak at Manchester United.
http://www.eatsleepsport.com/fulham/no-craven-cottage-exit-for-no-1-1065870.html? (http://www.eatsleepsport.com/fulham/no-craven-cottage-exit-for-no-1-1065870.html?)
No Craven Cottage exit for No. 1
Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer has dismissed suggestions of moving to Arsenal as 'purely speculative'.
The Gunners are desperate to find a stopper to ease their recent problems between the sticks and have been looking in the direction of the Craven Cottage number one.
Manuel Almunia and Lucasz Fabianski have been unconvincing in goal this season having both had the chance to make an impression on manager Arsene Wenger.
However, it appears as though they have blown the opportunity with Wenger actively seeking replacements, making Schwarzer the priority target.
But the Australian, who is current on World Cup duty, told ABC Sport, "I haven't heard anything other than what's been said or written in the papers, so it's purely speculative at the moment.
"I've got another year left on my contract at Fulham and I've really enjoyed my time there. I see my future at the moment with Fulham.
"I don't see anything changing unless someone tells me otherwise."
Schwarzer would provide a wealth of Premier League experience that Arsenal have not had since David Seaman left the club in 2003.
Jens Lehmann filled the void for the five years after Seaman's departure, adding consistency between the sticks.
But since 2008, the Emirates club have been anything but consistent with a number of 'keepers trying to claim a regular place in the first team.
http://www.cottagersconfidential.com/2010/5/30/1493689/cottagers-daily-rumor-mill-update? (http://www.cottagersconfidential.com/2010/5/30/1493689/cottagers-daily-rumor-mill-update?)
Cottagers Daily Rumor Mill Update : Bobby Zamora linked again to Birmingham City and Aston Villa
As I mentioned in other posts the links of Bobby Zamora and other Premier Clubs continues on a regular basis. In an article from the Sunday Mercury it claims that Birmingham City and Aston Villa are both after Bobby Zamora. The article also mentions continued interest again from Birmingham City in Paul Konchesky.
According to the Andy Walker article in the Sunday Mercury he claims that both clubs are chasing Zamora. He also mentions that Sunderland are also interested in Zamora.
Andy Walker claims in this article that Bobby Zamora is very interested in playing European football again next season. According to Walker, that would put Aston Villa in the driver's seat because they will be playing in the Europa League next season.
Andy Walker's blog article also mentions that Birmingham City could land Paul Konchesky in the next couple of weeks. The article states that they had an offer for Konchesky already rejected by Fulham. The article goes on to say that Birmingham City are planning a new offer for Konchesky. Andy Walker's story also states that Konchesky has indicated to Fulham that he does not intend to sign a new deal . He has one year left on his current deal with Fulham.
I had written two days ago a story linking both players to Birmingham City. This information was according to a Daily Mirror story. I also had a post on May 14th that Fulham and Bobby Zamora were in contract talks for a new four year deal. This post was according to a different story in Daily Mirror.
These stories are continuing at a very good pace. The success that Fulham have had is of course going to lead to interest from other clubs. I have stated earlier that I want Fulham to keep both players. Bobby Zamora and Paul Konchesky both had big parts in Fulham's success last season. It would be a shame to see either player go.
I personally hope Fulham can find a way to keep Zamora and Konchesky at Craven Cottage. There is no question that these links to Fulham players will go on probably throughout the summer months. When more information is available regarding these Fulham players I will have an update.
http://www.cottagersconfidential.com/2010/5/30/1493872/10-things-i-think-about-fulham? (http://www.cottagersconfidential.com/2010/5/30/1493872/10-things-i-think-about-fulham?)
10 Things I Think About Fulham Football Club This Week May 30th
Every week I like to write about subjects that are on my mind regarding Fulham Football Club. This was another interesting week regarding Fulham and rumors to their players. There have been links to Fulham players to Premier League clubs such as Arsenal, Birmingham City, and Aston Villa. Fulham have also been linked to other team's players as potential summer transfer targets. I shouldn't forget about the rumors regarding Roy Hodgson with Inter Milan. This edition is chock full of rumors and other thoughts. Below are my 10 Things I Think About Fulham Football Club This Week May 30th."
1.I think I shouldn't be surprised by the rumored link of interest of Inter Milan in Roy Hodgson. I know these rumored links to Roy Hodgson would continue. In my story on May 24th entitled "Is Inter Milan going after Roy Hodgson to replace Jose Mourinho" I discuss a story from The Daily Mirror which mentions possible interest of Inter Milan in Hodgson to replace Mourinho. This is the second link to Roy in a couple of weeks. I certainly will not be surprised if he is linked to several other jobs this summer. I guess the word is out that Roy is a great manager.
2. I think I really enjoy watching the U.S. play in International friendlies before the World Cup. The first reason I like these friendlies is I get to see other EPL teams' players in a friendly match. When the U.S. played the Czech Republic I got to see Petr Cech play who is also the goalkeeper for Chelsea. When the U.S. played Turkey, I got to see Tuncay Sanli play who also is a member of Stoke City. Another reason I enjoy the Friendlies is I get to see Fulham players get to play against each other. Next week when the U.S. plays Australia I will see Clint Dempsey play against Mark Schwarzer. That game should be fun.
3. I think I now really understand some of the stress that Arsenal fans might feel with rumors dealing with players like Cesc Fabregas. Arsenal fans probably deal with these types of rumors every year regarding their players. Cesc Fabregas is an excellent player and he is in a link to interest from Barcelona. Fulham are dealing with many links to its players and manager. It is an uneasy feeling thinking that another team might take away a piece of your club. I have written about this subject prior but it seems to be getting intensified.
4. I think there are conflicting stories regarding a potential link between Arsenal and Brede Hangeland. I wrote about these stories two days ago entitled " Conflicting stories regarding the interest of Arsenal in Brede Hangeland. There are two different stories regarding Arsene Wenger's interest in Hangeland. The Daily Mail had a story of Wenger potentially making a bid for Hangeland. The Daily Mirror had a story earlier last week that stated that Hangeland was not on their radar screen. Stories like this is a big reason why I have a Cottagers Daily Rumor Mill. Which story is right? I guess time will tell if Wenger is really interested in Hangeland.
5. I think Frederic Piquionne would be a good transfer for whoever lands him. Fulham have been linked to him prior. He is a very good striker and has played well against Fulham. Just recently he was also linked to West Ham. I wrote about this story two days ago. According to the Daily Mail, West Ham have made a £3million offer to Lyon for his services. If Fulham are interested they might want to make a bid soon.
6. I think I am surprised by what a Sunday Mercury arctile had to say regarding Paul Konchesky. I wrote about this story today. Andy Walker's article in the Sunday Mercury mentions that Konchesky has indicated to Fulham that he does not intend to sign a new deal with the club. Konchesky does have one year left on his current deal with Fulham. This is the first time I have read that Konchesky did not want to sign a new deal with Fulham. I am personally just a little surprised that he would want to leave. As usal only time will tell if Konchesky really wants to leave Fulham.
7. I think the Bobby Zamora continuing links to other clubs is not a surprise at all. I wrote about this today. The Sunday Mercury today has him linked to Birmingham City, Aston Villa and Sunderland. I think unless Fulham sign him to a new deal there will probably be interest from other clubs.
8. I think I am happy for Wayne Brown getting signed by Bristol Rovers. I wrote about this on May 25th. I am disappointed to see him go, but it is probably a good opportunity for the young player. As I mentioned Fulham can't hold on to every player. I wish him the best of luck.
9. I think I would like to see Fulham add players in all parts of the field this summer. I think Fulham have a great nucleus right now. I just want some more pieces to the puzzle. I think if they picked up a defender, a midfield player and a striker it would only enhance the club they already have.
10. I think the U.S. are going to do very well in the World Cup. I am not saying they are going to beat England. That game is going to be extremely difficult to win. I do think this team has the potential get out of this group with England. I have watched the last two friendly matches. Especially in the last match against Turkey the U.S. showed they can be a difficult team to play. I really enjoy watching Jozy Altidore, Clint Dempsey and Landon Donovan playing well together. You shouldn't sleep on this team.
Well, those are my thoughts for this week. I am sure I will have other things on my mind for next week.
http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/football/spl/2010/05/31/neil-lennon-eyes-move-for-bullard-ledley-and-lawrence-as-first-celtic-signings-86908-22298623/ (http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/football/spl/2010/05/31/neil-lennon-eyes-move-for-bullard-ledley-and-lawrence-as-first-celtic-signings-86908-22298623/)
Neil Lennon eyes move for Bullard, Ledley and Lawrence as first Celtic signings
Neil Lennon will be officially appointed Celtic's new manager tomorrow - and will immediately instruct a blitz on the English transfer market.
Record Sport can reveal Cardiff midfielder Joe Ledley has emerged as a priority target for the Parkhead manager-in-waiting - and that Stoke winger Liam Lawrence and Hull's Jimmy Bullard are also edging closer to teaming up with Lennon in Glasgow's East End.
But first Lennon must wait for his own future to be thrashed out. We understand a final round of discussions today are all that stand in his way of securing his dream job.
Celtic also still hope to secure the services of a father figure to help Lennon as he cuts his teeth in management.
And despite weekend reports that old head will not be former Leeds boss Howard Wilkinson, suggested to the club by former manager Gordon Strachan .
But Lennon will demand guarantees from chief executive Peter Lawwell and majority shareholder Dermot Desmond that the appointment of a mentor will not dilute his authority as manager .
The precise remit of any proposed director of football is likely to be top of today's talks.
While Lennon is not entirely comfortable with the idea of working under the watch of a more experienced campaigner Celtic will placate him with a cast-iron assurance his word will be final on all team matters.
The fact Lawwell is already closing in on three of Lennon's top transfer targets shows they have placed their faith in the 38-year-old's judgment.
Lennon knows Celtic can pick up out-of-contract Ledley on a free transfer because of a loophole in cross-border transfer rules. The Wales midfielder was the subject of a £5million offer from Stoke last summer and is now being pursued by Everton, West Ham, Fulham, Blackburn and Wigan.
But while these clubs would have to pay Cardiff a bumper compensation package Ledley would not cost Celtic a penny.
The move for Lawrence is at a more advanced stage. Lennon hopes Stoke boss Tony Pulis sticks with a pledge not to price the Republic of Ireland midfielder out of the market and sets a price of around £1.5m.
And with Hull's finances in a state of meltdown following relegation from the English top flight Celtic are close to agreeing a season-long loan deal for Bullard .
Quote from: White Noise on May 31, 2010, 06:21:13 AM
Fulham Hungary for Racing Genk midfielder Daniel Tozser
By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 11:09 PM on 30th May 2010
Fulham are weighing up a move for Racing Genk midfielder Daniel Tozser.
The 25-year-old is an international teammate of Fulham's Hungarian midfielder Zoltan Gera and can operate in a defensive midfield role or on the left hand side.
Manager Roy Hodgson has a limited budget and Tozser could be snared for around £2.5million despite being bought from Athens a year ago for £1.5m.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1282706/Fulham-Hungary-Racing-Genk-midfielder-Daniel-Tozser.html?ito=feeds-newsxml#ixzz0pTuBz9gt (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1282706/Fulham-Hungary-Racing-Genk-midfielder-Daniel-Tozser.html?ito=feeds-newsxml#ixzz0pTuBz9gt)
My father bought me a Racing Genk when I was a young lad. Very quick with good pace over a long distance, and with lovely plumage, but he ate quite a lot and slept most of the day away. A bit flatulant as well, but the whole family came to love him. The Racing Genk was quite nice also.
http://www.espnstar.com/football/world-cup/news/detail/item447455/Schwarzer-expects-test-from-ball/
Schwarzer expects test from ball
Mark Schwarzersays the new World Cup ball will test goalkeepers to the full - especially at altitude.
The Australia and Fulham number one is grateful he has 19 days of preparation in South Africa before their opening game against Germany on June 13.
Schwarzer, who is likely to face Denmark in a warm-up match tomorrow in Johannesburg after recovering from a thumb injury, said: "The ball is difficult.
"You have got to take time to adjust to it. That's why being here so much earlier is enabling us to do that.
"It's not pretty but everyone is in the same boat and you just have to get on with it."
Blackburn midfielder Brett Emerton is unlikely to be risked by coach Pim Verbeek after returning to full training following a calf injury. Harry Kewell also looks certain to sit out the game due to a groin problem.
Denmark have also arrived early in the host nation and coach Morten Olsen is looking forward to the work out.
He said: "The important thing is to adapt to the altitude and prepare for the tournament. I think this will be a challenge for all European teams, who are not used to altitude."
Portugal face Cameroon, anxious to get back on track after their goalless draw against Cape Verde.
Chelsea defender Ricardo Carvalho said: "We could have done a lot better and know we are not in the good form we are supposed to be in.
"We need to work and improve. I hope the lack of rhythm doesn't influence our performance at the World Cup.
"Of course, it's important for the coach (Carlos Queiroz) to have everyone on top form. Some players aren't but we're working in order to be in shape for the World Cup."
Cameroon captain Samuel Eto'o is expected to link up with the squad today after threatening to withdraw from the World Cup after being criticised by former national hero Roger Milla.
The striker had been given leave by coach Paul Le Guen after helping Inter Milan win the Champions League.
Meanwhile Switzerland coach Ottmar Hitzfeld is looking for an improvement from his side when they face Costa Rica in Sion.
They went down in successive matches to Uruguay and Norway after qualifying and Hitzfeld said: "I expect a more cohesive unit on the pitch."
Hakan Yakin and Mario Eggiman will miss the game after suffering muscle problems in training in Crans-Montana but Hitzfeld added: "It is purely a precautionary measure."
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/8193695.Rehman_investing_his_time_in_people/
City captain Zesh laying foundations to help improve the lives of disadvantaged kids
4:30pm Monday 31st May 2010
Zesh Rehman had no easy ride growing up in a Birmingham council estate.
There was nobody for a young Asian lad to look up to; nowhere to turn for inspiration.
Rehman was one of the lucky ones. He realised his boyhood ambitions to become a professional footballer. But a lot of others in the same situation are not so lucky.
That is the thinking behind the Zesh Rehman Foundation, a scheme he is championing to improve the lives of disadvantaged children through football.
Rehman's hard work within the Bradford community has been acknowledged by his appointment as City's club captain. Now the defender is ready to expand his horizons with other projects set up in London and the West Midlands.
He said: "When I made my Premier League debut for Fulham aged 21, I was bombarded by youngsters that saw me as a role model. So the idea probably started then.
"At that stage I wasn't ready to take anything further because it was so early in my career. But now I've been around six clubs and played over 150 games in all the divisions, it feels the right time.
"I would have loved it if there had been something like this around when I was growing up.
"But there was no Asian player to look up to at the time and nowhere really to go. You were left to your own devices, playing on the street and in gardens.
"I remember seeing plenty of talented kids forced away from football and into crime through no fault of their own. I just hope I can stop some youngsters falling into the same trap.
"It's about feeling good about yourself through sport. It's not just football but hopefully inspiring youngsters to become better people."
Rehman stressed that while he wants to promote football within the Asian community, the Foundation will be open to all. The first project should be up and running in September.
"My main aim is really just to help youngsters any way I can," he said.
"Even if they don't make a career out of football, if I can help a kid to get into sport or learn how to eat healthily then that will be a bonus.
"I've got a great team behind me to take the burden off my shoulders. There are four of them who cover everything; meetings, organising programmes and running the workshops.
"I want to stress that this will not take away from my football. My main priority is my job, as it always has been.
"Obviously the community work is important but football will always come first and trying to give 100 per cent on that pitch. That's why I will leave the day-to-day running of the foundation to the others."
Co-founders Gary Stannett and Otis Roberts, nephew of Blackburn striker Jason, will be at the forefront. But Rehman believes his personal experiences can act as a spur for the youngsters they will work with.
He said: "There are times in football when it's difficult and I've had some challenges in my career. It's a test to get through those situations.
"But my inspiration has been the kids and thinking about what you can achieve.
"As a footballer you get a lot of spare time. There's no better investment in your time than in people and that's what I'm trying to do."
http://www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article/ALeqM5j29ZYJ1IXFDZKXamNGRqsSYc9eSw
Nigeria selects final squad for WCup, cutting 7 including Everton's Anichebe
By Jon Gambrell (CP) – 1 hour ago
LAGOS, Nigeria — Nigeria coach Lars Lagerback has named his final 23-man squad for the World Cup after cutting seven players, a team spokesman said Monday.
Nigeria Football Federation spokesman Ademola Olajire told The Associated Press that Everton striker Victor Anichebe was among those cut from the Super Eagles' provisional 30-man list. Anichebe had returned to action with the English Premier League club at the beginning of May after suffering an injury during a match against Bolton in March.
Olajire gave no explanation why Anichebe was dropped. Lagerback also left out Peter Utaka, the brother of Portsmouth and Super Eagles forward John Utaka, while defender Onyekachi Apam of Nice failed to make the squad after sitting out a warmup match with an injury.
Lagerback also dropped the only two Nigeria-based players who had been in the enlarged squad — goalkeeper Akpan Bassey and defender Peter Suswan — but the Swedish coach retained veteran forward Nwankwo Kanu, who made his international debut in 1994 and captained Nigeria to gold at the 1996 Olympics.
Nigeria finished third at this year's African Cup of Nations, leading the federation to fire Amodu Shaibu as coach after the tournament and bring in Lagerback, who had resigned as Sweden coach after failing to qualify his country for South Africa.
Nigeria's performances in its friendly matches have not been especially impressive. The Super Eagles drew 0-0 with Saudi Arabia, which failed to qualify for the World Cup, and were not able to field Chelsea midfielder Jon Obi Mikel, who sat out the game due to injury. Nigeria then salvaged a 1-1 draw against Colombia on Sunday.
Nigeria will face North Korea in a final warmup match on June 6, and will play Argentina, Greece and South Korea in its World Cup group.
___
Squad:
Goalkeepers: Vincent Enyeama (Hapoel Tel Aviv), Dele Ayenugba (Beni Yehuda FC), Austine Ejide (Hapoel Petah Tikva)
Defenders: Taye Taiwo (Marseille), Elderson Echiejile (Rennes), Chidi Odiah (CSKA Moscow), Joseph Yobo (Everton), Daniel Shittu (Bolton), Ayodele Adeleye (Sparta Rotterdam), Rabiu Afolabi (Salzburg)
Midfielders: Dickson Etuhu (Fulham), John Obi Mikel (Chelsea), Sani Kaita (Alaniya), Lukman Haruna (Monaco), Ayila Yussuf (Dynamo Kyiv), Peter Osaze (Lokomotiv Moscow)
Forwards: Yakubu Ayegbeni (Everton), Chinedu Obasi (Hoffenheim), Nwankwo Kanu (Portsmouth), Obafemi Martins (Wolfsburg), Ikechukwu Uche (Zaragoza), John Utaka (Portsmouth), Victor Obinna (Malaga).
http://www.espnstar.com/football/world-cup/news/detail/item447437/Holland-vs-Ghana-Preview/
Holland vs Ghana Preview
Holland coach Bert van Marwijk will take no risks with his squad in their penultimate World Cup warm-up match against Ghana.
Bayern Munich winger Arjen Robben had been troubled by a hip problem, but did join in with the rest of the 23-man squad in a training session at their Austrian altitude camp ahead of the departure for Rotterdam tomorrow morning.
"We will have to look at it," Van Marwijk said.
"Arjen has a little bit of a problem with his hip. It is not serious, but in the run-up to the World Cup, we want as little risk as possible."
The Dutch - who cruised through their qualifying campaign - beat Mexico 2-1 on Wednesday with a brace from Arsenal striker Robin van Persie, fit again following a serious ankle injury.
Van Persie will continue to be monitored following a minor scare when he turned his ankle during training and needed an ice pack.
Like Robben, who helped his German club side reach the final of the Champions League, Van Marwijk is anxious to have the Arsenal forward - sidelined for five months earlier in the season - firing on all cylinders for the opening Group E match against Denmark in Johannesburg on June 14.
Holland will also face Japan and then Cameroon in their last group match, which is why tomorrow's clash was selected with African Nations Cup finalists Ghana, and finalise their preparations against Hungary at the Amsterdam ArenA on Saturday.
The Black Stars - who will be without Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien because of a knee injury in South Africa - have been based in Paris.
Coach Milovan Rajevac intends to give all his players - including Portsmouth's Kevin-Prince Boateng and Sunderland's John Mensah and Fulham defender John Pantsil - the chance to stake their claim for the opening Group D encounter against Serbia in Pretoria on June 13.
"All will get the chance during the warm up games. We would try some things and give opportunities to all," he said.
"It is important to try some options and check on the every detail."
Ghana - who also face Australia and Germany in the finals - will conclude their friendly fixtures against Latvia in Milton Keynes on June 5 before flying out to South Africa.
http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/10/05/31/SOCCER_Celtic_Granqvist.html
GRANQVIST INTERESTED IN CELTIC SWITCH
FC Groningen defender Andreas Granqvist will consider a move to Celtic if the Parkhead club follow up their interest in him.
The Sweden international revealed the Parkhead club have watched him but insists they could face competition for his signature, reportedly from Roy Hodgson's Fulham among others.
"There are many clubs who are interested from Scotland, France and Germany," the former Wigan stopper told Swedish television show, Fotbollskanalen.
"Celtic have had me watched several times.
"Celtic currently show the most interest and I am certainly interested.
"Certainly, there is a difference between interest and concrete, but it looks promising.
"My contract has a term of two years at FC Groningen and must be purchased."
http://www.basingstokegazette.co.uk/news/8193346.Football_record_bid_is_halted_by_blisters_and_exhaustion/
Football record bid is halted by blisters and exhaustion
1:10pm Monday 31st May 2010
By Lucie Richards
AN ATTEMPT to break a world record in Basingstoke ended in defeat after 253 goals when footsore footballers ran out of steam.
A plan to break a Guinness World Record for the longest continuous game by playing for 41 hours – one hour more than the record – was halted after 18 hours when heat exhaustion and injuries took their toll.
As Inter Milan raised the Champions League trophy on May 22, Reds and Whites were battling at Everest Community College, in Oxford Way, Popley.
The game was abandoned at 2am when the white team went down to a minimum of seven players with others suffering from blisters and exhaustion.
The marathon event, which started at 8am on May 22, was organised by Fulham FC academy coach Mauricio Rojas in a bid to raise £10,000 for the Sport Relief charity to help transform the lives of poor and vulnerable people.
Mr Rojas, 33, from Colombia, said: "It was unfortunate but we couldn't carry on."
The two teams were allowed 11 players and seven subs each. Even though players came from as far afield as Aldershot, London and Colombia, as well as Basingstoke, last-minute drop-outs meant one team only started with 14 and the other with 13 players.
As the night drew in, the players became aware of sunburn from one of the hottest days of the year so far and the temperature then dropped dramatically.
The remaining players had less and less time to rest between substitutions and gradually became exhausted.
The game was called off after 18 hours and 20 minutes with a final score of 137 to the Whites and 116 to the Reds.
But Mr Rojas, who has been a football coach for 15 years and worked in Colombia, Paraguay, New Zealand and London, is not deterred.
He said: "I was really encouraged at the end because everyone was saying that although there was no way we could continue, they were willing to do it again and want me to organise it.
"We have heard of another two teams who played for 40 hours, but only on their third attempt.
"Another time we will be more prepared – a Guinness World Record isn't easy to beat!"
He added: "Everest gave us great support before and during the event.
"But the surface was really hard on our feet and legs so another time we will try to go on normal grass or plastic grass."
Anyone wishing to make a donation can go to justgiving.com/footballendurancemarathon.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/world-cup-2010/teams/england/7789822/England-World-Cup-squad-Roy-Hodgson-knows-how-tough-Fabio-Capellos-task-is.html
England World Cup squad: Roy Hodgson knows how tough Fabio Capello's task is
In taking a team to a World Cup you are putting the players in a cage. It's a golden cage but it's still a kind of prison, even if it's a luxury one.
By Roy Hodgson
Published: 11:44AM BST 31 May 2010
Fabio Capello - England World Cup squad: I know how tough Fabio Capello's task is
Tough task: Roy Hodgson says that England manager Fabio Capello will have a delicate balancing act to deal with at the World Cup
It's why squad selection is so important. Whenever a World Cup comes around I'm transported back to 1994. Switzerland had qualified for their first major tournament in 32 years and I was their coach.
Even in a small football nation like Switzerland there are more than 23 contenders for the squad and the regional bias meant there was no shortage of media advice.
Mike Kelly, my assistant, told me that I should consider taking some players who may not be as useful in the games as they would be off-the-field and in the dressing-room. His argument was that we didn't need 23 players – in any World Cup squad there will be at least five or six players who don't get a game - so don't leave behind the "good lads".
I chose to ignore this advice, opting for what I thought was a more professional approach by doubling up in positions, ensuring that each one was covered by a similar player to the first-choice. I left behind several players whom I knew and trusted in favour of more "suitable" cover players.
This decision rankles with me even today. The five I should have left at home I took and the five I should have taken, I left at home.
In choosing a squad, some coaches go totally on form. I tend to go on what qualities players have and accept they will have good games and bad games. The other problem for any World Cup manager is occupying players' time. The squad gets together very soon after the league season ends and their enthusiasm will be extraordinary. Training will be intense and you will see smiling faces all around.
The problem is how to retain this freshness and prevent the players becoming bored and homesick, or disillusioned because they are not in the starting line-up.
Keeping the wives happy is another test. For the players to be happy, they don't want unhappy phone calls from wives and girlfriends. That's another headache for the manager. You don't expect him to be taking care of that but it is something that will, unfortunately, come into his horizon. How many times do you let the players see their wives?
The tournament is not just about is six or seven games, it's the whole two months of preparation. During that time the players constantly need to be challenged, but the danger is you may not be able to challenge them enough because there aren't enough games, or aren't enough possibilities during the training sessions because you have the games in mind.
In 2006, Jurgen Klinsmann had many novel ideas – go-karting and so on - but, no doubt, he would have been ridiculed had Germany fared less well. Fans do not expect to see players having fun outside the footballing arena.
There are no easy answers to these questions. Being aware of the pitfalls is the best anyone can do. One thing is for sure, however – you are likely to have some bored or disgruntled players and, as coach, that is when you hope there are other strong leaders in the dressing room to help deal with the problems.
Fabio Capello and his management team have been extremely thorough and professional in their build-up to this World Cup campaign. The choice of training venues in Austria and Rustenburg, the excellent hotels, the provision of leisure time activities have all been planned and researched.
Whatever happens in South Africa, I know that the England team will be well-prepared and ready for the challenges ahead. I wish them all the best.
http://hammyend.com/?p=7204
The calm before the storm
by Dan on May 31, 2010
Summer's a strange time for a football fan. You should be relaxing, chucking a bit more meat on the barbeque and enjoying lazy weekends without pondering what the starting line-up might look like, but it never really works like that. There's always a niggling doubt at the back of your mind: the redtops have been linking your star player with a move away, the manager's reputation has gone through the roof over the last nine months and apparently he might be tempted by a big job. Then, there's the pre-season fixtures to digest (should we get worked up about a pre-season friendly against Brentford?) and that's all just in case you've forgotten it's a World Cup year.
I thoroughly enjoyed my flick through one of the World Cup previews tucked inside the Sunday papers yesterday. One reckoned Mark Schwarzer, an Arsenal target according to the tabloids, could be the best goalkeeper in the Premier League. It's not a bad shout – and confirms what Fulham and Middlesbrough fans have known for years. Another had John Pantsil as probably the most improved full-back in the English game. One pull-out included an interview with Dickson Etuhu and a write-up on South Africa's chances at their own tournament (Bafana Bafana have been making quiet progress since Carlos Alberto Parreira returned to coach them) mentioned Kagisho Dikagcoi as one of the coach's favourites. Most of the English observers were still pretty snobbish about the Americans, but that's nothing new, is it?
I'm sure it'll change by the time the squads are announced and we get down to business but I'm still struggling to get excited about the World Cup. Perhaps it was because Fulham's season was one the like of which might never be seen again. All those people who told you that Europe would ruin our half were spectacularly wrong, weren't they? Reaching the final surpassed everybody's expectations, as Danny Murphy fully acknowledged in a Europa League review programme that I caught the tail end of on ESPN the other day, but just as impressive was the fact that Roy Hodgson was never really concerned about our survival prospects.
The fact that mid-table security was achieved in spite of another wretched season on the road was remarkable. Fulham might have saved our best away performances for Europe but there has to be a way to make us a bit more competitive away from the Cottage in the league. Hodgson still sets us sides up not to get beaten, which means we're high on organisation but low on creativity. Plenty of the regular travellers bemoan our cautious attitude but to be a bit more adventurous away would require a different type of player pulling the strings.
Who's on Roy's shopping list?
And that takes us back to the hack's favourite summer past-time: rumour-mongering. Making an educated guess on who Roy will sign is pretty difficult when you don't have much of an idea about the budget he's been sent to the supermarket with. The areas to strengthen are interesting. A back-up goalkeeper might be a sound investment (what with Pascal Zuberbuhler not likely to deputise for Schwarzer forever and David Stockdale still some way from overtaking the Australian), but you'd reckon Hodgson's focus will be elsewhere. Perhaps on a new centre back to replace the departing Chris Smalling.
As much as I admire Murphy, time's fast catching up with the Fulham skipper. On his day, he remains the best passer of a ball Fulham have, but there were signs towards the end of last season that Danny was beginning to struggle to cope with the physical demands of two games a week. Wayne Brown seems set to team up with Paul Trollope at Bristol Rovers on a permanent basis and it still remains a little fanciful to think that Jonathan Greening would be able to slot into Murphy's shoes effortlessly. A younger playmaker who could be groomed to eventually takeover from the captain in central midfield would be ideal and, given how short we were of bodies in the engine room last season, bringing in a bit of experience as cover might not be a bad idea.
A striker must be on the wishlist too – even if I'm slowly getting over the disappointment of Nikola Zigic moving to Birmingham. Much will depend on how Roy seeks to play next season. The Zamora/Gera axis worked well in the second half of the season, but Fulham's opponents will have seen enough of that by now to formulate a plan to nullify those threats. With Kamara and Nevland on their way out and Andy Johnson's long-term fitness still best surmised by a question mark, a couple of goalgetters would be useful additions – although strikers don't come cheap.
Even if the manager's phone doesn't stop ringing and the media try to pass over a nonsense story as news, you still get the sense that this is the calm before the storm. Anyone who's anyone will be scouting for a new addition in South Africa and that first weekend of the season still seems years away. It'll flash by quicker than you think.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/world-cup-2010/teams/england/7789841/World-Cup-2010-Inter-Milan-president-hopes-to-prise-Fabio-Capello-from-England-contract.html
World Cup 2010: Inter Milan president hopes to prise Fabio Capello from England contract
Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti hopes England coach Fabio Capello can break his contract after the World Cup and become a candidate for the vacant job at the Champions League winners.
By Telegraph staff
Published: 10:32AM BST 31 May 2010
Inter manager Jose Mourinho is leaving for Real Madrid after winning an unprecedented Italian treble and Moratti has already identified former Juventus, AC Milan and AS Roma coach Capello as a target.
Moratti has exploited the uncertainty created by Lord Triesman's departure as Football Association chairman to announce that Capello is top of his own hit-list to replace now-departed treble-winning coach Jose Mourinho.
With an annual salary of £9 million - 50 per cent more than Capello gets from the FA - being mentioned, talk has increasingly surrounded the 63-year-old, who in fairness has never given any indication of a desire to leave the England job halfway through his four-year contract.
"I would be pleased if he frees himself after the World Cup," Moratti said amid media speculation Capello will not stay with England until Euro 2012.
Moratti also has his eye on another England-based manager but doubts a deal could be done.
"I've always thought Rafa Benitez was good but he is tied to Liverpool," Moratti said, having previously talked glowingly of Fulham boss and former Inter coach Roy Hodgson.
Meanwhile, Italy coach Marcello Lippi has backed the decision to select Cesare Prandelli as his successor.
Lippi will leave the national team after the World Cup and Prandelli, who has been at the helm of Fiorentina for five years, will take his place and sign a four-year contract.
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11681_6182585,00.html
Park attracts Prem interest
South Korea star linked with Fulham, Everton and Villa
By Edwin Chong
Last updated: 31st May 2010
Monaco striker Park Chu-young could be on his way to the Premier League after being linked to a number of clubs.
The 24-year-old, who is set to spearhead South Korea's attack during the World Cup this summer, has been linked with a move to Fulham, Everton and Aston Villa.
Park admits he is flattered with the speculation, but says he is happy with life at Stade Louis II.
"It's always a good feeling when other teams show interest in you," he said.
"I'm happy here at Monaco and the club have looked after me well. I don't feel like leaving so soon."
Park, formerly of FC Seoul, played 22 games for Monaco last season, finding the back of the net nine times.
http://www.express.co.uk/football/view/178275/World-Cup-2010-USA-opener-wll-not-be-a-doddle
WORLD CUP 2010: USA OPENER WLL NOT BE A DODDLE
Monday May 31,2010
By John Dillon
USA 2 Turkey 1
FOR one half of a blazing afternoon here, America offered a vastly better case for why it should stage the World Cup in 12 years' time than it promised to have any serious impact upon the tournament about to begin in South Africa.
Then England were sent a message that the USA team and their coach, Bob Bradley, understand how to change things around. They know how to dig themselves out of trouble.
Or, perhaps, Turkey, who were defeated 2-1 after leading at half-time at the Philadelphia Eagles NFL stadium, and their new manager – our old friend Guus Hiddink – decided they wanted to make a quick exit and were happy to let things slide.
Fabio Capello's spy might have left as much with that idea about Turkey and a confi rmation that the US will be awkward and determined, rather than any fi rm belief that they will be a major threat in Rustenburg on June 12.
The Turks sped away on to the team coach for a dash to the airport, leaving only the hurried comment from Hiddink: "Things can happen at World Cups, but England are so strong, on a different level to this."
A different argument came from Fulham player Clint Dempsey, who scored the winner that sent a crowd of more than 55,000 at the Lincoln Financial Field into a good-natured frenzy of a kind you can only get here in football's new world, which is without all the tribal hatred and rawness which makes it seethe in the old one.
"We are still trying to get some sharpness, but I think we will be on top of our game for the opening game of the World Cup," said Dempsey. The Americans are taking more fans than any other nation to South Africa. This is the background, of a sport burgeoning fi nally in a once indifferent land.
They will bring the warm, noisy flavour theygenerated here, which makes a Yankee World Cup in 2022 seem such a good idea. After England has staged the 2018 tournament, it ought to be said.
This was football with a bursting sense of enjoyment, which contrasted with the snarling and darkly overwrought experience it can be when Premier League crowds get into fi nger-jabbing mood.
It was football with the joyful American tailgate party bolted on. It was billed as a send-off party and the tang of burger smoke filled the huge car parks.
Beer cans popped, rock music thumped from the cars and lovely girls sat in deckchairs seeking the sun. "Where's the passion?" some might ask sniffily. Blessedly absent in its rancid form is the reply.
Around 20,000 of the crowd were ex-pat Turks, but their presence contained none of that wild menace it can when they play in Europe. Soccer just does not happen that way in the US.
Wembley internationals are not scarred by any sense of violence. But its dreary industrial estate surroundings hardly make it a party.
The irony amid all the whooping and hooting, is that the US do not have a team made to entertain. Bradley is a low-key act given to thoughtful responses rather than histrionics. His side are functional and well-organised, but without dazzle.
A draw, which would not harm either team too much, may loom in Rustenburg. But even these qualities deserted them in the fi rst half when they were ragged and let their shape slip.
Jonathan Spector, the West Ham full-back, had a torturous time dealing with the running of the Turks. Arda Turan skipped past him to score for Turkey in the 27th minute. The defender was substituted at half-time.
Bradley's changes also included the introduction of nimble midfi elder Jose Torres and the hauling back of Dempsey into a midfi eld role to make way for substitute striker Robbie Findley.
Immediately, Landon Donovan, on loan at Everton last season, was free to create more. He supplied the equaliser scored by Jozy Altidore, formerly with Hull City. Then he repeated the act for Dempsey. "The lesson is that we have to be brave enough to get on the ball," added Dempsey.
"We did a much better job in the second half. I think our guys realise this is a rare, lifetime experience and that the occasion against England won't be too big for them."
It would be arrogant of any Englishman to assume that it would. It may be over-optimistic, though, to expect fireworks on the pitch in the first engagement. On the evidence here, England can expect an awkward shift in Rustenburg.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/world-cup-2010/7786465/Kevin-Garside-Soccer-makes-smart-plays-in-quest-to-conquer-America-before-World-Cup.html
Kevin Garside: Soccer makes smart plays in quest to conquer America before World Cup
Has the American experiment with 'soccer' - football carries a different trademark here - taken a definitive turn? Clint Dempsey, Fulham's card-carrying Texan, said he couldn't remember two games like it where the larger part of the crowd were cheering for the United States in a Yankie stadium.
By Kevin Garside, Chief Sports Writer
Published: 8:00AM BST 31 May 2010
Kevin's Twitter
He was referring to the experience in Hartford Connecticut, where the United States hosted the Czech Republic, and Philadelphia. An audience of 55,000 gave them a patriotic World Cup send-off against Turkey, ahead of their World Cup opener against England on June 12.
The crowd in American soccer history is drawn traditionally from an immigrant demographic rooting for the old country. A home match against Mexico in Los Angeles, for example, is an intimidating experience for an American team, with 90 per cent of the audience wearing Mexican green. The supporters at Lincoln Financial Field, in contrast, melded match day into a joint July 4 and Thanksgiving parade. Think old west car park at Twickenham minus the Range Rover and Barbour. This was not the casual observer dropping by for a peak, rather the full-on, replica shirt love-in; a sure sign of informed allegiance.
The choice of Philadelphia was, as they like to say in this neighbourhood, a 'smart play', tapping into the city's new affiliation with Major League Soccer through the Philadelphia Union. The city, the sixth most populous in the United States, has an established obsession with sport demonstrated by a canon that includes major league baseball, football, basketball and ice hockey. Soccer, the city's elders claim, is here to stay. The USA bid committee selected Philadelphia as a host city in their World Cup submission for the 2018 and 2022 events. The Union move into their purpose-built home in neighbouring Chester next month.
This is surely soccer's last chance to crack America. The game had a presence in the early part of the 20th century before disappearing between the wars. The North American Soccer League threw George Best and Pele at the problem in the early Seventies but neither LA Aztecs nor the New York Cosmos survived the indifference.
The grand projects of Los Angeles and New York were an attempt to establish the game from the top down, to impose a professional structure on a sport without foundations. The Hispanic community that might have supported soccer failed the cricket test by maintaining an attachment to Mexico. That may be about to change. The most important shift in the Hispanic American dynamic came with the decision of Jose Torres to choose America, the country of his mother, over Mexico, the land of his fathers.
Torres, who plays for Mexican club Pachuca, is the first Hispanic footballer to make the move. "It was a tough choice. I was born here in the States but play in Mexico and have lived there for six years. When the fans heard about the choice I made I think they took it pretty hard. But Bob [Bradley, USA coach] was watching me when I was in the minor Leagues. I had a chance to go to the Olympic Games [Beijing 2008]. But I wanted to take things slowly. When Bob called a second time for the World Cup qualifiers I knew the opportunity was now or never. I had to take it. Mexico tried to call me but I'm happy with the choice I made."
So is Bradley, whose pedestrian, unimaginative team was transformed by the introduction of Torres in the second half against Turkey. America's Hispanic youth now have one of their own to cheer in a US shirt. That must be significant for the growth of the game. Soccer's third coming in the States is built on the strength of the game at grass roots, not the iconic import, though there are sure to be more of those. Two fans who flew up from Florida to be at the Turkey match formed their attachment to the sport through the involvement of their children. Soccer has a rapidly developing presence in schools and colleges. The trick is to connect to the professional game via the same umbilical link that exists in football's traditional playgrounds. Grow your own David Beckham, as it were.
Gates in the MLS average about 14,000, which, outside of the Glasgow axis is superior to Scotland, and on a par with the lesser clubs in Serie A and La Liga. The Seattle Sounders, the 15th franchise to launch in the MLS last year, sell out their 37,000-capacity ground. Philadelphia joined this year with plans to add four more teams, including Portland, Montreal and possibly Miami. The cheers ringing out around Philadelphia as the players went on a lap of honour was the soundtrack the game here needs; sweet soul music piping across that final frontier. Not in South Africa, but on the continent of America itself.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/world-cup-2010/teams/england/7786599/World-Cup-2010-England-told-they-have-nothing-to-fear-from-USA-says-Guus-Hiddink.html
World Cup 2010: England told they have nothing to fear from USA, says Guus Hiddink
United States 2 Turkey 1
By Kevin Garside, Chief Sports Writer
Published: 7:00AM BST 31 May 2010
Kevin's Twitter
A class above is how Guus Hiddink ranked England in relation to the United States after watching his Turkey side head for the beaches early in Philadelphia. Like England in Graz, the USA recovered a first-half deficit with a heightened response. Turkey persisted for an hour until Jozy Altidore poked America level. After that they were on the plane home.
"They can fight, they can work hard, but I know England. They are at a higher level," Hiddink said as he ran for the team bus. Had Turkey showed the same urgency on the pitch as they did in leaving Lincoln Financial Field, Fabio Capello would have been reading a different postcard from America.
The report he takes to Royal Bafokeng this week will not have him reaching for the worry beads ahead of the opening World Cup fixture in Rustenburg on June 12. Turkey's fast feet and imaginative running repeatedly breached the static American lines in the opening period and exposed the uncertainty at the heart of defence.
In Landon Donovan, Jose Torres, Clint Dempsey and Robbie Findley the Americans possess a creative component sufficient in potency to trouble any, if only they are bold enough to trust it. The default settings of the first half suggest that Bob Bradley, the American coach, has a conservative instinct that will result in a team set up in counter-attacking mode.
He might want to speak to Dempsey before he commits to that policy. The Fulham striker, who hit the winner 15 minutes from time, believes the USA's chances of progressing are enhanced by greater possession of the ball, not in chasing it. "The most important thing is possession. If you have not got it you are running yourself ragged and then, in those circumstances, when you do get it you are not able to do much with it. We have to be brave enough to get on the ball. That is the lesson from this match," Dempsey said.
"We have to be more confident on the ball, we need to want the ball more. We did a much better job of that in the second half when we had the confidence to play lots of passes and mix it up. First half we looked a bit nervous and rusty. We showed character to turn it around but hopefully we won't have a slow start in the World Cup."
Turkey showed England the way with a rapier thrust down America's right flank. Colin Kazim-Richards split the United States defence to release Arda Turan behind Jonathan Spector. The pass caught the back line flat-footed allowing Turan to race into the box to score. The game was not half an hour old and Turkey might have been three up.
The introduction of Torres and Findley, two of four half-time substitutions, made an obvious difference affording the Americans greater possession. In this they were aided by Turkey's visible retreat from the contest. Not even Hiddink could rouse them after Altidore's strike, which owed everything to the nimble footwork of Donovan down the right.
Donovan was also the architect of the USA's winner, disguising his pass into the box beautifully for Dempsey to score. Donovan and Dempsey can be a handful up front if given encouragement. Behind them, America is a land of opportunity for England.
http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2010/05/31/fulham-review-200910/?
Fulham Review 2009/10
Filed under: General — weltmeisterclaude @ 7:44 pm
(http://cravencottagenewsround.files.wordpress.com/2010/05/10coversmall.jpg?w=350&h=504)
The all new Fulham Review, in controversial midnight blue (I've used all the other colours)...
Finally off at the printers (the hours that have gone into this one...).
Now up to 158 pages (that's a lot more than ever before), with everything you usually get, David Lloyd's TOOFIF editorials to lend substance and structure, and about 50 pages exploring Roy's earlier career (all good, I promise!). Should be available in about a week. More details then.
http://www.dewezet.de/portal/sport/lokaler-sport_Zwei-Jahre-auf-der-Insel-reichen-_arid,243612.html
"Two years on many of the island"
By Klaus Frye
Football. If Christopher Buchtmann after two successful years of apprenticeship in the English top teams Liverpool FC and Fulham FC back to Germany? The question was the 18-year-old young professional who enjoys the last two weeks, the summer break at his parents house in Aerzen, not yet answered. But his advisers Jens Jeremis and Jürgen Milewski have the attacking left-footed player, who joined in February for 100 000 pounds from Liverpool to Fulham, had long been on their wish list. His contract with the Euro League finalists FC Fulham but still runs until the end of the season 2010/11.
Christopher Buchtmann (center) had in Gross Berkel many young attentive listener. Photo: haje "but I've decided to come back to Germany, the reigning European Champion U-18 said at a youth camp in Gross Berkel. Here he showed the young up kickers two hours not only many tricks with the round leather, but had to answer many questions about his fast-paced football career.
The two years on the island he has enjoyed in spite of the changing ambitions: "I now speak perfect English and had met in Liverpool and in London too many nice people." His athletic development, he looks absolutely positive: "Above all, the time at Fulham me properly brought forward. "The reasons he put on quickly:" In Liverpool I was allowed to train in all that time only five times with the first team. This was significantly better in Fulham. Since I trained every day with the professionals of the first. "Coach Roy Hodgson took him into the championship games against Arsenal and Everton even twice in the League squad:" With such games on the bench to sit is a great experience. "
But with the housing in the district on the Thames, he was not satisfied: "The club showed me while housed in a stylish five-star hotel, but a small apartment I would have preferred."
The Treaty of 1.74 meters wide midfield player runs until summer 2011 on the Thames. However, he has two years rich in England. Where the way of Christopher Buchtmann is in fact, is currently open, but the trend is "away from the island. And at first FC Cologne and Borussia Dortmund, where "Buchti" played two years as a B-young, he is already longer high on the shopping list.
But whether Premiere League or Bundesliga, a sports goal, the blond already firmly in his sights. In August, the European Championship qualifying starts for the U-19 national team. Then he meets with the German team, the defending champion, along with Malta and Andorra in World Cup Switzerland. "There is of course revenge announced," says Buchtmann is looking forward now to the two games against the Swiss. Nevertheless, the Swiss shot in October at the U-18 World Cup in Nigeria in the quarterfinals of the German team from the race.
