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Friday Fulham Stuff (19/02/10)

Started by WhiteJC, February 19, 2010, 08:27:17 AM

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WhiteJC

http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/159111/Zamora-stunner-seals-Fulham-win
ZAMORA STUNNER SEALS FULHAM WIN
Bobby Zamora fired a brilliant winner as Fulham edged Europa League holders Shakhtar Donetsk 2-1 in an entertaining Round of 32 clash at Craven Cottage.
Zoltan Gera marked his recovery from a knee injury by netting the opener with just two minutes on the clock, although Shakhtar will be unhappy with keeper Andriy Pyatov's role in the goal.

Luiz Adriano pounced for the equaliser on the half hour mark before Zamora struck the decisive blow in the 63rd minute, unleashing a thunderous 20-yard shot that rattled the crossbar and crashed home for his 14th goal of the season.

Fulham powered ahead in the third minute after sharp passing from Danny Murphy and Zamora split open the visiting defence. The striker laid on a brilliant chance for Gera and although the Hungarian's shot lacked menace, it still slipped beneath Pyatov who got a despairing hand to the ball.

Stunned into action, the strike provoked a flurry of activity from Shakhtar aided by Brede Hangeland losing the ball too easily and keeper Mark Schwarzer producing a dismal goal-kick that fell straight to the dangerous Fernandinho.

Jadson saw a shot blocked by the busy Hangeland before captain Darijo Srna fired wide from 25 yards out.

In the 32nd minute Fulham cracked, Ilsinho slipping a beautifully weighted pass to his fellow Brazilian Luiz Adriano who easily beat Schwarzer.

The Cottagers looked more threatening in the second half with Zamora holding the ball up well and Damien Duff proving a handful down the left flank. Shakhtar occasionally looked suspect at the back and in the 63rd minute they were undone by a pile-driver from Zamora.

The ball was quickly played out of defence by Hangeland to Gera, who spotted an unmarked Zamora and the Fulham marksman pulled the trigger on an unstoppable drive that struck the underside of the crossbar before crashing home.

Gera and Zamora then had chances to produce a third, but both players directed their headers at Pyatov.

WhiteJC

http://www.fulhamfc.com/MatchAndTeam/MatchCentre/Matches/0910/EuropaLeague/ShakhtarDonetskHome.aspx

The Whites got the game off to a fantastic start; a Damien Duff free kick had Shakhtar in trouble almost immediately off the bat, allowing Brede Hangeland to aim his header on target and forcing a fine save from Pyatov.

The Whites took the lead only moments later when a wonderful piece of deceptive play from Bobby Zamora allowed European specialist Zoltan Gera in on goal. The Hungarian international made no mistake with his finish, slotting a low shot under the body of Pyatov to hand Fulham the lead.

But there were soon nervy moments for Fulham when Brede Hangeland was robbed of possession on the touchline by Fernandinho, who raced away towards the Fulham by-line. Fortunately his cross was blocked by Aaron Hughes and the danger was averted.

The game settled down somewhat following Fulham's flying start and it was Shakhtar who were dictating the pace of the game. Their unorthodox 4-2-3-1 formation looked to be keeping the Whites off balance.

The visitors, despite not being able to find space in front of Fulham's penalty area, still looked extremely adept in possession as they worked the ball from left to right with great skill. Fulham stood firm however and stoically maintained their shape.

Darijo Srna, who previously faced the Whites in European competition with Hajduk Split, went close to netting an equaliser when he fired wide on 30 minutes. It proved to be just a warning shot as Adriano got the visitors back on level footing on 32 minutes. The striker raced on to a through ball, nipping in front of Stephen Kelly before taking the ball around Mark Schwarzer and passing into the net.

The game started to open up following the equaliser and Simon Davies came close to putting the Whites back in the lead when his header from a Damien Duff cross flashed just wide of the goal.

A loose ball from Danny Murphy was almost capitalised upon by Willian, who seized possession and let fly with a fierce shot which was well blocked by Hughes. Fulham's Northern Ireland international was again Fulham's saviour when he provided a vital interception on 40 minutes to cut out a dangerous final pass.

The Craven Cottage crowd were whipped up into frenzy when Darijo Srna was booked for dissent in the closing stages of the first-half, having been fouled moments before.

Shakhtar got the second-half under way, with Fulham facing a tough task in trying to wrestle the advantage from their opponents. And it was certainly a cautious start from the visitors as they looked to draw Fulham's sting, having learned their lesson from the first-half.

With the visitors quick to try and prevent Fulham from linking up their defence and midfield, the Whites duly adapted to the circumstances and started played a slightly more direct game. As a result, Fulham were able to get at Shakhtar's defence with greater speed – causing a degree of panic in the Miners' back line. Shakhtar were by no means looking as fluid as they did in the first-half.

With the game repeatedly punctuated by stoppages, both sides were struggling to get into their rhythm. If anything was going to decide this game, it was going to be a moment of brilliance or a calamitous error.

As the second-half progressed Fulham started to establish more of a rhythm, it was achieved by making the game more 'English' in nature.

The high tempo Fulham were setting was personified by Damien Duff on the right wing, who was keeping his opposing numbers busy.

The Whites re-took the lead in spectacular fashion through Bobby Zamora on 63 minutes. Zoltan Gera passed into the path of Zamora on the edge of the area and the Fulham font man smashed a glorious right-footed shot past Pyatov into the top corner of the net.

A fine move between Baird and Duff set up Gera with a headed chance which was put just wide – Fulham were certainly pressing their advantage. When not in possession the Whites were keeping things tight. This saw Shakhtar hitting more long passes out of play in an attempt to find a way through Fulham's lines.

With the game entering the final ten minutes Shakhtar started to force their way back into the game, but resilient defending from Hangeland and Hughes helped restrict the Ukrainians to shots from distance.

Zoltan Gera's involvement ended on 88 minutes when he was replaced by David Elm as Fulham looked to see out the remaining minutes.

The result was secured when a world-class save from Mark Schwarzer denied a certain equaliser late on and despite the energetic efforts of Mircea Lucescu's men, Fulham heroically held of for a memorable victory.



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/MatchAndTeam/MatchCentre/Matches/0910/EuropaLeague/ShakhtarDonetskHome.aspx#ixzz0fyGZISNQ

WhiteJC

http://hammyend.com/?p=5413
Hodgson hails Zamora
by Dan on February 19, 2010

Roy Hodgson heaped praise on Bobby Zamora after the Fulham striker's wondergoal secured a narrow first-leg win over Shakhtar Donetsk at Craven Cottage tonight.

Zamora's stunning 25-yarder ensured Fulham will take a slender lead to Ukraine for next week's second leg and Hodgson was full of praise for his striker.

It was a wonder strike. He's got two feet, I don't know which is his best and neither does he.

Apart from his accomplished display as a target man setting things up, working hard, his strike was of real quality.

We're talking about a striker who has scored 14 goals in 31 starts. I hope he can get 20 goals to crown his season.


WhiteJC

http://hammyend.com/?p=5409
Zamora puts Fulham in front
by Dan on February 19, 2010

Walking to the ground in the early evening rain tonight, I chanced upon a conversation between a father and son. The elder man, sensing that his young boy – who couldn't have been more than six – might not comprehend the significance of the game ahead of him, whispered quietly: 'This is a massive game. Massive. Shakhtar are the defending champions'.

His critics might have disagreed at the start of the season but, when it comes to massive games, you can count of Bobby Zamora. The much-maligned striker delivered a terrific performance against Roma and Fulham's attacking effectiveness only dipped once he was withdrawn early by Roy Hodgson. Zamora scored two crucial first half goals in Basel and slayed Manchester United before Christmas and he produced a quite astonishing strike here to give Fulham a decent chance of toppling the UEFA Cup holders in the second leg in Ukraine next week.

This was an enthralling game from the outset and one that Shakhtar, with their sublime, short passing football, will have felt unfortunate to lose. You sensed that the home side's best chance of success came at the Cottage and that they needed to attack with purpose from the first whistle. Fulham heeded the call. They might have gone in front inside the first minute but Andriy Pyatov did brilliantly to turn over a header from Brede Hangeland. Delirium was merely postponed for a couple of minutes.

Captain Danny Murphy prized open the Shakhtar defence with a precise pass that Zamora galloped onto and the returning Zoltan Gera thumped his shot underneath a surprised Pyatov from a seemingly impossible angle. Fulham swarmed forward with intent but gradually the visitors gained a foothold in the game, playing the ball patiently from side to side across the Fulham penalty area, almost toying with Hodgson's side. Fernandinho, their gifted playmaker, was at the heart of each move and nearly embarassed Hangeland after robbing the tall Norwegian defender when he dwelt on the ball in a dangerous position.

For all their possession, Shakhtar had precious few chances. Brazilian Rodrigues Jadson spurned the first from the edge of the box, shooting wide of Mark Schwarzer's goal, and captain Darijo Srna came very close to finishing a flowing move from distance when his ambitious effort whizzed narrowly wide. You could see the South American imprint on Shakhtar's side and it was appropriate that two Brazilians combined to level the tie shortly before the break.

In the blink of an eye, Ilsinho created oceans of space by driving a ball over the retreating Stephen Kelly and top scorer Luiz Adriano was in. Schwarzer gallantly tried to narrow the angle with a desperate dash off his line, but Adriano skated past the otherwise excellent Aaron Hughes, rounded the goalkeeper and rolled the ball into the empty net.

Fulham began the second half with much more vigour and Damien Duff was posing particular problems with his maurauding runs down the right flank. The Irish winger was involved in one glorious passing move that Shakhtar would have been proud of as Fulham ferried the ball infield, Etuhu finding Gera and Zamora just failed to play a perfect return ball to the Hungarian as space opened up behind the Shakhtar back line.

Shakhtar were now choosing to operate on the break and Fulham sensed there was a chance of a second. Zamora snatched it in marvellously opportunistic fashion. Gera offered a glimpse of his remarkably quick feet again as a deft backheel freed Zamora and the former West Ham man smashed an unstoppable volley past Pyatov and in off the underside of the crossbar from 25 yards. The finish was all the more remarkable considering it came from his weaker foot.

Shakhtar seemed to wilt after that. Fulham could have had a third. Gera guided a header into the arms of Pyatov after a fine cross from Duff and Zamora nodded just wide after peeling away at the far post. Fulham being Fulham the final ten minutes were frantic and Hodgson's side were indebted to a superb Schwarzer stop in injury time as he flung himself across goal to claw away a curler from Fernandinho. Such a slender lead sets the second leg up perfectly.

FULHAM (4-4-1-1): Schwarzer; Baird, Kelly, Hughes, Hangeland; Etuhu, Murphy, Duff, Davies; Gera (Elm 89); Zamora. Subs (not used): Zuberbuhler, Marsh-Brown, Smalling, Greening, Riise, Nevland.

BOOKED: Murphy.

GOALS: Gera (3), Zamora (63).

SHAKHTAR DONETSK (4-2-3-1): Pyatov; Srna, Kucher, Rakitskiy, Rat; Fernandinho, T Hübschman (Kravchenko 78); Ilsinho, Jadson (Costa de Souza 75), Willian; Luiz Adriano. Subs (not used): Khudzhamov, Lewandowski, Gai, Gladkiy, Ishchenko.

BOOKED: Luiz Adriano, Srna.

GOAL: Luiz Adriano (32).

REFEREE: Serge Gumienny (Belgium).

ATTENDANCE: 21,832


WhiteJC

http://www.dailystar.co.uk/football/view/122988/Bobby-Zamora-upstaged-boys-from-Brazil-/
BOBBY ZAMORA UPSTAGED BOYS FROM BRAZIL
FULHAM 2 SHAKHTAR 1



England hopeful Bobby Zamora last night upstaged the boys from Brazil.

                     
After Zoltan Gera put the Cottagers ahead in the third minute, it looked like the west Londoners might make it a night of pain for the team from Ukraine.



But with five Samba stars in their team, Shakhtar – the holders of the UEFA Cup, now called the Europa League – turned on the style and deservedly equalised through their goal machine Luiz Adriano.



Fulham, though, are not short of confidence and shortly after the hour went back ahead thanks to a cracker of a goal scored by Zamora.




Donestk proved quality opposition and for long periods produced football of the highest order, especially the ultra-talented midfielder Ilsinho.



At times, they were reminiscent of Arsenal at their best, with their comfort on the ball, excellent control and quickfire interchanges a joy to behold.



Yet Roy Hodgson's outfit had opened in blistering fashion with Brede Hangeland forcing keeper Andriy Pyatov to acrobatically tip over his header in the first minute.



And within two minutes, Fulham were in front when Danny Murphy played a clever, low pass to Zamora's feet. His lay-off for Gera was of an equally high standard and the Hungarian drove in an angled left-foot shot from around 10 yards which Pyatov couldn't keep out.



Shakhtar had not played a competitive match since December 12 but after the early setback soon got into their stride.



In the 14th minute, Hangeland was dispossessed by Fernandinho who burst clear before aiming a cross for striker Adriano, but Aaron Hughes snuffed out the danger.



As the match progressed, stylish Shakhtar started to exert far more of an influence and it was no surprise when they equalised on 32 minutes.



Ilsinho threaded through to Adriano who ran past Mark Schwarzer before shooting into an empty net.



It sparked massive celebrations from the noisy contingent of away fans, who were more than a match when it came to enthusiasm to the home fans.



Early in the second half, Zamora seemed to want to play like he was Brazilian, but was dispossessed by Fernandino and Donetsk were off in a flash downfield.



Luckily for Zamora, Hangeland got in the way of Ilsinho's firm shot at goal.



Backed by Ukrainian banker Rinat Akhmetov, said to be the richest man in Europe, Donetsk gave the impression he had not been splashing out his money foolishly.




With big names Ajax or Juventus – the Italians won 2-1 in Holland – waiting for the winners in the next round, the Cottagers knew this European expedition could be one to put their name on the map.



And to be fair, they battled bravely to get a foothold in the game and managed to restored their lead.



They did just that in the 63rd minute with a strike which was even easier on the eye than their first.



Hangeland picked out Gera with a low pass, he flicked on to Zamora and the striker blasted a superb shot from 18 yards which flashed high into the net.

WhiteJC

http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/159154/Bobby-Zamora-has-gift-in-store-for-Roy-Keane
BOBBY ZAMORA HAS GIFT IN STORE FOR ROY KEANE

Fulham 2 Shakhtar 1


Having been denied a shopping trip at Harrods by security guards earlier this week, Shakhtar Donetsk left Craven  Cottage similarly empty- handed last night.


But it took two inspired moments, first from Bobby Zamora and then from Mark Schwarzer, to settle a thrilling encounter in the home side's favour.

Unlike the disappointed Ukrainians, who were refused entry to Mohamed Al Fayed's exclusive Knightsbridge store on Tuesday afternoon, both Fulham's leading scorer and goalkeeper might just find hampers under their pegs when they arrive in the dressing room for Sunday's Premier League encounter against Birmingham.

Zamora's stunning second-half goal, lashed in from 20 yards off the underside of the bar just after the hour, wrestled back momentum for Fulham in a two-legged affair, just when things appeared to be swinging away from them.

In the dying moments of stoppage time, Schwarzer's save, diving full length and backwards to push Fernandinho's lofted effort around the post, ensured that Shakhtar will need to beat the Londoners back in the Ukraine in six days' time.

On the available evidence last night it will be no easy task. The Ukrainian side brought with them a side full of Brazilian talent that threatened for a period in the first half to utterly overwhelm Fulham.

For all that a third-minute strike from Zoltan Gera had appeared to set up Fulham nicely, it was cancelled out by the craft of Ilsinho and pace and finish of Luiz Adriano a third of the way through the game.

It was a measure of the balance of this match that it took a wonder goal to beat them. Zamora's 14th strike of the campaign left manager Roy Hodgson purring, even if he accepted this tie remained "in the balance".

"It is nice to go there with a one-goal lead and it is nice to take such an important scalp in a great game," he said.

"If people had said two years ago that we would be beating Shakhtar Donetsk here on a European night, I would have thought they were joking."

Hodgson remained suitably serious then, particularly having seen close up what he suspected from videos and scouting reports and from the money and pedigree last year's UEFA Cup winners brought to London.

"Their ability showed at times and if anything we were guilty of showing them a little too much respect," he said.

Shakhtar had not played since December 12 and might have been a touch rusty – something Hodgson evidently instructed his team to test early with some success. Brede Hangeland forced a fine save from a headed effort with just 20 seconds on the clock and then Gera, fed by Danny Murphy and Zamora, put the home side in the lead.

From there to the break Fulham found themselves pinned back against the ropes as Ilsinho and Jadson eased into their passing repertoire and Luiz Adriano levelled with a burst of pace and fine finish just after the half hour.

It was, then, with an air of apprehension that the crowd returned to their seats at the start of the second period. But with the rain falling heavier and a slippy surface levelling things out, Fulham became a little more assured.

Then came Zamora's wonder strike. After he had assisted Gera's opening goal in the first half, it was appropriate that the Hungarian returned the favour. It was his back-heel that set up Zamora on the edge of the box and, turning and swinging a right foot at the ball, he beat keeper Andriy Pyatov before he had even thought about a dive.

As Shakhtar assaulted an increasingly nervy Fulham with the clock ticking down, Schwarzer kept out first a fine long-range effort from Konstyantyn Kravchenko and then a lofted chip in the penultimate minute.

"We have paid the price with some tired legs out there tonight but, thankfully, our keeper has stayed alert to the 92nd minute and that has helped enormously to set it up nicely," added Hodgson.

FULHAM (4-4-2): Schwarzer; Baird, Hughes, Hangeland, Kelly; Duff, Murphy, Etuhu, Davies; Gera (Elm 89), Zamora. Booked: Murphy. Goals: Gera 3, Zamora 63.

Shakhtar Donetsk (4-2-3-1): Pyatov; Srna, Kucher, Rakitskiy, Rat; Hubschman (Kravchenko 78), Fernandinho; Ilsinho, Jadson (De Souza 75), Willian; Luiz Adriano. Booked: Srna, Luiz Adriano. Goal: Luiz Adriano 32.

Referee: S Gumienny (Bel).


WhiteJC

http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2010/02/18/zamora-goal-gives-fulham-first-leg-advantage-116451-25867602/
Zamora goal gives Fulham first leg advantage
Fulham 2-1 Shakhtar Donetsk

A STUNNING drive from Bobby Zamora – his 14th goal of a season of redemption for the once-maligned striker – has given Fulham a precious lead to take to the Ukraine for the second leg next week.

The advantage is as slender as can be and will undoubtedly be put to the test by the stylish Uefa Cup winners of last season.

Chock full of Brazilians, Shakhtar were full of technical brilliance and crisp passing during a first half they dominated at the Cottage.

But Zamora's 63rd minute effort from 22 yards – crashing in off the underside of the bar after a turn onto a clever flick from Zoltan Gera – capped a stirring fightback.

The Whites had stolen a third minute lead when Gera buried a shot inside the near post with an assist from Danny Murphy and Zamora, but the early advantage proved misleading.

Shakhtar deservedly drew level in the 33rd minute when the flamboyant Luiz Adriano raced onto a clever pass which bisected the Fulham defence and sauntered around Mark Schwarzer before rolling the ball into an empty net

WhiteJC

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/sport/2010/0219/1224264799952.html
Fulham get one up on Shakhtar Zamora blasts winner at home
Fulham 2 Shakter Donetsk 1: BOBBY ZAMORA'S 63rd-minute strike grabbed a victory which may just provide Fulham a path into the Europa League last 16.



Almost instantly from kick-off Danny Murphy's diagonal into the Donetsk area was headed at Andriy Pyatov by Brede Hangeland, forcing the goalkeeper to steer it over. The ensuing corner again found the central defender, which was cleared, but within three minutes Fulham had the lead.

From a throw-in Murphy again collected and played a reverse ball into Zamora, who was lurking on the edge of visitor's area. His instant touch turned it on to Gera whose sliding finish rolled underneath Pyatov to put Fulham ahead.

This provoked the home crowd to enquire of the reigning champions, "Who are you?", but enough Shakhtar possession and threat ensued to offer an answer which had their team twisting on its heels.

The visitors fielded an all-Brazilian front-five. And, as the game approached the quarter hour, Fernandinho, a 24-year-old midfielder from Londrina, robbed Hangeland and his delivery from the right came skimming over the turf and required the intervention of Aaron Hughes.

Shakhtar's equaliser derived from a move which broke Fulham's offside trap. Ilsinho, who had drifted inside from his wide right berth, played a weighted ball beyond Hughes to Adriano, Donesk's lone striker. He persuaded Mark Schwarzer to commit himself by going to ground early, before finishing calmly in the 32nd minute.

Fulham stepped the pace up after the break and were rewarded when, after Gera's delightful heeled pass found Zamora, the striker looked up and fired a 25-yard belt beyond Pyatov, via the bar.

FULHAM: Schwarzer, Baird, Hughes, Hangeland, Kelly, Davies, Etuhu, Murphy, Duff, Gera (Elm 89), Zamora. Subs not nsed: Zuberbuhler, Nevland, Riise, Smalling, Greening, Marsh-Brown. Booked: Murphy.

SHAKHTAR DONETSK: Pyatov, Srna, Kucher, Rakitskiy, Rat, Ilsinho, Hubschman (Kravchenko 78), Fernandinho, Willian, Jadson (Douglas Costa 75), Luiz Adriano.

Subs not nsed: Khudzamov, Lewandowski, Gai, Gladkyy, Ischenko. Booked: Luiz Adriano, Srna.

Referee: Serge Gumienny (Belgium).

WhiteJC

http://www.dailyexpress.co.uk/posts/view/159167/Bobby-Zamora-shakes-Shakhtar/
BOBBY ZAMORA SHAKES SHAKHTAR
BOBBY Zamora scored a wonder goal to give Fulham a first leg Europa League lead over defending champions Shakhtar Donetsk last night.


Zamora lit up Craven Cottage with a 20-yard strike in a tight last-32 tie.

Zoltan Gera fired Fulham ahead in the third minute but the Ukrainians hit back with a goal from Luiz Adriano.

Liverpool also got off to a winning Europa League start thanks to a late goal from David Ngog which ended the resistance of Romanians Unirea.


WhiteJC

http://www.cityam.com/sport/shakhtar-are-shaken-zamora
Shakhtar are shaken by Zamora
Friday, 19th February 2010
EUROPA LEAGUE
FULHAM (2) v/s SHAKHTAR DONETSK (1)

BOBBY ZAMORA fired a brilliant winner as Fulham claimed a crucial home leg victory over holders Shakhtar Donetsk at Craven Cottage.

The striker smashed home an unstoppable 25-yard drive to net his fifth goal of the Europa League campaign and give the Cottagers a vital lead going into the second leg in the Ukraine next week.

Roy Hodgson's men got off to the best possible start when, on just three minutes, Danny Murphy threaded through for Zoltan Gera to slot home under the body of Andriy Pyatov.

Donetsk, however, had the better of the opening period and were well worthy of their 33rd minute equaliser when Luis Adriano pounced to prod home past Mark Schwarzer.

But Fulham dug in and got their rewards when Murphy and Gera combined for Zamora to smash home the second. The hosts missed chances to make it 3-1 late on but will still be grateful for the lead they take to the Donbass Arena next Thursday.

WhiteJC

http://fulhampatsfan.blogspot.com/2010/02/big-win-for-fulham-against-shakhtar.html
Big win for Fulham against Shakhtar Donetsk
Going into this match I thought a win tonight by Fulham would be huge for their confidence. Their is no question that the priority for this season is the league and the F A Cup. Anything more they can do in the Europa League is a bonus. With this win now Fulham are playing with "house money". It will be a very tough task to win in the Ukraine next week. However, I wouldn't bet against Fulham finding away to move ahead in the Europa League.

Shakhtar Donetsk are a very gifted team. I left watching the match very impressed by this Ukranian club. I think that is what makes this victory even more significant. The most talented and skilled team doesn't always win. Sometimes it is a lucky bounce or a shot of the ball. Tonight though I will call this a victory by a team that is disciplined and found a way to win.

Fulham actually came flying out of the gate. In the first few minutes Fulham dominated. Danny Murphy sent a free kick in the first minute right to Brede Hangeland. He headed the ball, and almost got it past the goalkeeper Andriy Pyatov. The goalkeeper made a nice save.

In the 3rd minute Danny Murphy found Bobby Zamora who passed the ball to Zoltan Gera. He then scored the first goal of the game. This action was very early into the match. Shakhtar Donetsk at this point had not gotten there feet wet yet.

After about the first 10 minutes Shakhtar Donetsk started to settle in. They were starting to control the ball and the game was starting to be played in Fulham's half. In the 13th minute, Shakhtar Donetsk's first threat of the match came. Brede Hangeland had a ball taken away from him by Fernandinho. He tried a pass that was blocked by Aaron Hughes. Fulham dodged a bullet there, but you could tell the tone of the match was changing. A little later in the 31st minute Darijo Srna took a strong right footed shot that just went wide of the net.

The momentum and play at this point was with the Ukranian team. You could see that equalizing goal coming. In the 32nd minute Luiz Adriano was sent a ball through from Darijo Srna. He got by Stephen Kelly and put the ball past Schwarzer. The game was now tied 1 - 1.

There was another good chance by Fulham later in the half. Simon Davies tried to head in a great ball from Damien Duff. Unfortunately for Davies his header was slightly wide of the net.
The half ended 1 - 1 , but Shakhtar Donetsk controlled the majority of the half.

There was a completely different tone to the second half. Fulham started to control more of the ball in the opening several minutes. This led to the 63rd minute of the match. Brede Hangeland sent a pass to Zoltan Gera. He made a great touch pass to Bobby Zamora. He then scored on a booming right footed shot that got by the goalkeeper. The shot went right to the top corner and the keeper didn't have a chance. Fulham were now up 2 - 1.

Bobby Zamora wasn't done being dominant tonight. In the 70th minute off of a free kick from Danny Murphy, Bobby Zamora's header went just wide. This was a major chance for Fulham to go up 2 goals.

After that moment Shakhtar Donetsk started to increase the pressure again. They were in the Fulham half for a good portion of the last 20 minutes of the match. Fulham's defense was strong to hold off the pressure. The best and last chance for the Ukranian team came in stoppage time. Mark Schwarzer made a beautiful save off of a shot from Fernandinho. This saved secured the victory for Fulham. The game ended 2 - 1 in favor of Fulham.

Whatever happens next week in the Ukraine, Fulham players and the fans should be proud of the victory tonight. It is the type of game you can build on. Just remember only 2 years ago Fulham were in a relegation battle. Tonight they beat a team that won the UEFA Cup last season. I would call that some serious progress.

WhiteJC

http://www.tribalfootball.com/fulham-boss-hodgson-hails-his-matchwinner-zamora-652831
Fulham boss Hodgson hails his matchwinner Zamora
19.02.10 | tribalfootball.com
Fulham boss Roy Hodgson hailed matchwinner Bobby Zamora after their Europa League victory over Shakhtar Donetsk.

Hodgson lavished praise on Zamora, who struck from 20-yards with a powerful drive that cannoned off the crossbar and crashed into the net.

The impressive Fulham marksman also set-up the opener for Zoltan Gera.

"It was a wonder strike from Bobby. He's got two feet, I don't know which is his best and neither does he," said Hodgson.

"Apart from his typically accomplished performance as a target man setting things up and working hard, his strike was of real quality.

"We're now talking about a striker who has scored 14 goals in 31 starts.

"It's an excellent strike rate. I hope he can get over the 20-goal mark to crown his season."


WhiteJC

http://www.tribalfootball.com/fulham-boss-hodgson-one-our-greatest-euro-nights-652731
Fulham boss Hodgson: One of our greatest Euro nights
19.02.10 | tribalfootball.com
Fulham boss Roy Hodgson hailed their Europa League victory over Shakhtar Donetsk.

Bobby Zamora struck a stunning 63rd-minute winner at Craven Cottage to give Fulham a strong chance of progressing in the competition when they travel to the Ukraine for next Thursday's second leg.

Big-spending Shakhtar threatened to cut loose after Luiz Adriano equalised Zoltan Gera's early opener, but Fulham rallied as Bobby Zamora grabbed the winner to leave Hodgson beaming with pride.

"We're very happy to get a victory against such a good team," he said.

"It was a very exciting cup tie played in the right spirit and it was very competitive. Both teams tried to pass the ball.

"I'm pleased to have taken such an important scalp. It's a big game for Fulham and we've come an awful long way.

"If someone had said to me during my first season here when we were battling to stay in the Premier League that we'd beat Shakhtar in a couple of years, I'd have thought they were taking the mickey.

"We've done it and are very proud of it. There's an awful lot left in this tie because we saw how skilful they are, but we still have a chance to make a name for ourselves.

"This was a very good victory - probably our best in Europe."

WhiteJC

http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/premiership/zamora-winner-a-nudge-to-capello-14689770.html
Zamora winner a nudge to Capello
Fulham 2 Shakhtar Donetsk 1


Fulham midfielder Danny Murphy tipped team-mate Bobby Zamora for an England call-up after the striker fired the winner against Shakhtar Donetsk tonight.


The Ukrainian side, who won the UEFA Cup last year, now have a deficit to make up in the home leg of this last 32 Europa League tie.

Zoltan Gera marked his recovery from a knee injury by giviing the Cottagers the lead after just two minutes but Luiz Adriano equalised on 32 minutes.

However, Zamora showed he is full of confidence with a stunning strike in the 63rd minute, pulling the trigger on a 20 yards shot that struck the underside of the crossbar before crashing home.

Murphy said: "You can see his confidence is sky-high, he has got better each month with his goalscoring, confidence and all-round game.

"If he carries on the way he is, he's got to have a shout at the England squad."

Asked for his thoughts on the game, the former Liverpool midfielder added: "I thought we started brightly and got the goal, but we got a bit nervy after that. They settled down and passed the ball well and got a deserved equaliser.

"We got to grips with them a bit better in the second half and pushed them into a few errors. It was a great goal from Bobby which took the pressure off us defensively.

"We have got something to fight for now, it will be a great game over there."

Cottagers boss Roy Hodgson added: "Shakhtar were exceptional in the first half and maybe we got a bit scared in that situation and weren't prepared to get on the ball as much as we normally do.

"But we pulled ourselves together in the second half. We don't come up against sides like this week in and week out, and we had to really dig deep to get there."



Read more: http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/premiership/zamora-winner-a-nudge-to-capello-14689770.html#ixzz0fyL3CXyq

WhiteJC

http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/zamora-hits-home-winner-2070416.html
Zamora hits home winner

Bobby Zamora smashed home a fine winner to give Fulham the edge over Shakhtar Donetsk in this Europa League first-leg clash at Craven Cottage.

Zoltan Gera fired the home side ahead in the third minute after being set up by Zamora.

Gera, who was recalled to the first team after recovering from a knee injury, struck in the third minute after Fulham made a strong start.

Sharp passing from Danny Murphy and Zamora split open the visiting defence and the striker then laid on a brilliant chance for Gera, who slipped the ball home.

Stunned into action, the strike provoked a flurry of activity from Shakhtar with Fulham struggling to contain the speed and movement of their opponent's Brazilian contingent.

And in the 32nd minute they cracked, Ilsinho slipping a beautifully weighted pass between Aaron Hughes and Stephen Kelly to his fellow South American, Luiz Adriano, who found the net.

But Shakhtar occasionally looked suspect at the back and in the 63rd minute they were undone by a piledriver from Zamora, who smashed the ball home from 20 yards to put Fulham ahead.

Gera and Zamora then had chances to produce a third, but both players directed their headers at Andriy Pyatov as Fulham held out for the victory.

Irish Independent


WhiteJC

http://www.teamtalk.com/football/story/0,16368,1775_5958772,00.html
NewsProfileResultsSquadWallpaperYour Say
Roy pleased to take Shakhtar scalp
Roy Hodgson claimed Fulham's 2-1 victory over Europa League champions Shakhtar Donetsk was evidence of how far the club have progressed.

Bobby Zamora struck a stunning 63rd-minute winner at Craven Cottage on Thursday night to give Fulham a strong chance of progressing in the competition when they travel to the Ukraine for next Thursday's second leg.

Big-spending Shakhtar threatened to cut loose after Luiz Adriano equalised Zoltan Gera's early opener, but Fulham rallied as Bobby Zamora grabbed the winner to leave Hodgson beaming with pride.

"We're very happy to get a victory against such a good team," he said.

"It was a very exciting cup tie played in the right spirit and it was very competitive. Both teams tried to pass the ball.

"I'm pleased to have taken such an important scalp. It's a big game for Fulham and we've come an awful long way.

"If someone had said to me during my first season here when we were battling to stay in the Premier League that we'd beat Shakhtar in a couple of years, I'd have thought they were taking the mickey.

"We've done it and are very proud of it. There's an awful lot left in this tie because we saw how skilful they are, but we still have a chance to make a name for ourselves.

"This was a very good victory - probably our best in Europe."

WhiteJC

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/premierleague/fulham/7265230/Fulham-v-Birmingham-City-match-preview.html
Fulham v Birmingham City: match preview
Read a full match preview of the Premier League game between Fulham at Birmingham City at Craven Cottage, London, on Sunday Feb 21 2010, kick-off 15.00 GMT.

Tale of the game

In November, Lee Bowyer's goal separated the teams at St Andrew's. That was four games into a 12-match unbeaten League run but, in the last four, they have lost two and drawn one. They face a Fulham side unbeaten in three Premier League games and with three successive clean sheets.

Fulham have conceded only eight home goals in the Premier League, the joint lowest in the division. Fulham are without Kagisho Dikgacoi, Andrew Johnson, Paul Konchesky, Clint Dempsey and John Pantsil while Birmingham miss Lee Carsley, Garry O'Connor and Teemu Tainio.

Team details (probable)

Fulham (4-4-2): Schwarzer; Hughes, Smalling, Hangeland, Shorey; Davies, Murphy, Baird, Duff; Okaka, Zamora.
Birmingham (4-4-2): Hart; Carr, R Johnson, Dann, Ridgewell; Larsson, Bowyer, Ferguson, McFadden; Benitez, Jerome. Referee: Phil Dowd. Matches: 21. R4 Y66.

This season: Birmingham 1 Fulham 0.

Last season: N/A.

Stat of the game: In five Premier League visits to Fulham, Birmingham have failed to score in three.

Betting tip: Fulham getting better; try a 2-1 home win at 7-1.

WhiteJC

http://articles.squarefootball.net/squarefootball/2010/02/fulham-v-birmingham-city-whod-make-it-into-the-ultimate-starting-xi.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Squarefootball+%28Squarefootball%29
Fulham v Birmingham City: Who'd make it into the ultimate starting XI?
Fulham and Birmingham City have been the surprise packages this season in the Premier League. Both sides were tipped to struggle to retain their Premier League status but here we are in the middle of February and both Roy Hodgson's and Alex McLeish's men are sitting pretty in the top half of the table.
The Cottagers' small squad wasn't expected to be able to cope with the demands of European football while Birmingham were predicted to go straight back down but Hodgson and McLeish have defied those gloomy forecasts to give their fans a season they'll never forget.
This weekend they square up at the Cottage with three crucial points up for grabs. A win for the home side would see them go level on points with the Blues but victory for Big Eck's side would see them keep the pressure on for European football next season.
Hodgson and McLeish have assembled two talented and hard working squads, but who would make it into the ultimate starting XI? Here is what I believe is the best starting XI from the two squads available to play in a traditional 4-4-2 formation.
Goalkeeper
Both Mark Schwarzer and Joe Hart are brilliant shot stoppers with excellent reactions but I only have room for one number one. Schwarzer is now 37 and has bags of top flight and international experience while Hart is just 22 but has a great future ahead of him.
Schwarzer has conceded 28 goals this season in the league and kept nine clean sheets in the process. Meanwhile Hart, who was born in Shrewsbury, has let just 26 efforts go by him and managed eight clean sheets. It is easily the toughest call to make it this team but I think I will have to go with the experienced head of Schwarzer.
Defenders
It makes a change to have a battle between two English players for the coveted left-back role. In the white corner we have Fulham's Paul Konchesky and in the blue corner it's Birmingham's Liam Ridgewell. Both Konchesky and Ridgewell are strong and resolute defenders although Ridgewell, signed from rivals Villa in 2007, is traditionally a central defender. Konchesky, 28, is in the prime of his career while Ridgewell, 25, still has a lot to learn about the game. However, Ridgewell's goal return just nicks it ahead of Konchesky for me.
Brede Hangeland cost Roy Hodgson just £2.5 million in 2008 and he has proved to be one of the bargain buys of the past 10 years. Strong in the air, quick on the ground and a good organiser, Hangeland has caught the eye of a number of Premier League bosses. The big Norwegian is a definite starter in my back four. Lining up alongside him is Birmingham's Roger Johnson. The former Cardiff City star signed for the Blues in the summer and has thrived on testing himself against the biggest names in the game. A real no-nonsense defender, Johnson snuffs out danger and doesn't dwell on the ball too long.
Completing my back four is Birmingham's Stephen Carr. The former Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur defender arrived at St Andrews on a free transfer last January and has been given a new lease of life under McLeish. The former Republic of Ireland international still has bags of pace and has been a vital cog in Birmingham's impressive form this season.
Midfielders
The first name on my team sheet would have been Fulham's goalscoring midfielder Clint Dempsey but injury has put paid to that. Fortunately there are a number of quality players from both squads to choose from.
First up I'd have to go for Barry Ferguson to marshal the back four. The former Rangers captain has been a revelation at St Andrews and proved all the doubters who thought he was past it wrong. A great passer of the ball and decision maker Ferguson can collect his shirt. Alongside him I have to go for former Liverpool and Spurs midfielder Danny Murphy. The 32-year-old has one of the best football brains in the game and is deadly from the penalty spot. He may be less than a month away from his 33rd birthday but Murphy can still split a defence and has a good few years ahead of him at the top.
Ferguson and Murphy have all the experience and skill needed to succeed but you really need some legs in there to get down the flanks, hence why I'm plumping for the services of Damien Duff and Sebastian Larsson.
Duff, who will turn 31 in March, has grabbed five league goals this season – a feat he hasn't managed to replicate since he scored six for Chelsea five years ago. The former Newcastle United ace is comfortable on the ball and loves to take defenders on. He has repaid the manger's faith in him with goals and he is always a threat on the break.
Completing my midfield is Birmingham's Swedish international Larsson. The 24-year-old started his career at Arsenal but was unable to break into the first team. However, he has established himself into a quality player at St Andrews. His execution at free-kicks is second to none and is rated as the most accurate free-kick taker in the top flight. He is always useful to have around at set-pieces.
Strikers
Zamora for England! Granted Bobby has been a bit of a dazzler for Fulham this season but he hasn't been that good! The former West Ham and Spurs striker has found the back of the net 13 times this season in all competitions and has been Hodgson's main striking threat. Physically and mentally strong, Zamora can hold the ball up and bring his team-mates into play and is not afraid to try and catch the opposing keeper off guard.
Lining up with Zamora is Birmingham's Cameron Jerome. The former Cardiff man has bags of strength, loads of pace and an eye for goal. His blistering strike against Liverpool earlier this season was simply sensational. Jerome is Birmingham's top scorer in the league with five and always puts himself about. I'm pretty sure Zamora and Jerome would forge a good partnership.

So my team is:
Schwarzer
Ridgewell
Hangeland
Johnson
Carr
Duff
Murphy
Ferguson
Larsson
Zamora
Jerome


WhiteJC

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/feb/19/roy-hodgson-fulham-shakhtar-donetsk
Fulham's spirit against Shakhtar Donetsk impresses Roy Hodgson• 'We had to dig deep to get there' Fulham manager says
• Match-winner Zamora has England shout, Murphy thinks

Fulham's manager, Roy Hodgson, left, and the Shakhtar Donetsk manager, Mircea Lucescu, in conversation during the home side's 2-1 Europa League win at Craven Cottage. Photograph: Anthony Devlin/PA

Roy Hodgson praised his Fulham side's resilience after they gained a 2-1 victory in the first leg of the Europa League tie against Shakhtar Donetsk, thanks to Bobby Zamora's long-range shot. The winning goal provoked Danny Murphy to suggest his team-mate should be close to a place in Fabio Capello's England squad.

Hodgson said: "Shakhtar were exceptional in the first half and maybe we got a bit scared in that situation and weren't prepared to get on the ball as much as we normally do.

"But we pulled ourselves together in the second half. We don't come up against sides like this week in, week out and we had to really dig deep to get there."

Zoltan Gera gave Fulham an early lead but Luiz Adriano equalised on 32 minutes. However, Zamora showed he is full of confidence by lashing in his side's second in the 63rd minute.

Murphy said: "You can see his confidence is sky-high, he has got better each month with his goalscoring, confidence and all-round game.

"If he carries on the way he is, he's got to have a shout at the England squad."

Asked for his thoughts on the game, the former Liverpool midfielder added: "I thought we started brightly and got the goal but we got a bit nervy after that. They settled down and passed the ball well and got a deserved equaliser.

"We got to grips with them a bit better in the second half and pushed them into a few errors. It was a great goal from Bobby which took the pressure off us defensively.We've got something to fight for now; it will be a great game over there."

WhiteJC

http://www.ananova.com/sport/story/sm_3685279.html?menu=sport.topheadlines
More to come from Zamora - Hodgson

Roy Hodgson has challenged Bobby Zamora to smash through the 20-goal barrier after the Fulham striker sealed a 2-1 Europa League victory over Shakhtar Donetsk.

Zamora headlined a commanding display against last year's UEFA Cup winners by firing a spectacular 63rd-minute winner that saw the ball smash onto the crossbar and cannon into the net.

"It was a wonder strike from Bobby. He's got two feet - I don't know which is his best and neither does he," said the Fulham boss. "Apart from his typically accomplished performance as a target man setting things up and working hard, his strike was of real quality."

He added: "We're now talking about a forward who has scored 14 goals in 31 starts. It's an excellent strike rate. I hope he can get over the 20-goal mark to crown his season."

Big-spending Shakhtar threatened to cut loose after Luiz Adriano equalised Gera's early opener, but Fulham rallied to give themselves a good chance of progressing in the competition ahead of next Thursday's second leg.

The Ukrainians, who fielded five Brazilians, played some wonderful football and threatened to overwhelm opponents fatigued by a punishing schedule.

But Fulham found a second wind after half-time and were helped by a superb stoppage-time save by Mark Schwarzer from Fernandinho.

"We're very happy to get victory against such a good team," said Hodgson. "It was a very exciting cup tie played in the right spirit and was very competitive. Both teams tried to pass the ball.

"I'm pleased to have taken such an important scalp. It's a big game for Fulham and we've come an awful long way.

"If someone had said to me during my first season here when we were battling to stay in the Premier League that we'd beat Shakhtar in a couple of years, I'd have thought they were taking the mickey. We've done it and are very proud of it."