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Friday Fulham Stuff (26.02.10)

Started by White Noise, February 25, 2010, 11:13:41 PM

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White Noise

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/feb/25/shakhtar-donetsk-fulham-europa-league


Famous win for Fulham as Brede Hangeland header sinks Shakhtar   

UEFA Europa League Round of 32 2nd Leg

Shakhtar Donetsk 1 Jadson 69 
Fulham 1 Hangeland 33 

Dave Middleton guardian.co.uk, Thursday 25 February 2010 20.36 GMT Article history
Fulham's Aaron Hughes, goalscorer Brede Hangeland, Dickson Etuhu and Stephen Kelly celebrate the club's first foray into the Europa League's last 16. Photograph: Matthew Childs/Action Images

Fulham enjoyed a famous night as they qualified for the last 16 of the Europa League thanks to a first-half headed goal against the run of play from Brede Hangeland that gave the Londoners a 3-2 aggregate win. The defender also starred at the opposite end of the pitch as Fulham withstood a determined Shakhtar Donetsk onslaught that saw tempers fray in the closing stages at the Donbass Arena.

Fulham's delight at eliminating last year's Uefa Cup holders and making the last 16 of the revamped competition for the first time in the club's history was soured by the red card shown to Danny Murphy in stoppage time, the midfielder's petulant kick at Darijo Srno coming moments after Shakhtar's Ilsinho had been booked for a vicious tackle on Damien Duff.

Shakhtar started full of vim and vigour and their five-strong Brazilian contingent were soon making sure the Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer was on his game early, forced to save a low shot from Luiz Adriano and acrobatically tip a long-range effort from Willian over the bar within the first three minutes.

As Fulham retreated under the early onslaught, the Australia international preserved the Londoner's aggregate advantage with a superb diving one-handed save to deny Fernandinho. Fulham's overworked keeper also had to block another low Willian drive midway through the first half.

It was all hands to the pump in the Fulham area with the striker Bobby Zamora hacking away a dangerous low centre before Schwarzer turned Yaroslav Rakitskiy's 30-yard shot round a post.

Having withstood the barrage, Fulham who the lead with their first attack of the night. Zamora won a free-kick down the right, Duff floated in the cross and centre-half Hangeland's glancing header beat a leaden-footed Shakhtar goalkeeper Andriy Pyatov.

That cancelled out Luiz Adriano's away goal seven days earlier at Craven Cottage, to the delight the 350 travelling fans.

Although Shakhtar continued to dominate Hangeland was imperious at the back, cutting out a driven centre from Razvan Rat with an immaculate first touch and getting his head onto just about everything else thrown at him.

Fulham were able to control possession for a brief spell to start the second half but the introduction of the 19-year-old Douglas Costa shortly before the hour mark upped Shaktar's tempo. Fulham struggled to cope with his pace but the Brazil Under-20 star's finishing left something to be desired, missing to the left and high when Fulham were stretched.

A switch the right brought almost immediate results. A piece of handy footwork wrong-footed Stephen Kelly and Douglas Costa's cross from the byline was turned in by Jádson.

Roy Hodgson would have feared the worst as Shakhtar pushed for a second goal that would have forced extra-time and hearts were in mouths with 10 minutes to go when a powerful curling shot struck by Yaroslav Rakitskiy had Schwarzer beaten but hit the side netting.

Fulham were survived a decent penalty shout for handball when a Douglas Costa shot was deflected off the elbow of Murphy. Zoltan Gera passed up another chance to put Fulham clear when he scuffed wide in the final minute when put clear, before the match became heated and Murphy was shown a red card.

White Noise

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/match/3099752

Shakhtar Donetsk v Fulham

Match facts

UEFA Europa League Round of 32 2nd Leg

Thursday 25 February 2010 18.00

  Score line 
Final score  Shakhtar Donetsk  1 – 1
(HT 0 – 1)
  Fulham 
Jadson 69
  Hangeland 33

Fulham win 3-2 on aggregate 
Aggregate Shakhtar Donetsk 2 – 3 Fulham
Bookings Ilsinho 90
  Gera 77

Sent off   Murphy 90

Shakhtar Donetsk's Percentage Fulham's Percentage
Corners 17 100%  0 0% 
Goal attempts 20 83%  4 17% 
On target 10 90%  1 10% 
Fouls 10 40%  15 60% 
Offside 2 66%  1 34% 

Shakhtar Donetsk Andriy Pyatov, Tomas Hubschmann (Konstyantyn Kravchenko, 46), Olexander Kucher, Razvan Rat, Yaroslav Rakytskyy, Fernando Luis Roza Fernandinho, Rodrigues da Silva Jadson, Pereira Dias Ilsinho, Borges da Silva Willian (de Souza Douglas Costa, 54), Darijo Srna, Souza de Silva Luiz Adriano (Olexandr Gladkiy, 76) 

Fulham Mark Schwarzer, Stephen Kelly, Brede Hangeland, Chris Baird, Aaron Hughes, Zoltan Gera, Danny Murphy, Damien Duff, Dickson Etuhu, Simon Davies (Bjorn Helge Riise, 89), Bobby Zamora (David Elm, 72) 

Referee Moen, SO

Venue RSK Olimpiyskyi

Attendance 47,509

White Noise

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/f/fulham/8537896.stm

Hodgson 'proud' of Euro triumph  


Roy Hodgson hailed his Fulham side's display after they knocked Uefa Cup holders Shakhtar Donetsk out of Europe.

Brede Hangeland's goal helped the Cottagers seal a place in the last 16 of the Europa League with a 1-1 draw in Ukraine and a 3-2 win on aggregate.

"It was one of those nights that the fans and everyone connected with Fulham can be very proud of," said Hodgson.

"We did marvellously well to score and then keep them at bay like we did, they are one of the best teams in Europe."

Shakhtar dominated the match before Hangeland's first-half header and Hodgson was full of praise for Fulham's opponents.

"Shakhtar showed what a good team they are. Their ability to pass and keep the ball is as good as I've seen in my 35-year career," said the 62-year-old.

The Fulham boss also described it as an "expensive night" after England hopeful Bobby Zamora went off with an Achilles injury and Danny Murphy was sent off.

"Hopefully it doesn't start to catch up with us further down the road, for now we'll just enjoy the splendour of the occasion," said Hodgson.

The injury will not help Zamora's chances of earning a call-up from England manager Fabio Capello.

The 29-year-old former West Ham, Tottenham and Brighton striker has scored 15 goals in all competitions this season.



White Noise

http://goal.com/en/news/166/europa-league/2010/02/25/1807659/player-ratings-shakhtar-donetsk-1-1-fulham-agg-2-3

Player Ratings: Shakhtar Donetsk 1-1 Fulham (agg 2-3)


By Steve Alexander


Feb 25, 2010 8:55:00 PM

SHAKHTAR DONETSK

Andriy Payatov - 6 - Was a spectator for most of the game and had very little to do. Could do nothing about the goal from Brede Hangeland.

Darijo Srna - 6.5 - Got forward all night down the right-hand side, causing Chris Baird problems, but the Croatian's final ball was often wasteful and he failed to create any chances for his team.

Olexsander Kucher - 6.5 - Was not really tested, as he only had to deal with the threat of Bobby Zamora for most of the game. Often had time to bring the ball out from the back.

Yaroslav Rakytskyy - 6 - Looked unconvincing at set-pieces and was beaten in the air by Hangeland for the Fulham goal. Pushed further forward as the game progressed, as his side searched for the winning goal and had a couple of close efforts at goal.

Razvan Dinca Rat - 5.5 - Played almost as a left winger getting forward well and pinning Stephen Kelly back, although his final ball was poor and he created very little.

Tomas Hubschmann - 5 - Sat in front of the back four and did the simple things well. He offered no attacking threat however, and was taken off at half-time.

Fernandinho - 7 - Got the better of Dickson Etuhu and Danny Murphy in midfield, getting forward well to support his strikers. Had a great effort saved by Mark Schwarzer in the first half and often looked dangerous.

Ilsinho - 7 - Looked very comfortable on the ball in the first half and linked up well with Luiz Adriano. The Brazilian failed to get involved as much as he would have liked in the second half though and got booked for a rash tackle on Damien Duff late on.

Jadson - 7.5 - Was in and out of the game all night. The striker failed to get involved in the first half but was a danger after the break and finished well for the equalising goal. He should have done better with a chance late on, which he fired wide.

Willian - 7.5 - Showed some great touches and looked dangerous running with the ball cutting in from the left hand side. He tested Schwarzer on a couple of occasions in the first half and looked most likely to create a chance for his side, before picking up an injury early in the second half and being replaced by Douglas Costa.

Luiz Adriano - 7 - Held the ball up well, but wasn't involved in the game as often as he should have been. He was given little time and space by Hangeland and Aaron Hughes and was replaced with 15 minutes remaining.

Substitutes

Konstantin Kravchenko - 5.5 - Sat in front of the back four and had little impact on the game in the second half, firing a shot wildly over the bar with his side desperately searching for a goal.

Douglas Costa - 7.5 - Replaced Willian for his home debut shortly after half time and looked a similar sort of player. He had a great run down the left beating three Fulham players, showing his pace and playing a dangerous ball in. He set up the Shakhtar goal after another fantastic run and cross for Jadson.

Oleksandr Gladkyy - 5.5 - Came on for Luiz Adriano with around 15 minutes left but failed to get involved in the game.

FULHAM

Mark Schwarzer - 8 - The Australian made some good saves early on from Willian and Fernandinho and a couple of saves in the second half, which he dealt with comfortably. Could do nothing about the goal.

Chris Baird - 8 - Didn't get forward often enough, as he had to cope with Willian and then Douglas Costa. He defended well though and looked stronger as the game went on.

Brede Hangeland - 9 - Won everything in the air all night and kept Luiz Adriano extremeley quiet. The defender got the crucial away goal, rising well and directing the ball into the bottom corner of the net. Outstanding performance.

Aaron Hughes - 8.5 - Great partnership with Hangeland at the back, breaking up several attacks when Shakhtar tried to play through the defence.

Stephen Kelly - 7.5 - Failed to get forward much but dealt well with the threat from Srna down the right. He grew in confidence as the game went on although he was beaten easily by Costa for Shakhtar goal.

Damien Duff - 6.5 - Spent most of the evening helping out Baird defensively in first half. Had a quiet game but provided the crucial cross for Hangeland's goal.

Danny Murphy - 5.5 - Never really gained control of the midfield and was often over-run. He worked hard but tired in the second half after seeing very little of the ball. He lost his head late on was sent off in the last minute for stupidly kicking out.

Dickson Etuhu - 6 - Battled hard throughout the game, but was over-run in midfield although he cut out a number of Shakhtar attacks.

Simon Davies - 6.5 - Was never in the game with the ball but helped out well defensively breaking up the play. He didn't have much of the ball but worked hard and was replaced with a couple of minutes left, after his legs had tired.

Zoltan Gera - 5 - Had an ineffective night and gave the ball away needlessy at times. He didn't support Zamora as often as he would have liked but had a great chance late on, which he hit wide.

Bobby Zamora - 7 - Worked hard up front by himself all night, getting very little service or support. He did a crucial job for the team trying to hold the ball up but got very tired towards the end of game and was replaced with 20 minutes to go.

Substitutes

David Elm - 6.5 - Replaced Zamora with 20 minutes left and tried to hold the ball up with little support. He did well to keep possession late on to run down the clock.

Bjorn Helge Riise - N/A - Came on with two minutes remaining but had no chance to make any impact on the game.

White Noise

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/8534385.stm


Shakhtar Donetsk   1 - 1   Fulham (agg 2 - 3)



By Kevin Darling 


Fulham produced a backs-to-the-wall display to seal a famous Europa League win against Uefa Cup holders Shakhtar.

The Ukrainian side dominated before Brede Hangeland headed in Damien Duff's free-kick with Fulham's first chance.

Jadson swept home an equaliser from 12 yards after great work from Douglas Costa on the right-hand side.

Danny Murphy was sent off for kicking out at Darijo Srna late on but Fulham held on to set up a mouth-watering last-16 clash against Juventus.

It was a resilient, if not pretty, performance from Roy Hodgson's men against the side who won the competition last season in its previous guise as the Uefa Cup.

But the hardy Fulham fans who travelled to near-freezing Donetsk will care little about the manner of a triumph that should be classed among the finest in the club's history.

Shakhtar had not played since the first leg, because of the Ukrainian league's winter break, but showed no signs of rustiness as they began the game in electric fashion.

With five Brazilians in the hosts' team, the South American influence was plain to see from the slick one-touch passing that left Fulham chasing shadows from the first whistle.

Cottagers' keeper Schwarzer could have guessed he would be in for a busy evening when he was tested by Luiz Adriano's drive after just 45 seconds.

The Australian keeper was forced to make an even better stop moments later when he tipped Willian's rasping 30-yard effort over the bar.

Jadson then dragged a shot wastefully wide after being perfectly teed up by Srna before Fernandinho's long-range strike was palmed away by Schwarzer as the visitors barely made it out of their own half.

Fulham's defenders were finally given a breather when Bobby Zamora won a free-kick near the opponents' corner flag, and it brought a goal that could not have been more against the run of play.

Duff whipped the set-piece into the danger area and Hangeland rose highest in the area to nod the ball past the flat-footed Andrei Pyatov to deliver a classic sucker punch for the visitors.

The goal seemed to breathe confidence into the west Londoners, who began passing the ball around for the first time, while Shakhtar looked shell-shocked.

Fulham continued to look comfortable after the break and restricted the hosts to long-range efforts. The introduction of a sixth Brazilian, the pacy Douglas Costa, gave the hosts added impetus and he immediately drilled a sizzling shot just over from 20 yards.

Fulham then had a great chance for a second goal on the counter-attack when Zamora burst clear down the right-hand side - but he released a poor final ball that was just behind the onrushing Zoltan Gera.

Fulham were left to rue the missed opening minutes later when two Brazilians combined to drag Shakhtar back into the tie.

Douglas Costa outwitted Stephen Kelly with a stepover, raced to the bye-line and cut the ball back for Jadson to sweep past Schwarzer from 12 yards.

Fulham's problems increased when top scorer Zamora was taken off with an Achilles problem that could potentially deprive him of a first England call-up against Egypt next week.

The Cottagers' defence readied themselves for the inevitable onslaught in the closing stages, but Shakhtar continually attempted to intricately pass their way through Fulham's back four and clear-cut chances were at a premium.

Rakitskiy unleashed a 25-yard volley that was well held by Schwarzer, and Jadson's shot was unintentionally charged down by the elbow of Chris Baird.

But it was Fulham who had the best opportunity of the closing stages when Gera ran free on the break only to slide his effort inches wide with just the keeper to beat.

As tensions flared in injury time, Murphy lashed out at Srna with an off-the-ball trip to earn himself a needless straight red card.

But there was no time for Shakhtar to take advantage and Fulham sealed a place in the last 16 of a European competition for the first time.


Live text and stats


Thursday, 25 February 2010

Europa League

Home Team Score Away Team Time
S. Donetsk 1-1 Fulham R
(HT 0-1)
(agg 2-3)
Jadson 69
  Hangeland 33
 

Hide team line-ups and match stats
Shakhtar Donetsk
30 Pyatov
03 Hubschman (Kravchenko 46)
05 Kucher
26 Rat
44 Rakitskiy
07 Fernandinho
08 Jadson
11 Ilsinhoyellow card
22 Willian (Douglas Costa 54)
33 Srna
17 Luiz Adriano (Gladkyy 76)
Substitutes
60 Tetenko, 18 Lewandowski, 32 Ischenko, 19 Gai, 20 Douglas Costa, 23 Kravchenko, 21 Gladkyy Fulham
01 Schwarzer
02 Kelly
05 Hangeland
06 Baird
18 Hughes
11 Gerayellow card
13 Murphyred card
16 Duff
20 Etuhu
29 Davies (Riise 89)
25 Zamora (Elm 72)
Substitutes
19 Zuberbuhler, 26 Smalling, 44 Marsh-Brown, 17 Riise, 27 Greening, 10 Nevland, 35 Elm Ref: Oddvar Moen
Att: 47,509
S. DONETSKFULHAMPossession
S. Donetsk 50% Fulham 50% Attempts on target
S. Donetsk 9 Fulham 2 Attempts off target
S. Donetsk 10 Fulham 2 Corners
S. Donetsk 17 Fulham 0 Fouls
S. Donetsk 7 Fulham 8

White Noise

http://goal.com/en/news/596/exclusive/2010/02/25/1807694/fulham-usa-midfielder-clint-dempsey-backs-on-fire-bobby


Fulham & USA Midfielder Clint Dempsey Backs 'On Fire' Bobby Zamora For England

Demps also expects March return from injury and can't wait for World Cup

Feb 25, 2010 9:57:00 PM

By Amar Singh

Fulham and USA star Clint Dempsey today backed his in-form team-mate Bobby Zamora to earn an England call-up.

The 26 year-old winger said that Zamora's is "on fire" and described the striker's decision to turn down representing Trinidad & Tobago as a "blessing in disguise" for England.

Speaking to Goal.com UK, Dempsey, who confirmed that he could return from his ligament injury lay-off as early as mid-March, said: "I think Bobby is on fire at the moment. Maybe it's a blessing in disguise that he didn't go and play for Trinidad."

A number of players and pundits have called on England manager Fabio Capello to pick Bobby Zamora for next week's friendly against Egypt with the 29-year-old striker netting 15 times for his club this season.

On the night Fulham enjoyed a famous win against UEFA cup holders Shakhtar Donetsk, Dempsey praised Zamora and his club manager Roy Hodgson.

"Roy Hodgson has done well," he said. "He has changed things around for us. The whole coaching staff and deserve credit and some of the key players have really stepped up.

"It's great at Fulham. I have been here for three years and feel I have progressed each year on the pitch and my stats."

Dempsey, a key player for the USA national team, said he is looking forward to meeting England in their first group match at the 2010 World Cup, on June 12 in Rustenberg.

When asked whether keeping Wayne Rooney would be the key to defeating Fabio Capello's team, Dempsey said: "You have to focus on all the players. England have a very talented side and have more weapons than just one.

"We will have to play compact against England and limit the chances they create."

"You know when you play internationally it is different then when you play in a club. It's about coming together quickly and getting on the same page. In club football, you have the whole year to focus together.

Dempsey declined to comment on England's off the pitch woes following the announcement by Wayne Bridge that he was quitting international football, in the aftermath of a sex scandal involving his child's mother and John Terry. 

"The Wayne Bridge thing is a crazy one but that's an issue that England have to deal with," he insisted. "I don't like to talk about anyone's business."

Dempsey added that he was focusing on his comeback from a knee injury.

"It's going well, I am back running now. They project I will be back playing in mid-March," he said.

"I am looking forward to the World Cup. I have been fortunate in all my competitions. I was able to score at the last World Cup I was able to play well in the Confederations Cup. I have had good seasons since I have been here.

"I think I have been very consistent and hopefully I can take that form into the World Cup."


White Noise

http://hammyend.com/?p=5659

Fulham to face Juventus


by Dan on February 25, 2010

It's Juventus in the next round for Fulham after the Italian giants secured their passage to the last 16 of the Europa League with a dreary draw against Ajax in Turin. Alberto Zaccheroni's side progress 2-1 on aggregate.

Fulham will travel to Italy for the first leg on March 11 and the tie will be concluded the following week at Craven Cottage.

White Noise

http://hammyend.com/?p=5657

Hodgson marvels at 'wonderful' win


by Dan on February 25, 2010

Roy Hodgson was full of praise for his battling Fulham side after they grabbed a draw against Shakhtar Donetsk to progress to the last sixteen of the Europa League.

Hodgson's charges had the audacity to take the lead at the Donbass Arena through Brede Hangeland and held on to knock out the UEFA Cup holders despite an equaliser from Jadson.

It has been a wonderful night for the club. Shakhtar showed what a good team they are. Their ability to pass and keep the ball is as good as I've seen in my 35-year career.

I don't like to compare nights, but it's yet another marvellous night along the way and great credit to the team. I really enjoyed the night and the performance but I still hope there'll be some more good nights to come. I'll wait until I retire to discuss which were the great moments and which were the lesser moments.

The only thing that marred the evening was the sending-off of Danny Murphy, who had a very good game and will now miss the next game. I thought it was a bad foul on Damien Duff and I was angry he fouled him in that way, but if ever you let your emotions get the better of you it's not good and inexcusable and I made my excuses to the referee.

Sometimes things happen to make the red mist fall, but I'm thankful no further damage has been done.

White Noise

http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2010/02/25/shakhtar-donetsk-1-1-fulham-2-3-on-aggregate-fulham-go-through/

Shakhtar Donetsk 1-1 Fulham (2-3 on aggregate) (Fulham go through)


Filed under: Match info — weltmeisterclaude @ 9:46 pm

"I can't tell you how I feel.  My heart is like a wheel..."

Fulham have beaten the Europa League champions, Shakhtar Donetsk.  Over two legs.

The 2-1 first leg lead was always going to be tested tonight, but my word how the team battled.   Shakhtar piled on the pressure, racking up the shots and the corners, but there were always white bodies around and Mark Schwarzer in goal to beat things away.   Hangeland and Hughes were at their repellant best, and the famed Hodgson organisation once more trumped the fancy football of our illustrious opponents.   That's the way to do it.

In all these European games the away goal is central to everything.  Shakhtar got one at our place so, if we were to go through, we'd need one there.   This felt unlikely before the game, but as time marched on there grew a sense that we could just nick something.   Soon enough a Damian Duff free-kick whizzed onto the head of Brede Hangeland, who nodded the ball beyond the unmoved goalkeeper to make it 1-0.

Moments later the TV people gave us a shot count:  Shakhtar 11-1 Fulham.  It felt slightly underhand for us to be ahead.

But there's no sense apologising for these things. Shakhtar were blasting balls at Schwarzer's goal like an old lady spending her pension money on scratchcards: certainly the potential gain is attractive, is this really the best approach, given the situation?   Fulham held the game in a strange kind of control.

We knew that Shakhtar would score eventually, it was just a case of when, and what would happen after that.  The turning point (such that it was) saw Douglas Costa introduced.  He promptly beat several Fulham players in one dribble and suggested much danger lay ahead.   Douglas Costa (I am assuming this to be his full name) was popping up everywhere, and eventually had the nous to have a crack at our third choice left back (heretofore putting in another admirable shift, it must be said).  The Brazilian dummied and hurtled around Kelly, cut the ball back to a teammate, and before we knew it the ball was in the net.

Would Fulham survive?   David Elm replaced the tiring Zamora and Fulham did all that they could to keep the ball away from trouble.  Zoltan Gera missed a Geoff Hurst style counter-attack chance, shooting *just* wide when he could have wrapped things up, but Shakhtar still couldn't find an answer.   As time ran down Danny Murphy was sent off for hacking at a Shakhtar player in a nothing position (a decision Murphy and everyone else will regret bitterly) but soon enough the final whistle had blown.

Erm.  Bloody hell.  We've just beaten Shakhtar Donetsk.  Juventus await.


White Noise

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11681_5981023,00.html

Hodgson hails 'wonderful' win


Cottagers boss proud of players following rousing display


Last updated: 25th February 2010   


Roy Hodgson had nothing but praise for his players following a 1-1 draw in Donetsk that secured Fulham's progression to the last 16 of the Europa League.

It took a monumental effort in the Ukraine for Fulham to repeatedly repel wave after wave of attacks from a stylish and talented Shakhtar Donetsk side.

Brede Hangeland headed in against the run of play in the first half and Fulham, 2-1 up from the first leg, made it through despite Jadson's strike for Shakhtar levelling the game on the night.

Shakhtar, the 2009 Uefa Cup winners, were sent spinning out as Fulham's European adventure took them further than they have been in their history in the revamped competition.

Hodgson said: "It has been a wonderful night for the club.

"Shakhtar showed what a good team they are. Their ability to pass and keep the ball is as good as I've seen in my 35-year career.

"I don't like to compare nights, but it's yet another marvellous night along the way and great credit to the team.

"I really enjoyed the night and the performance but I still hope there'll be some more good nights to come.

"I'll wait until I retire to discuss which were the great moments and which were the lesser moments."

The only blot on what was an otherwise memorable night was Danny Murphy's late and unnecessary sending off in the game's dying stages.

"The only thing that marred the evening was the sending-off of Danny Murphy, who had a very good game and will now miss the next game," added Hodgson, who also apologised for his touchline rant after a foul by Douglas on Duff.

"I thought it was a bad foul on Damien Duff and I was angry he fouled him in that way, but if ever you let your emotions get the better of you it's not good and inexcusable and I made my excuses to the referee.

"Sometimes things happen to make the red mist fall, but I'm thankful no further damage has been done."

Hodgson also saw Bobby Zamora limp off with an Achilles injury and rated the striker doubtful for Sunday's trip to Sunderland.

White Noise

http://www.skysports.com/football/match_report/0,19764,11065_3227701,00.html

Fulham claim Shakhtar scalp


Hangeland header decides matters in Ukraine


Last updated: 25th February 2010   


A herculean performance from Fulham in the Ukraine ensured their qualification to the last 16 of the Europa League, as they held Shakhtar Donetsk to a 1-1 draw which saw them progress 3-2 on aggregate.

It was a backs to the wall effort for Roy Hodgson's side for much of what was the most engrossing of encounters, with Brede Hangeland's first half header setting the foundations for a result that will raise eyebrows across Europe.

Uefa Cup holders Shakhtar are as pleasing on the eye as perhaps any in the competition but Fulham, who played some excellent football themselves, refused to be daunted amid fevered and partisan Donetsk support.

Mark Schwarzer was inspired in Fulham's goal but could do little to repel Rodrigues Jadson's sharply taken leveller on the night that made for a frenetic and compelling final twenty minutes.

Some hairy moments ensued for the Cottagers but not even Danny Murphy's late red card, following an uncharacteristic rush of blood to the head, could spoil what was a magnificent night for the West London outfit.

Sharp Shakhtar

Shakhtar, who had Luiz Adriano's away goal to show for their efforts in the first leg at Craven Cottage, were quickly into their stride with their five-strong Brazilian contingent looking sharp.

In the first minute Adriano fired in a low shot which was comfortably dealt with by Schwarzer.

The Fulham goalkeeper was called into more serious action when he tipped a long-range effort from Willian over the crossbar with just three minutes gone.

Adriano should have done better with an attempted curler moments later before, with the visitors retreating deeper and deeper, Schwarzer kept his side on level terms with a superb diving one-handed save to deny Fernandinho.

Fulham's overworked keeper then had to block another low Willian drive midway through the first half.

It was all hands to the pump in the Fulham area with striker Bobby Zamora hacking a dangerous low centre clear before Schwarzer scrambled Yaroslav Rakitsky's 30-yarder round a post.

But having stood up to the barrage, incredibly it was Fulham who took the lead with their first attack of the night.

After 33 minutes Zamora won a free-kick down the right, Damien Duff floated in the cross and Hangeland's glancing header beat the motionless Shakhtar goalkeeper Andriy Pyatov.

It cancelled out Adriano's strike seven days earlier, to the delight of 350 hardy travelling fans, and meant Shakhtar needed to score twice to stay in the tie.

The hosts were straight back on the attack after the break and Adriano headed captain Darijo Srna's cross into the arms of Schwarzer.

But although Shakhtar continued to dominate Hangeland was imperious at the back, cutting out a driven centre from Razvan Rat with an immaculate first touch and getting his head onto just about everything else thrown at him.

Frustration

With frustration growing in the home ranks, substitute Douglas blazed an ambitious 25-yarder high over Schwarzer's crossbar.

The Cottagers had a chance to kill off the tie when a rare counter-attack saw Zamora break clear down the right but his square cross, towards an unmarked Zoltan Gera, was cut out by defender Olexander Kucher.

And the moment Fulham feared came in the 69th minute when Douglas reached the byline and pulled the ball back for Jadson to sweep past Schwarzer to level the match on the night.

Fulham hearts were in their mouths with 10 minutes to go when a vicious curler from defender Rakitsky thundered into the side-netting.

Then Douglas' shot was deflected wide off Murphy with Shakhtar screaming for handball.

Gera passed up another chance to put Fulham clear when he scuffed wide in the final minute, before Murphy was shown a red card for kicking out at Srna moments before the final whistle.


Shakhtar Donetsk
Team Statistics
Fulham

1 Goals
1

0 1st Half Goals
1

10 Shots on Target
1

10 Shots off Target
3

4 Blocked Shots
2

17 Corners
0

10 Fouls
15

2 Offsides
1

1 Yellow Cards
1

0 Red Cards
1

84.4 Passing Success
73.6

17 Tackles
19

82.4 Tackles Success
89.5

63.9 Possession
36.1

65.1 Territorial Advantage
34.9



White Noise

http://www.skysports.com/football/user_ratings/0,19768,11065_3227701,00.html

Fulham Player ratings 

Player Our Rating Your Rating Rate player


Mark Schwarzer  8 8.1  Rate 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 
Brede Hangeland  8 8.3  Rate 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 
Aaron Hughes  7 7.9  Rate 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 
Stephen Kelly  5 7.0  Rate 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 
Chris Baird  7 6.8  Rate 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 
Danny Murphy  6 7.1  Rate 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 
Simon Davies  6 6.7  Rate 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 
Dickson Etuhu  6 6.5  Rate 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 
Bobby Zamora  6 7.4  Rate 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 
Damien Duff  6 7.9  Rate 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 
Zoltan Gera  6 7.9  Rate 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 


White Noise

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/premierleague/fulham/7318315/Shakhtar-Donetsk-1-Fulham-1-agg-2-3-match-report.html


Shakhtar Donetsk 1 Fulham 1; agg 2-3: match report


Read a full match report of the Uefa Europa League second leg game between Shakhtar Donetsk and Fulham at the Donbass Arena, Donestsk, Ukraine on Thursday Feb 25 2010.

By John Ley in Donetsk


Published: 8:03PM GMT 25 Feb 2010


Fulham recorded one of the greatest results in their history when they knocked holders Shakhtar Donetsk out of the Europa League and moved into the last sixteen of the competition.

Brede Hangeland's first half goal gave Fulham a 3-1 aggregate advantage and though Jadson responded in the 70th minute, Roy Hodgson's team held out to book a place against Juventus or Ajax.

Sport on television But the one disappointment was a red card shown to Danny Murphy in added time for kicking out agt Darijo Srno, but the decision left manager Roy Hodgson fuming.

Whenever Shakhtar attacked the roar from the crowd was spine-tingling. Having won the Uefa Cup last season, the Ukrainians were determined to maintain their challenge for the latest version.

Proof of their determination to cancel Fulham's slender advantage quickly came when Luiz Adriano, whose goal at Craven Cottage gave Shakhtar hope, tested goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer with a tame effort inside the first minute.

The next threat was more dangerous with another Brazilian, Willian, unleashing a potentially threatened 30 yard drive which forced Schwarzer to save well, parrying the ball over the bar.

The fever-pitch atmosphere in this magnificent arena increased further as Shakhtar continued to press and Fulham were relieved when Jadson side-footed a good chance wide of the target.

And after Luiz Adriano squandered another opportunity, Schwarzer made an even more impressive save, the Australian arching to his right to deny what looked a certain goal, from Fernandinho.

As they showed in London, Shakhtar are slick and quick with five Brazilians dictating the frenzied pace of this absorbing contest.

Even Bobby Zamora, who scorfed the vital winner at Craven Cottage, was forced to help out in defence as Fulham faced a barrage of orange and black attacks.

Shakhtar forced their 11th goal attempt when Schwarzer saved again, from Razvan Rat, as early as the 27th minute to highlight the home side's total dominance.

Fulham rarely ventured into the Shakhtar half but on a rare foray it was wasted, with Chris Baird failing to control Danny Murphy's clever cross-field delivery.

Yet Fulham, so typically this season, overcame adversity to stun the home crowd when, in the 33rd minute, they took the lead, claiming a valuable away goal and extending their advantage to 3-1 on aggregate.

Zamora won a free-kick on the right and from Damien Duff's perfect delivery Hangeland flicked his header into find the top corner to claim only his second goal of the season, following his first in the group stages against Roma.

By half time, Shakhtar had forced 11 corners and forced 14 goal attempts to Fulham's two but the Premier League side were just 45 minutes from an outstanding achievement.

Shakhtar made two early changes and still they attacked, with Schwarzer saving again from Luiz Adriano.

One of the newcomers, Douglas Costa, tested Fulham's resolve further with a darting run into the area but his cross was cut out by Aaron Hughes before the substitute fired another attempt over.

In the 65th minute Fulham could have added a second when Duff fed Zamora, but his cross for Zoltan Gera was cut out by a defender.

Schwarzer was almost caught out by a dipping 40 yard effort from Yaroslav Rakitskiy, but the goalkeeper still managed to save.

The pressure eventually told, in the 70th minute, when Douglas fed Jadson and he found the bottom corner, and the Donbass Arena burst into life, with Shakhtar chasing a second goal.

But Fulham frustrated Shakhtar until the end to claim a remarkable result.

White Noise

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/fulham/article7041686.ece

Fulham hold firm to knock out holders Shakhtar Donetsk


Shakhtar Donetsk 1 Fulham 1 (agg 2-3)


Fulham cannot lay claim to many glorious European nights in their history, but a short list is growing longer by the game.

The Premier League side, ambivalent about the merits of the Europa League in its early stages, are now fully paid-up members of its fan club. Fulham produced a terrifically stubborn display last night to oust Shakhtar Donetsk and have advanced deeper into a continental competition than ever before.

Danny Murphy was dismissed in stoppage time and his absence will certainly be felt in the round of 16 when Fulham face either Juventus or Ajax. However, coping without his influential captain in a glamour tie in the next round is a situation that Roy Hodgson might have settled for.

The virtues that have served Fulham so well domestically — solidity, organisation, determination — are proving a recipe for success in Europe as well. Hodgson, the Fulham manager, had named the same team that had beaten Shakhtar 2-1 at Craven Cottage last week.

This was just about the toughest task that Fulham could have faced: a second leg away to the last winners of this tournament in its previous guise as the Uefa Cup.

Predictions that this would be a severe test were borne out by a first 30 minutes in which the visiting team must have felt tempted to break out the bunting whenever they advanced beyond the halfway line. As so often, though, a single set-piece proved more valuable than oceans of possession.

In the 33rd minute, Fulham profited from the dubious award of a free kick. Damien Duff's cross from the right was terrific and Brede Hangeland glanced the ball beyond Andriy Pyatov. It was Fulham's first proper attack.

After that, Hodgson's side repelled the many subsequent Shakhtar attempts on goal. The statistics are eloquent: Shakhtar had 16 corners to Fulham's none and 24 attempts on goal to Fulham's four. Quite a tribute to the away team's resilience.

They were breached midway through the second half, however, and it set up a tense final quarter. Douglas Costa, a substitute, bamboozled Stephen Kelly, dribbled to the byline, pulled the ball back and Jadson was in space to level the scores on the night. Shakhtar needed another to take the tie to extra time, but Fulham held their discipline until late.

Evidently angered by a brutal challenge on Duff by Ilsinho that even drew the ire of the normally placid Hodgson, Murphy senselessly lunged at Darijo Srna as the ball went out for a goal kick. The red mist was followed by a red card.

Shakhtar Donetsk (4-2-3-1): A Pyatov — D Srna, O Kucher, Y Rakitskiy, R D Rat — T Hubschman (sub: K Kravchenko, 46min), L Fernandinho — Ilsinho, R Jadson, Willian (sub: Douglas Costa, 53) — Luiz Adriano (sub: O Gladky, 76). Substitutes not used: A Tetenko, M Lewandowski, O Gai, M Ischenko. Booked: Ilsinho.

Fulham (4-4-1-1): M Schwarzer — C Baird, B Hangeland, A Hughes, S Kelly — D Duff, D Murphy, D Etuhu, S Davies (sub: B H Riise, 89) — Z Gera — R Zamora (sub: D Elm, 72). Substitutes not used: P Zuberbühler, E Nevland, C Smalling, J Greening, K Marsh-Brown. Booked: Gera. Sent off: Murphy.

Referee: S Moen (Norway).

White Noise


Shakhtar 1 Fulham 1

From ANDREW DILLON in Donetsk


(Fulham win 3-2 on aggregate)

Published: 25 Feb 2010

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BREDE HANGELAND was immense in every sense as Fulham came to Ukrainian mining country and dug out an amazing result.

The defender's goal put the tie beyond Shakhtar's reach and he marshalled a defence which let its guard slip just once against an onslaught.

But there were heroes all over the pitch for boss Roy Hodgson's side as they reached the last 16 with a 3-2 aggregate win.

Keeper Mark Schwarzer pulled off five stunning saves during a first 45 minutes in which the holders Shakhtar pummelled the Londoners with 12 shots and 10 corners.

Midfielders Danny Murphy and Dickson Etuhu threw themselves at everything as a shield in front of the back four and striker Bobby Zamora ran himself into the ground.

And then there is boss Hodgson, who masterminded arguably the Cottagers' finest night without either of his first-choice full-backs and an injured £10million striker in Andrew Johnson.

The fact that Fulham are into the last 16 of a European competition for the first time is of little consequence to Hodgson.

So is the fact that the Ukrainian giants have beaten both Arsenal and Tottenham in European ties in recent years.

Hodgson still views three Premier League points as the priority as opposed to the Europa League.

But even the mild-mannered manager was moved by the night and the passion of his side's performance.

Hangeland glanced home Damien Duff's 33rd-minute free-kick and Fulham - a team which has not won an away match in the league since August 15 - were ahead until Brazilian midfielder Jadson poked in from close range with 69 minutes gone.

Tempers frayed as the clock ticked down and Hodgson picked on the wrong man by ranting from the dugout at sub Douglas Costa for a foul on Duff.

Hodgson, 62, had to be held back by the fourth official and was still fuming at the final whistle.

Skipper Murphy also paid the price with an injury-time red card for lashing out at Shakhtar captain Darijo Srna.

Fulham will not appeal against Murphy's sending off which means he misses the first leg of the next round.

Striker Zamora also suffered for his punishing work-rate by picking up an Achilles tendon injury which is likely to keep him out of Sunday's trip to Sunderland - giving Hodgson another headache.

By the end, Shakhtar had amassed 24 efforts on goal compared to Fulham's four. But it was the one Hangeland scored that made the difference.


DREAM TEAM

STAR MAN - MARK SCHWARZER (Fulham)


Fulham: Schwarzer 9, Baird 6, Kelly 6, Hughes 7, Hangeland 8, Duff 7, Davies 7 (Riise 6), Etuhu 8, Murphy 8, Gera 7, Zamora 8 (Elm 5). Subs not used: Zuberbuhler, Smalling, Marsh-Brown, Greening, Nevland. Booked: Gera. Sent off: Murphy.

Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/2868717/Shakhtar-1-Fulham-1.html?OTC-RSS&ATTR=Football#ixzz0gcalVYPb


White Noise

No holding Shakh from Roy

SHAKH 'N AWE ... Roy lets rip after a tasty tackle on Duff


From ANDREW DILLON in Donetsk

Published: Today

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ROY HODGSON had to apologise to the referee as Fulham made it to the Europa League's last 16.

Boss Hodgson was restrained by the fourth official during an outburst over Shakhtar's tactics.

He said: "It was a bad foul on Damien Duff by Costa and I was angry. It's not good if you let your emotions get the better of you, it's inexcusable.

"I made my excuses to ref Svein Oddvar Moen. Sometimes, the red mist falls but I'm thankful no further damage has been done.

"I want to apologise. It's been a wonderful night for the club only marred by Danny Murphy's sending off."

Skipper Murphy misses the tie with Juventus after seeing red in injury time for lashing out at Darijo Srna.

Furious Shakhtar boss Mircea Lucescu said: "I don't like the ref. He's Norwegian and that's not right. Fulham have Norwegians and at the end they were hugging."



Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/2869346/No-holding-Shakh-from-Roy.html?OTC-RSS&ATTR=Football#ixzz0gcbRtPz7

White Noise

Shakhtar Donetsk 1 Fulham 1: Roy Hodgson's heroes rewarded with Juventus clash

By Sportsmail Reporter Last updated at 1:16 AM on 26th February 2010

Fulham pulled off their greatest result in European competition last night to set up a last-16 clash with the mighty Juventus.

However, their success was marred by an injury-time red card for Danny Murphy, who was judged to have kicked out at right back Darijo Srna by the corner flag.

The midfielder will miss at least the first leg against the Italian giants, who later in the evening saw off Ajax thanks to a goalless draw which earned a 2-1 aggregate win.

Roy Hodgson hailed Shakhtar as the best side he had faced in 35 years of management, but his troops thwarted the UEFA Cup holders thanks to stunning defensive performances from centre-half Brede Hangeland and goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer.

Hangeland was also the hero at the other end, heading a 33rd-minute goal against the run of play that Shakhtar never quite recovered from.

Jadson pulled one back with 21 minutes to play, but Fulham held on, restricting the home side to mostly long-range efforts and taking advantage of a 2-1 lead from the first leg.

But Bobby Zamora, who pushed his England claims with a hard-working performance as an often isolated lone striker, may have lost his chance of being called up by Fabio Capello by aggravating an achilles injury that forced him off with 18 minutes to play.

'This Shakhtar team is as good as any team I have come across in 35 years, and perhaps over two games, they may feel they deserved to win,' said Hodgson.

It has been a wonderful night for the club. Shakhtar showed what a good team they are; their ability to pass and keep the ball is as good as I've seen.

'Most of the testing came from long shots, which was a credit to us. The only thing that marred the evening was the sending-off.'

Fulham will not appeal the decision, but the normally placid Hodgson did lose his rag after a hard challenge minutes before left Damien Duff floored.

Ilsinho was booked and Hodgson appeared to lay into the wrong man - impressive substitute Douglas Costa - for which he apologised.

This was supposed to have been a night when a Shakhtar victory followed Donetsk celebrating the inauguration of local man Viktor Yanukovych as the country's president.

A pre-match poll on the club's website had asked not if Shakhtar would win, but by which scenario.

Both clubs put out the same line-ups as in the first legs and Shakhtar started at a frantic pace. Neither of Fulham's English left backs could stake their claim to replace Wayne Bridge in Fabio Capello's thoughts, with Paul Konchesky still out with an ankle injury and on-loan Nicky Shorey not part of the UEFA squad.

While they could have been accused of trying to walk the ball into the net a week before, this time they set about peppering Schwarzer's goal from distance as soon as they got sight.

MATCH FACTS

SHAKHTAR DONETSK (4-2-3-1):
Pyatov 5; Srna 6, Kucher 6, Rakitskiy 5,
Rat 5; Hubschman 6 (Kravchenko 46min, 6) Fernandinho 6; Ilsinho 7, Jadson 7, Willian 7 (Douglas Costa 53, 7); Luiz Adriano 5 (Gladkiy 76). Booked: Ilsinho.

FULHAM (4-4-1-1): Schwarzer 8; Baird 6,
Hughes, 6 Hangeland 8, Kelly 6; Duff 7,
Murphy 6, Etuhu 5, Davies 5 (Riise 89);
Gera 5; Zamora 7 (Elm 72, 6).
Booked: Gera. Sent off: Murphy.
Man of the match: Mark Schwarzer.
Referee: Svein Oddvar Moen (Nor).

By half an hour in, they had racked up 11 shots and nine corners, but it was Fulham who took the lead with their first meaningful attack.

Zamora won a free-kick down the right, Murphy crossed it in and Hangeland nodded in only his third Fulham goal from eight yards.

The crowd of almost 50,000 were silenced and Shakhtar struggled to retain their composure, seeming to get in their way and firing increasingly poor long-range efforts as the break approached.

The Ukrainians were better after boss Mircea Lucescu had got at them, but Fulham's defence - Hangeland in particular - blocked everything thrown at them Shakhtar improved with the introduction of Douglas Costa, who fashioned the equaliser by skinning Stephen Kelly and cutting it back from the right for Jadson to score from 10 yards.

But the winner never came. Lucescu cried conspiracy, claiming the Norwegian officials embraced with their Fulham compatriots at the end. Fulham deserved their glory, though.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1253821/Shakhtar-Donetsk-1-Fulham-1-Hero-Brede-Hangeland-seals-famous-win-battling-Cottagers-eliminate-holders.html#ixzz0gcdNzVwK

White Noise

http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Shakhtar-Donetsk-1-1-Fulham-Roy-Hodgson-s-side-go-through-3-2-on-aggregate-after-nervy-finish-article335919.html

Shakhtar Donetsk 1-1 Fulham: Daily Mirror match report


Published 20:09 25/02/10

By MirrorFootball


Brede Hangeland was the hero on a European glory night for Fulham as they stunned Shakhtar Donetsk to reach the last 16 of the Europa League.

The defender, along with goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer, kept out almost everything the Ukrainians threw at them at the vast Donbass Arena.

Hangeland popped up with Fulham's goal - with their first attack of the night - to set up a stunning success for Roy Hodgson's men.

During their visit to England Shakhtar's players were barred from Harrods, owned by Fulham chairman Mohamed Al Fayed, and the Londoners knew that if they could shut up shop again they would be going through.


They managed to do just that, under immense pressure and in front of a vociferous home crowd, for 69 minutes until Jadson fired Shakhtar level.

But Fulham held out for the final, nerve-jangling last 20 minutes to knock out the 2009 UEFA Cup winners and make the last 16 of the revamped competition for the first time in their history.

Only a stoppage-time red card for Danny Murphy, which will rule him out of their next match, marred a memorable evening in Donetsk.

Shakhtar, who had Luiz Adriano's away goal to show for their efforts in the first leg at Craven Cottage, were quickly into their stride with their five-strong Brazilian contingent looking sharp.

In the first minute Adriano fired in a low shot which was comfortably dealt with by Schwarzer.

The Fulham goalkeeper was called into more serious action when he tipped a long-range effort from Willian over the crossbar with just three minutes gone.

Adriano should have done better with an attempted curler moments later before, with the visitors retreating deeper and deeper, Schwarzer kept his side on level terms with a superb diving one-handed save to deny Fernandinho.

Fulham's overworked keeper then had to block another low Willian drive midway through the first half.

It was all hands to the pump in the Fulham area with striker Bobby Zamora hacking a dangerous low centre clear before Schwarzer scrambled Yaroslav Rakitsky's 30-yarder round a post.

But having stood up to the barrage, incredibly it was Fulham who took the lead with their first attack of the night.

After 33 minutes Zamora won a free-kick down the right, Damien Duff floated in the cross and Hangeland's glancing header beat the motionless Shakhtar goalkeeper Andriy Pyatov.

It cancelled out Adriano's strike seven days earlier, to the delight of 350 hardy travelling fans, and meant Shakhtar needed to score twice to stay in the tie.

The hosts were straight back on the attack after the break and Adriano headed captain Darijo Srna's cross into the arms of Schwarzer.

But although Shakhtar continued to dominate Hangeland was imperious at the back, cutting out a driven centre from Razvan Rat with an immaculate first touch and getting his head onto just about everything else thrown at him.

With frustration growing in the home ranks, substitute Douglas blazed an ambitious 25-yarder high over Schwarzer's crossbar.

The Cottagers had a chance to kill off the tie when a rare counter-attack saw Zamora break clear down the right but his square cross, towards an unmarked Zoltan Gera, was cut out by defender Olexander Kucher.

And the moment Fulham feared came in the 69th minute when Douglas reached the byline and pulled the ball back for Jadson to sweep past Schwarzer to level the match on the night.

Fulham hearts were in their mouths with 10 minutes to go when a vicious curler from defender Rakitsky thundered into the side-netting.

Then Douglas' shot was deflected wide off Murphy with Shakhtar screaming for handball.

Gera passed up another chance to put Fulham clear when he scuffed wide in the final minute, before Murphy was shown a red card for kicking out at Srna moments before the final whistle.


White Noise

http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/hangeland-inspires-fulham-to-win-over-shakhtar-1911067.html


Hangeland inspires Fulham to win over Shakhtar

Shakhtar Donetsk 1 Fulham 1 (Fulham win 3-2 on aggregate)

By Andy Sims at Donbass Arena


Friday, 26 February 2010

Brede Hangeland was the hero on a European glory night for Fulham as they stunned Shakhtar Donetsk to reach the last 16 of the Europa League.

The defender, along with goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer, kept out almost everything the Ukrainians threw at them here last night. Hangeland also popped up with Fulham's goal – with their first attack of the night – to set up a stunning success for Roy Hodgson's men. "It has been a wonderful night for the club," the Fulham manager said. "Shakhtar showed what a good team they are. Their ability to pass and keep the ball is as good as I've seen in my 35-year career. It's another marvellous night and great credit to the team."

During their visit to England Shakhtar's players were barred from Harrods, owned by the Fulham chairman, Mohamed al-Fayed, and the Londoners knew that if they could shut up shop again they would be going through. They managed to do just that until Rodrigues Jadson fired Shakhtar level after 69 minutes.

But Fulham held out to knock out the 2009 Uefa Cup winners and make the last 16 of the competition for the first time in their history.

Only a stoppage-time red card for Danny Murphy, which will rule him out of their next match and an Achilles injury sustained by Bobby Zamora, marred a memorable evening in Donetsk. The striker is rated doubtful by Hodgson for Sunday's Premier League game at Sunderland. Fulham were under the cosh for the first half-hour but then took the lead. Zamora won a free-kick, Damien Duff floated in the cross and Hangeland's glancing header beat the Shakhtar goalkeeper Andriy Pyatov.

It cancelled out Adriano's strike seven days earlier, and meant Shakhtar needed to score twice to stay in the tie.

The hosts were straight back on the attack after the break but frustration grew as the substitute Douglas Costa blazed over Schwarzer's crossbar.

The moment Fulham feared arrived when Douglas reached the byline and pulled the ball back for Jadson to sweep past Schwarzer. Fulham hearts were in their mouths as Murphy was shown a red card for kicking out at Srna in stoppage time but the final whistle soon followed.

Shakhtar Donetsk (4-4-2): Pyatov; Srna, Kucher, Rakitskiy, Rat; Hubschman (Kravchenko, h-t), Fernandinho, Ilsinho, Jadson; Willian (Douglas Costa, 54), Luiz Adriano (Gladkyy, 76). Substitutes not used: Tetenko, Lewandowski, Gai, Ischenko.

Fulham (4-4-1-1): Schwarzer; Baird, Hangeland, Hughes, Kelly; Duff, Murphy, Etuhu, Davies (Riise, 89); Gera; Zamora (Elm, 72). Substitutes not used: Zuberbühler (gk), Nevland, Smalling, Greening, Marsh-Brown.

Referee: S Oddvar Moen (Norway).

White Noise

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/premierleague/sunderland/7318994/Sunderland-v-Fulham-match-preview.html


Sunderland v Fulham: match preview


Read a full match preview of the Premier League game between Sunderland and Fulham at Stadium of Light on Sunday Feb 28 2010, kick-off 15.00 GMT.

By John Ley
Published: 6:00AM GMT 26 Feb 2010


Sunday, Feb 28

Sunderland v Fulham
Stadium of Light
Kick-off: 15.00 GMT
TV: Highlights BBC MOTD

Sunderland have gone 13 Premier League games without a win, dropping from eighth to 14th. But they have lost only two games at the Stadium of Light. Lee Cattermole and David Meyler are available after suspension but Andy Reid and Jordan Henderson are injured.

Bobby Zamora scored a seventh minute goal to earn Fulham the points when they met Sunderland at Craven Cottage in December. And the striker has now scored 15 goals, his best return for eight years and most productive haul in top-flight football.

Team details (probable)

Sunderland (4-4-2): Gordon; Hutton, Mensah, Turner, McCartney; Campbell, Cana, Ferdinand, Richardson; Bent, Jones.
Fulham (4-4-1-1): Schwarzer; Baird, Hughes, Hangeland, Shorey; Davies, Etuhu, Murphy, Duff; Gera; Zamora.
Referee: Martin Atkinson. Matches: 21. R3 Y86.

This season: Fulham 1 Sunderland 0.

Last season: Fulham 0 Sunderland 0, Sunderland 1 Fulham 0.

Stat of the game: In five Premier League visits, Fulham have won just once, in September 2002.

Betting tip: Tight. 1-1 is 9-2.