Friday Fulham Stuff (19/08/11)...

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Fulham take big lead to Ukraine
Clint Dempsey's brace helped Fulham secure a 3-0 Europa League play-off victory over Dnipro ahead of next week's return leg in Ukraine.



The United States international followed up his first half effort with a header shortly after the restart to help Martin Jol's side to an impressive victory against Juande Ramos' side.

The Spaniard replaced Jol as Tottenham manager four years ago but the Dutchman managed to exact some revenge at Craven Cottage.

While Dnipro looked a sturdy outfit in the first period, Aaron Hughes' sucker punch as half-time approached was the first of three goals they conceded in 10 minutes.

Dempsey struck either side of the break to extend Fulham's advantage, while resolute defending meant the visitors were unable to find an elusive away goal.

Heading into the match, Jol made four changes to the side held to a 0-0 home draw by Aston Villa in Saturday's Barclays Premier League opener.

Matthew Briggs, Steve Sidwell and Stephen Kelly were drafted into the starting line-up, while summer signing Pajtim Kasami was handed his first start for the Cottagers.

Dnipro, meanwhile, started former Blackburn striker Nikola Kalinic and goalkeeper Jan Lastuvka, who had a loan spell at Craven Cottage in the 2006-07 season.

The Czech keeper was first called into action in just the fourth minute when the onrushing Briggs latched onto an exquisite ball from Brede Hangeland to unleash a near-post drive.

Steve Sidwell tested Lastuvka again from a corner but neither side looked particularly dominant in the opening exchanges.

Dnipro were proving a stern test for the home side, who were struggling to break down their resilient defence from both set-pieces and open play.

That said, neither side were utilising possession effectively and failed to build sustained attacks.

Kalinic looked a rare attacking threat for the visitors, who were behind in the 39th minute thanks to an unlikely source.

Giuliano's untimely slip allowed Briggs to dart to the byline and send in a low cross that Hughes nudged home.

Fulham doubled their advantage in the 43rd minute as Dempsey ghosted into the box to slot home Sidwell's right-wing cross.

The west Londoners started the second half in the same form as they ended the first, with Dempsey heading home Kasami's dinked cross four minutes after the restart.

Dnipro looked visibly shell-shocked after conceding but soon turned their attention to grabbing a potentially all-important away goal, with Ievgenii Konoplianka twice coming close.

The shots seemingly acted as a catalyst for the home side, who unleashed a barrage of attacks on the home goal and came close through Denys Kulakov's fizzing 20-yard effort.

Despite the visitors' pressure, Bobby Zamora should have made it 4-0 in in the 74th minute. Kelly unleashed a superb right-wing cross but the England international somehow managed to turn his shot over the bar from six yards out.

The effort punctuated a strong spell for the visitors, for whom Kalinic continued to threaten in attack.

Evgeni Cherberiachko forced Mark Schwarzer into a low save as the clock wound down, while Kalinic, Vitaliy Denisov and Serhiy Kravchenko all came close.

Dempsey almost netted his hat-trick goal with minutes remaining but more pertinently Fulham's defence remained resolute to the disappointment of the raucous visiting support.



http://www.football365.com/match/3438092/report?

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Fulham find more easy pickings in Euro adventure

Fulham 3-0 Dnipro

FULHAM'S remorseless appetite for success on the European home front goes on.

The Whites rattled up their fourth win in a row at the Cottage in this year's Europa League to all-but guarantee six more matches in the group stages – the minimum ambition for this year's adventure.

Added to the sequence of wins on their way to the 2010 final and they really claim to have built a fortress by the Thames on Euro nights.

Dnipro promised to be by far the toughest test of this particular campaign, but two goals from Clint Dempsey either side of half time – adding to the breakthrough goal from Aaron Hughes on 38 minutes – made it another comfortable night for Martin Jol's men.

The disappointing Ukranians were tidy in possession but did not pose much a threat and once Hughes had popped up unexpectedly in the six-yard box to steer in a low cross from the left by Matthew Briggs, the outcome was never in doubt.

Dempsey (pictured) was totally unmarked when he slid home an angled cross from Steve Sidwell on 44 minutes to send the troops in happy at half time.

And four minutes after the restart, the USA striker powered a header home from Pajtim Kasami to further deflate the visitors.

The margin could have been greater, with Bobby Zamora guilty of a glaring miss after Stephen Kelley's low cross had found him in acres of space at the far post.

He fired horribly over the bar, while his opposite number, Nikola Kalinic, spurned his side's best opening when he was dispossessed inside the area while trying to beat too many men.

Dnipro did rally towards the end in search of an away goal to give them hope for the second leg, but Fulham soaked up the pressure with few real alarms.

Line-up: Schwarzer; Kelly, Hughes, Hangeland, Briggs: Kasami, Murphy (Etuhu 67), Sidwell, Duff (Dembele 67); Zamora, Dempsey. Subs not used: Etheridge, Riise, Johnson, Senderos, Gecov. Attendance: 14,823



Read More http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2011/08/18/fulham-find-more-easy-pickings-in-euro-adventure-64767-29262893/?#ixzz1VSFaat6O

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Fulham 3-0 Dnipro

Clint Dempsey's brace helped Fulham secure a comfortable Europa League play-off victory over Dnipro ahead of next week's return leg in Ukraine.

The United States international followed up his first half effort with a header shortly after the restart to help Martin Jol's side to an impressive 3-0 victory against Juande Ramos' side.

The Spaniard replaced Jol as Tottenham manager four years ago but the Dutchman managed to exact some revenge at Craven Cottage.

While Dnipro looked a sturdy outfit in the first period, Aaron Hughes' sucker punch as half-time approached was the first of three goals they conceded in 10 minutes.

Dempsey struck either side of the break to extend Fulham's advantage, while resolute defending meant the visitors were unable to find an elusive away goal.

Heading into the match, Jol made four changes to the side held to a 0-0 home draw by Aston Villa in Saturday's Barclays Premier League opener.

Matthew Briggs, Steve Sidwell and Stephen Kelly were drafted into the starting line-up, while summer signing Pajtim Kasami was handed his first start for the Cottagers.

Dnipro, meanwhile, started former Blackburn striker Nikola Kalinic and goalkeeper Jan Lastuvka, who had a loan spell at Craven Cottage in the 2006-07 season.

The Czech keeper was first called into action in just the fourth minute when the onrushing Briggs latched onto an exquisite ball from Brede Hangeland to unleash a near-post drive.

Steve Sidwell tested Lastuvka again from a corner but neither side looked particularly dominant in the opening exchanges.

Dnipro were proving a stern test for the home side, who were struggling to break down their resilient defence from both set-pieces and open play.

That said, neither side were utilising possession effectively and failed to build sustained attacks.

Kalinic looked a rare attacking threat for the visitors, who were behind in the 39th minute thanks to an unlikely source.

Giuliano's untimely slip allowed Briggs to dart to the byline and send in a low cross that Hughes nudged home.

Fulham doubled their advantage in the 43rd minute as Dempsey ghosted into the box to slot home Sidwell's right-wing cross.

The west Londoners started the second half in the same form as they ended the first, with Dempsey heading home Kasami's dinked cross four minutes after the restart.

Dnipro looked visibly shell-shocked after conceding but soon turned their attention to grabbing a potentially all-important away goal, with Ievgenii Konoplianka twice coming close.

The shots seemingly acted as a catalyst for the home side, who unleashed a barrage of attacks on the home goal and came close through Denys Kulakov's fizzing 20-yard effort.

Despite the visitors' pressure, Bobby Zamora should have made it 4-0 in in the 74th minute. Kelly unleashed a superb right-wing cross but the England international somehow managed to turn his shot over the bar from six yards out.

The effort punctuated a strong spell for the visitors, for whom Kalinic continued to threaten in attack.

Evgeni Cherberiachko forced Mark Schwarzer into a low save as the clock wound down, while Kalinic, Vitaliy Denisov and Serhiy Kravchenko all came close.

Dempsey almost netted his hat-trick goal with minutes remaining but more pertinently Fulham's defence remained resolute to the disappointment of the raucous visiting support.



http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2011/0818/fulham_dnipro.html?

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Cottagers cruise to victory

Clint Dempsey's brace helped Fulham secure a 3-0 Europa League play-off first leg victory over Dnipro.
The United States international scored either side of the break to give Fulham a commanding lead heading to Ukraine next week.

Aaron Hughes had given Fulham the lead before Dempsey extended their advantage, much to the delight of manager Martin Jol.

Heading into the match, Jol made four changes to the side held to a 0-0 home draw by Aston Villa in Saturday's Barclays Premier League opener. Matthew Briggs, Steve Sidwell and Stephen Kelly were drafted into the starting line-up, while summer signing Pajtim Kasami was handed his first start for the Cottagers.

Dnipro, meanwhile, started former Blackburn striker Nikola Kalinic and goalkeeper Jan Lastuvka, who had a loan spell at Craven Cottage in the 2006-07 season.

The Czech keeper was first called into action in just the fourth minute when the onrushing Briggs latched onto an exquisite ball from Brede Hangeland to unleash a near-post drive. Steve Sidwell tested Lastuvka again from a corner but neither side looked particularly dominant in the opening exchanges.

Kalinic looked a rare attacking threat for the visitors, who were behind in the 39th minute thanks to an unlikely source.

Giuliano's untimely slip allowed Briggs to dart to the byline and send in a low cross that Hughes nudged home. Fulham doubled their advantage in the 43rd minute as Dempsey ghosted into the box to slot home Sidwell's right-wing cross.

The west Londoners started the second half in the same form as they ended the first, with Dempsey heading home Kasami's dinked cross four minutes after the restart. Dnipro looked visibly shell-shocked after conceding but soon turned their attention to grabbing a potentially all-important away goal, with Ievgenii Konoplianka twice coming close.

Bobby Zamora should have made it 4-0 in in the 74th minute. Kelly unleashed a superb right-wing cross but the England international somehow managed to turn his shot over the bar from six yards out. The effort punctuated a strong spell for the visitors, for whom Kalinic continued to threaten in attack.

Evgeni Cherberiachko forced Mark Schwarzer into a low save as the clock wound down, while Kalinic, Vitaliy Denisov and Serhiy Kravchenko all came close. Dempsey almost netted his hat-trick goal with minutes remaining but more pertinently Fulham's defence remained resolute to the disappointment of the raucous visiting support.



http://www.harrowobserver.co.uk/west-london-sport/world-uk-sport/2011/08/18/cottagers-cruise-to-victory-116451-29263519/?

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Fulham dispose of Dnipro
Jol's men ease to victory on home soil and close on the group stage

A Clint Dempsey double helped Fulham to a 3-0 victory over Dnipro and a commanding lead in their Europa League play-off.

The USA international notched either side of the interval to help Martin Jol's men past Juande Ramos' Ukrainian visitors.

While Dnipro looked a sturdy outfit in the first period, Aaron Hughes' sucker punch as half-time approached was the first of three goals they conceded in 10 minutes.

Heading into the match, Jol made four changes to the side held to a 0-0 home draw by Aston Villa in Saturday's Premier League opener.

Matthew Briggs, Steve Sidwell and Stephen Kelly were drafted into the starting line-up, while summer signing Pajtim Kasami was handed his first start for the Cottagers.

Dnipro, meanwhile, started former Blackburn striker Nikola Kalinic and goalkeeper Jan Lastuvka, who had a loan spell at Craven Cottage in the 2006/07 season.

Exquisite

The Czech keeper was first called into action in just the fourth minute when the onrushing Briggs latched onto an exquisite ball from Brede Hangeland to unleash a near-post drive.

Sidwell tested Lastuvka again from a corner but neither side looked particularly dominant in the opening exchanges.

Dnipro were proving to be a stern test for the home side, who were struggling to break down their resilient defence from both set-pieces and open play.

That said, neither side were utilising possession effectively and failed to build sustained attacks.

Kalinic looked a rare attacking threat for the visitors, who were behind in the 39th minute thanks to an unlikely source.

Giuliano's untimely slip allowed Briggs to dart to the byline and send in a low cross that Hughes nudged home.

Fulham doubled their advantage in the 43rd minute as Dempsey ghosted into the box to slot home Sidwell's right-wing cross.

Shell-shocked
The west Londoners started the second half in the same form as they ended the first, with Dempsey heading home Kasami's dinked cross four minutes after the restart.

Dnipro looked visibly shell-shocked after conceding but soon turned their attention to grabbing a potentially all-important away goal, with Levgenii Konoplianka twice coming close.

The shots seemingly acted as a catalyst for the visitors, who unleashed a barrage of attacks on the home goal and came close through Denys Kulakov's fizzing 20-yard effort.

Despite the pressure, Bobby Zamora should have made it 4-0 in in the 74th minute. Kelly unleashed a superb right-wing cross but the England international somehow managed to turn his shot over the bar from six yards out.

The effort punctuated a strong spell for the visitors, for whom Kalinic continued to threaten in attack.

Evgeni Cherberiachko forced Mark Schwarzer into a low save as the clock wound down, while Kalinic, Vitaliy Denisov and Serhiy Kravchenko all came close.

Dempsey almost netted his hat-trick goal with minutes remaining but more pertinently Fulham's defence remained resolute to the disappointment of the raucous visiting support.



http://www.skysports.com/football/match_report/0,19764,11065_3438092,00.html?

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Fulham 3 Dnipro 0: match report
Read a full match report of the Europa League play-off first leg match between Fulham and Dnipro at Craven Cottage on Thursday Aug 18, 2011.


Three and easy: Pajtim Kasami (left) congratulates Clint Dempsey who scored twice during
Fulham's 3-0 defeat of Dnipro at Craven Cottage Photo: GETTY IMAGES

It was only round one in the battle between the former Tottenham Hotspur managers, but Martin Jol has probably already landed a knockout blow.

And, as he picked himself up off the canvas, there must also have been a sense of déjà-vu for Juande Ramos. Back in London for the first time since losing his job at White Hart Lane, this 3-0 defeat prompted questions from the travelling Ukrainian journalists over whether he now feared the sack from his position as Dnipro manager.

Ramos replied with a firm "no" but, given the controversial way that he replaced Jol at Tottenham after a Uefa Cup match almost four years ago, the situation was laced with irony.

Jol was initially diplomatic regarding the personal significance of beating Ramos but, when asked if he would ever consider managing in the Ukraine, the temptation was too much.

"I heard they pay well," he said, smiling. "If you get a dizzying offer you always have to think about it."

The context, of course, was that Ramos famously described the secret offer to replace Jol at Tottenham as "dizzying".

Jol delivered his line with a wink and, although he quickly came back on message, it was not clear whether the two managers shook hands on the final whistle.

"He was busy and I was busy but if we saw each other now I would shake his hand," said Jol. "Everyone tells me he's a good guy. If we played one v one it would be important but our teams played."

A 3-0 scoreline actually flattered Dnipro rather than Fulham and, while an arduous journey to Ukraine awaits for next week's second leg, a place in the group phase of the Europa League is virtually secure.

Matthew Briggs especially exposed a particular weakness from crosses with his runs forward from left back and, having forced Jan Lastuvka into one save at his near post, he provided the assist for Aaron Hughes to put Fulham into the lead.

Clint Dempsey then struck twice with startling ease, first sweeping Steve Sidwell's cross into the goal and then rising to head Pajtim Kasami's pass beyond Lastuvka.

On both occasions, and despite being Fulham's all-time record Premier League goalscorer, he was allowed to drift unmarked into space inside Dnipro's penalty area. Bobby Zamora and Dempsey missed further chances to enhance Fulham's cushion but, on this evidence, the second leg should be a formality.

It would be excessive to talk about revenge in the context of a play-off match for the Europa League, especially with Jol managing a team with superior resources. Even so, it must have been sweet to watch Fulham so fluently do his talking on the pitch.

Team details
Fulham (4-4-2): Schwarzer; Kelly, Hughes, Hangeland, Briggs; Kasami, Murphy, Sidwell, Duff; Dempsey, Zamora.
Subs: Etheridge, Riise, Johnson, Senderos, Gecov, Etuhu, Dembele.

Dnipro (4-1-4-1): Lastuvka; Kulakov, Mandziuk, Cherberiachko, Denisov; Boateng; Kravchenko, Rotan, Konoplianka, Giuliano; Kalinic.
Subs: Kanibolotskiy, Inkoom, Oliinyk, Strinic, Zozulia, Shakov, Antonov.



http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/europa-league/8710086/Fulham-3-Dnipro-0-match-report.html

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Fulham Must Drastically Improve Bryan Ruiz Bid Claim FC Twente

English Premier League club Fulham will have to drastically increase their bid for Bryan Ruiz if they hope to snare the FC Twente forward.

Bossed by Dutchman Martin Jol, who witnessed Ruiz at close quarters in the Eredivisie during his spell in charge of Ajax, Fulham are hoping to take the Costa Rica international to England.

But despite Ruiz admitting that Fulham are a serious possibility, the English side have offered just half of the €15M asking price Twente have slapped on the 26-year-old.


And unless Fulham improve this bid, then Ruiz will remain at the Tukkers, with Twente Chairman Joop Munsterman telling De Telegraaf: "We could not take the offer seriously, it was too low."

Ruiz though is sure that Fulham represent a good potential destination.

"Fulham is a serious option for me", commented the Costa Rica star.

"This is a good club from the Premier League and I think that's a good league."

Fellow Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur have also tracked Ruiz and the player admitted at the beginning of the month that there was a 50-50 chance he could end up at White Hart Lane.



http://www.insidefutbol.com/2011/08/18/fulham-must-drastically-improve-bryan-ruiz-bid-claim-fc-twente/47287/?

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Martin Jol targets Europa League to boost Fulham profile

Fulham manager Martin Jol says progressing to Europa League will help boost the profile of his players and the club as they beat Ukranian side Dnipro 3-0 in the first leg of their qualifer at Craven Cottage.

link to audio



http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/14584549.stm?

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Fulham   3 - 0   Dnipro


Fulham are on course for the Europa League group stages after enjoying a comfortable victory over Dnipro.

Clint Dempsey scored twice either side of half-time after Aaron Hughes had set the Cottagers on their way six minutes before the interval.

The Ukrainian visitors were lacklustre throughout and they did not register a shot on target until the 80th minute.

The hosts dominated and might have scored more but for poor finishing from Steve Sidwell and Bobby Zamora.

Fulham, who reached the final of the Europa League in 2010, dominated the first half but took their time before finally sparking into life.

Twenty-year-old Matthew Briggs was a constant menace down the left and, after forcing Jan Lastuvka into an early save, he set Martin Jol's team on their way to victory by setting up Hughes for the opening goal.

And, on the stroke of half-time, an unmarked Dempsey made it two after turning home Steve Sidwell's teasing cross.


The match was over as a contest within four minutes of the second period when Dempsey scored his second at the far post following good work on the right from Pajtim Kasami.

Northern Ireland international Hughes hit the bar with another header as the Cottagers continued to dominate and underline the strides they are making under new manager Jol.

It was an accomplished performance as, despite resting players like John Arne Riise, Moussa Dembele and Andy Johnson to the bench, the west Londoners never looked anything other than comfortable victors.

Briggs, in particular, looked at home on the big stage and Riise may struggle to regain his place in the team on the basis of this performance.

The scoreline might have been even more convincing, but an unmarked Zamora blazed over the bar from Stephen Kelly's excellent cross.

The visitors did raise the tempo in the final 10 minutes, Vitali Denisov going closest, but, in truth, they were outclassed and never looked like breaking down the well-marshalled home side.

FULHAM MANAGER MARTIN JOL
"We could have scored four or five.

"They could have scored a goal as well but I think 3-0 is probably a realistic scoreline.

"We want to play in the group stages because it raises the profile of the players and the club.

"But we have still got one more game to play before that and we have got to try and do a professional job."



http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/14486526.stm

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Jol aware of Dnipro threat
Cottagers boss delighted with Europa League success



Martin Jol believes Fulham did well to contain the considerable threat of Dnipro on Thursday night.

The Cottagers took a firm grip on their Europa League play-off clash against the Ukrainians with a 3-0 victory on home soil.

Jol's men did not have things entirely their own way in the first half at Craven Cottage, but they were able to edge themselves in front.

Aaron Hughes broke the deadlock on 39 minutes and Clint Dempsey doubled their advantage two minutes before the interval.

Dnipro were rattled and conceded again four minutes into the second half when American forward Dempsey grabbed his second of the game.

Having established such a commanding lead, Fulham will now travel to the Ukraine for the second leg knowing that they already have one foot in the group stage.

Quality

Jol is delighted to have earned himself some breathing space heading into that tie, as he is fully aware of how dangerous Juande Ramos' side can be.

"I thought that they had a good team with quality players," said the Dutch tactician.

"Kiev is probably the second best team in the Ukraine and, of course, Shakhtar is the best team, but I think they could be a good third.

"Before the game we were focused on the fact that they are a strong team if you let them play, like we did in the last 20 minutes. They are capable of playing good football and we knew that."

While accepting that his side took their foot off the gas towards the end of the game, Jol believes Fulham were good value for their comprehensive success.

"You cannot win if you don't take your chances," he said.

Surprise

"We could have scored four or five and they had probably more shots on goal than we liked in the last 20 minutes.

"They could have scored a goal as well but I think 3-0 is probably a realistic scoreline.

"We saw them play a couple of games and even against Shakhtar they looked good, although Shakhtar still scored three goals.

"They play good counter-attacking football. They want to play football and we knew that so we knew there would always be space for us.

"So we reversed that tonight with our full-backs and they probably did not expect that so that was good.

"Sometimes that happens and you can surprise another team and I think we did that today."




http://www.skysports.com/story/0,,11681_7110475,00.html?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham make the first move in race for Tottenham target Ruiz


Ruiz bid: Fulham rebuffed

Fulham have had a £7.5million bid for Tottenham target Bryan Ruiz rejected.

The Costa Rican was watched by Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp on Tuesday night and by Arsenal scouts last week yet it was Martin Jol who made the first move.

The 26-year-old winger though has a buy-out clause fixed at £13.75m and Twente are determined to hold out for closer to that figure.

Twente chairman Joop Munsterman confirmed: 'We could not take the offer seriously. It was too low.'

The onus is on Fulham to up their bid while Tottenham deliberate whether Ruiz is worth the investment.

Ruiz is keen on the Premier League and not averse to joining Fulham.

He said: 'Fulham are a serious option for me. Fulham have contacted my agent. We are open to talks if they make a concrete offer.'




Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2027561/FC-Twente-reject-7-5m-bid-Fulham-Bryan-Ruiz.html#ixzz1VSJP139F

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Dempsey at the double

Clint Dempsey's brace helped Fulham secure a comfortable Europa League play-off victory over Dnipro ahead of next week's return leg in Ukraine.

The United States international followed up his first half effort with a header shortly after the restart to help Martin Jol's side to an impressive 3-0 victory against Juande Ramos' side.

The Spaniard replaced Jol as Tottenham manager four years ago but the Dutchman managed to exact some revenge at Craven Cottage.

While Dnipro looked a sturdy outfit in the first period, Aaron Hughes' sucker punch as half-time approached was the first of three goals they conceded in 10 minutes.

Dempsey struck either side of the break to extend Fulham's advantage, while resolute defending meant the visitors were unable to find an elusive away goal.

Heading into the match, Jol made four changes to the side held to a 0-0 home draw by Aston Villa in Saturday's Barclays Premier League opener.

Matthew Briggs, Steve Sidwell and Stephen Kelly were drafted into the starting line-up, while summer signing Pajtim Kasami was handed his first start for the Cottagers.

Dnipro, meanwhile, started former Blackburn striker Nikola Kalinic and goalkeeper Jan Lastuvka, who had a loan spell at Craven Cottage in the 2006-07 season.

The Czech keeper was first called into action in just the fourth minute when the onrushing Briggs latched onto an exquisite ball from Brede Hangeland to unleash a near-post drive.

Steve Sidwell tested Lastuvka again from a corner but neither side looked particularly dominant in the opening exchanges.

Dnipro were proving a stern test for the home side, who were struggling to break down their resilient defence from both set-pieces and open play.

That said, neither side were utilising possession effectively and failed to build sustained attacks.

Kalinic looked a rare attacking threat for the visitors, who were behind in the 39th minute thanks to an unlikely source.

Giuliano's untimely slip allowed Briggs to dart to the byline and send in a low cross that Hughes nudged home.

Fulham doubled their advantage in the 43rd minute as Dempsey ghosted into the box to slot home Sidwell's right-wing cross.

The west Londoners started the second half in the same form as they ended the first, with Dempsey heading home Kasami's dinked cross four minutes after the restart.

Dnipro looked visibly shell-shocked after conceding but soon turned their attention to grabbing a potentially all-important away goal, with Ievgenii Konoplianka twice coming close.

The shots seemingly acted as a catalyst for the home side, who unleashed a barrage of attacks on the home goal and came close through Denys Kulakov's fizzing 20-yard effort.

Despite the visitors' pressure, Bobby Zamora should have made it 4-0 in in the 74th minute. Kelly unleashed a superb right-wing cross but the England international somehow managed to turn his shot over the bar from six yards out.

The effort punctuated a strong spell for the visitors, for whom Kalinic continued to threaten in attack.

Evgeni Cherberiachko forced Mark Schwarzer into a low save as the clock wound down, while Kalinic, Vitaliy Denisov and Serhiy Kravchenko all came close.

Dempsey almost netted his hat-trick goal with minutes remaining but more pertinently Fulham's defence remained resolute to the disappointment of the raucous visiting support.




http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report/_/id/328073?cc=5739

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Clint Dempsey's double puts Fulham in firm control against Dnipro


Stephen Kelly, left, challenges Vitaliy Denisov during Fulham's 3-0 Europa League
victory over Dnipro at Craven Cottage. Photograph: Bryn Lennon/Getty Images

Two goals by Clint Dempsey helped Fulham secure a comfortable victory over Dnipro before next week's return in Ukraine. The United States international followed up his first-half effort with a header shortly after the restart to help Martin Jol's side to an impressive 3-0 win against Juande Ramos' visitors. The Spaniard replaced Jol as Tottenham manager four years ago.

While Dnipro looked a sturdy outfit in the first period, Aaron Hughes' sucker punch as half-time approached was the first of three goals they conceded in 10 minutes. Dempsey struck either side of the break to extend Fulham's advantage and resolute defending meant the visitors were unable to find an elusive away goal.

"We could have scored four or five and they had probably more shots on goals than we liked in the last 20 minutes," said Jol. "They could have scored a goal as well but I think 3-0 is probably a realistic scoreline. They want to play football and we knew that, so we knew there would always be space for us. Sometimes that happens and you can surprise another team and I think we did that."

Ramos, said: "We played well but we didn't deserve that result. The result was not a just result, it was too big for us."

Jol made four changes to the side held to a 0-0 draw by Aston Villa in Saturday's Premier League opener. Matthew Briggs, Steve Sidwell and Stephen Kelly started and the summer signing Pajtim Kasami also enjoyed his first start for Fulham.

Dnipro, meanwhile, started the former Blackburn striker Nikola Kalinic and goalkeeper Jan Lastuvka, who had a loan spell at Craven Cottage in the 2006-07 season. It was the Czech keeper who was first called into action when the onrushing Briggs latched on to an exquisite ball from Brede Hangeland to unleash a near-post drive. Steve Sidwell tested Lastuvka again from a corner but neither side looked particularly dominant in the opening exchanges.

Dnipro were proving a stern test for Fulham but they were behind in the 39th minute thanks to an unlikely source. Giuliano's untimely slip allowed Briggs to dart to the byline and send in a low cross that Hughes nudged home. Fulham doubled their advantage in the 43rd minute as Dempsey ghosted into the box to slot home Sidwell's right-wing cross.

Fulham started the second half in the same way as they had ended the first, with Dempsey heading home Kasami's dinked cross four minutes after the restart.

Dnipro looked shell-shocked after conceding but turned their attention to grabbing an important away goal, with Ievgenii Konoplianka twice coming close.

Despite the visitors' pressure, Bobby Zamora should have made it 4-0 in the 74th minute. Kelly unleashed a superb cross but the England international somehow managed to turn his shot over from six yards out. The effort punctuated a strong spell for the visitors, for whom Kalinic continued to threaten. PA



http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/aug/18/fulham-dnipro-europa-league?

[WhiteJC]

 
A Strong Position

Clint Dempsey's brace helped secure a healthy 3-0 aggregate lead over FC Dnipro at the Cottage on Thursday night and Fulham's US international is now looking to finish the job in the Ukraine next week and secure the Club a place in the group stages of the UEFA Europa League.

"It was important to get off to a good start and get some goals tonight," Dempsey explained. "We were able to do that and we've put ourselves in a good position ahead of next week's return leg in the Ukraine.

"They're [FC Dnipro] a good team and they pass the ball well. They were tough to break down and we got a bit frustrated in the first-half but in the end we've put ourselves in good position. The key tonight was not to concede and we've kept a clean sheet.

"We've got to be smart next week in the Ukraine and put in a professional performance and get the job done. We want to do well in this competition and hopefully we can."

Before Fulham's trip to Ukraine next week the Whites take on Wolves in the Barclays Premier League on Sunday and Dempsey is hoping to replicate Fulham's away form from the back end of last season in the Midlands this weekend.

"Playing away from home is always difficult," said Dempsey. "It'll be a tough challenge as Wolves are not an easy side to beat. We weren't able to score against Aston Villa last weekend so hopefully we can open our account in the League on Sunday.

"We have a lot of experience in our dressing room and that helped us towards the back end of last season away from home and hopefully we can pick up where we left off with a win on Sunday."



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/August/DempseyDniproReaction.aspx?#ixzz1VSKT2fiE

[WhiteJC]

 
Jol's Dnipro Reaction

Speaking after the first leg of Fulham's UEFA Europa League Play-Off against FC Dnipro at Craven Cottage, Martin Jol gave his post-match reaction to the 3-0 victory:

"I thought that they had a good team with quality players," said Jol.

"Before the game we were focused on the fact that they are a strong team if you let them play, like we did in the last 20 minutes. They are capable of playing good football and we knew that.

"We could have scored four or five and they had probably more shots on goal than we liked in the last 20 minutes.  They could have scored a goal as well but I think 3-0 is probably a realistic scoreline.

"We saw them play a couple of games and even against Shakhtar they looked good, although Shakhtar still scored three goals.

"They play good counter-attacking football. They want to play football and we knew that so we knew there would always be space for us.

"So we reversed that tonight with our full-backs and they probably did not expect that so that was good. Sometimes that happens and you can surprise another team and I think we did that today."



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/August/JolDniproHomeReaction.aspx?#ixzz1VSKjKwvf

[WhiteJC]

 
Dempsey double deflates Dnipro
by DAN on AUGUST 18, 2011

Nobody was quite sure what to expect tonight. Fulham, off-key in their opening game of the Premier League season against Aston Villa, had found it tough against Shakhtar Donetsk in the Europa League a couple of seasons ago and after Martin Jol had shuffled his pack with Wolves in mind, you would have been forgiven for thinking this might have been a tricky evening. But Clint Dempsey had other ideas. Shifted to a second striker position, the American's brace gave Fulham a commanding lead to the Ukraine for the second leg.

To call it a comfortable victory would be stretching things. Dnipro looked a useful outfit, with plenty of pretty passing and technical skill. They had the pretty of a worrying opening and had Nikola Kalinic, recently signed from Blackburn Rovers, converted one of a few presentable second-half opportunities than Fulham's prospects of progressing to the group stages might not be looking as rosy.

Jol opted to reconfigure his defence from the one that faced Villa at the weekend, with Matthew Briggs replacing John Arne Riise at left back and Stephen Kelly coming in for Phillipe Senderos. That saw Aaron Hughes shift across to partner Brede Hangeland in the centre of defence and neither newcomer wasted their opportunity to shine. Briggs has shown plenty of adventure in his European outings and wasted little time in getting forward to good effect here. Inside the opening five minutes, he galloped onto a pass from Hangeland and surprised former Fulham keeper Jan Lastuvka with an early shot that the Czech custodian had to turn away. Steve Sidwell had Lastuvka juggling a header from a corner, but it wasn't until Briggs got in behind the Dnipro defence later in the half that Fulham threatened again.

After the visitors had failed to clear a corner, Briggs took advantage of a mistake by Giuliano, who was Dnipro's most potent threat at the other end of the pitch, to slalom his way to the byline and deliver a dangerous cross that was steered home by a sliding Aaron Hughes. Four minutes later, it was 2-0. A flowing move saw Steve Sidwell pop up on the right and his cross was clinically converted by an unmarked Dempsey, who had been afforded the freedom of the penalty area. It had been an edgy, uninspiring first half but Fulham headed into the half-time break with a healthy cushion.

Dempsey extended it – and seemingly put the tie beyond Juande Ramos' side – just four minutes after the interval. The intelligent Kasami, who had buzzed around the Dnipro box all evening, came short to collect a Duff corner and his floated cross was glanced home by a superb Dempsey header. Fulham should have had a fourth before the evening was out but Bobby Zamora spooned a shot over the bar from six yards from a fine Kelly cross. There was even time for Dempsey to threaten a hat-trick, but his sliding finish to a fine team move found only the side netting.

The last half hour saw a sustained spell of Dnipro pressure as they went in search of a crucial away goal. Vitaliy Denisov shot just wide from 20 yards and Igor Denisev's long-range drive forced Mark Schwarzer into a sprawling save, but Kalinic spurned their two best openings. Poor control allowed Fulham to crowd him out inside the six-yard box after a brilliant individual run, while he smashed a half-chance from a corner high into the Putney End.

FULHAM (4-4-2): Schwarzer; Kelly, Briggs, Hughes, Hangeland; Sidwell, Murphy (Etuhu 67), Duff (Dembele 67), Kasami (Johnson 87); Zamora, Dempsey. Subs (not used): Etheridge, Senderos, Riise, Gecov.

BOOKED: Duff, Zamora.

GOALS: Hughes (38), Dempsey (43, 49).

DNIPRO (4-1-4-1): Lastuvka; Kulakov, Denisov, Cherberiachko, Mandziuk; Boateng (Zozulya 56); Konoplianka, Rotan, Giuliano (Oliynyk 70), Kravchenko; Kalinic. Subs (not used): Kanibol0tskiy, Inkoom, Strinic, Shakov, Antonov.

BOOKED: Boateng, Olinynk.

REFEREE: Pavel Kralovec (Czech Republic)

ATTENDANCE: 14,823.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/08/dempsey-double-deflates-dnipro/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Jols hails Fulham's fringe players after Dnipro win



MARTIN Jol praised Fulham's fringe players after they cruised to victory against FC Dnipro.

The Whites boss made four changes to the side that drew with Aston Villa at the weekend, with Stephen Kelly, Matthew Briggs, Steve Sidwell and Pajtim Kasami handed starts.

Clint Dempsey's double and an Aaron Hughes effort helped the hosts ease to a 3-0 win at Craven Cottage in the Europa League play-off first-leg.

Jol said: "The priority for me is that I trust my players.

"Briggs was a revelation for me in pre-season, and Stephen Kelly had to wait for his chance and took it. He showed me why he's here.

"Kasami played 25 matches for Palermo in the Italian league, so I knew that he could play for us.

"I have to play all my players to look to the future."



Read More http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2011/08/18/jols-hails-fulham-s-fringe-players-after-dnipro-win-82029-29264341/?#ixzz1VSLhYjCP

[WhiteJC]

 
Rafik Halliche close to Fulham exit

MARTIN Jol is confident of offloading defender Rafik Halliche before the transfer window slams shut at the end of the month.

The Algerian international has made just three substitute appearances for the Whites since his switch to Craven Cottage last summer, and has failed to feature under Jol.

We exclusively revealed earlier this month that the centre-back would be allowed to leave SW6, and Jol is hopeful he will follow Carlos Salcido out the exit door.

He said: "I think Halliche is a good player – better than people give him credit for - because he couldn't show it last season.

"But I've got different players at the back so there's probably not an opportinity for him to play.

"I'm working hard for him to find something and he's working hard as well because if he plays for another club he can raise his profile.

"We hope [to move him on] before the end of the window."



Read More http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2011/08/18/rafik-halliche-close-to-fulham-exit-82029-29264371/?#ixzz1VSLvbALo

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham 3-0 Dnipro: Clint Dempsey strikes twice as Jol's men record resounding win to close in on Europa League group stage


Clint Dempsey scored twice as Fulham completed a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Ukraine outfit Dnipro in its Europa League playoff on Thursday.

Playing at a quiet Craven Cottage, the home team opened the scoring with a close-range goal from Aaron Hughes after 38 minutes. Dempsey scored his first moments later and struck once again on the other side of the half.

After Hughes knocked in a low cross from Matthew Briggs, Dempsey doubled Fulham's lead on a similiar play four minutes later. The American midfielder took a perfect cross from Steve Sidwell and put the ball in the same place as his teammate's goal earlier.

It was Dempsey who put one in again just three minutes into the second half with a well-targeted header into the top corner.

Dnipro failed to impress and struggled to overcome Fulham's dominance the rest of the way, leaving Juande Ramos' side with an uphill struggle on the return leg back in the Ukraine.

Fulham coach Martin Jol rested the likes of Andy Johnson and John Arne Riise for the weekend, as they joined Philippe Senderos and others on the bench. Youngsters Briggs and Pajtim Kasumi both got another chance to impress the Dutch manager as part of the starting XI.



http://sports.yahoo.com/soccer/news?slug=goal-fulhamdniproclintdempseystr

[WhiteJC]

 
Dempsey's double puts Fulham on way
Fulham3 Dnipro 0


The Europa League may be something of an inconvenience to some English clubs, but Fulham rather enjoy the Continental adventure. The 2010 finalists all but booked a place in the group stages of this season's competition with a comfortable win over Ukrainian opposition.

Three goals in 11 minutes either side of half-time, one from Aaron Hughes and two from Clint Dempsey, provided a useful cushion for the second leg in six days' time.

It was an immensely satisfying victory for Martin Jol over the man who replaced him as Tottenham manager four years ago, Juande Ramos. The Spaniard made his name in this competition, steering Seville to successive triumphs, but although he lifted the Carling Cup with Tottenham his career has become peripatetic since, also passing swiftly through Real Madrid and CSKA Moscow.

Dnipro began brightly enough, showing the slick ground-passing common among good sides from the former USSR, but soon faded. Fulham took a while, however, to penetrate the visitors defence, Jan Lastuvka only tested once in the first half hour, by Matthew Briggs.

Then came the deluge, and it was the impressive young left-back who engineered the 38th-minute breakthrough with his cross following a short-corner being turned in by Hughes. Five minutes later Steve Sidwell picked out the unmarked Dempsey to slide home. Four minutes after the break the American headed in from Pajtim Kasami's cross.

"The result did not reflect the match," insisted Ramos, "but it will be difficult to turn the tie around." Jol responded: "We could have scored four or five, but if we don't take our chances it is 1-0; 3-0 was realistic."

Fulham (4-4-2): Schwarzer; Kelly, Hangeland, Hughes, Briggs; Kasami (Johnson, 90), Murphy (Etuhu, 67), Sidwell, Duff (Dembele, 67), Dempsey, Zamora. Substitutes not used Etheridge (gk), JA Riise, Senderos, Gecov.

Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk Lastuvka; Kulakov, Mandziuk, Cheberyachko, Denisov; Boateng (Zozulya, 55), Kravchenko, Rotan, Konoplyanka, Giuliano (Oliynyk, 68); Kalinic. Substitutes not used Kanibolotskiy (gk), Inkoom, Strinic, Shakov, Antonov.

Referee P Kralovec (Czech Republic).



http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/dempseys-double-puts-fulham-on-way-2340276.html?