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Friday Fulham Stuff (12.03.10)

Started by White Noise, March 11, 2010, 10:36:52 PM

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White Noise

Juventus 3 - 1 Fulham

The first leg of the last 16 of the UEFA Europa League kicked-off in the Stadio Olimpico di Torino on Thursday night when Fulham challenged Italian giants Juventus for a place in the Quarter Finals.

Fulham got the game underway in their red and black away strip and Roy Hodgson's Team settled into their game quickly and appeared more than comfortable against their Italian counterparts during the early stages.

However after 8 minutes of play Juventus took an early lead. The goal game courtesy of Diego's corner, after Schwarzer was forced to tip Trezeguet's goal-bound header wide of goal. From the set piece Legrottaglie steamed into the area and powered his header into the far corner of the net from 8 yards.

Despite the early setback Fulham were not unnerved and after 15 minutes produced a great opportunity for Simon Davies to pull the game level. The Welsh international drifted away from his marker in the area to meet Zamora's cross from the right by-line but failed to produce a final flourish.

After 25 minutes Juventus' lead was doubled when Jonathan Zebina scored with a thunderous drive from 25 yards. The right back collected the ball 40 yards from goal down the right channel before skipping past two Fulham players and unleashing an unstoppable drive past Schwarzer into the far corner of the net.

After a dispiriting start to the game and with the Whites facing an uphill struggle, Dickson Etuhu sent Fulham's 1,500 strong supporters wild when he struck home from 18 yards after 36 minutes. The Nigerian international's shot came courtesy of Davies' free kick from the left flank. After the ball ricocheted off a host of players Etuhu stepped up to smash a heavily deflected drive in the corner of the net.

Juventus' comfortable lead was not only halved but Hodgson's Team had claimed an all-important away goal, which could yet prove decisive over the two legs. The home side appeared rattled following Etuhu's goal and before half-time Fulham almost pulled level on three occasions.

First Gera almost nudged the ball past Manninger on the goal line from Duff's corner before the Juve keeper was forced to save twice from Zamora and Gera before the break.

Fulham were in the ascendancy with Zamora giving the home side's central defensive pairing a torrid time. However against the run of play Fulham were dealt a crushing blow right on half time when Trezeguet scored to earn Juventus a 3-1 lead.

Schwarzer had pulled off a stunning save to deny Grosso moments before Trezeguet's strike. The resulting corner fell to the former French international striker, who blasted the ball into the far corner of the net. In truth, Fulham could have been level, instead they faced a two-goal deficit at the half time.

After Juventus had kicked-off the second period of play it took Fulham just five minutes to fashion a superb piece of play which almost rewarded Hodgson's side with a second away goal. Bobby Zamora beat Juve's offside trap and raced onto a long ball down the right flank. The striker then drilled a low centre into Gera who flicked the ball goalwards with his back to goal. Only a crucial intervention denied Gera a stunning goal.

Ten minutes later Zamora was at it again, leaving the home side's defence in his wake down the right flank. Zamora's second break of the half was perhaps the better opportunity but the striker's cross to Gera, racing into the area, was once again intercepted on the six-yard line.

Fulham were certainly finding the space behind Juve's defence, particularly down the right hand side, and a second goal was not only deserved but would have changed the entire complexion of the contest.

Roy Hodgson and Alberto Zaccheroni made attacking changes on the hour mark. For Fulham there was a welcome return to action for Clint Dempsey, who replaced Simon Davies. For Juventus, goalscorer and captain Trezeguet made way for Vincenzo Iaquita, who took his position at the head of the home side's attacking trio.

Fulham were pushing a higher line as the game wore on and Zamora continued to open Juventus up down the home side's left flank. With Dempsey and Gera doubling up in the centre Fulham's offered by far the greater attacking threat, yet a second crucial away goal eluded them.

Fulham continued to push forward during the final ten minutes of the game with their dominance offering great encouragement. Juventus, who had produced no notable attempts on goal during the second half, offered a late threat when Diego fired a 30 yard shot which forced Schwarzer to tip the ball over the cross bar for a corner. It was the last of the action and Juventus ran out 3-1 winners at the end of the first leg.

Fulham will return to the Cottage next Thursday facing a major task but will be offered great encouragement from their performance at the Stadio Olimpico di Torino. The scoreline in no way reflected the balance of play and Hodgson's side can count themselves desperately unfortunate to be two goals behind returning to SW6. 

Roy' Hodgson's Reaction:

"We did enough in the game to show we are not out of it. We certainly weren't disgraced. The only bitter pill for us to swallow is that their third goal just before half-time was completely unnecessary. We should have come in at 2-1 and with that scoreline for the second leg we would have been a lot happier.

"Getting back to just 2-1 down, I thought we were reasonably placed. It was in our hands then. But to concede again, and in added-on time in the first half, really killed us. It was a bad goal to concede.

"It will be an exciting game [at the Cottage] and I'm sure our public will enjoy it. To score two goals and not concede any is a difficult task but I've certainly seen stranger things happen in my time in football.

"We have had a lot of games and maybe there was an element of fatigue tonight. Perhaps we weren't as sprightly as we have been in some of our games. This will certainly be a testing time for our durability but we're not out of this competition yet. It's not impossible."



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/MatchAndTeam/MatchCentre/Matches/0910/EuropaLeague/JuventusAway.aspx#ixzz0hvu9w2ow


White Noise

http://www.goal.com/en/news/166/europa-league/2010/03/11/1828984/juventus-ace-antonio-candreva-disappointed-fulham-scored


Juventus Ace Antonio Candreva Disappointed Fulham Scored Away Goal


The midfielder saw his side concede a goal with the opposition's only real shot on target...


By Rick D'Andrea


Mar 11, 2010 11:44:00 PM

Juventus attacking midfielder Antonio Candreva may be happy that his side were able to defeat Fulham 3-1 in the Europa League first leg clash, but is disappointed that the Bianconeri conceded a goal during the English side's only real attacking opportunity.

The 23-year-old also knows that the Cottagers will be a different proposition during the return leg.

"I hope that he we can continue winning and playing like this," the Italian international stated to Tuttosport. " I am saddened that we conceded a goal in their only real attacking opportunity.

"They are a tough side, and we will need to be attentive in England during the second leg.

"The coach has trusted me enough to play me during this fixture, and it reinforces the hard work that I am doing here," he concluded.

White Noise

http://www.dailyexpress.co.uk/posts/view/162687/Fulham-brought-low-by-the-Old-Lady-s-charms/

FULHAM BROUGHT LOW BY THE OLD LADY'S CHARMS 


Friday March 12,2010

By Tony Paskin 


JUVENTUS 3 FULHAM 1


FULHAM'S Euro adventure went downhill fast in a city overlooked by The Alps. The white stuff may have kept away yesterday following heavy snowfall in Turin, but the black and white didn't. 

Juventus jolted Roy Hodgson's men with three first-half goals and the west Londoners have a mountain to climb on Thursday in the return-leg if they are to reach the last eight of the Europa Cup.

Hodgson admitted as much after the match. "To score two goals at home and not concede is going to be difficult," he said. "We weren't favourites and we are even less so now. But I have seen stranger things happen in football."

Juventus, the Old Lady of Italian football, scored through Nicolas Legrottaglie, Jonathan Zebina and David Trezeguet with Dickson Etuhu scoring an away goal.

Hodgson said the Trezeguet strike was the big blow. "What killed this game was the third goal in the 46th minute. It is a bad one to concede. "Our major regret is that at 2-1 it looked possible to get a good result then we let that one in during stoppage-time.

"It is a testing time for the durability of the squad but to come to Juventus and have as much control as we did is commendable.

"In the second half we had more shots on goal than they did but the final ball was just not there. But we are not out of it."

Fulham are still competing on three fronts – the Europa League, Premier League and FA Cup – and this match signalled the beginning of a daunting five matches in 13 days and a 46th game of an already-busy


White Noise

http://www.dailystar.co.uk/football/view/126040/Fulham-left-stunned-by-Juventus/

FULHAM LEFT STUNNED BY JUVENTUS


12th March 2010

By David Woods

Juventus 3 Fulham 1

Fulham's European adventure took a tumble in Turin last night as Juve jolted them with three first-half goals.

Roy Hodgson's men arrived in Italy having conceded a trio of goals in only one match this season, away to Stoke in January.

However, they found the team nicknamed the 'Old Lady' still has plenty of zest as they went into the break having conceded strikes to Nicolas Legrottaglie, Jonathan Zebina and David Trezeguet.

A deflected Dickson Etuhu goal at 2-0 down brought some respite to the Cottagers, who are competing on three fronts – the Europa League, Premier League and FA Cup.

This match signalled the beginning of a daunting five matches in 13 days for the west Londoners.

Following their return from northern Italy, Hodgson's men travel to Old Trafford to face leaders Manchester United on Sunday. Then it is the last-16 return leg with Juve, Manchester City at home in the league and a trip to Spurs in the Cup.

No wonder Hodgson was talking about making history with the team from the Thames.

Juve were the first to threaten when Trezeguet's header was pushed for a corner by Mark Schwarzer.

From the resulting corner from Diego in the ninth minute, ­Legrottaglie was able to jump high and win a powerful header, with the ball bouncing into the ground and ­flashing past Schwarzer and into the roof of the net.

Simon Davies had a great chance to hit back in the 18th minute after good work down the Fulham right saw Damien Duff pull an excellent ball back into his path.

But from about 12 yards out Davies swung with his right and missed the ball, with it bouncing away off his standing leg. Not surprisingly, the Welshman banged the ground in frustration. With work going on to rebuild their Stadio Del Alpi, this match was staged at the Stadio Olimpico, with only around 10,000 home fans bothering to turn up.

Juve almost claimed a second when Jonathan Greening was all too easily dispossessed by Claudio Marchiso and Trezeguet smashed a long-range shot just over.

However, his effort paled in comparison to the Italians' second goal in the 25th minute.

Zebina breezed past Davies and then made perfect connection with an angled shot from 25 yards which arrowed in off the far post.

This second goal left Hodgson stroking his chin on the touchline, perhaps wondering if his tired team might be about to take an embarrassing beating from the 'Old Lady'.

He was lifted, though, in the 36th minute when Fulham scored in the most fortunate of circumstances.

Davies' average free-kick into the box was only half-cleared and Etuhu was able to hit a hopeful shot towards goal. It was going straight towards former Arsenal keeper Alex Manninger until it struck Legrottaglie and went spinning to the keeper's left and just inside the post.

It was the Nigerian's second goal in 35 appearances for the club, with his other also coming in the Europa League against FK Vetra.

Fulham almost levelled when Brede Hangeland won a header from a Davies corner which Manninger could only parry, with the ball being frantically cleared.

But Juve remained dangerous and in first-half stoppage-time Schwarzer pulled off a stunning flying save to keep out Fabio Grosso's blistering left-foot drive.

Unfortunately, the corner led to a remarkable third goal for the hosts.

When the ball reached Trezeguet standing beyond the far post, the Frenchman hammered a shot against the upright, but he somehow managed to adjust and volley home the rebound into the opposite corner.

White Noise

http://www.juventus.com/site/eng/NEWS_newschampionsleague_792CAACB8F2F44A5955448B12E2D97AD.asp

Manninger: «We scored three great goals but Fulham is a well organized team»

A couple of good saves and a cleansheet which was only missed due to an unlucky deviation. Alexander Manninger has reason to be satisfied after the first leg against Fulham.

«It was a dirty goal. On such occasions, the ball stays there then somebody deviates and unfortunately this time it went in. However we reacted and scored a third. In London it will be a true battle. The defence played a great game tonight because we did not give our opponents space. We scored three great goals but Fulham is a well organized team with good qualities and they will definitely try to pay as back in London».

Asked what he thought of Zebina who scored a great goal, Manninger answered: «I did expect a great Zebina because I have seen him in training and lately he seems to be in great shape».

GoldCoastWhite

Back came Juventus. And again they scored with an accomplished strike. This time, after Schwarzer superbly tipped over Fabio Grosso's angled drive, the corner was met by Trezeguet only for his right-foot shot to cannon back off a post. With wonderful instinct the French striker stretched to meet the rebound, this time volleying it, left-footed, into the other corner of the goal. Right on half-time. Hodgson was furious.

"Volleyed it left footed ?" Was this berk at the game. That's about as accurate as the offside decision against Bobatov when he was a good yard on ...


White Noise

http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/zebina-and-juventus-too-strong-for-fulham-1920247.html

Zebina and Juventus too strong for Fulham

Juventus 3 Fulham 1

By Glenn Moore at Stadio Olimpico


Friday, 12 March 2010


Fulham's European adventure may have outlasted those of Real Madrid and Milan but the prospects of Roy Hodgson's side extending their campaign into April look slim after running into a Juventus team that lived up to the legend.


The suspended Danny Murphy was badly missed as Diego dictated play in this Europa Cup round of 16 first leg. High-class finishing, admittedly aided and abetted by poor Fulham defending, brought Juventus first-half goals for Nicola Legrottaglie, Jonathan Zebina and David Trezeguet. Nevertheless, Dickson Etuhu's deflected away goal offers Fulham hope for the return at Craven Cottage on Thursday.

"We're not out of it yet," said Hodgson. "We showed for a large part of the game we are more than capable of matching them. We had more situations around the box but they have quality players who took their chances."

While Craven Cottage will be packed to the rafters (it still has rafters) next week, the Stadio Olimpico was not even half-full, less than 10,000 Juventus fans, plus 1,500 from London, braving the night's bitter chill. It was something of a blessing that Juve are playing here while the 80,000-seat Stadio delle Alpi is being renovated.

If the tie had not have captured the imagination of Juventus fans their players did not lack desire. The Serie A side dominated the opening minutes with Fulham struggling to retain possession. It took Juventus just eight minutes to make their superiority count. Trezeguet won a corner with a glancing header which Mark Schwarzer did well to turn away. Diego delivered the set-piece and Legrottaglie rose unchallenged to head powerfully home.

Fulham, paradoxically, now settled and should have levelled. Damien Duff, released down the right by Zoltan Gera, pulled the ball back to Simon Davies in space 14 yards from goal. The Welshman, alas, miskicked.

It was a costly error as Juve soon doubled their lead with a stunning goal from Jonathan Zebina. Picking up a loose ball 10 yards inside the Fulham half he strolled past weak challenges from Davies and Etuhu before unleashing a drive which flew in off the far post.

Fulham needed a break. After 36 minutes they got one. A long free-kick fell to Etuhu whose shot took a huge deflection off Legrottaglie and rolled in. The goal changed the match as Fulham created a series of chances, Brede Hangeland going closest to an equaliser with a header Fabio Grosso cleared off the line.

As the interval approached Fulham conceded another bad goal. Chris Baird's misjudgement enabled Diego to set up Grosso who brought a superb save from Schwarzer. The subsequent corner found its way to Trezeguet who shot against the post then, with great dexterity, hit the rebound inside the far post past Duff who should have been guarding it.

Juventus were happy to sit on their lead in the second half and, with Fabio Cannavaro looking back to his best, kept Fulham at bay without much alarm. Not that either manager said the tie was over.

"To score two goals and not concede is going to be very difficult, but I've seen stranger things happen," said Hodgson.

"I am quite satisfied, but I had hoped for more as Fulham are at their best at home," said Zaccheroni.

Juventus (4-3-2-1): Manninger; Zebina, Legrottaglie, Cannavaro, Grosso; Salihamidzic (Camoranesi, h-t), Poulsen (Sissoko, 76), Marchisio; Candreva, Diego; Trezeguet (Iaquinta, 72). Substitutes not used: Del Piero, Grygera, De Ceglie, Pinsoglio (gk).

Fulham (4-4-1-1): Schwarzer; Baird, Hughes, Hangeland, Konchesky; Duff, Etuhu, Greening, Davies (Dempsey, 60); Gera; Zamora. Substitutes not used: Kelly, Nevland, Smalling, Zuberbühler (gk), Marsh-Brown.

Referee: F Meyer (Germany).

White Noise

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/premierleague/manutd/7420694/Manchester-United-v-Fulham-match-preview.html

Manchester United v Fulham: match preview

Read a full preview of the Premier League match between Manchester United and Fulham at Old Trafford on Sunday March 14 2010, kick-off 13.30 GMT.

By John Ley

Published: 6:00AM GMT 12 Mar 2010


Manchester United v Fulham
Old Trafford
Kick-off: 13.30 GMT.
TV: Live Sky & Highlights, BBC2 Match of the Day 2.

Fulham are attempting to win at Old Trafford for the first time since 2003 and, following the 3-0 win at Craven Cottage in December that would complete their first ever double over United – at the 31st attempt. Fulham arrive on the back of a five-game unbeaten run in the Premier League.

United could lose their place at the top of the Premier League by the time they entertain Fulham but, since they lost 3-0 at Craven Cottage, they have lost once in 11 League games. Fulham ares till without Clint Dempsey, Andrew Johnson, John Pantsil and Kagisho Dikgacoi but Paul Konchesky could feature.

United are without Wes Brown, with a broken foot. Michael Owen, Anderson and John O'Shea are also missing. Wayne Rooney returned against AC Milan on Wednesday and scored twice in a 4-0 win.

Team details (probable)

United (4-4-2): Van der Sar; Neville, Vidic, Ferdinand, Evra; Valencia, Gibson, Scholes, Park; Berbatov, Rooney.|
Fulham (4-4-2): Schwarzer; Baird, Hughes, Hangeland, Shorey; Duff, Greening, Etuhu, Davies; Gera, Zamora.
Referee: Michael Jones. Matches: 12. R1. Y41.

This season: Fulham 3 United 0.

Last season: United 3 Fulham 0, Fulham 2 United 0.

Stat of the game: Fulham are the only team yet to concede a penalty in the Premier League this season.

Betting tip: Go for Rooney to score a hat-trick at 12-1

White Noise

 
I NOSE WE CAN DO IT ... Roy Hodgson


Juventus 3 Fulham 1


Roy won't give up on his dream


From ANDREW DILLON in Turin

Published: Today

ROY HODGSON reckons Fulham can produce the biggest victory in their history and keep the Europa League dream alive.

Boss Hodgson said: "We weren't favourites to win before this game and we're even less fancied now. But I have seen stranger things happen in football than us turn this tie around.

"I'm sure our players will be doing their best.

"It's not impossible, we're not out of it yet."

Hodgson admits a marathon season, which began on July 30, is taking its toll.

A deflected 36th-minute effort from Dickson Etuhu was the club's consolation - and an away goal - as they battle to reach the quarter-finals.

But the Londoners were left cursing after French striker Trezeguet, 32, made it 3-1 with the last kick of the first half.

Fulham face Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday before the daunting second leg with the Italian giants.

Hodgson said: "We have played a lot of games and this is going to be a test of our durability.

"There is an element of fatigue. But what killed us was the third goal in first-half injury-time.

"Our major regret is that at 2-1 we had the possibility of getting a result in our hands.

"At 2-1 we would have been happy with the result. But to come to Juventus and have as much control as we did is commendable."

Fulham were boosted by the surprise appearance of Clint Dempsey.

The American striker, who picked up a serious knee injury in January, played 30 minutes as a substitute.



Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/2889564/Roy-wont-give-up-on-his-dream.html#ixzz0hwQGbINg


White Noise

http://www.manutd.com/default.sps?pagegid=%7BB4CEE8FA%2D9A47%2D47BC%2DB069%2D3F7A2F35DB70%7D&newsid=6646749


United are looking for three points - and some revenge - against Roy Hodgson's men...

Form guide: The Reds are buoyed by the 4-0 hammering of Milan and the ousting of Chelsea from top spot with last weekend's 1-0 win over Wolves. United have now posted four straight wins since the slip-up at Everton, including victory in the Carling Cup final, and Sir Alex will want to keep this momentum going as the Reds hurl headlong into the run-in. A home win would also avenge December's 3-0 defeat at Craven Cottage. Fulham's 3-1 Europa League loss to Juventus on Thursday ended their nine-match unbeaten run; their last two domestic games ended 0-0 - against Spurs (FA Cup) and at Sunderland.

Ins and outs: United are without Michael Owen due to a hamstring injury and Anderson with an anterior cruciate ligament problem. Wes Brown will be missing due to a fractured metatarsal sustained during United's win at Wolves, while John O'Shea is missing with a thigh strain. Fulham are still without the injured Andy Johnson (knee), and are awaiting late fitness tests on Kagisho Dikgacoi (ankle) plus Clint Dempsey and John Pantsil (both knee).

Star men: Bobby Zamora has come good this season after a slow start. His thunderous strike against Shakhtar Donetsk helped to knock out the UEFA Cup holders, and he now has a decent tally of 15 goals in all competitions this season - including one in the 3-0 league win over United in December. Brede Hangeland is a big reason why Fulham have become difficult to beat - the giant centre-back is also an attacking threat at setpieces.

White Noise

http://www.goal.com/en/news/166/europa-league/2010/03/11/1828965/nicola-legrottaglie-believes-italy-can-be-proud-of-juventus


Nicola Legrottaglie Believes Italy Can Be Proud Of Juventus


The defender wants to win the Europa League...


By Rick D'Andrea


Mar 11, 2010 11:22:00 PM

Juventus defender Nicola Legrottaglie has admitted that he would like to win the Europa League, after the Bianconeri defeated Fulham 3-1 in the first leg of their round of 16 tie.

For the 33-year-old, Italian football can be proud of the Bianconeri because of how well they are doing in Europe.

"We have a great chance to bring home the trophy," the Italian international revealed to Tuttosport. "Italian football can be proud of our side in Europe, and how well we want to do.

"If we are able to win the Europa League, it would be a massive triumph. After winning the Serie B, and finishing in third and second place respectively in the league, arriving at the top of Europe would be fantastic. We need to believe in this until the end.

"The team's aim now is to do well in London, as we are confident. It is not easy playing matches every three days, but we are gaining important players, and this is helping our cause," he concluded.

White Noise

http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Juventus-3-1-Fulham-Daily-Mirror-match-report-article352379.html

Juventus 3-1 Fulham: Daily Mirror match report

Published 00:00 11/03/10


By Neil McLeman


ROY HODGSON admitted Fulham paid the price for poor defending last night as they suffered their heaviest ever defeat in European football.

Juventus restored some pride to the Italian game with three goals in a crazy first half against an unusually sloppy rearguard.

Dickson Etutu's deflected away goal gave Fulham hope of reaching the last eight in the return leg at Craven Cottage on Thursday. But although the result wasn't a thrashing as convincing as Manchester United's destruction of Milan the previous night, this was not the kind of history Roy Hodgson had asked his side to make in their biggest game on foreign soil. Conceding two goals from corners is just not Fulham's style. In the end, they did well to only trail by two goals.

"We defended poorly tonight," admitted the former Inter Milan boss. "There was an element of fatigue about us because we have played a lot of games. The players are disappointed.

"We haven't made that many mistakes. Those we did make, we were made to pay for. The goal in the 46th minute, after we had got back into the game, killed the game. It was a bad time to concede. Going in at half-time 2-1 down, the game was still in our hands."

The Italian giants may be down in fifth place in Serie A and struggling to qualify for the Champions League again after getting knocked out in the group stages this season. But even without some of their biggest names last night, the Old Lady of Turin still had too much class.

Fulham, who played like this was there 46th match of a long season, had never lost by more than one goal in European competition. Fulham's unbeaten European record at Craven Cottage will now come under serious threat. But first they visit Manchester United on Sunday.

Last night a shadow Juventus side - Alessandro Del Piero spent the game on the bench despite a raft of injuries and suspensions - proved too much for Fulham.

Hodgson's side conceded only one goal in the whole of February. Last night they were two down after only 25 minutes. After only eight minutes, Nicolas Legrottaglie rose too easily to head home Diego's corner from seven yards.

The Italians doubled their lead a minute later when Jonathan Zebina brushed past half-hearted challenges from Etuhu and Simon Davies before smashing home a shot off the far post from the corner of the box for a stunning goal.

But this crazy first half briefly changed course after 36 minutes with Dickson Etutu's freak goal. Davies' 36th-minute free-kick was half cleared to the Nigeria midfielder on the edge of the Juve box and his low shot took a double deflection - the last off Legrottaglie - and past the wrong-footed Alex Manninger.

After being a spectator for the first third of the match, the former Arsenal keeper then made saves from Brede Hangeland, Bobby Zamora and Zoltan Gera before the break. None were as good as the one-handed stop Schwarzer made at the other end to keep out a Grosso thunderbolt.

But Fulham were caught out again from the corner. Trezeguet first crashed a volley against the post and reacted instantly to prod home the rebound home for his 170th goal in the black-and-white shirt.

Clint Dempsey made his first appearance since January for the disappointing Davies after an hour but the American not enliven an anti-climactic second period.

Schwarzer another fine save from Diego after 90 minutes to keep the tie alive. Jonathan Greening will be banned fro the second leg along with captain Jonathan Greening after picking up a second yellow card.

Hodgson said: "To score two goals and keep a clean sheet is going to be difficult. We weren't favourites before this game. We are even less so now. It is not impossible. I have seen stranger things happen in football."


White Noise

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/8558323.stm



Juventus   3 - 1   Fulham


By Chris Bevan 


Three first-half goals saw Juventus take command of their Europa League last-16 tie with Fulham, but Dickson Etuhu's goal gave the Cottagers hope.

Nicola Legrottaglie nodded the Italian side ahead from Diego's ninth-minute corner and Jonathan Zebina made it 2-0 with a fierce 25-yard strike.

Etuhu replied with a shot that took a huge deflection off Legrottaglie.

But David Trezeguet gave Juve breathing space for the second leg, reacting quickly after he had hit the post.

Fulham have rightly won plaudits, and caused plenty of surprises, during their progress in Europe this season but the defensive organisation that has been a hallmark of their displays was absent in the early stages at the Stadio Olimpico di Torino.

Cottagers boss Roy Hodgson, who has had time at Italian sides Inter Milan and Udinese during a rich and successful managerial career, will have been disappointed with the manner in which Juve took the lead after just nine minutes.

After Trezeguet's clever flicked header was pushed around the post by Mark Schwarzer, Diego's corner was met by the leaping Legrottaglie, who rose unmarked to send a powerful header bouncing into the roof of the Fulham net.

Fulham did improve after going behind, but they rarely looked like levelling and a Simon Davies miscue from a smart Damien Duff pull-back was their only sight of goal in the opening half-hour.

Juve continued to look menacing, however, and their second goal on 25 minutes showed the quality in their ranks even if there were more question marks over the visitors' defending.

After good work by Antonio Candreva, who held the ball up on the edge of the area, Zebina rode Davies' weak challenge and slammed an unstoppable shot that flew past Schwarzer and went in off the far post.

At that stage, things looked grim for Fulham but they were soon back in the tie thanks to a huge slice of luck.

Davies lofted a free-kick into the box which fell for Etuhu, and the Nigerian midfielder swivelled to fire in a shot that took a massive deflection off Legrottaglie before rolling into the opposite corner.

Suddenly the Cottagers were rampant and they went close to levelling soon after, when Alex Manninger clawed away a Brede Hangeland header, then threatened again with shots from Zoltan Gera and Bobby Zamora.

Given Fulham's impressive home record in Europe this season - they are unbeaten and have won five out of six matches - you fancied their chances of overturning a 2-1 scoreline at Craven Cottage.

So Hodgson will have been especially disappointed to see them concede again, from another corner, in first-half injury time after Schwarzer had done brilliantly to turn away Fabio Grosso's shot.

More poor marking allowed Trezeguet time first to fire a shot against the post, and then to smash the rebound back into the opposite corner.

That was the last action of a thrilling first half but the second period contained nothing like as much excitement.

Juventus appeared happy with their lead while Fulham, with an away goal in the bag, also seemed happy to shut up shop.

Diego's swerving low shot caused Schwarzer problems before the end and Vincenzo Iaquinta should have found the target with a late header for Juve, but that was as close as the game got to another goal.

It leaves Fulham with a huge, but not insurmountable task in west London next week - but their defending will have to improve markedly if their European adventure is to continue into the quarter-finals.



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Fulham boss Roy Hodgson:
"We did enough in the game to show we are not out of it. We certainly weren't disgraced.

"The only bitter pill for us to swallow is that their third goal just before half-time was completely unnecessary.

"We should have come in at 2-1 and with that scoreline for the second leg we would have been a lot happier."

Juventus manager Alberto Zaccheroni:
"I'm quite satisfied with the result tonight but to be honest, I hoped to get something more out of the game, I think we could have scored more.

"It's not a good thing to concede an away goal at home and it will be difficult in the second leg because Fulham usually give their best at home so we have to watch out and be very careful."

White Noise

http://hammyend.com/?p=5916

Clinical Juve in control

by Dan on March 12, 2010

Strange old game in Turin tonight. Fulham played well in parts and looked much better as the second half went on, presumably after being given a bit of a rollicking by Roy Hodgson at half time, but you've got to wonder whether three dismally soft goals have given the London too much to do in the second leg at the Cottage next week. The much more cohesive display from the Premier League side after the break hinted at just how they might hit on some success against Juve down by the Thames but you sense that the Italian side's third goal, scored by David Trezeguet in the third minute of stoppage time at the end of the first half, might just prove decisive.

Hodgson's team selection suggested his mind was purely on getting something against la Vecchia Signoria. Paul Konchesky returned to the starting line-up at left back, making his first start for Fulham since a foot injury at Blackburn curtailed his season, but other than that this was the same side that had prolonged their unbeaten run in the FA Cup against Spurs on Saturday night. Perhaps the most intriguing inclusion was that of Clint Dempsey. sporting an almost Romanesque beard as Rich pointed out the other day, on the bench.

Objective number one for Hodgson would have been trying to blunt the Biachanneri's cutting edge. Tasked with stopping the dangerous Diego was the midfied pairing of Greening and Etuhu. I don't think Fulham were half as bad as the usual doom and gloom merchants suggest. Bobby Zamora looked to be clean through as early as the second minute but was stopped in his tracks by a contentious offside call.

That's not to say Juve didn't hit their straps early with Diego to the fore. Trezeguet was in the mood too – beating Hangeland to a left-wing cross and appearing to have found the far corner with a glancing header, only for Schwarzer to make a great save. The reprieve last barely seconds. Diego's invited corner was headed in by Nicola Legrottaglie, whose downward header skipped up off the wet surface and above the desperate attempt of Konchesky to keep it out.

Hodgson's side looked a little nervous, perhaps understandably so, but a nice bit of keepball settled the nerves. In the blink of an eye, a strong run from Damien Duff took him to the byline and his low cross surprised an off-balance Simon Davies, who missed his kick.

Punishment for that miss was coming soon, but not before Marchisio robbed Jon Greening and wasted a glorious chance to run at a retreating red line by shooting from 20 yards. Perhaps he should have passed the ball to Jonathan Zebina instead, because I'm not sure the full-back will ever hit a shot as sweet as the one that flew in via the past from 25 yards as long as he lives. Candreva did brilliantly to create the space for Zebina but Davies and Etuhu will probably be reminded of the need to close people down around the edge of the box given their rather shambolic attempts to do so.

Then out of nothing Fulham had an away goal. The reason I get frustrated with Etuhu is he can do things going forward and this was an example. Sure, his hopeful shot from a half-cleared free-kick was going wide and took a hell of a deflection off Legrottaglie to wrongfoot Alex Manninger.

Getting to half-time at 2-1 was crucial, but the goal galvanised Fulham. They could so easily have been level moments later. Hangeland met a corner with a thumping header and Manninger saved, but two things were evident. First, how close did Zoltan Gera get to diverting it past the ex-Arsenal custodian and, second, how did the fifth/87th official miss the most blase bit of shirt-tugging on the Norwegian as he went up for the header?

You could forgive a toddler for tugging on the jumper of someone as they demand attention, but not a central defender. Indeed, the sneaky Cannavaro, full of shirt tugs, sneaky kicks and smiles with the referee, fought a running battle with Bobby that's worthy of further exploration.

Fulham weren't finished there either. Zamora did brilliantly to volley a cross first time towards goal but it was at a comfortable height for Manninger. Getting to 2-1 at half-time was now crucial. You thought they might have managed it when Schwarzer made a splendid save from a Grosso strike, what with two minutes being added on for stoppages but the referee decided to allow the corner to be taken. It was another scrappy set piece goal that will have irritated Hodgson with Trezeguet, able to take two shots at goal under no real pressure, the second of them squirming into the far corner.

Fulham were much improved in the second half, commendably keeping both their shape and their discipline as Juve probed for the fourth goal that would have killed off the tie. Diego's low strike almost surprised Schwarzer and Vincenzo Iaquinta really should have buried a free header. But Fulham had chances too, most notably in the last quarter, when Clint Dempsey made an encouraging return. Legrottaglia will miss the second leg for cynically handling the ball as Gera looked to free Duff down the right and that will leave the Bianconeri hoping that Chielini recovers from a thigh strain that reportedly isn't as bad as first thought.

Plenty of pride again at a battling Fulham performance and our band of travelling fans that made themselves heard in a ridiculously deserted stadium throughout. As much as we would have loved another away goal, this one isn't over yet.

JUVENTUS (4-3-2-1): Manninger; Zebina, Grosso, Legrottaglie, Cannavaro; Poulsen (Sissoko 76), Salihamidzic (Camoranesi 45), Marchisio; Candreva, Diego; Trezeguet (Iaquinta 63). Subs (not used): Pinsoglio, Gygera, De Ceglie, Del Piero.

BOOKED: Legrottaglie.

GOALS: Legrottaglie (9), Zebina (25), Trezeguet (45+3).

FULHAM (4-4-1-1): Schwarzer; Baird, Konchesky, Hangeland, Hughes; Etuhu, Greening, Duff, Davies (Dempsey 61); Gera; Zamora. Subs (not used): Zuberbuhler, Smalling, Kelly, Marsh-Brown, Nevland.

REFEREE: Florian Meyer (Germany).

ATTENDANCE: 11,406.

White Noise

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/premierleague/chelsea/7422799/Carlo-Ancelotti-keeps-Joe-Cole-guessing-at-Chelsea-with-Liverpool-waiting-in-wings.html

Germans root for England?

First Fiorentina's exit to Bayern Munich; then AC Milan's heavy defeat to Manchester United. It's not been a good week for Italian football and as Serie A stumbles, the Bundesliga is reviving.

It means that Germany – based on those confounded coefficients (Uefa country rankings) – is set to prise that fourth Champions League qualification place away from Italy, for the 2011-12 season, which would represent a significant change.

Only Juventus, who faced Fulham on Thursday night, and Inter Milan, at Chelsea next Tuesday, are left in European competition for the Italians. It means that, for two ties only perhaps, the whole of Germany, which has five clubs remaining, will be rooting for the English.


White Noise

http://hammyend.com/?p=5915


Just about still standing

by lydia on March 11, 2010

Not exactly the result we would have wanted tonight but never the less, we are still in the tie.

We have to accept that Juventus are a top side and we couldn't really go and get a wonderful victory away from home. What was dissappointing was the manner in which the 3 goals where conceded two from set pieces and one very preventable shot from outside the box which eventually left our reliable keeper with no chance.

At 2-0 within 25 minutes I'll admit that I was slightly worried but we managed to reply through a very scrappy and rather fortunate goal from a player who has had his critics lately. The ball in from Davies was poor however Etuhu managed to get a shot away that looked to be going well wide until it hit a defender and barely rolled into the net. There was jubilation in my living room at that because, 2-1 away from home was a very healthy scoreline!

I don't really want to talk much about the 3rd goal. It was a bit of a disaster in the box and the less said about it, the better. The second half was much better from Fulham and we had a few chances to nick another away goal.

On a brighter note we have that all important away goal and we play much better at the Cottage.

White Noise

http://www.tribalfootball.com/fulham-skipper-hughes-we-will-attack-juventus-london-697671

Fulham skipper Hughes: We will attack Juventus in London


12.03.10 | tribalfootball.com


Fulham stand-in skipper Aaron Hughes says they'll go at Juventus full throttle next week.

The Fulham players insist they're well in their Europa League tie despite last night's 3-1 first-leg defeat at Juventus.

Hughes told fulhamfc.com: "We know what we have to do at the Cottage next week and we'll have a right go at it. We're obviously disappointed, especially with the way we conceded the third goal.

"Our away goal might yet prove crucial if we can get a couple of goals at the Cottage and keep a clean sheet. It's going to be tough - but it's not impossible.

"We're disappointed with the way we conceded the goals but like I say, there's plenty of football to play.

"I thought the fans were fantastic and they gave us a lot of support. They've [the fans] been like that throughout our European campaign and we've been to some far away places.

"It's fantastic and it's unfortunate we couldn't give them something to take home with them tonight. We'll see what we can do next week and I think the atmosphere will play a big part next week."