Friday Fulham Stuff (02/12/11)...

[WhiteJC]

 
Centre Half Chase?

Keen to shape the squad into his own and having already spoken about how the starting eleven is basically what he inherited; does Jol have his eyes on another centre back?

One news source is convinced he does with the Benfica centre back Mario Jardel the man in his sights.

Jardel, now twenty-five, is currently unable to make the first team at the Portuguese club and the news source suggests a loan deal, in January, or a cut price transfer could very well be on the cards.

Anther rumour we suggest that you might want to pay close attention to!



Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=264363#ixzz1fMNIkidS

[WhiteJC]

 
Zamora Boost

There`s a claim amongst the hidden agenda many tabloid papers have that infers that Bobby Zamora may have a problem when it comes to making the England 2012 Euro Finals squad.

With Fulham having started their season so early, courtesy of the Europa League qualification campaign, the word fatigue seems to be thrown into the equation when Bobby is talked about.

The claim has seen Martin Jol spring to his strikers defence pointing out that Bobby is often rested and that he is the best of his type in the English game, with Jol remarking in the media,

"We feel we have a situation where we have players that can replace him if it is getting a problem."

"I think he has a good rhythm now and if there is a physical problem, he will tell me. We will make an assessment and I feel Bobby is a typical number nine for us,"

"He is different playing for England and, while you can always pick up an injury, I feel he has a great chance of going to the European Championship."

"Bobby is a target man and holds up the ball very well. He`s probably the best in England or one of the best."

"The only thing you hope for is by the end of the season he gets an average of 10 or 12 goals and I am 100 per cent certain he will."

Bobby for England still has a nice ring to it don`t you think!



Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=264364#ixzz1fMNVezgL

[WhiteJC]

 
Nothing Has Changed?

As we prepare to continue our Europa League campaign with a fixture against Twente tonight, Martin Jol has come up with an interesting comment in the tabloid press.

The Dutchman, returning to home soil, has commented on how when he took over the managerial role, back in the summer, had a few words with Mr Al Fayed concerning the squad he had inherited, words that have re0surfaced this morning and words that read,

"When I first spoke to the chairman, I said we have the oldest team in the top flight."

"We`ve since offloaded eight or nine players who were on the bench all the time and we`ve lowered the average age."

"But my line-up is not much different from last season. This could be my toughest challenge."

All fair points but some might say that those Jol has brought in have done nothing with regards to making first team places their own!



Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=264366#ixzz1fMNjPPya

[WhiteJC]

 
Striker Hunt

Back in those days when the sun shone, namely the August transfer window, Fulham, according to the press, made a last-gasp move to lure a striker to Craven Cottage.

Those same press reports indicate the move fell through but is about to be resurrected with Martin Jol keen to bring the twenty-five year old Marseille striker, Andre-Pierre Gignac, to Craven Cottage this January.

Gignac has fallen out of favour at Marseille and Jol is keen to bolster a squad that can, at times, be considered a little thin on the ground. But, naturally, Fulham do have competition with Wolfsburg also interested.

One to keep an eye on though we think!



Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=264365#ixzz1fMNwtmzy

[WhiteJC]

 
FC Twente 1 Fulham 0: Cottagers' Euro hopes hit by late Janko strike

Fulham must win their final group game to guarantee a place in the last 32 of the Europa League without their leading goalscorer in Europe, Andrew Johnson.

An 89th-minute goal from FC Twente substitute Marc Janko ended the club's hard-fought bid to earn a draw in Holland and Johnson was sent off three minutes later.

The striker has often been Fulham's saviour in the competition this season, scoring eight goals, but two second-half bookings earned him a red card in stoppage time.

The second - for kicking the ball away after conceding a free-kick - was a particularly silly offence, but Fulham boss Martin Jol insisted he had no problem with Johnson's attitude. The 30-year-old will be suspended for the clash against Odense at Craven Cottage on December 14, which does little to help his chances of earning a new contract before his deal expires at the end of the season.

Jol said: 'It was probably not what you want, a player sent off in the final minutes. You need all your players, especially Andy Johnson. But he did a good job. There was no complaint with his attitude. 'We knew we'd have to win the last game anyway, but the goal was disappointing.'

The night began with a farewell ceremony for Bryan Ruiz, who was ineligible to play after leaving Twente for Fulham on transfer deadline day. He travelled to Holland, but looked slightly embarrassed as Twente fans serenaded him and waved 'Bye Bye Bryan' scarves. He has made an inauspicious start at Fulham, but perhaps it showed the 1,300 fans here why their club spent £10.7m on him.


Tough time: Fulham coach Martin Jol

Mark Schwarzer made a couple of early saves from Nacer Chadli - another linked with Fulham during the summer - as the Premier League side struggled to win and maintain possession. Johnson switched with Moussa Dembele, who began on the left, and the powerful Belgian caused problems, but Twente's Douglas largely shackled Bobby Zamora.


Heartbreak: Fulham conceded a late winner

Twente had already qualified for the knockout stages but looked more intent on winning, with Fulham happy to sit back and absorb pressure.


Rare chance: Andy Johnson is thwarted by Nikolay Mihailov


Battle: Leroy Fer of Twente Enschede challenges Dickson Etuhu

The introduction of Ola John - younger brother of former Fulham striker Collins - at half-time seemed to invigorate Twente. Emir Bajrami fired wide before Luuk de Jong missed the target from a John cross after 69 minutes.

Zamora rolled the ball wide from a Danny Murphy free-kick two minutes later, and Janko broke the deadlock in the 89th minute when he nipped in front of Aaron Hughes and Brede Hangeland - who appeared to be trying to play offside - and steered Roberto Rosales' cross past Schwarzer.


Close encounter: Moussa Dembele goes up with FC Twente's Douglas

MATCH FACTS
FC Twente: Mihailov, Rosales, Wisgerhof, Douglas, Tiendalli, Brama, Fer, Landzaat (John 46), Bajrami, de Jong, Chadli (Janko 79). Subs not used: Marsman, Cornelisse, Bengtsson, Buysse, Gouriye.
Goal: Janko 89.
Fulham: Schwarzer, Kelly, Hughes, Hangeland, Riise, Dembele (Kasami 83), Etuhu, Murphy, Duff (Frei 33), Johnson, Zamora (Orlando Sa 87). Subs not used: Etheridge, Senderos, Gecov, Briggs.
Booked: Johnson.
Sent off: Johnson.
Referee: Marijo Strahonja (Cro)
Attendance: 21,000.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2068751/FC-Twente-1-Fulham-0-Cottagers-Euro-hopes-hit-late-Janko-strike.html#ixzz1fMPN0PEr

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham downed in Enschede
Marc Janko came off the bench to score for Twente


Fulham's chances of qualification to the last 32 of the Europa League hang in the balance after their last-gasp 1-0 defeat to Twente in the Netherlands on Thursday.

A late Marc Janko strike condemned the Cottagers to the loss in their penultimate Group K game, keeping them in second place on seven points but just one ahead of Wisla Krakow, who won 2-1 at Odense.

Things went from bad to worse for Fulham in injury time when Andy Johnson was sent off for a second yellow card, meaning that he will miss the all-important final group match with Odense which the London team need to win to be sure of qualification to the knockout stages.

First-half stalemate

Martin Jol's side struggled against the club he played for between 1979 and 1982, failing to muster a single shot in a first half that Twente dominated.

Nacer Chadli had the first shot of the match after 13 minutes with a drive that Mark Schwarzer saved down to his right.

The reported Fulham target tested the Australia international again moments later, before Leroy Fer unleashed a fierce shot from the edge of the box that Schwarzer did well to stop.

While the west Londoners were looking organised at the back, they were struggling to find a rhythm and get the ball out of their half.

Fulham were forced to alter their flat-looking attack in the 34th minute when Damien Duff was forced off with a knock.

Kerim Frei replaced the Republic of Ireland international and the visitors soon eked out their first chance, with Johnson thwarted by the onrushing Nikolay Mihaylov when through on goal.

The visitors started the second period brightly and six minutes after the restart Kelly's cross was headed wide by Johnson under pressure from Peter Wisgerhof.

Twente were also attacking with intent and brought on Ola John to help utilise the space down the flanks.

End-to-end action
The 19-year-old was proving dangerous down the left as Twente began to assert their authority once more, with Emir Bajrami shooting just wide from 25 yards.

Chadli and Douglas both attempted long-range efforts with the latter coming close before Johnson wriggled free in the box at the other end only to snatch at the ball and shoot across the face of goal.

Play was starting to sway from end to end and, after a Frei cross caused trouble in the Twente box, Luuk de Jong wasted a gilt-edged chance to break the deadlock as he headed wide from six yards.

Both sides were looking dangerous going forward and Bobby Zamora was unfortunate to direct a well-worked Danny Murphy free-kick wide in the 71st minute.

Fulham pushed forward in numbers as rain began to pour down in a final 10 minutes that saw Dembele limp off.

Things got worse for the visitors when neat play from Twente saw Janko turn home Roberto Rosales' cross.

The goal two minutes from time was compounded further by Johnson's sending-off in stoppage time for a second yellow card after he kicked the ball away.


http://www.skysports.com/football/match_report/0,19764,11065_3447390,00.html?

[WhiteJC]

 
FC Twente 1-0 Fulham

Fulham suffered a last-gasp defeat to FC Twente as they wasted the chance to make the Europa League knockout stage this evening.

The Cottagers knew three points in Holland would guarantee qualification from Group K, but they ultimately claimed none as Austrian substitute Marc Janko stabbed home from close range.

Martin Jol's side struggled against the club he played for between 1979 and 1982, failing to muster a single shot in a first half that Twente dominated.

Fulham's poor first period was compounded by an injury to Damien Duff, although the west Londoners looked a more cohesive attacking unit after the restart.

Mousa Dembele limped off as Fulham pushed forward towards the end and Janko scored two minutes from time.

The win was Twente's first against English opposition and things got worse for the Cottagers when Andrew Johnson was sent off in stoppage time, meaning he will miss the all-important final group match with Odense, which Fulham need to win to be sure of qualification for the last 32.

Jol named a strong Fulham line-up for the game as they looked to qualify with a game to spare.

Duff, Johnson, Aaron Hughes and Stephen Kelly were all drafted in, with Bryan Ruiz among those dropping out.

The Costa Rica international - a former Twente favourite - was not involved in the match due to ineligibility but was honoured before the game kicked off by the Tukkers.

Nacer Chadli had the first shot of the match after 13 minutes with a drive that Mark Schwarzer saved down to his right.

The reported Fulham target tested the Australia international again moments later, before Leroy Fer unleashed a fierce shot from the edge of the box that Schwarzer did well to stop.

While the west Londoners were looking organised at the back, they were struggling to find a rhythm and get the ball out of their half.

Fulham were forced to alter their flat-looking attack in the 34th minute when Duff was forced off with a knock.

Kerim Frei replaced the Republic of Ireland international and the visitors soon eked out their first chance, with Johnson thwarted by the onrushing Nikolay Mihaylov when through on goal.

The visitors started the second period brightly and six minutes after the restart Kelly's cross was headed wide by Johnson under pressure from Peter Wisgerhof.

Twente were also attacking with intent and brought on Ola John - brother of former Fulham striker Collins John - to help utilise the space down the flanks.

The 19-year-old was proving dangerous down the left as Twente began to assert their authority once more, with Emir Bajrami shooting just wide from 25 yards.

Chadli and Douglas both attempted long-range efforts with the latter coming close before Johnson wriggled free in the box at the other end only to snatch at the ball and shoot across the face of goal.

Play was starting to sway from end to end and, after a Frei cross caused trouble in the Twente box, Luuk de Jong wasted a gilt-edged chance to break the deadlock as he headed wide from six yards.

Both sides were looking dangerous going forward and Bobby Zamora was unfortunate to direct a well-worked Danny Murphy free-kick wide in the 71st minute.

Fulham pushed forward in numbers as rain began to pour down in a final 10 minutes that saw Dembele limp off.

Things got worse for the visitors when neat play from Twente saw Janko turn home Roberto Rosales' cross.

The goal two minutes from time was compounded further by Johnson's sending-off in stoppage time for a second yellow card after he kicked the ball away.



http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2011/1201/fulham_twente.html?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham falter as Twente sew up Group K

FC Twente 1-0 Fulham FC
Marc Janko struck an 89th-minute winner as the Dutch side sealed top spot in Group K, though the 2010 finalists could join them in the last 32.

Marc Janko's last-minute winner ensured FC Twente topped Group K although Fulham FC remain well-placed to join them in the UEFA Europa League round of 32.

The hosts winless run against English opposition was set to stretch to 13 matches when Roberto Rosales whipped in a low cross that substitute Janko side-footed in from close range to move the Tukkers six points clear at the Group K summit. Martin Jol's side, who had Andrew Johnson dismissed in added time, remain second but now only hold a one-point advantage over Wisła Kraków with a home game against eliminated Odense BK to come in a fortnight.

The first half was a cagey affair, punctuated by a duel between Twente schemer Nacer Chadli and Fulham custodian Mark Schwarzer. The keeper held sway with two important saves in the opening quarter of an hour, on both occasions diving low to his right to deny the talented 22-year-old.

Ola John had set up a competition-leading four goals in the group stage before this meeting and coach Co Adriaanse sent him on at half-time in a bid to broaden his side's creativity. The switch breathed life into the hosts with John instrumental in a dominant spell, even if only Emir Bajrami's swerving drive seriously threatened the Cottagers' rearguard before the hour mark.

Jol's charges should have hit the front against the side he represented as a player when defensive confusion allowed Johnson in on Nikolay Mihaylov, but the No8 scuffed wide of the far upright. Twente went close, too, as John's teasing cross was met by De Jong glancing header; he failed to get enough purchase. Janko was less profligate, though, with Johnson picking up his second yellow card by kicking the ball away in frustration in the dying seconds.



http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/season=2012/matches/round=2000272/match=2007393/postmatch/report/index.html?rss=1669353+Fulham+falter+as+Twente+sew+up+Group+K

[WhiteJC]

 
Johnson sent off as Fulham are beaten

FC Twente 1 Fulham 0

Marc Janko's 89th-minute goal left Fulham needing to win their final Group K match to be sure of a place in the knockout phase of the Europa League.

And striker Andrew Johnson will miss that game – at home to Danish outfit Odense – after being sent off in injury time in Enschede.

Fulham were on course for an important point before Roberto Rosales whipped the ball in from the right for substitute Janko to score from six yards out.

The visitors were then dealt another blow when Johnson, who had already been booked, petulantly kicked the ball away after being penalised for a foul on Ola John and was shown a second yellow card.

The Whites' late lapse means FC Twente win the group - and that Fulham will go out if they fail to beat Odense and Wisla Krakov manage an upset against the Dutch side in a fortnight.

A point in the Netherlands would have left Fulham needing only a draw at Craven Cottage to go through.

Fulham's line-up seemed full of attacking intent, with Johnson, Bobby Zamora and Moussa Dembele all starting.

But they spent most of the game defending, with Zamora man-marked up front and both Johnson and Demeble working hard on the flanks.

Twente, already through to the next stage, have scored 63 goals in all competitions this season but were mainly restricted to long-range efforts by Martin Jol's men.

The dangerous Nacer Chandli was twice denied by Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer, who also did well to keep out Leroy Fer's shot.

Fulham were forced into a change 10 minutes before the interval, when Damien Duff went off after suffering an apparent recurrence of the calf injury that kept him out of Saturday's draw at Arsenal.

The Irishman was replaced by exciting youngster Kerim Frei, who created an opening shortly after the hour mark.

Frei galloped towards the penalty area and picked out Dembele, who went down under a challenge from Wout Brama which referee Marijo Stahonja deemed fair.

Johnson then missed Fulham's best chance of the match, dragging a shot wide after Stephen Kelly's pass had ricocheted into his path.

Luuk de Jong was even more wasteful at the other end after being set up by John.

The younger brother of former Fulham player Collins John cut in from the left and crossed for the unmarked striker, who headed wide.

That miss was almost punished when Zamora nudged the ball narrowly wide after Danny Murphy's cleverly-taken free-kick.

Having defended so well, Fulham switched off and Twente were able to nick a winner.

Emir Bajrami was given time to find Rosales, and Kelly allowed Janko to creep in front of him and meet the Venezuelan's low cross with a simple finish.

Johnson's subsequent moment of madness may yet prove costly, but Fulham remain very strong favourites to progress.



http://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/johnson-sent-off-as-fulham-are-beaten/?

[WhiteJC]

 
MONDAY RECOVERY LOOKS TOUGH FOR DUFF

Martin Jol has revealed Damien Duff is set to miss Monday night's Premier League clash with Liverpool after he limped off during Fulham's 1-0 Europa League Group K defeat to FC Twente.

The Cottagers knew three points in Holland would guarantee qualification for the last 32, but left empty-handed after substitute Marc Janko stabbed home from close range late on.

Andrew Johnson was sent off in stoppage time for a second booking, while injuries to Duff and Mousa Dembele compounded a bad evening for the west Londoners.

Clint Dempsey missed the trip to Holland with a thigh complaint but could return for Monday's clash, although Jol revealed Duff might not be able to line up alongside the American against the Reds.

"Duff has (suffered a recurrence) of the old problem with his calf injury that kept him out for two weeks," the Dutchman said.

"He came back and had the same problem, but hopefully Dembele is fine. Damien could be a doubt but I expect Mousa to play and Clint could return."

On his side's performance against one of his old clubs, Jol added: "It could have been a nice game. They have got a good team and they score goals.

"Last Sunday was the first time in a while they had not scored a goal (they drew 0-0 with Vitesse Arnhem) so it would have been only the second time in about 42 games they hadn't scored.

"That would have been good, although one point would not have been ideal.

"We need to win the last game, anyway, but the goal was disappointing.

"We did well defensively, stopping their crosses, but somebody slipped and then we speculated on the offside.

"We are normally very good at defending crosses and the problem was keeping the ball in their half. Dembele had asked for a substitution and we couldn't keep the ball in their half so they broke us and they scored."

The defeat, coupled with Wisla Krakow's win at Odense, means Fulham must beat the latter in two weeks to be sure of qualification.

Johnson's red card will see him miss that game and Jol admitted the striker's absence is far from ideal.

"It was probably not what you want, a player sent off in the final minutes out of frustration," he said.

"It was a second booking, and he knew that he was booked.

"You need all your players, especially Andy Johnson, who has scored goals in Europe.

"He did a very good job for the team. There is no complaint whatsoever with his attitude."

Dembele believes the Cottagers can overcome the disappointment of the defeat to Twente and qualify for the last 32 of the competition.

He said: "Everybody will work hard enough to win the final game. It's very important to us and I think we'll win it."

On this setback, the 24-year-old Belgian added on ESPN: "We tried to play our way and we would have been happy to take a point, but Twente had most of the game so maybe they deserved to win.

"What happened at the end is a bit disappointing for us, but we're not playing badly as a team."

This victory was Twente's first against English opposition in 13 European games and manager Co Adriaanse was proud of his team's effort.

"It was a difficult match because Fulham got back to their own game in the second half," he said.

"Twente had to be patient and maintain the tempo, but we didn't make the mistake of playing long balls and deserved the win with the late goal."



http://www.sportinglife.com/football/premiership/fulham/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/11/12/01/SOCCER_Fulham_Quotes.html

[WhiteJC]

 
Late goal for Twente wrecks Fulham's night

FULHAM need a win in their final group fixture at home to Odense in a fortnight to ensure qualification for next year's knock-outs stages after a deflating night in Holland.

The Whites looked all set to collect a point, but with two minutes to go, sub Marc Janko coverted a cross and the agony was compounded when Andrew Johnson picked up a second yellow card in injury time for kicking the ball away in frustration when he was pulled up for a foul.

He will miss that game against the Danes - who at least will have nothing to play for after defeat by Wisla Krakow - but that was not the only headache for boss Martin Jol.

The gamble to rush back Damien Duff from a calf injury backfired, with the Irishman breaking down after half an hour, while Moussa Dembele also limped off.

It may not have been spectacular, but Jol's men appeared to have got the job done in Enschede - frustrating the home side for the most part, who have a fine recent home record in both domestic and European competition.

After a drab first half, the game picked up in the second half, with both sides having chances to snatch victory.

Luuk de Jong somehow headed wide from close range after being picked out by sub Ola John, the younger brother of former Fulham striker Collins John.

But at the other end, Johnson and Bobby Zamora also passed up good opportunities as the Whites sensed a late chance to secure progress to the knock-outs with a win.



Read More http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2011/12/01/late-goal-for-twente-wrecks-fulham-s-night-64767-29880898/?#ixzz1fMSHM2ZQ

[WhiteJC]

 
Dembele still backs Fulham to qualify

Mousa Dembele believes Fulham can overcome the disappointment of Thursday night's Europa League defeat and qualify for the last 32 of the competition.

Marc Janko stabbed home an 89th-minute goal to give FC Twente a 1-0 win which ensures they will finish top of Group K.

However, Fulham will join them in the knockout stages if they win their final group match at home to Odense on December 14.

Dembele, 24, told ESPN: "Everybody will work hard enough to win the final game. It's very important to us and I think we'll win it.''

On their setback in Holland, the Belgian said: "We tried to play our way and we would have been happy to take a point, but Twente had most of the game so maybe they deserved to win.

"What happened at the end is a bit disappointing for us, but we're not playing badly as a team.''

Martin Jol also confirmed that midfielder Damien Duff suffered a calf injury during the match, but no news on how long the midfielder will be out for is expected until he is evaluated back in London.


http://www.espn.co.uk/football/sport/story/124344.html?CMP=OTC-RSS

[WhiteJC]

 
Twente's late winner punishes Fulham as Andrew Johnson sees red


The Twente goalkeeper Nikolay Mihaylov foils Fulham Andrew Johnson, who was
later sent off in the dying minute's of the Londoners' defeat.
Photograph: Peter Dejong/AP

Fulham's hopes of qualifying for the knockout phase of the Europa League rest on their final Group K game against Odense at Craven Cottage on 14 December after suffering a last-minute defeat by Twente in their penultimate match in Enschede.

They can take some consolation, though, from the fact that qualification is in their own hands and they will secure second place in the group with a victory over the Danes who cannot go through. The manner of the defeat was not deserved but the result itself was fair given that Fulham were forced to defend en masse for large periods of the game.

Martin Jol had named a strong starting XI, knowing that victory would earn qualification with a game to spare, and recalled Damien Duff, Andrew Johnson, Aaron Hughes and Stephen Kelly to his line-up. It was his record signing, however, the cup-tied Bryan Ruiz, who stole the pre-match attention. The Costa Rica forward, who was ineligible after scoring twice for Twente in European competition in August, joined the Cottagers on transfer deadline day and was acclaimed as the returning, prodigal son. He was given a hero's welcome including gifts to reward his service at De Grolsch Veste and applauded all four sides of the stadium on his lap of honour.

After the 15-minute fanfare ended, the match began tentatively as both teams defended deeply and kept possession. Nacer Chadli had the first shot of the match after 13 minutes with a drive that Mark Schwarzer saved down to his right. The Twente winger, who is reportedly a January transfer target for Jol, tested the Australia goalkeeper again moments later, before Leroy Fer unleashed a fierce shot from the edge of the box that Schwarzer did well to stop.

While the west Londoners were looking organised at the back, they were struggling to find a rhythm and get the ball out of their half. Fulham were forced to alter their flat-looking attack in the 34th minute when Damien Duff was forced off with a calf injury which is likely to prevent him participating in Monday's match against Liverpool. Kerim Frei replaced him and the visitors soon after created their first chance but Johnson, on a frustrating night for the forward, was thwarted by the onrushing Nikolay Mihaylov when through on goal.

Fulham began the second half brightly and six minutes after the restart Kelly's cross was headed wide by Johnson under pressure from Peter Wisgerhof. Twente were also attacking with intent and brought on Ola John – the brother of the former Fulham striker Collins John – to help exploit the space Fulham's midfield were vacating down the flanks.

The 19-year-old immediately impressed down the left as Twente began to assert their authority once more, with Emir Bajrami shooting just wide from 25 yards. Chadli and Douglas both attempted long-range efforts with the latter coming close before Johnson wriggled free in the box at the other end only to snatch at the ball and shoot across the face of goal.

After a Frei cross caused trouble in the Twente box, Luuk de Jong wasted a gilt-edged chance to break the deadlock as he headed from six yards. Both sides were looking dangerous going forward and Bobby Zamora was unfortunate to direct a well-worked Danny Murphy free-kick wide in the 71st minute.

Fulham pushed forward in numbers as rain began to pour down in a final 10 minutes that saw Moussa Dembélé limp off. Things got worse for the visitors when a fluid attacking moved ended with the substitute Marc Janko steering Roberto Rosales's cross beyond Schwarzer. "We're very good at defending crosses so that was harsh," said Jol. The goal a minute from time was compounded further by Johnson's sending-off in stoppage time for a second yellow card after kicking the ball away. The forward will now miss the decisive tie in a fortnight. "That was not what you want," said Jol.



http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/dec/01/twente-fulham-europa-league?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+theguardian%2Ffootball%2Frss+%28Football%29

[WhiteJC]

 
Fate still in Fulham's hands despite Dutch defeat

Fulham still have qualification for the knockout stages of the Europa League in their own hands despite going down to a late defeat to FC Twente in the Netherlands on Thursday.

With the match in Enschede heading for a goalless draw, giant Austrian Marc Janko struck with a minute remaining to guarantee the Dutch side top spot in Group K.

Martin Jol's men, who finished the game with 10 men after Andy Johnson was sent off for a second booking in stoppage time, are second in the section with seven points.

The Cottagers will secure their place in the last 32 of the competition by matching Wisla Krakow's result in the final round of group games in two weeks' time.

Wisla won 2-1 away to Odense and lie a point behind Fulham before hosting Twente in their last match, while Fulham still have to play Odense in London.

After all three British representatives in action on Wednesday night lost, a strong Fulham line-up were looking to become the first visiting side to win in Enschede this season.

Fulham coach Martin Jol—a former Twente player—sent out an attacking line-up but they failed to muster a single shot on goal in a quiet first-half.

The match did spring to life after the break, and Andy Johnson squandered a golden chance to put the Premier League side ahead on 65 minutes.

Scorer of eight goals in Europe already this season, Johnson dragged his shot wide after the ball had broken to him inside the area.

Luuk De Jong then missed the target with a free header from point-blank range at the other end, before a Danny Murphy free-kick was turned just wide by Bobby Zamora.

Under increasingly heavy rain, Twente struck the decisive blow when an Emir Bajrami cross from the right was turned home by substitute Janko.

Elsewhere, Raul further underlined his status as the greatest European goalscorer of all-time with the winner for Schalke in their home clash with Steaua Bucharest in Group J.

Raul Rusescu cancelled out Kyriakos Papadopoulos' opener in Gelsenkirchen, but the Spanish legend netted the winner just before the hour-mark.

It was the former Real Madrid man's 74th goal in UEFA competitions, putting him four clear of Filippo Inzaghi at the top of the all-time list.

The win secured Schalke top spot in the group with a game to spare, while second place remains up for grabs after AEK Larnaca of Cyprus beat Maccabi Haifa 2-1 in Nicosia.

In Group L, Anderlecht made it five wins from five with a 2-1 defeat of AEK Athens in Greece.

They are already through to the knockout stages, where they will be joined by Lokomotiv Moscow, who beat Sturm Graz 3-1 in Russia.

Top 10 all-time leading scorers in UEFA competition:

1. Raul (Schalke 04) 74 goals

2. Filippo Inzaghi (AC Milan) 70

3. Andriy Shevchenko (Dynamo Kiev) 67

4. Gerd Müller (*) 62

5. Ruud van Nistelrooy (Malaga) 62

6. Thierry Henry (Red Bulls New York) 59

7. Henrik Larsson (*) 59

8. Eusebio (*) 56

9. Alessandro Del Piero (Juventus) 54

10. Alfredo Di Stefano (*) 50

(*) denotes now retired



http://sports.yahoo.com/soccer/news?slug=afp-fbl_eur_c3_20111201

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Dembele confident of progress
Fulham midfielder eyes victory over Odense


Moussa Dembele (left): Fulham midfielder confident of further progress in Europa League despite defeat to Twente

Fulham midfielder Moussa Dembele remains confident of his side's progress to the last 32 of the Europa League despite their 1-0 away defeat to FC Twente on Thursday.

A Marc Janko strike on 89 minutes condemned the Cottagers to a loss in the Netherlands in their penultimate game in Group K, meaning that they will need to secure maximum points against Odense at home in two weeks' time to qualify for the knockout stages.

Martin Jol's side are currently second in the group with seven points from five matches, one more than Wisla Krakow, who won 2-1 at Odense and host Twente in their final game, with the Dutch club have already booked their berth in the next round of the competition.

Dembele, though, believes that his side have what it takes to qualify for the round of 32 of the Europa League.

"Everybody will work hard enough to win the final game," he said. "It's very important to us and I think we'll win it."

On the setback in Enschedee, the 24-year-old Belgian added on ESPN: "We tried to play our way and we would have been happy to take a point, but Twente had most of the game so maybe they deserved to win.

"What happened at the end is a bit disappointing for us, but we're not playing badly as a team."


http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/7345510/?

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Jol's Reaction

A disappointing late goal from FC Twente's Marc Janko secured all three points for the Dutch side on Thursday evening.

The defeat means that Fulham will have to wait until the final game of the group stage to learn if they will have secured a place in the Round of 32.

"That's always disappointing because in the second-half we did well defensively from their crosses," assessed Martin Jol after the match. "Normally we're very good at defending crosses so that was harsh.

"We put on Kasami for Dembele, who had asked for a substitution, then you hope to keep the ball in their half – but we couldn't do that and they broke and scored.

"Duff has got a problem with his calf, he was out for two weeks then he came back but it's the same problem. Dembele hopefully is fine. Damien could be a problem for Monday [against Liverpool] but I expect Mousa to play."

Andrew Johnson's night also ended early after the striker was dismissed for his second bookable offence in the final moments of the game.

"That was not what you want," said Jol of the sending off. "We need all of our players and Andy Johnson is scoring goals."



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/December/JolTwenteReaction.aspx?#ixzz1fMUz6NK8

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Europa League round-up: Wisla Krakow's Odense win threatens Fulham
• Dudu Biton and Patryk Malecki goals give Poles hope
• Draw against Lazio gives Vaslui chance to progress


Wisla Krakow's Dragan Paljic celebrates his side's second goal at Odense in their
2-1 Europa League win. Photograph: Dresling Jens/AP

Wisla Krakow gave themselves hope of advancing to the Europa League's knockout stage at the expense of Fulham with a 2-1 win over Odense in Denmark. Dudu Biton and Patryk Malecki scored for the Poles, who must now beat Twente in their final game and hope Fulham slip up. Fulham were beaten 1-0 at Twente.

Anderlecht stretched their 100% record at the top of Group L to five games with a 2-1 win at pointless AEK Athens, while their group rivals Lokomotiv Moscow also did enough to secure qualification.

Guillaume Gillet scored both goals for Anderlecht either side of an effort from Dimitris Sialmas for the Greeks, who had long since given up hope of qualification.

Lokomotiv eased past Sturm Graz 3-1 in Moscow. Maicon's opener was cancelled out by Florian Kainz for the Austrians before late goals from Dmitri Sychev and Denis Glushakov took the home side through.

Schalke confirmed qualification as Group J winners with a 2-1 home win against Steaua Bucharest, while AEK Larnaca opened up the race for the runners-up spot by beating Maccabi Haifa.

Schalke went ahead in the 25th minute through Kiriakos Papadopoulos and, despite Raul Rusescu's quick equaliser, the Germans clinched victory early in the second half when Raúl put away a Klaas-Jan Huntelaar pass.

Goals from the Spanish pair Gonzalo García and Gorka Pintado gave Larnaca a 2-1 home win against their Israeli opponents, a result that moved them level with Steaua on five points, one point behind Maccabi.

Haifa host Schalke in their final group game knowing victory will be enough to send them through but, if they slip up, the winners of Steaua's clash with AEK in Bucharest will grab second place.

Kenwyne Jones scored a priceless 81st-minute equaliser for Stoke at home to Dynamo Kyiv which was enough to send the Premier League side through to the knockout stages as Group D winners.

Ricardo Quaresma struck a dramatic injury-time winner for Besiktas whose 3-2 win over Maccabi Tel Aviv in Israel means they will join Stoke in the next stage if they win their final match.

Quaresma and Ibrahim Toreman had put the Turkish side 2-0 up either side of half-time but Shiran Yeini and Moshe Lugasi looked to have grabbed a vital point for Maccabi until Quaresma struck with his second.

Romanians Vaslui fought a fine rearguard action to claim a goalless draw at home to the Serie A giants Lazio and leave themselves a fine chance of progressing as runners-up from Group D.

Sporting Lisbon wrapped up their place as group winners after a 2-0 win over Zurich, goals from Ricky van Wolfswinkel and Valeri Bojinov seeing the Portuguese side home in comfortable fashion.

Vaslui's point leaves them locked together with Lazio heading into the final set of games - with the Romanians away to rock-bottom Zurich and Lazio at home to the group winners.

Athletic Bilbao's 2-1 win over Slovan Bratislava earned their qualification from Group F but Paris St-Germain's surprise 2-0 defeat by Salzburg gave the Austrians a glimmer of hope.

Oscar de Marcos and Markel Susaeta scored for Bilbao, who will win the group unless the French side beat them by more than two goals in their final group match next month.

But Paris have other immediate concerns, with goals from Jakob Jantscher and Dusan Svento meaning they can still sneak second place if Paris lose their final match and the Austrians win in Bratislava.



http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/dec/01/europa-league-round-up?

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FC Twente 1 Fulham 0: match report
Read a full match report of the Group K Europa League game between FC Twente and Fulham at the De Grolsch Veste Stadium, Enschede on Thursday Dec 1 2011.

Fulham suffered a last-gasp defeat to FC Twente as they wasted the chance to make the Europa League knockout stage this evening.

The Cottagers knew three points in Holland would guarantee qualification from Group K, but they ultimately claimed none as Austrian substitute Marc Janko stabbed home from close range.

Martin Jol's side struggled against the club he played for between 1979 and 1982, failing to muster a single shot in a first half that Twente dominated.

Fulham's poor first period was compounded by an injury to Damien Duff, although the west Londoners looked a more cohesive attacking unit after the restart.

Mousa Dembele limped off as Fulham pushed forward towards the end and Janko scored two minutes from time.

The win was Twente's first against English opposition and things got worse for the Cottagers when Andrew Johnson was sent off in stoppage time, meaning he will miss the all-important final group match with Odense, which Fulham need to win to be sure of qualification for the last 32.

Jol named a strong Fulham line-up for the game as they looked to qualify with a game to spare.

Duff, Johnson, Aaron Hughes and Stephen Kelly were all drafted in, with Bryan Ruiz among those dropping out.

The Costa Rica international - a former Twente favourite - was not involved in the match due to ineligibility but was honoured before the game kicked off by the Tukkers.

Nacer Chadli had the first shot of the match after 13 minutes with a drive that Mark Schwarzer saved down to his right.

The reported Fulham target tested the Australia international again moments later, before Leroy Fer unleashed a fierce shot from the edge of the box that Schwarzer did well to stop.

While the west Londoners were looking organised at the back, they were struggling to find a rhythm and get the ball out of their half.

Fulham were forced to alter their flat-looking attack in the 34th minute when Duff was forced off with a knock.

Kerim Frei replaced the Republic of Ireland international and the visitors soon eked out their first chance, with Johnson thwarted by the onrushing Nikolay Mihaylov when through on goal.

The visitors started the second period brightly and six minutes after the restart Kelly's cross was headed wide by Johnson under pressure from Peter Wisgerhof.

Twente were also attacking with intent and brought on Ola John - brother of former Fulham striker Collins John - to help utilise the space down the flanks.

The 19-year-old was proving dangerous down the left as Twente began to assert their authority once more, with Emir Bajrami shooting just wide from 25 yards.

Chadli and Douglas both attempted long-range efforts with the latter coming close before Johnson wriggled free in the box at the other end only to snatch at the ball and shoot across the face of goal.

Play was starting to sway from end to end and, after a Frei cross caused trouble in the Twente box, Luuk de Jong wasted a gilt-edged chance to break the deadlock as he headed wide from six yards.

Both sides were looking dangerous going forward and Bobby Zamora was unfortunate to direct a well-worked Danny Murphy free-kick wide in the 71st minute.

Fulham pushed forward in numbers as rain began to pour down in a final 10 minutes that saw Dembele limp off.

Things got worse for the visitors when neat play from Twente saw Janko turn home Roberto Rosales' cross.

The goal two minutes from time was compounded further by Johnson's sending-off in stoppage time for a second yellow card after he kicked the ball away.


http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/europa-league/8928855/FC-Twente-1-Fulham-0-match-report.html

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Fulham Join Everton In Race To Sign £7.5 Million Rated French Hit Man

Fulham have been joined in the race to sign French striker Andre-Pierre Gignac, as Everton along with Wolfsburg signal their interest.

Martin Jol is failed to bring the 25-year-old to Craven Cottage on deadline day however the player has been deemed surplus to requirements at his current club Marseille and was punished for reportedly arguing with coach Didier Deschamps over his squad status and was relegated to reserves as a result of the spat.

Fulham had thought they were the only club interested in Gignac who has appeared for Marseille just twice this year but Everton have emerged as contenders and could make a move for him in January as they are desperately in need of a new striker to boost them up the league.

Gignac could be available at around £7.5 million in January however there is growing interest from Wolfsburg who may rival any bid from the Premier League.



http://www.footylatest.com/fulham-join-everton-in-race-to-sign-7-5-million-rated-french-hit-man/25744?

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Duff blow for Fulham
Jol reveals injury concern over winger

Fulham manager Martin Jol has revealed that winger Damien Duff will miss his side's Premier League clash with Liverpool on Monday.

Duff suffered a calf injury during the Cottagers' 1-0 away defeat to Twente in the Europa League Group K fixture on Thursday and was substituted in the first half.

Midfielder Moussa Dembele too picked up a knock and was taken off with seven minutes remaining on the clock, leaving Jol a disappointed man.

"Duff has (suffered a recurrence) of the old problem with his calf injury that kept him out for two weeks," the Dutchman said.

"He came back and had the same problem, but hopefully Dembele is fine. Damien could be a doubt but I expect Mousa to play and Clint (Dempsey) could return (from thigh problem)."

Disappointing

The loss in the Netherlands means that Fulham are now second in Group K with seven points from four matches, a point ahead of Wisla Krakow.

The Premier League side need to win against Odense at home in two weeks' time in their final group match to secure their place in the last 32.

Reflecting on his team's loss in Enschede against his former club, Jol said: "It could have been a nice game.

"They have got a good team and they score goals.

"Last Sunday was the first time in a while they had not scored a goal (they drew 0-0 with Vitesse Arnhem) so it would have been only the second time in about 42 games they hadn't scored.

"That would have been good, although one point would not have been ideal.

"We need to win the last game, anyway, but the goal was disappointing.

"We did well defensively, stopping their crosses, but somebody slipped and then we speculated on the offside.

"We are normally very good at defending crosses and the problem was keeping the ball in their half. Dembele had asked for a substitution and we couldn't keep the ball in their half so they broke us and they scored."



http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/7345571/?