Topics

151

Football / (Reuters) Czechs add Costa Rica and Trinidad to World Cup plans

« on: February 03, 2006, 10:26:06 AM »

Czechs add Costa Rica and Trinidad to World Cup plans
 
PRAGUE, Feb 2 (Reuters) - The Czech Republic has added friendlies against fellow World Cup qualifiers Costa Rica and Trinidad & Tobago to round out its pre-tournament warm-up schedule, the Czech FA said on Thursday.

The Czechs will play Costa Rica in Jablonec on May 31 and Trinidad in Prague on June 3.

The Czechs also face Turkey in Izmir on March 1 and Saudi Arabia on May 26. The latter match will be a part of the team's preparation camp in the Austrian town of Seefeld.

 
The Czech Republic will play their first match in the World Cup finals in Germany on June 12 against the United States. Ghana and Italy are the other two teams in Group E.

Costa Rica face Germany, Poland and Ecuador in the opening round while Trinidad & Tobago play England, Sweden and Paraguay.

(SPORT-SOCCER-CZECH-FRIENDLIES; Reporting by Dusan Bucanek; prague.newsroom@reuters.com, Reuters Messaging: dusan.bucanek.reuters.com@reuters.net, +420-2-2419-0477))

 

152

Football / Latas the KING !!!

« on: February 01, 2006, 11:45:51 PM »

http://www.internetfootball.co.uk/asx/falkirk_livingston_promo.asx

153

Football / FIFAworldcup.com: Leo Beenhakker's Trinidad and Tobago pulled off a shock !!!

« on: January 24, 2006, 12:59:00 PM »

Pollsters predict Czech success
18 January 2006
by FIFAworldcup.com

Despite an unquestionable pedigree stemming from their days as one-half of two-time FIFA World Cup™ runners-up Czechoslovakia, the independent Czech Republic will be joining seven other nations in Germany with debutant jitters.
According to last month's poll on FIFAworldcup.com, however, the Czechs can be expected to head the formidable pack of first-timers with an extended run in June.

December's poll asked users: "Which of the new boys will go furthest at Germany 2006?" And after collecting 32 per cent of the 77,250 votes worldwide – 12 full percentage points more than second-placed Ukraine – it seems the waiting world is expecting the Czech Republic to do more than merely put in a respectable debut performance.

With high-profile players like Milan Baros, Karel Poborsky and Tomas Rosicky, head coach Karel Bruckner's men are considered one of the best attacking outfits in Europe - a fact confirmed by their sparkling performance two summers ago at UEFA EURO 2004 in Portugal. A semi-final run earned the respect of peers and pundits alike and acted as a prelude to the team's qualification campaign for Germany 2006 in which they finished second in their group behind a rampaging Netherlands outfit before edging past Norway in the play-offs.

A return to action for Juventus man and midfield talisman Pavel Nedved ahead of the play-off with Norway had many in the country hoping he would end his international retirement and commit to the Czech cause for Germany. And though he has given no official confirmation that he will be available for selection, hopeful rumours have begun to spread in his native land.

With or without Nedved, it will take every inch of Czech ingenuity to find a path to the knockout stages after they were drawn in a pitfall-laden Group E alongside Italy, Ghana and the United States.

How the rest measured up
Behind the Czechs in second place in the poll were Ukraine. With Andriy 'Sheva' Shevchenko leading the line, the former Soviet republic became the first European team to win through to Germany and users handed them a hearty 20 per cent of the vote.




Ghana were third in the poll (13 per cent). Though newcomers to the world's biggest footballing stage, the Africans have been twice crowned FIFA U-17 world champions and will be hoping to keep alive the tradition – begun by Cameroon in 1990 and carried on by Senegal in 2002 – of West African surprise packages. The presence of Chelsea's hard-as-nails midfield sensation Michael Essien in the middle of the park may just go a long way to making legitimate contenders of the Blacks Stars.
Didier Drogba – who shares a dressing room with Essien at the English Premiership leaders Chelsea - inspired voters to offer up ten per cent to another of the African newcomers, Côte d'Ivoire. Leo Beenhakker's Trinidad and Tobago pulled off a shock by ranking just below the Ivorians with nine per cent of the votes. The islanders will become only the fourth side from the Caribbean to grace a FIFA World Cup.

Following behind the Soca Warriors are Serbia and Montenegro. With an enviable defensive record in qualifying and the attacking prowess of Atletico Madrid poacher Mateja Kezman, the side formerly known as Yugoslavia picked up seven per cent of the vote.

African newcomers Angola and Togo each earned four per cent to round out the poll. Though without the star power of first-time favourites Czech Republic, the African pair have every hope of upsetting the applecart at Germany 2006 – a finals with eight new faces and possibilities aplenty.

Full results
Czech Republic - 32 per cent
Ukraine - 20 per cent
Ghana - 13 per cent
Côte d'Ivoire - 10 per cent
Trinidad and Tobago – 9 per cent
Serbia and Montenegro – 7 per cent
Angola – 4 per cent
Togo – 4 per cent

154

Football / Much ado about Freddy

« on: January 24, 2006, 12:55:37 PM »

Player to Watch: Much ado about Freddy
23 January 2006
by FIFAworldcup.com

It seems Freddy Adu is living life in fast-forward.
In 2003, aged barely 13 and just three weeks after receiving full US citizenship, the youngster was inspiring gasps of disbelief at the FIFA U-17 World Championship in Finland. In the shadow of a giant ski jump in Lahti, Adu's first contribution of the USA's opening match against Korea Republic was to round four defenders and the goalkeeper before tapping home.

Now, at the ripe old age of 16 - and still eligible for the U-17, U-20 and U-23 national teams - the young dribbling wizard from DC United finds himself pressing hard for a spot in Bruce Arena's senior national team for the FIFA World Cup™ in Germany.

Adu turns 17 one week before the USA's opening finals game against the Czech Republic in Gelsenkirchen, meaning that he could become the youngest player in FIFA World Cup finals history. And with 23 spots up for grabs, Adu – who honed his sumptuous skills playing barefoot against grown men in the streets of Tema in his native Ghana – is desperate to somehow force his way into Arena's plans.

Adu made his international debut as a substitute in the USA's goalless draw with Canada on 22 January, having been selected for the start-of-year training camp in California. Prior to handing Adu his first cap, US head coach Arena – not known for extravagant flights of fancy – tried to put the situation into perspective by suggesting Adu was a "long shot" for the squad but making him the Americans' youngest ever player (at 16 years and 234 days) will have done nothing to dampen expectations.

Of course, the expectations surrounding the youngster have always been incongruously high; he was long touted as the saviour of football in the USA, even drawing careless comparisons to Pele. Yet, perhaps not unsurprisingly give his age, Adu – who only two years ago featured in FIFA World Championships at both Junior (U-17) and Youth (U-20) level – has had his share of difficulties in making the transition to the professional game.
Coming into Major League Soccer at just 14 years old - thus becoming the youngest pro athlete in the US for over a century - Adu was expected to produce immediately. Not only was he the youngest player in the fledgling league, he was also its highest-paid – MLS having negotiated a 500,000 USD per year deal in order to stop him heading to one of the high-profile European clubs who were said to be monitoring this precocious talent.

Once installed at DC United, MLS began to use Adu's grinning image to sell tickets all over the US. Everyone had heard of this remarkable young phenom and many came out to see him play when DC United came to their town. But with a highly professional coach in former Poland captain Peter Nowak, Adu still had some lessons to learn and was used largely as a substitute in his first season.

Still, he scored five goals and was named in the league's all-star team as DC United claimed their fourth MLS championship in 2004. Adu's form improved in his second season and he looked to have found a home playing behind the strikers – although he was still used largely as a back-up.

Adu may have not matched some of the unrealistic expectations placed on his shoulders in his first two seasons as a pro but the player is keen to haul himself into Arena's squad for this summer's finals and maintain his meteoric development. "Half the team is already sorted out with the European-based guys," Adu told reporters at the start of the January camp. "Realistically, there are maybe two of three spots left on the team. It's definitely a long way to make this team, but you know what? I'm not worried. I'm not going to try to compete with other players. I'm going to focus on doing what I need to do to help the team that I'm on."
Arena has described Adu as "a player who can go around a defender by himself" – a rarity in the team according to the coach - yet a place in the USA's final 23 could still prove a stretch for the teenage sensation.

However, he is at least in with a shout. Having declined the chance to switch allegiances to Ghana, Adu's debut appearance as a late substitute against Canada confirmed him as the youngest international in US football history. Now his target is to set a similar record at the FIFA World Cup but whether or not June brings a trip to Germany, he looks set to be inspiring headlines and heavy interest for a long time to come.

155

Football / Paraguay Will Be Based And Training in Austria too !!

« on: January 24, 2006, 12:49:09 PM »

Paraguay line up friendlies with Norway, Denmark
24 January 2006
by AFP

Paraguay will play friendly matches against Norway, on May 24, and Denmark three days later in preparation for the FIFA World Cup, the South American country's football federation announced Tuesday.

The two matches will be played in Austria, where the Paraguayan squad will be based ahead of the June 9-July 9 football showpiece.

Paraguay features in Group B of the FIFA World Cup alongside England, Sweden and Trinidad and Tobago.

156

Football / Theobald: Any Report On the Falkirk vs Celtic reserve game today

« on: January 24, 2006, 12:37:15 PM »

kick off was at 2pm in Scotland !

157

Football / Canada, USA lead march to Russia

« on: January 18, 2006, 12:31:59 PM »

FIFA U-20 Women's World Championship
Canada, USA lead march to Russia
 
 Canada's Kara Lang (R) reacts next to teammate Kristina Kiss (L) after Lang scored a goal against Sweden during the second half of their FIFA Women's World Cup semi-final game in Portland, Oregon October 5, 2003.
(REUTERS) Andy Clark
 

(FIFA.com) 17 Jan 2006

The United States and Canada have history on their side, but with women's football improving by leaps and bounds in the region it is sure to be a tough test for the perennial powerhouses.
Group A will be contested at Veracruz's Estadio Luis Pirata Fuentes stadium and will pit hoping hosts Mexico alongside defending champions Canada, Central American up-and-comers Panama and islanders Trinidad & Tobago.

Group B consists of the United States, the Reggae Girlz of Jamaica, El Salvador and Surinam and will play out at the Estadio Rafael Murilla Vidal in Cordoba.

The group stage, which runs from 18 to 23 January will see each side play three matches in hopes of reaching the semi-finals on 25 January and the grand finale two days later.  The winner of the semi-final matches will qualify automatically for Russia 2006 and will be joined by the third-place finisher (the third-place match will also be played on the 27th).

The finals in Russia next summer will see the tournament (previously a U-19 event) played for the first time as a U-20 competition and under its new name, the FIFA U-20 Women's World Championship Russia 2006.

The contenders
Beginning in Group A, Canada will are fancied to finish top of the group. Teenage sensation and stalwart senior international Kara Lang (veteran of both FIFA U-19 Women's World Championships - '02 and '04 - as well as the FIFA Women's World Cup USA 2003) will bring a level of experience unrivalled among the tournament's other competitors.

Long-time boss Ian Bridge - who as a player participated in Canada's only FIFA World Cup appearance in Mexico in 1986 - is brimming with confidence as his side prepare to defend their title.  And with eleven players in the squad having played at the 2003 U-19 finals in Thailand, who would blame him?

"The excitement surrounding a push towards qualifying is always electric but with that comes loads of pressure to make sure we are there in Russia this summer," Bridge - whose Canadians have never lost a qualifying match at U-19 (now U-20) level, recently remarked.  "But with the players we have available and the experience of this squad, our focus is clearly on gaining one of the three places but if we can win the tournament, it should help us with a favourable seeding this summer."

Hosts Mexico, who have been coming on and on of late in the women's game, will be keen to burst Canada's pretty party balloon.  Led by head coach Leonard Cuellar, the green-clad side will be looking to rebuild after failing to reach Thailand 2004, and will be banking on home-field support to gain an edge.

Panama, though not usually ranked among the region's heavyweights, has been undergoing something of a renaissance of late.  Their senior men recently roared to the final of the CONCACAF Gold Cup and an air of football fever has taken over in the country.  As the only Central American side to have taken part in all final round qualifying competitions for the FIFA U-19 (now U-20) competitions, the Canaleras will also have some experience on their side.

Though considered outsiders of the group, Trinidad & Tobago will be hanging their hats on a sumptuous technical ability.  Led by head coach Jamaal Shabazz, they recently ran riot over island counterparts, St Lucia, St Vincent & Grenadines and Grenada to reach the final round of qualifying, and the recent spate of games will hold them in good stead heading into Mexico. Also, with 54 goals so far, the Soca Princesses have scored the most of any team on the road to CONCACAF's final qualifying round.

In Group B, the United States will be hot favourites to secure first place.  Head coach Tim Schulz is quietly confident, but also sure of the fact that work still needs to be done. "It's also very important to begin to bond together and establish that team chemistry," he said. "It's a difficult task for a young team as they are looking over their shoulder and competing for spots on the 18 (squad), but at the same time, developing that chemistry is very important for success."

 
Amy Rodriguez will be one of the most experienced players in the USA team. In this picture, she is racing past the Korea Republic's Lee Sang Mi during the match between the two sides in the FIFA U-19 Women's World Championship Thailand 2004.
(ACTION IMAGES)
Alex Morton
The United States, who won the inaugural U-19 finals in Canada in 2002 and finished third last time around in Thailand in 2004, will be relying largely on the experience and savvy of Amy Rodriguez and a host of Thailand 2004 veterans. Despite their status as a top team in the women's game, the USA have yet to finish as CONCACAF champions at youth level and will be keen to set that incongruous statistic to rights.

Jamaica look like the biggest threat to USA's charge in the group. Despite it being their first ever appearance in the final round of qualifying, the islanders are regarded as one of the most technically gifted sides in the region.  Having knocked off Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas and St. Kitts and Nevis in the preliminary rounds, they outscored their opponents 33-0 and have not conceded a goal in 545 minutes of play.

El Salvador will also be playing their first CONCACAF final round competition. The performances of Jose Ricardo Herrera's youngsters in knocking off both Costa Rica and Guatemala in the UNCAF preliminaries will have confidence cautiously high in the camp.

Surinam will be looking to make a mark in their second appearance in the final round regional championship. They managed to push past Anguilla, Dominica and the Netherlands Antilles in an impressive pre-qualifying run and will be hoping to keep the party going.

158

Football / Striker Zamora extends contract at West Ham

« on: January 18, 2006, 12:09:29 PM »

Striker Zamora extends contract at West Ham
 
January 18, 2006
LONDON (AFP) - West Ham striker Bobby Zamora has signed a contract extension at the East London club till 2010.

The 25-year-old, who celebrated his birthday on Monday, has scored five goals in eight league starts so far this season after scoring the winning goal in last season's Championship play-off final.

The former Brighton player joined the Hammers from Tottenham two years ago, and manager Alan Pardew told the club's official website, www.whufc.co.uk: "It's fantastic news that Bobby has signed a new contract and I'm delighted that we have yet another of our young players committed for the long-term future."

 

159

Football / This is HOW the TTFF should be preparing the WARRIORS

« on: January 10, 2006, 03:33:36 PM »

CHICAGO (AP) -- The United States will play Guatemala in a World Cup warmup game Feb. 19 at the new soccer stadium in Frisco, Texas.

In its last 12 games against Guatemala, the United States is 8-0-4, including 4-0-4 in World Cup qualifying. The Americans have never lost to Guatemala at home.
 
The United States last played a World Cup warmup in Texas in March 1994, tying Bolivia 2-2 at the Cotton Bowl.

The Americans open this year's schedule against Canada on Jan. 22 at San Diego, play Norway seven days later at Carson, Calif., then meet Japan on Feb. 10 at San Francisco.

They also play Poland at Kaiserslautern, Germany on March 1, a game that has not been officially set, and meet World Cup host Germany at Dortmund on March 22.

The United States is preparing for its fifth straight World Cup appearance. The Americans open the first round against the Czech Republic on June 12 at Gelsenkirchen, play Italy five days later at Kaiserslautern, then play Ghana on June 22 at Nuremberg.

160

Football / Trinidad's prime minister to intervene in World Cup ticket sales

« on: January 05, 2006, 04:46:43 PM »

Trinidad's PM to intervene in World Cup ticket sales.
By: Loren Brown (AP).[/size]

Trinidad (AP) -- Trinidad's prime minister said Thursday his government will intervene in the sale of World Cup tickets amid allegations of cronyism and price gouging against a leading soccer official.
Prime Minister Patrick Manning's comments came in response to allegations published by the Trinidad and Tobago Express charging that the sole agency selling World Cup tickets in the country was owned by the family of FIFA vice president Jack Warner, a senior adviser to the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association.
That connection prompted allegations of unfair practices among some fans eager to watch their national team makes its first World Cup appearance at this year's tournament in Germany.
"The government has to respond to all of the calls we've been having from the national community, people who have supported football from the inception to now who wish to go to Germany and are prepared to make their own arrangements," Manning said.
The Warner family's agency, Simpaul Travel Service Ltd., offers a $4,785 travel package that includes tickets for three games, hotel accommodation for 12 nights and team souvenirs, according to Simpaul's Web site. Tickets cannot be purchased separately.
Fans who don't want the package deal may purchase tickets directly from FIFA. The most expensive tickets for all three of Trinidad's first-round games would total $363, according to the FIFA Web site. But the tickets are sold only to winners of a FIFA ticket lottery.
Manning said he was waiting for a report on the matter from Roger Boynes, Trinidad's minister of sports and youth affairs.
Warner acknowledged in a Tuesday news conference that he owned Simpaul, but said the criticism was personal and political.
"It is not a crime to be successful, even for people like me," Warner said.
Warner also denied Simpaul has exclusive rights to the country's allotment of World Cup tickets.
"No World Cup tickets of any category or price has been assigned to Simpauls or to any other organization and/or person in Trinidad and Tobago," he said.
Some fans were angry about the ticket situation.
"This reeks of cronyism. There is clearly a conflict of interest here," said Trevor Sebastian of Chagunas, 35, who owns a clothing store. "Why should someone with such a high position in FIFA be the only one selling tickets?"

Others said the price was too high.

"I will just stay home and watch the game on TV," said Elaine Pickering of Arina, a 25-year-old office clerk. Trinidad's Soca Warriors play Sweden, England and Paraguay in the first round of the World Cup, which starts June 9.
Trinidad, home to just one million people, will be the least populated country taking part in the 32-nation tournament. It is the fourth Caribbean team to reach the World Cup, following Cuba in 1938, Haiti in 1974 and Jamaica in 1998.

161

Football / What is Jack's next move on Thursday?

« on: January 04, 2006, 02:50:45 PM »

More back pedalling...........more Lie.bird bashin.....the awaited announcement of the warm up matches..........resignation ..........was only able to secure 2,000 ticktets from FIFA for TnT of which 1000 is for staff and guests ?.............new plots by the PNM and UNC gov't of character assasination of him............ how R. Boynes need to stop boysin !!...............the budget now is 80 mil TT  up from 50 mil TT whcih he announced yesterday.........explanation of broadcast rights ??...........Beenie was fired and replaced by Anton..?..................

162

Football / Collin Samuel Mentioned: Rangers end year on a high with easy home win

« on: January 02, 2006, 09:59:47 AM »

December 31, 2005
GLASGOW (AFP) - Rangers ended 2005 with a convincing 3-0 win at home to Dundee United in the Scottish Premier League to cut the gap on the teams ahead of them in the table.

Though it took them until midway through the second-half to break the deadlock, Alex McLeish's side ran out easy winners in the end with goals from Belgian international Thomas Buffel, substitute Steven Thompson and Danish forward Peter Lovenkrands.

The win meant Rangers moved up to fourth in the table, though Kilmarnock can leapfrog them if they win their game in hand against Hibernian on Monday, and closer to Celtic, Hearts and Hibernian.   
Dundee United had made the brighter start to the game and on two occasions came close to open the scoring early on.

In the fourth minute Trinidad and Tobago striker Collin Samuel did well to step inside Rangers full-back Steven Smith and fire in a low cross which Ian Murray almost turned into his own net, deflecting the ball inches over the crossbar.
A minute later United's Spanish forward David Fernandez whipped in a cross from the left, which was misjudged by Dutch goalkeeper Ronald Waterreus and fell to the feet of Samuel, but his shot from 12-yards was deflected past.

It took Rangers until the 20th minute to create their first chance when some neat footwork by Spanish striker Nacho Novo allowed him to cut in from the corner flag to set-up Barry Ferguson but his shot from 10-yards was deflected wide.

Ferguson came close again in the 38th minute when his low shot from 16-yards, following good work by Novo and Buffel created the chance, was blocked by United keeper Derek Stillie.

Into the second-half Rangers were continuing to struggle to find any rhythm to their play and McLeish decided to replace Novo with Thompson in the 57th minute in a bid to find a way through the United back four.

And in the 68th minute the home side finally made the breakthrough when Lovenkrands' miss-hit shot spun across the face of goal for Buffel to rifle into the roof of the net from only a few yards out.

Chris Burke almost doubled Rangers lead in the 74th minute when he drove in on goal before smashing a shot from 18-yards which hit the side-netting with Stillie beaten.

But in the 83rd minute it was 2-0 when Buffel's chipped cross from the byline was powerfully headed home by substitute Thompson, who could have been playing his last game for the Ibrox club before leaving during the January transfer window.

Rangers were now in complete control and it was no surprise when they scored a third. Burke raced down the right-wing and sent over a cross for Lovenkrands and the Danish forward threw himself at the ball to head past Stillie.

In the other SPL games on Hogmanay, Aberdeen and Inverness Caledonian Thistle fought out a goalless draw at Pittodrie.

Dunfermline ensured Falkirk are still without a home win this season with a 2-1 win at Westfield stadium.

Mark Burchill had given the Pars the lead just before half-time and Noel Hunt doubled their lead early in the second-half. Falkirk pulled one back in the 67th minute through Darryl Duffy but it was not enough to stop the Pars taking all three points.

A last gasp goal by Kevin McBride gave Motherwell a 2-1 victory away to Livingston.

Richie Foran had fired the visitors ahead but Richard Brittain equalised before the break. It looked like both sides would have to make do with a share of the points until McBride's late winner gave Well the win and sent Livy to the bottom of the table.




Updated on Saturday, Dec 31, 2005 11:44 am E
 

163

2006 World Cup - Germany / Only for trinis goin to TNT vs Paraguay...

« on: December 21, 2005, 11:11:42 AM »

Will anybody be linkin up in Franfurt or Mannheim before or for the match ?

164

Football / Zamora vs M. Owen: West Ham vs New Castle right now on FSC

« on: December 20, 2005, 04:12:19 PM »

check it out

165

Football / Trinidad to play at Wales in soccer exhibition

« on: December 16, 2005, 11:58:23 PM »

December 16, 2005
PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad (AP) -- Trinidad and Tobago will play an exhibition game against Wales on March 1 as it prepares for its first World Cup appearance next June.

The game will be played in London at Tottenham Hotspur's White Hart Lane or West Ham United's Upton Park, Jack Warner, a FIFA vice president who is special adviser to the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation, said Friday.

It will be the first game for the Soca Warriors since they qualified for the World Cup last month. The former British colony will play Sweden, England and Paraguay in the first round of the tournament, to be held in Germany.

T&T also plans to play exhibition games against Austria, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Slovakia.

"The majority of our players are playing in England and Scotland, and it's difficult to just come together for a match," Trinidad coach Leo Beenhakker said. "At the same time we have a period for our preparations before the tournament (World Cup) and we will make the best use of that time."

 
 

166

Football / Paraguayan hopes high

« on: December 16, 2005, 12:39:37 PM »

Paraguayan hopes high
Despite being drawn with England, Sweden and Trinidad and Tobago, Paraguay's fate was greeted with much excitement back home, at least by the leading print media. ABC assured its readers that "Group B held no fears for Paraguay", a theme continued on its back and inside pages.

Another bullish headline was that of Ultima Hora, which lead with "God save England" alongside a cartoon of a German tank driven by Carlos Gamarra and Nelson Haedo. "What a fantastic group. Jump on, we're going for a ride" was the upbeat message of the Popular newspaper

167

Football / Sydney upset Ah Ahly to avoid World Club Championships wooden spoon

« on: December 16, 2005, 09:14:00 AM »

December 16, 2005
TOKYO (AFP) - Goals from former Manchester United star Dwight Yorke and Everton reject David Carney gave Sydney a 2-1 victory over Al Ahly, consigning the African champions to last place in the World Club Championships.

The English element proved crucial to Sydney whose victory is the biggest of their fledgling career, helping them avoid the embarrassment of the wooden spoon in the fifth place playoff.

That distinction went to the Egyptian side who came into the tournament unbeaten in a 55-game streak stretching back 18 months.

 
They have only themselves to blame, missing a hatful of chances that should have put the game beyond the reach of the Oceania champions.

"Al Ahly played very well and put us under a lot of pressure. We were lucky to win," admitted Sydney's German coach Pierre Littbarski.

"But the important thing is the result. We are a young team and we are just enjoying this victory."

He singled out Yorke for particular praise, crediting him with being the engine of the team.

"He's our motivator and the heart of our team. His work rate was very high today and he also scored a good goal. He is very important to us."

Ah Ahly coach Manuel Jose said the result was not fair.

"I'm happy with my team, we played good football. We should have won because we were the better team, but we must accept this," he said.

"To be honest, this just hasn't been our tournament."

Al Ahly had the better of the first half, relentlessly spreading the ball wide to Mohammed Barakat on the right wing who pumped balls into the box.

It was this devastating tactic that was largely responsible for their remarkable unbeaten run, which was brought to an end by Asian champions Al Ittihad in the opening match of the tournament last Sunday.

Barakat was given acres of space by Sydney and the Africans had a glorious chance to take the lead after 25 minutes when he picked out Emad Motab, who sent his header sailing over the bar.

Sydney picked up the pace as they got used to the chilly conditions and took the lead against the run of play in the 35th minute.

In a blast from the past, 34-year-old Yorke outjumped the Ahly defence to steer a header into the net after Steve Corica lofted a freekick into the box.

Yorke was playing an uncharacteristic central midfield role, allowing Japanese legend Kazuyoshi Miura to play up front.

Kaza, in his last game for Sydney following a five-game loan, showed flashes of his old magic, launching some nifty runs and entertaining the crowd with backheels and Cristiano Ronaldo-like oversteps.

But Ahly always looked dangerous on the break and they got their reward almost on the halftime whistle when Motab burst through the Sydney defence and rounded keeper Clint Bolton to score the equaliser.

Both sides looked vulnerable in the second half and chances went begging before Carney, who played for Everton youth before moving to Oldham, latched onto a ball from Sasho Petrovski in the 66th minute.

He sent his shot underneath goalkeeper Nadar El Sayed, sparking delirious celebrations from Littbarski.




Updated on Friday, Dec 16, 2005 9:25 am EST

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Copyright © 2005 Agence France Presse. All Rights Reserved.



 

168

Football / Bobby Zamora: BLACKBURN ROVERS 3 WEST HAM UNITED 2

« on: December 11, 2005, 02:04:22 PM »

BLACKBURN ROVERS 3 WEST HAM UNITED 2

Rovers came from behind with two goals in two minutes from striker Paul Dickov, the first a lucky penalty in the 56th minute for a harsh handball decision against West Ham defender Tomas Repka.

Bobby Zamora, who had put Hammers in front in first-half injury time from Marlon Harewood's right cross, returned the compliment by laying on the burly striker's equaliser just past the hour.
Rovers striker Shefki Kuqi had the last word with the winner 14 minutes from time when he shot home after a misunderstanding in defence by Repka and Anton Ferdinand.

169

Football / Explosions Rock Oil Depot in Luton

« on: December 11, 2005, 08:58:41 AM »

HEMEL HEMPSTEAD, England - Explosions at one of Britain's largest oil depots jolted an area north of London early Sunday, hurling multiple balls of fire into the sky, shattering windows and blanketing the area with smoke. Police said the blasts, which injured 36 people, appeared to be accidental. 
But the powerful explosions felt throughout a large swath of southeast England including London, 25 miles away, rattled nerves in a country still jittery over terrorism after deadly transit bombings in July killed 52 people and four suicide bombers.

The oil depot is near Luton Airport and some residents reported hearing an aircraft flying low overhead shortly before the first explosion at around 6 a.m. But police said there was nothing to suggest a plane was involved.

"All indications at this stage are that this was an accident," said Frank Whiteley, chief of police in Hertfordshire, the county where the depot is located. "However, clearly we will keep an open mind, as with all investigations, until we can confirm that for certain."

Al-Qaida and other terrorist groups have threatened to target fuel depots.

Police said 36 people were injured, four of them seriously.

More explosions were expected throughout the morning at the depot which stores 4 million gallons of fuel.

"The fire is contained," Whiteley told a news conference in Hertfordshire. "Yes, it's big and it's going to burn for some time. But it is under control."

Firefighters planned to use foam to stop the blaze spreading across the 1,500-foot by 2,800 foot depot and adjacent industrial park. The 20 blazing tanks were being allowed to burn themselves out while about 100 firefighters and 100 police officers stood by watching at the site.

"It's a controlled burn," said Jane Vine, a spokeswoman for the local county council.

Nearby Luton Airport remained open and flights were operating normally.
Emergency workers wearing masks cordoned off the area around the Buncefield Oil Terminal, about two miles from the town of Hemel Hempstead which was shaken by the blasts. Authorities evacuated residents nearby, as the plume moved slowly eastward.

Whiteley cautioned that the cloud contained irritants that could cause coughs and nausea. People in the path of the smoke should stay indoors, he warned.

Residents of Hemel Hempstead reported a loud boom and some felt their houses shake.

The Ramada Hotel in the town was evacuated after windows were shattered by the blast. Two guests received minor injuries from broken glass and were treated at the hotel, said Calum Russell, marketing director for Jarvis Hotels Ltd. All 187 guests had since returned to their rooms, Russell said.

"Around 6 a.m. as we were sleeping, there was a mighty explosion — a thunderclap that woke me up," said Neil Spencer, 42, who lives less than a mile from the terminal. "It was fireball after fireball — truly amazing."

Police said many roads and highways had been closed.

"There was a loud boom and the house shook violently," said Duncan Milligan, of Hemel Hempstead, who said the blast woke him up. "I am about three miles from where the explosion took place but I can see flames high in the sky and smoke billowing everywhere. There is clearly a building on fire near the motorway and police and emergency services are everywhere."

Local resident Richard Ayers said a massive column of smoke rose into the air and said the force of explosions had blown the roofs off houses near the oil depot.

"It is like it is doomsday," he told the BBC.

Britain's deadliest oil-related disaster was the July 6, 1988 explosion and fire on the North Sea oil platform Piper Alpha off the Scottish coast, which killed 167 workers.

In 1994, a blast and fire at an oil refinery in Milford Haven, Wales, injured 26 workers and caused tens of millions of dollars in damage. Oil companies Texaco and Gulf were eventually fined for violating health and safety regulations.

170

Football / England set on cruise control

« on: December 09, 2005, 04:04:12 PM »

England set on cruise control
 
LEIPZIG, Germany (AFP) - Sven-Goran Eriksson will renew his rivalry with his home country after England were drawn to face Sweden in Group B at next summer's World Cup finals.

England have played Sweden a total of 11 times in competitive matches and won only once.

The two sides met at the last World Cup finals in Japan and South Korea where a 1-1 draw in Saitama helped both sides through to the knockout round.
England were also drawn with debutants Trinidad and Tobago for whom ex-Manchester United star Dwight Yorke will feature, and Paraguay.
England have won both their meetings with the South Americans - winning 4-0 in a 2002 friendly and 2-0 at the 1986 World Cup.

Champions in 1966, England can call upon the talents of David Beckham, Wayne Rooney and Steven Gerrard while the Swedes, runners-up back in 1958, have the deadly Zlatan Ibrahimovic up front.

Trinidad and Tobago, better known as the home of record-breaking West Indies cricketer Brian Lara, are playing in their first finals and at 1,000-1 are the most unlikely of the 32 qualifiers to be champions.

With a population of just 1.1 million people, they are also the smallest nation on show.

Dutchman Leo Beenhakker is the coach and he led the Netherlands to the 1990 finals and is also a former Real Madrid coach.
Paraguay were third in Latin American qualifying behind Brazil and Argentina whom they beat 1-0 in Asuncion on the way to the finals.

Playing in their seventh World Cup finals, Paraguay have made it through to the second round on their last two appearances losing on both occasions 1-0 to eventual 1998 champions France and 2002 runners-up Germany respectively.

They have an impressive array of emerging young talent which came to the fore by taking the silver medal at the 2004 Olympics.

Key player will be Jose Cardozo who grabbed seven goals in qualifying.

 

171

Football / Dutch masters

« on: December 06, 2005, 06:16:35 PM »

Dutch masters
The Dutch footballing philosophy, already very much in vogue, received a further boost with several of the country's coaches steering sides to Germany 2006. When Marco van Basten took the helm of the Netherlands national team, his decision to rebuild the side prompted plenty of debate. Most of the Oranje were starring in the world's top leagues and few saw the need for wholesale changes but Van Basten felt differently. He assembled a squad of players who, in the space of a few short months, went from being virtual unknowns to household names. Andre Ooijer, Khalid Boulahrouz and Romeo Castelen, among others, played key roles in the coach's daring strategy, which paid off spectacularly with a first-place finish in a tough Group 1 of the European Zone.

The former AC Milan star was not the only Dutch coach working wonders from the bench. Guus Hiddink and Leo Beenhakker also performed minor miracles with their respective sides on distant shores. Already revered for leading Korea Republic to the last four at Korea/Japan 2002, Hiddink showed he still had the touch by leading Australia back to the FIFA World Cup™ finals after a 32-year absence. The Oceania side, who had lost out in play-offs for the three previous finals, secured their berth in Germany thanks to the Dutchman's coaching acumen and some inspired individual displays from, among others, goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer, who saved two penalties in the decisive shootout against Uruguay in Sydney.



Enlarge Photo
Photo Gallery
Beenhakker's achievement was perhaps even more surprising. He took the reins of Trinidad and Tobago with the tiny island nation rooted to the bottom of the CONCACAF final qualifying group. Less than a year later, he led them to a historic first qualification for the FIFA World Cup finals.

172

Football / Trinidad WC on MSG in the next 2mins

« on: December 03, 2005, 11:32:11 AM »

Trinidad WC on MSG in the next 2mins

173

Football / For the Forum Auditors - truetrini and Alberta trini

« on: December 02, 2005, 11:17:48 PM »

It was revealed that the first leg of the playoff match against Bahrain made a profit of $1,202,913, which Warner said was the most gathered from a match played on local soil. Ticket sales amounted to $2,399,565 and broadcast rights another $100,000 - a total income of $2,499,565.

Expenditure was totalled at $1,296,652, with the largest amount of $490,745 going to airfare and ground transportation for the team and officials. FIFA/Concacaf dues also amounted to $167,970.

174

Football / U.S. to play exhibitions against Canada and Japan

« on: December 01, 2005, 02:37:29 PM »

U.S. to play exhibitions against Canada and Japan
 
December 1, 2005
CHICAGO (AP) -- The U.S. soccer team will open its 2006 schedule with an exhibition game against Canada on Jan. 22 at San Diego.

The Americans, preparing for the World Cup in Germany, said last month that they will play Norway on Jan. 29 in Carson, Calif.

In addition to the game announced Thursday against Canada at Torero Stadium, the Americans will play Japan on Feb. 10 at San Francisco, according to an e-mail sent this week to fans by the U.S. Soccer Federation. The three games follow a training camp that starts Jan. 4 in Carson.

The U.S. team also intends to play an exhibition game in Europe on March 1 against an opponent that hasn't been finalized, and tentatively is slated to face Germany at Dortmund on March 22. The Americans, also likely to play three exhibition games at home in May, will learn their first-round World Cup opponents at the draw on Dec. 9.

The United States is 11-8-8 against Canada, including 6-0-5 in the past 20 years.

 

175

Football / PICS

« on: November 30, 2005, 02:11:45 AM »

Porto's captain Pedro Emanuel (2nd R) passes by Rangers' Marvin Andrews (5), Fernando Ricksen (2) and Steven Thompson as they celebrate with supporters at the end of their Champions League Group H soccer match in Porto's Dragon stadium November 23, 2005. The match ended with a 1-1 draw. REUTERS/Jose Manuel Ribeiro

176

Football / Recognising a national icon

« on: November 30, 2005, 01:54:58 AM »

Recognising a national icon
By Valentino Singh (Trinidad Guardian)

It wasn’t the number of responses to last week’s ‘Zero to hero’ that surprised me. I expected that.

What caught me by surprise was that not one single piece of corespondence disagreed with my call for Prime Minister Patrick Manning to leave the politics out of the success of the Soca Warriors and honour the contribution made by Austin Jack Warner.

Stephan DeFour, a Trini living in Idaho wrote:

“I was very proud of our national football team on qualifying for the 2006 World Cup. I would like to extend on your sentiments about Jack Warner being honoured for what he has done.

When Jack Warner became a Fifa vice president, he made Fifa add another team and then another, which brought the total to four giving us more chances to get us where we are. I don’t think people look at these things.

I would like to thank Warner for all his hard work, his drive, his belief and faith. I played with one of Jack’s team back home and I know his whole life is football. I would urge Government to honour Jack Warner now, not when he is dead.’

This one is from a former schoolmate, John Charles:

“I read your article on zero to hero, and though I’m not in the habit of doing this, I felt compelled to respond, for I’ve shared these sentiments for a long while.

My close friend, Peter Stone (deceased), a very close friend of Jack, always told me back in the eighties: ‘Johnny, people don’t know the man and the passion and vision he has’.

In those years, late eighties and onwards, just to say anything positive about the man would cast a question on your own integrity as a person. Peter must be laughing from above with all these high praises now. He may even view the hypocrisy of it all.”

Darryl Dopwell, from Atlanta, was simple and straightforward:

“Yes mih bredda. I fully agree with your article.”

And there was George Spencer in Toronto:

“Kudos to you for nominating Jack, I believe that he totally deserves it.”

And hundreds more echoed these sentiments—not one, I tell you, was negative.

I attended a wonderful function organised by the T&TEC Sports Club on Saturday night, in which Warner gave the feature address, pointing out that a national award was neither here or there with him. He spoke of people meeting him on the streets and in the marketplace and giving him personal messages of appreciation.

Said Warner: “I went in the market looking for ah piece of pudding and this very aged Indian woman, she couldn’t be less than 60 years, came up to me and said, “Beta, thanks fuh all de things you doing fuh the country with the football. Doh stop, nah.”

That, according to Warner, is much more than any national award.

Last week’s call to honour Warner was not my first. I have, in fact, done it on two previous occasions and both were turned down.

It is ironic that while most of the responses then were positive, there were several which condemned my call.

How the wheel has spun!

No such negativity now. I believe that those who condemned my appeal then have since come to the realisation that our country has a national hero in Warner.

And even if Manning and the Government fails to respect that, there is a growing band of citizens for whom that has now become a fact.

The rum shops, the bars, office lunch rooms, police stations, at the gym, in the grocery...you name it, once football is being discussed the view is the same.

Whether he wants it or not, whether we give it to him or not, history will show that it was on the shoulders of Jack Warner’s dedication, inspiration and vision that T&T went to Germany in 2006.

And award or no, nothing will change that!

177

Football / Colorado Rapids acquire Cornell Glen.

« on: November 29, 2005, 03:00:13 PM »

Colorado Rapids acquire Cornell Glen.
Colorado Rapids Media Relations.
 
The Colorado Rapids announced today the team's first trade of the 2005 off-season, as the Black and Blue acquired forward Cornell Glen from the Columbus Crew in exchange for veteran defender Ritchie Kotschau.
"Ritchie's leadership was without a doubt a great asset for the Rapids and we thank him for everything he did for our team." said Charlie Wright, General Manager and Chief Operating Officer of the Colorado Rapids. "This trade allows us to acquire an exciting striker in Cornell Glen, who we expect will provide a more diverse attacking option for the Black and Blue in 2006."
Forward Cornell Glen comes to his fourth MLS team in his third year in the league. Glen appeared in 18 games for the MetroStars in 2004, tallying six goals and two assists. This past year he spent time with FC Dallas, not seeing any action, before heading to the Crew and scoring four goals, including a penalty kick against the Rapids.
The native of Trinidad & Tobago has played in 34 games for their national team, "The Soca Warriors", scoring 11 goals. Most recently Glen was called up for Trinidad's World Cup Qualifying playoff matches against Bahrain, from which the island nation qualified for their first World Cup Finals ever. He also played for Trinidad & Tobago in the 2005 Gold Cup, where he scored the tying goal against Panama in the 90th minute during the group stage.
Before playing for the MetroStars, Glen competed for San Juan Jabloteh in the Trinidad & Tobago national league. In 2004 Glen scored a hat trick for Jabloteh against the Chicago Fire in the CONCACAF Champions Cup.
Ritchie Kotschau, the eight-year league veteran, played a total of 28 games for the Rapids in 2005, accumulating 2,272 minutes in the defensive backline for the Black and Blue.

178

Football / Bahrain players get big rewards after World Cup bid

« on: November 29, 2005, 12:25:09 AM »

Members of the Bahrain National Senior team which lost out to this country 1-0 less than a month ago in final playoffs of the 2006 World Cup were last week rewarded with cash prizes of BD20,000 each.

General Organisation for Youth and Sports president Shaikh Fawaz bin Mohammed Al Khalifa was present when 50 players were given their bonuses as per the directive from His Majesty King Hamad.

The royal package was awarded to all players including substitutes who were part of the Bahrain team during their 18 qualifying matches.

A villa for each player will also be constructed at the vicinity of the Late Shaikh Zayed City in Central Governorate.

Shaikh Fawaz will be holding a meeting with works and housing minister Fahmi Al Jowder in this regard.

The ceremony was held at Bahrain International Circuit on the sidelines of a dinner banquet hosted in honour of delegates attending a FIFA-sponsor workshop to explain the new rules and regulations governing the sport.

The event was also attended by Bahrain Football Association president Shaikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa, BFA board members and delegates representing Libya, Qatar, Pakistan, Iran, Oman, Syria, Kuwait, Jordan, Lebanon, the UAE, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Iraq, Palestine, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.

Thus far, T&T’s senior footballers, apart from the victory bonus promised and delivered to them by the T&TFF and special advisor Jack Warner, have only been told by Government officials of what they shall be receiving for their historic achievement and at the same time have continued making public appearances on request from Government and other local organizations since their return home.
 
©2004-2005 Trinidad Publishing Company Limited
 

179

Football / Allyuh see the screen and ELBOW Yrokie hit the Baharainee!!!!!!!!!!!!

« on: November 17, 2005, 08:48:59 PM »

The man start to hold he chess...Yorke connect him ah good one in he rookookuhtoongtoong..he was tryiin to play yorkie hard...then yorkie ress it on himmm!!!!!

180

Football / Yellow Card Situation For Bahrain???

« on: November 13, 2005, 10:52:13 PM »

Who know the break down?