Topics

61

Football / Brian Williams Earns Surprise Recall To Beenhakker Squad for Peru Friendly

« on: April 14, 2006, 08:43:05 AM »

14 April, 2006
Reutrs -- Port of Spain

Dreadlocked-veteran Brian Williams has earned a surprise call-up for the "Soca Warriors" Friendly matchup against Peru slated for May 10.  In a move which caught even the most fervent football fan by surprise Beenhakker remarked: "We have obvious challenges in the right back position.  The staff and I believe that Williams can transmit his experience to the field and benefit the team."

Having spent the better portion of the past 5 years on the sideline as a Coach, Williams remarked that the challenge was one that he was relishing. 

"I have not worn the National kit for many years, but my fitness level has never diminished.  I am ready to serve in any capacity."

Trinidad and Tobago is in Group B of the World Cup along with Sweden, England and Paraguay.

62

General Discussion / Jefferz, like yuh home idle boy!

« on: April 13, 2006, 02:54:20 PM »

Is 10 straight post yuh post last in!!!

Ah know yuh home on vacation , but find a girl to go and check nah?   

63

Football / Ah know the Rougier fans happy

« on: April 12, 2006, 01:49:52 PM »

I just talk to one dey.  He happy like he first child born because Rougier get call up.

Alyuh men REALLY think Rougier adding value here boy?  Some men like they stick in a 2002 time warp boy.

64

Football / Cuantemoc Blanco replies to World Cup Snub

« on: April 05, 2006, 03:47:10 PM »

Blanco baffled by snub
4 April 2006
by Reuters

Mexico forward Cuauhtemoc Blanco is baffled by coach Ricardo La Volpe's decision not to take him to the FIFA World Cup finals in Germany.
The volatile forward has been left out of the provisional 26-man squad from which La Volpe will select his final 23 for the finals in Germany, starting on June 9.

"La Volpe can't tell me that I don't fit into his system if I have played under the command of umpteen coaches and have adapted to all of their systems," Blanco told reporters late on Monday.

"So, I don't think it's so difficult to adapt to Ricardo's (system). As far as I'm concerned, there's no valid argument for my not being in the national team."

Blanco, who plays for Mexico City's Club America, is as famous for his volatile temper as his precocious talent. At the 1998 and 2002 tournaments he became famous for bunny-hopping past defenders with the ball between his ankles.

Now 33, Blanco is considered by many fans as the only Mexican player capable of producing the unpredictable in attack.

Blanco and La Volpe were involved in a series of clashes when they were on the opposite sides in club games before the gruff former Argentina goalkeeper was appointed coach after the 2002 FIFA World Cup.

La Volpe said he had nothing personal against Blanco although he picked him for only a handful of games.


SPARKING BRAWL

In 2004, Blanco was blamed for sparking a brawl on the pitch which led to a crowd riot at the end of a Libertadores Cup tie against Brazil's Sao Caetano. He was loaned out to Veracruz for the rest of the year.

In the first half of last year, Blanco inspired the America team which won Mexico's Clausura championship and was picked for the FIFA Confederations Cup.

However, he pulled out of the squad on the eve of the tournament, saying he needed a rest.

Mexico seemed to thrive without him, beating Brazil on their way to a fourth-place finish.

After being left out of the subsequent FIFA World Cup qualifier with Costa Rica in August, Blanco said that La Volpe did not have big enough trousers to recall him.

He played in the 2-1 win over Norway in January before injury and a loss of form effectively ended his chances.

Mexico, whose best finals performances were quarter-final finishes at the 1970 and 1986 events they hosted, face Iran, Portugal and Angola in Group D.

65

Football / Mexico announces World Cup team (Cuantemoc Blanco left out)

« on: April 03, 2006, 11:29:23 AM »

Mexico announces World Cup team
Associated Press
 
 
 
 MEXICO CITY (AP) - Bolton striker Jared Borgetti and Barcelona winger Rafael Marquez lead the Mexican squad announced Sunday for the World Cup.
 
Mexico coach Ricardo Lavolpe included 26 players in his list, which he will have to reduce to 23 before the June 9-July 9 tournament in Germany.

Lavolpe also called upon Villarreal's striker Guillermo Franco, an Argentine who became a Mexican citizen last year.

Mexico's Guadalajara will lose six players in the Clausura tournament: goalkeeper Oswaldo Sanchez; defenders Francisco Rodriguez, Carlos Salcido and Gonzalo Pineda; midfielder Israel Lopez; and striker Omar Bravo.

Bravo scored twice in Mexico's 2-1 win over Paraguay in a friendly match last week in Chicago.

Mexico will play four warmup matches before the World Cup.

The rest of the team includes: goalkeepers Jesus Corona (Tecos) and Guillermo Ochoa (America); defenders Claudio Suarez (Chivas USA), Jose Antonio Castro (America), Mario Mendez (Monterrey), Ricardo Osorio (Cruz Azul), Joel Huiqui (Cruz Azul) and Jose Guardado (Atlas); midfielders Antonio Naelson (Toluca), Luis Perez (Monterrey), Pavel Pardo (America), Gerardo Torrado (Cruz Azul), Jose Garcia (Atlas), Jaime Lozano (Tigres), Israel Lopez (Toluca); and strikers Francisco Fonseca (Cruz Azul), Jose Arellano (Monterrey).

 TEAMS 
 
D1 Mexico MEX
D2 Iran IRN
D3 Angola ANG
D4 Portugal POR
 
MATCH SCHEDULE 
 
Sun., Jun. 11
MEX vs. IRN  Nuremberg 
ANG vs. POR  Cologne 
Fri., Jun. 16
MEX vs. ANG  Hanover 
Sat., Jun. 17
IRN vs. POR  Frankfurt 
Wed., Jun. 21
MEX vs. POR  Gelsenkirchen 
IRN vs. ANG  Leipzig 
Round of 16
Winner D vs. Runner-up C in Nuremberg on Sun., Jun. 25.
Runner-up D vs. Winner C in Leipzig on Sat., Jun. 24. 
 

66

Football / Fabregas and Eboue fit for Turin trip

« on: April 03, 2006, 09:58:31 AM »

Fabregas and Eboue fit for Turin trip

www.soccernet.com

Cesc Fabregas and Emmanuel Eboue are both fit to travel with Arsenal for their Champions League match against Juventus in Turin.

Midfielder Fabregas - who scored one goal and made the other for Thierry Henry in last week's first leg - suffered a badly-bruised foot in the 5-0 thrashing of Aston Villa on Saturday, and defender Eboue limped off with a groin problem.


But both men have recovered sufficiently to be included in the squad for the second leg of their quarter-final tie, which Arsenal lead 2-0.

A statement on the club's official website confirmed: 'Cesc Fabregas and Emmanuel Eboue will be travelling to Juventus for this week's Champions League quarter-final second leg.

'Both were rated 60-40 against by (manager) Arshne Wenger immediately after the (Aston Villa) game, but both have recovered sufficiently to take their place in the travelling party for Turin for Wednesday's tie.'

Wenger had put veteran defender Sol Campbell on stand-by for what would be a dramatic re-introduction to first-team action.

The England centre-back, 31, has not featured since February 1 when he suffered a nightmare first half against West Ham - and left Highbury after being substituted at the break.

An ankle injury - and then last week a bruised toe - hampered his recovery after Campbell had been being given an extended leave of absence by Wenger.

'You can consider all the options, and that is one of them,' the Arsenal boss said after Saturday's Premiership match.

67

Football / Quinton Fortune's contract won't be renewed

« on: March 31, 2006, 01:04:12 PM »

Fortune's contract won't be renewed


Associated Press
 
 
 
 MANCHESTER, England (AP) - Quinton Fortune will be released by Manchester United when his contract expires this summer.
   
The 28-year-old South African international has been at Old Trafford for seven years, making 126 appearances for the club and scoring 11 goals. He has missed most of this season with a knee injury.

"Quinton came to see me this week and asked what his future was going to be because his contract was up at the end of the season," United manager Alex Ferguson told a local radio station Friday.

"I explained the situation to him the best I could, which was not easy because he is such a great lad. We have a lot of good, young players in his position, so we are not going to be renewing his contract."

Fortune joined United in 1999 from Aletico Madrid. He has been plagued by injuries and rarely been a regular starter, but adapted well at left fullback and central midfield.

"He has been a great servant and played some terrific games for us and I think next season he will get a good club," Ferguson said.

 

68

Football / "Maybe we needed our ass kicked." -- Kasey Keller

« on: March 23, 2006, 09:58:33 AM »

USA coach Arena, Keller sound off

Jamie Trecker / Fox Soccer Channel
 
 
 
DORTMUND, Germany - The message was clear: The Americans got a wake-up call tonight, and some of these players won't be around anymore.
 
In a scathing series of statements both manager Bruce Arena and goalkeeper Kasey Keller lit into a side that conceded four second-half goals in a 4-1 collapse tonight at the Westfalen stadium.

"Tonight was a reality check for us," said a seething Keller after the game in an interview littered with curse words. "I don't think I can express how I feel in words you guys can print."

Arena was no less cutting: The MLS players? "I think you saw that they were very unfit to play at this level," said Arena.

Bobby Convey, the lone attacking midfielder? "He didn't do well defensively — his man (Arne Freidrich) outplayed him in that aspect of the game."

Was he happy with anyone? "I don't think too many players played themselves onto the World Cup roster tonight."

The bottom line, according to Keller: "These guys have to know that a team like this isn't just going to let you run around. I think some of us thought we could walk out on the field and kick the s--- out of anyone. Maybe some of these guys took our ranking too seriously."

Strong stuff — but did the team get the message?

Heavily-criticized defender Gregg Berhalter — who was involved in three of the four goals — tried to deflect some of the blame tonight, saying: "We gave them too much space at the back, but you have to play defense as a group."

Keller wasn't having it. Without singling anyone out, anyone who saw the game knew what and who Keller was talking about when he called the mistakes "stupid" and added that "you can't just let the ball bounce around in your box like that."

The truth is tonight probably doesn't mean much in the grand scheme of things. Despite the name on the jersey, this was hardly the side you'll see come June.

Yet this game shouldn't have been this ugly for the Americans, despite their reduced status.

"We got beat and we deserved to get beat," said Arena. "This was the USA playing tonight — it doesn't matter who we were missing."

Arena now must go back to the drawing board and reevaluate an historic problem area for the American team: the defense. As seen in 1990, 1994, 1998 and yes, even 2002, defense and lapses of concentration chronically plague this side.

Several Americans — notably Chris Klein, Brian Ching and Kerry Zavagnin — lacked any sort of spring in their steps and at one point defenders Cory Gibbs and Berhalter were inexplicably conceding the entire right side of the field to the German offense.

Arena, who usually shoulders all blame, did admit that he wished he hadn't taken a "second-string team" to play Germany.

"We got hurt when Josh (Wolff) had to come out [concussion] but we made a dumb mistake at the start of the first half that allowed the Germans to play to their strengths."

As for any charity to the German team, which has been in a media-stoked crisis?

"Who cares about the Germans," said Keller. "I care more about what this does for us. Maybe we needed our ass kicked."

 

69

Football / Anybody see the Liverpool/Birmingham score?! Good thing Stern eh dey again

« on: March 21, 2006, 03:51:35 PM »

Seven up for rampant Reds
www.soccernet.com

Ruthless Liverpool produced a devastating display to march into the FA Cup semi-finals with their biggest win under manager Rafael Benitez and their biggest-ever away FA Cup victory. Liverpool's strikers have recently come in for criticism but a 7-0 rout at St Andrews produced the perfect answer.


Final - St Andrews Stadium  Attendance: 27,378 
 
Birmingham 0 - 7 Liverpool
 
Sami Hyypia (1)
Peter Crouch (5)
Peter Crouch (38)
Fernando Morientes (59)
John Arne Riise (70)
Olivier Tebily (og 77)
Djibril Cisse (89)
 
 

70

2006 World Cup - Germany / 'England not from outer space', observes Gamarra of Paraguay

« on: March 20, 2006, 02:08:19 PM »

'England not from outer space', observes Gamarra
www.soccernet.com


Paraguay must show no fear when they tackle England at this summer's World Cup, according to veteran defender Carlos Gamarra.

The South Americans will open their Group B campaign against Sven-Goran Eriksson's side, before taking on Sweden and Trinidad and Tobago.


Gamarra, of Brazilian giant Palmeiras, believes Paraguay can go far in the tournament after gaining confidence from their fourth-placed finish in the South American qualifying zone.

The 35-year-old told O Estado de Sao Paulo newspaper: 'This team makes me dream high.

'We finished the qualifiers in good form and that's important for us. There were new players who helped the squad to grow.'

While he believes group favourites England are in good shape, he has urged his team-mates to remember they are only human.

'They are a great team, but not from outer space,' he said.

'However, England have a tight-knit group and they have been having a great preparation.'

Paraguay will be hoping to go one better than their last 16 exits at the previous two World Cups, but Gamarra is in no doubt who are favourites to claim the trophy, although he also expects home nation Germany to provide a strong challenge.

'Brazil are the absolute favourites,' he said.

'Germany always seem to be asleep, as nobody expects anything from them, but they suddenly wake up and always get to the final stages.

'They're a strong team and have the home conditions in their favour.'

71

Football / Just received my WARRIOR NATION package... SWEEEEET

« on: March 19, 2006, 02:05:28 PM »

Fellas, doh stick.  Join the Warrior Nation, even if for the package alone!  The jersey sweeet!  Everything real official.

Tallman and Directors.... big up yuhself!

72

Football / MLS has fined D.C. United Coach Peter Nowak for racist remark

« on: March 16, 2006, 09:49:21 AM »

MLS Fines Nowak Undisclosed Amount
Thursday, March 16, 2006; Page E02
www.washingtonpost.com

MLS has fined D.C. United Coach Peter Nowak an undisclosed amount for comments he made during a preseason game against Real Salt Lake last month.

"After conducting a thorough review, we find that D.C. United Head Coach Peter Nowak made improper remarks during the D.C. United vs. Real Salt Lake preseason game on February 17 in Bradenton, Florida," MLS Commissioner Don Garber said in a statement yesterday.
 
League officials declined further comment, and those involved in the case, including Nowak and his New York-based attorney, Stuart Friedman , agreed with MLS not to discuss the matter.

Real Salt Lake coaches had accused Nowak of saying that one of their players, Atiba Harris , should be "sent back to Africa." Harris, who is black, is from the Caribbean island nation of St. Kitts and Nevis.

Nowak vehemently denied the accusation, saying at the time that he had said Harris should be "sent back to hospital." Team officials and players supported Nowak's claim in public and in interviews with MLS officials.

A native of Poland, Nowak is sometimes difficult to understand when speaking English. He had been upset about Harris's style of play and, according to United's players, was implying that they should retaliate against Harris. Harris had received a yellow card early in the game.

League officials conducted a monthlong investigation and, at one point, summoned Nowak from Spain, where United had been holding training camp, to meet with Garber at MLS headquarters in New York.

Sources close to the situation, who declined to be identified because they have agreed not to discuss the incident publicly, said the league found itself in an awkward situation because there was no audiotape of Nowak saying the remarks for which Real Salt Lake had accused him of making. At the same time, one source said, the league was concerned about a possible public perception that it wasn't seriously addressing the issue.

In an interview last month, Nowak said he was weighing his legal options against Real Salt Lake Coach John Ellinger and that second-year club. . . .

Defender Kenney Bertz , a fourth-round draft pick from Maryland, was released, leaving the club with 27 players, one below the league limit. Defender Allen Handy is likely to be signed.


-- Steven Goff

73

Football / First-Timers, Without Fear

« on: March 14, 2006, 02:55:23 PM »

First-Timers, Without Fear
www.fifa.com


There will be more new names stepping on to the world stage in Germany in June than at any FIFA World Cup™ since the 1930s.

Eight countries are preparing to make their bow - the four African newcomers (Angola, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Togo) three European teams appearing for the first time under their modern flags (Czech Republic, Serbia and Montenegro, Ukraine), and Trinidad and Tobago.

Those hoping to see the new boys shine can take heart from recent history, which points to at least one of the eight sides making significant progress in the competition: over the last five FIFA World Cups seven sides have extended their debut campaign beyond the first round.

From 1982, when the tournament was expanded from 16 to 24 teams, to 2002 FIFAworldcup.com reviews the success stories written by some of the 22 countries to have made their FIFA World Cup debuts in that time.

Spain 1982
Algeria and Cameroon both made their mark, despite early exits. The Algerians stunned eventual finalists West Germany by beating them 2-1 in their opening match in Gijon, African Footballer of the Year Lakhdar Belloumi netting the winner. Despite a second victory against Chile, an inferior goal difference to West Germany and Austria meant they failed to advance. A similar fate befell Cameroon who went home undefeated after three draws, losing out on goal difference to an Italy side that went on to lift the Cup.
They also appeared: Honduras, Kuwait, New Zealand


Mexico 1986
Denmark thrilled spectators in the first round in Mexico as they defeated Scotland, Uruguay and West Germany to top their group. Nicknamed 'Danish dynamite', Sepp Piontek's men were at their most explosive in destroying Uruguay 6-1 in their second game in Neza. Preben Elkjaer-Larsen struck a hat-trick as a team including Michael Laudrup, Soren Lerby and Morten Olsen gave a wonderful display of flowing attacking football. However, they lost equally spectacularly in the second round, going down 5-1 to Spain.
They also appeared: Canada, Iraq


Italy 1990
Irish and Costa Rican fans alike will never forget their countries' first FIFA World Cup. The Republic of Ireland, under the guidance of one of England’s 1966 heroes Jack Charlton, enjoyed a spirited journey to the quarter-finals where they succumbed to a Toto Schillaci goal for Italy in Rome. After first-round draws against England, Egypt and Netherlands, they beat Romania on penalties before then falling to the hosts. For their part, Juan Arnoldo Cayasso's lone goal gave Costa Rica a winning start against Scotland and despite losing to Brazil the Ticos reached the second round after fighting back to overcome Sweden 2-1. Not even a subsequent 4-1 defeat by Czechoslovakia stopped the party going on back in San Jose.
They also appeared: United Arab Emirates


USA 1994
African champions Nigeria did not disappoint in the United States, where, spearheaded by powerful striker Rasheed Yekini, they beat Bulgaria and Greece to make the second round as group winners ahead of Argentina. They then led Italy 1-0 until the 88th minute in Boston, through an Emmanuel Amunike goal, before going down 2-1 after extra time. Saudi Arabia had a debut to remember too, topping a section including the Netherlands thanks to wins over Morocco and Belgium. They owed that latter success to one of the goals of the tournament, Saeed Owairan's slalom through the Belgian back line that secured a place in the second round, where the adventure ended with a 3-1 defeat by Sweden.
They also appeared: Greece


France 1998
Croatia produced the best performance by any new team since Portugal in 1966 by going all the way to the semi-finals on the back of Golden Shoe winner Davor Suker's six goals, the midfield flair of Zvonimir Boban and Robert Prosinecki, and a strong sense of national pride. Victories against fellow newcomers Jamaica and Japan carried them into the knockout stages where, after beating Romania, they then stunned Germany 3-0 in the quarter-finals. They led France in the semi-final before losing 2-1 but picked themselves up to pip the Dutch to third place.
They also appeared: Jamaica, Japan, South Africa


Korea/Japan 2002
Senegal provided one of the stories of the 2002 finals in the Far East with their 1-0 defeat of France in the opening game in Ulsan.That triumph, earned by a Papa Bouba Diop strike, was followed by draws with Denmark and Uruguay, and Senegal were into the second round. There they ousted Sweden 2-1 through Henri Camara's extra-time golden goal before suffering the same fate against Turkey in the last eight.
They also appeared: China PR, Ecuador, Slovenia

74

2006 World Cup - Germany / Train from Hamburg to Amsterdam?

« on: March 14, 2006, 09:43:29 AM »

Where would I find out information on this train?  Is there a train that makes this run?

Germany-based men, let me hear allyuh!

Thanks

75

Football / Messi vows to silence Mourinho (ploi! ploi! shots firing!)

« on: March 06, 2006, 03:04:41 PM »

Messi vows to silence Mourinho

RivalsDM
Posted: 4 hours ago�  �  � 
www.foxsports.com
 
 
 Lionel Messi has vowed he wants to "silence the mouth of Mourinho" when Barcelona host Chelsea in their Champions League clash on Tuesday.

 
 
The Argentinian teenager was the subject of vehement criticism by Blues boss Jose Mourinho who accused him of play-acting during the incident which saw Asier del Horno sent off during the first leg at Stamford Bridge.

However, the 18-year-old has hit back adding he had given Del Horno the run-around until the Chelsea player's challenge which earned him the red card.

Messi told the Daily Star: "I want to produce the biggest match of my life against Chelsea to silence the mouth of Mourinho and his players.

"They claim I am an actor. They are wrong. I am a professional footballer and I have received many kicks this season. The actors are for the cinema and not for sport.

"I do not want contact with Mourinho because he was deceptive with me through his behaviour. He should look at the bruises on my legs.

"Del Horno has also had a lot to say about me but so he should because he got nowhere near me on the pitch until he fouled me."

Messi's team-mate Deco has warned the Catalan side just to focus on their own game and not be provoked on and off the pitch by Mourinho who he claims has created a persona.

The Portuguese international told The Sun: "They will want us to fall into their traps on and off the pitch but we cannot afford that.

"Mourinho has created himself this 'football personality' which he changes into when he wants to heat up a game or provoke opponents.

"That's not what he is like as a man or a coach when you play for him. But he has his own way of preparing for big games like this.

"We won't get involved in such foolishness. Our strength will be in playing our own game and repeating the level of concentration we showed in London."

 

76

Football / New Email from FIFA regarding tickets

« on: March 06, 2006, 02:58:41 PM »

Dear Football Fan,

Thank you for your ticket order for the 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany (TM).

We will send your tickets with the order No. xxxxxxxxxx approximately 6-8 weeks
before the tournament begins. The tickets will be handed over to you personally.
In case there is no-one at home when the courier calls, the courier will leave a
message, informing you about the further procedure.

So that your tickets can be delivered correctly, please make sure that the
delivery address entered by you in your Customer Self Service is correct by no
later than March 17th 2006.

In order to do this subsequently enter your email address and your password.
If you have forgotten your password
you can have a new one sent to you by the Customer Self Service. After you have
successfully completed your log-in, you can change your delivery address by
selecting the button “change applicant details”.

We wish you lots of fun at the 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany (TM).

Yours sincerely,

Your 2006 FIFA World Cup (TM) Ticketing Center

77

Football / Paraguay Coach was on TV this morning!!!

« on: February 28, 2006, 08:54:47 AM »

Fellas, ah in Guatemala working this week.  This morning on a show called ¨Los Tecnicos¨ the Paraguay coach was being interviewed on the World Cup and the Group B teams.

He say that they are having a very difficult time gathering information about Trinidad and Tobago.  They have only a few games available to watch on tape and are a bit worried about us for the following reasons

1 . Theyy feel like with the little information they have so far it is very hard to prepare for us

2. He has asked many of his Mexican coaching friends about Trinidad and Tobago and they have said that we a re a deceptive team.  VERY TOUGH TO PLAY because we ¨touch¨the ball around, but also have the European heart, a very ¨difficult combination¨

3. We rely on ¨flashes of brilliance¨in attack and that is ¨very very difficult¨ to prepare for.

Now this could all be ¨coach speak¨but the man was real sounding like he was concerned about us.  Especially with regards to what his Mexican friends have told him regarding our team.

78

Football / Where in Trinidad can I buy an authentic Jabloteh or W-Connection jersey?

« on: February 21, 2006, 11:42:44 AM »

Where in Trinidad can I buy an authentic Jabloteh or W-Connection jersey?  Or any PFL team for that matter.  I collect small club football jerseys (meaning not the regular big names like Arsenal, Liverpool etc) and noticed that I have NONE from Trinidadian teams.


Are these on sale anywhere at home?

79

Football / FIFAworldcup.com interview with the Coach of Sweden

« on: February 17, 2006, 10:08:43 AM »

Lagerback plots Swedish path

17 February 2006
by FIFAworldcup.com



The routine of a national coach may lack the staccato rhythms of club management but there is no danger of any dull moments in this FIFA World Cup™ year.
In the case of Sweden coach Lars Lagerback, 2006 began with a tour of the Middle East where his squad of Scandinavian-based players drew matches against Saudi Arabia and Jordan . Next up is the 1 March friendly against the Republic of Ireland, his first opportunity to get his full squad together and discuss their plans and objectives for Germany.

Lagerback claims to have settled on "at least 15 or 16" of his final 23-man FIFA World Cup squad but, as he tells FIFAworldcup.com, there remains much work to be done before the Swedes depart for their base in Bremen at the beginning of June.


FIFAworldcup.com: What were the benefits of your trip to the Middle East last month?

Lars Lagerback: It was more for the long term as we only used players from the Nordic countries. It was mainly about giving the younger players experience but of course we had a handful of players who will probably participate in the World Cup and it was a good opportunity to check on them.

Four players made their debuts on the tour - John Alvbage, Matias Concha, Andreas Granqvist and Karl Svensson. Do some of the younger players have a chance of going to Germany?
 
I think so. It's possible that one or two of the younger players can make it.

How close are you to deciding on your final squad?

Of course there are some things to decide but you can say that if I picked the squad today at least 15 or 16 players would be sure to be in it. Probably a little bit more, but there are some places open, of course.


Since the draw was made for the FIFA World Cup, how have you begun finding out about your opponents?

First of all we have one person that follows each team. They will watch their friendly games and videos of their qualifying matches. We have Benny Lennartsson working on Trinidad and Tobago, Thomas Lyth on England and Goran Goransson on Paraguay. We've started out that way and (assistant coach) Roland Andersson and I are working together with the three of them. But we're playing matches at the same time they play so it is hard for me to see them live myself.

You already knew plenty about England but how familiar were you with the other two teams in Group B?

If I look at the Trinidad and Tobago squad then some of the names are familiar as they are playing in Britain but I know very little about them and I only know a bit about Paraguay.  We had a friendly against Paraguay before the World Cup in 2002 (which the South Americans won 2-1) and that was the last time I saw a whole match involving them.

Before the FIFA World Cup, you're playing friendlies against the Republic of Ireland, Finland and Chile. How important is it to find the right opponents for these matches?

We had already decided on the 1 March friendly against the Republic of Ireland. The main thing for us was the quality of the opposition. We chose Chile due to Paraguay as there are probably some similarities.

What are you hoping to get out of the friendly against the Irish?

One important objective is to get the squad together. It's almost as important as to play the match. We want to sit down and discuss our plans for the World Cup so they can have their say. From a football point of view it is important for us to get practice and have a good test against a good opponent as we have so few opportunities to play (before the World Cup).

Do you manage to keep in regular contact with the players between friendlies?

We try to keep a watch on the players as well as we can. We have about 35-40 players that we look to follow as closely as possible. They are playing in 11-12 countries so you have to prioritise. We try to keep in contact with them all but often it's on the telephone.

Apart from the football side, how difficult is it planning for a FIFA World Cup in terms of finding the right hotels, training facilities and so on?

I don't think it is so difficult. A big advantage now is our organisation as we've been to a number of finals now and we have good staff around us. I travelled to Germany last May with our team secretary (Mats Engqivst) and saw 13 places and then we made a preliminary booking in Bremen in June. We will stay there for the first round.

What do you enjoy most about the challenge of preparing for a big tournament like this?

The football part is the main thing. Trying to get to know the opposition as well as you can and prepare your own team the best way you can. Going to a World Cup is a lot of logistics and planning, it's a challenge in many ways but a privilege to be able to participate.

Have you set yourself any targets for Germany?


Of course we have talked about it but before we make anything official we would like to chat with the players. It's good to have the players and the staff involved in setting out the goals that we have for the World Cup. If we have a very good day we know we have the possibility to beat any team. Of course we are positive but the margins are so narrow.

Finally, would you say the current Sweden team are stronger than the team you took to the Far East four years ago?

It depends on what part of the game we are talking about. What we have developed is the offensive part of our game. We have better skills and speed in the team than we used to, but at the same time I would say we're not as strong defensively. That's football – it's how you find a balance.

80

Football / Mido's team-mates upset with treatment

« on: February 08, 2006, 04:34:24 PM »

Mido's team-mates upset with treatment

CAIRO, Feb 8 (Reuters) - Hothead Egypt striker Mido should not have rowed with team coach Hassan Shehata but his instant six-month ban is too harsh, his Egyptian team mates said on Wednesday.

Mido will miss Friday's African Nations Cup final against Ivory Coast after his furious exchange with Shehata at being substituted 12 minutes from the end of Tuesday's 2-1 semi-final win over Senegal.


Striker Hossam Hassan, who had to restrain Mido during his altercation with Shehata, told reporters: 'My own feeling is that the decision was out of proportion. We needed Mido in this game.

'I have known him since we were kids, he's just eager to play,' said 39-year-old Hassan, one of the most revered figures in African football.

'He tried to apologise for what happened but the FA people made the problem bigger. Mido is not the only one to lose out - it's the whole team, the fans and the Egyptian football federation.

'People might think I'm wrong but I've seen that happen with other big players who got upset. We've made a problem for ourselves and I'm not happy with this decision.'

Shehata was vindicated by his decision to replace the Tottenham Hotspur striker in the 78th minute as substitute Amr Zaki headed the winner just three minutes later.

'Mido is a guy who plays with his heart,' said Hassan.

'He wanted to play right to the end especially because we were drawing 1-1. e is one of the most passionate players around. A mistake was made, but we should not blame Mido.'

EGYPTIAN FRUSTRATION

Midfielder Mohamed Barakat told Reuters: 'We are all frustrated by this, we need Mido because he can play anywhere on the pitch.

'The fact that he is not here is making us weaker. But we have to accept that Mido is not going to be here.

'We have to be self-sufficient and any player who replaces him has to do the business. We have Hossam Hassan, Emad Moteab and Amr Zaki and if Allah wills it we will win, whether Mido is here or not.'

Giving an insight into events behind the scenes, Barakat added: 'Mido said 'I want to stay with the squad to the end - don't exclude me, even if I made a mistake.'

'It was a nice thing for him to have said. For me, what happened yesterday was out of jealousy and love.

'Even if he was a bit out of line, it was just a clarification between him and the coach.'

Defender Wael Gomaa also felt Mido's commitment to the cause was behind the outburst.

'I think Mido was wrong in what he did. But Mido is still young and he is not experienced. He wants to be on the field and wants to score goals but his behaviour is not good.'

With the score at 1-1, Gomaa feared for the worst after Mido's tantrum.

'In my mind I thought we will lose after something like this. But thank God for the win. It was a very difficult moment but that's football.'

81

Football / FIFA order Turkey to play six games on neutral ground

« on: February 07, 2006, 01:10:12 PM »

FIFA order Turkey to play six games on neutral ground

www.soccernet.com

Turkey today felt the full wrath of FIFA after they were given severe punishments for the violent clashes involving players and officials at the end of the World Cup play-off against Switzerland.

Following a disciplinary hearing, FIFA have ordered Turkey to play their next six competitive matches behind closed doors on neutral ground.


Newcastle midfielder Emre and former Aston Villa defender Alpay, now at Cologne, have been banned for six matches for their part in the clashes in Istanbul on November 16.

Turkey lost the play-off and after the final whistle players and officials were involved in a mass brawl on the pitch and in the tunnel.

The Turkish FA have also been fined £88,300 (200,000 Swiss francs). Switzerland international Benjamin Huggel has been banned for six matches after he was filmed kicking out at Turkey assistant coach Mehmet Ozdilek, who has himself been banned from all football-related activity for a year.

The violence continued in the tunnel and Swiss defender Stephane Grichting was taken to hospital and needed a catheter inserted after being kicked in the stomach during a free-for-all.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter had promised 'we will take tough action' after the scenes and, in terms of international teams, the sanctions are unprecedented.

The disciplinary committee also announced two-match bans for Turkish player Serkan Balci and Swiss physio Stephan Meyer.

The Turkish FA and those players given six-match bans can appeal against the punishments and go to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne as a last resort.

FIFA launched a widespread investigation the week after the match and interviewed 22 people about the incidents as witnesses or defendants.

Grichting was unable to attend the hearings for medical reasons and submitted his statement in writing.

Punishments

• Turkey ordered to play next six home matches behind closed doors in a neutral venue in another country and to pay all organisational costs with regard to these six matches.
• Turkish FA fined £88,300 plus procedural costs of £8,830.
• Alpay Ozalan (Turkey player) - Suspended for Turkey's next six matches. Fined £6,622 plus costs of £440.
• Emre Belozoglu (Turkey player) - Suspended for Turkey's next six matches. Fined £6,622 plus costs of £440.
• Serkan Balci (Turkey player) - Suspended for Turkey's next two matches. Fined £2,200 plus costs of £220.
• Mehmet Ozdilek (Turkey assistant coach) - Banned from taking part in any football-related activity for 12 months. Fined £6,622 plus costs of £440.
• Benjamin Huggel (Switzerland player) - Suspended for Switzerland's next six matches. Fined £6,622 plus costs of £220.
• Stephan Meyer (Switzerland physiotherapist) - Suspended for Switzerland's next two matches. Fined £2,870 plus costs of £220.

82

Football / FIFA considers Turkey-Switzerland violence (when dey dealing with Bahrain?)

« on: February 06, 2006, 04:20:40 PM »

FIFA considers Turkey-Switzerland violence
       
 
Associated Press

 
 
 ZURICH, Switzerland (AP) - FIFA began a two-day meeting Monday to decide upon action over the brawl that occurred at the end of a World Cup playoff between Turkey and Switzerland last November.

The five-member disciplinary committee reviewed the accounts of the six participants who have been at the center of the investigation into the fight after the Nov. 16 match in Istanbul, Turkey.

They are Turkey players Alpay Ozalan, Emre Belozoglu and Serkan Balci, and Turkey assistant coach Mehmed Ozdilek; and Switzerland's defender, Benjamin Huggel, and physical therapist Stephan Meyer.

In Tuesday's session, the committee will focus on the role of the Turkish association.

The committee's decision is expected to be made public Wednesday.

Turkey won the game 4-2, but Switzerland advanced to the June 9-July 9 World Cup finals on away goals. After the final whistle, players and staff scuffled in the tunnel on the way to the locker room.

FIFA said the investigation has proven to be complex and time-consuming because of the large number of people involved.

FIFA officials have heard testimony from more than 30 people in determining the identity of the perpetrators and the exact sequence of events, a spokesman said.
 

83

Football / Does anyone know which games still have tickets available for Feb. 15 draw?

« on: February 06, 2006, 01:32:49 PM »

I didn't see FIFA post a list of games which still have available tickets.  Does anyone have any idea?

84

2006 World Cup - Germany / Anybody going Hamburg to see Argentina vs. Ivory Coast?

« on: February 06, 2006, 12:43:34 PM »

I get a ticket and my partners get blank.  So I want to see if anybody else making the run up to Hamburg for that game.

85

Football / best striker of the ball schoolboy, club or national level

« on: January 31, 2006, 02:12:48 PM »

Some local men who could pipe it from distance

Richard Chinapoo

Kerry Jamerson

Ronnie Simmons

Colin Roberts (Belmont Intermediate, Superstar Rangers)

Anton Pierre (Belmont Intermediate, Superstar Rangers, Defense Force)

86

Football / Ah see a man sign up as La brea Ron

« on: January 27, 2006, 08:19:43 PM »

Allyuh feel that is the original RonLa in code?

We go see if he posting shit or not.

87

Football / 'Sven's successor doesn't have to be English' - Pearce

« on: January 26, 2006, 11:53:16 AM »

'Sven's successor doesn't have to be English' - Pearce

www.soccernet.com

Stuart Pearce is adamant the Football Association should pick the best man to succeed Sven-Goran Eriksson, irrespective of whether he is English or not.

The Manchester City boss forcibly dismissed his own claims to be England coach last week after being touted for the role by Wigan chairman Dave Whelan.


A fierce patriot, Pearce believes he is far too inexperienced to even be considered for the top job, citing the likes of Sam Allardyce and Alan Curbishley as being much more qualified.

However, despite winning 78 caps for his country and appearing in two major semi-finals, the 43-year-old does not believe FA chief executive Brian Barwick should limit his choice purely to homegrown talent. Current Australia coach Guus Hiddink is one of the overseas candidates to have already expressed an interest in talking to Barwick about the England job.

And, just as he had no qualms about Eriksson being handed the role five years ago, Pearce does not believe nationality should be a barrier to an appointment.

'The only criteria the FA should work to is picking the best man for the job,' he said.

'There was a lot of kerfuffle when Sven took over, with people saying it should be an Englishman but I don't go along with that.

'I have no preference whatsoever, whether it is an Englishman or a foreign coach.

'There is bound to be a lot of speculation but all the FA have to do it sit back, look at all the options and pick the right man, which they have done on many occasions before now.

'Whoever it is, he won't be everyone's cup of tea but if they are successful in the long term, they will eventually win people over.'

Much has been made of the effect Eriksson's departure immediately after the World Cup will have on the England squad during the tournament itself.

Pearce has dual experience of the situation, having played in the 1990 World Cup under Bobby Robson, and Euro 96 during Terry Venables' time in charge.

On both occasions, England went into the competition knowing the coach would be leaving when it was over and last-four appearances each time suggests there was not the kind of negative effect many think Eriksson's exit will have.

'I don't think it matters to the players one iota,' said Pearce.

'The players should have their full concentration on the World Cup. They know what is expected of them as individuals and they will have their hands full with that.

'I worked for two managers who got to major semi-finals even though they were leaving, so I don't think we need to look any further than the World Cup. I am sure the players will be fully focussed.'

88

Football / Dog is the suspect one, not Lawrence

« on: January 26, 2006, 10:53:28 AM »

People on this site never cease to amaze me.   People keep fighting down Lawrence and saying that he is suspect.  And same time we saying Andrews this, Sancho this, and Cox that.  I do not think that we have a better reader of the game in the back than tallman -- he reads the plays well and gets into position to make key interceptions or a head or foot onto the ball.

If there is anyone "suspect" in the back it is Dog.  How many of his mistakes have resulted in goals?  The man is a nightmare with the ball at his feet.  A total nightmare.  meanwhile, tallman used to play in the midfield before Porters tried him at stopper, so he is comfortable with the ball.  Apart from that, in a tight game where 1 goal will win it, who wants to mark the 6 foot 7 guy on set pieces?

So while Lawrence may not be what Trinis consider a classic defender in shape and size, we have to realize that he can handle himself and has been maybe our MVP in the back for the past year or so.

Talk about replacing Marvin Andrews before you talk about replacing Dennis Lawrence. 

89

Football / Please boycott any further "Hardest" Threads

« on: January 24, 2006, 08:57:21 AM »

Fellas joke is joke but this eh no joke... ah tired with this jackass talk.  every day every day this man lighting up this board with basically the same questions over and over:

Is he good enough to make the squad
Should he get a trial (call up)
Is he motivated and serious enough to make a positive contribution

Can we please STOP posting in these jackass threads?

maybe that way the moronic TI will take the hint and stop with the damn promotion and propaganda.

Can I get an Amen?

90

Football / Juergen Klinsmann Thread.

« on: January 23, 2006, 01:35:00 PM »

Klinsmann names 28-man training squad

FRANKFURT, Jan 23 (Reuters) - Germany coach Juergen Klinsmann called up 28 established players on Monday for fitness tests at the end of January and said others had until May to force their way into his World Cup plans.

The same 28-man squad called up for the last round of tests in October will join Klinsmann to have their progress monitored again from January 30-31 in Duesseldorf.


Klinsmann expects to choose his 23-man squad for the World Cup from those players but says he would be happy for someone else to come through and make his life a bit more difficult.

'The door will stay open until mid-May, in case a striker knocks in 10 or 15 goals,' the coach said in an interview with Kicker magazine on Monday.

'Surprises are still possible.'

Hosts Germany get the World Cup underway with a Group A match against Costa Rica in Munich on June 9. The final is on July 9 in Berlin.

Before the finals, Germany have friendly matches against Italy, the United States, Japan and Colombia.

German squad for fitness tests in Duesseldorf, January 30-31:

Goalkeepers: Oliver Kahn (Bayern Munich), Jens Lehmann (Arsenal, England), Timo Hildebrand (VfB Stuttgart)

Defenders: Arne Friedrich (Hertha Berlin), Andreas Hinkel (VfB Stuttgart), Robert Huth (Chelsea, England), Marcell Jansen (Borussia Moenchengladbach), Philipp Lahm (Bayern Munich), Per Mertesacker (Hanover 96), Christoph Metzelder (Borussia Dortmund), Patrick Owomoyela (Werder Bremen), Lukas Sinkiewicz (Cologne), Christian Woerns (Borussia Dortmund)

Midfielders: Michael Ballack (Bayern Munich), Sebastian Deisler (Bayern Munich), Bastian Schweinsteiger (Bayern Munich), Tim Borowski (Werder Bremen), Torsten Frings (Werder Bremen), Fabian Ernst (Schalke 04), Thomas Hitzlsperger (VfB Stuttgart), Sebastian Kehl (Borussia Dortmund), Bernd Schneider (Bayer Leverkusen)

Forwards: Gerald Asamoah (Schalke 04), Kevin Kuranyi (Schalke 04), Mike Hanke (VfL Wolfsburg), Miroslav Klose (Werder Bremen), Oliver Neuville (Borussia Moenchengladbach), Lukas Podolski (Cologne)