Through a combination of sheer defiance and one clinical finish, Denmark defeated the Netherlands for the first time in nine attempts, and 45 years, to throw UEFA EURO 2012 Group B wide open.
To term this a tale of frustration for Bert van Marwijk's side would be an understatement. Boasting eight of the team which started the FIFA World Cup final two years ago – a tournament that began with a 2-0 win against Denmark – the Oranje were at times every bit as stylish as their eventual conquerors in South Africa, Spain.
Chance after chance came and went but that final flourish, that most important of touches, eluded them. Denmark, by contrast, had one clear opening and one fine goal. Michael Krohn-Dehli provided the finish on 24 minutes and, though their backs remained against the wall thereafter, it was enough for Morten Olsen's men to go top of a daunting section also including Portugal and Germany.
The Dutch outscored Denmark by 22 goals in qualifying and came charging out of the blocks with all the incision and fluidity that got them here. There was, though, one thing missing.
Jetro Willems, at 18 years and 71 days the youngest player ever to grace a UEFA European Championship, let fly early on but it was Robin van Persie, Wesley Sneijder and Arjen Robben who led the charge. However, the Arsenal FC man showed none of the devastating finishing that earned him 30 Premier League goals this season.
Glorious chances either end of the first half went begging for Van Persie, who let one slip by after an uncharacteristically poor first touch with just Stephan Andersen to beat. Robben was equally culpable when he too could see the whites of the Denmark No1's eyes but, bizarrely, opted to pass.
The FC Bayern München forward endured frustration of a different kind on 36 minutes when he seized on Andersen's slipshod pass but struck a post. Robben, Van Persie and Ibrahim Afellay all had further opportunities but, nestled among this Dutch bombardment, was a moment of Danish delight. Simon Poulsen's deflected cross landed at the feet of Krohn-Dehli, who shrugged off three Dutch defenders with an exquisite dummy before scurrying through and firing between Maarten Stekelenberg's legs.
The Danes had not so much ridden the storm, but somehow emerged on the other side with a suntan. Half-time failed to dampen the Dutch verve and soon enough Van Persie was again in behind, but this time he could only kick the ground.
Mark van Bommel, tired of the scenic route taken by his more stylish colleagues, went direct but his rasping shot was turned behind. If that was Plan B, Plan C looked to be to go aerial. John Heitinga nodded over from a corner before Robben completed a hat-trick of spurned gilt-edged openings when he headed Sneijder's raking cross wide from eight metres out.
Cue the cavalry – Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and Rafael van der Vaart – but still it went on. This time there was the outlandish through ball from Sneijder, the impeccable first touch from Huntelaar and the failure to finish. It was a familiar story.www.uefa.com
Saturday, June 9, 2012
Denmark ride storm to shock Netherlands
Netherlands 0-1 Denmark
The Oranje spurned chance after chance but Michael Krohn-Dehli's fine first-half finish was enough for the Danes to throw Group B wide open.
Through a combination of sheer defiance and one clinical finish, Denmark defeated the Netherlands for the first time in nine attempts, and 45 years, to throw UEFA EURO 2012 Group B wide open.
To term this a tale of frustration for Bert van Marwijk's side would be an understatement. Boasting eight of the team which started the FIFA World Cup final two years ago – a tournament that began with a 2-0 win against Denmark – the Oranje were at times every bit as stylish as their eventual conquerors in South Africa, Spain.
Chance after chance came and went but that final flourish, that most important of touches, eluded them. Denmark, by contrast, had one clear opening and one fine goal. Michael Krohn-Dehli provided the finish on 24 minutes and, though their backs remained against the wall thereafter, it was enough for Morten Olsen's men to go top of a daunting section also including Portugal and Germany.
The Dutch outscored Denmark by 22 goals in qualifying and came charging out of the blocks with all the incision and fluidity that got them here. There was, though, one thing missing.
Jetro Willems, at 18 years and 71 days the youngest player ever to grace a UEFA European Championship, let fly early on but it was Robin van Persie, Wesley Sneijder and Arjen Robben who led the charge. However, the Arsenal FC man showed none of the devastating finishing that earned him 30 Premier League goals this season.
Glorious chances either end of the first half went begging for Van Persie, who let one slip by after an uncharacteristically poor first touch with just Stephan Andersen to beat. Robben was equally culpable when he too could see the whites of the Denmark No1's eyes but, bizarrely, opted to pass.
The FC Bayern München forward endured frustration of a different kind on 36 minutes when he seized on Andersen's slipshod pass but struck a post. Robben, Van Persie and Ibrahim Afellay all had further opportunities but, nestled among this Dutch bombardment, was a moment of Danish delight. Simon Poulsen's deflected cross landed at the feet of Krohn-Dehli, who shrugged off three Dutch defenders with an exquisite dummy before scurrying through and firing between Maarten Stekelenberg's legs.
The Danes had not so much ridden the storm, but somehow emerged on the other side with a suntan. Half-time failed to dampen the Dutch verve and soon enough Van Persie was again in behind, but this time he could only kick the ground.
Mark van Bommel, tired of the scenic route taken by his more stylish colleagues, went direct but his rasping shot was turned behind. If that was Plan B, Plan C looked to be to go aerial. John Heitinga nodded over from a corner before Robben completed a hat-trick of spurned gilt-edged openings when he headed Sneijder's raking cross wide from eight metres out.
Cue the cavalry – Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and Rafael van der Vaart – but still it went on. This time there was the outlandish through ball from Sneijder, the impeccable first touch from Huntelaar and the failure to finish. It was a familiar story.www.uefa.com
Through a combination of sheer defiance and one clinical finish, Denmark defeated the Netherlands for the first time in nine attempts, and 45 years, to throw UEFA EURO 2012 Group B wide open.
To term this a tale of frustration for Bert van Marwijk's side would be an understatement. Boasting eight of the team which started the FIFA World Cup final two years ago – a tournament that began with a 2-0 win against Denmark – the Oranje were at times every bit as stylish as their eventual conquerors in South Africa, Spain.
Chance after chance came and went but that final flourish, that most important of touches, eluded them. Denmark, by contrast, had one clear opening and one fine goal. Michael Krohn-Dehli provided the finish on 24 minutes and, though their backs remained against the wall thereafter, it was enough for Morten Olsen's men to go top of a daunting section also including Portugal and Germany.
The Dutch outscored Denmark by 22 goals in qualifying and came charging out of the blocks with all the incision and fluidity that got them here. There was, though, one thing missing.
Jetro Willems, at 18 years and 71 days the youngest player ever to grace a UEFA European Championship, let fly early on but it was Robin van Persie, Wesley Sneijder and Arjen Robben who led the charge. However, the Arsenal FC man showed none of the devastating finishing that earned him 30 Premier League goals this season.
Glorious chances either end of the first half went begging for Van Persie, who let one slip by after an uncharacteristically poor first touch with just Stephan Andersen to beat. Robben was equally culpable when he too could see the whites of the Denmark No1's eyes but, bizarrely, opted to pass.
The FC Bayern München forward endured frustration of a different kind on 36 minutes when he seized on Andersen's slipshod pass but struck a post. Robben, Van Persie and Ibrahim Afellay all had further opportunities but, nestled among this Dutch bombardment, was a moment of Danish delight. Simon Poulsen's deflected cross landed at the feet of Krohn-Dehli, who shrugged off three Dutch defenders with an exquisite dummy before scurrying through and firing between Maarten Stekelenberg's legs.
The Danes had not so much ridden the storm, but somehow emerged on the other side with a suntan. Half-time failed to dampen the Dutch verve and soon enough Van Persie was again in behind, but this time he could only kick the ground.
Mark van Bommel, tired of the scenic route taken by his more stylish colleagues, went direct but his rasping shot was turned behind. If that was Plan B, Plan C looked to be to go aerial. John Heitinga nodded over from a corner before Robben completed a hat-trick of spurned gilt-edged openings when he headed Sneijder's raking cross wide from eight metres out.
Cue the cavalry – Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and Rafael van der Vaart – but still it went on. This time there was the outlandish through ball from Sneijder, the impeccable first touch from Huntelaar and the failure to finish. It was a familiar story.www.uefa.com
Dzagoev double helps Russia to flying start
Russia 4-1 Czech Republic
Alan Dzagoev struck twice as Russia made a dream start to the campaign, defeating the Czech Republic to take an early lead in Group A.
Alan Dzagoev scored twice as Russia swept to a convincing victory over the Czech Republic in Wroclaw and leave his nation atop Group A after the opening games in the section.
Dick Advocaat had reiterated his belief that Russia are contenders to win the tournament in his pre-match press conference. With the way his team performed in their opening game in brushing aside the Czech Republic 4-1, the Dutchman will not have changed his mind.
After Dzagoev had opened the scoring on the quarter-hour, Roman Shirokov struck nine minutes later to give Russia a healthy lead at the break. Václav Pilař's goal early in the second half gave the Czechs hope, but Dzagoev and Roman Pavlyuchenko scored within three minutes of each other as their opponents crumbled in the closing stages. The gloss those goals gave the scoreline was not merely a flattering one.
Advocaat had promised his side would not abandon the attractive style that had brought them this far, though initially they were not allowed to show it. The Czechs' menace stemmed only from a pair of set pieces, however, and goalkeeper Vyacheslav Malafeev, preferred to Igor Akinfeev, was untroubled, unlike his counterpart at the opposite end.
Petr Čech had already seen Aleksandr Kerzhakov scuff a good chance wide before the FC Zenit St Petersburg forward struck a post with a header from Konstantin Zyryanov's cross. The Czech defence, pulled out of shape by the Russians' sharp movement and still sharper passing, reacted sluggishly as the ball broke for Dzagoev to cap a move he had started by drilling in.
An almost carbon-copy attack might have immediately brought a second had Dzagoev, faced only with the advancing Čech, shown the poise Shirokov then displayed in doubling his team's lead. Though Arshavin's angled pass was intended for Kerzhakov, it ran neatly to Shirokov, whose recent burst of goals was evident in his confident chip over Čech.
The fluidity in Russia's forays merely served to put the Czechs' lack of that precious quality into greater relief when they moved forward. Only Petr Jiráček provided anything like the required impetus, and a scuffed Michal Kadlec shot, which brought a leisurely save from Malafeev, summed up a disappointing opening half.
Michal Bílek's men appeared set for an equally frustrating second period with Arshavin quickly slipping back into his devilishly creative mood. He was upstaged, however, by Jaroslav Plašil, who picked out Pilař's run behind the Russian back four with a sublime pass. The VfL Wolfsburg man confidently rounded Malafeev before clipping home from an ever-tightening angle.
Arshavin responded to Plašil in kind, flicking nonchalantly through for Kerzhakov, but he was left looking to the heavens after dragging his shot wide of the far post. It was not a night to remember for the 29-year-old, who was substituted soon after firing another opportunity wastefully wide. Fortunately for Russia, his profligacy did not cost them, though Malafeev had to produce an excellent save to stop a Rosický drive before Dzagoev and Pavlyuchenko, who had replaced Kerzhakov, put the issue beyond doubt.www.uefa.com
Alan Dzagoev scored twice as Russia swept to a convincing victory over the Czech Republic in Wroclaw and leave his nation atop Group A after the opening games in the section.
Dick Advocaat had reiterated his belief that Russia are contenders to win the tournament in his pre-match press conference. With the way his team performed in their opening game in brushing aside the Czech Republic 4-1, the Dutchman will not have changed his mind.
After Dzagoev had opened the scoring on the quarter-hour, Roman Shirokov struck nine minutes later to give Russia a healthy lead at the break. Václav Pilař's goal early in the second half gave the Czechs hope, but Dzagoev and Roman Pavlyuchenko scored within three minutes of each other as their opponents crumbled in the closing stages. The gloss those goals gave the scoreline was not merely a flattering one.
Advocaat had promised his side would not abandon the attractive style that had brought them this far, though initially they were not allowed to show it. The Czechs' menace stemmed only from a pair of set pieces, however, and goalkeeper Vyacheslav Malafeev, preferred to Igor Akinfeev, was untroubled, unlike his counterpart at the opposite end.
Petr Čech had already seen Aleksandr Kerzhakov scuff a good chance wide before the FC Zenit St Petersburg forward struck a post with a header from Konstantin Zyryanov's cross. The Czech defence, pulled out of shape by the Russians' sharp movement and still sharper passing, reacted sluggishly as the ball broke for Dzagoev to cap a move he had started by drilling in.
An almost carbon-copy attack might have immediately brought a second had Dzagoev, faced only with the advancing Čech, shown the poise Shirokov then displayed in doubling his team's lead. Though Arshavin's angled pass was intended for Kerzhakov, it ran neatly to Shirokov, whose recent burst of goals was evident in his confident chip over Čech.
The fluidity in Russia's forays merely served to put the Czechs' lack of that precious quality into greater relief when they moved forward. Only Petr Jiráček provided anything like the required impetus, and a scuffed Michal Kadlec shot, which brought a leisurely save from Malafeev, summed up a disappointing opening half.
Michal Bílek's men appeared set for an equally frustrating second period with Arshavin quickly slipping back into his devilishly creative mood. He was upstaged, however, by Jaroslav Plašil, who picked out Pilař's run behind the Russian back four with a sublime pass. The VfL Wolfsburg man confidently rounded Malafeev before clipping home from an ever-tightening angle.
Arshavin responded to Plašil in kind, flicking nonchalantly through for Kerzhakov, but he was left looking to the heavens after dragging his shot wide of the far post. It was not a night to remember for the 29-year-old, who was substituted soon after firing another opportunity wastefully wide. Fortunately for Russia, his profligacy did not cost them, though Malafeev had to produce an excellent save to stop a Rosický drive before Dzagoev and Pavlyuchenko, who had replaced Kerzhakov, put the issue beyond doubt.www.uefa.com
'Magic moment at our fingertips'
The European football family and its guests gathered together at Warsaw's Royal Castle on Thursday night to herald the much-anticipated start of UEFA EURO 2012 in Poland and Ukraine, with all eyes turning eagerly towards what everyone hopes will be a celebration of football's beauty and values in the weeks to come.
Speaking to government ministers, representatives of the eight host cities, members of European national football associations, and sporting and business guests from throughout Europe and beyond, UEFA President Michel Platini encapsulated the anticipation that is now at fever pitch for the tournament.
"We are finally there! The people of Poland and Ukraine have been waiting for more than five years for this moment," said Mr Platini. "This magic moment is at our fingertips.
"In less than 24 hours, the EURO will kick off and the whole of Europe will finally be able to breathe football, be stirred by football and live football non-stop for more than three weeks," he added. "This kick-off will be like a liberation for all of us, as well as for the players, who are only waiting for one thing – to be on the pitch and show that they can go down in history.
"The three weeks which lie ahead must be an immense festival, a popular celebration of the most beautiful sport in the world, because football is just one thing – happiness in its purest form.
"Above all there will be emotions – joy, tears, and exchanges between supporters," the UEFA President continued. "Passionate fans from throughout Europe – or even further away – who will return home with their heads full of images after having lived through a unique experience."
Mr Platini thanked the governments of Poland and Ukraine, as well as the presidents of the two national associations, Grzegorz Lato (Poland) and Gregoriy Surkis (Ukraine), for the work undertaken since they were awarded UEFA EURO 2012 in 2007. "It is a unique and exceptional opportunity for your countries," he said. "This is an opportunity to be seized. It is an historic opening. Anyone who has not understood this is mistaken, and you are going to show them just how."
The UEFA President welcomed the presidents of the 16 participating associations on stage, and presented them with a symbolic gift – a hand-crafted silver football boot. "Good luck to you all," he said. "I hope all your players will behave in an exemplary manner on the pitch, and hope especially that they will succeed in making us dream during this EURO."
uefa.com
"The three weeks which lie ahead must be an immense festival, a popular celebration of the most beautiful sport in the world, because football is just one thing – happiness in its purest form.
"Above all there will be emotions – joy, tears, and exchanges between supporters," the UEFA President continued. "Passionate fans from throughout Europe – or even further away – who will return home with their heads full of images after having lived through a unique experience."
Mr Platini thanked the governments of Poland and Ukraine, as well as the presidents of the two national associations, Grzegorz Lato (Poland) and Gregoriy Surkis (Ukraine), for the work undertaken since they were awarded UEFA EURO 2012 in 2007. "It is a unique and exceptional opportunity for your countries," he said. "This is an opportunity to be seized. It is an historic opening. Anyone who has not understood this is mistaken, and you are going to show them just how."
The UEFA President welcomed the presidents of the 16 participating associations on stage, and presented them with a symbolic gift – a hand-crafted silver football boot. "Good luck to you all," he said. "I hope all your players will behave in an exemplary manner on the pitch, and hope especially that they will succeed in making us dream during this EURO."
uefa.com
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Mutu at the double as Romania sink Luxembourg
Romania 3-1 LuxembourgAdrian Mutu's first international goals since 2008 helped Romania seal a crucial victory that keeps alive their hopes of qualifying from Group D.
Romania kept their slim hopes of qualifying for UEFA EURO 2012 alive by surviving a first-half scare and coming from behind to beat Luxembourg.
It has been a disappointing start to their qualifying campaign for Romania, and home coach Razvan Lucescu must have feared the worst when his side fell behind to Lars Gerson's opening goal midway through the first half. Parity, however, was restored within two minutes by Adrian Mutu, who scored again on 68 minutes before Ianis Zicu made sure of the home win 12 minutes from time.
Romania's sluggish start was epitomised by their insistence on using the long ball, rather than the creativity of Mutu, whose appearance in the 2-1 defeat by Bosnia and Herzegovina on Saturday was his first international outing since June 2008. That defeat made this a must-win match for the hosts, but their task became all the more difficult when, in the 22nd minute, Aurélien Joachim deflected René Peters' free-kick from the left into the path of Gerson, who accepted the invitation to score.
Luxembourg's lead did not last long, however. Just 120 seconds later in fact, the match was all square as Mutu latched on to Ciprian Marica's delightful pass to score his first goal since registering at UEFA EURO 2008 against Italy. With Luc Holtz's side sitting back and looking to catch their opponents on the break, the onus was on the home team to make the running but they were frustrated by their visitors until Mutu struck again.
The 32-year-old was unlucky not to score with a fine volley that whistled just wide on 58 minutes but the ACF Fiorentina forward did not have long to wait for his 31st international goal on his 69th appearance, beating Jonathan Joubert with a fine header from substitute Gabriel Torje's right-wing cross. Ten minutes later it was 3-1, again from a header, as Zicu reacted first from close range to a poor headed clearance. Romania's win leaves them fifth in the section with five points, seven adrift of leaders France and three behind second-placed Belarus.
source http://www.uefa.com/
It has been a disappointing start to their qualifying campaign for Romania, and home coach Razvan Lucescu must have feared the worst when his side fell behind to Lars Gerson's opening goal midway through the first half. Parity, however, was restored within two minutes by Adrian Mutu, who scored again on 68 minutes before Ianis Zicu made sure of the home win 12 minutes from time.
Romania's sluggish start was epitomised by their insistence on using the long ball, rather than the creativity of Mutu, whose appearance in the 2-1 defeat by Bosnia and Herzegovina on Saturday was his first international outing since June 2008. That defeat made this a must-win match for the hosts, but their task became all the more difficult when, in the 22nd minute, Aurélien Joachim deflected René Peters' free-kick from the left into the path of Gerson, who accepted the invitation to score.
Luxembourg's lead did not last long, however. Just 120 seconds later in fact, the match was all square as Mutu latched on to Ciprian Marica's delightful pass to score his first goal since registering at UEFA EURO 2008 against Italy. With Luc Holtz's side sitting back and looking to catch their opponents on the break, the onus was on the home team to make the running but they were frustrated by their visitors until Mutu struck again.
The 32-year-old was unlucky not to score with a fine volley that whistled just wide on 58 minutes but the ACF Fiorentina forward did not have long to wait for his 31st international goal on his 69th appearance, beating Jonathan Joubert with a fine header from substitute Gabriel Torje's right-wing cross. Ten minutes later it was 3-1, again from a header, as Zicu reacted first from close range to a poor headed clearance. Romania's win leaves them fifth in the section with five points, seven adrift of leaders France and three behind second-placed Belarus.
source http://www.uefa.com/
Estonia strike late to secure a point against Serbia
Estonia 1-1 SerbiaKonstanin Vassiljev's 84th-minute strike denied Serbia the chance to go second in Group C following Marko Pantelić's first-half opener.
Konstanin Vassiljev struck six minutes from time to earn Estonia a 1-1 draw against Serbia in UEFA EURO 2012 qualifying Group C.
Having boosted their hopes of reaching next year's finals with a 2-1 win against Northern Ireland on Friday, Serbia again looked well set when Marko Pantelić – a scorer four days ago – found the net seven minutes before half-time. Vassiljev ensured the spoils were shared, though, leaving Serbia third in the section, level on points with second-placed Slovenia and five behind leaders Italy.
Tarmo Rüütli's side had the first opening in a snowy Tallinn, Kaimar Saag connecting with Dmitri Kruglov's cross only for Serbia captain Nemanja Vidić to block his effort. Home keeper Sergei Pareiko was soon in action himself, denying Zoran Tošić from close range after fine build-up play from Milan Jovanović.
Vassiljev, a scorer in Estonia's 3-1 win in Belgrade in October, tried to repeat the trick just after the half-hour but was thwarted by Željko Brkić. Pantelić, however, did break the deadlock with a clinical finish following a goalmouth scramble.
The Olympiacos FC striker turned creator after the break, Jovanović racing on to his pass but failing to find a way past Pareiko. Brkić was equally up to the task when called upon to keep out substitute Ats Purje's header, but could do nothing to prevent Vassiljev's equaliser from a free-kick.Source http://www.uefa.com/
Having boosted their hopes of reaching next year's finals with a 2-1 win against Northern Ireland on Friday, Serbia again looked well set when Marko Pantelić – a scorer four days ago – found the net seven minutes before half-time. Vassiljev ensured the spoils were shared, though, leaving Serbia third in the section, level on points with second-placed Slovenia and five behind leaders Italy.
Tarmo Rüütli's side had the first opening in a snowy Tallinn, Kaimar Saag connecting with Dmitri Kruglov's cross only for Serbia captain Nemanja Vidić to block his effort. Home keeper Sergei Pareiko was soon in action himself, denying Zoran Tošić from close range after fine build-up play from Milan Jovanović.
Vassiljev, a scorer in Estonia's 3-1 win in Belgrade in October, tried to repeat the trick just after the half-hour but was thwarted by Željko Brkić. Pantelić, however, did break the deadlock with a clinical finish following a goalmouth scramble.
The Olympiacos FC striker turned creator after the break, Jovanović racing on to his pass but failing to find a way past Pareiko. Brkić was equally up to the task when called upon to keep out substitute Ats Purje's header, but could do nothing to prevent Vassiljev's equaliser from a free-kick.Source http://www.uefa.com/
Arda glad to see Turkey turn the corner
Midfielder Arda Turan said he had "enjoyed this game a lot" after scoring Turkey's first goal in three Group A outings to set Guus Hiddink's charges on course for a 2-0 win over Austria.
Beaten by Germany and Azerbaijan in their previous two UEFA EURO 2012 qualifiers, Turkey needed to regain their Group A footing against Austria on Tuesday – and thanks to strikes from Arda Turan and Gökhan Gönül, and a late penalty save by Volkan Demirel, they certainly did.
"I enjoyed this game a lot and I think I can speak for all my team-mates," said midfielder Arda, who broke the deadlock after 28 minutes in Istanbul before Gökhan Gönül sealed a 2-0 victory for Guus Hiddink's side 12 minutes from time. "Not that it was easy – that's why we couldn't settle for 1-0 and went looking for that second goal. We have to thank Volkan for stopping the penalty, because the last five minutes would have been very stressful if he hadn't."
If Hamit Altıntop was pleased with the performance, he was more concerned with a result that lifted Turkey above Austria and into third place in Group A. "
A junior member of the hosts' midfield union, Nuri Şahin, concurred: "We can do even better once we get rid of our impatience, but that comes from a lack of experience." The 22-year-old is now focusing on Turkey's next qualifier away to second-ranked Belgium on 3 June, saying: "Second place is our goal. This was a big step but Belgium is the next challenge.
One of three players of Turkish origin fielded by Austria, substitute Ümit Korkmaz enjoyed playing at the Şükrü Saracoğlu home of Fenerbahçe SK, yet was disappointed his team could not do better. "It was a special feeling to play against Turkey in Istanbul, but I chose to represent Austria and have to honour their colours," he said, having represented Austria at senior level since 2008. "I did my best but it wasn't enough against opponents this strong."
Midfielder David Alaba was similarly magnanimous. "We lost but I'm not unhappy with how we played," said the 18-year-old, whose side slipped three points behind Belgium and eight adrift of leaders Germany. "We played according to plan, kept it tight and looked to take the few chances we would get. Those chances came but we couldn't turn them into goals. Losing two straight qualifiers [after Friday's home defeat by Belgium] is hard, but as long as we have a mathematical chance of second place we can't give up."
"I enjoyed this game a lot and I think I can speak for all my team-mates," said midfielder Arda, who broke the deadlock after 28 minutes in Istanbul before Gökhan Gönül sealed a 2-0 victory for Guus Hiddink's side 12 minutes from time. "Not that it was easy – that's why we couldn't settle for 1-0 and went looking for that second goal. We have to thank Volkan for stopping the penalty, because the last five minutes would have been very stressful if he hadn't."
If Hamit Altıntop was pleased with the performance, he was more concerned with a result that lifted Turkey above Austria and into third place in Group A. "
The only thing that counts is the scoreline," the midfielder said. "We deserved the win, but the most important thing is that our young players take confidence from this and carry on in the same vein."
A junior member of the hosts' midfield union, Nuri Şahin, concurred: "We can do even better once we get rid of our impatience, but that comes from a lack of experience." The 22-year-old is now focusing on Turkey's next qualifier away to second-ranked Belgium on 3 June, saying: "Second place is our goal. This was a big step but Belgium is the next challenge.
One of three players of Turkish origin fielded by Austria, substitute Ümit Korkmaz enjoyed playing at the Şükrü Saracoğlu home of Fenerbahçe SK, yet was disappointed his team could not do better. "It was a special feeling to play against Turkey in Istanbul, but I chose to represent Austria and have to honour their colours," he said, having represented Austria at senior level since 2008. "I did my best but it wasn't enough against opponents this strong."
Midfielder David Alaba was similarly magnanimous. "We lost but I'm not unhappy with how we played," said the 18-year-old, whose side slipped three points behind Belgium and eight adrift of leaders Germany. "We played according to plan, kept it tight and looked to take the few chances we would get. Those chances came but we couldn't turn them into goals. Losing two straight qualifiers [after Friday's home defeat by Belgium] is hard, but as long as we have a mathematical chance of second place we can't give up."
source http://www.uefa.com/
Friday, October 15, 2010
Substitute Llorente seals Spain win in Scotland
Scotland 2-3 SpainFernando Llorente came off the bench to score the winner with 11 minutes left after Scotland had wiped out a two-goal deficit in the second half.
Substitute Fernando Llorente scored with 11 minutes left to keep up Spain's flawless start to UEFA EURO 2012 qualifying Group I after Scotland had fought back from two goals down.
David Villa equalled Raúl González's record of 44 goals for Spain with a penalty just before the break and Andrés Iniesta looked to have put the result beyond doubt when he added a second soon after half-time. However, Steven Naismith with his first for Scotland and an own goal from Gerard Piqué threatened to give the home side a point until Llorente – left out of the starting lineup despite scoring twice in Friday's 3-1 defeat of Lithuania – claimed the winner within three minutes of his introduction.
Having taken a cautious approach in the 1-0 loss in the Czech Republic on Friday, Scotland manager Craig Levein brought back striker Kenny Miller and gave defender Phil Bardsley his debut with Alan Hutton injured. In front of a capacity crowd Scotland sought to exert some early pressure but the visitors were the first to threaten through Villa, shooting over after being picked out by Iniesta.
Within two minutes Villa tested Allan McGregor with a header from a Sergio Ramos cross and the keeper then rushed from his line to block David Silva's goal-bound effort. Scotland broke and it took the combined efforts of Carles Puyol and Piqué to clear James Morrison's effort off the line from Darren Fletcher's cross. However, it proved to be a temporary respite and on the half-hour McGregor again denied Villa from point-blank range.
The opening goal seemed inevitable and a minute before the break Spain were awarded a penalty after Whittaker handled Ramos's shot in the box. Villa stepped up and although McGregor got fingertips to the ball, the away side were ahead.
Ten minutes after the restart Spain doubled their advantage when Iniesta slotted in from close range after Santiago Cazorla's shot had rebounced off Stephen McManus. Scotland, however, had hope three minutes later, Naismith turning in Miller's cross, and Hampden erupted when Piqué diverted Morrison's centre past Iker Casillas.
However Llorente, whose starting place had gone to Xabi Alonso, was brought on and swiftly side-footed in Joan Capdevila's cross from the left. Scotland ended with ten men when Whittaker picked up a second yellow card for a challenge on Ramos and they are back in third, two points behind the Czech Republic and five adrift of Spain having played a game more than both.
David Villa equalled Raúl González's record of 44 goals for Spain with a penalty just before the break and Andrés Iniesta looked to have put the result beyond doubt when he added a second soon after half-time. However, Steven Naismith with his first for Scotland and an own goal from Gerard Piqué threatened to give the home side a point until Llorente – left out of the starting lineup despite scoring twice in Friday's 3-1 defeat of Lithuania – claimed the winner within three minutes of his introduction.
Having taken a cautious approach in the 1-0 loss in the Czech Republic on Friday, Scotland manager Craig Levein brought back striker Kenny Miller and gave defender Phil Bardsley his debut with Alan Hutton injured. In front of a capacity crowd Scotland sought to exert some early pressure but the visitors were the first to threaten through Villa, shooting over after being picked out by Iniesta.
Within two minutes Villa tested Allan McGregor with a header from a Sergio Ramos cross and the keeper then rushed from his line to block David Silva's goal-bound effort. Scotland broke and it took the combined efforts of Carles Puyol and Piqué to clear James Morrison's effort off the line from Darren Fletcher's cross. However, it proved to be a temporary respite and on the half-hour McGregor again denied Villa from point-blank range.
The opening goal seemed inevitable and a minute before the break Spain were awarded a penalty after Whittaker handled Ramos's shot in the box. Villa stepped up and although McGregor got fingertips to the ball, the away side were ahead.
Ten minutes after the restart Spain doubled their advantage when Iniesta slotted in from close range after Santiago Cazorla's shot had rebounced off Stephen McManus. Scotland, however, had hope three minutes later, Naismith turning in Miller's cross, and Hampden erupted when Piqué diverted Morrison's centre past Iker Casillas.
However Llorente, whose starting place had gone to Xabi Alonso, was brought on and swiftly side-footed in Joan Capdevila's cross from the left. Scotland ended with ten men when Whittaker picked up a second yellow card for a challenge on Ramos and they are back in third, two points behind the Czech Republic and five adrift of Spain having played a game more than both.
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