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France have been reknowed for producing quality players in their time. Platini, Giresse, Tigana, Papin, Cantona, Zidane. The list seems endless. Attempting to make his mark on the list of greats is young left back Christian Rivière, who has sprung from almost nowhere to become one of the hottest talents in Europe. A product of the Nantes youth setup (like so many other French wonderkids) Rivière found himself in the stranger and less homely confines of Bari in Italy. A couple of seasons playing rather well for their reserves drew the attention of a few, and Bari used it to their advantage. They blooded the French left back, aged just 18, in the 2007/08 season as the side struggled to maintain Serie A status. It became clear that Rivière was one of two or three players who would be capable at a higher level. But he stayed at Bari through their relegation, and helped them back into Serie A with a fine season in the lower Italian leagues. Hector Cúper and Massimo Moratti at Inter were prime suitors of the left back's talent, as their own Dédé was starting to move on. In July 2009 Rivière left Bari for the big time of Inter Milan for a costly £2.9m for his age (twenty at the time). That may well go down as a bargain in future years. Months later Christian was handed a French national debut against Wales by Paul Le Guen, and impressed so much he has become a fixture at left back for Les Bleus. In a time of change and strife at Inter, Rivière has shone as a beacon of hope and a sign of the future, putting in consistent performances when asked and needed. Asking him of his game, the Frenchman comes across rather modest for one of his nationality: "I just play my natural game, but I am far from happy with what I am now. I haven't yet scored a professional goal, and I would love to do that. I also need consistency at Inter, as such a big club naturally expects as much. There is plenty to do - I am only 21." Plenty of time left then for Christian Rivière to make himself one of the greats, and add himself to the French footballing Hall of Fame.
Profile
Date of Birth - 18th August 1989
Club - Inter
Appearances/Goals - 97/0
Previous Clubs - Bari
Honours - Third Place in France Footballer of the Year 2010, Ten caps for France
11-22-2003, 09:33 PM
Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to Norway. Home of the Vikings, Christmas, and the 2012 European Championships Post #52
Pazzini for Azzurri?
The Italian Media have been calling for national manager Francesco Guidolin to take a look at Juventus striker Giampaolo Pazzini in recent weeks, and not without just cause. Corriere Dello Sport claims "Pazzini can add another dimension to the Azzurri. His shooting is unstoppable." Similar in style to Filippo Inzaghi, Pazzini has had quite a prolific spell in Turin since joining from Verona for £8.5m. 26 year old Pazzini has Under-21 honours but has never been called into the main party, but could spice up the competition between the very capable Luca Toni, Eder Bau, and Alessandro Pellicori. With Greece and Belarus coming up, Italy can go a long way to securing their place in Norway in a years time, and Pazzini could just help them get there.
13th March 2011
McLaren rings experimental changes
With England looking to all but secure their place in Norway next year, manager Steve McLaren has named a few surprise players for the trips to Armenia and Austria. Celtic's Alan Smith is the biggest omission, but his absence is due to only just recovering from injury. His place goes to Wolfsburg's Eddie Johnson, who has done quite well in the Bundesliga. Another name returning to the international fold is Newcastle's Richie Wellens, who replaces the injured Kieron Dyer. Fulham's versatile defender Gary Cartwright earns a first full call up, as does Birmingham holder David Bryan. Once again Cherno Samba is receiving calls to play some role, and in Smith's absence he may just get his chance, although the recall of Emile Heskey doesn't help his situation so much. McLaren is relishing the prospect of these important upcoming games: "We can do ourselves justice on our travels in Armenia and Austria. Six points will go a long way to securing our progress, but nothing is certain. We have the players, now it's their turn to prove something." The squad will meet up on Monday 21st March before
flying off to Armenia on the Thursday for the Saturday clash.
Squad
Gk: Tony Fuller (Ipswich), Chris Kirkland (Liverpool), Paul Robinson (Leeds)
Def: John Curtis (Man Utd), Jonathan Woodgate (Millwall), Gary Cartwright (Fulham), Jamie McCombe (Portsmouth), Stuart Richards (Birmingham), Owen Hargreaves (Barcelona), Phil Neville (Arsenal), Rio Ferdinand (Barcelona, capt), John Terry (Bayern Munich), Chris Riggott (Arsenal)
Mid: Derek Bryan (Birmingham), Paul Ifill (Ispwich), Steven Gerrard (Inter), Richie Wellens (Newcastle), Jason Patterson (Chelsea), Matthew Etherington (Arsenal), Joe Cole (Milan)
Fwd: Michael Owen (Liverpool), Cherno Samba (Chelsea), Eddie Johnson (Wolfsburg), Emile Heskey (Liverpool), Marcus Bent (Leverkusen), Matt Piper (Roma)
11-22-2003, 09:33 PM
Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to Norway. Home of the Vikings, Christmas, and the 2012 European Championships Post #53
Spanish manager Miguel Ángel Lotina has finally given in to public and media pressure and selected Fernando Torres in the National squad for the first time since taking over. The Celtic hitman has had a marvellous season to date, and now aged 26 must be prime candidate to lead the Spanish recovery charge. Something drastic was needed in order for Spain to rescue what is looking like a situation they may not get out of. Six points off qualification is a big gap, and wins must be achieved in Estonia and Scotland for qualification to still be on. Lotina explains the decision to select Torres now: "He's had a good season. I've never had a personal vendetta against him in any way, as has been suggested, and now the time is right to pick him." There is still no place for legend Raul, despite remaining in condition and form. For this, Lotina will still not have the full support of the Spanish public, who adore Raul, but the selection of Fernando Torres has cut some of the catcalls for now. The squad shows some surprise names in. Veteran keeper Iñaki Lafuente may be in line for a first cap after joining the squad because of the lack of quality Spanish keepers other than Iker Casillas. Sporting Gijon centre back José is also called into the party for the first time after a consistent season in La Liga. Veterans Roberto Losada and Ariel Miguel Ibagaza are also in, as Lotina looks to experience to guide Spain through. Failure to take six points from their upcoming travels will see Lotina wave goodbye to qualification and his job.
Squad
Gk: Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), Iñaki Lafuente (Bilbao), Jonathan (Valencia)
Def: José (Sporting Gijon), Manuel Baños (Rayo), Carles Puyol (Barcelona), Luis Prieto (Celta), Gálder Zubizaretta (Mallorca), Esp*n (Atlético Madrid), Gabri (Barcelona), Juanfran (Celta), Francisco Pavón (Real Madrid)
Mid: Capi (Betis), Fernando Sales (Bayern Munich), Xavier Morón (Real Madrid), Francisco Gallardo (Racing Santander), Ariel Miguel Ibagaza (Albacete), Joseba Etxeberr*a (Bilbao), Roberto Losada (Valencia), Vicente (Valencia)
Fwd: Fernando Torres (Celtic), Robert Trashorras (Barcelona), José Antonio Reyes (Atlético Madrid, capt), Guayre (Betis), Güiza (Celta)
11-22-2003, 09:34 PM
Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to Norway. Home of the Vikings, Christmas, and the 2012 European Championships Post #54
The upcoming home games against Albania and Ireland present Ruud Gullit's Holland with a chance they have to take to put themselves back in the qualification frame. The World Champions find themselves in the embarrasing position of bottom in Group Six, having picked up one miserly point in three outings. Gullit's latest squad shows few changes from that which he usually prefers, but as is always likely, a couple of names spice the mix up a little. NAC winger Chedric Seedorf is a surprise inclusion, joining the squad alongside his teammate Levi Risamasu, a left back who has surprised the Dutch media in his appearance in the Oranje party. Impressive Bochum hitman Klaas-Jan Huntelaar gets his first competitive callup after making his debut against Nigeria in November's friendly, and Ajax prodigy Tim Slot is called up to the defence after making a gret impression in Amsterdam . Otherwise it's the same suspects for the Netherlands, and they must come good, now, or never. Gullit explained to us the men he will be counting on: "We haven't been good so far, and as World Champions we should be doing better. I'm looking for stronfer performances from many of my players. Naming no names, the midfield has been far from creative enough for my liking, and the strikers haven't put themselves about enough. If we can improve there, things will pick up." Holland will play twice in five days on the ArenA pitch in the Dutch capital, and are expecting a full capacity crowd for both matches.
Squad
Gk: Bert Bosman (Man Utd), Dennis Gentenaar (NEC), Maarten Stekelenburg (Varese)
Def: Tim Slot (Ajax), Mario Melchiot (1860 Munich), Levi Risamasu (NAC), Kevin Hofland (Milan), Henk Seedorf (Hertha BSC), Roy van Dijk (Ajax), John Heitinga (Utrecht), Michael Lamey (Bristol City), Niels Oude Kamphuis (Union Berlin), Tim de Cler (Ajax), Civard Sprockel (Utrecht)
Mid: David Mendes da Silva (Man Utd, capt), Chedric Seedorf (NAC), Theo Janssen (Vitesse), Andy van der Meyde (Real Madrid), Rafael van der Vaart (Man Utd), Boudewijn Zenden (Betis)
Fwd: Jaap de Jong (PSV), Ruud van Nistelrooy (Man Utd), Klaas-Jan Huntelaar (Bochum), Dirk Kuijt (Arsenal), Jhon van Beukering (Vitesse), Ed Kuipers (Lazio)
In Brief.....
......Germany name six uncapped players in latest party; Bayern's Holger Berg the most impressive of the sextet.....Gaël Danic earns French call up, Meghni and Traoré return after long term hiatuses.....Lazio man Rabito suprise name in Azzurri squad, no room for Juve's Pazzini.....Postiga back in Portugal setup.....
11-22-2003, 09:35 PM
Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to Norway. Home of the Vikings, Christmas, and the 2012 European Championships Post #55
Group Four - Italy vs Greece
One of the weekend's biggest and most important games comes in Rome as Group Four heavyweights Italy and Greece battling it out in the coliseum of the Stadio Olimpico. Both sides are joint top on ten points from four games, and this meeting will go a long way to deciding the fate of both nations as they search for their path to Norway and make an impression on world football. Greek strikers Manolis Ligkos and Anastasios Skalidis both ply their trade in Italy's Serie A, and 21 goals between them shows their knowledge of how to get the better of Italian defences. Debutant Skalidis will, however, find it extremely tough to break the Ligkos-Papadopoulos partnership that has yielded so many goals. That won't deter him though: "I know I've only been called up as immediate cover for my injured club teammate Christos Alexiou, but if I get my chance I'll take it. It's a huge honour to be considered for your country, and I'm so proud now." Greek midfielder Ioannis Amanatidis looks doubtful to start, but a fitness test will tell all in the morning. Italy seem set to once again partner Eder Bau and Alessandro Pellicori up front, as two of Europe's hottest partnerships battle it out for superiority.
Group Six - Serbia & Montenegro vs Ireland
With the apparent demise of Holland, both Serbia & Montenegro and Ireland will spot this as a chance to put themselves in a commanding position for qualification, especially with Finland being on a rest day. The home side have had an inconsistent start, but have the quality to come through. Add this to the passionate home support and there is a potentially explosive game on the cards. Mateja Kezman is expected to play alone up front with Boskovic and Milijas providing support from the flanks. Mick McCarthy's Republic of Ireland side are no longer an under-rated side. People know what they'll get, and they do have some real quality. John O'Shea will once more partner captain Gary Doherty in defence, although Clinton Morrison's injury may see the skipper move up front. A capacity crowd is expected in Belgrade's Marakana Stadium for what should be a great match of football.
Group Seven - Bosnia vs Germany
After their stuttering start Germany look to have found some form, but must keep that going in tomorrow's visit to Sarajevo. Bosnia have surprised many, and are unbeaten in seventeen months, so Rudi Völler's squad will not have everything their way. They do have Kai Brand though. The 24 year old is still scoring prolifically, and it seems as if nobody can stop him. He'll be the focus of the play, according to Völler: "It's no secret that Kai is a world class player. We would be doing ourselves a disservice if we didn't make the most of his talents. It may become predictable, but give him a chance and he'll score." Bayern Munich's Dennis Becker had started to evolve into the player many expected him to, but misses out with a hamstring injury. Völler will make a late decision whether to replace him with Bierofka or Rahn. As for the home side, they're at full strength, meaning Kenan Ferhatovic will lead the line in a typically defensive minded side. The game will go a long way to deciding which of the sides makes it through.
11-23-2003, 05:01 AM
Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to Norway. Home of the Vikings, Christmas, and the 2012 European Championships Post #56
Emile Heskey's re-called again? Always knew McLaren was a fool Still with Piper and Mikey Owen it'll be a breeze - and Samba will get a goal against Armenia - assuming he gets field time
This is super stuff - keep it up and let's all hope Gullit blows it
The Azzurri took a large step towards progress in Rome after beating group rivals Greece 4-2 in emphatic style. Francesco Guidolin's home side dominated the majority of the action, and fully deserved the points. It didn't seem as if it would end like that early on though. After a quarter of an hour Greece captain Anestis Anastasiadis headed in his third international goal from Christos Patsatzoglou's free kick past a disappointing Ivan Pelizzoli. They weren't ahead too long though, as just eight minutes later Andrea Pirlo created a chance which was hungrily taken by Alberto Gilardino. The home dominance became stronger, and soon enough they were ahead. Captain Matteo Brighi dazzled the Greek defence before giving Eder Bau the perfect chance to slam the ball past Mouselimis. The game was all but up early after the restart. Once again Brighi proved the catalyst; his cross once again converted by the irrepressible Gilardino to make it 3-1. Greece put themselves back in contention straight away with a stunning effort from Alexandros Papadopoulos. The Leeds hitman shoved and sprinted through the defence and sent in a shot that nobody in the world could have saved. Yet they went and shot themselves in the foot, in the fashion of the Greece of old. Pirlo lined up a shot that was cruelly deflected into his own net by Patsatzoglou. Italy looked for more whilst Greece submitted and held onto what pride they had remaining. It gives Italy a three point lead over their nearest rivals and maintains their 100% record, as they move closer to Norway next year.
They were right. Fernando Torres showed how useful he can be for Miguel Ángel Lotina as Spain ran out 7-1 winners in Estonia. The Celtic striker was certainly the star on the night, as Estonia couldn't stop his busy movement, creativity, and finishing. It took him just five minutes to open the goalscoring, finishing with a sweet effort to open his international tally. The opposition may not have been up to much, but Spain were rampant. Guayre then headed against the crossbar seconds before Juanfran's corner was headed in by Esp*n, who also scored his first goal for his country. That secured the win, even after twelve minutes, and it became a matter of how many. The 24th minute saw the third goal arrive for the visitors. Joseba Etxeberr*a chipped a cross into the area which Guayre met at the back post to score his first of what would turn out to be an eventful night for the Betis forward. Fernando Torres was in the form of his life - Estonia didn't know what to do with him, so they rather foolishly did nothing. In first half stoppage time it became 4-0 through another Guayre header. Torres pulled the ball back from the touchline and Guayre stooped to conquer. Amazingly, Spain managed another before the referee blew up for half time, in identical fashion. Torres crossed, and Guayre headed in another to score his first international hat-trick. Estonia scored a consolation in the 49th minute from Aleksander Saharov. Puyol pulled Lindpere over in the area and the Chernomorets forward beat Casillas. Spain responded with the sixth. Fernando Torres took a ball expertly into his path and rifled the ball past Rubtsov. Guayre notched his fourth and Spain's final seventh fifteen minutes from time with another trademark header from a Fernando Sales cross. It may only have been Estonia, but a 7-1 victory for Spain will boost confidence, Lotina can relax, and it will also boost their goal difference. It also shows how useful an asset Torres is. Two goals and three assists speaks for itself.
Record Irish all time goalscorer Robbie Keane notched his 37th goal for the country by scoring the only goal in their visit to Serbia & Montenegro which puts Mick McCarthy's side joint top with Finland. It was quite an enjoyable match to watch - the action started early with Duff and Keane combining only for the latter to put the shot over. After the early Irish dominance Serbia & Montenegro slowly pulled themselves back into action, when surprise selection Mirko Vucinic headed over when well shackled by O'Shea. Branko Boskovic had a plethora of free kicks which were entirely wasted in the build-up to half time. Shy of the hour Vucinic wasted the game's best opportunity. After some good control he snatched at his chance and skied the effort. Ireland meanwhile had been content to sit and play their football, with Ciarán Keane a constant menace in the hub of the side. Inevitably he was involved in the winner. It was the Man Utd midfielder who released Doherty down the left. Doherty placed the ball behind the Serbia & Montenegron back line, and Robbie Keane's pace did the rest. He brought the ball down before beating Kujovic and setting off on the familiar somersault/gunshot celebration. McCarthy's side held on for a crucial win which will do their qualification chances good. However, any one of four could still make it out of the group.
Serbia & Montenegro 0
Ireland 1 (R.Keane 79)
Attendance - 53,959
Referee - Eric Romain (France)
Serbia & Montenegro - Kujovic, Kascelan, Vidic, Duljaj, Jokic, Jozic, Markovic, Stankovic(c), Kezman, Vucinic, Boskovic
Croatia stay unbeaten in Group One with a tight 1-0 victory in Lithuania. Mihael Mikic's goal thirteen minutes from time sunk a spirited Lithuanian side in Vilnius. Croatia remain three points clear of Denmark, who gave a commanding performance by winning 3-0 in Slovakia. All the goals came in the second half, firstly from Christian Poulsen, then a late double from Peter Madsen. Slovakia are still very much alive in the group standings though.
France picked up again in Group Two with a David Trezeguet-inspired 5-1 hammering of Hungary. The Barcelona man took his tally to 63 for France with a hat-trick in Paris to recapture the old French form after a recent stutter. His early opener was complimented by François Vincent's first goal for France soon after. Trezeguet added a second before Camel Meriem made it 4-0 at half time. Trezeguet finished the job late on, but a minor lapse allowed Zoltán Végh to score a consolation for the Hungarians, who must be out of contention. Bulgaria stay joint top with a 2-0 win in San Marino. Paolo Cupi and Alaeksandar Mladenov were both sent off for fighting in the first half, but Bulgarian goals from Joao Carlos and Valeri Bojinov saw them home. Latvia and Georgia shared a point each in Riga in the other match. Goals from Gokhan and Teodoradze respectively.
Scotland stay joint top of Group Three with a late goal to deny Ukraine the same spot. Sergey Shyschenko's 53rd minute goal silenced the Hampden Park crowd and appeared to have won the game for the visiting side, but deep into onjury time at the end of the game Stephen McPhee again proved to be the Scottish hero with a towering header to take a point for David Körner's side. With Spain winning so emphatically, both sides would have preferred a win, but a draw was about fair.
Sweden took advantage of Greece's defeat in Italy to go second in Group Four. A 3-1 win in the Faroe Islands puts them above the Greeks on goal difference. Early goals from Alex Farnerud and Stefan Ishizaki sent them on the road to victory, and Labinot Harbuzi's first goal for the Swedes wrapped the game up. More worrying for Swedish manager Uno Andersson is the suspension of Farnerud, dismissed late on in the Faroes, and the injury to Kim Kallstrom. Both will miss the visit of Greece on Wednesday. Belarus hammered Luxembourg 6-0 in the principality - Vitaly Bulyga's hat-trick doing the damage.
England fans were shocked when Steve McLaren opted to play Emile Heskey ahead of Cherno Samba in Armenia. They were even more amazed when Heskey scored all four in their Group Five win. England ripped through their lack of opposition as Heskey trebled his international tally in just 90 minutes. He had a hat-trick before half time and picked up a fourth late on to do himself no harm whatsoever of starting in Austria. Talking of Austria, Adrian Mutu's goal gave Romania all three points and second place in the table.
Ireland's Group Six win in Serbia & Montenegro did nothing to help Holland, who looked far from convincing in their 1-0 victory over Albania. Klass-Jan Huntelaar scored his first international goal for Holland with a fine header. The prolific Bochum striker is doubtful for the crucial match against Ireland after coming off injured in the second half. However, Ruud Gullit believes his man will be passed fit.
Slovenia are still top of Group Seven after completing an easy 2-0 win at home to Azerbaijan. Miha Golob and a Milenko Acimovic penalty did the business in Ljubljana to keep the Slovenians suprisingly at the head of the group. Germany are now breathing down their backs after putting in a strong display to win 3-1 in Bosnia. Hasan Salihamidzic had put the home side in front with a penalty against the country in which he plies his trade, but Kai Brand equalised ten minutes later in some style. Marko Reich chose a fantastic way to open his account for the Nationalmannschaft with a stunning volley from fully thirty yards, and Jermaine Jones headed in the third and final goal near half time. Belgium are quietly moving into a strong position after stuffing Malta 4-0. A Michael Zammit own goal set them on their way before Tom Peeters, Emile Mpenza, and Ivica Jarakovic all found the net.
In Group Eight Portugal remain one of the few sides with a 100% record after two late Edgar goals saw them home after a potentially humiliating game against Moldova. The minnows had threatened to steal a point before the Real Madrid attacker came through. Turkey consolidate in second place with a big win over Russia. Akin Ibrahim and Mahmut Yilmaz scored the goals to give Turkey plenty of room over the rest of the group. Russia need a minor miracle to restore their hopes.
The Czech Republic are now top of Group Nine by winning 3-0 in Cyprus. After leading 2-0 at half time through Marek Heinz and Jan Simak, Jiri Jarosik scored his first goal for his country in injury time at the end of the game to put them top on goal difference. Poland would be top but for a disappointing 2-2 draw in Switzerland. Jacek Krzynowek had given them a very early advantage which was cancelled out by Raphael wicky on the half hour. Maciej Zurawski restored that lead five minutes later, but Wicky hit back again to take a very well deserved point for the home side.
Still with Piper and Mikey Owen it'll be a breeze - and Samba will get a goal against Armenia - assuming he gets field time 
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