Philip Rolfe

17th June 2011

UEFA decide fines suffice

UEFA today decided that the punishment for Iceland and Switzerland should be a fine of £50,000 and £30,000 respectively. Violence marred the meeting in Reykjavic on June 8th after Iceland scored a controversial winner. Iceland substitute Andri Helgason was struck with a lighter by a Swiss fan, and violence was also seen in clashes between rival sets of fans. Speaking on behalf of UEFA President Per Ravn Omdal, a spokeswoman said: "UEFA have found both the Icelandic Football Association and Switzerland Football Association guilty of failing to control their supporters during the meeting of Iceland and Switzerland on June 8th 2011. The violence which followed must be punished. Therefore, UEFA have decided to hand out financial penalties as a punishment suitable for the level of crime. We have also informed the relevant parties that this sort of behaviour will not be tolerated, and should further occurrences be found, harsher decisions will be taken." Both nations must be glad that points were not docked, especially Iceland, who have a fantastic chance of topping Group Nine and making the Finals in Norway next year.

Philip Rolfe

23rd July 2011

Spotlight on

Alexandros Papadopoulos

In today's footballing world there are few better or more prolific goalscorers than Alexandros Papadopoulos. Purists might prefer Union Berlin's Kai Brand, or Bologna's Manolis Ligkos. Possibly even Fernando Cavenaghi of Roma. Yet for goalscoring instinct and consistency, no-one can match Leeds United's Greek hitman. Twenty six goals last season shot Andy Holden's side into a UEFA Cup place, and at the same time 'Papa' has fired Greece into a decent position in European Championship Qualifying. Tweve goals for Greece in the 2010/11 season have taken him to within one goal of partner Manolis Ligkos' record of forty for Greece, and the future couldn't look any brighter. Papadopoulos has taken the captain's armband at Leeds, and is intent on driving for success: "It's an honour to lead Leeds. They gambled on me when I was a young teenager with little experience, and have moulded me into the player I am now. For that I am eternally grateful. I hope to drive for success both for Leeds and for Greece, as I believe we have the quality to succeed in both respects. I am desperate to land a major trophy - that would make it all worth it."
His prolific tendencies have not gone un-noticed. Alex has admirers amongst the world footballing elite, but past approaches from Barcelona, Lyon, Celtic and Milan have not only been rejected by Leeds, but Papadopoulos himself. Fiercely loyal, he feels he owes Leeds something, in the form of glory. In a side containing Ricardo Quaresma and Steven Pienaar, the setup is in place. Now it just needs Papadopoulos to continue in his free-scoring way and the good times will come.

Profile
Date of Birth - 17th January 1985
Club - Leeds
Appearances/Goals - 326/197
Previous Clubs - Ethikos Asteras (Gre)
Honours - Olympic Games Gold Medal 2004 (Greece), FA Cup 2010, Player of the Year Third Place 2010, Runner-Up 2011 (Leeds)

Philip Rolfe

26th August 2011

Raúl returns for D-Day

On September 7th Spain will play one of their most important games for many a year. Failure to win in Israel will end their hopes of reaching next year's European Championships, which will be the first time they'll have missed a major championships since 1992. Even then, should results on Saturday go against them, it will not matter what they do. An abysmal campaign from Miguel �ngel Lotina's Spaniards has left them relying on other sides to do them favours, but after many a call for his return, Raúl Gonzalez Blanco has been restored. Having not played since last June and their World Cup Quarter Final defeat, the man of 126 caps (a Spanish record) and 64 goals (also a record) and former captain is back and ready to go: "All I can say is that I've tried to get back into the national team every time I play. I won't pretend it didn't hurt, because it did, but the most important thing is that I'm back, and I'll give my all." However, Lotina has still angered many with the choice to leave out Fernando Torres and Javier Portillo - the latter never having had an international look in. Yet if Raúl shoots them to success all may be forgiven. Racing Santander centre back David Navarro is called into the squad for the first time, as are centre back Boris and goalkeepers Iker Collado and Sergio Sánchez, as regular Iker Casillas is injured.

Squad
Gk: Iker Collado (Rayo), Jonathan (Valencia), Sergio Sánchez (Deportivo)
Def: EspÃ*n (Atlético Madrid), José (Sporting Gijon), Gabri (Barcelona), Fernando Varela (Real Madrid), David Navarro (Racing Santander), Boris (Real Madrid), Manuel Baños (Rayo), Alberto Pinto (Valladolid), Carles Puyol (Barcelona), José Javier Barkero (Real Sociedad), Gálder Zubizaretta (Mallorca)
Mid: Xavi (Barcelona), Francisco Gallardo (Racing Santander), Xavier Morón (Real Madrid), Fernando Sales (Bayern Munich), VÃ*ctor Salas (Sevilla),
Fwd: José Mari (Atlético Madrid), Roberto Trashorras (Barcelona), Raúl (Celtic), José Antonio Reyes (Atlético Madrid, capt), Guayre (Betis), Güiza (Celta), David Aganzo (Valencia)

Philip Rolfe

Finland face huge double

Antti Muurinen's Finland side can grab the glory with six points from their last two qualifiers which will guaranteee them a minimum of a playoff spot. A visit from Serbia & Montenegro on Saturday week followed by a trip to Holland will show just how prepared Antti Muurinen's side are. They certainly have the quality, as in Mikael Forssell and Juho Mäkelä there is a dangerous attacking outlet, and Petri Pasanen and Sami Hyypia are rocks at the back. Muurinen knows how close to glory they are: "We are on the verge of something big, I can sense it. We have a lot of quality in the squad, and we are in a good position to reap the rewards. It was disappointing not to go to Brazil last year after such a good Euro 2008, and we intend to make up for that with success now." Record goalscorer Mikael Forssell will be the focal point of the side, and with five goals in his last eight internationals he is very much in form. Serbia & Montenegro will pose a danger, whilst Holland in Amsterdam will certainly be motivated under the knowledge that anything less than a win will see them eliminated.

Squad
Gk: Magnus Bahne (Inter Turku), Otto Fredrikson (Aachen), Tomi Manninen (HJK)
Def: Kalle Sorja (HJK), Antti Mäkelä (Jaro), Sampsa Timoska (Stockport), Markus Heikkinen (HJK), Ari Nyman (MyPa), Ville Bergholm (Southampton), Tuomas Saarela (HJK), Tuomas Aho (MyPa), Sami Hyypia (Varese, capt), Petri Pasanen (Ajax)
Mid: Tommy Wirtanen (Aston Villa), Teemu Tainio (Nantes), Antti Okkonen (Nimes), Peter Laukkanen (MyPa), Mika Väyrynen (Blackpool), Aki Riihilahti (Perugia), Matti Lähitie (Stoke), Jussi-Peska Savolainen (Liverpool)
Fwd: Sami Malinen (HJK), Mikael Forssell (Bristol City), Juho Mäkelä (Venezia), Daniel Sjölund (Real Sociedad), Tomi Petrescu (Tenerife)

Philip Rolfe

France set to confirm qualification

Taking six points from their upcoming games against San Marino and Bulgaria will guarantee France a place in Norway in ten months time. An impressive qualification campaign which has yielded six wins from seven and just three conceded, scoring twenty-one in the process, has delighted manager Paul Le Guen: "Our progress has been good. Missing out on the World Cup was disappointing, but we chose to build with the talented young players we have at our disposal, and now we are able to reap the benefits." Amongst the new faces in the latest squad named by Les Bleus are Strasbourg centre back Fabien Laurenti, and Jérémie Aliardiere, last capped over a year ago. The latter has started the season for Nantes in fine form, notching seven goals already. He'll fight for a starting berth against Thierry Henry, David Trezeguet, Anthony Le Tallec, and Sidney Govou. With talent like that, it's little wonder France are one of the bookies favourites to lift the famous trophy in Norway next summer. Captain Patrick Vieira is also set to win his 140th cap, and whilst not a record, he is the most capped player currently in world football, ahead of David Trezeguet on 136 and Spain's Raúl ten further back.

Squad
Gk: Sebastien Frey (Inter), Benoit Benvegnu (Birmingham), Mikael Landreau (Bordeaux)
Def: Philippe Christanval (Fenerbahçe), Philippe Mexès (Celtic), Willy Sagnol (Liverpool), Christian Rivière (Inter), Jean-Alain Boumsong (Liverpool), Mikael Silvestre (Man Utd), Fabien Laurenti (Strasbourg), William Gallas (Inter), Julien Escudé (Celtic), Djimi Traoré (Birmingham)
Mid: Patrick Vieira (Liverpool, capt), Geoffrey Doumeng (Montpellier), Camel Meriem (Liverpool), Gael Danic (Angers), Stéphane Dalmat (Liverpool), Ludovic Giuly (Nantes), François Vincent (Caen), Jérome Rothen (Lyon)
Fwd: Sidney Govou (Bayern Munich), Anthony Le Tallec (Man Utd), Thierry Henry (Barcelona), Jérémie Aliardiere (Nantes), David Trezeguet (Barcelona)

In brief....
Marvin Brown earns full England call-up.....Buffon return for Azzurri....van der Vaart returns to full fitness....Spong in Swedish party.....Hildebrand faces fitness worry.

Philip Rolfe

2nd September 2011

Match Previews

Group One - Denmark vs Wales

In a group where three sides are tied on ten points, the outcome of tomorrow afternoon's meeting between Denmark and Wales in Copenhagen will determine who may go through to next year's tournament. A year ago Denmark came out 1-0 winners in Wales, but since then Mark Hughes' side have quietly progressed and given themselves a great chance of qualification. However, Torsten Dürr's Danish side have a game in hand over everyone else, and a win over Wales will surely guarantee them a playoff spot at worst. Morten Rasmussen, scorer of five goals this season, is expected to partner Morten Skoubo, equally as prolific at this early point of the season, up front. The visitors are at full strength, and Mark Hughes has clearly set out his aims: "There's no doubt we're underdogs not only for Saturday, but for qualification overall. But that's the way we like it, and I firmly believe we have the capabilities to make something of our lot."

Group Six - Finland vs Serbia & Montenegro

Victory for the home side will put them five points ahead of Holland, leaving Ruud Gullit's side needing to win both remaining matches to secure the playoff berth Finland currently hold. Antti Muurinen's side have been impressive when not too many people expected too much of them. A win in Belgrade last year gives a psychological edge to the Finns, which will be strengthened by facing a Montenegrin side in crisis. Without a win in five games, and without a goal for eleven months, Carsten Unger has a real crisis facing him. Whilst his job is relatively secure, the footballing ethos of the nation requires restructuring and an awful lot of thought if they are to once again make an impact on world soccer. Branko Boskovic will miss out with a neck injury, so a reshaping exercise may see the visitors line up with a lone striker, possibly Mateja Kezman. The home side have no injury or suspension worries to speak of, and will be strong favourites to pick up another three points.

Group Nine - Poland vs Iceland

After the controversy of their 3-2 victory over Switzerland and the fan troubles experienced, Iceland will be hoping to secure a playoff spot with a win, and with a little luck automatic qualification. Poland have had an indifferent campaign, winning impressively to start against the Czech Republic, only to fall back rather rather disappointingly since. However, three points on Saturday night will give them only a two point deficit on the Czech Republic, and with the two top sides yet to play each other it is very much still all open. Veteran forward Artur Wichniarek returns after an absence to partner Mateusz Dobek p front for the hosts, although Emmanuel Olisadebe will push for a starting berth. The visitors are once again at full strength, a testament to their thorough preparation.

Philip Rolfe

3rd September 2011

Pathetic Serbia & Montenegro hit for six by expert Finn-ishing

Serbia & Montenegro reached a new low on Saturday night as they were the victims of a 6-1 mauling in Helsinki by a rampant Finland side who are now in a very strong position to qualify. The scoring started after fourteen minutes with little signs of what was to follow. Daniel Sjölund released Juho Mäkelä, and the big striker put the home side ahead with a deft finish. The pressure built, and Sjölund himself came close a minute later with a sweet strike, which was unfortunately always rising. The Sociedad man got it right on thirty-two minutes though, as he jumped on a loose ball and doubled the lead. Mirko Vucinic was well prevented from halving the lead on the stroke of half time, but despite Finnish dominance there was still little to suggest the outcome which occured. The restart was frantic. Firstly Mäkelä dragged a shot wide, then Okkonen did the same. On 52 minutes the lead was three goals. Matti Lähitie threaded a ball perfectly onto Juho Mäkelä's foot, and the Venezia striker scored his 26th goal for Finland. By now the visiting Montenegrins had their heads well and truly down, but nobody could have stopped number four. Mikael Forssell lined up a free kick, and from fully thirty yards he hit an unstoppable shot into the roof of the net to score a quite majestic goal. The home side, pushed on by a joyous home crowd, nearly grabbed a fifth but for Mäkelä's disappointing inconsistency, yet just ten minutes after Forssell's effort, they did get a fifth. Matti Lähitie was clattered into by Jozic, and after dusting himself off, he sent Poleksic the wrong way to convert the penalty. In injury time Forssell reached the milestone of 40 goals for Finland when heading in Lähitie's cross, but the day was ruined a little when Mirko Vucinic took on and beat five Finnish players before rifling in a stunning consolation. Finland now need just one point to secure a playoff berth, and could easily take top spot from Ireland on this form.


Finland 6 (Mäkelä 14, 52, Sjölund 32, Forssell 62, 90, Lähitie 72 pen)
Serbia & Montenegro 1 (Vucinic 90)
Attendance - 39,709
Referee - Martin Ingvarsson (Iceland)

Finland - Manninen, Wirtanen, Bergholm, Hyypia(c), Pasanen, Sjölund, Väyrynen (Lähitie 46), Riihilahti, Mäkelä, Forssell, Okkonen (Tainio 46)

Serbia & Montenegro - Poleksic, Petkovic, Popovic, Dudic (Sikimic 62), Jozic, Martinovic, Markovic (Stamenkovic 62), Stankovic(c) (Duljaj 71), Kezman, Vucinic, Pekovic

Philip Rolfe

Danes step closer to glory

Torsten Dürr's Denmark side produced the goods in Copenhagen on Saturday night to move a step closer to qualifying for the European Championships to be staged in Norway. A 2-0 win over a resilient but ultimately disappointing Welsh side gives them a three point cushion back to third, with only Croatia and Slovakia in with a feasible chance of overtaking, but with a trip to Lithuania providing a probable three points, Denmark can secure their own position. Millwall's Mads Jørgensen struck the opener after only six minutes with a fine header to notch his eighth goal for his country. Welsh captain and keeper Craig Jones was kept busy, but was powerless to prevent the second two minutes before half time. It was he who felled Peter Madsen in the penalty area, and the same man won the second duel by converting from twelve yards. Wales were very poor, and must win their final game on Wednesday against Croatia in Cardiff to have a hope of making the playoffs. Danish manager Durr was delighted after the game: "We did what we needed, and I'm very happy. We scored two good goals, and have confidence going to Lithuania now, and possibly making our position stronger.


Denmark 2 (Mads Jørgensen 6, P.Madsen 43 pen)
Wales 0
Attendance - 41,601
Referee - Zurab Soselia (Georgia)

Denmark - Sørensen, Vidkjær, Bøgelund (K.Madsen 74), Høj, Østergaard, Mads Jørgensen (Jensen 68), Poulsen(c), Laursen, P.Madsen, Skoubo, Silberbauer (Rasmussen 79)

Wales - C.Jones(c), Stephens (Weston 46), Savage, Parry, Mumford, Hughes (Jellyman 46), Fowler, Earnshaw, Gall, Bellamy, M.Jones

Philip Rolfe

Iceland melted by hot Poles

Poland got their campaign back on track at a crucial stage with an emphatic 4-1 win over Iceland in Chorzow. Iceland, to be fair, did their best to throw the game away, conceding two penalties in the first half. After eighteen minutes Mateusz Dobek was unfairly impeded by Joey Gudjonsson, and Adrian Klimowicz stepped up to score only his second international goal. A little over ten minutes later the exact same offence was committed, with exactly the same two players involved. Perhaps this was more controversial and unfair, but Klimowicz was not to care, trebling his international tally in just half an hour. To round off an eventful half for the Atalanta and former Lazio man, he was taken off injured at half time with a twisted knee which will almost certainly rule him out of Wednesday's clash in Cyprus. Atli Edvalðsson's side started the second half with a renewed optimism, with Eidur Gudjohnsen going close twice. It was the Dortmund hitman who was involved in getting his side back in the game, setting up Emil Hallfreðsson to drive in to make it 2-1. Yet a matter of minutes later the two goal lead was restored. Sebastian Mila lined up a free kick, and the JEF United winger curled in an exquisite finish. The home pressure continued, with an inevitable fourth following with six minutes to go. Centre back Adam Jasinski, a second half substitute, ventured upfield. Finding himself unmarked on the counter, he headed in his nations fourth. The win, in front of 44,000 fans, leaves Poland two points from the Czech Republic, and Iceland nowhere near being guaranteed qualification, although their fate is very much still in their own hands.


Poland 4 (Klimowicz 19, 30 (2 pens), Mila 69, Jasinski 84)
Iceland (Hallfreðsson 64)
Attendance - 44,961
Referee - Paulo Paraty (Portugal)

Poland - Wierzchowski, M.Zielinski, Mila, Bartczak, Klimek, Szymanski (Jasinski 70), Stasiak(c), Klimowicz (Pawlowski 45, Wichniarek 70), Dobek, Wysocki, Grzyb

Iceland - Hauksson, Ólafsson, Sigurdsson, Björnsson, Sigurðsson, Hafsteinsson, Gudjonsson(c), Hallfreðsson, Gudjohnsen, Alexandersson, Guðmundsson

Philip Rolfe

Round-Up

Slovakia go second in Group One after emphatically destroying Lithuania 4-0. Veteran midfielder Miroslav Karhan struck twice on his 113th cap, with two other goals added by Milan Bazik and Juraj Halenar, each notching their third goals for Slovakia. Still to visit Denmark, who lie above them in the table, Ladislav Jurkemik's side still have a fantastic chance of causing an upset and making it to Norway in June next year.

As expected, France seized a minimum of a playoff place in Group Two with an untesting 3-1 win in San Marino. The minnows offered little, as Paul Le Guen's side went three up inside half an hour. Thierry Henry, Sidney Govou, and Stéphane Dalmat scored the important goals, although Govou later went off injured with knee damage and is out of Wednesday's crunch match against Bulgaria. Michele Marani scored a late and rare consolation for the home side, who have once again made no impression in qualification. Bulgaria also guaranteed themselves a playoff spot by beating nearest challengers Latvia 3-1 in Sofia. Aleksandar Mladenov gave the hosts the lead, which was doubled by Dimitar Berbatov. Vladimir Kokhan halved the lead on 64, only for Joao Carlos to restore the two goal lead minutes later. The qualifier will now be settled in Paris on Wednesday, where the winner will almost certainly go through as group winners. Hungary escaped with a 2-2 draw at home to Georgia. Two goals from Vitali Daraselia looked to have given the visitors the win, but a brace from Imre Szabics, including a lat minute equaliser, gave Hungary a point which lifts them off the bottom.

Spain are out. By virtue of Scotland and Ukraine both winning on Saturday night, they claim the top two spots in Group Three without Miguel �ngel Lotina's side playing. As to whom goes through automatically is still undecided, but it should be Ukraine. A 2-0 win over Israel by way of goals from Maxym Petrenko and Olexiy Belik gives them a two point advantage over David Körner's Scotland, and a game in hand on Wednesday against Estonia, where they can make sure next month's match in Kiev against the Scots doesn't matter. Credit to Scotland though, for making a minimum of a playoff place, and for keeping the heat on Ukraine. They strolled through at home to Estonia, as the Hampden Park faithful saw an impressive 4-1 victory. Mark Kerr got things going early, and Barry Ferguson then added a quickfire double. Keigan Parker converted the fourth from the penalty spot, and whilst experienced Estonian Joel Lindpere struck a consolation, Scotland were in full control.

Group Four - Francesco Guidolin's Azzurri are another side to have moved a step closer to qualifying with a 5-0 stroll in ther Faroes to make sure of at least a top two finish. The visitors at one stage looked like they might have racked up a cricket score, being 4-0 up after twelve minutes. Nicola Ventola, Enrico Lodesani (on debut), Matteo Brighi, and Ventola again did the damage in an elcctric spell of devastation from Italy. Eder Bau stroked in a fifth from the penalty spot on half time, and Italy were then able to conserve their energies for Wednesday's visit of Sweden, when they can make sure of top spot. Uno Andersson's men are still going strong, beating Luxembourg 4-1 in Stockholm. Alex Farnerud, Kennedy Bakircioglu, and debutant Fredrik Hjelm gave the home side a strong 3-0 half time lead, and after Marc Leweck scored a rare goal for the Luxembourgish, Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored his 33rd international goal to wrap things up. Disappointingly, Greece were only able to draw 0-0 with Belarus, which all but ends their qualifying hopes.

With England on a rest game, Romania were able to shine in Group Five with a strong performance at home to Macedonia. Florin Cernat and a Marius Niculae double will almost guarantee the home side second place, especially since closest challengers Austria have one game remaining - in Bucharest. They don't travel well, but at home on Saturday night they beat a spirited Armenia 3-1 with goals from Markus Ivanschitz, Martin Stranzl, and Roman Wallner.

With Finland destroying Serbia & Montenegro 6-1, Ireland needed a win to stay top of Group Six. Albania is never the easiest place to visit, but Mick McCarthy's side made it look simple with a professional performance to come away with a 2-0 win from Tirana. Captain Gary Doherty led by example, scoring his third goal of the campaign to give them a second half lead, and the win was secured thirteen minutes from time when Ciarán Keane scored his fourth goal for his country after Jason Gavin had put him clear. A playoff place is theirs, and three points at home to Serbia & Montenegro in 35 days from now will see them take part in Norway next summer.

Group Seven is still as wide open as ever. Germany, unsurprisingly, stay top, after thumping Malta 6-0 in the German capital. Two each for Frank Walz and Christian Timm, plus one apiece from Kai Brand and Gerald Asamoah keep Rudi Völler's Nationalmannschaft a point clear of Belgium, who won 2-0 in Azerbaijan. Rare goals from Pieter Collen and Stijn Janssens keep Marc Wilmots' underrated squad very much in contention, and could easily go top with a win at home to Germany in midweek. Slovenia may have ended Bosnia's hopes with a tight 1-0 win in Ljubljana. Dejan Komljenovic headed in an early goal which proved to be the decisive factor between two very equal sides.

Qualification from Group Eight is now a confirmed straight fight between Portugal and Turkey. Whilst Alain Giresse's side had no commitments this weekend, Turkey came away from Northern Ireland with all three points by virtue of a 2-1 votory over Sammy McIlroy's side in Belfast. Thirty-year-old Akin Serhat gave them a first half lead, which was doubled on 64 by Akin Ibrahim. Jim Smith's second goal in consecutive internationals made the last few minutes interesting, but Mehmet Özturk's side are now level with Portugal on fifteen points, and both sides have played six games. With Turkey facing a last day trip to Russia, Portugal must be the favourites to go straight through, especially since Russia's revival continued with a late 3-2 win in Moldova. Artem Bezrodny gave them a lead a quarter of the way through the match, but Leonard Kirilov equalised ten minutes later. Petrus Valentin Lupashcu looked to have upset everything with a goal ten minutes from time which might have been the winner. However, Alexandr Shirko levelled matters up immediately by going down the other end and scoring, and Karen Rylov nabbed a late winner to give them some more pride, as third place is where they'll finish.

To Group Nine where Poland's win over Iceland throws matters open again. Despite Switzerland's good 3-0 win over Cyprus, they are no longer able to qualify, as they only have one game remaining. They still put on a good show, with three first half goals from Raphael Wicky, David Lombardo, and Reto Mathey giving the home side something to cheer about.