VIENNA, Austria: Michael Ballack shed blood for Germany and still couldn't deliver a title.
The captain wound up with a gash above his right eye in his team's 1-0 European Championship final loss to Spain and now has another runner-up medal to go with the three he collected with Chelsea this past season.
Second place yet again a month after Ballack and his Chelsea teammates lost a penalty shootout to Manchester United in the Champions League final and the Red Devils edged them to the Premier League title.
Add that to a loss to Tottenham in the less prestigious League Cup final at Wembley Stadium, and that makes four runner-up prizes in four months for the Germany captain.
It also means that the nation that has won the title three times and was in its sixth final now hasn't won one of soccer's top international prizes in 12 years.
Make that 14 because the next championship, the World Cup, isn't for another two years. At the end of a game he nearly missed because of a calf muscle injury, Ballack stood near the center circle, almost surrounded by Spanish players celebrating their deserved victory and first European title in 44 years.
At first no one would go near him. Eventually he was consoled by Germany coach Joachim Loew and, slowly, his teammates went up to share the pain he was feeling.
"I am very disappointed, obviously,'' Ballack said.
"We had a great tournament, but made one mistake too many. We were lacking of power against a great Spanish team, we could not keep up with them.''
While Ballack stands every chance of winning trophies with Chelsea next season, he must now wonder when he's going to win a title in national colors.
World Cup qualifying starts for Germany in September and those finals aren't until 2010, when he will be 33.
While Spain thoroughly deserved its victory and long overdue title, it's easy to feel sorry for Ballack.
Although he won Bundesliga and cup titles with Bayern Munich, he also lost in the 2002 Champions League final when Bayer Leverkusen went down to Real Madrid.
Ballack also missed out at the 2000 and 2004 Euros when Germany was knocked out in the first round each time.
He also missed out on playing in the World Cup final in 2002 in Yokohama, Japan, because of suspension and had to watch Germany lose to Brazil 2-0.
But this final should have been made for him.
The possibility of him missing the game through a calf muscle injury that flared up two days ago set up a dramatic story on the day of the final.
Would Germany's captain and inspirational figure run out to lead the team for its biggest game since the 2002 World Cup final?
When the team lineups were announced, there was a collective gasp of relief from the 15,000 German fans in the Ernst Happel Stadium and trepidation among the Spaniards that Ballack might at last produce the performance that would deny them a title they had been waiting for since the 1964 European Championship.
Showing no signs of the calf muscle injury, Ballack was in the game early and Germany created the better chances in the early stages. He pushed the ball through the legs of Spain defender Carles Puyol and delivered a cross but no German was there to take advantage.
But Spain went ahead through Fernando Torres' 33rd-minute goal and, from then on, it became a struggle for Ballack and his team.
When the captain went up to challenge Spain midfielder Marcos Senna for a header, he fell to the turf with blood seeping from a cut near his right eye.
He was up after two minutes and back on the field. But referee Roberto Rosetti ran over to him, examined his eye in the manner boxing referees do to injured fighters, and sent him off again to get more treatment.
Once more Ballack was lying on his leg as German trainers dabbed his eye and tried to stop the flow of blood and, forced to change his bloodstained shirt, was back on the field again.
First the calf muscle scare and now the sight of their captain lying on his back being treated for a cut.
No wonder German fans don't think football gives them many breaks these days after all those years of titles and domination.
Almost as if the blow on the head had affected him, Ballack was involved in a scuffle with Spain defenders Carlos Marchena and Carles Puyol only two minutes before halftime and wound with a yellow card from Rosetti after he fouled one of the Spaniards.
He cooled down enough after the break and almost scored Germany's equalizer in the 59th minute with a first-time shot which flicked the side of the net.
With Spain chasing a second goal, however, Ballack was laboring in his midfield role and struggling to get back to help his overworked defenders. With time running out, he would stand with his hands on his hips wondering how he could manage to turn the game around.
"We wanted to come back in the second half, but we just couldn't do it,'' Ballack said.
"For us, to reach the final was a great achievement. We have to be satisfied with that regarding the quality of the other teams competing.''
Now he has to come to terms with another failure.
All those runner-up medals and semifinals and near misses are a poor return for one of Germany's greats.
This should have been Michael Ballack's day.
The one big chance to show frustrated German fans that he could deliver the title after all those disappointments and letdowns.
But it was another chance that trickled away. A little like the blood that ran down the side of his face.
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Monday, June 30, 2008
Torres ends dream season on a high
VIENNA, Austria (AP) - Fernando Torres was rewarded for not giving up in the European Championship final.
The Spain striker struggled all tournament to rediscover the touch that had brought 24 Premier League goals for Liverpool last season, a record for a foreign player on debut.
But he scored in the 33rd minute Sunday to give Spain a 1-0 win over Germany and only its second football title.
Xavi Hernandez slid a ball through for Torres to touch past Philipp Lahm, before he outpaced the Germany defender and clipped a shot over advancing goalkeeper Jens Lehmann and into the net at Ernst Happel Stadium.
It was enough for Spain to win its first title since beating the Soviet Union in the 1964 European Championship final in Madrid.
"I am happy because my job is to score goals. I have done my job,'' Torres said.
"Lahm was in a better position, but for a moment he relaxed and that was to my advantage.
"It is a privilege to be in the national team and to live through the most beautiful moment of getting the cup. It will be good not only for Spain, but also for football because the team that played best won. We are doubly happy because we won and because the best team won.''
Torres didn't have the best start at Euro 2008, being replaced in the team's opening 4-1 win over Russia in the 54th minute as teammate David Villa scored the first hat trick at the tournament since 2000.
Torres scored in Spain's next match, a 2-1 win over Sweden for Spain to clinch progression to the quarterfinals, where he struggled to make any impact in the scoreless draw with Italy and was replaced before the 4-2 penalty shootout victory.
Spain scored three second-half goals to beat Russia 3-0 in the semifinals and take the team through to its first final since the 1984 European Championship.
However, Torres missed numerous chances on the wet surface at Ernst Happel Stadium and was again replaced before fulltime.
But against Germany, Torres' runs exposed the lack of pace of Germany central defenders Per Mertesacker and Christoph Metzelder, although it was Lahm's error that ended a 44-year title drought for Spain.
"It's a fantastic season for me, a fantastic season with Liverpool and a fantastic season with the national team,'' Torres said.
"It's my best season. I want to win more titles and be the most important player in Europe. Hopefully, this is the first of many.'' - AP
The Spain striker struggled all tournament to rediscover the touch that had brought 24 Premier League goals for Liverpool last season, a record for a foreign player on debut.
But he scored in the 33rd minute Sunday to give Spain a 1-0 win over Germany and only its second football title.
Xavi Hernandez slid a ball through for Torres to touch past Philipp Lahm, before he outpaced the Germany defender and clipped a shot over advancing goalkeeper Jens Lehmann and into the net at Ernst Happel Stadium.
It was enough for Spain to win its first title since beating the Soviet Union in the 1964 European Championship final in Madrid.
"I am happy because my job is to score goals. I have done my job,'' Torres said.
"Lahm was in a better position, but for a moment he relaxed and that was to my advantage.
"It is a privilege to be in the national team and to live through the most beautiful moment of getting the cup. It will be good not only for Spain, but also for football because the team that played best won. We are doubly happy because we won and because the best team won.''
Torres didn't have the best start at Euro 2008, being replaced in the team's opening 4-1 win over Russia in the 54th minute as teammate David Villa scored the first hat trick at the tournament since 2000.
Torres scored in Spain's next match, a 2-1 win over Sweden for Spain to clinch progression to the quarterfinals, where he struggled to make any impact in the scoreless draw with Italy and was replaced before the 4-2 penalty shootout victory.
Spain scored three second-half goals to beat Russia 3-0 in the semifinals and take the team through to its first final since the 1984 European Championship.
However, Torres missed numerous chances on the wet surface at Ernst Happel Stadium and was again replaced before fulltime.
But against Germany, Torres' runs exposed the lack of pace of Germany central defenders Per Mertesacker and Christoph Metzelder, although it was Lahm's error that ended a 44-year title drought for Spain.
"It's a fantastic season for me, a fantastic season with Liverpool and a fantastic season with the national team,'' Torres said.
"It's my best season. I want to win more titles and be the most important player in Europe. Hopefully, this is the first of many.'' - AP
Football: Spain beats Germany 1-0 to win Euro title
VIENNA, Austria: Fernando Torres finally lived up to his billing as one of the world's great strikers Sunday by scoring to give Spain a 1-0 win over Germany and the European Championship title.
Torres, who had been overshadowed by teammate David Villa all tournament, scored in the 33rd minute of the final to down the three-time European champions and earn his nation's first major title in 44 years.
Touching a sliding pass from Xavi Hernandez past Philipp Lahm, Torres turned and ran past his marker on the opposite side, collected the ball and lifted a shot over sliding goalkeeper Jens Lehmann and into the far corner.
"My job is to score goals,'' Torres said.
"I want to win more titles and be the most important player in Europe and the world.''
Spain's Sergio Ramos, center, and Iker Casillas, right, celebrates with the trophy after the Euro 2008 final between Germany and Spain in the Ernst-Happel stadium in Vienna - AP
Spain had more chances but the goal was enough to give the country its first title since the 1964 European Championship.
"Spain played very well during whole tournament. and they were technically excellent,'' Germany coach Joachim Loew said.
"They fully deserve victory.''
In the end, Spain was a deserved winner of the 13th European Championship.
Long known as an underachiever that peaked between tournaments rather than at them, the team reached the final at Ernst Happel Stadium with a string of beguiling attacking displays orchestrated by a vibrant midfield - and held true to its values in the highest pressure match.
Germanfan reacts after the defeat - AP
Xavi, Andres Iniesta and David Silva swapped positions constantly against a midfield marshaled by Michael Ballack and eventually wore out their opponents until it seemed Spain was simply counting down time until the final whistle.
Red-shirted fans started to greet each successful pass with cheers of "Ole!'' before erupting into relieved delirium on the whistle.
The overjoyed players gathered to throw 69-year-old coach Luis Aragones into the air in celebration, while the massed ranks of Spanish fans sang themselves hoarse with "Viva Espana'' as fireworks went off overhead.
"It is the most imporant day in Spanish football in many, many years,'' Torres said.
Germany, playing in its seventh European Championship final, had a strong appeal for a first-half penalty turned down but, despite Ballack's imperious performance, could not find a way past the Spain defense.http://thestar.com.my/archives/2008/6/30/sports/fanwithflags.JPG
Ballack's tender right calf had meant that, until right before kickoff, it looked like he was about to add a missed European Championship final to the World Cup final he sat out in 2002.
But he took his place in the lineup and, against a team with even slightly less skill and passion, could have been the driving force in another German win.
A soccer fan with German and Spanish national flags reacts at the ' Fan-Mile', a public viewing zone in central Berlin, Germany on Sunday during the last minutes of the final of the Euro 2008 soccer championships in Vienna - AP
"We had a great tournament, but made one mistake too many,'' Ballack said.
"We were lacking of power against a great Spanish team, we couldn't keep up with them.''
Germany dominated the opening exchanges until a lucky break in the 14th gave the Spanish their first chance on goal and a boost that clearly lifted their play.
"We controlled the game for 15 minutes, but had no answer after Spain found to its rhythm,'' Loew said.
"Spain played better. We couldn't match their level.''
On a rare foray forward, Iniesta sent a cross into the box from the left and Germany defender Christoph Metzelder stuck out a boot to send the ball rocketing toward his own goal.
Only a diving reaction save by Jens Lehmann kept it out and prevented an own-goal. Spain never looked back.
Per Mertesacker had to dispossess Torres in the area with a well-timed sliding tackle before Torres found space for a couple of dangerous headers.
He put the first just over the bar before sending the second against the foot of the post with Lehmann beaten.
Germany then was left to rue its luck in what could have been the decisive moment of the match in the 29th.
Fullback Joan Capdevila mis-controlled the ball and it clearly bounced up to hit his hand, but referee Roberto Rosetti waved away the appeals.
Moments later, Torres showed why he is rated one of the best strikers in the world. With leading tournament scorer Villa absent because of injury, Torres was again the sole outlet in attack.
He took Xavi's pass and finished off his chance by flipping the ball over Lehmann and watching it roll softly into the corner for his second goal of Euro 2008.
http://thestar.com.my/archives/2008/6/30/sports/fanwithflags.JPG
Germany replaced the struggling Lahm with Marcell Jansen at halftime but Silva still got in a 54th-minute shot that right back Sergio Ramos almost deflected in with a back heel.
Ballack, who had already received treatment for a head wound and was railing against every decision in Spain's favor, shot past the post and almost set up substitute Kevin Kuranyi with a cross that goalkeeper Iker Casillas just tipped away.
"We wanted to come back in the second half, but we just couldn't do it,'' Ballack said.
"For us, to reach the final was a great achievement. We have to be satisfied with that regarding the quality of the other teams competing.''
But aside from isolated passages of play, it was all Spain.
Ramos sent a diving header onto the bar from Xavi's deep cross, Iniesta almost scored with a near post shot that Torsten Frings just managed to block, and Senna just missed a cross in front of an open goal in the 82nd.
It was a dramatic change from the start of the match, when all the attacking had come from Germany.
Exploiting space left by Ramos, who was pushing forward down the wing and leaving captain Carles Puyol to cover, Miroslav Klose, Lahm and Ballack all found openings.
Klose could have had a shot in the third, but his poor touch took the ball out for a goal kick, Lahm sent a cross too far across the area, and Ballack beat Puyol before the recovering Ramos got a toe to the cross to deflect it from danger.
"We will analyze the next couple of days what went wrong and work on that for the near future,'' Loew said.
"Overall, the team had a great result, considering the other contenders, like Italy, France, or the Netherlands.''
Lineups:
Spain: Iker Casillas, Sergio Ramos, Carles Puyol, Carlos Marchena, Joan Capdevila, Xavi Hernandez, David Silva (Santi Cazorla, 66), Marcos Senna, Andres Iniesta, Cesc Fabregas (Xabi Alonso, 63), Fernando Torres (Dani Guiza, 78).
Germany: Jens Lehmann, Christoph Metzelder, Per Mertesacker, Philipp Lahm (Marcell Jansen, 46), Arne Friedrich, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Thomas Hitzlsperger (Kevin Kuranyi, 58), Torsten Frings, Michael Ballack, Lukas Podolski, Miroslav Klose (Mario Gomez, 79). - AP
European Championship Champions
2008_Spain
2004_Greece
2000_France
1996_Germany
1992_Denmark
1988_Netherlands
1984_France
1980_Germany
1976_Czechoslovakia
1972_Germany
1968_Italy
1964_Spain
1960_Soviet Union
Torres, who had been overshadowed by teammate David Villa all tournament, scored in the 33rd minute of the final to down the three-time European champions and earn his nation's first major title in 44 years.
Touching a sliding pass from Xavi Hernandez past Philipp Lahm, Torres turned and ran past his marker on the opposite side, collected the ball and lifted a shot over sliding goalkeeper Jens Lehmann and into the far corner.
"My job is to score goals,'' Torres said.
"I want to win more titles and be the most important player in Europe and the world.''
Spain's Sergio Ramos, center, and Iker Casillas, right, celebrates with the trophy after the Euro 2008 final between Germany and Spain in the Ernst-Happel stadium in Vienna - AP
Spain had more chances but the goal was enough to give the country its first title since the 1964 European Championship.
"Spain played very well during whole tournament. and they were technically excellent,'' Germany coach Joachim Loew said.
"They fully deserve victory.''
In the end, Spain was a deserved winner of the 13th European Championship.
Long known as an underachiever that peaked between tournaments rather than at them, the team reached the final at Ernst Happel Stadium with a string of beguiling attacking displays orchestrated by a vibrant midfield - and held true to its values in the highest pressure match.
Germanfan reacts after the defeat - AP
Xavi, Andres Iniesta and David Silva swapped positions constantly against a midfield marshaled by Michael Ballack and eventually wore out their opponents until it seemed Spain was simply counting down time until the final whistle.Red-shirted fans started to greet each successful pass with cheers of "Ole!'' before erupting into relieved delirium on the whistle.
The overjoyed players gathered to throw 69-year-old coach Luis Aragones into the air in celebration, while the massed ranks of Spanish fans sang themselves hoarse with "Viva Espana'' as fireworks went off overhead.
"It is the most imporant day in Spanish football in many, many years,'' Torres said.
Germany, playing in its seventh European Championship final, had a strong appeal for a first-half penalty turned down but, despite Ballack's imperious performance, could not find a way past the Spain defense.http://thestar.com.my/archives/2008/6/30/sports/fanwithflags.JPG
Ballack's tender right calf had meant that, until right before kickoff, it looked like he was about to add a missed European Championship final to the World Cup final he sat out in 2002.
But he took his place in the lineup and, against a team with even slightly less skill and passion, could have been the driving force in another German win.
A soccer fan with German and Spanish national flags reacts at the ' Fan-Mile', a public viewing zone in central Berlin, Germany on Sunday during the last minutes of the final of the Euro 2008 soccer championships in Vienna - AP
"We had a great tournament, but made one mistake too many,'' Ballack said.
"We were lacking of power against a great Spanish team, we couldn't keep up with them.''
Germany dominated the opening exchanges until a lucky break in the 14th gave the Spanish their first chance on goal and a boost that clearly lifted their play.
"We controlled the game for 15 minutes, but had no answer after Spain found to its rhythm,'' Loew said.
"Spain played better. We couldn't match their level.''
On a rare foray forward, Iniesta sent a cross into the box from the left and Germany defender Christoph Metzelder stuck out a boot to send the ball rocketing toward his own goal.
Only a diving reaction save by Jens Lehmann kept it out and prevented an own-goal. Spain never looked back.
Per Mertesacker had to dispossess Torres in the area with a well-timed sliding tackle before Torres found space for a couple of dangerous headers.
He put the first just over the bar before sending the second against the foot of the post with Lehmann beaten.
Germany then was left to rue its luck in what could have been the decisive moment of the match in the 29th.
Fullback Joan Capdevila mis-controlled the ball and it clearly bounced up to hit his hand, but referee Roberto Rosetti waved away the appeals.
Moments later, Torres showed why he is rated one of the best strikers in the world. With leading tournament scorer Villa absent because of injury, Torres was again the sole outlet in attack.
He took Xavi's pass and finished off his chance by flipping the ball over Lehmann and watching it roll softly into the corner for his second goal of Euro 2008.
http://thestar.com.my/archives/2008/6/30/sports/fanwithflags.JPG
Germany replaced the struggling Lahm with Marcell Jansen at halftime but Silva still got in a 54th-minute shot that right back Sergio Ramos almost deflected in with a back heel.
Ballack, who had already received treatment for a head wound and was railing against every decision in Spain's favor, shot past the post and almost set up substitute Kevin Kuranyi with a cross that goalkeeper Iker Casillas just tipped away.
"We wanted to come back in the second half, but we just couldn't do it,'' Ballack said.
"For us, to reach the final was a great achievement. We have to be satisfied with that regarding the quality of the other teams competing.''
But aside from isolated passages of play, it was all Spain.
Ramos sent a diving header onto the bar from Xavi's deep cross, Iniesta almost scored with a near post shot that Torsten Frings just managed to block, and Senna just missed a cross in front of an open goal in the 82nd.
It was a dramatic change from the start of the match, when all the attacking had come from Germany.
Exploiting space left by Ramos, who was pushing forward down the wing and leaving captain Carles Puyol to cover, Miroslav Klose, Lahm and Ballack all found openings.
Klose could have had a shot in the third, but his poor touch took the ball out for a goal kick, Lahm sent a cross too far across the area, and Ballack beat Puyol before the recovering Ramos got a toe to the cross to deflect it from danger.
"We will analyze the next couple of days what went wrong and work on that for the near future,'' Loew said.
"Overall, the team had a great result, considering the other contenders, like Italy, France, or the Netherlands.''
Lineups:
Spain: Iker Casillas, Sergio Ramos, Carles Puyol, Carlos Marchena, Joan Capdevila, Xavi Hernandez, David Silva (Santi Cazorla, 66), Marcos Senna, Andres Iniesta, Cesc Fabregas (Xabi Alonso, 63), Fernando Torres (Dani Guiza, 78).
Germany: Jens Lehmann, Christoph Metzelder, Per Mertesacker, Philipp Lahm (Marcell Jansen, 46), Arne Friedrich, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Thomas Hitzlsperger (Kevin Kuranyi, 58), Torsten Frings, Michael Ballack, Lukas Podolski, Miroslav Klose (Mario Gomez, 79). - AP
European Championship Champions
2008_Spain
2004_Greece
2000_France
1996_Germany
1992_Denmark
1988_Netherlands
1984_France
1980_Germany
1976_Czechoslovakia
1972_Germany
1968_Italy
1964_Spain
1960_Soviet Union
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Germany must raise their game if they want to win Euro 2008
Friday June 27, 2008
BASEL: Germany striker Miroslav Klose says the three-time European champions must raise their game if they are going to win the Euro 2008 crown in Sunday’s final.
Bayern Munich defender Philipp Lahm hit a 90th minute winner to finally break Turkey’s spirit after Turkish playmaker Semih Senturk had equalised just four minutes from time to make it 2-2 to set up a dramatic finish.
Germany will face either Russia or Spain in Sunday’s final and after a lacklustre first-half performance im Basel, Klose says they must fight much harder if they are to add a fourth European crown.
Miroslav Klose: "We're near the summit, but it remains to be seen if we can make it to the top."
“We’re near the summit, but it remains to be seen if we can make it to the top,” said the Bayern Munich striker who scored Germany’s second goal with a bullet-like header.
“I think we need to make a bigger effort in the final.
“The Turks played with real fire, they had real belief.
“I think it showed our strength that we still made a comeback, and scored several goals with so few opportunities.
“We had a lot of lows in the game, we didn’t convert our chances, we didn’t go hard in the personal battles and hung back from the challenges.”
Germany captain Michael Ballack said he had no preference which team his side face in Vienna on Sunday for the European title, but they needed to re-group first.
“Our legs were a bit heavier, the team are tired, but we’re happy, we’re in the final and that’s what counts,” said the Chelsea midfielder.
“We’re going to take a break for a few days and build up our strength because we’ll need it.”
And Germany coach Joachim Loew admitted he would be smoking his customary cigarette to recover from the drama of the late win.
“I’m a little knackered from the game, it was an incredible battle,” said Loew, who was suspended for the quarter-final win over Portugal and had to watch the game from the stands at the St Jakob-Park Stadium.
“There was incredible suspense right up until the last minute, but we made it and of course we’re happy.
“The players are quite tired, they’ve worked hard in the last few weeks but of course they’re also overjoyed.
“We have this winner’s mentality and our aim is to win on Sunday.
“It was a confusing game for everyone, the Turks kept coming at us.
“We had a few opportunities, it was an open game.
“We were always passing the ball back and forth, there was maybe no clear structure in our game, but our team demonstrated great moral.”
And Loew said he was pleased Germany forged a win despite their below-par performance.
“Throughout the tournament, we had one or two games where we weren’t that great but we’ve made it to the final and that is the mark of a good side.” – AFP
BASEL: Germany striker Miroslav Klose says the three-time European champions must raise their game if they are going to win the Euro 2008 crown in Sunday’s final.
Bayern Munich defender Philipp Lahm hit a 90th minute winner to finally break Turkey’s spirit after Turkish playmaker Semih Senturk had equalised just four minutes from time to make it 2-2 to set up a dramatic finish.
Germany will face either Russia or Spain in Sunday’s final and after a lacklustre first-half performance im Basel, Klose says they must fight much harder if they are to add a fourth European crown.
Miroslav Klose: "We're near the summit, but it remains to be seen if we can make it to the top."
“We’re near the summit, but it remains to be seen if we can make it to the top,” said the Bayern Munich striker who scored Germany’s second goal with a bullet-like header.“I think we need to make a bigger effort in the final.
“The Turks played with real fire, they had real belief.
“I think it showed our strength that we still made a comeback, and scored several goals with so few opportunities.
“We had a lot of lows in the game, we didn’t convert our chances, we didn’t go hard in the personal battles and hung back from the challenges.”
Germany captain Michael Ballack said he had no preference which team his side face in Vienna on Sunday for the European title, but they needed to re-group first.
“Our legs were a bit heavier, the team are tired, but we’re happy, we’re in the final and that’s what counts,” said the Chelsea midfielder.
“We’re going to take a break for a few days and build up our strength because we’ll need it.”
And Germany coach Joachim Loew admitted he would be smoking his customary cigarette to recover from the drama of the late win.
“I’m a little knackered from the game, it was an incredible battle,” said Loew, who was suspended for the quarter-final win over Portugal and had to watch the game from the stands at the St Jakob-Park Stadium.
“There was incredible suspense right up until the last minute, but we made it and of course we’re happy.
“The players are quite tired, they’ve worked hard in the last few weeks but of course they’re also overjoyed.
“We have this winner’s mentality and our aim is to win on Sunday.
“It was a confusing game for everyone, the Turks kept coming at us.
“We had a few opportunities, it was an open game.
“We were always passing the ball back and forth, there was maybe no clear structure in our game, but our team demonstrated great moral.”
And Loew said he was pleased Germany forged a win despite their below-par performance.
“Throughout the tournament, we had one or two games where we weren’t that great but we’ve made it to the final and that is the mark of a good side.” – AFP
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Battle of outsiders
SALZBURG: Russia’s Euro 2008 Group D match against titleholders Greece today will be like a final claimed the Russian coach Guus Hiddink yesterday.
The 61-year-old Dutchman is looking for a markedly improved performance from his team after their 4-1 defeat by Spain in the opening match.
“The Greeks are in the same position as us (they lost 2-0 to Sweden),” said Hiddink.
“This match is a final. We want to qualify for the quarter-finals, but we cannot afford to play like we did against the Spanish.
Going through the drills: Russian players warming up before their training session at the Wals-SiezenheimStadium in Salzburg yesterday. Russia play Greece in their second Group D match today.
“It is not easy to change things in just four days but we have to try and play better as we were totally ineffective against the Spanish.
“Given what happened it is the battle of the outsiders and we (Russia) are the outsiders for this match.
“I just hope the players have learnt a lesson and will not repeat the naive and stupid mistakes, but they are learning what it is like to play at a top international level.”
However, Hiddink, who has established a reputation as being one of the finest coaches in football taking South Korea to the 2002 World Cup semi-finals and his native Holland to the 1998 semis where they lost on penalties to Brazil, said he would not change the starting line-up radically.
“The Greeks are also going to react after their defeat, but I don’t know how they are going to react tactically, if they will be four or five defenders, but I am sure they will react emotionally,” said Hiddink.
“For our part, we are not going to change our tactics, Russian players are accustomed to playing attacking football, I cannot tell them to defend all match and hit the other side on the counter attack.
“There will be some changes of personnel, but not many.”
Hiddink refused to comment on whether he believed his defenders who played against Spain will have recovered their morale.
“This question is off limits,” said Hiddink, who also took Australia to the second round of the 2006 World Cup.
“Tomorrow (Saturday) we have to score as many as possible and win. We will be strong mentally and the attacks on us by journalists are not weighing on our minds. I just hope that the players have learnt from their mistakes, and they have learnt how to play in finals (decisive matches), it is the moment for them to show their qualities.” – AFP
The 61-year-old Dutchman is looking for a markedly improved performance from his team after their 4-1 defeat by Spain in the opening match.
“The Greeks are in the same position as us (they lost 2-0 to Sweden),” said Hiddink.
“This match is a final. We want to qualify for the quarter-finals, but we cannot afford to play like we did against the Spanish.
Going through the drills: Russian players warming up before their training session at the Wals-SiezenheimStadium in Salzburg yesterday. Russia play Greece in their second Group D match today.
“It is not easy to change things in just four days but we have to try and play better as we were totally ineffective against the Spanish.
“Given what happened it is the battle of the outsiders and we (Russia) are the outsiders for this match.
“I just hope the players have learnt a lesson and will not repeat the naive and stupid mistakes, but they are learning what it is like to play at a top international level.”
However, Hiddink, who has established a reputation as being one of the finest coaches in football taking South Korea to the 2002 World Cup semi-finals and his native Holland to the 1998 semis where they lost on penalties to Brazil, said he would not change the starting line-up radically.
“The Greeks are also going to react after their defeat, but I don’t know how they are going to react tactically, if they will be four or five defenders, but I am sure they will react emotionally,” said Hiddink.
“For our part, we are not going to change our tactics, Russian players are accustomed to playing attacking football, I cannot tell them to defend all match and hit the other side on the counter attack.
“There will be some changes of personnel, but not many.”
Hiddink refused to comment on whether he believed his defenders who played against Spain will have recovered their morale.
“This question is off limits,” said Hiddink, who also took Australia to the second round of the 2006 World Cup.
“Tomorrow (Saturday) we have to score as many as possible and win. We will be strong mentally and the attacks on us by journalists are not weighing on our minds. I just hope that the players have learnt from their mistakes, and they have learnt how to play in finals (decisive matches), it is the moment for them to show their qualities.” – AFP
Monday, June 16, 2008
Poor defending key to Italy and France woes
GENEVA: Italy and France could fail to reach the last eight at Euro 2008 tomorrow, less than two years after competing in the World Cup final in Berlin, having been exposed by repeated defensive lapses.
They meet in a decisive Group C match at the Letzigrund Stadium in Zurich without the ability to control their own destinies. One of them is likely to finish bottom.
Holland have already taken first place after a 3-0 win over world champions Italy followed by their 4-1 demolition of France, while Romania will finish second if they beat the Dutch in Berne tomorrow no matter what happens in Zurich.
If Romania lose, though, Italy and France have a chance of sneaking through to a quarter-final with Spain in Vienna.
Although the Italians and French have had mixed fortunes in the last two years, they have retained faith with many of the players that led them to the World Cup final.
Eleven of the 14 Italians who played in Berlin have appeared here – it would have been 12 if Fabio Cannavaro was fit – while eight of the 14 Frenchmen in the final have played in the opening two matches. Thirteen of Italy's 23-man squad were also on the list in 2006, compared to 12 for France.
They reached the World Cup final, which Italy won in a penalty shoot-out after a 1-1 draw, because their defences were outstanding. France conceded three goals in seven matches in Germany while Italy conceded just two.
Both teams each let in more goals in their defeats by the Dutch last week than they did throughout the entire World Cup.
Two years on, defensive failings have been the root cause of their troubles. Italy, traditionally strong at the back, have failed to cope without captain and inspirational defender Cannavaro in the loss to the Dutch and 1-1 draw with Romania.
Cannavaro was ruled out of the tournament before it began with ankle ligament damage and his leadership of the back line and ability to make late tackles have been missed.
They lacked creativity in the Dutch game with midfielders Andrea Pirlo, Gennaro Gattuso and Massimo Ambrosini again playing too deep, while striker Luca Toni was isolated from wingers Antonio Di Natale and Mauro Camoranesi.
They made five changes for the Romania game and the formation was less regimented but they still needed a late penalty save from Gianluigi Buffon to avoid another loss.
France, playing their first major tournament in over a decade without Zinedine Zidane orchestrating play and Fabien Barthez in goal, were hoping to find the right mix between aging stalwarts and exciting newcomers.
It has not worked out, partly because several of their most seasoned players are injured or below par.
Captain Patrick Vieira, struggling with a thigh injury, has been kept in the squad but missed the first two matches.
Centreback Lilian Thuram and fullback Willy Sagnol looked their age against a Holland side that had too much pace.
France's two major problems have been that they were let down by their defence, which they believed was their strongest point, and looked clumsy in front of goal. They created many chances against the Dutch but managed to convert just one.
Midfield inspiration was also missing, with Vieira sidelined and Zidane retired, while young playmaker Samir Nasri has not been given a chance to prove his worth having been limited to a late substitute appearance against Romania.
Italy coach Roberto Donadoni and France boss Raymond Domenech now have one match to get it right. The irony is that, even if they do, they could still be on an early flight home.
They meet in a decisive Group C match at the Letzigrund Stadium in Zurich without the ability to control their own destinies. One of them is likely to finish bottom.
Holland have already taken first place after a 3-0 win over world champions Italy followed by their 4-1 demolition of France, while Romania will finish second if they beat the Dutch in Berne tomorrow no matter what happens in Zurich.
If Romania lose, though, Italy and France have a chance of sneaking through to a quarter-final with Spain in Vienna.
Although the Italians and French have had mixed fortunes in the last two years, they have retained faith with many of the players that led them to the World Cup final.
Eleven of the 14 Italians who played in Berlin have appeared here – it would have been 12 if Fabio Cannavaro was fit – while eight of the 14 Frenchmen in the final have played in the opening two matches. Thirteen of Italy's 23-man squad were also on the list in 2006, compared to 12 for France.
They reached the World Cup final, which Italy won in a penalty shoot-out after a 1-1 draw, because their defences were outstanding. France conceded three goals in seven matches in Germany while Italy conceded just two.
Both teams each let in more goals in their defeats by the Dutch last week than they did throughout the entire World Cup.
Two years on, defensive failings have been the root cause of their troubles. Italy, traditionally strong at the back, have failed to cope without captain and inspirational defender Cannavaro in the loss to the Dutch and 1-1 draw with Romania.
Cannavaro was ruled out of the tournament before it began with ankle ligament damage and his leadership of the back line and ability to make late tackles have been missed.
They lacked creativity in the Dutch game with midfielders Andrea Pirlo, Gennaro Gattuso and Massimo Ambrosini again playing too deep, while striker Luca Toni was isolated from wingers Antonio Di Natale and Mauro Camoranesi.
They made five changes for the Romania game and the formation was less regimented but they still needed a late penalty save from Gianluigi Buffon to avoid another loss.
France, playing their first major tournament in over a decade without Zinedine Zidane orchestrating play and Fabien Barthez in goal, were hoping to find the right mix between aging stalwarts and exciting newcomers.
It has not worked out, partly because several of their most seasoned players are injured or below par.
Captain Patrick Vieira, struggling with a thigh injury, has been kept in the squad but missed the first two matches.
Centreback Lilian Thuram and fullback Willy Sagnol looked their age against a Holland side that had too much pace.
France's two major problems have been that they were let down by their defence, which they believed was their strongest point, and looked clumsy in front of goal. They created many chances against the Dutch but managed to convert just one.
Midfield inspiration was also missing, with Vieira sidelined and Zidane retired, while young playmaker Samir Nasri has not been given a chance to prove his worth having been limited to a late substitute appearance against Romania.
Italy coach Roberto Donadoni and France boss Raymond Domenech now have one match to get it right. The irony is that, even if they do, they could still be on an early flight home.
Now, the Swedes blast referee after defeat
INNSBRUCK: Sweden blamed referee Pieter Vink for their 2-1 Euro 2008 defeat on Saturday, saying David Villa’s stoppage-time winner should have been disallowed and the Dutch official was pressurised by Spain.
“It’s a bitter way to lose. I am standing 20m away from (Sweden substitute) Markus Rosenberg being kicked and then Spain go on and score. I hope the referee is dealt with,” coach Lars Lagerback told reporters.
Rosenberg agreed Sweden should have been awarded a free-kick for the foul on him earlier in the move.
“We didn’t get any free-kicks in the last 20 or 25 minutes,” said the substitute. “The referee ... cost us the game.”
Captain Fredrik Ljungberg also criticised Spain for pressurising the referee, notably at half-time after Vink had dismissed a penalty claim for handball.
“They did complain a lot at half-time and put pressure on.
“If that’s allowed then maybe we should do the same,” said Ljungberg.
“I think they might have had a shout for a penalty in the first half but they started to get a bit of conversation into it in the second and got free-kicks for everything.
“There is a lot of talk about fair play but maybe we should look at the way a group of Spanish players acted with the referee at half-time,” added Ljungberg.
Fernando Torres put Spain ahead in the 15th minute.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic equalised in the 34th before Villa pounced to secure Spain’s second successive win.
Sweden and Russia, who both have three points, meet in their final group game in Innsbruck on Wednesday.
“It’s a bitter way to lose. I am standing 20m away from (Sweden substitute) Markus Rosenberg being kicked and then Spain go on and score. I hope the referee is dealt with,” coach Lars Lagerback told reporters.
Rosenberg agreed Sweden should have been awarded a free-kick for the foul on him earlier in the move.
“We didn’t get any free-kicks in the last 20 or 25 minutes,” said the substitute. “The referee ... cost us the game.”
Captain Fredrik Ljungberg also criticised Spain for pressurising the referee, notably at half-time after Vink had dismissed a penalty claim for handball.
“They did complain a lot at half-time and put pressure on.
“If that’s allowed then maybe we should do the same,” said Ljungberg.
“I think they might have had a shout for a penalty in the first half but they started to get a bit of conversation into it in the second and got free-kicks for everything.
“There is a lot of talk about fair play but maybe we should look at the way a group of Spanish players acted with the referee at half-time,” added Ljungberg.
Fernando Torres put Spain ahead in the 15th minute.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic equalised in the 34th before Villa pounced to secure Spain’s second successive win.
Sweden and Russia, who both have three points, meet in their final group game in Innsbruck on Wednesday.
China’s quest for a place in the 2010 World Cup ends with a 2-1 defeat by Iraq
TIANJIN: China’s dejected coach Vladimir Petrovic accepted the blame for his side’s failure to qualify for the 2010 World Cup yesterday, while fans called for the head of the FA’s top man.
China’s 2-1 loss to Asian champions Iraq in Tianjin ended their quest for a berth in South Africa after three draws and two losses in Group One.
“Of course I am responsible, I have a lot of responsibility, but as far as what kind of responsibility, that is up to the FA to decide,” said Petrovic.
The future of Petrovic, who teamed with China’s Olympic football coach and fellow Serb Ratomir Dujkovic to steer the national side, remains uncertain.
But according to fans, the real responsibility for China’s under-achievement lies with the head of the China Football Association Xie Yalong.
“Sack Xie Yalong, sack Xie Yalong,” fans at Tianjin’s Olympic “Water Drop” Stadium shouted, according to sports website Sina.com as China’s dreams of another World Cup appearance went up in flames.
China scored a dismal two goals in their five matches in the so-called Group of Death that also included Qatar and Australia.
While accepting the blame, Petrovic also pointed to bad luck after Iraqi defenders cleared two goal-bound efforts off the line after goalkeeper Noor Abbas had been beaten.
“Luck is a quintessential part of the sport and it evaded us,” Petrovic said. “We had two golden chances. Unfortunately, they were both saved on the goal-line.”
Iraq’s Nashat Akram won the match with a 65th minute goal that came after he latched on to a pass from Salih Sadir on the right wing, beat his man and sent the ball into the corner of the net.
China had taken the lead when they were awarded a free-kick just outside the penalty area in the 32nd minute. Captain Zheng Zhi tapped the ball to Zhou Haibing who slammed it through a crowd of defenders into the goal.
Seven minutes later, Salih Sadir took a long pass down the right wing and fired a cross on to the head Emad Mohammed who nodded home to make it 1-1.
China have only qualified for the World Cup Finals once, under another Serb, Bora Milutinovic, and they were knocked out in the first round without scoring a goal in South Korea and Japan in 2002.
During last week’s 1-0 loss at home to Qatar, they fielded a team of largely Under-23 players who will represent them at the Beijing Olympics, prompting the media to suggest the CFA had already given up on their World Cup hopes.
China has been drawn alongside one of the favourites, Brazil, as well as Belgium and New Zealand.
China’s 2-1 loss to Asian champions Iraq in Tianjin ended their quest for a berth in South Africa after three draws and two losses in Group One.
“Of course I am responsible, I have a lot of responsibility, but as far as what kind of responsibility, that is up to the FA to decide,” said Petrovic.
The future of Petrovic, who teamed with China’s Olympic football coach and fellow Serb Ratomir Dujkovic to steer the national side, remains uncertain.
But according to fans, the real responsibility for China’s under-achievement lies with the head of the China Football Association Xie Yalong.
“Sack Xie Yalong, sack Xie Yalong,” fans at Tianjin’s Olympic “Water Drop” Stadium shouted, according to sports website Sina.com as China’s dreams of another World Cup appearance went up in flames.
China scored a dismal two goals in their five matches in the so-called Group of Death that also included Qatar and Australia.
While accepting the blame, Petrovic also pointed to bad luck after Iraqi defenders cleared two goal-bound efforts off the line after goalkeeper Noor Abbas had been beaten.
“Luck is a quintessential part of the sport and it evaded us,” Petrovic said. “We had two golden chances. Unfortunately, they were both saved on the goal-line.”
Iraq’s Nashat Akram won the match with a 65th minute goal that came after he latched on to a pass from Salih Sadir on the right wing, beat his man and sent the ball into the corner of the net.
China had taken the lead when they were awarded a free-kick just outside the penalty area in the 32nd minute. Captain Zheng Zhi tapped the ball to Zhou Haibing who slammed it through a crowd of defenders into the goal.
Seven minutes later, Salih Sadir took a long pass down the right wing and fired a cross on to the head Emad Mohammed who nodded home to make it 1-1.
China have only qualified for the World Cup Finals once, under another Serb, Bora Milutinovic, and they were knocked out in the first round without scoring a goal in South Korea and Japan in 2002.
During last week’s 1-0 loss at home to Qatar, they fielded a team of largely Under-23 players who will represent them at the Beijing Olympics, prompting the media to suggest the CFA had already given up on their World Cup hopes.
China has been drawn alongside one of the favourites, Brazil, as well as Belgium and New Zealand.
Colombia, Venezuela closer to World Cup place
BUENOS AIRES: Colombia and Venezuela got one step closer to playing the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, after getting valuable 1-1 draws on Saturday away against Peru and Uruguay respectively.
In Lima, Colombia pulled ahead early, with a goal from Hugo Rodallega just seven minutes into the game, but Juan Carlos Marino equalised in the 39th minute of an intense match in Lima which the host team probably did more to win, particularly in the second half.
Earlier on Saturday, Uruguay also pulled ahead in Montevideo’s Centenario Stadium.
My ball: Guatemalan player Jose Contreras (right) vying for the ball with Saint Lucia’s Vernus Abbot on Saturday at the Mateo Flores stadium in Guatemala City, during a Concacaf World Cup qualifier match. — AFP
A header from captain Diego Lugano in the 11th minute made the hosts hopeful, but in the 55th minute Venezuelan striker Ronald Vargas picked up a rebound off the Uruguayan goalkeeper following a free-kick by Juan Arango to make things 1-1.
Venezuelan coach Cesar Farias said in a press conference after the game that the match showed “the consolidation of Venezuelan football.”
Venezuela is the only country in South America where football is not the most popular sport, and actually comes third after baseball and basketball.
“Four years ago we were surprising. Today we surprise no one. They have to respect us like we respect them,” Farias noted of the improvements in Venezuelan play.
Uruguayan coach Oscar Tabarez was upset at the draw but relatively pleased with his team's performance.
“The result is circumstantial and does not make us think that everything is utterly wrong in our team. What is wrong is out position in the table, and we have to change that,” Tabarez stressed.
Five games into the South American World Cup qualifiers, Colombia – unbeaten in the qualifying round – stand third with nine points, the same as Argentina and one more than Brazil, although both of these teams have a game in hand. Peru have only reaped three points.
Venezuela now stand close to playing their first World Cup ever. They are fifth in the table, with seven points in five games, while Uruguay are sixth, with five points.
In the South American World Cup qualifiers, each of the 10 teams involved play all the others at home and away. The top four finishers win a place in the World Cup, with the fifth-placed team facing a representative of the North, Central American and Caribbean region in a playoff.
In Lima, Colombia pulled ahead early, with a goal from Hugo Rodallega just seven minutes into the game, but Juan Carlos Marino equalised in the 39th minute of an intense match in Lima which the host team probably did more to win, particularly in the second half.
Earlier on Saturday, Uruguay also pulled ahead in Montevideo’s Centenario Stadium.
My ball: Guatemalan player Jose Contreras (right) vying for the ball with Saint Lucia’s Vernus Abbot on Saturday at the Mateo Flores stadium in Guatemala City, during a Concacaf World Cup qualifier match. — AFP
A header from captain Diego Lugano in the 11th minute made the hosts hopeful, but in the 55th minute Venezuelan striker Ronald Vargas picked up a rebound off the Uruguayan goalkeeper following a free-kick by Juan Arango to make things 1-1.
Venezuelan coach Cesar Farias said in a press conference after the game that the match showed “the consolidation of Venezuelan football.”
Venezuela is the only country in South America where football is not the most popular sport, and actually comes third after baseball and basketball.
“Four years ago we were surprising. Today we surprise no one. They have to respect us like we respect them,” Farias noted of the improvements in Venezuelan play.
Uruguayan coach Oscar Tabarez was upset at the draw but relatively pleased with his team's performance.
“The result is circumstantial and does not make us think that everything is utterly wrong in our team. What is wrong is out position in the table, and we have to change that,” Tabarez stressed.
Five games into the South American World Cup qualifiers, Colombia – unbeaten in the qualifying round – stand third with nine points, the same as Argentina and one more than Brazil, although both of these teams have a game in hand. Peru have only reaped three points.
Venezuela now stand close to playing their first World Cup ever. They are fifth in the table, with seven points in five games, while Uruguay are sixth, with five points.
In the South American World Cup qualifiers, each of the 10 teams involved play all the others at home and away. The top four finishers win a place in the World Cup, with the fifth-placed team facing a representative of the North, Central American and Caribbean region in a playoff.
Nadal is king of Queen’s
LONDON: Rafael Nadal was crowned king of Queen’s after beating Novak Djokovic 7-6, (8-6), 7-5 in yesterday’s final to claim his first grasscourt title and deliver a timely Wimbledon warning to Roger Federer.
Just seven days after winning the French Open on clay in Paris, Nadal showed he has learned to master the unique demands of grass as well.
My first: Rafael Nadal biting the trophy after beating Novak Djokovic Queen’s Open championship final in London, Sunday. Nadal won in two sets 7-6, 7-5.
It was an historic achievement for Nadal, who is the
The Spaniard earned euros 84,500 for his efforts in a match of the highest quality, but it was the kudos of proving he can win on a surface regarded as his weakest that will give him far more satisfaction than any cash bonus.
My first: Rafael Nadal biting the trophy after beating Novak Djokovic Queen’s Open championship final in London, Sunday. Nadal won in two sets 7-6, 7-5. — AFP
It was an historic achievement for Nadal, who is the first player to win at Roland Garros and Queen’s in the same year since the pre-Wimbledon warm-up tournament began 30 years ago, and also the first Spaniard to win on grass since Andreas Gimeno in 1972.
If he can keep up this form, Nadal’s 17-match winning streak could be extended all the way through to another Wimbledon final, where Federer is likely to lie in wait.
Federer has beaten Nadal in the last two finals at the All England Club.
Australian Open champion Djokovic was in peak form after destroying Lleyton Hewitt and David Nalbandian, both former Wimbledon finalists, en route to his first Queen’s final.
But Nadal had won eight of his previous 11 meetings with the Serb and out-classed him in the French Open semi-finals recently.
Djokovic knew he would have to play an almost perfect match to win and he started in aggressively. Delivering a series of power forehands that even a slugger like Nadal couldn’t cope with, Djokovic earned three break points in the second game.
Nadal managed to save all three, but then presented Djokovic with another and this time the Serb finished the job with a blistering forehand.
Djokovic had a golden chance to take complete control of the set when he won a break point for 4-0 in the fourth game.
But Nadal was beginning to match the power and accuracy of his opponent’s hitting.
Nadal was in the groove now and when a thudding forehand forced Djokovic to net, the Serb pounded his racket into the turf in frustration.
Djokovic regained his composure by the first set tie-break and won an early mini-break. He couldn’t take advantage though as Nadal finished the point of the match with a searing passing shot.
It was fantastic entertainment and Djokovic had the chance to serve for the set at 6-5. But, after trading a series of increasingly ferocious groundstrokes, he slipped on the baseline and Nadal was level again.
This time Nadal was finally able to make his move as Djokovic netted a forehand and the Spaniard served out.
After expending so much energy in a losing cause Djokovic could have folded when Nadal broke in the second game of the second set.
But his spirit was too strong to simply wave the white flag and he broke straight back.
Djokovic was back in the match and looked to have taken charge when he broke for a 5-4 lead.
He was serving for the set but Nadal just redoubled his efforts and another baseline rally more suited to a clay court ended when he broke back.
Nadal scented blood and, after holding serve, he won a match point when Djokovic sent a volley long. He wasn't going to let the opportunity pass and rifled a smash past Djokovic before sinking to his knees.
It might not be the last time Nadal celebrates success on grass this year.
Just seven days after winning the French Open on clay in Paris, Nadal showed he has learned to master the unique demands of grass as well.
My first: Rafael Nadal biting the trophy after beating Novak Djokovic Queen’s Open championship final in London, Sunday. Nadal won in two sets 7-6, 7-5.
It was an historic achievement for Nadal, who is the
The Spaniard earned euros 84,500 for his efforts in a match of the highest quality, but it was the kudos of proving he can win on a surface regarded as his weakest that will give him far more satisfaction than any cash bonus.
My first: Rafael Nadal biting the trophy after beating Novak Djokovic Queen’s Open championship final in London, Sunday. Nadal won in two sets 7-6, 7-5. — AFP
It was an historic achievement for Nadal, who is the first player to win at Roland Garros and Queen’s in the same year since the pre-Wimbledon warm-up tournament began 30 years ago, and also the first Spaniard to win on grass since Andreas Gimeno in 1972.
If he can keep up this form, Nadal’s 17-match winning streak could be extended all the way through to another Wimbledon final, where Federer is likely to lie in wait.
Federer has beaten Nadal in the last two finals at the All England Club.
Australian Open champion Djokovic was in peak form after destroying Lleyton Hewitt and David Nalbandian, both former Wimbledon finalists, en route to his first Queen’s final.
But Nadal had won eight of his previous 11 meetings with the Serb and out-classed him in the French Open semi-finals recently.
Djokovic knew he would have to play an almost perfect match to win and he started in aggressively. Delivering a series of power forehands that even a slugger like Nadal couldn’t cope with, Djokovic earned three break points in the second game.
Nadal managed to save all three, but then presented Djokovic with another and this time the Serb finished the job with a blistering forehand.
Djokovic had a golden chance to take complete control of the set when he won a break point for 4-0 in the fourth game.
But Nadal was beginning to match the power and accuracy of his opponent’s hitting.
Nadal was in the groove now and when a thudding forehand forced Djokovic to net, the Serb pounded his racket into the turf in frustration.
Djokovic regained his composure by the first set tie-break and won an early mini-break. He couldn’t take advantage though as Nadal finished the point of the match with a searing passing shot.
It was fantastic entertainment and Djokovic had the chance to serve for the set at 6-5. But, after trading a series of increasingly ferocious groundstrokes, he slipped on the baseline and Nadal was level again.
This time Nadal was finally able to make his move as Djokovic netted a forehand and the Spaniard served out.
After expending so much energy in a losing cause Djokovic could have folded when Nadal broke in the second game of the second set.
But his spirit was too strong to simply wave the white flag and he broke straight back.
Djokovic was back in the match and looked to have taken charge when he broke for a 5-4 lead.
He was serving for the set but Nadal just redoubled his efforts and another baseline rally more suited to a clay court ended when he broke back.
Nadal scented blood and, after holding serve, he won a match point when Djokovic sent a volley long. He wasn't going to let the opportunity pass and rifled a smash past Djokovic before sinking to his knees.
It might not be the last time Nadal celebrates success on grass this year.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Death threat hell for referee Webb
LONDON: Howard Webb (pic) was at the centre of a vicious hate campaign on Friday.
Unbelievably, it was triggered by Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk.
The country’s leader confessed he wanted to “kill” after English ref Webb awarded Austria a 93rd-minute penalty in Thursday’s Euro 2008 clash against the Poles.
Another senior Polish politician called Webb a “disgrace” and a “fraud”.
Tusk whined: “As the Prime Minister I have to be balanced and collected. But on Thursday night I was speaking very differently about the whole thing. I wanted to kill.
“Referees make mistakes and this was an obvious error that harmed us all.”
His comments sparked an avalanche of hatred across Poland, with vile messages on Internet sites calling for Webb – England’s only representative at the tournament – to die.
They even printed his home address.
Webb has been promised police protection on his return home from the championship.
A spokesman for South Yorkshire Police – Webb is a sergeant in Rotherham – said: “We have been made aware of the threats.
“If they are genuine, we will be investigating them and trying to locate the sites.
“Our boys will be in touch with Howard. We are ready to do everything necessary to provide security for him and his family.”
The Austrians snatched a 1-1 draw thanks to the spot-kick, effectively booting the Poles out of the tournament.
Polish Minister of Sport Miroslaw Drzewieki weighed in, branding Webb “a fraud, not a referee” and claiming: “It’s a disgrace for the championship.”
Poland were leading at the Ernst Happel Stadium in Vienna until those final seconds.
Then Webb opted to penalise Mariusz Lewandowski for holding Sebastian Prodl’s shirt and Austria’s Ivica Vastic scored from the spot.
It prompted Poland coach Leo Beenhakker to accuse Webb, who is making his debut at a major championship, of trying to steal the limelight and prove he was “a big boy”.
But Webb, at 36 the youngest of the 12 referees officiating, insisted: “Some decisions are controversial whichever way you call them.
“It’s not being the star of the show. I never want to be that. But sometimes you have to be prepared to stand up and be counted and make big, unpopular decisions if you have to.”
UEFA, who have pledged to increase security if necessary in the wake of the threats, have defended Webb.
Spokesman William Gaillard said: “We don’t think it is controversial that a player is pulled down by the shirt and a penalty is given.
“The referee’s decision was certainly within the laws of the game.”
Webb is set to referee a second match, most likely Greece vs Spain or Russia vs Sweden next Wednesday.
Unbelievably, it was triggered by Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk.
The country’s leader confessed he wanted to “kill” after English ref Webb awarded Austria a 93rd-minute penalty in Thursday’s Euro 2008 clash against the Poles.
Another senior Polish politician called Webb a “disgrace” and a “fraud”.
Tusk whined: “As the Prime Minister I have to be balanced and collected. But on Thursday night I was speaking very differently about the whole thing. I wanted to kill.
“Referees make mistakes and this was an obvious error that harmed us all.”
His comments sparked an avalanche of hatred across Poland, with vile messages on Internet sites calling for Webb – England’s only representative at the tournament – to die.
They even printed his home address.
Webb has been promised police protection on his return home from the championship.
A spokesman for South Yorkshire Police – Webb is a sergeant in Rotherham – said: “We have been made aware of the threats.
“If they are genuine, we will be investigating them and trying to locate the sites.
“Our boys will be in touch with Howard. We are ready to do everything necessary to provide security for him and his family.”
The Austrians snatched a 1-1 draw thanks to the spot-kick, effectively booting the Poles out of the tournament.
Polish Minister of Sport Miroslaw Drzewieki weighed in, branding Webb “a fraud, not a referee” and claiming: “It’s a disgrace for the championship.”
Poland were leading at the Ernst Happel Stadium in Vienna until those final seconds.
Then Webb opted to penalise Mariusz Lewandowski for holding Sebastian Prodl’s shirt and Austria’s Ivica Vastic scored from the spot.
It prompted Poland coach Leo Beenhakker to accuse Webb, who is making his debut at a major championship, of trying to steal the limelight and prove he was “a big boy”.
But Webb, at 36 the youngest of the 12 referees officiating, insisted: “Some decisions are controversial whichever way you call them.
“It’s not being the star of the show. I never want to be that. But sometimes you have to be prepared to stand up and be counted and make big, unpopular decisions if you have to.”
UEFA, who have pledged to increase security if necessary in the wake of the threats, have defended Webb.
Spokesman William Gaillard said: “We don’t think it is controversial that a player is pulled down by the shirt and a penalty is given.
“The referee’s decision was certainly within the laws of the game.”
Webb is set to referee a second match, most likely Greece vs Spain or Russia vs Sweden next Wednesday.
Wenger fears for France after thumping
PARIS: Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger said he feared for France’s further participation at Euro 2008 after Friday’s 4-1 thumping at the hands of rampant Holland.
As Holland raced into the quarters having emphatically won the “Group of Death” – they similarly crushed world champions Italy in their opening game – France stood on the brink of elimination and must now beat the Italians in their final game on Tuesday.
Wenger, summarising on French television, suggested the current squad do not have what it takes.
“We always had the impression we could score but you can say same of a Dutch side which has scored seven in two games and is a serious pretender for the title,” said the studious Wenger, who said France were just not up to standard on this showing.
“Lack of success is not on based on a lack of quality (in the French squad) but confidence and conviction seem to be lacking.
“There is a little something missing, effectiveness, less of a killer touch. France produced some nice chances but were a bit lacking in their finishing,” said Wenger.
Asked if he thought Les Bleus could get back off the canvas and gain revenge for their World Cup final loss to the Azzurri two years ago, he opined: “It depends to what point they can recover mentally” from Friday’s thrashing.
As Holland raced into the quarters having emphatically won the “Group of Death” – they similarly crushed world champions Italy in their opening game – France stood on the brink of elimination and must now beat the Italians in their final game on Tuesday.
Wenger, summarising on French television, suggested the current squad do not have what it takes.
“We always had the impression we could score but you can say same of a Dutch side which has scored seven in two games and is a serious pretender for the title,” said the studious Wenger, who said France were just not up to standard on this showing.
“Lack of success is not on based on a lack of quality (in the French squad) but confidence and conviction seem to be lacking.
“There is a little something missing, effectiveness, less of a killer touch. France produced some nice chances but were a bit lacking in their finishing,” said Wenger.
Asked if he thought Les Bleus could get back off the canvas and gain revenge for their World Cup final loss to the Azzurri two years ago, he opined: “It depends to what point they can recover mentally” from Friday’s thrashing.
Villa scores injury-time goal to help Spain beat Sweden
Villa scores injury-time goal to help Spain beat Sweden
INNSBRUCK (Austria): David Villa scored a dramatic injury time winner as Spain defeated Sweden 2-1 in Euro 2008 Group D here yesterday to all but book their place in the quarter-finals.
Until then Sweden had seemed set to earn a point from a dogged display after Zlatan Ibrahimovic had cancelled out Fernando Torres’ opener.
“We’re happy. We had many chances in the second half and we managed (to score),'' Spain coach Luis Aragones said. “In the second half, we went out looking for the goal and things worked out.”
Spain enjoyed some success in getting behind the Sweden defence in the early stages but they could only find yellow shirts with their crosses as the Scandinavians remained stout at the back.
However, the Iberians took the lead with a corner routine of sublime intricacy on 15 minutes.
Last-gasp winner: Spain’s David Villa shoots past Sweden goalkeeper Andreas Isaksson to score the winning goal.
Villa darted out of the six-yard box to receive a short corner from Xavi and transfered the ball to David Silva, whose marker had been drawn to the ball, on the edge of the area.
Silva crossed and Torres stretched out a leg in front of his marker Petter Hansson to poke the ball home at the near post.
That drew an instant response from Sweden as Johan Elmander took a return pass from Henrik Larsson and burst into the area only to hit the side netting from a tight angle.
Having been on the back foot for most of the opening stages, Sweden now came more into the match and a brilliant through ball from Ibrahimovic over the defence found Larsson's angled run but, off balance, he lofted his shot over the bar.
Sweden were in the ascendancy and deservedly equalised on 34 minutes through Ibrahimovic, who took down a deep cross from fullback Fredrik Stoor, held off the back-tracking Sergio Ramos and curled home a low shot despite Iker Casillas getting a hand to it.
Sweden survived a penalty shout in the last minute of the half as Elmander barged into the back of Silva but Dutch referee Pieter Vink waved away Spain's protests.
The Vikings suffered a blow as Ibrahimovic, who had been struggling with a knee problem in the build up, failed to come out after the break, replaced by Markus Rosenberg.
Sweden set out their stall to defend and counter while Spain were guilty of overplaying the ball around the area, particularly between Silva and Villa.
Aragones replaced Xavi and Andres Iniesta with Cesc Fabregas and Santi Cazorla but the move back-fired as Spain lost some of their fluency.
Spain had a treble chance on 63 minutes after neat interplay between Villa and Silva opened up the Swedish defence, but Silva dallied in bringing the ball on to his favoured left foot and his weak shot was parried by Andreas Isaksson who then got up to block Villa's follow up before Torres had a shot cleared by Daniel Andersson.
Marcos Senna then forced a fine diving save from Isaksson after beating three men in midfield.
With 11 minutes remaining Larsson came within inches of turning home a ball from Hansson across the face of goal but he arrived just too late.
Right at the death, though, Villa latched on to a stunning long ball from Joan Capdevila to slide the ball past Isaksson and send Spain’s fans into jubilation.
INNSBRUCK (Austria): David Villa scored a dramatic injury time winner as Spain defeated Sweden 2-1 in Euro 2008 Group D here yesterday to all but book their place in the quarter-finals.
Until then Sweden had seemed set to earn a point from a dogged display after Zlatan Ibrahimovic had cancelled out Fernando Torres’ opener.
“We’re happy. We had many chances in the second half and we managed (to score),'' Spain coach Luis Aragones said. “In the second half, we went out looking for the goal and things worked out.”
Spain enjoyed some success in getting behind the Sweden defence in the early stages but they could only find yellow shirts with their crosses as the Scandinavians remained stout at the back.
However, the Iberians took the lead with a corner routine of sublime intricacy on 15 minutes.
Last-gasp winner: Spain’s David Villa shoots past Sweden goalkeeper Andreas Isaksson to score the winning goal.
Villa darted out of the six-yard box to receive a short corner from Xavi and transfered the ball to David Silva, whose marker had been drawn to the ball, on the edge of the area.
Silva crossed and Torres stretched out a leg in front of his marker Petter Hansson to poke the ball home at the near post.
That drew an instant response from Sweden as Johan Elmander took a return pass from Henrik Larsson and burst into the area only to hit the side netting from a tight angle.
Having been on the back foot for most of the opening stages, Sweden now came more into the match and a brilliant through ball from Ibrahimovic over the defence found Larsson's angled run but, off balance, he lofted his shot over the bar.
Sweden were in the ascendancy and deservedly equalised on 34 minutes through Ibrahimovic, who took down a deep cross from fullback Fredrik Stoor, held off the back-tracking Sergio Ramos and curled home a low shot despite Iker Casillas getting a hand to it.
Sweden survived a penalty shout in the last minute of the half as Elmander barged into the back of Silva but Dutch referee Pieter Vink waved away Spain's protests.
The Vikings suffered a blow as Ibrahimovic, who had been struggling with a knee problem in the build up, failed to come out after the break, replaced by Markus Rosenberg.
Sweden set out their stall to defend and counter while Spain were guilty of overplaying the ball around the area, particularly between Silva and Villa.
Aragones replaced Xavi and Andres Iniesta with Cesc Fabregas and Santi Cazorla but the move back-fired as Spain lost some of their fluency.
Spain had a treble chance on 63 minutes after neat interplay between Villa and Silva opened up the Swedish defence, but Silva dallied in bringing the ball on to his favoured left foot and his weak shot was parried by Andreas Isaksson who then got up to block Villa's follow up before Torres had a shot cleared by Daniel Andersson.
Marcos Senna then forced a fine diving save from Isaksson after beating three men in midfield.
With 11 minutes remaining Larsson came within inches of turning home a ball from Hansson across the face of goal but he arrived just too late.
Right at the death, though, Villa latched on to a stunning long ball from Joan Capdevila to slide the ball past Isaksson and send Spain’s fans into jubilation.
Man United offer Spurs £25mil for Berbatov
Alex Ferguson will go all out to sign Dimitar Berbatov when the Manchester United boss returns from holiday.
Fergie is ready to go back to Tottenham with a £25mil bid – the same amount he offered in a doomed attempt to capture the Bulgarian striker last summer.
That cash is still available to Fergie, who has been on a break in France.
United have also banked another £32mil for winning the Champions League.
Around £20m has been earmarked for making Carlos Tevez’s transfer permanent.
Spurs are ready to sell Berbatov, 27, after bringing in Croatia’s Luka Modric and Mexican Giovani Dos Santos.
And agent Emil Dantchev insists Berbatov must be playing in the Champions League.
AC Milan have also been tracking the former Bayer Leverkusen man – but United would be his club of choice.
Fergie is ready to go back to Tottenham with a £25mil bid – the same amount he offered in a doomed attempt to capture the Bulgarian striker last summer.
That cash is still available to Fergie, who has been on a break in France.
United have also banked another £32mil for winning the Champions League.
Around £20m has been earmarked for making Carlos Tevez’s transfer permanent.
Spurs are ready to sell Berbatov, 27, after bringing in Croatia’s Luka Modric and Mexican Giovani Dos Santos.
And agent Emil Dantchev insists Berbatov must be playing in the Champions League.
AC Milan have also been tracking the former Bayer Leverkusen man – but United would be his club of choice.
Euro 2008 expected to see passing of generational torch
PARIS: Dutch fans are dreaming of a repeat of 1988, most Spanish fans can’t remember all the way back to their only major success in 1964, and Portugal and Croatia have never won anything between them.
Yet these are the four sides who have thus far lit up the first week of Euro 2008, while the old guard of Germany, France and Italy have struggled for inspiration to suggest the European game may be witnessing the passing of a generational torch.
An Italian side hamstrung by innate over-caution and some questionable refereeing and an aging France will battle in their final Group of Death match to bury each other as the world champions and the side they beat in Berlin two years ago scrap to record a first pool phase win.
Then there is a Germany side who have won the title three times and were being touted as a favourite beforehand.
Instead, defeat by Croatia exposed the severe limitations within a squad whose lack of depth has already been exposed, most notably in goal, where veteran Jens Lehmann will continue despite scarcely showing a safe pair of hands in Klagenfurt.
A measure of how Die Mannschaft is faring can always be prised readily enough from “Kaiser” Franz Beckenbauer – and he offered little in the way of praise afterwards to Joachim Loew’s side, who need to beat Austria tomorrow to get back on track.
“I had said after the victory against Poland we did not have to fear anybody, after this defeat I now say it’s necessary to fear Austria,” Beckenbauer, World Cup winner as player and coach, told German tabloid Bild.
“Against Croatia, Germany appeared lethargic, they made lots of errors and lacked an aggressive edge,” he complained.
“Suddenly Loew’s job is on the line,” headlined Bild tabloid yesterday of a coach in charge in his first major tournament – though he did receive a vote of confidence from the German Football Federation on Friday – and who must stick with Lehmann, given that the back-up are the unheralded Robert Enke of Hanover and Rene Adler of Bayer Leverkusen.
The loss through suspension following his red card of Bastian Schweinsteiger does not help the German cause either, or the fact that while Mario Gomez may cut the mustard in the Bundesliga he is not doing so at this level.
“Our forward line is completely out of rhythm,” blared Bild, noting only Lukas Podolski has truly shone with his three goals.
But Loew is taking the flak in his stride.
“We will get through to the quarter-finals. We will be a completely different team from the one which faced Croatia,” he promises.
France are clearly past their sell-by date with Lilian Thuram, Willy Sagnol and Claude Makelele all having a nightmare against the marauding Dutch.
The return of veteran Alessandro Del Piero to the Italian fold also brought scant tangible benefit.
Italy, at least, can now redeem their campaign – they are past masters at recovering from a slow start – by sending the French home.
“We are still, on course,” as coach Roberto Donadoni observed.
Les Bleus should get back another of their old guard in captain Patrick Vieira and at least the French will not face the same relentless counter-attacking from Italy as the Dutch served up.
“If he can play it’s important to us,” Thierry Henry admitted.
“We have to beat the Italians.”
But the formbook suggests either Dutch coach Marco van Basten pulls off a first in adding a winners’ medal as coach to the one he so brilliantly won as a player 20 years ago or else a new name – that of Portugal, Spain or even Croatia – will appear on the trophy come June 29.
For Dutch striker Ruud van Nistelrooy, “it seems everything is falling into place”.
Two decades ago, Van Basten and company thanked the then Soviet Union for getting rid of the Italian challenge in the semis before finishing the job.
This time, they have thrown their own spoke in the Italian wheel, and tens of thousands of orange-clad fans believe the hour of the heirs of 1988 is at hand – even if Luiz Felipe Scolari, Luis Aragones and Slaven Blic doubtless think differently.
Yet these are the four sides who have thus far lit up the first week of Euro 2008, while the old guard of Germany, France and Italy have struggled for inspiration to suggest the European game may be witnessing the passing of a generational torch.
An Italian side hamstrung by innate over-caution and some questionable refereeing and an aging France will battle in their final Group of Death match to bury each other as the world champions and the side they beat in Berlin two years ago scrap to record a first pool phase win.
Then there is a Germany side who have won the title three times and were being touted as a favourite beforehand.
Instead, defeat by Croatia exposed the severe limitations within a squad whose lack of depth has already been exposed, most notably in goal, where veteran Jens Lehmann will continue despite scarcely showing a safe pair of hands in Klagenfurt.
A measure of how Die Mannschaft is faring can always be prised readily enough from “Kaiser” Franz Beckenbauer – and he offered little in the way of praise afterwards to Joachim Loew’s side, who need to beat Austria tomorrow to get back on track.
“I had said after the victory against Poland we did not have to fear anybody, after this defeat I now say it’s necessary to fear Austria,” Beckenbauer, World Cup winner as player and coach, told German tabloid Bild.
“Against Croatia, Germany appeared lethargic, they made lots of errors and lacked an aggressive edge,” he complained.
“Suddenly Loew’s job is on the line,” headlined Bild tabloid yesterday of a coach in charge in his first major tournament – though he did receive a vote of confidence from the German Football Federation on Friday – and who must stick with Lehmann, given that the back-up are the unheralded Robert Enke of Hanover and Rene Adler of Bayer Leverkusen.
The loss through suspension following his red card of Bastian Schweinsteiger does not help the German cause either, or the fact that while Mario Gomez may cut the mustard in the Bundesliga he is not doing so at this level.
“Our forward line is completely out of rhythm,” blared Bild, noting only Lukas Podolski has truly shone with his three goals.
But Loew is taking the flak in his stride.
“We will get through to the quarter-finals. We will be a completely different team from the one which faced Croatia,” he promises.
France are clearly past their sell-by date with Lilian Thuram, Willy Sagnol and Claude Makelele all having a nightmare against the marauding Dutch.
The return of veteran Alessandro Del Piero to the Italian fold also brought scant tangible benefit.
Italy, at least, can now redeem their campaign – they are past masters at recovering from a slow start – by sending the French home.
“We are still, on course,” as coach Roberto Donadoni observed.
Les Bleus should get back another of their old guard in captain Patrick Vieira and at least the French will not face the same relentless counter-attacking from Italy as the Dutch served up.
“If he can play it’s important to us,” Thierry Henry admitted.
“We have to beat the Italians.”
But the formbook suggests either Dutch coach Marco van Basten pulls off a first in adding a winners’ medal as coach to the one he so brilliantly won as a player 20 years ago or else a new name – that of Portugal, Spain or even Croatia – will appear on the trophy come June 29.
For Dutch striker Ruud van Nistelrooy, “it seems everything is falling into place”.
Two decades ago, Van Basten and company thanked the then Soviet Union for getting rid of the Italian challenge in the semis before finishing the job.
This time, they have thrown their own spoke in the Italian wheel, and tens of thousands of orange-clad fans believe the hour of the heirs of 1988 is at hand – even if Luiz Felipe Scolari, Luis Aragones and Slaven Blic doubtless think differently.
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