Fernando Torres' strike wins Euro 2008 for Spain as Germany say goodnight Vienna

By Henry Winter in Vienna
Last Updated: 2:30am BST 30/06/2008Page 1 of 2
Germany (0) 0 Spain (1) 1
This wonderful festival of football finished in style, settled by that stylish finisher Fernando Torres. In ending 44 years of hurt, Spain possessed too much heart, too much invention, and too much Torres for Germany.

In pics: Spain beat Germany to end 44-year wait
Tim Rich: Germany settle for second best
Player ratings: Germany | Spain
The Spanish striker took his goal expertly, racing through and lifting the ball over the otherwise excellent Jens Lehmann, but there was steel to these Spaniards as well as silk. Xavi was again magnificent in midfield, making tackles, making attacks, driving his team on to their first silverware since the 1964 European Championship.

Crowning moment: Spain hold aloft the European Championship trophy after 44-year wait

This was a triumph of Spanish courage and skill and also brilliant management by Luis Aragones. He set up his team well, ensuring constant support to the lone front-running Torres, and used his substitutes superbly, constantly setting Germany problems they could not solve. No wonder his players grabbed Aragones at the final whistle and threw him up in the air.

As hard as Michael Ballack worked, Spain were simply superior in all departments, and in Torres they possessed the cutting edge the Germans lacked.

Torres had not been at his electric best in reaching the final but he had immediately began reminding everyone of his Liverpool form, perhaps inspired by the pre-match rendition of You'll Never Walk Alone. The Liverpool striker swiftly linked with Cesc Fabregas, who was playing the Steven Gerrard support role to Torres. His goal, when it came, was conceived in Villarreal and Barcelona, in the quick-thinking of the superb Marcos Senna and Xavi.

Spain would be hopeless on Mastermind - too many passes - but they took a more direct route for Torres' stunning first-half strike. The reward their pressure had been promising soon came, a marvellous goal, showcasing all that is good about Aragones' side, the touch and vision, yet also a celebration of simplicity.

advertisement
Two fast passes down the middle and Germany were opened up. Senna found Xavi, who instantly swept the ball down the inside-right channel for Torres to chase. Philipp Lahm and Lehmann still guarded the avenue to goal. Not well enough.

For these are the openings Torres craves, a defender reacting too slowly and then a keeper diving at his feet. Having outpaced Lahm with almost embarrassing ease, Torres glided into the box. As Lehmann threw himself forward, Torres lifted the ball over the prostrate German goalkeeper.

It was a goal fit for a king and a queen, and the Spanish royal couple leapt to their feet in delight. Fernando Torres: goals by Royal Approval. It was a glittering goal that echoed another final gem by a Liverpool striker, Kenny Dalglish's elegant chip over the Bruges goalkeeper, Birger Jensen, to win the 1978 European Cup.

Yet Spain had been forced to endure a testing opening 10 minutes. Germany had clearly decided to target the space behind Sergio Ramos, knowing that Spain's right-back loved to push upfield. Ramos briefly suffered a torrid time.

Poor control by the Real Madrid defender let in Miroslav Klose, who just over-ran the ball. Ballack then outpaced Carles Puyol and Ramos, who still managed to snake out a leg and take the sting out of the Chelsea midfielder's cross. Ramos' uncertainty then allowed a glimpse of goal for Thomas Hitzlsperger, whose low shot was gathered by Iker Casillas.

For all Germany's threat, for all Lukas Podolski's pace constantly worrying Ramos, Spain gradually imposed their superior technique. Torres began to show. Lurking right of goal 20 yards out, Torres placed the ball back to Xavi, whose diagonal pass behind Arne Friedrich was weighted perfectly for Andres Iniesta. His cross was drilled hard, the ball rising and catching the bearded Christoph Metzelder and deflecting goalwards. Lehmann reacted marvellously, stretching out a fist and beating the ball away.

Germany sensed the rising tide of Spanish ambition, saw that Xavi, Iniesta and Fabregas - the Three Amigos - were beginning to cause havoc. Ballack sought to break the baton of Spain's conductor, Xavi, stamping on the Barcelona midfielder's ankle.

Alan Smith: Nearly man Ballack settles for silver
As it happened: Spain crowned champions
Spain homepage | Germany homepage
Spain would not be cowed and began building to their first-half goal. Fabregas sent Ramos rampaging down the right, the full-back lifting over a magnificent cross that Torres, timing his climb superbly to elude Per Mertesacker, headed against the post. He was getting closer.

Germany briefly hit back, Ballack appealing for a penalty when the ball struck the ribs of Ramos and more legitimately when Joan Capdevila appeared to handle. But Spain held firm, and conjured up that moment of first-half magic from Torres. source : www.telegraph.co.uk


wanna see really sexy model, really sexy girls, playboy models, click www.sexy-girl-bagas.blogspot.com
search actress america gossip and sexy playboy models click : www.sexyartist-bagas.blogspot.com
search indonesian culiner, indonesian recipes click :www.indonesianfoodrecipes.blogspot.com

VIENNA (AP) — A championship 44 years in the waiting is worth a special celebration.

Euro 2008: Spain 1, Germany 0
Related
Goal: Spain Defeats Germany for Euro Title (June 29, 2008)

News and features from around the world of soccer and the Web.

Go to the Goal Blog »

More on Soccer
Red Bulls
Champions League
UEFA Cup
Other International Cup
International Leagues
Spain made sure it did not disappoint any of its fans Sunday night, both during its 1-0 victory against Germany to win the European Championship and after it.

Fernando Torres scored in the 33rd minute and the Spaniards never backed down against such a formidable opponent. Their last significant title came in the 1964 European Championship at home.

“It is to me the most important day in Spanish football in many, many years,” Torres said.

Against the highly accomplished Germans, the Spaniards were not intimidated. They got the one goal they needed — from a slumping striker, no less — and set off chants of “ES-PAÑA!” and “Olé, Olé, Olé!” at the final whistle.

The entire Spanish squad ran over to the huge rooting section of red and gold, exchanging hugs, while many of the spent Germans collapsed to the turf.

When Spain’s goalkeeper and captain, Iker Casillas, accepted the trophy on a stage, the Spanish fans began chanting the melody to their national anthem, which has no words. Thousands of camera flashes went off as the players jumped in place, then headed onto the field to show off their prize.

The Spaniards were not close to finished with their celebration that was so long in the making. They marched to their rooting section, hoisting the cup and saluting their flag-waving, firecracker-exploding fans.

“We have won in a brilliant way,” Coach Luis Aragonés said. “We will be able to start saying we can win, a European championship as well as any other thing.”

In beating a team that makes a habit of appearing in championship finals, the Spaniards put to rest a reputation for underachieving. Always loaded with talented players, Spain has spent four decades falling short of expectations.

That all changed here, where the Spaniards swept their first-round games, eliminated the World Cup champion Italy in a penalty-kick shootout in the quarterfinals, then routed Russia, 3-0, in the semifinals.

“We played the best for the entire tournament, and we beat some great teams,” Torres said. “We beat Italy, the World Cup champion, and we beat Russia and now Germany. That is how you become champion.”

Germany has won three European titles and three World Cups, but was no match in this final. Its captain, Michael Ballack, questionable before the game with a calf injury, started, but hardly was noticeable — except when he left for several minutes to have a bloody right eye treated.

“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.”

Torres, who had 33 goals for Liverpool this season but had been invisible in this tournament, came through off a brilliant feed from Xavi Hernández.

Germany goalkeeper Jens Lehmann, the oldest player in the competition at 38, charged from his net when he saw that defender Philipp Lahm was beaten on the right side. But Torres chipped the ball over the sliding Lehmann and into the gaping goal.

The crowd of 51,428 at Ernst Happel Stadium, split almost equally, might have expected the Spaniards to go into a protective shell. Instead, and even without their leading scorer, David Villa (leg injury), they continued to carry the attack and were far more dangerous than Germany the rest of the way.

Indeed, Lehmann, who helped the Germans to third place in the 2006 World Cup, kept it close with several tough saves.

This was the last game for 69-year-old Aragonés, the oldest coach to win a European title.

“The most important thing about our team, perhaps, is the manager,” Torres said. “He has confidence in us, and he lets us play. We have brought him the championship in his last game for Spain, and we are very happy we could make this history for him and for us.”

Germany’s Joachim Löw has a contract through the 2010 World Cup but will need to find the spark Germany showed periodically during the tournament.

“Spain played very well during the whole tournament, and they were technically excellent,” Löw said. “They fully deserve victory.” source : www.nytimes.com

wanna see and search sexy model asia and playboy model hot porn click : www.sexy-girl-bagas.blogspot.com
wanna search about Bali the godness island and BAli information Click : www.bagas-balibagus.blogspot.com

Euro 2008 Final

Last Updated: Friday, June 27, 2008 | 5:29 PM ET
CBC Sports
Cesc Fabregas has been sensational coming off the bench for Spain at Euro 2008. (Bernat Armangue/Associated Press)
After three weeks of magic involving 16 teams from across Europe, Euro 2008 comes down to Germany and Spain.

Sunday's final from Vienna pits the Germans against the Spaniards for the first time in a major tournament since the two nations played to a 1-1 draw in the first round of the 1994 World Cup.

John F. Molinaro, editor of CBCSports.ca's Euro 2008 website, breaks down how these two nations match up:

GOALKEEPING Spain's Iker Casillas has been sensational at this tournament. The Real Madrid star has conceded just three goals and is coming off of back-to-back shutouts against Italy and Russia in the knockout stage. Casillas made some crucial saves against the Italians in the quarterfinals (including two in the penalty shootout) and has looked completely at ease between the posts. Germany's Jens Lehmann, by contrast, has been less than convincing, especially against Turkey in the semifinals when he gave up an easy goal. The former Arsenal star is too error-prone and is not in the same league as Casillas, who is considered among the best goalkeepers in the world. Advantage: Spain

DEFENCE Spain's defence doesn't get the attention it deserves. Captain Carlos Puyol and his defensive cohorts have been solid (Spain's goal has been breeched just three times at this tournament), and Sergio Ramos is coming on a man-of-the-match performance against Russia in the semifinals. The German defence, led by Philipp Lahm and Christoph Metzelder, has looked suspect at times and shown lapses in concentration at key moments in games. With six goals conceded, including a pair in each of their last two games, the German defence just doesn't match up against Spain's. Advantage: Spain

MIDFIELD Both sides boast plenty of midfield depth with a variety of world-class attacking players (Michael Ballack and Bastian Schweinsteiger for Germany, Andreas Iniesta and Xavi Hernandez for Spain). Marcos Senna, Spain's defensive midfielder has been outstanding while Thomas Hitzlsperger has been just as effective for Germany. Should any of these stars get injured, both coaches can call upon players on the bench who can take over without their teams losing a step — it says a lot that Arsenal star Cesc Fabregas isn't even a starter for Spain. Advantage: Even

ATTACK Spain leads the tournament in scoring, with 11 goals, while Germany is second, with 10. David Villa, the competition's top scorer, with four goals, likely won't play Sunday due to injury, but Spain has plenty of other offensive weapons, namely, Fernando Torres, Dani Guiza and David Silva. Spain's quick-tempo passing game has been awesome, and the team is also getting goals from its talented crop of midfielders. Forward Lukas Podolski has three goals for Germany, but he's not the only goal-scoring threat the Spanish have to worry about: Ballack, Schweinsteiger and Miroslav Klose all have scored two goals each. Advantage: Even

INTANGIBLES The Spanish have the edge in coaching (Luis Aragones is more experienced than Joachim Low), but the Germans have more experience on the field. The Spaniards are motivated to shed the under-achiever tag that has dogged them for so long (Spain hasn't won a major tournament since the 1964 European Championship) while the Germans will be shooting for a fourth European title. Germany hasn't been as sharp as Spain at this tournament, but it has still found a way to win. That could be the difference on Sunday. Advantage: Germany

PREDICTION I'm leery of going against the Germans, just because they always seem to find a way to win, to say nothing of the fact they have more experience than Spain. Germany started slow at this tournament but seems to have discovered its rhythm in the knockout stages. But I still think Spain will win. They've been the best team at this competition thus far, playing an up-tempo and attacking brand of soccer that has bee entertaining and effective. The Spaniards are brimming with confidence, and I don't see how the Germans can stop Spain's brilliant attack. Final score: 2-0 for Spain
source :
wanna see and search sexy hot asian models, hot playboy models and japan models and get japan models Click : www.sexy-girl-bagas.blogspot.com
wanna search about United states actress and hot pictures Click now : www.sexyartist-bagas.blogspot.com . don't be late.

Euro 2008 Final: Spain vs Germany Preview

Saturday 28 Jun 2008
On Sunday evening, Spain will line up against Germany in what promises to be a mouth-watering Euro 2008 final in Vienna. In a match which will mark Spain's first major final in twenty-four years, Luis Arganones's side will be hoping to rewrite the history books and claim their second European trophy after a 44-year wait.

Buoyed by the recent twist in fortune which has seen La Furia Roja (the red fury) lay to rest ghosts of previous penalty shoot-out exits and advance to the final, Aragones will be looking to recall the spirit of the 1964-winning side to lead his nation to European glory in this year's final.


IS THIS THEIR YEAR? In head-to-heads, history slightly favours the Germans who have won eight of nineteen meetings, while Spain have claimed five wins. There have been six draws. The last meeting came fourteen years ago during the 1994 World Cup finals in the USA which ended 1-1, leaving this game even harder to predict.

Spain, thanks to their impressive form this year, may go into the game as narrow favourites. Their loss of David Villa through injury will certainly hand Germany a morale boost, but the Spaniards will still pose a very stern threat through Daniel Guiza, who has scored twice when coming off the bench so far in this tournament.

Tournament So Far...

Undoubtedly the talking point will be Spain's flair and strength in depth, but a more significant issue is the seeming end of infighting between rival Real Madrid and Barcelona players in the dressing room. This Spanish side seems a more complete unit and, although Aragones's decision to leave out Real talisman Raul sent shockwaves through Spain last month, it looks like a decision well made with a new generation of talents David Silva, Torres and Fabregas given greater freedom to express themselves on the field.

In comparison, opponents Germany demonstrated their efficiency as they reached their thirteenth major final despite a troubled campaign. It certainly hasn't been pretty to watch, but the Germans have shown grit and determination in each game to make it through to this final. Unapologetic towards critics which have labelled them boring and unattractive, the Germans will enter Sunday's final eager to prove their doubters wrong and claim their first major honour since winning this tournament in 1996.
source : www.4thegame.com

Euro 2008 Final: Spain vs. Germany

June 27th. 2008, 1:42pm

Euro 2008 comes to a close Sunday afternoon when Germany faces Spain. We’re liking what we’ve seen from energetic and high-octane Spain, but the safe pick is probably Germany. We’ll guess 2-1. Make sure to drop by in 48 hours to talk about the match. For some actual insight into the match, we turn to soccer correspondent, Tyler Duffy.

And so, out of Cinderella’s desiccated corpse crawl the prodigal Spanish and the dutiful Germans to titillate our taste buds with a spectacle of fantastic soccer in the Euro 2008 Final.

The match is not just a clash of soccer styles, but a veritable clash of cultures. The spritely aesthetic Spaniards against the prompt, mechanical Germans. The Spanish take a siesta at noon time. Germans work slightly less efficiently. Spaniards savor the smokey flavors of their chorizo. The Germans cram some wurst down their gullet and wash away the carnage with some Hefeweizen.

This final will have ESPN-prodded hype of epic proportions, and karmically end 0-0 on penalties. Fighting through the inflamed, commercial-crazed shrouds, here is how the sides stack up.

Forwards: The “Mannschaft” send Miroslav Klose and Lukas Podolski (Ger)–not to be confused with the piteous Lukas Podolski (Bayern)–into the fray. The two have combined for five goals in Germany’s five matches, and 69 scores in all competitions. Fernando Torres may be most wank-worthy talent on the field, but has yet to show it in Spanish red. Without Villa to diffuse the pressure, the German defense can take Torres away. Advantage: Germany

Midfield: The Germans have a renaissance man in Michael Ballack. He can menace opposing defenses. He can win an academy award. He can hack down opposing players with impunity. He’ll even serve as an extra referee free of charge. The Spanish, to combat him, have a harem of majestic ball handlers, and a solid holding man in Marcos Senna. The wildcard, as always, will be Schweinsteiger (Ger) who has the Midas touch about him of late. Advantage: Push

Defenders: The wings are equal, with both sides having an elite attacking fullback in Lahm and (Dave O’Brien’s favorite party boy) Sergio Rrrramos. The Germans are large and in charge in the middle with Metzelder and Mertesacker. The Spanish have to override Carles Puyol’s insanity. Spain also face two elite strikers to Germany’s one. Advantage: Germany

Goalkeeper: Iker Casillas is arguably the best goalkeeper in the world. Looney Jens Lehmann singlehandedly sustained Turkey’s semifinal hopes. Advantage: Spain

Prediction: The Germans have a stable squad and a set recipe for success. Spain do not. Unlike Spain’s previous opponents, Germany can withstand pressure at the back and can exploit opportunities on the break efficiently through precise passing. The Spanish have impressed so far, but with tapas, not a potent paella. They have no clear plan of attack, a problem exacerbated by David Villa’s probable absence. Aragones has yet to use his two elite talents, Torres and Fabregas, sensibly. The Germans are better drilled, more experienced, and better equipped to handle the opposition. In a contentious final, that should prove decisive.
source : www.thebiglead.com

GERMANY VS SPAIN

Date: Sunday 29th June
Venue: Ernst Happel Stadion, Vienna

Although we all can’t wait for the Euro 2008 Final to take place and get to see Germany and Spain really go at each other, the sad matter of the fact is that Euro 2008 is coming to a close and we will have to wait another 2 years before such another International spectacle will take place. At least we have the Premiership and what not starting in about a months time right?

But for now it is Vienna that is the centre of attention for the entire football world as Germany and Spain have the chance to lift Europe’s greatest prize and become European Champions for the year 2008 (and the four to follow).

Germany are the record winners of the European Championship with three Euro titles to their name with their last victory coming in 1996. Spain’s only major International tournament victory was in the European Championships way back in 1964 but they were also Runners-Up to France in 1984. Germany definitely have more experience in the Final but an International victory has been a long time coming for Spain and they will be determined not to let this great opportunity slip.

At Euro 2008 Spain have been by far the more impressive of the two nations and their only real stumble on the road to the Final (if you can call it that) was the 0-0 draw with Italy in the Quarter Finals. Germany have made the Final having not really done anything special apart from their opening match against Poland which makes you wonder just how they managed to come this far so if they are to beat this silky Spain side and claim the Euro crown they will have to do better on Sunday.

We will keep you updated with all the news in the build up to and during the Euro 2008 Final so don’t go away too far.
Source: www.lovefooty.net

Van Basten And Hiddink, The Hero And The Traitor

Thursday, June 26, 2008. The European Championship’s second semi-final is about to kick-off and in front of his bench a Dutch coach is carrying the tune of the national anthem. But hold on a minute – is it in Russian?
Print This Story Send To A Friend Contact Us galleria zoom Improbable or not, the Dutch people could well see this nightmare scenario materialize if Guus Hiddink manages to pull off another upset tonight in Basel and steer Russia past their – and his - national side.

The Oranje moved to the Swiss city on Friday morning so that they could get used to the new, Dutch-grown pitch of “St.Jakob-Park”. And they will be joined tonight by up to 100,000 compatriots, but Hiddink, a football icon in his homeland, does not mind if his team disappoint them all this evening.

A traitor in style

“I want to be the traitor of the year back home, because that will have meant we won the game,” joked the 61-year-old boss, who coached the Netherlands himself from 1994 to ‘98.

Hiddink, who previously said he relishes this rare challenge, has been criticised in his home country even prior to the game. “I don’t know the words to the Russian national anthem. But I like the melody, so I will mime along. If I’m going to be a traitor, I might as well do it properly.”

But seriously, Hiddink must know that knocking out the mighty Oranje will not be easy. “Yeah, I’m scared. I’m scared as hell. That’s why we have to attack them. If you are in a position where you keep dropping further and further back, then you get even more scared. The only way is to attack when possible,” he explained.

Russia’s football is in many ways similar to the Netherlands’. It has always been like that, and most certainly since Hiddink took over, just under two years ago.

Dutch brand

“The Russian team of recent has changed a lot, not just in the players, but also in the playing style. We have tried to install a kind of play like the Dutch brand, so that people can come and watch some attacking football,” he added. “We have taken some small steps, but now we are meeting a giant. The approach won’t be different, even though we’re playing against one of the best teams in the world, both physically and technically.”

Hiddink has also mentioned several times that difference in fatigue levels between the two sides may play its part. But he has certainly not mentioned the word ‘defeat’, as opposed to Van Basten.

Van Basten living the moment

“Losing would be very bitter. Nothing to do with Hiddink or Russia, it’s all the work to reach the quarter-final and lose,” said the Dutch trainer, who knows that every single match could be his last in charge, as he’s stepping down to take the helm at Ajax. “I realise that, so I’m enjoying every game.”

Believe it or not, Van Basten could not be here at all right now if Hiddink had not persuaded him to take up a coaching course following his retirement as a footballer. “He was not my reason to become a trainer, but when I thought about becoming one I watched him and spoke with him,” the Milan legend told euro2008.com. “He has a great history and a lot of experience as a coach, so it’s usual to watch good coaches. He’s a good example of that, but there are others I followed too.”

Good luck, Guus!

This will actually be the third time that the two will come up against each other, albeit their first official confrontation. “I wish him good luck. These are two teams who try to attack. We have the same ideas, so we’ll see who’s stronger,” said Van Basten, who would not confuse this clash with the final of 1988, when he netted that famous goal against the former USSR. “I am happy I scored a good goal, but that was a long time ago and it won’t help me against Russia.”
spurce :www.goal.com

Euro 2008: German and Turkish goodwill put to the test by rival flags

By Harry de Quetteville in Berlin
Last Updated: 1:59am BST 25/06/2008


Judging by the bunting in Berlin, Germany is sure to have one national team in the Euro 2008 final. From streets signs, car roofs and shop windows across the nation, German and Turkish flags flutter alongside each other.

Tim Rich: Turks limp towards game of their lives
In pics: Turkey win shoot-out to reach semi-finals
Germany homepage | Turkey homepage
No wonder. There is an almost 2.5 million-strong Turkish community in Germany but all this goodwill will be put to the test in tonight's semi-final. Police don't expect any trouble, but have called up extra forces just in case. Up to 500,000 fans of both nationalities are expected to watch the "friendship fixture" on giant screens in front of Berlin's Brandenburg Gate. For just as the 2006 World Cup helped Germans rediscover the joys of peaceable patriotism, many are hoping that Euro 2008 can aid integration in a country where many immigrants feel like outcasts. "Germany is playing against the Turks, but Germans are celebrating with the Turks," noted the country's biggest-selling newspaper, Bild. It is offering readers £400 for heart-warming photos to illustrate its point.

advertisement
German Chancellor Angela Merkel has announced measures to improve integration but surveys show over half of Germany's Turkish residents feel unwelcome while not even one in 10 passes A-level standard exams.

Euro 2008 homepage
In football, only Mehmet Scholl has had a significant run in the German side. Instead, the German-born twins Hamit and Halil Altintop have played for Turkey. That, too, is something the German football federation would like to change. "We are conscious of our social responsibility - the national team is synonymous with tolerance," said Oliver Bierhoff, who netted Germany's winner in the Euro 1996 final. And, having revelled in waving one national flag in 2006, Germany is now sporting two in 2008. source : www.telegraph.co.uk

German captain looking to capture first major title

By Nesha Starcevic
the associated press
Tucson, Arizona | Published: 06.25.2008


TENERO, Switzerland — Michael Ballack is two wins away from capturing his first major title.
The 31-year-old German captain is at the summit of a distinguished career and the European Championship title would be a fitting crown.
"I am very calm. All us see a great chance to be in the final and win the title," Ballack said Tuesday. "It's up to us."
First, however, Germany has to get by Turkey in today's semifinal match in Basel, and Ballack expects a "very strong" rival despite the injuries and suspensions that have ravaged the Turkish team.
"They know how to adjust to opponents and that shows they are very strong mentally," Ballack said Tuesday at Germany's training base before the team's departure for Basel.
"Their coach knows how to motivate them and they will be a very uncomfortable opponent. Hats off to them for reaching the semifinal, but we shouldn't overestimate them either."
In the quarterfinals, Germany beat Portugal 3-2 while Turkey equalized against Croatia with the last kick of extra time. Having gone behind in the 119th minute, Turkey went on to win the penalty shootout.
Ballack said Turkey would play a different style than Portugal.
"I expect them to be more defensive, I think we will have more possession. We won't underestimate them, for sure, we respect everyone and we expect a difficult job," Ballack said. "Turkey beat Croatia and we lost to it. There is no favorite."
In the group stage, Ballack had a solid, if average game, doing little in the 2-1 loss to Croatia. But he scored with a free kick in a 1-0 win over Austria to send Germany into the quarterfinals, then notched the decisive third goal against Portugal after one of the best performances for Germany in recent years. He has 38 goals in 85 games for Germany.
Ballack has not had much luck in finals at the club level. He lost one Champions League final with Bayer Leverkusen and another with Chelsea last month, a penalty shootout against Manchester United, which also snatched the Premier League title from Chelsea.
"I've all that behind me, it's good that in football you have new challenges all the time," Ballack said.
Ballack credits his good form to a full recovery from an ankle injury that had sidelined him for nearly eight months.
source : www.azstarnet.com

Advantage Russia, Admits Cautious Aragones

Spain coach Luis Aragones believes that Russia will hold an advantage ahead of their Euro 2008 semi-final due to the timing of their domestic season...
»Comments Print This Story Send To A Friend Contact Us galleria zoom The Russians progressed with a remarkable 3-1 extra time win over tournament favourites the Netherlands and Aragones believes they have a distinct advantage due to the timing of their season - which begun at the start of the year - as opposed to the rest of Europe, who have been playing since August.

Despite having overwhelmed them 4-1 in their opening group game, Aragones knows it will be a different proposition altogether this time around. "It is the best moment for Russian football, because this is the moment of the season they are at their best," explained Luis.

"The second half of matches is about speed and we are going to have it tough. We won 4-1 last time but it will be difficult because they have a really good team."

Having made it through off the back of Iker Casillas' penalty-saving heroics following an underwhelming 0-0 stalemate, Aragones has revealed he was certain his keeper would come through for him due to the preparations he made.

"I was sure he was going to stop penalties because he has a goalkeeper trainer that tells me they watch where the rivals take penalties," revealed the coach. "They were looking at DVDs and looking at these things."

The man himself, who made a brilliant save from Daniele De Rossi's penalty and another from Antonio Di Natale to all-but win the game for Spain, does not believe Spain's 4-1 win over Russia will almost serve as a direct path to the final this time around.

"We know they are a great team and have shown it against Sweden and Holland," said Casillas. "The previous result is of no value, it is a new match."source : www.goal.com

Quarter-final 3: Netherlands v Russia,

Basel 21 June 2008
Team newsDutch view Boulahrouz Russia view

UEFA EURO 2008 QUARTER-FINAL
Date: Sat 21 June Kick-off: 1945 BST Venue: St Jakob-Park, Basel
Coverage: Highlights on BBC ONE and BBC Sport website (UK only), full commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live and on BBC Sport website (UK only), full text coverage on BBC Sport website and mobiles; live on ITV
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Netherlands coach Marco van Basten is set to revert back to his favoured starting XI after resting a host of players last time out against Romania.

That could mean only Khalid Boulahrouz - who will play despite the death of his prematurely-born baby daughter - and Arjen Robben keep their places.

Ruud van Nistelrooy, Andre Ooijer and Dirk Kuyt will all return to the side.

Russia coach Guus Hiddink will name an unchanged line-up to the one that beat Sweden 2-0 in their final group game.

That victory was inspired by Andrei Arshavin, the Zenit St Petersburg playmaker who had been suspended for the first two group games - a 4-1 defeat to Spain and a narrow 1-0 win over Greece.

"I don't think we needed to score that many goals in the Swedish game," said Arshavin. "We needed to save them for the next games and I hope we will score a few against the Dutch.

"If we didn't have to play the Netherlands, we would feel much better, because I think they are the best side here.

"But fate has it that we have to play the strongest team in the tournament in the last eight. I hope we will be able to match them."

Russia's performance in the win over Sweden prompted many observers to predict a possible upset against the Netherlands, despite the Netherlands' 100% record in the tournament so far.

606: DEBATE
Your thoughts on the quarter-finals
The match has a further twist, in that Russia coach Hiddink is a Dutchman, and led Holland to the semi-finals of the World Cup in 1998.

And Hiddink, who will reportedly earn a £400,000 bonus for leading Russia into the last eight, will hope to avenge Russia's defeat to the Netherlands at Euro '88.

The Netherlands, though, have been in superb form in this Championship, beating World Cup winners Italy 3-0, World Cup finalists France 4-1, and then Romania 2-0 with a side largely made up from fringe members of the squad.

Meanwhile, the Netherlands' Nigel de Jong and Andre Ooijer, and Russia's Ivan Saenko, Dmitry Torbinsky, Denis Kolodin, Andrei Arshavin and Sergei Semak, are all a booking away from missing a potential semi-final clash with either Spain or Italy.
source : www.news.bbc.co.uk

Portugal 2-3 Germany

Joachim Low was proud of the way his German side rose to the occasion in beating Portugal in the quarter-finals.

The suspended coach had to watch the game from the stands, but was delighted with the way his side responded.

"We had a lot of courage, had good combinations, moved well without the ball - all the things that we've done well in the past we did," he said.

"Sitting behind the window in the stands was really difficult. It is too far from the action."

The 48-year-old Low gambled by making three changes to his midfield, but it paid off with Bastian Schweinsteiger scoring once and setting up the other two goals in the 3-2 win.

Low added: "After the Austria match we saw we had to make some changes. We wanted to close down the space in Portugal's midfield. We succeeded in doing that."


Ballack sets sights on Euro glory
In Low's absence assistant coach Hansi Flick took charge on the touchline.

Low added: "He did a great job. There were some things during the match he did absolutely right, like putting Michael Ballack a bit further back when there was a phase where they put us under some pressure."

Schweinsteiger said he was pleased to make up for his group stage sending off by inspiring Germany in Basel.

"I made a mistake, I knew it. I set out to help the team as much as possible and it worked," he said.

"We still have something left. We must do it again in the next match. I'm very happy to have won the game. We eliminated the best team of the tournament in my eyes."

606: DEBATE
Never ever write off Germany

avinthesky
Germany skipper Ballack felt they were good value for the win, adding: "We started very well.

"We changed the system a bit with five in midfield and one striker less, we were very compact.

"Especially in the first half I thought we played fantastically against a very strong Portugal team until now. I think we deserved it."
source : www.news.bbc.co.uk

Bierhoff Wary Of Comeback Kings Turkey

With the Euro 2008 semi-finals set to get underway on Wednesday, Germany team manager Oliver Bierhoff is remaining cautious regarding his side's opponents, underdogs Turkey...
»Comments (5) Print This Story Send To A Friend Contact Us galleria zoom Germany booked their place in the final four with a powerful win over Portugal, while Turkey snuck past Croatia on penalties after an incredibly dramatic finish to a game that saw both sides score in the final three minutes of extra time, with Turkey of course conceding first and coming back into the game, as they did against the Czech Republic and Switzerland.

As such, Bierhoff and his team will be aware of the fact that no lead is a safe lead against Fatih Terim's men. "Before we can begin to think about the final we have Turkey to get past and the players cannot afford to get distracted," he said.

"Turkey have shown they can always come back."

Spain are the top team to have made it to the other semi-final and they face another underdog, in Guus Hiddink's Russia, and midfielder Diniyar Bilyaletdinov is not worried one bit ahead of their meeting, despite having lost 4-1 to the Spanish in their opening game of the tournament. "We are not scared of anyone," he told reporters.
source : www.goal.com

Frings On Course For Semi-Final Return

Germany boss Joachim Löw has confirmed that Torsten Frings is back in training and could feature in Wednesday's Euro 2008 semi-final...
»Comments Print This Story Send To A Friend Contact Us galleria zoom Werder Bremen midfielder Torsten Frings fractured a rib during Germany's final group game against co-hosts Austria and subsequently missed the impressive quarter-final win over Portugal.

Now, though, boss Jogi Löw has revealed that the 31-year-old, though patched up, is in line for a semi-final return against shock troops Turkey on Wednesday.


"I'm fortunate to be able to say that all 23 players trained today and are fit," said a relieved Löw, who himself sat out the Portugal match via suspension.


"Torsten trained completely normally, but with a protective bandage. He said he had no major problems.


"He will have to live with a nagging pain but as things stand he could play, yes."

However, Frings' ahead-of-schedule return would mean changing the altered 4-5-1 formation that dealt with the Portuguese so effectively. Combatative duo Thomas Hitzlsperger and Simon Rolfes were brought into the fold and added midfield muscle during the 3-2 win.

Casillas The Hero As Spain Send Italy Packing

Spain 0-0 Italy (Spain win 4-2 on penalties)

Iker Casillas was the hero as Spain progressed to the semi-finals of Euro 2008 after defeating Italy 4-2 on penalties after 120 minutes of football faild to produce a goal.
»Comments (342) Print This Story Send To A Friend Contact Us galleria zoom Daniele De Rossi and Antonio Di Natale were denied by Casillas, while Daniel Guiza was the only one to miss for Spain as Cesc Fabregas scored the decisive penalty to book a semi-final date with Russia.

First Half

Group D winners Spain reverted back to their strongest line-up having rested players during their dead-rubber win over Greece. Defender Carles Puyol was originally thought to be a doubt for this game due to injury, however he was fit enough to start. Fernando Torres and David Villa partnered each other up-front.

Italy coach Roberto Donadoni had problems in midfield as Milan-duo Gennaro Gattuso and Andrea Pirlo were suspended, meaning that Massimo Ambrosini and Alberto Aquilani came in. Defender Andrea Barzagli picked up an injury in training on Thursday and was ruled out for the rest of the tournament. Antonio Cassano again started off target man Luca Toni. There was a cagey start to the game as both teams felt each other out. The first shot of the game came in the ninth minute as Silva’s 25-yard shot was deflected into the arms of Gianluigi Buffon.

It was a very tactical affair with much of the game being played in the middle of the field. Villa went down in the box under a challenge from Ambrosini, and although there was minimal contact the referee was never going to give a penalty.

Torres then found space down the left and cut into the area, but Gianluca Zambrotta quickly got back to put the forward off. Italy had their first attempt on 18 minutes, as Simone Perrotta made a late run into the box, and headed straight at Iker Casillas from an Ambrosini cross. Down the other end Villa tried to ambitiously lob Buffon from miles out but his effort was well wide. Ambrosini robbed Sergio Ramos down the left, and had Toni all by himself in the middle, but he over-hit his cross.

The chess match continued but Spain were awarded a dangerous free kick just outside the area when De Rossi felled Villa. The Valencia man took the set-piece himself, and Buffon had to be alert to get down low to save.

Buffon had to be sharp again just past the half-hour as Silva drifted to the right, cut inside, before unleashing a daisycutter that the keeper took no chances with, even though it was probably creeping wide. Xavi also tried his luck from range, but his shot was deflected off target.

Spain started to have a little spell of possession but all the efforts were from long range, with Iniesta and Senna both shooting wide.

Italy created their best chance on 35 minutes, as Cassano made half a yard against Sergio Ramos, crossed into the middle for Toni but his goal-bound header cannoned off Marchena in front of him.

Silva had been Spain’s liveliest player in the first half, and he cut inside from the right again before shooting inches past the far post. Iniesta, who had switched over to the other side for Silva, played a clever give-and-go with Villa before scuffing well wide.

Second Half

Into the second half, and Silva almost had a glorious opportunity inside the area following a poor clearance from Christian Panucci, but Giorgio Chiellini made a superb last ditch tackle.

Torres shrugged Panucci off the ball down the left, and tried to cross for Villa who would have had an open goal at the back post, but Chiellini made another crucial intervention.

Spain were now on top, and Italy made a change on 57 minutes, with Mauro Camoranesi introducing Perrotta. La Seleccion continued to attack, and Silva had another attempt from outside the area that went wide. Luis Aragones then made a double change, introducing Cesc Fabregas and Santi Cazorla for Xavi and Iniesta.

On the hour mark Italy had a golden chance to take the lead, as a scramble in the box broke to substitute Camoranesi eight yards out, but Casillas made a superb save with his foot to keep the scores level.

Aquilani then tried his luck from distance, but he never caught hold of his volley and it went well wide. Down the other end Villa’s free kick looped up onto the roof of the net off the defensive wall. The Valencia man was booked for simulation moments later after going down easily in the area under pressure from Chiellini.

Italy were pinning their hopes mainly on Toni, and the target towered above his marker from a Zambrotta cross, but headed over. Sergio Ramos bombed forward from right back for Spain, but he slashed the ball well wide.

On 74 minutes Italy’s forgotten man in this tournament, Antonio Di Natale, replaced Cassano as Donadoni looked to inject some pace into their game.

Sergio Ramos tested Buffon with a looping left footed shot following a short corner, but it was comfortable for the Juventus man. Spain were coming on strong now and on 79 minutes Buffon beat away a dipping Villa shot. Seconds later Buffon was thanking his lucky stars as he fumbled a straightforward Senna shot, and as he scrambled back towards his line, the ball came trickled onto the post before he gratefully dived onto the ball.

Down the other end Spain also had a fortunate escape as Di Natale crossed from the right, and Grosso seemed destined to score at the far post until a retreating Toni unwittingly took the ball off his foot. Daniel Guiza replaced Torres as Aragones made his final substitution, and almost immediately had a fine chance as Chiellini got underneath a Villa cross, however Guiza controlled the ball with his hands and he was penalised.

Poor control also cost Villa dear in injury time following a fine Fabregas ball as the game inevitably moved into extra time. Spain attacked from the off in extra time, and they were inches away from breaking the deadlock on 92 minutes as Chiellini’s block on Guiza fell to Silva, whose ferocious shot from the edge of the box whizzed inches wide.

Italy went close themselves down the other end as Di Natale’s header forced an acrobatic save out of Casillas. The luckless Toni then flicked a near post header onto the roof of the net from a corner.

Extra Time

The slow pace off the game continued, and penalties loomed nearer and nearer. Guiza meanwhile screwed a shot well wide just before the two sides swapped around for the final 15 minutes.

On 107 minutes Alessandro Del Piero was introduced for Aquilani, presumably with the intention of taking a penalty if, as was looking likely, it went to a shootout.

Silva slid Villa through on goal, but the striker’s touch forced him wide, and Buffon made the block. From the resulting corner Ramos headed wide.

In the 117th minute Di Natale found space to run into, but he shot disappointingly off target. Guiza pot-shot down the other end was watched wide by Buffon. Cazorla was then out of luck with a cross-shot as the referee blew for full time and the game went to penalties.

Penalties

Villa, Grosso, and Cazorla all scored their penalties, before Spain drew first blood with a stunning save from De Rossi. Senna and Camoranesi both scored, before Buffon looked to have got Itaky back into it by denying Cazorla. However Di Natale then had his tame spot-kick easily saved by Casillas, and it was left up to Fabregas to win it for Spain. The Arsenal man scored easily as Spain won 4-2 to end their June 22 penalty curse.

Spain are through to their first major semi final since 1984 and will now play Russia. Italy meanwhile see their dream of adding the Euros to their World Cup triumph shattered. The Azzurri will take little comfort in the fact that they haven't been beaten in normal time in a major tournament knockout tie for 20 years now. Penalties and golden goals have proved their undoing.

Villa (S): Scored
Grosso (I): Scored
Cazorla (S): Scored
De Rossi (I): Saved
Senna (S): Scored
Camoranesi (I): Scored
Guiza (S): Saved
Di Natale(I): Saved
Fabregas (S): Scored

Spain: Casillas, Sergio Ramos, Marchena, Puyol, Capdevila, Iniesta (Cazorla 59), Xavi (Fabregas 59), Senna, Silva, Torres (Guiza 84), Villa

Italy: Buffon, Zambrotta, Panucci, Chiellini, Grosso, De Rossi, Ambrosini, Aquilani (Del Piero 107), Perrotta (Camoranesi 57), Cassano (Di Natale 74), Toni
source : www.goal.com

Frings Diragukan Tampil Lawan Turki

Torsten Frings masih diragukan untuk bisa turun pada semi-final Euro 2008 melawan Turki, Kamis (26/6) dinihari WIB di Basel.
»Komentar Print Artikel Ini Kirim Ke Teman Hubungi Kami galleria zoom Gelandang Jerman itu absen saat Jerman mengalahkan Portugal 3-2 di perempat-final setelah mengalami patah tulang rusuk dalam pertandingan sebelumnya melawan Austria.

"Tentu kami ingin Frings pulih tapi kami harus menunggu dan melihat," ungkap manajer tim, Oliver Bierhoff.

"Sejauh ini dia hanya latihan berlari, kami masih belum melihat bagaimana dia bisa menendang bola, dia sudah gerah ingin main tapi kami perlu bicara dengan staf medis," lanjutnya.

Dengan cederanya Frings, pelatih Jerman Joachim Loew mengubah formasi lapangan tengah untuk menghadapi Portugal.

Dia memasukkan Simon Rolfes dan Thomas Hitzlsperger untuk membantu lapangan tengah dan memberi ruang bebas bagi kapten Michael Ballack untuk bisa membantu ke depan.

"Anda harus tanya pelatih tentang siapa yang akan dimainkan melawan Turki dan sejauh ini kami bertekad hanya akan menurunkan pemain yang 100 persen dalam kondisi fit," tandas Bierhoff.
source : www.goal.com

Russia Capture Wenger's Imagination

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has inevitably stoked rumours of some Russian arrivalsat the Emirates this summer by talking up Guus Hiddink's side.
»Comments Print This Story Send To A Friend Contact Us galleria zoom Indeed, the previously unfancied Russians have set Euro 2008 alight with their vibrant, incisive and fluid attacking play, which is not that dissimilar to the football philosophy that Wenger has imparted on Arsenal.

Although the Gunners boss just recently expressed his fear of being priced out of moves due to a combination of Arsenal's strict spending limits and Euro 2008 stars having their value spike dramatically, his latest words did suggest that the Russian footballing influence may no longer be limited to West London.

"The eye is always looking at who can strengthen Arsenal," Wenger said to Daily Express.

"You always think, 'could this player play for your team?' or perhaps there is a good player you didn't know.

"Mainly I would say that you discovered only Russian players at this tournament because you see them playing less. All the others you know."

Zenit St Petersburg shooting star Andrei Arshavin would probably be the Russian player that most Arsenal fans would want in their ranks, but his mesmeric performances in his first two games since returning from suspension mean that he is a top target for plenty of teams with considerably bigger chequebooks.
sorce : www.goal.com