Namibia National Football Team: The Brave Warriors On The European Continent

Soccer City FC takes a look at Namibia's top players on the European continent.

Oliver Risser: The 28-year-old midfielder is currently with Norway's Manglerud Star. He is versatile and can move between the defense and midfield with some ease. He has a younger brother named Wilko who is also a soccer player.

Collin Benjamin: The 30-year-old defender has competed at Hamburg SV since 2001. He has over 100 appearances with the club and over 30 caps for his nation.

Mediterranean Sunset On Mpenza's Career?

"I think it was important we brought this type of quality to the football club. We have been through a transitional period, and we have worked very hard at bringing so manyplayers here, but the icing on the cake had to be
done."

-- Plymouth Argyle's Paul Sturrock speaking in September 2008.

Back in the closing summer months of 2008, Plymouth Argyle, desperately seeking a solution to resolve their misfiring front-line, prayed that their fortunes would transform upwardly by luring in the traits of a veteran striker possessed with a wealth of top-flight experience in Belgium, Germany and England. The capture of 54-capped Belgian international striker Emile Mpenza was a warmly-greeted murmur in the transfer window, one manoeuvre judged to have been shrewd and astute. Worst case scenario it seemed certain that it was the introduction of a steady-hand, a calming influence and mentor to the array of goal-shy forwards already floundering at Home Park.

Nine demeaning appearances later, six of whom off the substitutes bench and amassed only two goals to his credit, signified that any sense of logical thought had defied the hapless transfer and, according to the Plymouth Herald Sport, his occupancy as Devon's best-paid footballer will dawn to a close in the coming weeks. Crete-based Ergotelis, who compete in the Greek Super League, are rumoured to be homing in on the former Manchester City striker, whilst a return to his homeland will act as another alternative to prolonging his injury-plagued career.

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Brussels-born Emile Mpenza spent his halcyon years donned in the shirts of Standard Liege, where he scored 41 goals in 74 appearances spread across two stints for Les Rouches, and a three-year spell at Schalke, which accumulated 28 goals in 79 occasions. After mixed spells with Hamburger SV and Al Rayyan of Qatar, relegation-threatened Manchester City benefitted the rewards of his services with three critical league goals that arguably maintained their Premiership status.

This season saw Plymouth Argyle clamber to survival in the Football League Championship by five points and, more distressingly, only one position from the relegation trapdoor. Meanwhile, Ergotelis collected 37 points en-route to their comfortable mid-table standing of ninth.

UEFA Cup Last 16 Representatives

Following on from last night's concluding UEFA Cup Round of 32 action, the clubs remaining in Europe's second-tier competition are now known and preparation for the oncoming hurdle begins as Istanbul draws a step closer.

A complete round-up of the UEFA Cup matches will be published on Sunday, including the true contenders following on from the eliminations of AC Milan, Valencia, Aston Villa, Tottenham Hotspur and Stuttgart. Can Manchester City finally banish their trophy drought and live up to the arduous tag of favourites? Or will the challenge from Russia prove too great as reigning champions Zenit St Petersburg and CSKA Moscow assert themselves for the trophy they have both won in recent times?

Soccer Past: Aberdeen Intervene In Old Firm Supremacy

Forget the Old Firm duo of Celtic and Rangers momentarily and the remnants of Scottish football looks rather bare and barren, the vision of a champion outside the streets of Glasgow only a hallucination of the mind for many. With over 82% of the champions originating from the Scottish capital, the iron grip has resolutely shackled the prospects of the other ten competing clubs in the Scottish Premier League.

51 top-flight titles under the glorious name of Rangers and an additional 42 awarded to Celtic supplies us with all of the knowledge we require. Recollections of earlier seasons where one of the other twelve champions emerged victorious are rapidly descending into the past, but there was once upon a time when Aberdeen sat at the pinnacle of the domestic perch.

The years between 1978 and 1986 can be hailed as the club’s golden era when, under the management of Sir Alex Ferguson, Aberdeen won three league championships, four Scottish Cups, a League Cup, the European Cup Winner’s Cup and the European Super Cup. With the accolade of being the most recent club outside the Old Firm to win the title – in 1984/85 - Aberdeen can also pride themselves by remaining the only Scottish club to have won two European club competitions. Beating Bayern Munich en route to the European Cup Winner’s Cup final in 1983 was comfortably surpassed by overcoming Real Madrid in the continent’s finest showpiece. Afterwards they acquired the Super Cup at the expense of SV Hamburg.

Since the official unveiling of the Scottish Premier League in 1998-98, the fortunes of the Glasgow pair have gone from strength to strength on the domestic front and the concentration of their stranglehold has only intensified. Aberdeen have been unable to match the feats of the 1980s and with the recurring appearances of Celtic and Rangers in the Champions League, along with the financial bliss gained from pulling in the league’s two largest attendances, it is unlikely to radically change soon. Leaping past the UEFA Cup Group Stage last season and entertaining Bayern Munich again in a Last 32 glamour tie restored the pride of a bygone time and finishing in 3rd place this campaign would represent a noble effort and a hugely satisfactory outcome.

• Aberdeen's Journey to the European Cup Winner's Cup in 1983

Trio of Goals from Grafite Powers VfL Wolfsburg Past Energie Cottbus

Samba forward Grafite scored three to lead Wolfsburg past Energie Cottbus in Bundesliga action today. He arrived at Wolfsburg via Le Mans UC72 in 2007.

In today's other Bundesliga action:

Hamburger SV 2-1 over Borussia Dortmund with goals for Hamburg SV via the Croatian duo of Mladen Petrić and Ivica Olić.

VfL Bochum and Werder Bremen end tied at 0-0.

Arminia Bielefeld falls to Borussia Mönchengladbach 2-0 with brace for Borussia from forward Marko Marin.

Finally, Karlsruher SC and Bayer 04 Leverkusen tie 3-3.

UEFA Cup Group Stage: Draw & Reaction

Group A
Schalke
Paris Saint Germain
Manchester City
Racing Santander
FC Twente

Group B
Benfica
Olympiakos
Galatasaray
Hertha Berlin
Metalist Kharkiv

Group C
Sevilla
Stuttgart
Sampdoria
Partizan Belgrade
Standard Liege

Group D
Tottenham
Spartak Moscow
Udinese
Dinamo Zagreb
NEC Nijmegen

Group E
AC Milan
Heerenveen
Braga
Portsmouth
Wolfsburg

Group F
Hamburg
Ajax
Slavia Prague
Aston Villa
MSK Zilina

Group G
Valencia
Club Brugge
Rosenborg
FC Copenhagen
Saint-Etienne

Group H
CSKA Moscow
Deportivo La Coruna
Feyenoord
Nancy
Lech Poznan

Each team plays two matches at home and two away, with the top three teams from each group qualifying for the last 32. Ties to be played on 23rd October, 6th November, 27th November, 3/4th December and 17/18th December.

Reaction (quotes from SkySports.com)

Steve McClaren on FC Twente being drawn against Manchester City: “"It's one of the toughest draws, but we've got a great draw and it's very exciting. I've just come back to England to catch up on football here, and the signings Man City have made are massive and they are expected to do very well. It should be a fantastic occasion for us."

Aston Villa manager Martin O’Neil relishing the opportunity of meeting his Hamburg counterpart Martin Jol: He is going splendidly and well played him. I think he is an excellent manager, I think he has done that in the past and I think everybody would say on reflection that it was pretty rough, in the sense they had finished fifth twice and they looked like they would be challenging.

Portsmouth striker Peter Crouch on facing AC Milan: "To play against AC Milan is a dream come true, certainly for the fans and the people at Portsmouth, and for the players as well."

On The Move: Vincent Kompany

Date of Birth: 10/04/1986
Nationality: Belgian
Position: Defensive midfielder, centre-back
Present Club: Manchester City
Former Clubs: Anderlecht, Hamburger SV
Current Squad Number: 33

Being likened to Franz Beckenbauer is not a comparison which many footballers could honestly admit to, but for one Belgian defender it is a justified truth and one he can be honoured about. Vincent Kompany, once described by Belgium legend Paul Van Himst as being able to “beat three opponents with one pass”, has switched life in the German Bundesliga for the starry lights of the Premiership with Manchester City.

Kompany is aged just 22 but has managed to place a foothold in European football as one of the continent’s most promising talents. The term ‘potential’ and ’promising’ are branded about on up-and-coming footballers too often and perhaps the cliché of using them should be avoided, but Kompany is an exception to the rule having shown his talent and establishing himself on both the domestic and international stage. His strengths lie in the centre of defence or as a defensive midfielder where he has the vision to break up attacks and precisely pass to team-mates to launch an attack.

The versatile defender came through the ranks of Anderlecht, where he donned the shirt on 73 occasions and scored 5 goals and contributed significantly to their title wins in 2004 and 2006. Kompany’s invaluable role in the team’s league triumph in 2004 was recognised through individual honours after being awarded the prestigious Belgian Golden Shoe and the Belgian Ebony Shoe. He achieved his first cap for Belgium when only 17 and has become a prominent figure in the nation’s defence. Unsurprisingly and as expected, Europe’s biggest clubs were rumoured to be targeting Kompany after his thriving rise into the fore of Belgian football. The inevitable departure from his homeland was confirmed in the summer of 2006 when he joined German outfit Hamburger SV.

A daunting move to replace compatriot and Bayern Munich-bound Daniel Van Buyten at Hamburger SV was a transfer which did not deter Kompany or his club and he set about making an immediate impact for the German club. On his competitive debut he scored in the German League Cup and he began to restore Hamburg’s faith in him after they paid a record transfer fee for the defender. Kompany adapted quickly to the Bundesliga but was frustratingly limited to only six starts in his first season for Hamburg in 2006 after suffering an Achilles injury. He recovered for the 2007/2008 campaign and made 22 appearances during the season but by the season’s end a move was anticipated after a disagreement erupted regarding his call-up to the Belgian Olympic team. Hamburg had ordered Kompany to return from Beijing in time for their first Bundesliga match of the season despite Belgium advancing into the semi-final. This fall-out paved the way for a move to England’s top flight.

A move to the Premiership had always beckoned for Kompany following Chelsea’s interest in him whilst at Anderlecht. A move to Stamford Bridge was rejected by the Belgian as he felt he needed first-team football immediately and prioritised his long-term future rather than settling for glamorous offers at such an early stage in his career. Two seasons later having matured and developed, Kompany was heading to England through the doors of Manchester City. Kompany stated that he was very impressed by the ambition of the club and ‘the confidence you feel from him [Hughes] and the ambitious type of character that he is will make you a better player” as the key reasons behind why he wanted to join.

Having originated from Anderlecht’s youth academy before rapidly progressing into the senior team and shortly after a place in Belgium’s national team, Kompany has remarkable experience in a career that has seen him ply his trade in Germany’s reputable Bundesliga and thus has the knowledge of how to play in one of Europe’s finest leagues. With 23 international caps already to his honour and Champions League appearances for Anderlecht and Hamburg, Kompany’s experiences have resulted in an “unbelievably mature” attitude despite his age and will prove to be useful in his Premiership career. Whether he will be a rock at either the heart of defence or midfield for Manchester City, Kompany is in good hands to develop his already impressive talents and he has the opportunity to shine in another league at the age of 22.

On his debut in the home victory against West Ham, Kompany played outstanding and demonstrated his versatility by performing admirably in midfield and also defence, and his efforts were rewarded with man of the match. Manager Mark Hughes declared “I think everybody today saw what an accomplished football player he is and what an asset he’s going to be for us.“ It is too early to state whether Vincent will be successful at Manchester City, but his credentials, vision and undoubted ability indicate he has a big future with the club.

Jô with Brace as Brazil Lands Bronze

Manchester City summer signing Jô notched a brace for his national side as Brazil defeated Belgium to capture the men's Bronze medal at the 2008 Olympics. He appears likely to compete in City's third fixture of the season. The former CSKA Moscow striker could be back for the UEFA Cup match against FC Midtjylland next Thursday.

City also officially added Vincent Kompany via Hamburg SV. The 22-year-old Belgian defender will add depth to Mark Hughes' back line and could see action starting at right back. He signed a four-year contract with the club. He could also see action in the defensive midfield.

City square off against West Ham United on Sunday.

Manchester City Adds Kompany?

Bundesliga outfit Hamburg SV have reported that the Eastlands club has agreed to the signing of defender Vincent Kompany. The Belgian centre back has been impressive during his recent club and international duty and has been rumored for sometime with a move to England. It now appears that he will be joining Manchester City. The 22-year-old defender has been starring for Belgium during the 2008 Olympics.

In other City news, it appears that midfielder Michael Johnson has reopened contract talks with the club. The English U-21 international has been the focus of high-profile clubs Arsenal, Liverpool, and Everton, but it now appears that he is determined to remain with City.

Bundesliga Wrap-Up Matchday 33

By: Phillip Boran
Soccer City FC

VfL Wolfsburg 4-0 VfB Stuttgart

Big win for the Wolves as they beat last season’s Bundesliga champions VfB Stuttgart who were brought down to 10 men in the 18th minute when Fernando Meira was sent off. Former Bayern boss Felix Magath keeps pushing for the 5th place spot to enter the club in Europe for the first time in Wolfsburg’s existance. The captain Marcelinho opened up the scoring sheet in the 16th minute, followed by a 22nd minute goal by the young Bosnian striker Edin Dzeko. As the 2nd half opened up, Wolfsburg did not let up as they scored in the 55th (Ricardo Costa) and 75th (Ashkan Dejagah). This win places Wolfsburg in 6th place, tied on points with Hamburg SV and Bayer 04 Leverkusen, with Wolfsburg lacking 4 goals in goal difference behind Hamburg.

FC Bayern Munich 3-2 MSV Duisburg

No surprise in the winner here as Bayern show that they have won the Bundesliga comfortably as they take this win with ease. Ottl (3rd), Podolski (18th, 20th) Tararache (48th), and Daun (54th) were the scorers of this relegation fight.

Hansa Rostock 1-2 Bayer 04 Leverkusen

Bayer get an important win as their 10 men side send Rostock back down. Rolfes (40th) and Castro (58th) score from the penalty spot. Rostock tried to fight back to stay in the Bundesliga but only managed to find one goal by Addy Waku Menga (67th) which was not enough to stay up.

Hertha BSC 1-0 FC Nurnberg

Mid-table Hertha snag the win late in the match as Nurnberg drop some very important points while they sit in the relegation zone, only 2 points away from Arminia Bielfeld. Raffael (74th) was the match’s only goal scorer as he might have sealed Nurnberg’s fate for next season.

FC Energie Cottbus 2-0 Hamburg SV

Energie claim another season in the Bundesliga as they grab the upset against HSV. With this loss for Hamburg, they have now made it a 3 team race for the 2 UEFA Cup spots still up for grabs. They dropped some vital points that could of sealed their place in Europe next season. Goals by Rivic (29th) and Sorensen (83rd) help keep Energie in the Bundesliga.

Karlsruhe SC 1-3 VfL Bochum

This mid-table match showed that Karlsruhe’s beginning season form has disappeared as they drop points to lower placed Bochum. Bochum ran out of the gate in the 2nd half as Azaouagh (45th), Dabrowski (48th), and Sestak (50th) grab the goals while Karlsruhe tried to push for a come-back but proved too late as squad captain Eggimann (88th) scored.

Arminia Bielfeld 2-2 Borussia Dortmund

Bielfeld will be kicking themselves as they should have sealed their fates for next season in the Bundesliga as Marx (24th pen) and Wichiniarek (34th) put Bielfeld in the lead twice but former Bielfeld man Delron Buckley (28th) and one Alexander Frei free-kick went off Rowan Fernandez’ face (83rd). Dortmund will be without Robert Kovac next match as he was sent off.

Werder Bremen 6-1 Hannover 96

Bremen dominate and hold 2nd place in the Bundesliga as they went on a scoring spree against rivals Hannover. Almeida (14th), Naldo (27th), Borowski (73rd), Klasnic (80th), Rosenberg (82th), and Hunt (87th) on the score sheet for Bremen while Hannover’s only goal came off a Tim Wiese rebound from a penalty taken by Hustzi (90th). With this loss, Hannover are now out of the qualification for the Intertoto Cup spot.

FC Shalke 04 1-0 Eintracht Frankfurt

Shalke take the win as defender Krstajic (65th) takes the lone goal off of a Rakitic corner. Shalke have already qualified for the Champions League last week; it is now a fight for 2nd place between Werder Bremen and Shalke 04.

Phillip Boran will cover the Bundesliga, Aston Villa, Blackburn Rovers, and will give updates on the Czech Gambrinus League for Soccer City FC.