As European’s elite begin preparation for another season of shocks, surprises and the inevitable media-circus around Jose Mourinho’s long-awaited return to the Champions League, two of the leading performers have already stolen the show by making history. The heroes and villains of Champions League football usually arise as the latter stages progress, but Anorthosis Famagusta and FC BATE have already acclaimed success by remarkably reaching the Group Stages for the very first time.
FC BATE Borisov provided a breakthrough in Belarusian football by becoming the country’s first ever representatives in the Group Stages of the Champions League. It is rare that a club, let alone a new country, advances as far as the last 32 in Europe’s biggest club competition as the usual faces normally occupy the positions. The reigning champions of Belarus can savour an infamous trip to the Santiago Bernabéu and welcome Italian giants Juventus and UEFA Cup holders Zenit St Petersburg - a metaphoric eternity away from entertaining the likes of Iceland‘s Valur in the First Qualifying Round. Some teams claim to always have the ‘luck of the draw’, but BATE have stamped their authority in European football by overcoming established clubs and their Group Stage place is fully deserved. Many expected BATE to fall at the second qualifying hurdle against Anderlecht of Belgium but the apparent underdogs won 3-4 on aggregate. Levski Sofia too failed to halt BATE as they were defeated 2-1 across both legs, allowing them to break history and advance to the promised land. As BATE’s position in the Group Stage had already been secured, the draw awaited them and the hopes of their players were realised. Midfielder Sergei Kryvets declared "It would be nice to bring Europe's finest to Belarus. Personally, I want to face Real Madrid.” As the draw was made, the Belarusian outfit found that, almost by fate, they had been placed in arguably the most difficult group against Real Madrid, Juventus and Zenit St Petersburg in Group H. While they have provided some of the surprises of the tournament so far, it would take a miracle for BATE to make it out of their group.
BATE’s coach Viktor Goncharenko is remaining cautious, declaring “To tell the truth, we're not ready. We weren't looking too far ahead and we concentrated only on the Levski date. As a matter of fact, I can't imagine how we'll be come mid-September.” For a team that only has an annual budget of £1.2m, Champions League prize money will boost BATE significantly and they have already received 1 million euros for becoming the first club from Belarus to break into the Group Stages. Even if they lost every match, the club now has European recognition that nobody had ever deemed realistic and it will place them on a financial footing that will see them dominate Belarusian football for many years to come.
In similar fashion, Anorthosis Famagusta became the pride of Cyprus by progressing to the latter stages for the first time in the club‘s and nation‘s history. They defeated Greek champions Olympiacos, who made it past the Group Stage last season.
Losing finalists Chelsea will encounter Roma, Bordeaux and Romanian debutants CFR Cluj in Group A, while Fernando Torres returns to his former club Atletico Madrid with Liverpool in an intriguing set of matches. In Group D, Liverpool have also been paired with PSV Eindhoven and Marseille, who they met at the same stage last season.
Holders Manchester United will face Celtic in a ‘Battle of Britain’, a repeat of the 2006/07 Group Stage where both sides won their homes matches as Gordon Strachen faces his former boss Sir Alex Ferguson. They will also face Spanish runners-up Villareal and Denmark’s Aalborg in Group E.
Arsenal were drawn alongside FC Porto, 2007/08 quarter-finalists Fenerbache and Dynamo Kiev of Ukraine in Group G.
In Group B, Inter Milan will play Werder Bremen of Germany while Anorthosis Famagusta hope to claim another Greek scalp in Panathinaikos.
Barcelona entertain Sporting Lisbon, FC Basel and Shakhtar Donetsk in what appears to be one of the easier draws in Group C.
Group F witnesses the clash of the champions from France and Germany as Lyon and Bayern Munich entertain Steaua Bucharest and Serie A outfit Fiorentina.
The ‘Group of Death’ in Group H sees two former victors Real Madrid, 9-time winners and the most successful team in the history of the tournament, and Juventus face UEFA Cup holders Zenit St Petersburg and Belarus entrants FC BATE Borisov.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Thursday, August 28, 2008
FC Vaduz boosts Liechtenstein national team
The promotion of FC Vaduz to Switzerland’s top flight league for the first time has provided a boost for the struggling Liechtenstein national team. The nation’s football structure is a setup which differs to the other European countries as they do not have their own national league, rather their clubs participate in the Swiss leagues and their only domestic competition is the Liechtenstein Championship - a cup competition. Such a structure benefits the Liechtenstein national team as it allows their footballers the opportunity to play against higher quality opposition and so they will only become better players as a result.
One team which can particularly claim to benefit the national team is FC Vaduz, who became Liechtenstein’s representative at the pinnacle of Swiss football. They were promoted from last season’s Swiss Challenge League to the Axpo Super League by finishing top of the division. Nine members of the national team are in their ranks, including defender Marco Ritzberger, and their promotion means they will face their greatest opposition ever in their history. FC Vaduz are currently lying 9th and in the relegation play-off spot but much of the season is still to be played, while Liechtenstein’s other major representatives in Swiss football are USV Eschen/Mauren in the third tier and FC Balzers in the fourth tier. Whilst the national team has largely struggled during its existence, their dire record can only improve and with Vaduz’s presence in Switzerland’s top flight it will at least provide their Liechtenstein contingent the perfect opportunity to develop.
As expected, FC Vaduz are Liechtenstein's most recognised and dominant club having won the domestic cup competition no fewer than 37 times and consecutively since 1998. A cup triumph allows the victors the chance to play European football in the UEFA Cup First Qualifying Round, with FC Vaduz losing to Zrinjski Mostar of Bosnia and Herzegovina in this season's competition.
Liechtenstein’s seemingly doomed bid to qualify for the World Cup in 2010 starts next month in a daunting home fixture against Germany on September 6th before a less demanding journey to Azerbaijan four days later. A replication of their 2006 campaign, where they achieved their first home and away victories in a World Cup qualifier, would indicate healthy progress and the target should be to finish above Azerbaijan. Should they reproduce their infamous home draw against Portugal from two years ago, an abrupt shock could be awaiting Germany or Russia.
One team which can particularly claim to benefit the national team is FC Vaduz, who became Liechtenstein’s representative at the pinnacle of Swiss football. They were promoted from last season’s Swiss Challenge League to the Axpo Super League by finishing top of the division. Nine members of the national team are in their ranks, including defender Marco Ritzberger, and their promotion means they will face their greatest opposition ever in their history. FC Vaduz are currently lying 9th and in the relegation play-off spot but much of the season is still to be played, while Liechtenstein’s other major representatives in Swiss football are USV Eschen/Mauren in the third tier and FC Balzers in the fourth tier. Whilst the national team has largely struggled during its existence, their dire record can only improve and with Vaduz’s presence in Switzerland’s top flight it will at least provide their Liechtenstein contingent the perfect opportunity to develop.
As expected, FC Vaduz are Liechtenstein's most recognised and dominant club having won the domestic cup competition no fewer than 37 times and consecutively since 1998. A cup triumph allows the victors the chance to play European football in the UEFA Cup First Qualifying Round, with FC Vaduz losing to Zrinjski Mostar of Bosnia and Herzegovina in this season's competition.
Liechtenstein’s seemingly doomed bid to qualify for the World Cup in 2010 starts next month in a daunting home fixture against Germany on September 6th before a less demanding journey to Azerbaijan four days later. A replication of their 2006 campaign, where they achieved their first home and away victories in a World Cup qualifier, would indicate healthy progress and the target should be to finish above Azerbaijan. Should they reproduce their infamous home draw against Portugal from two years ago, an abrupt shock could be awaiting Germany or Russia.
Four Champions League Surprises
Four clubs surprised the pundits by pulling off impressive victories against higher ranked outfits. Based on current rankings:
- Anorthosis Famagusta (ranked 193) defeated Olympiacos (ranked 44)
- FC BATE Borisov (unranked) defeated Levski Sofia (ranked 80)
- Atlético Madrid (ranked 67) defeated Schalke 04 (ranked 22)
- Dynamo Kyiv (ranked 74) defeated Spartak Moscow (ranked 61)
FC BATE from Belarus and Anorthosis from Cyprus are the first clubs from their perspective countries to ever qualify for the UEFA Champions League.
Monday, August 25, 2008
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.
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.
Danny joins Zenit as Arshavin's future remains unclear
The future of Russian playmaker Andrei Arshavin still remains uncertain despite Zenit St Petersburg's signing of Portuguese midfielder Danny from rivals Dynamo Moscow. Zenit have paid a national record fee for a player in the Russian Premier League and Danny was expected to see the departure of Arshavin to Tottenham Hotspur. However, manager Dick Advocaat insists he remains a Zenit player until a they receive a suitable offer.
Danny has signed for Zenit for a fee worth £24 million and the highly-rated attacking midfielder has scored 17 goals in 97 appearances for Dinamo. An initial bid was rejected but Dinamo had no choice but the player expressed his desire to leave. Dick Advocaat has high hopes of his new signing and the immense transfer fee obviously suggests he has a strong regard for him. "I consider him the best midfielder in the Russian league and he can become a very useful member of our team. I see Danny as an attacking midfielder or winger."
When asked if the arrival of Danny would signal the end of the ongoing Arshavin transfer saga, Advocaat stated "No, because Andrei is still with Zenit, and I am still not sure if he is going away." Should Arshavin depart from the Russian champions it is likely to start a chain of other transfers. Bulgarian striker Dimitar Berbatov has handed in a transfer request at Tottenham and so they deem Arshavin as a direct replacement for him, while Berbatov seeks a "dream" move to Premiership champions Manchester United.
Danny has signed for Zenit for a fee worth £24 million and the highly-rated attacking midfielder has scored 17 goals in 97 appearances for Dinamo. An initial bid was rejected but Dinamo had no choice but the player expressed his desire to leave. Dick Advocaat has high hopes of his new signing and the immense transfer fee obviously suggests he has a strong regard for him. "I consider him the best midfielder in the Russian league and he can become a very useful member of our team. I see Danny as an attacking midfielder or winger."
When asked if the arrival of Danny would signal the end of the ongoing Arshavin transfer saga, Advocaat stated "No, because Andrei is still with Zenit, and I am still not sure if he is going away." Should Arshavin depart from the Russian champions it is likely to start a chain of other transfers. Bulgarian striker Dimitar Berbatov has handed in a transfer request at Tottenham and so they deem Arshavin as a direct replacement for him, while Berbatov seeks a "dream" move to Premiership champions Manchester United.
Soccer News of Interest
A listing of some interesting points from around the globe follows.
- Blackpool's Taylor-Fletcher is playing well at the start of the club's Championship campaign [@ Vital Blackpool]
- US international Michael Bradley again rumored with move to Middlesbrough [@ Yanks Soccer]
- Boro - Liverpool review with player ratings [@ Boro Mania]
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Chris James: The Future of New Zealand Soccer
Right now 28-year-old midfielder Chris James is starring for Tampere United in the Finnish Veikkausliiga. So far this season, James has notched five goals in 14 appearances. The former Fulham player actually played in over 30 matches for the various English youth squads, but decided to play his senior international soccer for the country of his birth with the New Zealand All Whites.
With Australia now off qualifying in Asia for the 2010 World Cup, New Zealand will likely come out of the Oceania bracket if the squad can outplay New Caledonia this September.
18-man All Whites squad.
Goalkeepers: Glen Moss (Wellington Phoenix ), Mark Paston (Wellington Phoenix)
Defenders: Andrew Boyens (New York Red Bulls), Tony Lochhead (Wellington Phoenix), David Mulligan (Wellington Phoenix), Ryan Nelsen (Blackburn Rovers), Steven Old (Macarthur Rams), Ben Sigmund (Wellington Phoenix)
Midfielders: Leo Bertos (Wellington Phoenix), Tim Brown (Wellington Phoenix), Jeremy Christie (Wellington Phoenix), Simon Elliott (Unattached), Chris James (Tampere United), Duncan Oughton (Columbus Crew), Allan Pearce (Waitakere United)
Forwards: Chris Killen (Celtic FC), Shane Smeltz (Wellington Phoenix), Jarrod Smith (Toronto FC)
Match Dates:
September 6 – New Caledonia vs New Zealand
Stade Numa-Daly Magenta
Noumea
Kickoff: 5pm in New Caledonia
September 10 – New Zealand vs New Caledonia
North Harbour Stadium
Albany, Auckland
Kickoff: 7.35pm in New Zealand
With Australia now off qualifying in Asia for the 2010 World Cup, New Zealand will likely come out of the Oceania bracket if the squad can outplay New Caledonia this September.
18-man All Whites squad.
Goalkeepers: Glen Moss (Wellington Phoenix ), Mark Paston (Wellington Phoenix)
Defenders: Andrew Boyens (New York Red Bulls), Tony Lochhead (Wellington Phoenix), David Mulligan (Wellington Phoenix), Ryan Nelsen (Blackburn Rovers), Steven Old (Macarthur Rams), Ben Sigmund (Wellington Phoenix)
Midfielders: Leo Bertos (Wellington Phoenix), Tim Brown (Wellington Phoenix), Jeremy Christie (Wellington Phoenix), Simon Elliott (Unattached), Chris James (Tampere United), Duncan Oughton (Columbus Crew), Allan Pearce (Waitakere United)
Forwards: Chris Killen (Celtic FC), Shane Smeltz (Wellington Phoenix), Jarrod Smith (Toronto FC)
Match Dates:
September 6 – New Caledonia vs New Zealand
Stade Numa-Daly Magenta
Noumea
Kickoff: 5pm in New Caledonia
September 10 – New Zealand vs New Caledonia
North Harbour Stadium
Albany, Auckland
Kickoff: 7.35pm in New Zealand
Cisse Stars for Sunderland
Talk about immediate impact. French international Djibril Cisse, on a season-long loan from Olympique de Marseille, scored the game winner against Tottenham Hotspur. Cisse's header in the final minutes of the match sent Spurs' supporters home with thoughts of last year's start-to-season disaster freshly entrenched in their minds.
Here are the rest of the scores from Saturday's Premiership action:
BLACKBURN ROVERS 1 HULL CITY 1
FULHAM 1 ARSENAL 0
LIVERPOOOL 2 MIDDLESBROUGH 1
NEWCASTLE UNITED 1 BOLTON WANDERERS 0
STOKE CITY 3 ASTON VILLA 2
WEST BROMWICH ALBION 1 EVERTON 2
Here are the rest of the scores from Saturday's Premiership action:
BLACKBURN ROVERS 1 HULL CITY 1
FULHAM 1 ARSENAL 0
LIVERPOOOL 2 MIDDLESBROUGH 1
NEWCASTLE UNITED 1 BOLTON WANDERERS 0
STOKE CITY 3 ASTON VILLA 2
WEST BROMWICH ALBION 1 EVERTON 2
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