Robinho: I won´t be makeweight in Ronaldo deal
July 14, 2008
MADRID (AFP) - Brazilian international striker Robinho said on Sunday he didn’t want to be sold so Real Madrid could afford to bring Cristiano Ronaldo to Spanish champions Real Madrid from English Premiership titleholders Manchester United.
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Real, Man Utd bosses ´to meet over Ronaldo saga´
July 7, 2008
MADRID (AFP) - Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon and Manchester United chief executive David Gill will hold talks in Switzerland next week over Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo, the Spanish sports daily AS reported Saturday.
The private talks will take place on Monday at UEFA’s headquarters in Nyon on the sidelines of a wider meeting of European clubs, AS said.
United on Friday moved to quell further talk that their prize asset was about to link up with the Bernabeu club, saying the rumours were "utter nonsense and totally laughable. Cristiano Ronaldo is not for sale".
Manchester United have repeatedly said the player - whose contract runs until 2012 - is definitely not for sale.
Last month the club reported nine-time European champions Real to UEFA for trying to unsettle Ronaldo, though the global governing body have yet to make their decision known.
Ronaldo, currently an injury concern, is not scheduled to join the club on their pre-season tour of South Africa which begins on July 18.
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Ronaldo going nowhere say United
July 5, 2008
MANCHESTER, England (AFP) - Manchester United said Friday the latest reports claiming star winger Cristiano Ronaldo was about to move to Spanish giants Real Madrid were "utter nonsense" and insisted the Portugal international was not for sale.
Ronaldo, a boyhood Real fan, has been linked with a move to the Spanish capital since the end of last season even though he scored a hugely impressive 42 goals in all competitions last term as United won both the Premier League and Champions League trophies.
The 23-year-old may miss the start of next season should he need surgery on an ankle injury.
In the meantime, United insisted their prize asset would not be joining Real within the next few days. "It is utter nonsense and totally laughable. Cristiano Ronaldo is not for sale," said a club spokesman.
United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has become increasingly frustrated by Real’s very public courting of Ronaldo, whose Old Trafford contract runs until 2012. And that led United to report the Bernabeu club to FIFA although the global governing body have taken no action against Real.
Were Ronaldo to leave Old Trafford, it is unlikely he would depart for a fee of much less than 70 million pounds.
United leave for their tour of South Africa on July 18 but Ronaldo was not scheduled to be a member of the squad for that pre-season trip.
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2008-06-29 - Germany v Spain
June 28, 2008
UEFA Euro 2008 - Final
Ernst Happel Stadion, Vienna
Sunday 29th June 2008 - KO 19:45
After 30 games over 3 weeks, Euro 2008 reaches its climax on Sunday as Germany take on Spain in Vienna at 7:45pm.
Despite being labelled a ‘poor’ German team by many pundits, they have, as they did in 2002 and 2006, overcome these criticisms to show you can never write of the Germans.
As always Spain entered the competition with great expectations, but this time there was also a real belief amongst both the squad and the fans that this side had the resilience needed to win a major tournament.
GERMANY 4-0-1 10:6
Three times champions Germany look to continue their impressive form in this competition as they enter their sixth final, but their first in twelve years.
Although they started the tournament as favourites, due in part to the relative weakness of Group B, many people believed their workman like team would struggle against more skilled outfits once they reached the knockout stages.
Their first real challenge came against a fancied Portuguese team, led by Cristiano Ronaldo, who had been impressive in their first two group games.
However, early goals from Bastain Schweinsteiger and Miroslav Klose gave the Portuguese a shock they could not recover from, despite Nuno Gomes’ reply five minutes from half time. Germany were never truly stretched, and in the 62nd minute Ballack sealed it with a header from a Schweinsteiger free kick, despite Postiga’s consolation goal three minutes from time.
The semi final win over a depleted Turkey was not as comfortable, as first they had to come from behind, and then score in injury time to seal their place in Vienna.
Germany were big favourites to beat the injury ravaged Turks, but were outplayed in the first half, and were fortunate to be level at half time. Ugar Boral had given Turkey a deserved lead after they dominated the opening twenty minutes, but that lead lasted just five minutes as Schweinsteiger flicked in a cross from Podolski.
In a tight second half Klose looked to have won it for the Germans ten minutes from time as he capitalised on a mistake from Rustu to head Germany into the lead.
However the Turks have made scoring late goals their speciality in this tournament, and did it again for the fourth game in a row, thanks to Semih Sentruck, and everyone prepared for extra time.
Everyone except Phillip Lahm that is, as his surging run from full back caught the Turks napping, and he lashed home Hitzlspe rger‘s pass from six yards to seal Germany’s place in the final.
SPAIN 4-1-0 11:3
Spain have been the neutral’s choice due to their open and exciting approach, and are the tournament’s top scorers with 11 goals, one more than the Germans, while David Villa is the top scorer so far with four, three of which came in their opening game, where they swept aside the Russians 4-1.
Consecutive 2-1 wins in their final two group games against Sweden and Greece earned them top spot in Group D, and a quarter final clash with the Italians.
The two sides took very different approaches to the game, resulting in Spain dominating the 90 minutes as their attacking brand of football was restrained by the Italians typical defensive position.
Spain had the best chances in normal time, coming closest to scoring when Buffon spilled Marco Senna’a shot, only to see it hit the post and come back into his arms. The match inevitably went to penalties and looked set to favour the Italians, as it looked as though they had played for that outcome since the start.
History was also not on Spain’s side, as they had previously lost three quarter finals by penalty shot outs, all on the 22nd June. However, this time they held their nerve to win the shoot out 4-2, Casillas saving two kicks to give Fabregas the chance to shoot the Spanish into the semi-final.
Their semi final pitted them against their opponents from the first round, a Russian team this time with Andrei Arshavin. The opening half was tight, with both teams predictably cancelling each other out following their opening group game.
The second half saw the attacking Spain of the last three weeks emerge, with Fabregas, who had come on for an injured David Villa, and Xavi opening the scoring on 50 minutes. Guiza and Silva then put the game beyond the Russians with strikes in the 73rd and 82nd minute respectively, to seal Spain’s first tournament final place since the Euros of 1984.
HEAD TO HEAD
Germany and Spain have met each other 19 times, and Germany have won eight of these contests, while Spain proved the strongest on five occasions.
At the World Cup and European Championship, the two teams have played each other five times, with Germany winning three times and Spain having the upper hand only once.
The last time these two met was a friendly in February 2003, which Spain won 3-1.
TEAM NEWS
Germany coach Joachim Low must decide whether to recall Torsten Frings for Sunday’s Euro 2008 final against Spain.
The midfielder has declared himself fit after recovering from a broken rib and could replace Simon Rolfes (cut eye) in the only change to the side.
Spain striker David Villa will miss Sunday’s Euro 2008 final against Germany, the Spanish football federation have confirmed.
Villa, 26, injured a thigh muscle in Thursday’s semi-final win over Russia.
THE VERDICT
Looking at the tournament as a whole, Spain have produced the better record and against tougher teams - and with the semi-final in mind it’s easy to see why Spain are considered warm favourites.
Taking each round seperately, there would only be one occasion so far when I would give Germany the nod, and that would be in the Quarter-finals when I felt the 3-2 win over Portugal was a better performance than Spain’s 0-0 draw with Italy.
The absence of David Villa is a "headline" blow, but in truth Villa only scored in the group games, and if his absence means that Arsenal’s Cesc Fabregas starts then I would argue that it actually makes Spain stronger.
The only concern might be if Aragones takes a cautious approach and decides to revert to a 4-5-1 with Torres upfront as a lone striker - because that’s a plan that might result in a DRAW at 90 minutes.
Given my estimated percentages, I’m looking for prices of 3.30 on Germany or the Draw and a price of 2.50 on Spain - and the bookmakers are also pitching the game around that level.
The Pick :
PERCENTAGE ESTIMATE :
FIXED ODDS BETTING :
I see this game as being much like the 2002 World Cup final - with a hardworking German team up against a more skillful opponent. It was close for a long time but eventually Brazil won 2-0.
So I’m going to oppose my percentages a bit and take SPAIN to win here - assuming that having Fabregas on from the start might actually raise that winning chance a bit and make the prices fair value.
Beware the German experience and craftiness though - you can never write them off - so a correct score saver of 1-1 DRAW might be worth a play.
(or else check out that "cash-back" page - to see which bookmakers are offering an angle to give you a bit of "insurance" if the bet goes wrong)
Good luck - and I hope the previews have been helpful for you this month!
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Euro 2008 - Euro Power Rankings
June 24, 2008
Spain and Germany will contest the final of Euro 2008, but which side goes into the game on top of our Euro Power Rankings?
(Previous ranking in brackets)
1. Spain (3)
Spain really turned on the style in their semi-final victory over Russia, and will go into the final backed by neutrals everywhere. Their slick passing football is a joy to watch, but their unquestionably talented players will have to hold their nerve if they are to secure only a second major championship in their history.
2. Germany (1)
Joachim Loew’s men were second best for the vast majority of their semi-final against Turkey, but managed to stumble into the final thanks to Philipp Lahm’s late strike. They have yet to really convince in this tournament, but the fact that they are in the final is testament to their extraordinary resilience.
3. Turkey (4)
The quality of their performance against Germany, with a squad of just 14, proved that they were more than worthy of a place in the last four, after critics had suggested that their run to the semi-finals owed more to luck than anything else. Turkey’s contribution to the tournament will live long in the memory.
4. Russia (2)
Guus Hiddink’s side thrilled in the 3-1 quarter-final victory over the Netherlands but were distinctly average in the semi-final defeat to Spain. Players like Andrei Arshavin and flying full-back Yuri Zhirkov really caught the eye, but after all the excitement the fact remains that they really impressed in only two matches.
5. Netherlands (5)
Good lord, how did we not see this one coming? Marco van Basten’s men went from majestic to mediocre as Russia ran them ragged. 150,000 orange-clad fans in Basel saw yet another major championship end in heartache, although at least they didn’t lose on penalties this time.
6. Croatia (6)
Slaven Bilic’s men won over neutrals everywhere with their incisive passing style, but having been a minute away from the last four they lost their nerve completely when their quarter-final with Turkey went to penalties. England fans will surely sympathise.
7. Portugal (7)
Terrible defensive errors cost them dearly against a far from vintage Germany side, while the anonymous performance of Cristiano Ronaldo suggested that he might just have to wait for that Ballon d’Or.
8. Italy (8)
Did what they do best for 120 minutes against Spain before allowing a team with an awful record at penalty shootouts to beat them. A run to the quarter-finals is hardly a disgraceful performance (unlike that of, say, France) but the style of football employed by Roberto Donadoni has won the Azzurri few friends.
9. Czech Republic (9)
Took part in the best game of Euro 2004, beating the Netherlands 3-2. Their 3-2 defeat to Turkey will take some beating this time around, but the Czechs are on their way home after a dramatic collapse in Geneva.
10. Romania (10)
Sorry to say it, but Romania blew it when they had the Group of Death at their mercy. Adrian Mutu’s penalty miss against Italy turned out to prove decisive as they failed to cut it against a Dutch reserve side.
11. Switzerland (11)
Performed admirably in their 2-0 win over an admittedly weakened Portugal side, and finally had the luck that deserted them in their first two games. At least co-hosts Austria have followed them out.
12. Sweden (12)
Ancient, plodding and completely outplayed. The Swedes were never at the races against Russia and were deservedly sent packing. The oldest squad at Euro 2008 looked devoid of ideas with Zlatan Ibrahimovic below full fitness.
13. Greece (13)
Ensured they at least found the net before heading home, but three straight defeats add up to a dismal title defence by anyone’s standards. Otto Rehhagel may now choose to bow out with his head held high.
14. Austria (14)
Plucky, and they gave Germany a run for their money for 45 minutes. Although they weren’t as bad as the pre-tournament petition suggested, no goals from open play is a telling story.
15. Poland (15)
A late penalty awarded by Howard Webb led to two dropped points against Austria and the defeat against Croatia completed a damp squib of a tournament for the Poles. Ebi Smolarek, Jacek Krzynowek and Mariusz Lewandowski didn’t turn up.
16. France (16)
No team played worse at Euro 2008 than Les Bleus, who were dull against Romania, overwhelmed by the Dutch and completely self-destructed in their biggest match since the 2006 World Cup final. Madame Guillotine is already hurtling towards Raymond Domenech’s head.
Come back each day as we revise our Euro 2008 rankings!
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