Coming months crucial for Ukraine´s Euro 2012 plans, Platini
July 4, 2008
KIEV (AFP) - Ukraine’s ability to co-host Euro 2012 depends on what the country can achieve over the coming three months, UEFA president Michel Platini said here on Thursday.French football legend Platini has issued repeated warnings to Ukraine and co-hosts Poland, who in April 2007 were UEFA’s surprise pick to host the 2012 edition of the quadrennial, 16-nation championships, beating Italy and joint bidders Hungary and Croatia.
Platini has set the two countries a September 24 deadline to prove they are on target with their preparations.
"The coming three months will be very important for Ukraine," Platini told reporters at the end of a meeting with Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko. "Things can advance in a very, very positive manner," he added.
Platini, who described his impressions as "superb" after talks with the president and Prime Minister Yulia Timochenko, said he had received "oral guarantees" on the start of preparations.
"We now have meetings with all the experts in three months. And the final, final, final decision will be taken in Bordeaux at the end of September at the UEFA executive committee meeting.
"We still have the intention of doing the maximum so that conditions are met to go and play in Poland and Ukraine."
The Ukrainian leaders also moved to ease concerns over the country’s potential readiness.
"Ukraine guarantees that in 2012 we will organise this event at the highest level," Yushchenko said after talks with Platini.
Timochenko added: "We will do everything, even the impossible, so it becomes a great party for the whole world and Ukraine be a good partner."
Euro 2012 marks UEFA’s first major foray into the former communist bloc, where the challenges are massive.
Besides new stadiums, Poland and Ukraine have to bring their air, rail and road transport services and hotel sectors up to scratch to cope with the influx of fans.
Amid concerns about Poland and Ukraine’s capability, other nations have already begun pitching themselves as alternative hosts.
But Poland received a thumbs up from the 10-strong UEFA delegation on Wednesday.
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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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2008-06-25 - Germany v Turkey
June 22, 2008
Euro 20082008-06-25 - Germany v TurkeySports Betting Preview by chappers |
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EURO 2008 SF Basel, June 25 1945 BST GermanyAt the start of the tournament the Germans were the favourites to win the whole thing and they started of okay with a well drilled 2-0 win over Poland and to be honest they didn’t really have to try that hard in order to come away with the three points. Then or course came the result that shocked most people and that was the 2-0 defeat by Croatia and at this point, people started to question if the Germans had what it takes to make it through never mind win the tournament. In the third and final game of the group stages they had to beat Austria and while they did 1-0 it was not the best of performances but the win saw them make it to the knockout stages where they would met the in form Portugal. Well I say in form, but they had lost their last group stage game v Switzerland but they had rested players so Portugal was still favourites for this game. I also had Portugal to make it through and yet it was Germany who went 2-0 up in the first half and went on to win the game 3-2 and with a kind of performance which we are used to seeing from the Germans and maybe they have found some form as the tournament comes to its conclusion. TurkeyTurkey have made the semi finals but not many people will no how as they have not really played what you could call great football but do have a never say die attitude which has served them well so far. It the opening game they lose easy enough to Portugal and to be honest for me the 2-0 score line should have been more. They then went on to beat the co-hosts Switzerland 2-1 with a last minute goal to set up a do or die game v the Czech Republic that looked lost when they went 2-0 down. However this do or die atatudie I was talking about served them well again and they scored three goals in the last fifteen minutes to not only win the game but make it through to the quarter finals. So last night I managed to miss the entire first half and most of the second as I was at the cricket but did listen to the commentary on the way back and it did seem that Croatia were the better team and should have been wining the game, but it went to extra time and then with about 90 seconds left, Croatia scored and it looked like it was all over for the Turks, but a long punt up the field and then the goal went in and Turkey took the game to penalties. Croatia decided that scoring pens or even hitting the target was not on the agenda and Turkey set up this game v Germany with a 3-1 win and once more the never say die attitude did well for them. VerdictTwo main questions to be asked in this game and they are, will Turkey have enough to go through and keep lady luck shining down on them and is the price on Germany value for money. Now Turkey have suspensions and injuries and for me are just not good enough to beat Germany who while still not really setting the tournament on fire will be too strong for the Turks. So the price on a Germany win @ 1.44 seems fair enough and I just really cannot see past a German win here.
The Pick :
FIXED ODDS BETTING :Pick Germany to win @ 1.44
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2008-06-20 - Croatia v Turkey
June 20, 2008
Euro 20082008-06-20 - Croatia v TurkeySports Betting Preview by Auls |
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CroatiaCroatia were the surprise winners of Group B and must be confidant of reaching the Semi Finals of this tournament. I really thought the loss of Eduardo would affect this team, and in a way it has, and I once again state it is the reason why I dont think they will win this competition. England should still watch out when it comes to World Cup Qualifying though. Croatia won all 3 matches in the group stage and did it by only scoring 4 goals but only conceding 1 goal. A win over Germany shows they are capable of springing a surprise or 2. Croatia did nothing to justify their ‘dark horses’ tag in their first game with Austria, struggling to a 0-1 win in a game that could have been drawn. They followed that up with a deserved success over Germany 2-1 before ending their group campaign with a 1-0 win over Poland even though they had made a number of changes to their first team. Slaven Bilic is not a manager that deals with cliche or minces his words and has openly stated that he is confidant Croatia can beat Turkey because they are ‘better’. The initial goal was to reach the Quarter Finals, according to Bilic, but that is no longer enough and Croatia are sure they will not let a lead slip if they gain one over the Turks. Ivan Rakitic is struggling with an injury but Darijo Srna has recovered from one and will start. TurkeyWith 15 minutes left in Geneva on Sunday night, it looked all over for the Turkish side as they trailed 0-2 to the Czech Republic in a must not lose match. However, everything turned sour for the Czechs and Turkey came away with a fabulous 3-2 victory, thanks largely to a bad bit of goalkeeping from the normally reliable Petr Cech. This game the Turks 2 wins, both from losing positions, in the group coupled with a defeat to Portugal to allow Turkey to progress to this game. Turkey looked really average in their first game with Portugal, losing 2-0 but it could have been much much worse. They then were 1-0 to Switzerland before a very strong second half allowed them to win with the last kick of the game 1-2. Their final game with the Czechs was memorable but it has me wondering how much it has taken out of the players and the sending off of their keeper will hurt too. Fatih Terim remains confident in his side to progress to perhaps a revenge mission over Portugal. They believe they can counter the physical Croatians and then rely on their own superior technique to get them through. Volkan Demirel is suspended in goal and so the evergreen Rustu Recbar comes into the side and on his day is a very able replacement. Mehmet Aurelio is also suspended in his defensive midfield holding role and Emre Gungor, Servet Cetin and Gokhan Zan could all be missing through injury. Head to HeadCroatia and Turkey have only ever met on 3 occasions, with the Croats winning 1 and 2 draws. The 2 nations have only met 1 time in the last 8 years, back in 2004 in a friendly in Croatia. That match ended 2-2. PredictionTurkey are missing 2 influential players for their side in Demirel and Aurelio, while their defence is suffering from injuries. These factors could contribute in making this game a step too far for them. Croatia have been more assured in their last 2 games after a nervy opening game with Austria and seem to have settled into the tournament. They are extremely confidant in their own abilities and are worthy favourites coming into the match. I think this could be quite an exciting game, even though it doesnt have the star power of the other 3 quarter finals. Croatia must be backed to get through and seem to have the more reliable defence of the 2 sides. With Turkey also missing their goalkeeper and protecting midfielder, I would expect Croatia to come through fairly easily.
The Pick :
FIXED ODDS BETTING :Croatia WIN HANDICAP BETTING :Croatia - 0.75
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Croatia - Turkey Preview
June 20, 2008
VIENNA (SW) - The second quarter final match at Euro 2008 means a clash between tournament dark horses Croatia and Germany. Neither ever reached the semi finals.
Croatia surprised by winning Group B with wins over all of their opponents. The 1-0 victory over Austria was a bit fortunate but the following 2-1 win over Germany was more convincing. The reserve team then went on to beat Poland 1-0 in the final game.
Croatian manager Bilic will have to do without Knezevic, whose injury rules him out for the rest of the tournament.
And today it was revealed that free kick specialist Rakitic might miss the match due to a painful knee, and will be undergoing late tests on Friday.
After losing 2-0 to Portugal in their opening match, Turkey needed all of their skills to survive. A late goal against Switzerland (2-1) earned them their first points and a miraculous escape versus the Czech Republic (3-2) got them into the quarter finals.
In the match with Croatia, the Turks will be without first choice goalkeeper Volkan Demirel who is suspended for two games after pushing Jan Koller in the final group match.
But manager Fatih Terim will rely on the experience of reserve keeper Rüstü Reçber, whose presence is now more welcome than ever.
Turkey and Croatia met three times before, but only once in a competitive match. At the 1996 World Championships, Croatia won 1-0, but would eventually lose to Germany in the quarter finals.
UEFA have assigned Roberto Rosetti to be Friday’s referee, assisted by fellow Italians Alessandro Griselli and Paolo Calcagno as linesmen and Manuel Mejuto González as fourth official.
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