Spain Dominate Team of EURO 2008

The UEFA Technical Team has named its UEFA EURO 2008™ Team of the Tournament, with no fewer than nine Spanish players being picked in the final 23.

Team breakdown

The nine-strong group of experienced football technicians who have followed every game at the tournament decided the selection – and the success of Luis Aragonés's side was underlined by the fact nine Spain players made the cut, with the remainder of the squad comprising three players from runners-up Germany, four from Russia, two each from the Netherlands and Portugal and a single player representing Turkey, Croatia and Italy.

'Not about reputations'

UEFA technical director Andy Roxburgh said: "The Team of the Tournament is something we put into our technical report for our coaching colleagues. We give them pointers on the players that our technical experts have appreciated during this event. This team is very much self-contained in terms of the tournament – this is not about reputations. In fact there are only four players in here who were in our UEFA Champions League team of the competition. It's all very much about the performances in this competition. We haven't included anybody who was knocked out in the group phase."

UEFA EURO 2008™ Team of the Tournament:

Goalkeepers: Gianluigi Buffon (Italy), Iker Casillas (Spain), Edwin van der Sar (Netherlands).

Defenders: Bosingwa (Portugal), Philipp Lahm (Germany), Carlos Marchena (Spain), Pepe (Portugal), Carles Puyol (Spain), Yuri Zhirkov (Russia).

Midfielders: Hamit Altıntop (Turkey), Luka Modrić (Croatia), Marcos Senna (Spain), Xavi Hernández (Spain), Konstantin Zyryanov (Russia), Michael Ballack (Germany), Cesc Fàbregas (Spain), Andrés Iniesta (Spain), Lukas Podolski (Germany), Wesley Sneijder (Netherlands).

Forwards: Andrei Arshavin (Russia), Roman Pavlyuchenko (Russia), Fernando Torres (Spain), David Villa (Spain).

Source: uefa.com

Xavi Hernández Emerges as EURO's Top Man

Spain midfielder Xavi Hernández Creus has been named the best player at Euro 2008 after his stirring displays helped his country to the title.

The 28-year-old Barcelona player, the heartbeat of Spain's midfield during the tournament, was voted the Castrol player of the tournament by a nine-strong panel of UEFA's technical experts.

He appeared in five matches at the finals, scoring once in the semi-final against Russia, as Spain earned their first major international success since beating the Soviet Union to win the 1964 UEFA European Championship. His ability to dictate the pace of the game from midfield brought him to the attention of the UEFA Technical Team who decide upon the Castrol Player of the Tournament, taking into account votes from the public.

UEFA technical director Andy Roxburgh said: "We chose him because we think he epitomises the Spanish style of play. He was extremely influential in the whole possession, passing, penetrating kind of game that Spain played."

The 1-0 final victory over Germany in Vienna marked Xavi's 63rd cap for Spain since his debut – made together with team-mate Carles Puyol – against the Netherlands on 15 November

2000. He had been an unused squad player with Spain at UEFA EURO 2004™ in Portugal but was

a first-team regular by the time of the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany, and showed

maturity and no small amount of brilliance in Austria and Switzerland.

There was no place for Cristiano Ronaldo in the 23-man squad of the tournament however. Andy Roxburgh explained Ronaldo's absence was due to the fact Portugal did not progress further in the tournament. Nine of the 23 players in the squad of the tournament were Spanish, but Roxburgh said Xavi stood out.

Xavier Hernández was born at January 25, 1980, in Terrassa, Catalonia, Spain. He is normally known as Xavi. He currently plays for FC Barcelona and has been capped 60 times for the Spanish national team. He played for his country at 2000 Summer Olympics, 2002 World Cup, Euro 2004, 2006 World Cup and Euro 2008.

Xavi won his first Spanish cap on November 15, 2000 against the Netherlands and has since been a regular fixture in the Spanish squad.

Source: eufa.com, sportinglife.com

Cesc Fabregas keen to avoid more 'hurt'

Cesc Fabregas is desperate to avoid a repeat of the 'hurt' of losing a major final when Spain do battle with Germany on Sunday.

Arsenal midfielder Fabregas suffered heartache when the Gunners were defeated in the 2006 UEFA Champions League final against Barcelona.

But two years on the 21-year-old is ready to do 'whatever it takes' to claim glory when the Spanish take on Germany in the Euro 2008 final at the Ernst-Happel Stadion.

"I know what it's like losing a big final," Fabregas said. "I know just how much it hurts - and I don't want to do it again.

"Of course we haven't achieved our objective yet. We can't draw the line with getting to the final. We want to go home with the cup.

"We have 90 or 120 minutes left or even 125 minutes with the penalties, whatever it takes to go home with the trophy."

Ballack threat

Fabregas went on to highlight the threat of Germany captain Michael Ballack, who has impressed during this summer's tournament.

"Ballack has been doing a massive job for them," Fabregas explained."Defensively and attacking he's one of the best players of the tournament for me. It is why we will have to try to play our best game of the tournament. They are a very competitive side, a very strong team and so difficult to beat."

Meanwhile, striker Fernando Torres believes Spain, who are without an international title since 1964, could be about to embark on a successful era after the country reached their first major final since 1984.

Making history

The Liverpool forward said in The Sun: "This team is already making history, but we can do even more.

"We know we made history but we also know we can do more in the future. We are very proud to play the final and against Germany, who are a great rival.

"I hope the best is yet to come. I think it's a huge success that Spain are in the final after such a long time but we are not satisfied with that. We want to be champions."

Francesc "Cesc" Fàbregas Soler born at 4 May 1987 in Arenys de Mar, Barcelona, Spain. He is a Catalan footballer who plays as a central midfielder for Arsenal in the English Premier League and for the Spanish national team. Fàbregas started his career as a trainee with FC Barcelona but was signed by Arsenal in September 2003.

As a result of his club performances, he was called up the senior squad and played in the 2006 World Cup. In 2006, Fàbregas committed his long-term future to Arsenal and signed an eight-year contract.

Source: skysports

Adebayor: Exit may benefit club

Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor has admitted he does not know where his future lies following interest from 'one of the biggest clubs in the world'.

Adebayor gave conflicting messages over his Emirates Stadium future on Friday after he initially stated he will remain in North London before conceding that he has yet to make a definitive decision.

Serie A giants Milan, who will play in the Uefa Cup next season, have made no secret of their interest in the Togo international and will be eagerly anticipating the expected announcement on his future next week.

The Gunners will be desperate to hold onto Adebayor after he struck an impressive 30 goals last season, but the former Monaco forward feels an exit would not necessarily be detrimental to the club, who paid £7million for his services in 2006.


Dream

"I had a dream of playing for Arsenal, and Arsenal are one of the loveliest clubs in the world," he said.

"When I go back to Africa it is obvious that a lot of people love the club. But now I have a chance of playing with one of the biggest clubs in the world.

"I haven't had a chance to speak to the manager yet. But we will sit down next week and decide what is good for my career.

"We will have to meet with the manager before anything can be decided. But, as you know better than anyone, a lot of teams want me to play for them.

"It will not be a difficult decision. I'm just going to sit down with my agent and with my family and decide what is good for my career.

"If they're going to get 50million for me and they bought me for 10million, everyone is getting the benefits.


Unsure

"They have to make a good decision and I have to make a good decision. I have asked Arsenal to look at it and see what they want.

"I have a promise from the manager Arsene Wenger that they will call me next week. I am waiting for their answer and next week I will decide.

"I need to know before I come back to train on 21st July. At the moment, I am in a position that I don't know where I will play."

Source: skysports.com

Daniel Güiza makes case for starting role

It has been a heady rise for Spain striker Daniel González Güiza. The previously unsung 27-year-old RCD Mallorca forward forced himself into the reckoning for UEFA EURO 2008 after finishing the season as the Primera División's leading scorer, and has seized his chance here with two goals in three appearances. It is an impressive return for a player who only made his international debut in Spain's final qualifier against Northern Ireland in November.

Güiza scored the winner against Greece in Spain's final Group D game then hit another in the 3-0 semi-final victory against Russia, flicking the ball over Igor Akinfeev after being played through by Cesc Fàbregas. With David Villa injured, coach Luis Aragonés is likely to give either Güiza or Fàbregas a starting role in the final against Germany and the Mallorca man is desperate for the chance.

"Of course you dream, and my dream has always been to play in the final with the Spanish national team," he said. "Now we have the opportunity and we have to see if we can make it happen. [Villa] is an important player for us. He has had a great EURO and he deserved to participate in the final with us. But, we have to continue and focus on this important match now. There are more players."


Fàbregas key

Aragonés will choose between the 4-4-2 system that has brought such success so far or switch to 4-5-1 as he did against Russia following Villa's injury. The feeling is he will go for the latter to accommodate Cesc Fàbregas, who swung the momentum in an even semi-final Spain's way after replacing Villa on 34 minutes. The Arsenal FC midfielder had a part to play in all three Spain goals, picking out Andrés Iniesta who crossed for Xavi Hernández to score the first, teeing up Güiza for the second then feeding David Silva to complete the scoring on 82 minutes.

"He [Fabregas] was fantastic," concedes Güiza. "He is a great player and of the highest quality. My goal was mainly due to his assist."

The question now is which of the two will replace Villa in the side for the final. "I keep on training hard and then it's up to the coach to decide," Güiza said. "I don't know, of course it crosses my mind, but I have no idea."

Daniel Güiza was born at August 17, 1980 in Jerez de la Frontera, Cádiz.

Source: euro2008.uefa.com
Photo: ©Getty Images / uefa.com

David Villa Out of Final

Spain coach Luis Aragones says David Villa will miss Sunday's Euro 2008 against Germany.

The Valencia striker was forced out of Thursday's 3-0 victory over Russia on 34 minutes after pulling a leg muscle.

Villa, who helped himself to a hat-trick in Spain's 4-1 group success over Russia, will now sit out the final in Vienna.

"Villa won't be playing in the final. He suffered a muscle strain," confirmed Aragones after their semi-final success.

David Villa is still a top scorer in Euro 2008 with four goals. The absent of the Spain hit-man open a chance for German striker Lukas Podolski to get a golden ball, an award for top scorer in this cup.

Villa's place in the side could well be taken by Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas, who impressed off the bench in their semi-final triumph over Russia.

Villa came off after 35 minutes to be replaced by Cesc Fabregas after appearing to injure himself taking a free kick. Sunday's final will be played at the Ernst Happel stadium.

Born at 3 December 1981, in Langreo, the Asturias region in Northern Spain, Villa got his professional breakthrough at his local club Sporting de Gijón, for whom he made his first-team debut in the 2000–01 season.

Real Zaragoza bought him in the summer of 2003, and Villa led his new club to a Copa del Rey victory scoring the winning goal against Real Madrid.

Soon after he earned his first international call-up and cap, Valencia decided to take a chance on him and parted with €12 million (£8.2 million) to secure his services in the summer of 2005.

Villa made his national debut on 9 February 2005 in Almeria. It was a match between Spain and San Marino in which Spain won 5–0.

Villa was included in Spain's 23 man squad for the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany, and was favoured over the more established striker Raúl, to line up alongside Fernando Torres in the opening match against Ukraine. And he made his first World Cup finals appearance scoring twice against Ukraine.

Source: skysports.com, iht.com, wikipedia.org

How the Impish Arshavin Became Russia's Danger Man

By Luke Harding in Moscow

It has been one of the great enigmas of Euro 2008. Why has a forward of the quality of Andrei Arshavin, Russia's exquisitely gifted playmaker, not previously attracted international recognition?

Victory for Russia on Thursday night against Spain would be likely to confirm 27-year-old Arshavin as the player of the tournament. This would follow his pivotal role in Russia's 3-1 demolition of Holland during the quarter-finals and their 2-0 mobbing of Sweden.

In fact, Russian sports journalists identified Arshavin as a world-class player a long time ago - in 2004. But several factors conspired to prevent Arshavin from reaching his current inspirational greatness, they suggest.

These include Russia's failure to progress at major tournaments.

A more profound obstacle has been Arshavin's immaturity or - as one observer put it - his propensity to behave "like a spoiled kid". "We started to talk about Arshavin when he was 23. He was playing for Zenit St Petersburg. It was already clear he was very talented," Anton Lisin, a journalist with Sovietsky Sport told the Guardian.

"He was driven. He was highly skilful. Technically he was a very good player. He could see the pitch. And he was an outstanding passer of the ball." The problem, according to Lisin, was Arshavin's erratic temperament.

Born in St Petersburg, Russia's gritty second city, Arshavin grew up in a working-class Soviet family. His father was a gifted amateur footballer, but never quite made it professionally.

Aged seven, Andrei enrolled in St Petersburg's 'Smena' football academy.

Contemporaries remember him as a slight, rosy-cheeked boy - with a preternatural ability to read and pass the ball. "Arshavin was always quite small. He didn't stand out. But as soon as he received the ball he was a totally different person," Sergei Gordeev, who coached Arshavin from the age of 11, said. "He was very good at draughts. Unusually for a footballer he had strong mathematical abilities."

He had also, improbably, managed to attend a technology and design institute in St Petersburg devoted to sewing. Here, he designed a range of sportswear. He later boasted that he enrolled on the sewing course because he was the only boy in a group of 20 attractive young women.

In 1999 Arshavin began playing in the reserves of Zenit, his local team, making his first-team debut in 2000 in an Intertoto Cup tie away to Bradford City. Zenit won 3-0.

At Zenit, Arshavin was among a nucleus of young, outstanding players who included Vladimir Bystrov and Alexander Kerzhakov. The three formed an exclusive circle. Arshavin was known as 'Shava', an affectionate nickname meaning little dog. "They were enfants terribles and rather stand-offish," Lisin said. "Nobody else could get close to them."

Tensions with Zenit's coach Vlastimil Petrzela saw Bystrov depart Zenit for FC Spartak. Kerzhakov pushed off to FC Dynamo. Arshavin, meanwhile, was passed over for Russia's national squad, and didn't take part in the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea. Russia failed to qualify for Euro 2004, again depriving Arshavin of a chance to shine on the international stage.

Contemporaries suggest that Arshavin's self-confidence - at times bordering on arrogance - did him few favours. Critics accused him of laziness and lack of match fitness. They suggested he failed to help his defenders, often jogging back languidly from his opponent's goal.

In 2006 Dick Advocaat, Zenit's Dutch trainer, famously benched Arshavin and two other Zenit players after they went clubbing the night before a crucial game with FC Spartak. Arshavin's exile did not last long: he was swiftly recalled from the B-team.

But Arshavin reacted badly to the snub. "He basically behaved like a big child. He was disappointed by Advocaat's decision. His football suffered. He didn't have a good 2006 or early 2007," Lisin said. "Advocaat even remarked: 'I don't know what happened to Arshavin.'"

Others recall that Arshavin would behave disdainfully towards journalists.

While other players would give interviews in the post-match 'mix zone', Arshavin would saunter past, munching an apple.

Ultimately, however, it was Advocaat and Guus Hiddink who proved the key to unlocking Arshavin's late-blossoming talent. Realising that Soviet-style coaching methods were not getting results, Russia's Roman Abramovich-backed football association sent for Dutch managers - in much the same way that Peter the Great sent for Dutch shipbuilders in the 17th century in an attempt to transform Russia into a great naval power.

The Dutch coaches injected a new seriousness and professionalism into Zenit - since 2006 backed by Russia's state gas juggernaut Gazprom. Gradually, Hiddink revolutionised Russia's national side. In 2007 Arshavin became Zenit captain.

His late-discovered maturity may also have something to do with his personal happiness. He married his girlfriend Yulia in 2003, and now has two small children, Artyom, two-and-a-half, and Alina, two months.

There have been occasional flickers of Arshavin's former sulkiness. During Russia's Euro 2008 qualifier against Andorra, Arshavin got himself sent off for a reckless foul during a moment when it seemed England would qualify at Russia's expense. The red card meant he missed Russia's first two Euro 2008 matches - the 4-1 drubbing by Spain and 1-0 victory over Greece.

Latterly Arshavin has shone. He led Zenit to victory in the Uefa Cup final against Rangers and was crucial to Russia's 2-1 victory over England last October during the Euro 2008 qualifiers. In Austria and Switzerland, Hiddink has handled Arshavin to perfection, hinting before the tournament that Arshavin - now a national icon in Russia - might not play a part.

After the debacle against Spain, Hiddink opened up Russia's training session to the public. Angry Russian fans heckled the squad. The trick worked. He also roused the Russian team an hour earlier than scheduled for its encounter with Greece.

Today Zenit confirmed that Arshavin will almost certainly leave the club following Euro 2008. "If Arshavin feels he needs to bring on his career in one of the top footballing countries we will not stand in his way," Alexei Blinov, Zenit's spokesman, told the Guardian.

Arshavin has made it clear his preferred destination is Barcelona and La Liga. He is a passionate Barcelona supporter. Friends recall how as a teenager he would spend hours playing Football Manager on the computer – he would start by managing a fourth-division English club, but would inevitably finish as manager of Barca.

"As a boy his dream was to play for Barcelona. He worshipped Barcelona," Gordeev, his former coach, said. But with no offer from Barcelona so far, there is still a strong possibility that Arshavin could play in the Premier League. Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City are all reportedly interested in him.

And yet despite his superlative Euro 2008 run, there are still question marks over Arshavin's temperament. This may persuade top European clubs to modulate their offers for him - which are said to be in the region of €10-20m. As Lisin says: "During this tournament Arshavin has been like Cinderella. But nobody quite knows whether, when the clock strikes midnight, he will stay a princess or turn back into a pumpkin."

Source: guardian.co.uk
Photograph: AFP/Getty Images

Adebayor on Course for Milan move, Claims Agent

Emmanuel Adebayor's departure from Arsenal moved a step closer today when his agent, Vincenzo Morabito, claimed Milan now have a "70 to 80% chance" of signing the forward.

The Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani said last week that Adebayor was his club's sole transfer target this summer. It now appears that the Rossoneri are close to securing a deal for the striker, with Arsenal reportedly already searching for his replacement.

"Milan have already stated their position, while Arsenal have started moving in the market in the hunt for an attacker to replace Adebayor," Morabito told Italian television channel Mediaset.

"Until that search ends the deal won't move forward but I am quite optimistic because Arsenal are looking for a player. They're talking about [Mario] Gomez, [Roque] Santa Cruz, and [Peter] Crouch. I'd say there's a 70 to 80% chance Adebayor will go to Milan."

Reports in Spain suggested that Barcelona had reached a deal to sign Adebayor for €27m (£21.3m), but Morabito confirmed that the Togo international favours a move to the San Siro. "With all respect to Arsenal, [Adebayor] would be very happy to play for the Rossoneri," he said. "Therefore, if the two clubs reach an agreement, the deal will be finalised."

Emmanuel Adebayor was born at February 26, 1984 in Lomé (Togo). He is a Togolese football player of Nigerian descent.

Adebayor signed for Arsenal for an undisclosed fee reported to be £3m, on January 13, 2006. He was given the nickname "Baby Kanu" due to his resemblance to former Arsenal star Nwankwo Kanu, who Adebayor had idolized as a youth.

Adebayor helped Togo qualify for the 2006 World Cup by scoring eleven goals in the qualifiers, more than any other player in the African qualifiers. He has been nominated for African Footballer of the Year.

Source: guardian.co.uk
Photograph: AFP/Getty Images

Arshavin Anxious to Repay Coach Hiddink

Russia playmaker Andrei Arshavin has thanked Guus Hiddink for his chance at Euro 2008 - and he wants to repay him by sending the Dutchman into a first major final as an international coach.
Arshavin was suspended for the first two games of the tournament after needlessly getting sent off in the last qualifier, but Hiddink kept him in his squad despite being upset at the 27-year-old.

He has scored against Sweden and Holland and tonight face Spain in the semi-finals at Vienna's Ernst Happel Stadium.

'Even so I'm happy Guus Hiddink brought me here despite the ban and let me become a part of the tournament,' said Arshavin.

'I came here hoping I'd get a chance to play at such a big tournament. I've never been to an event like this before.

'We had some very tough training sessions and it was difficult for me to be training a lot knowing I wouldn't be playing. It was an unusual feeling.'

His performances has put top clubs in Europe in alert, and Zenit St Petersburg are braced for his departure this summer.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is an admirer of Arshavin but a move to Barcelona would be the player's dream destination.

'I have supported Barcelona all my life,' said Arshavin. 'Barcelona are my dream. I never thought I would have a genuine chance to play for the club. Let's see how the situation unfolds.'

Arshavin was suspended for the game against Spain at the start of the tournament when Russia were defeated 4-1, but they have responded with three wins on the bounce.

Hiddink now may be granted Russian citizenship but the Dutchman is refusing to forget how close it was to Steve McClaren being at the finals instead of him.

Andrei Arshavin born May 30, 1981 in Leningrad, Russia.

Source: soccernet.com

Xavi - Spain Ready for Glory

Spain midfielder Xavi Hernandez insists he and his team-mates are ready to end a 44-year wait for international silverware.

Ahead of Thursday's semi-final meeting with Russia, Xavi is confident Spain can secure their first trophy since winning the 1964 European Championship.

Barcelona star Xavi accepts Russia, who have earned the plaudits in Austria and Switzerland, will prove difficult opposition.

However, the 28-year-old insists Luis Aragones' team, who have earned a reputation as perennial under-achievers as domestic success is rarely replicated on the international stage, are hungry to win this summer's competition.

"I'm very happy because we have taken a step towards making history, but we haven't done it yet," said Xavi.


Nut to crack

"We've got a tough nut to crack in Russia, but the team is ready in all senses and we want to win the tournament.

"We want to keep faith with our playing style. This game will be very different but the key will be if we can keep control of the ball.

"We certainly haven't become over-confident. There is no danger of that with this team or with this coach."

Xavi has also become the latest Spaniard to play down the significance of a 4-1 victory over Russia in the group stages.

"That opening 4-1 defeat was a big blow to them, but they were the better side in each of their next three games," added Xavi.

"They have grown in confidence so much that they are practically favourites to win the competition now."

Xavier Hernández Creus (born January 25, 1980, Terrassa, Catalonia, Spain), normally known as Xavi. He currently plays for FC Barcelona and has been capped 60 times for the Spanish national team. He played for his country at 2000 Summer Olympics, 2002 World Cup, Euro 2004, 2006 World Cup and Euro 2008.

Xavi won his first Spanish cap on November 15, 2000 against the Netherlands and has since been a regular fixture in the Spanish squad.

Source: sportinglife.com & others

Nasri Claims He Has Signed for Arsenal

The Marseille midfielder Samir Nasri yesterday announced on his website that he has signed a four-year contract with Arsenal although his agent, Jean-Pierre Bernes, later said, "It is premature to announce this. Discussions are continuing between the two clubs and the player."

Arsenal have yet to confirm the deal.

Samir Nasri was born 26 June 1987 in Marseille, is a French attacking midfielder currently playing for Marseille. He play for Marseille since at 9 yeras old.

He has been involved in the French national set up for a long time, progressing through the Under-16s, 17s, 18s, 19s and 21s. He won his promotion to the full national squad this year, to which he has been called up three times. Nasri scored his first senior international goal in his third appearance for the senior team in a 1-0 win for France against Georgia on June 6, 2007 in a EURO 2008 qualifier.

He received his first cap for France on March 28, 2007 against Austria, in a home friendly match at the age of 19. He delivered a free kick low into the box, and fellow team mate Karim Benzema scored the only goal of the match.

He was named in Raymond Domenech's final squad for EURO 2008 at age 20, he is the youngest member of the French squad.

Previously, he was member of the France national under-21 football team. He has won with the 2004 UEFA U-17 Championship as part of the France U-17 Football Team, scoring the game winning goal in the final match.

As France legenda Zinedine Zidane, Samir Nasri has Algerian descendant. Nasri's grandparents moved to France from Algeria. He grew up in La Gavotte Peyret, in one of Marseille's tough northern suburbs.

Source: guardian.co.uk, wikipedia.

Turkey's Emre Ruled Out of Semi-final

Turkey captain Emre Belozoglu is still unfit and will not play in Wednesday's Euro 2008 semi-final against Germany, coach Fatih Terim said.

The midfielder suffered a hamstring tear following the opening group defeat by Portugal and had been rated 50/50 to recover in time for the Basel match.

'With Emre, it's impossible for him to play,' the coach said on Tuesday, adding that midfielder Tumer Metin, who has a groin strain, may be able to play for the last 30 minutes.

Emre Belözoğlu was born at 7 September 1980 in Istanbul, Turkey. He is currently a midfielder for English Premier League club Newcastle United.

He is one of the most accomplished Turkish players of all time, being instrumental in Galatasaray's unbeaten run to a historic UEFA Cup victory in 2000, and UEFA Super Cup victory the same year. He is also a member of the Turkey national team, which he helped to a third-place finish at the 2002 World Cup.

In 2004, Emre was selected to the FIFA 100 by Pelé as one of the 125 best living footballers.

On 1 June 2008 Newcastle United confirmed that they had given Fenerbahçe permission to talk to Emre about a transfer and that the two clubs had agreed terms for a deal, although three weeks later it was reported that the transfer had been put on hold.

Source: soccernet.com, reuters, and wikipedia

Ballack Expects Turkey Battle

Germany captain Michael Ballack is refusing to under-estimate Turkey's 'never-say-die' attitude ahead of the Euro 2008 semi-finals.

Turkey are arguably the surprise package in the last four of the European Championship after sneaking through Group A with a last-gasp victory over Czech Republic and stunning Croatia on penalties in the quarter-finals.

And, after incorrectly tipping world champions Italy, France, Portugal and Croatia ahead of the tournament, Ballack is wary that Germany could become the latest surprise elimination.

Turkey have been decimated by injuries and suspensions to leave manager Fatih Terim struggling for options ahead of the meeting in Basel on Wednesday, but Ballack still expects a stern test.

"I admit I was utterly wrong with my predictions," said Ballack.


Mental strength

"But the only important thing is that we have a major chance to go through to the final.

"We know Turkey are missing a lot of players through injury and suspension but they have shown a never-say-die attitude."

And Ballack has pointed to the mental strength of Turkey - who Germany have not defeated for more than 16 years in a competitive fixture - as a crucial factor.

"Whoever you face at this stage you're going to get an even match," added Ballack.

"Their mental strength is a major factor, they can adapt to any opponent and they have a great motivator as a coach. We expect a very close game."

Michael Ballack born at September 26, 1976 in Görlitz, Saxony (German). He is a midfielder at German national team and Chlesea club (England). He is the current captain of the German national team. Before play for Chelsea, Ballack is a key player in Bayern Munich (2002-2006), Bayer Leverkusen (1999-2002), and Kaiserlautern (1997-1999).

Source: sportinglife.com

Kazim-Richards Hopes for Upset

Colin Kazim-Richards is hopeful Turkey can upset Germany on their way to Euro 2008 glory.

Kazim-Richards and his team-mates are preparing for Wednesday's semi-final against Germany as Turkey look to cause another shock in Austria and Switzerland.

Turkey, who have been badly hit by injuries and suspension, sneaked through Group A with a last-gasp victory over Czech Republic and then stunned Croatia in a quarter-final penalty shoot-out.

Colin Kazim-Richards, also known as Colin Kâzım or Kâzım Kâzım in Turkey, (born 26 August 1986 in Leytonstone, London) is an English-born footballer who plays for Fenerbahçe in the Turkcell Super League and internationally for Turkey having qualified for Turkish nationality from his mother who is of Turkish Cypriot descent. His father is of Antiguan descent.

He is now looking forward to stunning pre-tournament favourites Germany.


Dream

"It's amazing," Kazim-Richards said in The Times. "I'm not only Turkish, I'm English as well so to play the Germans is incredible.

"I hope we can beat them anything is possible as we have shown already in this tournament.

"We don't give up until the last second, until the final whistle blows.

"If I said I didn't dream of playing in big matches like this, I would be lying.


Ambition

"I had big ambitions and big dreams when I was younger. I wanted to play in tournaments like this."

And Kazim-Richards also admits that to win Euro 2008 would continue his 'dream' international career.

"To be called up to the team was a dream," added Kazim-Richards.

"Then to be included in the final squad for this tournament was another dream. Now I would love a third dream - to win this trophy. Why not?"

Source: sportinglife.com

Podolski Delays Future Talk

Germany striker Lukas Podolski is putting transfer talk on hold until the conclusion of Euro 2008. The Bayern Munich striker reported looking to leave Bayern Munich after admitting his fear that the club do not rate him.

Podolski is currently enjoying a fine European Championships with Germany, having netted three goals along the country's route to the semi-finals.

But at the Allianz Arena the 23-year-old has admitted he is frustrated at playing a bit-part role. Podolski has struggled to force his way into the starting XI at the Allianz Arena and has had to settle for often being back-up to Miroslav Klose and Luca Toni.

Bayern have also been linked with a summer move for his international team-mate Mario Gomez, leaving Podolski to conclude that he is surplus to requirements.

A number of European clubs, including Stuttgart, Arsenal, Manchester City and Tottenham, are reportedly monitoring the forward's situation.

However, Podolski is focused on helping Germany progress to the Euro 2008 final with a success over Turkey on Wednesday.

"Nothing else, which is written, screened or spoken about on the subject, is of any interest to me," said Podolski


Focus

"I didn't set myself any targets here, I didn't think I would have clocked up three goals, but I am at the top of my game here and bursting with energy.

"My focus is purely on Euro 2008 and trying to win it."

Podolski went on to explain that he has not spoken with new Bayern manager Jurgen Klinsmann, who worked with the striker during his time in charge of Germany, since the tournament got under way.

He said, "I did talk to him (Klinsmann) but that was a long time before Euro 2008, since then I have had no contact with either him or Bayern Munich."

Podolski is eager to be a first-team regular and, having scored three goals so far at Euro 2008, has thanked Germany manager Joachim Low for giving him a chance to shine.

He told Bild, "Everything is possible. I have a contract with Bayern but everyone knows Cologne is a club apart in my eyes. Playing is more important than titles."

Lukas Podolski born as Lukasz Podolski on June 4, 1985 in Gliwice, Upper Silesia, Poland. Poldi is his nickname.

In 1987, when Lukas Podolski was only two years old, his family emigrated from Poland to West Germany as ethnic Germans ( Aussiedler). Podolski grew up in Bergheim, North Rhine-Westphalia, and later in Pulheim, both near Cologne.

Source: sportinglife.com

Cesc Fabregas Tips Unity to Prevail

Cesc Fabregas has spoken of his joy at sending Spain into the semi-finals of Euro 2008, while confirming that he will remain at Arsenal.

Fabregas, on as a substitute, netted from the penalty spot as Spain claimed a shoot-out victory over world champions Italy on Sunday evening.

And the 21-year-old schemer is sure Luis Aragones' men have what it takes to advance past Russia on Thursday and go on to claim European Championship glory.

On his penalty, Fabregas told Sky Sports News, "It was a great feeling. It was probably the most important goal I have scored."


Arsenal likeness

"As a footballer you never know if you are going to feel like this again. The team has worked really hard to get here. It reminds me a little bit of Arsenal: the unity of the team, the togetherness, the quality of our game and the great players.

I think we can do something special. The semi-final is going to be difficult because Russia are a great team. They are very competitive and young. We will have to be at our best."


Staying

When asked about his future at Emirates Stadium, Fabregas replied, "Of course I am staying, definitely." He is an Arsenal's playmaker since Patrick Viera leave the club.

"I am very much looking forward to next season. We have a good team but let's go game-by-game. "If we give 100 per cent every game we can win something."

Francesc "Cesc" Fàbregas Soler born at 4 May 1987 in Arenys de Mar, Barcelona, Spain. He is a Catalan footballer who plays as a central midfielder for Arsenal in the English Premier League and for the Spanish national team. Fàbregas started his career as a trainee with FC Barcelona but was signed by Arsenal in September 2003.

As a result of his club performances, he was called up the senior squad and played in the 2006 World Cup. In 2006, Fàbregas committed his long-term future to Arsenal and signed an eight-year contract.

Source: sportinglife.com

Hamit Altintop Up for Final Challenge

Hamit Altıntop is looking further forward than a semi-final reunion with a number of his FC Bayern Munchen team-mates after helping Turkey defeat Croatia in an epic last-eight tie in Vienna. "If we believe in ourselves we can win the tournament," said the Carlsberg Man of the Match award winner.

The midfielder covered more ground than any other player – 14.21kms – and came into his own in an unfamiliar role as Turkey's playmaker following the 76th-minute substitution of Mehmet Topal for Semih Şentürk. Semih went on to rifle in a last-second equaliser after Ivan Klasnić had scored 29 minutes into extra time for the Croatians, prompting a shoot-out which the side in red won 3-1.

Hamit, who drilled in Turkey's third penalty, said: "We played well as a team and reaching the semi-final is the important thing. It's vital to be cold-blooded in shoot-outs – you mustn't show nerves in football. If we carry on this way, and believe in ourselves, we can win the tournament."

'We can beat anybody'

The 25-year-old spent four successful seasons with FC Schalke 04 before joining Bayern last summer and he could face as many as five club colleagues in Wednesday's semi-final in Basel. He knows only too well that Turkey's preparations must be perfect if they are to triumph against the odds once more.

"It's important that we rest first and then we can analyse Germany with our coach," he said. "We can beat anybody if we prepare ourselves properly. All the team showed tonight that it's important to believe in ourselves, in what's right, and in what our coach tells us. If we continue like this we shouldn't fear any team."

Victorious coach Fatih Terim praised his No22 – "when you have footballers like this, you don't lose," he said – along with the UEFA Technical Team who voted Hamit as Man of the Match after hearing the results of the online vote on euro2008.com. Technical Team member Roy Hodgson said of the midfielder's display: "There were several candidates but obviously we decided on a Turkish player because they won the penalty shoot-out and I thought Altıntop's performance throughout the game was extremely good. He both defended and attacked very, very well and was a key figure alongside Tuncay [Şanlı] in the centre of the midfield. I thought as the game went on the Turkish midfield got stronger and stronger."

Hamit Altıntop (literally "Hamit Goldball") born December 8, 1982 in Gelsenkirchen, West Germany. He is a versatile midfielder and can play either in a defending or attacking role. He is well known for his flair of long-shot ability, as shown when he played for Schalke 04 and so far with Bayern Munich.

Source: euro2008.uefa.com

Casillas Delighted as Doubts Banished

Goalkeeper Iker Casillas is keeping his feet firmly on the ground after proving Spain's saviour in their UEFA EURO 2008 quarter-final shoot-out victory against Italy.

The Carlsberg Man of the Match saved penalties from Daniele De Rossi and Antonio Di Natale to help his side into a semi-final against Russia, but later admitted fearing Spain would suffer a seventh last-eight exit in this competition. "It's true we had a few inner doubts about getting past the quarter-finals again," the 27-year-old said. "There was a lot of pressure on us to do it but I think we deserved it, even though it was a very hard match.

We held out until penalties and, in the end, everything turned out well for us and we're through."

The Real Madrid CF player knows that two more wins are required if Spain are to clinch their first major title since the European crown of 1964 – and that Thursday's semi-final opponents Russia will present a sterner challenge than in their opening game, a 4-1 Group D triumph in Innsbruck. "I don't want to get too carried away because penalties are a lottery," Casillas said.

"In the end we were lucky and we would be naïve to think that we are already in the final just because we beat Russia [in the group stage]. Russia are a great side, as they showed against Sweden and the Netherlands, and we will have to watch them."

Casillas made an excellent stop from Mauro Camoranesi's shot early in the second half and was on hand to tip Di Natale's header over the bar in extra time. But he was especially pleased to pull off his shoot-out heroics, having had bad experiences in the past. "If I'm not wrong, the last time I saved a penalty was in the 2002 [FIFA] World Cup at the last-16 stage, but then in the quarter-finals we went out to South Korea," he said. "So I'm glad we were lucky against Italy."

According to Spain coach Luis Aragonés, though, fortune has nothing to do with it. "I was sure he would save the penalties," said the 69-year-old. "His goalkeeping coach told him where the Italian players like to aim. This morning they watched a few videos and analysed those small details."

Dr Jozef Vengloš, a member of the UEFA Technical Team who selected Casillas as Carlsberg Man of the Match, explained the decision. "It was a very even game, a tactical battle between two teams who know each other very well," he said.

"It was a question of who would score the first goal. That didn't happen. The match was full of experienced players who read the game very well and in the end it was the individual qualities that decided it in the penalty shoot-out.

[Marcos] Senna played very well, he passed it well and attacked and defended well – he was leading the game. He was very tactically disciplined. Italy had a few chances but couldn't score. But with penalties, the goalkeeper is always the hero. Casillas was technically very good there and that's why we chose him."


Source: euro2008.uefa.com

Puyol Urges Spain to Raise Their Game

On the eve of the UEFA EURO 2008 quarter-final between the sides in Vienna, Spain defender Carles Puyol paid fulsome tribute to the winning mentality of Italian footballers as he acknowledged that one of the biggest tests of his career lies ahead.

Excluding Olympic Games, Spain have never beaten the Azzurri in a competitive fixture yet, with David Villa's goal earning them a 1-0 friendly victory at the end of March and their form in the group stage – taking maximum points as Italy struggled to progress – the momentum would seem to be with La Furia Roja this time round.

As a close friend of former FC Barcelona and Italy midfielder Demetrio Albertini, and a long-standing admirer of Paolo Maldini, Puyol does not expect it to be that simple, explaining: "I admire the Italian footballing mentality.

Every Italian player always plays to his absolute maximum and I love that in sport."

Albertini, now vice-president of the Italian Football Federation, spent a year alongside Puyol at Camp Nou in 2005 and the Barça captain revealed the pair had been in regular contact since Italy booked their place in the last eight on Tuesday.

"Over the last few days, since we knew who our quarter-final opponents were going to be, I've been chatting a fair bit to Albertini because he's a good pal," he said. "It's been a mixture of discussing the game and joking about which one of us is going out. Beyond trying my best to make sure it's us in the semi-final I was happy to wish him good luck."

One of the major obstacles to Spain's hopes of progress will be Luca Toni, whom Puyol is likely to be given the responsibility of marking at the Ernst-Happel-Stadion. The FC Bayern München striker has not found the net so far in these finals but, having scored five times in six qualifying appearances, his threat is obvious.

"He might not have scored in this tournament so far but there are plenty of goals in his boots," Puyol said. "Toni's team constantly looks to feed him and you have to be attentive not just to stopping him scoring but to where the second ball lands and to who's working off his knock -downs. It will be a physical battle, he's very strong but it will also be a case of paying total attention for over 90 minutes and offering no chances. Italy are a strong team and don't need to play well to win. We will have to be at our very best if we are to defeat them."

Puyol born as Carles i Saforcada Puyol at born April 13, 1978, in La Pobla de Segur, Lérida, Spain. He is the current team captain of FC Barcelona. He played for Spanish national team at the 2000 Olympics, 2002 FIFA World Cup, Euro 2004, 2006 FIFA World Cup and the Euro 2008. He has been capped 58 times. He holds the record for number of caps for Spain national football team as a Catalan player, after breaking Sergi Barjuán's record of 56 caps on 17 October 2007.

Source: euro2008.uefa.com

Alonso Impressed by Juve

Xabier Alonso Olano, commonly known as Xabi Alonso has said he is "fascinated" by Italian football as his Liverpool future remains in doubt with Juve leading the pack to sign him.

The playmaker is currently playing a pivotal role in Spain's Euro 2008 campaign preparing to face Italy and with the Serie A side chasing his signature, Alonso could be also facing several future Juventus team-mates during the quarter-final tie.

But the 26-year-old is giving nothing away, remaining calm about his club commitments and fully focused on Spain's progression into the final four.

"I have little to say about Juve because at the moment I am very focused on Euro 2008 and on Spain," the �16million-rated midfielder said.

"We'll see what will happen with Juve. It's difficult to say.


Fascinated

"I've spent four fantastic years at Liverpool, but I have to admit that I have always been fascinated by Italian football.

"However, it's too soon to talk about the future. In short - we'll see.

Alonso added: "Juve are one of the biggest teams in Europe, perhaps the biggest in Italy. They have many fans, not only in Italy, but all over the world.

"They're a team who want to get back to winning the Scudetto and who also want to compete in the Champions League."

Alonso born 25 November 1981 in Tolosa, Basque Country, Spain. He has played for Spain at Euro 2004, Euro 2008 and the 2006 World Cup.

Alonso joined Liverpool from Real Sociedad in August 2004.

Source: sportinglife.com

Arshavin wants to leave Zenit

Zenit St Petersburg coach Dick Advocaat has confirmed that Andrei Arshavin wants to leave the club. The Russian star had a brilliant domestic campaign last season helping Zenit to the league title and Uefa Cup.

Arshavin only added to his reputation when he starred in Russia's final Euro 2008 group game - after being suspended for start of the tournament - against Sweden as scored the winner in the 2-0 triumph. He is also mastering Russia's victory over Netherlands at quarter final Euro 2008. He scored a goal and an assist to Dmitri Torbinski to eliminate The Dutch. He later received the Man of The Match accolades.

The 27-year-old is being tracked by clubs from Italy, Spain, France, Germany and England - with the likes of Newcastle, Manchester City, Everton and more recently Arsenal said to be interested.

Now Advocaat has confirmed that Arshavin want to move to one of Europe's biggest leagues.

"Andrei has told us that he wishes to change clubs," Advocaat told reporters on Friday.

"At present, in the way of offers, it is quiet.

"The situation may well change after the game against Holland for the national side."

Andrei Arshavin born May 30, 1981 in Leningrad, Russia.

Source: sportinglife.com

Klose Thrives on Forward Thinking

Italy's Luca Toni will have extra motivation to score in Sunday's UEFA EURO 2008 quarter-final against Spain as he tries to win a bet with club-mate Miroslav Klose.

The FC Bayern München strikers have a private contest to see who can score the most goals at the tournament, and after the German got off the mark in the 3-2 defeat of Portugal on Thursday, the pressure is on Toni in Vienna. "I scored my goal so now it's up to Luca to equalise," Klose said. "I texted him and he messaged back saying he's having a few problems with his best friend, the ball. He said at the moment it's doing what it wants, not what he wants."

Between them, Toni and Klose claimed 34 Bundesliga goals for Bayern last season so it is surprising that they have struggled to make an impact here, although the latter did create chances for his team-mates in Germany's Group B matches while Toni won the penalty from which Andrea Pirlo fired the Azzurri in front in their pool decider against France.

"The coaches said to me before the Portugal game the EURO had really only just begun and there was a long way to go," said Klose, 31, after notching his 40th goal in 79 internationals. "Things went a lot better for me in that game."

Klose is known for his goalscoring instincts, aerial ability, and unselfish play. His consistency as a goal-scorer in his first Bundesliga season at Kaiserslautern earned him attention.

In January 2001, the then national coach Jerzy Engel of the Polish national team travelled to Germany to persuade Klose to choose playing for Poland. This request was declined by Klose who said that: “I have a German passport, and if things are still running this way, I have a chance to play for Rudi Völler”.

In fact, he soon was capped and made his debut for Germany against Albania on March 24, 2001. Klose came on as a substitute and headed in from close range the winning 2-1 goal two minutes from time.

Miroslav Klose born as Mirosław Marian Klose on June 9, 1978 in Opole, Poland. His father, Josef Klose moved to France in 1978. Then Miroslav and his mother could join him in Kusel, Germany in 1985. Klose's father is from an ethnic German family and thus they were permitted to settle as Aussiedler in West Germany.

In an interview given to Przeglad Sportowy on June 9, 2008, Klose stated that the decision to play for Germany instead of Poland was not an easy one, and if Polish officials had been faster, he would be playing for Poland now. Furthermore, he added that he does not regret the choice, as with Germany he has won medals in the World Cup tournaments.

Source: euro2008.uefa.com

It's Adebayor or nobody for Milan, says Galliani

Milan will intensify their efforts to prise Emmanuel Adebayor away from Arsenal this summer, after the Italian side's vice- president Adriano Galliani said yesterday that the Togolese striker was the club's only transfer target.

Galliani had previously stated that Chelsea's Didier Drogba, Samuel Eto'o of Barcelona and Tottenham's Dimitar Berbatov, together with Adebayor, were on Milan's radar as they looked for fresh blood up front after Alberto Gilardino's departure to Fiorentina and the serious injury to Ronaldo. But Galliani's determination to land Adebayor, who scored 30 goals for Arsenal this past season including one against Milan in the Champions League last-16 tie, has hardened.

"One single player interests us and that is Sheyi Emmanuel Adebayor," said Galliani. "If he doesn't come, then nobody will come and we will keep the team as it is in attack."

Adebayor has sent mixed messages since the end of the Premier League season. He said that he was "flattered" at the interest from Milan and was also quoted in the Barcelona-based newspaper El Mundo Deportivo as stating that he would be "delighted" to play for the Catalan club if they can ever reach an agreement with Arsenal. "I don't know whether it would happen now or in two years or in 10 but I would love to play there," he said.

However, he has also maintained with vehemence that he is happy at Arsenal and wants to stay, leading to suspicions that the links to top European clubs are an attempt for leverage in the pursuit of a pay rise. Milan, though, who have already taken the midfielder Mathieu Flamini from the Emirates Stadium on a Bosman free transfer, insist that they are in talks over Adebayor, who Arsenal say is not for sale. "We are in negotiations with Arsenal, who are not willing to sell at the moment," said Galliani. "We'll see how far we can get with our offer. If the English club still don't want to sell, then too bad."

Source: Guardian.co.uk
Photo: Dailymail.co.uk

Kovač bidding to bow out in style

At 36 years of age, Croatia captain Niko Kovač recognises his time on the international stage is limited. The evergreen midfielder is expected to withdraw from national-team duties after UEFA EURO 2008 – but there is no room in his plans for quarter-final opponents Turkey to send him into premature retirement on Friday.

The two sides meet at Vienna's Ernst-Happel-Stadion knowing they lie just three games from glory, so it is sure to be a charged occasion for Kovač as he contemplates the end of his career. "It is a particular joy for me, because I think this is my last big tournament," he told euro2008.com.

"I enjoy every single day, not just the matches. There is a special atmosphere in the national team – we feel like we are all brothers, and I already feel sad because I know I will have to retire, but that's life. We have to give more of an opportunity to the younger players, and I'm sure they will continue in the same way."

Having made his Croatia debut in 1996, the FC Salzburg veteran understands more than most how far the current team can go, starting here in Austria and Switzerland. Three straight wins in Group B have earned Slaven Bilić's side the status of favourites against Turkey, and Kovač would not disagree.

"We have beaten England twice, Germany, Italy and Argentina [in the last two years], and that means we are a very good team," he said, contrasting those victories with the match that propelled Turkey into the last eight.

"Against the Czechs, they were losing 2-0 and managed to turn the game around, so that means they are capable of beating anyone. They were also lucky and if Petr Čech hadn't made that mistake, things would probably have been different. I'm sure that would never happen again. So we know what we will face and, like them, we are self-confident."

Much of that belief springs from the incredible bonds of friendship that bind the Croatia squad together, as evidenced by the reaction to Ivan Klasnić's winner against Poland on Monday – the Werder Bremen striker's first international goal since undergoing two kidney transplants last year.

"We are a team that breathes as one person," said Kovač. "There's no big difference between the first and second team – we're just a team. You saw that after Klasnić scored. We all jumped up off the bench and celebrated his success. Some of us even cried after he scored. We're united as a team and as a country. All the Croatian people are with us and they give us a lot of strength and energy."

As skipper, Kovač accepts that he too has an important role to play in maintaining the positive mood. An irrepressibly charismatic individual, it is a role he revels in. "I'm the oldest person in this team, and I am the leader on as well as off the pitch," he explained.

"We have many players lacking international experience. Sometimes, I have to lift them or calm them down."

In turn, the German-born midfield dynamo draws comfort from the presence of his brother Robert in central defence. "It's a big thing playing with your brother," he said. "We've played together in club football and he means a lot to me, because I always feel more secure and confident when he's behind me – I know that nothing can happen."

Both men will be hoping the fraternal link-up can continue well into next week.

Source: euro2008.com

Nihat the miracle-maker

After putting two goals past Petr Čech in the last four minutes of their final group game to lead Turkey to the UEFA EURO 2008 quarter-finals, Nihat Kahveci is understandably on something of a high at the moment. Little wonder he can look ahead with confidence to Friday's showdown with Croatia and declare: "If we qualify for the semi-finals, it might seem like a miracle for the rest of the world, but not for us."

Even now, though, the 28-year-old Villarreal CF striker admits it is hard to take in what happened in the match against the Czech Republic in Geneva on Sunday.

"It is very difficult to sum up this happiness with only one sentence," Nihat, skippering Turkey due to Emre Belözoğlu's absence through injury, told euro2008.com. "After we went 2-0 down, nobody was expecting such a victory from us. But after our first goal, we saw that they were worried.

After the goal, we talked to each other and said: 'Let's give it everything. If we lose, it's not a problem, but we should give our best.' I cannot express my feelings when I first saw the ball in the net. I think that moment was a crucial moment for the whole country. I can say that those two goals were the best two goals that I have ever scored."

It was the second time in as many games that Turkey had come from behind to secure a last-gasp win at these finals, after the 2-1 defeat of Switzerland. But Nihat longs for a more comfortable victory, saying: "I prefer scoring the first goal. We are the only team that concedes the first goal and then goes on to win. We feel very happy about that and can worry our opponents with this weapon. But, to repeat, I prefer scoring the first goal. I think we proved to everybody that the game is 90 minutes long and the Turkish national team doesn't give up before the final whistle."

Turkey have now moved from their first-round base in Nyon in western Switzerland to Krems in north-western Austria, as they prepare to take on Croatia in Vienna. "We respect Croatia," Nihat said, looking ahead to the quarter-final against Slaven Bilić's side.

"They were in a tough group and collected nine points from three games. But we are in the last eight and we have enough self-confidence. We have only 90 minutes. After 90 minutes, you can play in the semi-finals and then maybe the final. Of course, mistakes will be punished at this stage. In football, little details decide matches. I hope on Friday these small details will be with us."

Source: euro2008.com

Ribéry ramps up France ante

France's UEFA EURO 2008 hopes may be hanging by a thread, yet Franck Ribéry remains convinced Les Bleus will progress to the quarter-finals and is calling on his team-mates to "give absolutely everything" against Italy.

The FC Bayern München playmaker has been one of France's most positive influences both on and off the pitch over the last ten days, making the other players laugh with his infamous practical jokes and giving everybody hope through his effervescent displays. It was no surprise, therefore, when the 25-year-old arrived at Sunday's news conference and immediately looked to raise French spirits. "We're still here and it's vital we keep on believing," Ribéry declared. "We need to give absolutely everything we've got against Italy, win the game, and make the most of the small chance we still have."

Central Role

Having started on the right wing against Romania, Ribéry was switched to a central role against the Netherlands from where he orchestrated France's play with skill and authority. Unfortunately for the former world champions, they struggled to apply the finishing touches to some fine approach play and were punished by their clinical Dutch opponents. Ribéry was nevertheless encouraged by the performance, saying: "I watched the game again and thought we played well at times. We created a lot of chances – we just couldn't finish the moves off. But we've turned the page and the Dutch game has been forgotten."

'Good form'

With coach Raymond Domenech expected to make changes for the final Group C game, Ribéry must wait to find out if he changes position again, but the man named Bundesliga Player of the Year by Kicker magazine is hoping to retain the central playmaker role that was occupied for so many years by Zinédine Zidane. "I felt as though I was in good form against Romania, but I felt even better against the Dutch," he explained. "I like having freedom on the pitch, to be able to run everywhere and touch the ball as often as possible. When I play in the middle I have more options. It's up to me to make the most of that and express myself as much as possible."

Vieira absence

Ribéry admitted that France had missed their former captain, saying: "Zizou's presence would have given everyone a lift." But it is the current skipper he wants to see on the Letzigrund Stadion pitch against the Azzurri. "We've missed Patrick [Vieira] lot," he said. "The coach and Pat don't want to take any risks on his fitness and that's understandable. Hopefully he'll be ready to face Italy. He's desperate to play but we'll have to see if he has totally recovered from the thigh injury. He's an important presence on the pitch, both as a holding player and as someone who can launch our attacks from midfield."

Source: uefa.com

Lampard is top of our list, say Inter

Internazionale made their long-mooted interest in Chelsea's Frank Lampard public last night after the Serie A champions' president, Massimo Moratti, confirmed the midfielder is their "No. 1 priority" in the transfer market this summer.

Inter are yet to make a formal approach to the Premier League club to request permission to speak to Lampard, who has a year left on his current contract, though Chelsea are aware of their interest. Jose Mourinho's appointment as manager at San Siro has opened the possibility of a move to Italy with Lampard's future expected to become clearer when he returns from a family holiday in Ibiza.

Mourinho is keen on adding the midfielder, who turns 30 next week, to his ranks at the Nerazzurri for a fee of about £8m. "Everybody considers Lampard a great player, but this doesn't mean that signing him will be easy," said Moratti. "We like him, though, and he's our No1 priority. Mourinho likes Lampard a lot. We all know that he can be a great player with us."

Moratti suggested that Inter are also interested in the Barcelona midfielder, Deco. "He is one of the players with the characteristics that could be useful to our team," said Moratti. Deco had been heavily linked with Chelsea, though despite his form at Euro 2008 there are some reservations at Stamford Bridge about the recruitment of a player who is almost 31.

Lampard was a key member of Mourinho's Chelsea side, but Luiz Felipe Scolari has yet to say whether he sees the player as part of his long-term plans. The Brazilian manager has other targets, primarily Kaka, despite Milan's apparent refusal to countenance the Brazil forward's departure.

Source: Guardian.co.uk
Photo: Jim Watson/AFP

Ronaldo accused of concluding Real deal months ago

Cristiano Ronaldo's personal terms for a move to Real Madrid were agreed 'a long time ago', according to a senior Manchester United source. Ronaldo's agent Jorge Mendes is now understood to have finalised all the key details with executives from the Spanish club.

'They have been talking for at least two months,' the source told Observer Sport last night, 'and it was all agreed with Real Madrid weeks ago. All this chat from [Real president] Ramón Calderón that he does not want to upset Manchester United, and Cristiano Ronaldo cannot be bought because he belongs to another club, is absolute rubbish. Discussions have gone way beyond the point of no return. Sir Alex Ferguson knows this now so you can imagine how it has gone down.'

This explains United's decision to lodge a formal complaint with Fifa, claiming that Ronaldo has been tapped up; a threat that, although announced occasionally by clubs, is rarely acted upon. Last week a national newspaper also published a photograph of Ronaldo meeting a Real official in January in Rome, the club's fitness instructor, Walter Di Salvo, who left Old Trafford for the Bernabéu.

'The people around Ronaldo and Real Madrid have been talking seriously for a long time - about everything including the details of his contract if he moves,' added the source.

Ronaldo signed an improved contract that runs until 2012 in April of last year and Ferguson has taken the stance, in public at least, that the player will not be allowed to leave. But the source outlined that United believe Madrid's strategy to have been based on winning Ferguson round once it became clear that Ronaldo wanted to go. 'Madrid knew it would be tough, but thought for the right price the manager would sell. But he doesn't want to. No way.'

But would not a sizeable offer make the deal inevitable? 'No, I don't think he would sell even for £100 million,' the source claimed, although there is no definite confidence at United about what will happen. Ferguson has said that the Glazer family, which owns United, would not sell Ronaldo for any price. But whether they would turn down an astronomical fee, especially given the club's £600m debt, is unclear. One option that may be explored is for Ferguson to persuade Ronaldo to stay at least one more season, then allow him to leave.

Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro was born at 5 February 1985 in Funchal, Madeira (Portugal), to Maria Dolores dos Santos Aveiro and José Dinis Aveiro. He plays primarily as a right winger. But he has also been used both in a central attacking role and as a second striker.

Source: Guardian.co.uk
Photograph: Patrick Hertzog/AFP

Lilian Thuram Weighs Up Options

Veteran France international defender Lilian Thuram may be the next player to leave Barcelona.

The Catalan side have begun a shake-up of their squad following the arrival of new coach Pep Guardiola, with Gianluca Zambrotta having already left to join AC Milan while Martin Caceres and Gerard Pique are the new arrivals in defence.

Reports in France suggest Paris St Germain would be the 36-year-old's preferred destination and the France veteran, who is out of contract this summer, admits the capital club is one that interests him.

"There are a number of things that could interest me, most notably going to PSG or maybe another club too," he told French television station TF1.

"I don't know what I'm going to do in the coming days, so I can't really say."

However Thuram, who is currently with the France squad at Euro 2008, also admitted that Britain or Italy could be possible destinations.

"Going to a club outside of France is also being discussed. We'll see," he continued.

"There are clubs in Italy, England, and even in Scotland that could be interested."

Reports in France suggest PSG are prepared to offer Thuram a two-year deal worth around 3million euros.

Lilian Thuram (born Ruddy Lilian Thuram-Ulien, January 1, 1972), is the most capped player in the history of the France national team. He has played at the top flight in France, Italy and Spain for over 15 seasons, including ten in the Serie A. With France, Thuram won the 1998 World Cup and the Euro 2000.

Thuram was born in in Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe.

Source: Sportinglife.com

David Villa like to Liverpool

Spanish star David Villa Sánchez has hinted he would like to move to Liverpool, if he heads to England this summer.

The Valencia striker has lit up Euro 2008 with four goals in their opening two group games.

A host of clubs are tracking Villa with Liverpool and Chelsea reported to be heading the queue for the diminutive front-man.

Villa, who has linked up so well with current Reds star Fernando Torres for Spain, admits he would be tempted by the prospect of playing with him on a weekly basis.

"Liverpool and Chelsea are both big clubs with a lot of attraction," he told the News of the World.

Villa, nicknamed El Guaje (The Kid), also admitted that Liverpool's Spanish coach Rafa Benitez could play a big role in attracting him as he tried to sign him earlier in his career.

"Liverpool have a Spanish coach and I also have a lot of friends there," he said.

"When Rafa was coach at Valencia and I was at Zaragoza there was contact about me joining Valencia but I couldn't arrive until the year after he left there."

Born at 3 December 1981, in Langreo, the Asturias region in Northern Spain, Villa got his professional breakthrough at his local club Sporting de Gijón, for whom he made his first-team debut in the 2000–01 season.

Real Zaragoza bought him in the summer of 2003, and he scored 17 times in his first season at Zaragoza. Villa led Zaragoza to a Copa del Rey victory scoring the winning goal against Real Madrid.

Soon after he earned his first international call-up and cap, Valencia decided to take a chance on him and parted with €12 million (£8.2 million) to secure his services in the summer of 2005.

Villa made his national debut on 9 February 2005 in Almeria. It was a match between Spain and San Marino in which Spain won 5–0.

Villa was included in Spain's 23 man squad for the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany, and was favoured over the more established striker Raúl, to line up alongside Fernando Torres in the opening match against Ukraine. And he made his first World Cup finals appearance scoring twice against Ukraine.

Source: Sportinglife.com

EURO at an end for Swiss icon Frei

Switzerland will be without talismanic captain Alexander Frei (28) for the remainder of UEFA EURO 2008 after he tore interior ligaments in his left knee in the 1-0 defeat by the Czech Republic.

The 28-year-old limped off the St. Jakob-Park pitch in tears 42 minutes into Saturday's Group A opener, following a challenge with Zdeněk Grygera, and an MRI scan has now revealed the extent of the problem. "The injury is a shock, no doubt about it," said Switzerland coach Köbi Kuhn. "To lose our skipper is a disaster." Meanwhile, Jürgen Klopp, Frei's club coach at BV Borussia Dortmund, predicted that he will be out of action for six to seven weeks.

The most prolific scorer in Switzerland's history with 35 goals from 59 internationals, the Dortmund striker has been beset by complications stemming from an operation for a hip problem this season. He made just 13 Bundesliga outings, scoring six times. Switzerland played well in Frei's absence against Czechs but defender Johan Djourou spoke for many when he said: "We will take a lot of confidence from the way we played, especially in the first half, but if we lose Alex it will be very difficult to get back into the tournament."

Frei played for Switzerland at Euro 2004 and at the FIFA World Cup 2006 in Germany. He scored two goals in the 2006 FIFA World Cup, one in the match against Togo and a controversial goal against South Korea. Until now he has been capped 58 times for his country (as of June 2008).

Frei born in Basel at July 15, 1979. Before join Dortmund, he played for FC Basel, FC Thun, FC Lucerne, Servette FC, and Stade Rennes

Source: uefa.com & wikipedia

Zlatan hoping to be paired with Larsson

Sweden striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic believes Henrik Larsson can help him end his long goal drought at Euro 2008.

Ibrahimovic has won back-to-back Serie A titles with Internazionale but he has not been able to reproduce his club form at international level.

He has not scored for Sweden since October 2005 but feels confident that he can make an impact in Austria and Switzerland.

The 26-year-old is hoping to play alongside Henrik Larsson, who was a surprise call-up to the Sweden squad after coming out of international retirement.

"Henrik and I have a special relationship and we have played a lot together. He helps me a lot and he can help me during this championship if we are picked together," Ibrahimovich told reporters.

"Of course it is up to the coach who plays and I respect all the strikers in our team but Henrik is who I play best with.

Pressure

"Sooner or later I will score. I just keep trying to create as many chances for myself and my team-mates.

"The only pressure I feel is from myself because I want to play the same way for Sweden as you have seen me at Inter."

Sweden coach Lars Lagerback also said he was unconcerned by Ibrahimovich's differing performances for club and country.

He said: "You have to look at the facts. At Inter he plays more games and in every eight or nine matches out of 10, Inter are the better team.

"But Zlatan was an important player for us in qualification, creating many chances for others to score."

Source: Sportinglife.com