Brilliant Hiddink targets the Netherlands Tournament football and Guus Hiddink are a match made in heaven.
Five times the Dutch master manager has taken teams to major tournaments,
and five times he has successfully steered them out of the group
stages... [more]
18.07.2008
BLOKHIN SAD WITH SELECTION PROBLEMS Oleg Blokhin talks about FC Moskva selection problems, which
hamper the team development.
FC Moskva head coach Oleg Blokhin joined the club in winter transfer
break following Leonid Slutsky's dismissal, however he couldn't
imagine which problems he would have to face... [more]
17.07.2008
(sport.es)
Arshavin waiting on Barca But Zenit playmaker has concerns over fee.
Andrei Arshavin has reiterated his desire to join Barcelona from
Zenit St Petersburg, but is worried the Catalan club cannot afford
him... [more]
17.07.2008
(AFP)
Russia: a sleeping giant wakes
Russia were very much the surprise package of UEFA EURO 2008. Despite
having the youngest team in the tournament, they stormed into the
semi-finals before finally succumbing to eventual champions Spain.
Their incredible run in the tournament has since been reflected
in the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking, with the Russians climbing
no fewer than 13 spots in July to reach 11th - their highest placing
in over a decade... [more]
17.07.2008
BOJOVIC: THE GAME WAS INTERESTING AND
NERVOUS Miodrag Bojovic speaks about Amkar vs CSKA encounter.
Amkar is one of Premier Liga unexpected leaders and they managed
to prove their leadership in the home match against CSKA, having
struggled to 3-3 draw in ten-man squad. Martin Kushev was red-carted
late in the first half and the hosts were forced to fight having
lost one player... [more]
16.07.2008
LOVCHEV: CAPTAIN IS THE HEART OF ANY TEAM Spartak outstanding captains share their impressions on the situations
with Egor Titov's dismissal to reserve team.
Spartak coaches banished the club captain Egor Titov, as well as
Ukrainian international Maxim Kalinichenko and Brazilian midfielder
Santos Mozart to reserves after a thrashing 1-5 defeat from their
city rivals CSKA... [more]
15.07.2008
SPARTAK TRIO OUTCASTS TRAIN WITH RESERVES Egor Titov, Maxim Kalinichenko and Santos Mozart held a training
session with Spartak reserves.
As Sport Express reported yesterday Spartak captain Egor Titov,
as well as team vice-captains Maxim Kalinichenko and Santos Mozart
have been sent to the club reserves following Spartak's crushing
defeat from CSKA... [more]
15.07.2008
KOBELEV: WE NEED GABULOV IN THE GOAL Andrei Kobelev comments on his team's performance in Moscow derby
against Lokomotiv.
Dynamo head coach Andrei Kobelev is satisfied with Vladimir Gabulov's
display despite he conceded two goals from Lokomotiv... [more]
14.07.2008
Arshavin agent says Arsenal would be ideal
Andrei Arshavin's agent has revealed that Arsenal would be an ideal
destination for the Russian midfielder due to the influence of Gunners
boss Arsene Wenger.
Dennis Lachter told Sky Sports News his client rates the Frenchman
highly... [more]
14.07.2008
90 MINUTES WITH MUTKO A correspondent of Sport Express Igor Rabiner watched the match
Spartak-CSKA on the stand with Vitaly Mutko.
President of Russian Football Federation and Minister for Sport
Vitaly Mutko turned out to be very interested in the game itself.
[more]
13.07.2008
(goal.com)
Spurs Now In For Arshavin
The likelihood of Andrei Arshavin arriving in north London this
summer has increased greatly with reports that Tottenham Hotspur
have joined the chase for the Russian playmaker... [more]
12.07.2008
ARSHAVIN EYES ARSENAL MOVE
Andrei Arshavin's agent claims the Russian star is "desperate"
to join Arsenal.
The Zenit St Petersburg playmaker is expected to leave his current
club before the close of the transfer window. [more]
11.07.2008
Hiddink plans to keep working his magic
Coach Guus Hiddink, who has made a habit of turning second-tier
teams into big event contenders, plans to continue for a long time
to come - especially after taking a young Russian side on a magical
ride in Euro 2008.
"They did better than I expected ... but I saw the potential,"
Hiddink, 61, said in an interview with Reuters on Friday. [more]
11.07.2008
AKINFEEV: I EXPECT BACKING FROM OUR SUPPORTERS CSKA goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev talks about the forthcoming match
with Spartak.
CSKA is meeting Spartak on Saturday within the bounds of the 13th
matchday of Russian Premier League. [more]
11.07.2008
SMERTIN NOT GOING TO SIT ON THE BENCH Alexey Smertin shares his impressions on the previous season
in Fulham.
Fulham midfielder Alexey Smertin commented on the previous season
as well as on his possible return to the Russian national team.
[more]
10.07.2008
UEFA: 'No approach from Russians on pitch'
WALES' pitch battle in Moscow was plunged into further confusion
after Fifa claimed Russia have not yet made an official approach
to switch the tie to the plastic pitch at the Luzhniki Stadium.
[more]
10.07.2008
Zenit snub ?19m Arshavin bid Unnamed English club have offer rejected, according to agent.
An unnamed English club have failed with a ?19million bid for Zenit
St Petersburg playmaker Andrei Arshavin, according to the player's
agent. [more]
09.07.2008
Ronaldo and Arshavin: Money or dream?
There should be no prouder place in the sporting world this summer
than Spain. Its national soccer team reigns over Europe with a style
that flows as only the Latin game can. Rafael Nadal wins Wimbledon
with the force of a bull and the manners of a gent. [more]
08.07.2008
SUMMER TRANSFER WINDOW OPENED YESTERDAY
Guus Hiddink, christened the "wizard" by grateful Russian
media, said Tuesday there was no magic to his giant-killing exploits
as a coach in big international tournaments.
"There's no recipe, there's no secret, there's no magic,"
he told journalists during a visit to South Korea, the team he took
to the 2002 World Cup semi-finals against all the odds. [more]
08.07.2008
BARCELONA'S BID FOR ARSHAVIN REJECTED Zenit turned down a ?15 m bid from Barcelona concerning Russian
frontman Andrei Arshavin's acquisition.
The St. Petersburg club announced the end of negotiations with the
Spanish club on their desire to see Russian star Andrei Arshavin
in Barcelona T-shirt. [more]
08.07.2008
ADVOCAAT: FUTURE BRIGHT FOR ARSHAVIN Dick Advocaat shares his point of view on negotiations with
Barcelona on Andrei Arshavin.
Zenit manager Dick Advocaat spoke about the situation on Barcelona's
bid for Andrei Arshavin rejection and the club transfer plans. [more]
08.07.2008
SUMMER TRANSFER WINDOW OPENED YESTERDAY Premier Liga summer transfer window was opened yesterday
and will be closed on August 31.
Russian clubs can start their summer transfer campaigns as transfer
window was opened yesterday. [more]
07.07.2008
Low Looking To South Africa 2010 With the disappointment of the Euro 2008 final loss still fresh
in his mind, German national team trainer Joachim Low has turned
his thoughts very quickly to qualification for the 2010 World Cup
in South Africa. Bundestrainer Jogi Low has outlined his thoughts on the goalkeeping
question, a possible new tactical line-up, the mood following the
European Championships and the challenge of Russia in the upcoming
qualifiers. [more]
07.07.2008
ARSHAVIN HOPES TO ARRANGE THINGS IN TWO
WEEKS Andrei Arshavin was sidelined as Zenit hosted FC Tom on Premier
Liga Matchday 12.
Russian national hero Andrei Arshavin was out of action while St.
Petersburg club outblasted FC Tom 5-1. [more]
05.07.2008
Guus steps to front of elite queue EVEN the super coach Jack Gibson had fallow years, lean times
when he scattered the seed only to find nothing much grew on rocky
ground. Or perhaps it was the seed: bad stock, better fed to animals
and not fit for the purposes to which Gibson sought to turn it.
[more]
05.07.2008
10 things you need to know about Spurs
target Roman Pavlyuchenko
England fans will remember Roman Pavlyuchenko after he scored both
goals in Russia's 2-1 victory in a crucial Euro 2008 qualification
match against last year, but what else do you need to know about
the Spurs target? Here is the Mirror.co.uk lowdown... [more]
04.07.2008
ARSHAVIN WINS ZVEZDA AWARD IN JUNE Andrey Arshavin leaves behind his compatriots Yuri Zhirkov
and Roman Pavlyuchenko to win Sport Express' Zvezda award in June.
European tournament turned to be the key sports event in June, as
Russiaan team benefited from performance of such players as Andrey
Arshavin, Yuri Zhirkov, Roman Pavlyuchenko, Igor Akinfeev, Sergei
Semak, Konstantin Zyryanov and Alexander Anyukov, who occupied Zvezda
award table this month. [more]
03.07.2008
ZENIT WANTS TO KEEP ARSHAVIN IN THE SQUAD Zenit icon player Andrei Arshavin is allegedly proposed to
extend his Zenit contract for two years on more advantageous conditions.
Andrei Arshavin, who cemented his position as Russian national team
icon, admits he is keen to quit his club, however his move to a
foreign side could be blocked by the country's energy giant Gazprom
and the St. Petersburg club itself. [more]
03.07.2008
POGREBNYAK: MY INFURY WAS AN ACCIDENT Russian forward Pavel Pogrebnyak recognizes his injury as
accidental.
Zenit St. Petersburg striker Pavel Pogrebnyak slipped from Euro-2008
campaign after suffering an injury, which kept him out of action. [more]
WORLD CUP 2010 NEWS
18.07.2008
Brazil denies holding 2010 World Cup
The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) has strongly denied the
rumour that its country would hold FIFA World Cup 2010 in case South
Africa is not able to host it. [more]
Schwarzer targets 2010 World Cup
Australia goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer has set his sights on playing
for the Socceroos at the 2010 World Cup - if he can cement his place
as Fulham's number one. [more]
17.07.2008
Brazil on 2010 standby
Sports daily AS claims: "The South American country, which
was chosen to organise the World Cup in 2014, has become the first
option if South Africa is not able to organise the 2010 edition" [more]
Czechs act on Rada impulse
Petr Rada has been confirmed as the new coach of the Czech Republic,
stepping up from the assistant role to replace Karel Bruckner after
the veteran retired following the group-stage exit at UEFA EURO
2008T. [more]
Pessimism about World Cup grows
Most South Africans are becoming increasingly pessimistic about
the 2010 World Cup being held in South Africa, a survey has shown.
Only 40 percent of people surveyed in Pretoria by TNS Research Surveys
said South Africa would be ready. [more]
Spain may bid for 2018 World Cup
Spain may compete with England to stage the 2018 World Cup, Spanish
media said Thursday, a day after a meeting of the country's football
federation. [more]
14.07.2008
Beckenbauer sure South Africa will host
2010 World Cup
Franz Beckenbauer is sure South Africa will host the 2010 World
Cup and knows nothing about FIFA president Sepp Blatter's contingency
plans to move it to another country in case of a natural catastrophe. [more]
Is South Africa Ready For The World Cup?
Matthew Wheatley analyses the situation in South Africa and asks
whether they will be ready to host the World Cup in 2010... [more]
Is Santana The Right Man For The South Africa Job?
Matthew Wheatly questions the integrity and quality of 2010 World
Cup hosts South Africa's current coach... [more]
Trezeguet hints at France U-turn
Juventus striker David Trezeguet said on Monday that he could still
be persuaded to return to action for France in the future, but only
'if things change.' [more]
11.07.2008
Eriksson: We must qualify
Mexico have an obligation to qualify for the 2010 FIFA World Cup
South AfricaT, said new coach Sven Goran-Eriksson on Thursday. The
former England coach, whose first match in charge will be a FIFA
World Cup qualifier at home to Honduras next month, said Mexico
were the better side but complained about the short period of time
he would have to work with the team. [more]
10.07.2008
Fifa 'confident' about SA 2010
Fifa is confident that South Africa's preparations for the 2010
World Cup are adequate and there is no immediate plan to take the
tournament to another country. [more]
FIFA: 3 alternate 2010 World Cup hosts
FIFA president Sepp Blatter has spoken to three countries about
hosting the 2010 World Cup if a natural catastrophe forces it away
from South Africa. [more]
Cosua Gets Ball Rolling for 2010 The Coalition of Supporters Union of Africa (Cosua) that was
launched in Ghana in 2006, is putting their ducks in the row ahead
of Africa's biggest sporting bonanza, the 2010 FIFA World Cup finals
in South Africa. [more]
09.07.2008
FIFA changes ticket system for 2010 World
Cup
FIFA has introduced a new ticketing system for the 2010 World Cup
in South Africa which it said on Wednesday would greatly increase
the number of tickets available for genuine football supporters. [more]
FIFA chief's hedging on World Cup is telling
A year ago, when asked about South Africa's ever-tenuous state of
preparations, Blatter said: 'Plan A is South Africa, Plan B is South
Africa, Plan C is South Africa and Plan D is South Africa.' [more]
PE questions Confed Cup snub
And so the recriminations have started following Port Elizabeth's
axing as a Confederations Cup venue. [more]
Fifa boots Bay out of World Cup build-up
PORT Elizabeth's 2010 soccer World Cup build-up suffered a crushing
blow last night when the city was kicked out of next year's Fifa
Confederations Cup. [more]
North Korea target the World
It may not please the purists, but North Korea's football team is
firmly on course for the 2010 World Cup after reaching the last
round of qualifying without losing or even conceding a goal. [more]
Zimbabwe turmoil adds to SA World Cup woes
Political turmoil in neighbouring Zimbabwe was adding to a long
list of problems South Africa faced in its preparation for the 2010
World Cup finals, FIFA general secretary Jerome Valcke said today. [more]
07.07.2008
The Cup runneth over
Hosting the 2010 football World Cup will set South Africa back much
more than initially estimated, with rising costs expected to swell
the bill for stadium construction to well over the R9.8-billion
($1.28-billion) budgeted, according to a Sunday newspaper. [more]
Prices squeeze small 2010 contractors
SMALLER contractors might pull out of 2010 Soccer World Cup projects
because of 'dramatically' rising costs caused by increasing building
material prices, fuel prices and interest rates, experts have warned. [more]
05.07.2008
Bay 'will be ready' for World Cup 2010
WITH exactly 700 days to go until World Cup 2010 kick-off, South
Africa has fewer than 500 working days left to complete preparations,
but Nelson Mandela Bay officials are confident of meeting all deadlines. [more]
Drogba, Eto'o play for S/Africa 2010
Cote d'Ivoire and Chelsea striker, Didier Drogba, is among the stars
set to play a charity match in Germany next week to help raise money
for Africa. [more]
04.07.2008
China part company with Petrovic
China have not renewed coach Vladimir Petrovic's contract after
their failure in 2010 FIFA World CupT qualifying, the Asian Football
Confederation (AFC) said on Friday. [more]
Van Bommel eyes Oranje comeback
Bayern Munich midfielder Mark van Bommel re-affirmed his desire
Friday to play for the Netherlands again following the departure
of coach Marco van Basten. [more]
Mbeki apologises for attacks on Africans
President Thabo Mbeki has apologised on behalf of the people of
South Africa to the families of those who died in the recent attacks
on people from other countries and some South Africans. [more]
EURO 2012 NEWS
18.07.2008
Beautiful Yulia saving the Euro
The Ukrainian government gets down to work. `If it`s not the "iron
Yulia`, no one will save the Euro 2012 in Ukraine`, Ukrainian officials
say about PM Yulia Tymoshenko. `We support Ukraine`, says the Polish
minister for sports. [more]
Ukraine welcomes Chinese companies to join in EURO-2012 preparation
The Ukraine welcomes Chinese companies to participate in the preparation
work for the 2012 European Cup, said Natalia Boitsun, Ukraine`s
Vice Minister of Economy, on Thursday during her visit in China,
according to Xinhua. [more]
14.07.2008
Poland, Ukraine defiant despite Euro 2012
doubts
The prime ministers of Poland and Ukraine vowed on Monday to prove
the sceptics wrong and make the 2012 European Championship an organisational
triumph after doubts over their readiness to host the championship. [more]
UEFA positive about Poland, unhappy about Ukraine
UEFA is positive about Poland and uncertain about Ukraine's progress
in the preparations for Euro 2012. [more]
Tymoshenko visits Poland
Yulia Tymoshenko is paying her first visit to Poland on Monday,
since becoming prime minister of Ukraine last autumn. According
to an UNIAN correspondent, during the visit to Poland Prime Minister
of Ukraine Yulia Tymoshenko will meet with Prime Minister of Poland
Donald Tusk. [more]
10.07.2008
Work on Ukraine crisis stadium stalls
- Euro 2012 threatened
Things are back to normal this week at Ukraine's 80,000-seat Olympic
Stadium, with its badly-needed overhaul at a full stop, and political
bigwigs once again accusing each other of ruining the former Soviet
republic's chances of hosting the Euro 2012 football championship. [more]
Taiwan firm sues Ukraine over Euro 2012 stadium
A Taiwan firm said Thursday that it has sued the Ukrainian government
for breaking an agreement for the firm to renovate a Kiev stadium
for the Euro 2012 football championship. Archasia Design Group (ADG)
filed the suit with the Kiev Circuit Administrative Court against
the Ukrainian sports ministry for making false charges against the
company in order to break the agreement, ADG Manager Lai Shih-hao
said. [more]
09.07.2008
Ukrainian president visiting Austria to
discuss Euro 2012 preparations
Ukraine hopes it can learn something from Euro 2008 co-host Austria
as it struggles to prepare for the 2012 European Championship. [more]
Poland To Organize Euro 2012 Alone?
After reports during Euro 2008 that Poland and Ukraine may lose
Euro 2012 Michel Platini's visits to both countries were treated
as enormously important by organizers. Platini didn't say much while
in Poland, which can be read as a good sign, whereas he criticised
Ukraine severely when meeting local officials. As a result, UEFA
now demands that Poland prepares an allternate plan to organize
the tournament all by itself. [more]
RUSSIAN
TEAM ' 2008
