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Dramatic Aaron Ramsey Winner Puts Arsenal Top of UEFA Champions League Group F
Sergio Aguero had given Manchester City victory the previous day with a stoppage time goal, and this time Ramsey stepped up to give Arsenal an equally dramatic victory.The Gunners came into this game two points behind then group leaders Marseille, and now sit top and have given themselves a strong chance of progressing to the knockout rounds.
The first half was a cagey affair, with the biggest chance of note coming when Robin van Persie had a looping header cleared off the goal line by Souleymane Diawara.
Arsenal also created the first scoring chance of the second half when Theo Walcott’s low drive was saved well by Steve Mandanda.
Malta vs Greece: Can The Greeks Top Group F After Match-Day 5?
Fernando Santos men are starting to pick form in the Euro 2012 qualifiers. Frustration captivated Greek fans after their team stumbled to two consecutive draws in the first stages of the campaign. However, narrow victories over Latvia and Israel respectively have turned the tables around for the 2010 World Cup losers. Greece are now just behind Croatia in Group F and they stand a great chance of toping their section after match-day 5. The good news for the Greeks is that they will be playing Malta who are toothless, so expect 3 more points to fall in the bag of Saturday’s visitors. Portuguese coach Fernando Santos is looking forward to a victory against Group F’s bottom side.
UEFA Europa League Match-day One Preview - From Group A To Group F
Group A: Juventus vs Lech Poznan; Salzburg vs Manchester CityThese are two of the twenty-four fixtures that we captivate the public’s attention on Thursday. Group A is actually particularly interesting since the Old Lady and the Sky Blues are both expected to avoid upsets and eventually reach the next phase of the UEFA Europa League.
On paper, the Sky Blues should go past Salzburg with ease, though. However, football keeps proving that names and money don’t buy success overnight. Having spent astronomical sums of money during the just-end transfer window, Manchester City’s targets this season are high.
Paraguay 0 - 0 New Zealand - FIFA World Cup 2010 Report
There are only a few teams that have managed to end the first stage unbeaten. This match has not shown the best of the Albirroja, for Gerardo Martino tried to secure the first position rather than show once again his offensive prowess. New Zealand has not done enough to earn their place in the next stage, and thus a blue trip back to Oceania will be waiting ahead for the All Whites. Thanks to this result Paraguay will be able to avid Netherlands in the next round. Is Paraguay the heir to the throne?
Match Preview - Italy vs Slovakia, Group F - World Cup 2010
After being grouped with New Zealand, Slovakia, and Paraguay, few could be accused of hubris if they predicted an Italian canter to the round of sixteen. However, those who have followed major football tournaments know that it is almost inevitable that Italy make life difficult for themselves.
The Azzurri’s 1-1 draw to Paraguay was a respectable return. Paraguay, like many other South American teams, are playing an energetic, highly-skilled game of attacking football, and they are not daunted by any. Italy’s 1-1 draw to New Zealand, on the other hand, was nothing short of catastrophic. After conceding yet again on a set-piece, Marcello Lippi’s charges haplessly tried to look for the win. Indeed, it was a very fortunate penalty that gained them parity in the first place. Any further incompetence against Slovakia could mean an unceremonious exit for Italy.
Slovakia are certainly more complicated on paper than New Zealand. They have the exciting talent of Napoli midfielder Marek Hamsik on which to rely, and did, after all, make into the World Cup by beating the likes of Slovenia and Czech Republic to first place in their qualifying group. Further, they know that the pressure will be on their far more illustrious opponents, knowledge that will undoubtedly embolden them in their endeavour.
Paraguay vs New Zealand - FIFA World Cup 2010 Match Preview
There's only been one victory in this group, and for that reason Italy and New Zealand have equal chances of claiming their ticket for the next stage. The current world champion will be taking on Slovakia's rookies, while New Zealand will have to tear down the Guaranies by at least two goals to secure their ticket for the Round of Sixteen.
Stuck in the middle
Gerardo Martino has one of the strongest midfields in this competition, as Cristian Rivero, Enrique Vera and Victor Cáceres are performing at their highest, recovering most of the balls in the midfield and feeding Guarani's strikers with plenty of opportunities to score as well as keeping their rival's goalkeeper busy with mid distance shots.
Paraguay 2 - 0 Slovakia - FIFA World Cup - Report
Gerardo Martino's team was to be considered seriously from the first moment and the debut match against Italy showed the Albirroja squad was truly fearsome. But this victory has shown a team unable to interact properly, with frequent defensive mistakes and little to do against their rival's goal. Slovakia could never worry Justo Villar between the posts, unable to fight for this six-pointer that has left Paraguay at the doorsteps of qualification.
Paraguay vs Slovakia - FIFA World Cup 2010 Match Preview
The label of "South American revelation" might be too heavy for Gerardo Martino's squad to deal with, but up to the moment the Paraguayans have stand for their name proudly. A highly tactical team with a sharp offense will take on Marek Hamsik's Slovakia for the top of the group, a trophy deserved only for the winner. The Eastern Europeans still have to take on the Squadra Azzurra, while the Guaranies are expecting New Zealand for their third match.
Defy the king
Once again the Paraguayans proved their worth in a world championship, having stood up against the Italians for their place within the best sixteen. Thanks to Antolin Alcaraz the Albirroja could have won the debut match, but nevertheless the result was positive for Gerardo Martino. Team's coach declared "We are more than satisfied with the result, Paraguayans can dream with the title. We can face any rival on equal terms, we're really optimistic regarding our future".
Paraguay vs Italy - 2010 FIFA World Cup Post Match Analysis
A furious clash was expected to take place this Monday to inaugurate Group F's games, and it certainly did. Gerardo Martino's strategy worked wonders during the first 45 minutes, stopping every Italian attempt to score. Justo Villar provided the needed security between the posts, but he was indeed responsible for Italy's goal. Luckily for Paraguay he did not lose his confidence and his gloves stopped every ball Italy sent during the last minutes, taking full advantage of the prowess of their gunners. This way Italy was saved from a stunning debut, for Antolin Alcarez gave the Albirroja the victory at the end of the first period. Karmic balance for Paraguay's goalkeeper, who saved as well as doomed his team.
Italy vs Paraguay - FIFA World Cup 2010 Match Preview
This will be the second time these two teams face each other. The only precedent is obsolete now, for it comes from a match played 60 years ago, in which the Europeans defeated Paraguay 2-0 on Brazilian ground. In 1998 a friendly match took place, which had Italy as the winner. But thanks to Gerardo "Tata" Martino Paraguay recovered the best of its football during the last years, as team's solid performance in the CONMEBOL has clearly shown. Paraguay's focus on the physical aspects of the game might surprise the Squadra Azzurra, heavily focused on technique and ball control.
Group F – 2010 FIFA World Cup
Group F – The favorites at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa
Italy
Realistically, the Azzurri have absolutely every reason to go ahead for a 100% record in their group stage run. The 2006 World Cup winners remained undefeated the whole of their qualification for the tournament, and for that reason, they were able to keep their high value by grabbing automatic tickets. Italy coach Marcello Lippi possesses an “indestructible” psychology, refusing to believe that their dream of equaling Brazil – in terms of World Cup trophies won – can be shattered by obstacles. The title holders will be assisted with the services of experts like Gianluigi Buffon, Fabio Cannavaro, and Andrea Pirlo.
FC Barcelona vs Dynamo Kiev – UEFA Champions League Match Preview
Barcelona hoping to top their table...
After only managing to get a goalless draw at the San Siro in their previous match in Europe away to Milan, Barcelona now found themselves at the second place of their group table, with a single point.
Despite their unimpressive start to their Champions League campaign, the Catalans still have a lot of chances, as five group stage matches are still ahead of them. However, the Spanish giants will need to be more efficient in front goal than...