RSSQualifier Related Content
USA vs Scotland and Jurgen Klinsmann’s challenge ahead of next five games
The former Germany coach named his final 23-man squad ahead of his three friendlies against Scotland, Brazil and USA, and also his two World Cup qualifying matches against Antigua & Bermuda and Guatemala.Klinsmann initially called up 27 players at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando; but having now made his selection, the entire team is now heading to Jacksonville prior to their Scotland encounter on May 26 at EverBank Field.
For the USA manager, who won his last four international games, the Stars and Stripes can accept nothing other than good results in the Five-Game Tournament, which is supposed to mimic the pressure and consequences of a true tournament.
Telemundo’s sports programs “Titulares y Más” and “Titulares Telemundo” to air live from Los Angeles
Produced by Deportes Telemundo, both networks will broadcast live the 2012 CONCACAF Olympic qualifying tournament featuring matches between the national soccer squads of Canada, Cuba, El Salvador, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, USA and Trinidad and Tobago; the tournament will determine which two teams will earn the right to go for gold at the 2012 Olympic Games in London.
MIAMI – March 19, 2012 – Telemundo and mun2 will offer live, exclusive Spanish language coverage of the 2012 CONCACAF Olympic qualifying tournament beginning on March 22nd. The tournament will take place in Carson, California, Nashville, Tennessee, and Kansas City , Missouri with the national squads from Canada, Cuba, El Salvador, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, the United States and Trinidad and Tobago all vying for the 2 coveted Olympic spots. The 2012 Olympic Games will be held in London in July.
Argentina suffer Di Maria blow ahead of Bolivia and Colombia qualifiers
The Real Madrid winger has ruled himself out from Sabella’s roster due to injury. Di Maria featured in Madrid’s 7-1 beating of Osasuna at the weekend. He produced 3 assists but also picked up a knock. Di Maria eventually had to be substituted early in the second half of the game.During the post-match interview, Jose Mourinho spoke about the Argentine’s injury. He was quoted as saying:
“He has a hamstring injury. We will have to wait for results of further tests, but I have enough experience to realize that he will be unavailable for some time.”
Alejandro Sabella makes changes to Argentina squad for WCQ's
Los Albicelestes revealed both of their faces in Brazil 2014 World Cup qualifying earlier in the month, and it seems that coach Alejandro Sabella wasn't satisfied with what he saw, as he has made several changes to his squad to confront Argentina's two upcoming fixtures against Bolivia and Colombia.The two most important inclusions were that of Fernando Gago and Ezequiel Lavezzi, of Roma and Napoli, respectively. Gago, who participated in the 2011 Copa America, returns to the side after an injury setback. Lavezzi, who was also part of Argentina's squad for the competition also makes his return. Meanwhile, Sabella decided to call-up Pablo Guinazu of Internacional of Brazil and Luciano Monzon of French side Nice.
UEFA Euro 2012 qualifiers play-off draw: Portugal, Turkey in tough ties
Pot 1 had the likes of Croatia (coefficient 32.723), Portugal (31.202), the Republic of Ireland (28.203) and the Czech Republic (27.982) as seeded teams. Pot 2 had Turkey (27.601), Bosnia and Herzegovina (27.199), Montenegro (21.876) and Estonia (20.355) the unseeded teams. On Thursday afternoon, the draw which took place in Krakow produced exciting matchups.Turkey vs Croatia will represent a repeat of the dramatic Euro 2008 quarter-final where the Turks produced a stunning comeback to beat their opponents through a penalty shoot-out. The Croatians will be out to redeem themselves this time.
Manchester City Duo Nasri and Dzeko on Target in Crunch EURO 2012 Qualifier
France held a one-point lead over second placed Bosnia and Herzegovina at the top of Group D, and the winner of this game in Paris would seal automatic qualification.When all was said and done the French would seal qualification to their ninth successive major tournament courtesy of a 1-1 draw. The game would have a distinct Manchester City influence, as club teammates Edin Dzeko and Samir Nasri would score both goals.
Bosnia started quickest and Senad Lulic dispossessed Anthony Reveillere only to fire into the side netting. France hit back but Loic Remy was unable to convert after being sent one on one with goalkeeper Kenan Hasagic.
Ronaldo cleared from injury scare ahead of Portugal’s Euro 2012 qualifiers
The Real Madrid number 7 player didn’t join his team mates for Wednesday’s training session. But before rumors related to Cristiano Ronaldo’s fitness could emerge, doctor Henrique Jones explained the matter. On Wednesday morning, Spanish news source Marca quoted the Portugal national team doctor as saying:“Cristiano has a minor problem with his right hip, but we have everything under control. We have decided to let him miss today's training and he'll have an individual session tomorrow.
“There's no need to be worried though. He will definitely play on Friday.”
Portugal unfazed by Carvalho’s quitting ahead of Cyprus Euro 2012 qualifier
The Real Madrid defender reportedly left the Portuguese training camp earlier this week and subsequently announced his retirement from international football later the same day. Hitting back at Ricardo Carvalho’s attitude, Paulo Bento revealed that the player got angry after noticing that he wouldn’t start the match against Cyprus.The Portugal coach then explained his unwillingness to ever recall Ricardo Carvalho to the team. In a statement at a press conference on Friday, Paulo Bento confirmed:
“As long as I am in charge, Ricardo Carvalho will never play again. It does not make any sense. The door is closed for him.”
UEFA Euro 2012 qualifiers: Miroslav Klose boasting about Germany’s power
Germany indeed look invincible at the moment. Their recent 3-2 defeat of Brazil only reminded the public about Joachim Lowe and his team’s ambitions. In the Euro 2012 qualifiers, the Germans hold a perfect record. They’ve conceded only 3 goals in 7 matches whereas they surpass the 3 goals per match average.Germany are poised to go through their UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying campaign without knowing anything else than wins. On Friday night, they will affront Austria in their 8th game of the qualifiers which they are expected to win. According to Miroslav Klose, the time has come for the Germans to genuinely think about celebrateing on a podium.
Copa America Replaces World Cup Qualifiers For 2014 Hosts Brazil—Aurelio
In three years’ time, Brazil will be hosting the 2014 FIFA World Cup. And whereas teams will be busy vying for a spot in the group stages of that tournament, the Seleçao won’t have any qualification encounter to worry about. Now as the hosts of the 2014 World Cup, Liverpool player Aurelio is hoping that Brazil will make the most of the 2011 Copa America. “I think that the Copa America is viewed like the Euros here,” Aurelio told LFC Weekly.
“It’s very important for all national teams, but especially for Brazil, because we won’t have any qualifying game for the next World Cup because we are the hosts.”
Austria vs Germany: DFB Eleven Hit With Injuries Ahead Of Euro 2012 Qualifier
Toni Kroos is presently aiming for a place in the line-up ahead of the encounter in which he is set to partner with Sami Khedira in the midfield. The Real Madrid player was put out of action in April after he tore a thigh muscle, but Khedira recently insisted that he was fit enough to perform for his country on Friday.Assistant manager Hansi Flick expressed confidence over the talisman’s presence, stating that his health had improved fast enough for him to make his return. With Simon Rolfes available to replace Khedira in case of any late obstacle, Loew can thus look at other areas of his squad, which has lost some of its power through the absence of star striker Miroslav Klose and defender Per Mertesacker.
Video - Serbian hooligans spoil the Italy - Serbia Euro 2012 Qualifier
Officials and security forces could only watch on as the Serbian fans took matters into their own hands in the Stadio Luigi Ferraris in Genoa. The Serbians lit flares and threw them on the pitch as the Serbian players looked on in disbelief. The hooligans were seen cutting security nets, smashing glass...
Kazakhstan vs Germany Report
Germany collected all three points to stay top of group A with twelve points; the scoreline however did not exactly tell the whole story. The goals came from Miroslav Klose, Mario Gomez and Lukas Podolski.
Kazakhstan vs Germany Preview
Germany seems hungrier than ever as they go in search of another win in their bid to qualify for Euro 2012. The run without a major trophy since 1996 might very well end in 2012 if the Germans continue dominating their opponents.Germany and Kazakhstan has never played each other in any European international competitions. Also, clubs from the two countries have only met twice; Werder Bremen took on Aktobe in a two legged clash and beat the Kazakh side 8-2 on aggregate. If that score-line is anything to go by, the match in Astana should provide plenty of goals.
Germany vs Turkey Report
Germany brushed aside their main rivals in Group A, Turkey with style, beating them 3-0. Mesut Oezil struck once and Miroslav Klose twice.
Germany vs Turkey Preview
The home fans might actually be outnumbered by the away fans in this European championship qualifier between Germany and Turkey at the Olympic Stadium in Berlin. The night will be a special for the likes of the Altintop brothers and Nuri Sahin as well as for one of the brightest and most coveted youngsters in world football, Mesut Özil.Plenty of Turkish immigrants live in Germany; plenty of them support both the German and Turkish national team. Apparently, a large number of home fans will be rooting for the Turks if some recent reports arriving out of Germany are to be believed.
Swiss Test not Easy for England - EURO 2012 Qualifying Round Preview.
By Paul Vance
Published Sep 6, 2010 @ 23:30 PM EST.
The over-expectant English public will be demanding victory, but the inconsistent Swiss will provide tricky opposition in Basel, a venue where England has previously won 3 times. Basel also played host to the last occasion of a Swiss victory over the English, back in 1981. That was Switzerland’s only victory over England since winning two of the first three meetings between the countries back in the 30’s and 40’s.
Their form throughout the qualifying and Finals for the last World Cup, make the Swiss an unpredictable package, while it’s anyone’s guess which England will turn-up - the one that can breeze easily and efficiently through qualification, or the cautious, nervy version that normally features in tournament play.
Much may depend on how recent newspaper speculation affects Wayne Rooney and on which of the sides handles the absence of key players, best. England has particular problems at the heart of their defense, adding Michael Dawson to an injury-list that already included Rio Ferdinand and John Terry. Philippe Senderos and Marco Eggimann will miss out for the hosts, who may also be missing expectant father, goalkeeper Diego Benaglio.
Interestingly, English-born right-back Scott Sutter who recently played Champions League football for Young Boys Berne against boyhood heroes Tottenham Hotspur, hopes now to upset his favorite national team. "Switzerland has become my home," the 24-year-old said. "However, it is doubly special to be in the squad to face the nation where I was born and grew up."
Elsewhere in Group G, Bulgaria who have not won in five, will be hoping for improvement after their 4-0 battering at Wembley, when they take on Montenegro. It’s the debut campaign for the Montenegrins in the European Championships having made their bow last Friday by narrowly defeating Wales in Podgorica.
Switzerland Vs. England - Euro 2012 Qualifier
Ottmar Hitzfeld, the Switzerland coach, will be hoping to get the Schweizer Nati to the Euro 2012 tournament for the third tournament in a row after successfully reaching the finals in Portugal and getting a free ride with home field advantage in the 2008 Austria/Switzerland finals. Switzerland open their account in Basle against Group G leaders England and have only played Australia since their unsuccessful World Cup tournament in South Africa, despite beating the soon to be World Champions Spain in their opening World Cup match, one-nil.
The Swiss are a well organised side and the experienced Swiss coach Hitzfeld has his team physically ready and a hard unit to breakdown, as Australia found in their recent nil-nil draw. Hitzfeld’s team is predominantly made of Swiss based players with almost half of them playing for the nation’s two top clubs, Basel and Young Boys, with the rest in neighboring Italy, German and France. Switzerland will be looking to be at least on the cusp of the automatic qualification spot in the group by October 8th 2011, if not in the play-off berth.
Portugal’s Test In Euro 2012 Qualifiers – Cristiano Ronaldo’s Injury: Real or Not?
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Injury
The Real Madrid football club revealed after the team’s 0-0 draw away to Mallorca that Ronaldo had damaged his right ankle. According to their report, the result of CR’s bruise will see him skip Los Blancos’ second game in La Liga against Osasuna, as well as their UEFA Champions League opener against Ajax.
Yet, Madrid’s momentary loss of Ronaldo not only harms the Spanish giants; in fact, it also greatly affects the Portuguese national team who are earnestly practicing for the UEFA Euro 2012 Qualifiers. Portugal will meet Cyprus later in the day, with Norway next on their list of fixtures.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal
Ronaldo is regarded as one of Portugal’s greatest players ever; although his love, loyalty and willingness for his country have been questioned on several occasions by true supporters of the Selecçăo. During the 2010 World Cup qualifiers, the former Ballon d’Or winner was accused of not giving his all, after he ended that particular phase of the tournament without a single goal.
Euro 2012 Qualifier – Estonia vs Italy: Coach Cesare Prandelli Asks His Men To Be Positive
The former Fiorentina manager will be leading Italy in a competitive encounter for the first time since replacing the disgraced Marcello Lippi. All eyes are on the coach to start business on a good note as the Azzurri are desperate to find back the respect they used to enjoy.
During the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, the Italians didn’t manage a single victory and their performance was well below their fans’ expectations. Cesare Prandelli has been given the task to put things right and this is what he had to say to the media during a press conference: