Netherlands coach Bert van Marwijk has several selection concerns ahead of his side’s friendly with Austria in Eindhoven on Wednesday.
Star winger Arjen Robben has already been ruled out of the game, while Arsenal striker Robin van Persie joined Spurs midfielder Rafael van der Vaart and Manchester City’s Nigel de Jong on the sidelines due to illness.
Robben trained with Bayern Munich’s fitness coaches on Tuesday as he continues his fight to regain full fitness following the severe hamstring injury he suffered during the 2010 World Cup.
With De Jong and Robben out, Twente’s Theo Janssen is likely to partner Mark van Bommel in midfield, while Inter Milan star Wesley Sneijder has been passed fit and should start at PSV Stadium.
Van Persie had been tipped as a likely replacement for Schalke marksman Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, whose domestic form has tailed off in recent weeks.
Despite the bad news on the fitness front, van Marwijk was full of praise for international newcomer Kevin Strootman, claming the 20-year-old Utrecht midfielder was handling the pressure of his first Netherlands call up well.
“I love footballers who have an overview in all situations, and who can think two or three steps in advance,” van Marwijk said.
“He is also a winner, he also dares to push forward playing modern football.”
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“He’s got an incredible technique, he can shoot with his left leg as well, and since he was selected in the team, everyone looks on him differently.”
“Fellow players look at you, the press looks at you and the audience and for such a young boy, it is all overwhelming.”
Real Sociedad moved to within three points of the European qualification places with a 1-0 win over Mallorca in La Liga on Monday.Former Espanyol man Raul Tamudo scored the game’s only goal 10 minutes into the second half.Promoted as second-tier champions last season, Sociedad are now eighth in the table. They are level on 34 points with seventh-placed Sevilla and three points behind Espanyol, who occupy the last Europa League qualification place in sixth.There were few chances in the first half at an Estadio Anoeta lashed by rain and high winds.The 33-year-old Tamudo came closest with an attempted chip two minutes before half-time, forcing a save from Mallorca goalkeeper Dudu Aouate.The hosts began to impose themselves in the second half, with Israel international Aouate coming close to conceding an own-goal two minutes after the restart as he cleared an Antoine Griezmann corner.And Sociedad broke the deadlock in the 55th minute when former Spain striker Tamudo connected with Daniel Estrada’s corner to fire a downward header past Aouate.They had chances to double their lead – Tamudo shot wide and midfielder Xabi Prieto saw his effort hit the crossbar with Aouate stranded after coming off his line to foil attacker David Zurutuza.Substitute Akihiro Ienaga had Mallorca’s best chance to level in on 75 minutes, but he was denied by Sociedad goalkeeper Claudio Bravo.Mikel Aranburu and striker Imanol Agirretxe went close to making it 2-0 late on and, while neither could breach the Mallorca defence, Sociedad saw out the closing minutes to secure victory.Defeat means Mallorca remain 11th. They are in no immediate danger of relegation, but look equally unlikely to make an impact on the upper reaches of the table.
An 11th home defeat of the season earned Leeds United another unwanted record in one of the most disappointing campaigns in recent memory. The 2-1 loss to Leicester City on the final day ensured that the Whites ended the season having suffered more home defeats than in any previous campaign.
The game was United’s season diluted into a handy ninety minute bite sized chunk. Leeds showed promise in the early stages of the game, with some neat and incisive football causing Leicester some early problems. However, the Whites lost the iniative and handed the visitors the lead with some characteristic comedy defending. Michael Brown sliced the ball horribly into the air in the centre circle putting the hapless Danny Pugh under pressure from Martin Waghorn. The former Manchester United man was caught in two minds, and used neither of them as he failed in his attempts to get the ball back to Andy Lonergan, allowing the Foxes striker to stride on and fire past the United keeper.
The majority of the second half was a non-event until Leeds stepped up a gear in the closing moments, roared on by the ever faithful Elland Road crowd. It looked as if the fans were to be rewarded with a point when Danny Webber forced the ball over the line for his first (and probably only) Leeds goal following good work by Robert Snodgrass with just eight minutes remaining.
However this season has seen Leeds find new ways to add to the suffering of the fans, and they allowed Leicester to snatch the points right at the death as the ball ricocheted into the path of substitute Harry Panayiotou to deflect the ball past Lonergan.
The game itself was of little or no importance to either club, although the result ensured Leicester finished above the Whites in the final table, with Leeds finishing the season in a lowly 14th place.
One of the major talking points of the match was the reception afforded to Jermaine Beckford on his first return to Elland Road since his departure following his promotion winning goal against Bristol Rovers two years ago. The Leicester striker was serenaded with the song commemorating his goal at Old Trafford in the famous FA Cup victory over Manchester United, and he showed his affections to the crowd with waves and blown kisses. This apparent love-in must have infuriated Nigel Pearson who withdrew the striker at the interval.
The likelihood of Beckford returning to Elland Road are slim, but it will be one of the rumours that will begin to circulate now that the season has drawn to a close. Neil Warnock’s real work as Leeds United manager will start now as he begins to dismantle the current squad and begins to assemble his own. With the signing of Portsmouth centre half Jason Pearce expected to be announced this week, United fans will be hoping that he is the first of the many signings that will be required if Leeds are to challenge for promotion next season.
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If the signings are not forthcoming, then Ken Bates can expect more afternoons like the uncomfortable one he had yesterday. The Leeds United Supporters Trust arranged a “party” in his new East Stand development, and spent the majority of the match berating the Whites chairman, and his chief executive Shaun Harvey.
With a disastrous season consigned to the history books, Leeds face a make or break summer. Just two years ago the club seemed on the up, with a return to the Championship, average crowds close to 30K and a general feeling that the good times were about to return. Two years on, all that good feeling has disappeared, crowds have dwindled and there is a definite feeling of malaise around Elland Road. The club have launched their new kit for next season with the tag line “New Shirt, New Start.” It’s time for the club to ensure that is more than just words and show the supporters that the good times are just around the corner.
Sunderland defender John O’Shea has warned former club Manchester United that they will not be in for an easy game on the last day of the season at the Stadium of Light.
The Premier League champions are locked on points with cross-town rivals Manchester City, but are in second place due to an inferior goal difference.
United need to beat Sunderland on the last day and hope QPR can take points off City, but O’Shea is predicting a difficult day for the Red Devils.
“First and foremost, you want to do well for yourself and your own team,” the Black Cats man told The Guardian.
“It could be a huge game for United, depending on how City do, but we want to finish with a win for our fans and we want to try to get in the top 10.”
Roberto Mancini has stated in the media that United would have an easy game against Sunderland, but O’Shea disagrees wholeheartedly.
“Believe me, the two times City have played against us this season, they knew it wasn’t an easy game. We’ve taken four points off them, and it should have been six if we think about the game at their place [a 3-3 draw in which Sunderland led 3-1].
“He had obviously forgotten to check the fixtures list properly.
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“I think he is starting to enjoy his psychological games but, as the gaffer said, to call the integrity of the Premier League into question is disappointing. He’s going for the title and he’s going to try certain things. But he doesn’t need to do that,” he concluded.
From a fan perspective this year’s tournament has been marked by one thing so far, the Vuvuzela. Many of the crowds’ chants and even the England band were drowned out by the oversized horns. But how do you show support for your country back home? The answer is to send them a Big Cheer, and you might just win a Sony Ericsson mobile phone as a result!
In association with Sony Ericsson, here at FootballFanCast.com we’re giving you the opportunity to win a Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 mobile phone. All you have to do is come up with a chant to get behind England and show them or any other nation your support. You can say whatever you like to inspire your team and your cheer will be entered into the Big Cheer competition exclusively on FootballFanCast.com, where we will pick the best cheer and the winner will receive the Xperia X10 mobile.
How To Enter:
Entering is simple. All you have to do is login to your Twitter account and update your status with your Big Cheer. You can say anything you like, as long as your tweet starts with @footballfancast and ends with the #bigcheer hash tag. For example your tweet could be:
“@footballfancast Come on England, the trophy is yours for the taking! #bigcheer”
Don’t worry if you don’t have a Twitter account, as you can still enter by writing your Big Cheer in the comments box below. The cheers are printed on confetti, released in a giant glass tube and delivered to the teams at www.bigcheer.com. You don’t just have to make your tweet an England cheer either, as the 2010/11 Premier League fixtures have now been released and you can get behind your team right now!
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So what are you waiting for? Head to http://twitter.com/ and make your cheer count!
Scott Sinclair has refused a new Swansea contract, with a move to Manchester City in the pipeline, The Sun report.
The flying winger has impressed over a number of seasons with the Liberty Stadium outfit and played for Team GB at the Olympics this summer.
With less than a year left on his current deal with the Welsh side, a number of Premier League big boys are eyeing a move for Sinclair, whose future is in doubt.
Michael Laudrup’s men are eager to keep the player, but Sinclair has made his intention to leave the side clear by refusing to put pen to paper on a new contract.
The news has been confirmed by the Danish manager, who has admitted that the Premier League champions are keen on the winger.
“Scott won’t sign a new contract. But there is interest from a big club. City’s name keeps coming up,” Laudrup confessed.
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As the noisy neighbours begin to establish themselves in the blue half of Manchester, Sir Alex Ferguson will surely need to look over a number of incredibly disappointing results so far this season and re-establish his side as the dominant club in Manchester when the summer transfer window kicks in.
When Manchester City became the richest club in football, marking their intention with the signing of Robinho and then vowing to purchase every major superstar in Europe, Alex Ferguson simply seemed to dismiss them as an annoying younger brother trying to make himself heard—and rightfully so. The Manchester United boss has managed to overcome every challenge he’s had to face: from Keegan’s Newcastle, Arsenal’s Invincibles to, most recently, Abramovich’s millions, Ferguson continues to swat away those who attempt to dethrone him from the summit of the Premier League. But as the second half of the season begins to gather momentum, the reigning champions still find themselves in second place to their city rivals and off the back of a number of disappointing results over the festive period. With all the resources at Manchester City, and despite where the title ends up this season, could this summer be one of the most important during Ferguson’s time at United?
There is absolutely no reason to suggest that Manchester City will out-do United for the next five consecutive years; history dictates that there has never and might never be a situation like that where Sir Alex is involved. However, the shortcomings in this United side are plain for all to see; there could even be a suggestion that the purchases made by the club in recent transfer windows are not of the quality to combat the current threats in the league and in Europe. As Wayne Rooney has expressed in the past, he does not feel the club are showing enough ambition with the type of player they are bringing in.
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Now, far be it from me to suggest where Alex Ferguson is going wrong in his transfer policy, but there are supporters who can see that a creative outlet in the centre of the pitch is perhaps the area of the squad that needs addressing first. There is a great core of young players, especially in the possible future centre-back pairing in Chris Smalling and Phil Jones, but the squad do need taking to the next level. But if the unthinkable happens—from a United fan’s perspective at least—and City win the league title and continue to attract star players who will further their club’s reputation, should there be cause for concern for at least the short-term future of Manchester United, considering as well that Ferguson could be calling it a day within the next few years.
Surely the last thing the Manchester United manager wants to do is retire with the club as second best in the city. It would be a tremendous shame considering what he has done to overhaul Liverpool’s 18 league titles and continue to place the club in the top three or four in Europe. But much like the case at other clubs in the Premier League and around Europe, there is a necessary cause for action amongst managers who need to keep up with ever-changing landscape of football.
At the same time, I also believe Alex Ferguson has enough respect for every new challenge that comes up against the dynasty he has created. A manager who lives for the challenges that people such as Jose Mourinho present; there is very little reason to believe he won’t take action when it’s needed. But that time must come in the summer. As City look to impress the world and strike fear into the Premier League with a huge spending spree, Sir Alex needs to bite back with an equally impressive move. It allows the club to keep face in what will be another intense battle next season.
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Do you ever wish you could play football but organising a kick about with your mates proves an impossible task? Or do you not want the hassle of playing in 5-a-side league that costs an arm and a leg for short 40 minute games once a week?
Well, for those of you that live in the London area why not join our group ‘Jumpers 4 Goalposts @ Regents Park’. We’re close to celebrating the group’s 3rd birthday and with the extra daylight since the clocks went forward, we run 3 events a week for your choosing!
We don’t take ourselves too seriously but we do have bibs and cones to keep games organised but with bags and jumpers used as goalposts, our main aim is to play football and most importantly have fun doing it.
Personally, forming this group back in 2008 has proved fantastic for me, not only has it connected me with some great people in and around London, I’ve also been able to lose weight, improve my fitness and my football skills for free!
The events take place at Regents Park in Central London which is very well connected to Camden Town, Great Portland Street and Regent’s Park tube stations. We have the group on Facebook which is open for new members to join and you will be invited to up and coming events every week.
All we ask is for the small commitment of turning up on time to events. If you fancy coming along, then post a message on group the event page and click you’re attending, so we know who to expect! Details on the meeting point and times are all on the group and event pages.
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At the moment, we are currently running THREE events per week: Saturdays 12 noon, Tuesdays 6pm and Thursdays 6pm. The Thursday event starting on the 14th April will be a training session by a qualified coach for members who want to improve their own ability and performance. If you are just after a kick about however, then I’d recommend the Saturday or Tuesday events.
Arsenal’s injury woes continue as they will be without Aaron Ramsey for their Champions League group game against German side Borussia Dortmund.
The Emirates outfit take on the Bundesliga champions at Signal Iduna Park on Tuesday, and are stretched in midfield.
Wenger already has to do without Jack Wilshere, who will be sidelined for a number of months with an ankle injury, and Abou Diaby; the latest blow is difficult to take.
“Ramsey has been influential during our season but this is an opportunity to show we have a big squad. This is a good opportunity for us to create positive vibes. We need that. Every team, no matter how good it is, needs this,” he told The Daily Mail.
“I feel once we get our injured players back we can compete. Let’s get Wilshere back because he has played a big part in the quality of our game. His qualities are very difficult to find. I believe that we can be competitive. But the next two months will tell,” he stated.
With Germany international attacking midfielder Mario Gotze a key man for Jurgen Klopp’s team, added responsibility will be placed on Emmanuel Frimpong and Alex Song to shackle the 19-year-old.
Dortmund have a host of young, exciting players in their ranks and Wenger knows the home side will provide tricky opposition for The Gunners.
“I have a lot of respect for the team. They play very fast, very offence very similar to Arsenal. Dortmund have very good technical qualities, they are well organised,” he concluded.
Arsenal got back to winning ways with an edgy 1-0 victory over Swansea at the weekend, and will look to build momentum by avoiding defeat in their first European fixture of the season.
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Fulham’s major summer signing Dimitar Berbatov has picked up an injury in training and will miss games against Manchester City and Southampton as reported on goal.com.
Fulham boss Martin Jol confirmed the injury yesterday and he will certainly miss his main striker after the Bulgarian notched two goals in his first three appearances for the Whites. Thankfully though for Fulham fans it seems Berbatov’s hip injury is not serious and Jol will soon have him back.
“Unfortunately Dimitar is injured now and can’t play on Saturday so that is the disappointing thing. He will be out for the next two weeks,” said Jol.
“In his session he was looking good, as usual, and then his final shot he felt something and he had to go in and stop training. It appears he had – not a tear – but a sort of problem with his hip and upper thigh so we couldn’t take the risk to involve him against City.”
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