Cristiano Ronaldo Picture gallery, football news from C. ronaldo

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Cristiano Ronaldo First Pictures For Armani

2010-01-30T21:41:00.000-08:00

Cristiano Ronaldo replaced David Beckham as Italian appearance artist Giorgio Armani’s cardinal one model.

His aboriginal pictures for Armani accept been appear and one of them seems to acknowledge an Illuminati message.

Firstly, for those who don’t apperceive a affair about the Illuminati, actuality is a quick account of the accomplished thing:

The Illuminati is believed to be a atrocious abstruse association which executes itself through all means, and which rules the apple with several symbols – the best accepted of those actuality the all-seeing-eye and the Manu Cornuto (I adulation you Devil sign).Eye, Mano Cornuto

It is broadly believed that the Illuminati uses celebrities abnormally as able-bodied as pop ability to advance its bulletin about the world.

While abounding bodies adjudge to avoid the embodied accuracy of the actuality of the Illuminati, others accept taken addition attending at the apple and noticed atrocious signs everywhere.

Now is Cristiano Ronaldo a agent for this group?

This week, the best iconic footballer on the planet had his aboriginal anytime photo shoots for Armani; his pictures apparent animal affront and perhaps, article else… a assurance of the Illuminati.

Cris, Lady GagaOn this account on the left, shirtless Cristiano Ronaldo has two of his appropriate hand’s fingers abreast his appropriate eye aloof like accompanist Lady Gaga (who about talks herself about the aphorism of symbols) can be apparent gesturing about similarly…

This assurance (called eye in the triangle) is admired as one amid abounding atrocious gestures to abounding people, and alike to those who are appreciative of accomplishing it.

In our Video gallery, you can accept the adventitious to watch Cristiano Ronaldo Fan’s most recent absolute video which can additionally be apparent on Youtube.com (Click here).

Now what about this account that you can see here:Triangles

Is it aloof a accompaniment that the triangle (pyramid and Illuminati sign) can be apparent there? Well, adjudicator for yourself!

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Ibrahimovic is better than Ronaldo

2008-12-22T13:09:00.000-08:00

ROME (AFP) - Cristiano Ronaldo may have been crowned champion of England, Europe and the world as well as picking up the Ballon d'Or this year but Inter Milan coach Jose Mourinho still doesn't think he's the best.

Mourinho believes that his own Inter forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic of Sweden is one of those that are better than his countryman.

Speaking to Italian TV hostess Simona Ventura, Mourinho said there were several players better than the Manchester United winger.

"When I think about how a player should be what comes to mind is players like Kaka, Ibrahimovic and (Lionel) Messi, who is a phenomenon and in two or three years will win the Ballon d'Or," he said.

"Ronaldo is a good player but he's certainly not the best. He deserved the Ballon d'Or because his team won the Champions League and Premier League, he played and he scored. But for me, Ibrahimovic is better."

Ronaldo will get the chance to test his skills on the same pitch as Ibra when United and Inter meet in the Champions League second round in February and March.

It is the type of match-up that Ronaldo has faced before when talk of who is the best player in the world has arisen.

In the 2007 Champions League semi-finals United met AC Milan with Kaka out-shining Ronaldo as the Italians reached the final and the Brazilian went on to be crowned the world's best player.

Earlier this year United played Barcelona in the semi-finals and although Messi was largely more effective than Ronaldo, the English team went through and Ronaldo went on to take the accolades.

But for Mourinho his enigmatic Swedish forward is the ideal player, more so than Ronaldo.

"Zlatan is in love with football, he has a big heart and he is emotionally aggressive," continued the Inter boss.

"When I made him play many matches in a row, for the Italian football world I was doing what destroys children.

"But what I was trying to do was build a team with mental strength and he is in the perfect condition to win the Ballon d'Or. He should win it."

While Mourinho seems to adore Ibra, he clearly has no such sentiment for Brazilian forward Adriano, who looks certain to leave the club sooner rather than later.

"When I arrived people said the change of coach could be good for him. At the beginning it was but after that he didn't continue at 100 percent.

"To be a top professional a player doesn't need his coach to control him. Adriano, though, needs a tutor, someone who stays close to him, whether that's a friend, a team-mate or a relative. And that doesn't interest me.

"President (Massimo) Moratti wants him to stay, and so do I but if he asks to leave I won't stop him, he's still got 10 years of football ahead of him."

Even if he does leave, though, Mourinho said it is unlikely that he will be replaced by Didier Drogba.

"I've never hidden my special relationship with Didier but I don't need another striker as I already have (Hernan) Crespo, (Julio) Cruz, (Mario) Balotelli and Ibrahimovic.

"But Drogba is more than a player for me, he's a part of me, an extension of the coach on the pitch."

Video: Ballon D'Or Winner 2009 Cristiano Ronaldo

2008-12-22T13:03:00.000-08:00

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Ronaldo going nowhere says Neville as Madrid hit back

2008-12-20T01:48:00.000-08:00

YOKOHAMA, Japan (AFP) - Captain Gary Neville has joined boss Sir Alex Ferguson in insisting Cristiano Ronaldo is going nowhere, as Real Madrid hit back at Manchester United's "sad" comments.

"There should be a level of respect shown between the clubs, but we can't do anything about the speculation. All we can do is look after our own situation," said Neville.

"Cristiano is our player and he will continue to be our player as long as we want to keep him. The manager has already said that.

"Manchester United don't let players go that they don't want to sell, it's as simple as that. And they want to keep Ronaldo," he added on the club website.

Ferguson lashed out at Real Madrid on Thursday as new rumours swirled about a Ronaldo move to the Bernabeu at the end of the season, saying he would not "sell them a virus."

Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon, who like Ferguson is in Japan, termed the comments "sad."

"In the code of conduct of our club, there is no room for insults, for scorn nor for a lack of respect for our rivals. Perhaps for this reason, Real Madrid is respected in all corners of the world," Calderon said in a statement.

"It is sad that a professional with the career of Mr. Ferguson can make a statement like that, which is in addition to other unfortunate statements made in recent months.

"Despite these, Real Madrid will never respond without respect to Manchester United, to any of its officials, nor of course to its supporters."

Calderon also confirmed that there was "no agreement" between the two clubs on a Ronaldo transfer, as alleged by Spanish media.

Ronaldo was touted all summer as an 80 million euro (115 million dollars, 74 million pounds) Real target, with United furious at the Spaniards' constant efforts to prise him away from Manchester.

Ferguson backing for Ronaldo

2008-12-20T01:42:00.000-08:00

Sir Alex Ferguson believes everything is in place for Cristiano Ronaldo to go on and become one of football's true greats.Ronaldo has already achieved plenty in his short career - appearing in the final of Euro 2004 with Portugal, lifting two Premier League titles and a Champions League trophy with Manchester United, plus a host of individual honours, including the prestigious Ballon D'Or.

On Sunday in Japan he will be part of a United side aiming to be crowned world champions by beating Ecuador's LDU Quito.

For a 23-year-old it would be a remarkable haul - with the promise of much more to come.

If Ronaldo can sustain such high performance levels, he could end up being compared to Pele and Diego Maradona - widely accepted to be the best two players of all-time.

"When you have a star like this, a young player with such huge potential, they normally make an impact very early - which is what Cristiano has done," said Ferguson.

"Pele scored in a World Cup semi-final as a 17-year-old. Maradona played for his country at 17. Cristiano was 18. All the signs are the same.

"What you don't know about him, but can say about Maradona and Pele, is that their careers lasted for a number of years.

"Pele played in two World Cup finals, as did Maradona. Maybe Portugal do not have the profile to get to World Cup finals, the same as Brazil and Argentina - so you have to judge him a different way."

It means Ferguson feels Ronaldo must maintain the high levels that brought him 42 goals last year and amass major honours in the same way Ruud Gullit and Zinedine Zidane achieved to assume the mantle of greatness. He would have to do even more to be regarded in the same company as Pele and Maradona.

Yet the Scots knows Ronaldo has all the attributes required to reach those heady heights. It is little wonder then that Real Madrid have been so keen to get him - and United just as determined the Madeira-born player should stay where he is.

"Cristiano is superb," said Ferguson.

"He has timing getting into the box, ability with two feet - and you would never associate a Portuguese winger with such magnificent ability in the air. He is like an old fashioned centre-forward.

"There are a lot of things in his favour to go on and become a legend.

"The answers will come in the next few years."

Ronaldo will almost certainly be part of a United line-up that also boasts Park Ji-Sung.

The South Korean has been guaranteed his place by Ferguson, who is promising other changes as well.

However, £30.75million record signing Dimitar Berbatov will only make the bench.

The Bulgarian has recovered from a virus, but Ferguson feels his lack of match sharpness will cost him a starting place.

Cristiano Ronaldo in Man U forever?

2008-11-09T10:44:00.000-08:00

The number 7 ace had been the target of Spanish Giants Real Madrid since he was 18. Last summer, the hottest war of words in football exploded in Europe between Ferguson’s Manchester United and Calderon’s Real Madrid for one purpose: the signature of Ronaldo.

Now the player has made his mind to stay at Old Trafford for at least two more seasons. But at this instant, it seems he will remain in England for almost all the rest of his career, if not the whole of his career.

Speaking to the press, Ronaldo revealed his dream of winning many trophies for Manchester United. He also assured the fans that he has always and will continue to play for the club with all his body, his entire mind and, all his soul.

Ronaldo has found back last season’s outstanding form and is already starting the goal harvest he has planned to do this season. There is no doubt Ronaldo will become the greatest ever Manchester United number 7, should he remain the determined, devoted and outstanding player he has always been.

Real Madrid has missed out the chance to capture the Portuguese Superstar and Calderon was forced to admit defeat in the transfer saga… a defeat that Coach Bernd Schuster had always seen as predictable.

And now, there are even less probabilities for the Spaniards to sign Ronaldo from Manchester United.

Ronaldo is about to sign a mega Man U deal in the summer. According to News of the World, Ronaldo’s current £120,000-per-week contract - which has more than three years remaining – will soon be restored by a new £150,000-per-week deal.

Ronaldo will then become the best ever paid Premiership player. Manchester United hope to keep their Superstar and Ferguson is certain that Real Madrid cannot match this price.

“There is no question of Ronaldo leaving,” Fergie stated.

“Calderon promised everyone they would get the lad in the summer. There was a complete arrogance about it. So I was delighted Ronaldo stayed.”

If Ronaldo’s dream of playing in Spain in the nearest future is still alive, then he can turn down the new deal and exploit FIFA Article 17, meaning that he could buy out his current contract at the end of the season.

However, Fergie is adamant that this possibility is a ‘never’:

“Nobody (at Manchester United) has ever bought himself out of his contract. I don’t think it will be an issue.”

Certainly, Ferguson is right. Cristiano Ronaldo may stay with the Champions for the rest of his life.

Manchester United fans have forgiven me for Real Madrid saga

2008-10-14T13:37:00.000-07:00

Real did all they could to unsettle the Portugal international last season, with coach Bernd Schuster constantly telling Spanish media that Ronaldo was their No 1 priority.

Schuster has continued to court the 23-year-old this campaign, and only yesterday was quoted as saying: "Manchester United are going to find it very difficult to retain Cristiano next summer.

"He's full of pride about the idea of coming to Madrid. We're full of hope we'll sign him next season."

These remarks will not go down well with United fans, who are sick of hearing quotes eminating from Madrid regarding their star player.

However, Ronaldo himself has vowed to do all he can to help Sir Alex Ferguson's men retain their Premier League and Champions League crowns, and believes most United supporters have welcomed him back into their hearts.

He said: "In the game when I came back against Villarreal I wasn't nervous but just a bit excited about how the fans would react to me.

"Thank God things went well. This shows people have not forgotten all the good things we've done together and I'm very happy with that.

"Things are going pretty well. I'd love a repeat of last season and continue to show some good progression."

Ronaldo scored 42 goals in all competitions last term as United claimed domestic and European success.

His return to first-team action this year was delayed as he recovered from an ankle operation following Euro 2008.

However, the Portuguese has scored twice since making his comeback and is slowly returning to the form that makes him one of the favourites for the Fifa World Player of the Year award in December.

Ronaldo to start in Tuesday’s champions league encounter

2008-10-01T07:08:00.000-07:00

Last season’s UEFA The top scorer Cristiano Ronaldo will be hoping to defend his title when his side faces Aalborg tonight.

It is understood that Ronaldo will be in the starting XI for Manchester Untied for the first time since the final in Moscow and he could once again mark it with a goal.

Statistics show that the winger has played twice as a starter for the Reds this season and scored two goals. On the other side, Aalborg have let eight goals pass into their net domestically on home soil.

Two years ago, the Red Devils lost 1 – 0 in Denmark to Copenhagen. This time, they will hope to break their opponent’s dead lock to avoid any setback and Ronaldo will surely be on fire to help Manchester United perform its wish.

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2008-09-20T14:40:00.000-07:00

Only two days remain in England best player, Cristiano Ronaldo, making his first appearance in the new English Premier League campiongn.

"Manchester United" facing Chelsea on Sunday afternoon in a breathtaking meeting, where nothing less than victory means the beginning of the disaster at the club.

C. Ronaldo "Manchester United" was the last player to score against Chelsea in 90 minutes a game. Nevertheless, she never managed to put the ball in the net against the Blues in the Premier League.

Ronaldo was great on Wednesday night against Villarreal, even though his presence can not leave Manchester United "to break the deadlock.

Ronaldo in the 42 th and final goal of the season in the final of the League against Chelsea when he stepped on more than anyone to beat the ball into the net with a powerful header.

Therefore, starting his first League game against Chelsea could be ideal for him to start working with her name written on a piece of score at the end of the day.

Fergie side the need to dynamite and some fireworks to shake off his slow start, and the Rocket Ronaldo could be the right person to provide that for his team on Sunday.

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September 27th could be the perfect date for Ronaldo’s return

2008-09-12T15:38:00.000-07:00

Many people have urged him to be patient and wait until November or October at least before coming back to action.

But Ronaldo has made up his mind and he is confident that by the end of September, he would have completely recovered from his injury.

There is an impression that Ronaldo is rushing to be fit, perhaps because of the frustration of being on the sidelines for so long.

Now, he certainly will not have to mind anymore about Manchester United’s goal crisis as the club has finally found their number 9 player in Dimitar Berbatov.

If the Portuguese player is so keen on returning on the field of play for the game against Bolton, then let it be. His decision might just be perfect.

On September 27th, more than 1850 days will have pass since the Star winger first made his appearance for the Reds.

Restarting his football against Bolton may inspire him to find his excellent form. The first time Ronaldo played for Man United, he came on as a substitute to help his team beat the Wanderers by an emphatic 4 goals to nil. This time around, it is probable that he will also have to come on as a substitute, leaving the chance for history to repeat itself.

September 27th could be the right time – neither too late nor too soon – for Cristiano Ronaldo to commence his 2008/09 season with one aim: to defend his worth and name by challenging any other player.

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Cristiano Ronaldo Will buy £135 million by Manchester City

2008-09-04T15:16:00.000-07:00

The Ronaldo transfer saga involving Manchester United and Real Madrid might well be over but a new soap-opera is just about to hit the TV screens this coming January.

Manchester City’s new owner has publicly avowed his desire to bring Europe’s best player Cristiano Ronaldo to the City of Manchester Stadium at an amount outbidding Real Madrid’s price of around £70 million.

In a statement made to the media, Dr. Sulaiman Al-Fahim declared how much more a good player like Ronaldo should be worth, which explains why he intends to buy Ronaldo from archrivals Manchester United at £135 million.

What a huge sum of money that will record the most expensive transfer ever made in the English Premier League!

Manchester United Football Club faces mountains of debts like most big clubs in Europe, Ronaldo wants money and glamour, so if there’s a realistic bid going up to £135 million for the Portuguese ace who has several times revealed his desire to quit Old Trafford, would it not be hard to refuse?

Let’s just wait and see whether Ronaldo himself becomes excited by Manchester City’s offer in January. If the answer were yes, football spectators would just have to seat back and follow a new saga entitled “Rocket Ron in the Blue Skies.”

When will Rocket Ronaldo fire again on the field?

2008-08-30T21:46:00.000-07:00

The winger has started minor exercises and is believed to be back on the pitch in the beginning of October. However, according to The Sun, Ronaldo could only be playing as a starter by November.

When Alex Ferguson was asked in an interview about Ronaldo’s return, he replied that there was no need to rush the player.

There is no doubt that the best solution for Ronaldo is to completely recover once and for all before getting back to action, no matter how long it will take.

Cristiano has always been described as a committed player who tries to surmount physical challenges. Now that it looks like he won’t be back in the squad in the next four weeks, Manchester United fans fear about two things:

Either the injury is badly serious, or Ronaldo is unwilling to do his best and recover quickly simply because he is not committed to Manchester United.

For the sake of all Ronaldo fans, it would be better if the reason why Ronaldo will stay out of action for a long time is all because of one true fact:

Come back from the medical room fit and don’t return to it soon.

Cristiano Ronaldo raring to go

2008-08-26T14:05:00.000-07:00

Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo has spoken of his frustration at being on the sidelines as he continues his recovery from ankle surgery.

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has suggested the Portugal star will be out of action until the beginning of October although Ronaldo is targeting a return before then.

"I have never experienced a situation like this, being two months without kicking a ball. I just want to be fully recovered," he told Portuguese broadcaster SIC. "I am not used to being sidelined. I feel sad, but the worst moment has already gone and I recognise that I must patient."

He added: "I feel well, and the time of kicking a ball is coming. Playing football - this is what makes me happy."

Ronaldo has also been widely touted as a strong candidate for the FIFA world player of the year award and the 23-year-old believes he has a good chance.

He added: "I think that I had very positive campaign last season. It would be a dream that becomes reality to win it. Not any player has done what I did last season.

"I believe I can win it this year."

Ronaldo Buys 150,000 number plate

2008-08-25T06:50:00.000-07:00

Demonstrating that age old adage of footballers having more money than sense, Cristiano Ronaldo has spent a massive 150,000 on a number plate!

Ronaldo coughed up the huge sum for the registration CR7 - his initials and shirt number at Old Trafford, says The Sun.

The new number plate takes his spending with luxury car firm Liquid 45 to a whopping £490,000 in the past month. A couple of weeks ago he placed an order for a black Rolls Royce Phantom - which costs a jaw-dropping £340,000.

But the number plate won't go on the new car - it is destined for his runaround, a silver £140,000 Bentley convertible!

Cristiano Ronaldo is certainly one for splashing his cash about. It's an obscene amount of money, but if you've got it flaunt it and Ronaldo certainly has!

Cristiano ronaldo Photo - euro 2004

2008-08-21T13:39:00.000-07:00

Cristiano ronaldo on Euro 2004 Portugal

Cristiano ronaldo on Euro 2004 Portugal

Cristiano ronaldo on Euro 2004 Portugal

Cristiano ronaldo on Euro 2004 Portugal

Who is bigger, Manchester United or C. Ronaldo ?

2008-08-21T13:36:00.000-07:00

Manchester United has been a successful team in these last couple of years, winning the EPL title and the Community Shield twice, as well as the Champions League trophy. One man behind all this achievement is the talismanic number seven shirt Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Portuguese winger has scored over 60 goals for the Reds since the 2006/07 season and his performance has helped Man United find back its road to glory. Alex Ferguson’s side had not won the EPL title for more than 3 years and the Champions League since 1999.

There is no doubt Ronaldo’s presence has brought something special to the Red Devils and though his contribution to the squad is evident, some people – like Ryan Giggs – insist that there is more to Manchester United than Ronaldo.

Ironically, the English Premier League champions could only manage a 1 – 1 draw in their opening game at home to Newcastle on Sunday… and Ronaldo was absent.

The Star winger was the man of match on both occasions last season against Newcastle, getting five goals out of the eleven that were scored on aggregate in the two meetings.

So, is Manchester United a one-man team or not? Well, the debate is very much open.

On one hand, many people share the opinion that Ronaldo is Manchester United’s main weapon and that his departure from Old Trafford could mean the end of the Reds glory.

On the other, some think that Man United’s success has not been built on Ronaldo’s efforts alone but on the entire team’s efforts.

One argument, which stamps this opinion, is the fact that Manchester United’s victories in big games – such as the Champions League’s semi-final against Barcelona – are not mainly due to Ronaldo’s presence.

However, with what happened in the UEFA final in Moscow (where Ronaldo scored a goal but missed his penalty), it is obvious one may think that the club’s success is the fruit of every Red Devil player contribution, including Ronaldo’s.

Presently, with the way Man United is struggling to create chances and score, it seems Ronaldo’s return will definitely be a major boost for the defending champions.

Certainly, Alex Ferguson’s big boys need Ronaldo and Ronaldo needs Manchester United – the club that has let him become who he is now.

Cristiano Ronaldo dating Iranian model Niki Ghazian?

2008-08-19T13:22:00.000-07:00

Following everything that happened during the transfer saga, Manchester United fans as well as football critics are wondering about Ronaldo’s commitment to the English champions.

Although the player has stated in an interview that he will play for United with all his heart and soul, he still intends to join Real in the near future.

However, above all the speculations over a Ronaldo move to Spain, the Man United boss Alex Ferguson is highly confident that the 23-year-old Portuguese will play for his club with the same devotion he had last season.

The English Premier League titleholders are even planning to extend Ronaldo’s contract according to reports.

Now, Manchester United’s concern is not about Real Madrid as regards to Ronaldo’s commitment. The Red Devils’ main problem is that Ronaldo presently focuses more on dating hot ladies rather than on playing soccer.

Manchester United has warned the talismanic winger to concentrate on his professional life. Ronaldo has been enjoying extended holidays because of his injury. And during all this time, the player has been scoring with party-girls, actresses and, models even though he hasn’t yet recovered from his ankle operation.

Letizia Filippi aka The Gaze is one of those women with whom Ronaldo is deeply in love. But besides the satisfaction that this 30-year-old Italian gives him, Nereida’s ex-boyfriend – Ronnie – can’t just get enough.

There is another lady that has captured the womaniser. Her name is Niki Ghazian, an Iranian model whom he spotted in the L.A. She seems to have grown in Ronaldo’s heart and mind from a simple party-girl to a secret lover. There are signs that a hot love story dispute between The Gaze and Ronaldo aka The Icicle will soon make the headlines.

Unfortunately for Manchester United, Ronaldo’s private life issues might reach to a point where it will be hard for the player to concentrate on his football career.

Cristiano Ronaldo recovery on course

2008-08-18T17:25:00.000-07:00

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is confident that Cristiano Ronaldo's recovery is on schedule and that he will be back in action by October.

The Portugal international, who has stated he will stay at Old Trafford after a summer of speculation linking him with Real Madrid, is currently sidelined as he recovers from ankle surgery.

The star winger, who scored an astonishing 42 goals in all competitions last season, is back at the club's Carrington training ground undergoing rehabilitation under the watchful eye of United's medical team.

Ferguson revealed that in three weeks Ronaldo will start building up his fitness before rejoining the rest of the squad in training.

He said: "Cristiano has been doing excellently. He is well ahead of schedule. The specialist was surprised the condition he was in.

"The next three weeks he will have rehab and then the next part will be endurance work and serious running before he goes into the football side with us.

"There has been no problem, his progress has been great. He has never missed a session morning or afternoon. We are pencilling him in for the beginning of October."

And the Scot believes that the prodigiously gifted youngster can improve on his mesmeric displays of last season.

He added: "At the start of last season I was asked if Ronaldo could score more than 25 goals and I replied I was looking for improvement.

"Improvement can come in different ways for Ronaldo this season. 42 goals is a target - it is still possible for him to achieve that given the talent of the boy and his goalscoring ability. But you have to say it is a big target.

"Where you will see the improvement is in his authority and decision-making, which improves with experience. Experience gives you a lot of things - timing especially."

Ferguson also intends to be 'fairer' with Wayne Rooney this season, after often playing him out of position last term.

"We have to be fairer to Wayne this season," said the Scot. "He is such a willing performer that you are always tempted to listen to him at times.

"He says he could play centre-midfield, centre-half, goalkeeper. If you ask him to do a job, he will - no problem.

"That is the kind of individual you are dealing with. He has that great desire to play anywhere."

Watch out Ferguson, Ronaldo could leave next summer

2008-08-15T12:18:00.000-07:00

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is certainly relishing his victory against Real Madrid in this transfer saga. Congratulations to the old Scottish man who can now write his name in history, as he is the first to win a transfer case against the Spanish giants.

Ronaldo earlier revealed in his interview with the Portuguese media Publico that he still has the dream of playing for Madrid one day. It is understood that Ronaldo’s decision is to remain in Manchester for only one more year.

Reports claim that the Star winger told his friends in Real that he will do whatever it takes to join the Spanish club in the 2009/10 season.

Real Madrid may use the same tactic they applied to have Figo from Barcelona. And if Ferguson wants to prevent Los Meringues from signing the talismanic number 7 next summer, there is no doubt that the manager will have to use money as his main instrument to captivate Ronaldo’s mind.

However, with the EPL facing financial crisis and with Manchester United suffering from millions of debts, raising players’ salaries will not be that easy.

Ferguson must already think of preparing himself for another fight against the Spanish giants. The saga is probably ‘postponed’ rather than ‘closed’.

Now, there is peace between the two clubs but next summer will surely be hotter than this one. Real Madrid never give up chasing their targets, so Manchester United must be ready to engage in another war or else, abdicate.

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2008-08-15T11:23:00.000-07:00

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Nereida replaced by new girlfriend, Litizia

2008-08-14T23:29:00.000-07:00

What a pity for Nereida! Letizia Filippi is captivating Ronaldo’s mind. If only Nereida had predicted the consequences of a simple dinner

It all started one week before Ronaldo split up with her. The three – Nereida, Letizia, and Cristiano – had dinner on a yacht. At that time, Cristiano was Nereida’s boyfriend and Letizia had a man. Certainly, this is the reason why Nereida saw nothing “risky” with having lunch with Ronnie and the 30 year old model Letizia Filippi.

However, Cristiano is a young man easily seduced by beautiful brunettes. Age seems to be of no importance as Letizia is seven years older than him. Nereida should have remembered that Cristiano was just 20 years old when he dated the 32-year-old Spanish star Mercedes Romero.

Either way, Ronaldo and Letizia exchanged a number of glances during the dinner – which Nereida perhaps did not notice. That night, Cristiano attempted to give his number to Letizia but she rejected it. An Italian newspaper has reported that she gave him a ‘gaze that melted him like an icicle in the Sun’ and this gaze has not only consumed Ronaldo but Nereida as well.

A source near Nereida revealed that the Spanish model often used to text Ronaldo to know what was going on when she suspected her boyfriend was tired of her. Ronaldo would text back saying not to worry. She then called him, but he would not pick up the phone – which subsequently angered Nereida.

“I’ve believed my man when he said he was being faithful,” Nereida said to a pal, “– but these pictures look like he is a rat. He has some explaining to do.”

Well, it seems Ronaldo’s explanation is simple: he is so in love with “The Gaze” to whom he offered flowers. Besides, he is not the man Nereida thought he was: Ronaldo has many feelings and rather than being a jealous lover, he is a real womanizer.

What a pity for Nereida! The “Ramos incident” was not the true cause why Ronaldo broke up with her. It was all because of one famous woman, a hot lady named Letizia aka “The Gaze” – now Nereida’s rival.

Cristiano ronaldo Video - Top 10 Goals collection

2008-08-14T17:20:00.000-07:00

Cristiano ronaldo Video - Top 10 Goals in Season 2007/08

CRistiano Ronaldo / Top 10 Goals by lpcr7

Cristiano Ronaldo Top 10 Goals

Ferguson, a good father to Ronaldo?

2008-08-14T16:27:00.000-07:00

During the transfer saga, most football analysts negatively translated Alex Ferguson’s resilience of keeping Ronaldo at Old Trafford. Many shared the opinion that if Fergie was so persistent, it was all because of the fear that Man United’s moments of glory might end should Ronaldo leave.

Well, Ferguson kept on fighting for the young man to stay in England and even went on to state as an argument that there was no place other than Manchester United, where Ronaldo could enjoy success as well as affection.

Whichever purpose was the truth, the manager has well defended himself towards the media and the public.

He is presently reacting as a good father to Ronaldo rather than as a “slave master.” The boss has made it clear that he was not going to rush the Star winger to play active football. Since the end of July, Alex had been worrying about Ronaldo’s injury.

He met at several occasions with Man United’s medical staff to discuss about what should be done for the player to find back his excellent form.

Initially, doctors announced that Ronaldo would need at least 6 weeks to recover from his ankle operation. However, Fergie declared his wish to see Ronaldo totally healed no matter how long it could take him..

The Portuguese will only be able to play in October and consequently, he will miss many games including Manchester United’s clash against Liverpool in September.

Fergie has praised Ronaldo many times and hailed him as the best player of the Manchester United squad, but the manager is also confident that his team can be victorious even without Ronaldo. Of course, no one can deny that Man United’s number 7 presence will be a huge boost to the squad and though it will take time before the winger restarts playing, Alex Ferguson is determined to wait until Ronaldo is fit to join United’s road to glory.

Cristiano Ronaldo Turns Orange

2008-08-13T13:18:00.000-07:00

Cristiano Ronaldo has been tango'd... but on a more serious note, he has also announced that he will be staying at Manchester United - at least for another season. Although hardly the most convincing statement by the Portuguese star, at least Manchester United and the rest of the world can finally get on with their lives without having to live with the constant updates of the Ronaldo/Real Madrid saga. Cristiano also went on to say that he was to blame for most of the transfer talk, and that he didn't help either Man Utd or Real Madrid by acting in the way that he did. Although this was pretty obvious to any individual following the on-going argument between the two clubs, it was still a bold move for Ronaldo to admit his wrong-doing not long before returning to Manchester.
We still wonder what kind of reception he will be in for when the 2008/2009 season kicks off in just a few weeks time...

C. Ronaldo on the side in Carling Cup victory

2008-08-12T14:26:00.000-07:00

After finally deciding to stay at least one more year at Old Trafford, Cristiano had the opportunity to witness Manchester United’s Community Shield triumph on Sunday afternoon at the Wembley Stadium.

The Portuguese star had to seat along side English striker Wayne Rooney, as both are currently recovering from injury. The English champions draw goalless with Pompy in a game that could have seen goalkeeper David James become the man of the match.

Nani assumed Ronaldo’s responsibility and was awesome in the wings – setting Fletcher who failed to break the dead lock, and dribbling past James only for his shot to be cleared by Glenn Johnson.

In the second half, Carlos Tevez had a clear appeal on penalty turned down by the referee. The end of the ninety minutes signified that the winner of the game had to be decided through a penalty shoot-out.

Tevez had the chance to revenge himself and indeed did not miss his spot kick. Giggs and Carrick also converted their kicks unlike Portsmouth’s Diarra and Johnson.

3 – 1 was the final score line, meaning that Alex Ferguson’s side has started its campaign on a good track. Ronaldo should wait a little while – six weeks at least – to help his club enjoy domestic and international success as the Red Devils aim to defend their EPL and Champions League titles.

C. Ronaldo Could Have Gone Anywhere But Madrid

2008-08-12T14:16:00.000-07:00

Cristiano Ronaldo was told by Sir Alex Ferguson that he could join any club in the world this summer, including Barcelona, as long as he did not go to Real Madrid.

The pledge was made when the pair met in Lisbon last month after the Manchester United manager flew out to convince the star that he should not go to the Bernabéu.

Barcelona had made tentative enquiries about Ronaldo earlier in the season and, according to Marca, Ferguson said that he could go there for half the money that the media were stating Madrid would pay.

It was a clear indication of how bad relations between Los Merengues and the Red Devils had become after the Premier League giants accused the Spanish outfit of tapping up the player.

Ronaldo only had eyes for Madrid, however, and told Ferguson that if he would not be allowed to join them then he would be willing stay at Old Trafford, albeit for just one more season.

Marca also state that the 23-year-old has told friends in the Madrid team that if he is not allowed to join for the 2009-10 campaign then he will force through a transfer himself.

In other reports it is alleged that Madrid used the same plan that saw them prise Luis Figo away from Barcelona in 2000 when tying Ronaldo down to a pre-contract agreement to join them.

If he then did not move to the club, as has now happened, then he would be liable to pay Madrid a clause which could add up to millions of euros.

Madrid Made Just One C. Ronaldo Bid

2008-08-11T12:17:00.000-07:00

Alex Ferguson has revealed that Real Madrid made only one official bid for Cristiano Ronaldo and does not expect the rift between the two clubs to heal quickly.

The fiery Scot was incensed over the summer when the Spanish giants publicly tried to prise the Portuguese star away from Old Trafford before eventually being unable to land their man.

Now Ferguson has said that United turned the one offer that they actually received and that the manner in which Madrid had operated had mean that the problems could long-lasting.

"We haven't had any recent contact with Real Madrid. Has there been any attempt to heal the rift? Yeah, that will be right," Sky Sports quoted him as saying.

"They put a bid in. I don't know if it was fax or letter or whatever. Just one. It was sometime in the summer.

"But the final decision was taken at the end of the season when the first nonsense appeared and Cristiano referred to his future being decided in the next few days.

"It was decided there and then he was staying. There was never any change in our stance."

Ronaldo has publicly pledged to stay at United, but now Madrid are rumoured to be ready to sue the player for refusing to join them after allegedly agreeing a deal.

Deaspite that, Ferguson is confident that the matter is closed and that the player can focus solely on playing for the Red Devils next season.

"I think we will just let the thing settle down now. It will take its course," he continued.

"The whole business will settle down, he will realise he is at a great club. It will sort itself out, his future will sort itself out."

Cristiano ronaldo wallpaper #1

2008-08-09T16:11:00.000-07:00

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Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates in style

2008-08-09T16:01:00.000-07:00

Cristiano has celebrated his new found enthusiasm to stay at Manchester United by lavishly splashing out on a new motor vehicle.

His new Rolls Royce cost him ₤340 000. In the meantime he is going to have to drive around in his ‘old’ ₤100 000 Bentley until his new car is due to be delivered.

cristiano ronaldo wallpaper-1

2008-08-04T14:07:00.000-07:00

Here is my cristiano ronaldo wallpaper collection - part 1

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cristiano ronaldo naked Picture

2008-08-04T14:02:00.000-07:00

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2008-08-04T13:54:00.000-07:00

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Cristiano Ronaldo Edges Closer To The Exit Door

2008-08-03T14:59:00.001-07:00

The drawn out Cristiano Ronaldo saga looks to be coming to a close as the Glazers have been reported as saying they are resigned to losing there star player. Ronaldo himself has refused to commit his future to the European Champions and it appears he could get his wish. Sir Alex Ferguson will be only too aware that keeping a player against his will could disrupt the harmony in the United camp. Real Madrid will be forced to fork out a record transfer fee believed to be in the region of £60 million to prise the hottest property in world football away from Old Trafford. Stay tuned to this website for all the latest developments as they unfold.

Cristiano ronaldo wallpaper #2

2008-08-02T16:41:00.000-07:00

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Ronaldo 'working hard' on fitness

2008-08-01T11:56:00.000-07:00

The Portuguese physio charged with the task of overseeing Cristiano Ronaldo’s rehabilitation says the Manchester United winger is working tirelessly on his fitness.

Ronaldo is recovering from ankle surgery, but questions have been asked about his focus as he has appeared to be spending more time on topping up his tan than working on his rehab.

He has caught the headlines during a trip to Los Angeles, but Antonio Gaspar claims Ronaldo is working six hours a day to ensure he is fit to play in two months.

“Cristiano works for five to six hours a day and we haven’t had that many days off,” Gaspar told The Sun.

“The trip to LA was fantastic. We were able to work far from the pressure.

“He will be fit again by the end of September or in the first days of October.”

Tottenham close to capturing £15m David Bentley from Blackburn

2008-07-29T17:14:00.000-07:00

Tottenham are poised to put the loss of Robbie Keane to Liverpool behind them by completing the £15 million purchase of David Bentley from Blackburn.

Blackburn chairman John Williams confirmed that talks had taken place with Spurs over the transfer of the England midfielder, and the former Arsenal player is expected in north London this morning for a medical after the two clubs agreed to an initial fee of £15 million for the 23-year-old. Blackburn could ultimately receive in excess of £18 million for Bentley subject to performance-related clauses.

Although Blackburn paid only £3 million to sign Bentley from Arsenal in January 2006, the terms of that deal are understood to include a sell-on clause guaranteeing his former club a fee as high as 40 per cent of any profit. That would leave Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger standing to receive a welcome £4.8 million windfall from Tottenham's sizeable outlay.

Having banked in excess of £30 million from the sales of Keane, Paul Robinson, Pascal Chimbonda and Teemu Tainio, Tottenham manager Juande Ramos is hoping to sign Bentley in an effort to rebuild his squad following the earlier arrivals of Croatian midfielder Luka Modric, Barcelona forward Giovani dos Santos and goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes.

Bentley's exit from Blackburn is likely to be the last of the high-profile departures from Ewood Park this summer, however. Mark Hughes' decision to leave his post as manager to take the reins at Manchester City was followed by goalkeeper Brad Friedel's recent move to Aston Villa, but manager Paul Ince has made it clear he expects to retain the services of striker Roque Santa Cruz, who continues to interest Spurs, Arsenal and Manchester United.

Goalkeeper Robinson, who arrived at Blackburn in a £3.5 million move from Spurs last week, believes that Bentley's imminent departure could ultimately help Ince's team-building plans. "David's a very good player and he's been a big player for Blackburn, but it may work well for us here,'' Robinson said. ''The manager may need to restructure and, if he can get rid of one player for a certain amount and re-invest that money, it's up to him. I'd never try and put anyone off going to Spurs. It's a fantastic club with a great support."

That view is shared by two of Tottenham's big summer signings, Modric and Giovani. "This team has great ambition,'' said Modric yesterday. ''Regardless of Robbie Keane leaving and even if Berbatov leaves, this club really has got a great future.''

Following Keane's exit, Giovani has the chance to fill his role behind the main striker. "It would be absurd to try to compare me to Robbie Keane and what he's achieved at Spurs,'' he said. ''To replace him would be difficult but I've got my own style. I'm very ambitious.''

White hart pain

Russia vs Spain highlight video

2008-06-26T07:53:00.000-07:00

Russia vs Spain highlight video: Euro 2008 shows
Euro-2008 semi-finals
Date: 26 June 2008
Kick-off: 20:45 BST
Venue: Ernst-Happel-stadion, Wien

Here is The Video highlights Turkey vs Germany

First Half Highlights

Goals

Turkey vs Germany Highlights (semi-finals)

2008-06-25T15:24:00.000-07:00

Germany vs Turkey Highlights: Euro 2008 shows
Euro-2008 semi-finals
Date: Wed Jun 25
Kick-off: 1945 BST
Venue: St. Jakob Park, Basel

Here is The Video highlights Turkey vs Germany

Goals

Schweinsteiger Goal 1-1 Germany v Turkey

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Italy Vs Spain Highlights Video - Full match

2008-06-23T18:21:00.000-07:00

Italy Vs Spain Highlights Video
UEFA EURO 2008 QUARTER FINAL

Date: Sun 22nd June
Kick off: 19:45 BST
Venue: Ernst Happel Stadion, Vienna
Euro 2008 Quarter Final Highlights Online

Italy Vs Spain - Euro 2008 Quarter Final

Italy Vs Spain Highlights

Italy Vs Spain Highlights (Full Match)

Italy Vs Spain Penalty Shootout

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Netherlands (Holland) Vs Russia Highlights Video

2008-06-21T10:58:00.000-07:00

Netherlands (Holland) Vs Russia Highlights and Video : Euro 2008 Quarter Finals Highlights

Netherlands (Holland) vs Russia Highlights Details:
Stage : Euro 2008 Quarter Finals
Kick-Off Time : 19.45 (UK Time)
Venue : St Jakob Park

Netherlands (Holland) Vs Russia starting lineup:

Netherlands (Holland) Starting Lineup:

Coach : Marco van Basten
Goalkeeper : Edwin van Der Sar
Defence : Khalid Boulahrouz, Andre Ooijer, Joris Mathijsen, Giovanni van Bronckhorst
Midfield : Nigel de Jong, Orlando Engelaar, Rafael van der Vaart, Wesley Sneijder
Forwards : Dirk Kuyt, Ruud van Nistelrooy

Russia Starting Lineup:

Coach : Guus Hiddink
Goalkeeper : Igor Akinfeev
Defence : Sergei Ignashevich, Denis Kolodin, Yuri Zhirkov, Aniukov
Midfield : Sergei Semak, Konstantin Zyrianov, Igor Shemsov, Diniyar Bilyaletdinov
Forwards : Roman Pavlyuchenko, Andrey Arshavin

The Netherlands (Holland) Vs Russia Match Preview is blogged by :

Netherlands - Russia Match Preview

Netherlands v Russia - Euro 2-008 Quarterfinal - Preview

Netherlands v Russia

Preview - Netherlands and Russia set for Basel battle

Holland - Russia: match predictions

Netherlands v Russia

Netherlands (Holland) Vs Russia Highlights and Video

Netherlands (Holland) Vs Russia Highlights and Video - Euro 2008 Quarter Finals

Full Match Highlights

First Half Highlights

Goals

Euro 2008 - Croatia Vs Turkey Highlights and Video

2008-06-20T11:17:00.000-07:00

Croatia Vs Turkey Highlights Euro 2008 Quarter Finals:

Stage: Euro 2008 Quarter Finals
Venue: Ernst Happel Stadion
Date: June 20, 2008
Kick-Off Time: 19.45 (UK Time)

Croatia Vs Turkey Starting Eleven:

Croatia Probable Starting Lineup:

Coach: Slaven Bilic
Formation: 4-4-2
Goalkeeper: Stipe Pletikosa
Defence: Corluka, Josip Simunic, Robert Kovac, Danijel Pranjic
Midfield: Darijo Srna, Niko Kovac, Luka Modric, Ivan Rakitic
Forwards: Niko Kranjcar, Ivan Klasnic

Turkey Probable Starting Lineup:

Coach: Fatih Terim
Formation: 4-4-2
Goalkeeper: Rustu Recber
Defence: Hamit Altintop, Haken Balta, Servet Cetin, Emre Asik
Midfield: Gokdeniz Karadeniz, Kazim Kazim, Mehmet Topal, Arda Turan
Forwards: Tuncay Sanli, Nihat Kahveci

Full Video Highlights of Turkey Vs Croatia in Euro 2008 quarter finals.

Full Match Highlights

First Half Highlights

Penalty Kick Highlights

Goals

Portugal Vs Germany 2-3 Highlights Video - Euro 2008

2008-06-19T15:50:00.000-07:00

Portugal Vs Germany Highlights Video

UEFA EURO 2008 QUARTER FINAL

Euro 2008 Highlights
Date: Thu 19th June
Kick off: 19:45 BST
Venue: St Jakob-Park, Basel
Euro 2008 Quarter Final Highlights

Euro 2008 Quarter Final - Portugal Vs Germany Highlights

1st Half Highlights and Goals

2nd Half Highlights and Goals

Euro 2008 - Player Ratings: Portugal 2-3 Germany

2008-06-19T15:44:00.000-07:00

Germany booked their place in the semi-finals of Euro 2008 with a thrilling 3-2 win over Portugal.

GERMANY

Lehmann: 6.5 - Was blameless on both goals and in truth did not put a foot wrong all night. Commanded his area well.

Friedrich: 6 - Had a nervy 20 minute spell before half time, and struggled against Nani after his introduction. Can be exposed.

Mertesacker: 6 - Won everything in the air as is to be expected, but still looks suspect when being run at by players.

Metzelder: 6 - His fitness is improving but he still resembles something of a blithering idiot. Is lucky that there are no outstanding forwards on Germany’s side of the draw.

Lahm: 7.5 - Has been outstanding at Euro 2008 and was again excellent tonight, despite facing up against the dangerous Bosingwa. The contest between the two was a fascinating duel.

Schweinsteiger: 9 - Electric tonight, crucifying Ferreira at times. Scored the first goal, and created the second and third. What more can you ask for?

Ballack: 9 - A mountain in the middle of the park. Bullied the Portugal midfield, involved in the first goal, and scored Germany’s third. A real leader.

Rolfes: 6.5 - Filled in well for the injured Frings. Nothing spectacular but was disciplined and kept things ticking over in the middle-of-the-park.

Hitzlsperger: 6 - Offered balance down the left, even if he was not too involved in the action before being substituted.

Klose: 7.5 - Had been under-par in the group stages, but tonight was his best performance of the tournament so far. Held the ball up well, linked the play and took his goal well.

Podolski: 7 - Drifted in and out of the game, but had some excellent moments, creating Schweinsteiger’s opener, and also firing inches wide with a left foot rocket.

Subs:

Borowski: 6 – Came on for the final 15 minutes to add some defensive stability into the midfield.

Fritz: N/A-

Jansen- N/A

PORTUGAL

Ricardo: 4 – Has been shaky throughout these Euros and he made a suicidal decision to race off his line on Ballack’s goal.

Bosingwa: 7.5 – Outstanding going forward, bombing down the flank at every opportunity. His crossing was excellent too, creating a fine chance for Moutinho at 0-0.

Pepe: 5.5 – A powerful defender who coped physically with the German attack, even if he was dragged out of position on a few too many occasions. Missed a sitter to equalise at 1-2.

Carvalho: 5.5 – Relatively sound at the back, but not the dominant presence he has been for Chelsea this season. Should have been organizing the defence at set-pieces.

Ferreira: 3 – A horror-show from Ferreira, who was always going to be a weak link. Troubled by Schweinsteiger, and at fault on both the first and third goals.

Moutinho: 5 – Had a poor first half-hour before he was forced off with injury. Missed a sitter at 0-0, and was completely over-run in midfield.

Petit: 6 – In the side to protect the back four but in large failed to do so, particularly in the first half when Germany broke past him at will.

Simao: 5 – Started brightly and missed an early chance but ultimately was a disappointment. Most of what he attempted failed to come off, and he wasted the ball on too many occasions.

Deco: 8 – A class act, and easily his side’s best player. At the centre of every Portugal move. Elegant, inventive, he helped create Nuno Gomes’ goal, and also set-up chances for Simao and Pepe.

Ronaldo: 6 – Had an excellent 20 minute spell at the end of the first half when he was involved in Nuno Gomes’ goal, and then shot just wide himself. However he went missing for spells of the game.

Nuno Gomes: 6 – Scored Portugal’s goal to bring them back into the game but did not make any other contribution before he was substituted.

Substitutes

Raul Meireles: 6 – Helped the Portuguese backline more than Moutinho, but did not offer too much.

Nani: 7 – A bright spark after coming on, going on one excellent run, and providing the cross for Postiga’s goal.

Postiga: 6 – Set up a grandstand finish by heading home on 86 minutes.

Euro 2008 - Schweinsteiger Delighted With Portugal Win

2008-06-19T15:40:00.000-07:00

German midfielder Bastian returned to the German line-up looking to make amends for his red card against Croatia. He scored the opener once again showed his best form as Germany made it through to the semi final.

Germany have become the first side through to the semi finals after defeating Portugal 3-2 in Basel. Without trainer Joachim Löw, they took a 2-0 lead through goals from Schweinsteiger and Klose.

Nuno Gomes pulled one back shortly before half time only for Michael Ballack to restore their two-goal lead with a header.

A late goal from Postiga set up a grandstand finish but the Germans prevailed to make it into the last four.

“I am extremely happy that we won the game” Schweinsteiger said after the game.

“We are now amongst the top four and have knocked one of the best teams out of the tournament.

“We played for the trainer tonight. I knew that I made a mistake against Croatia, so I wanted to help the team as much as I possibly could.

“In football anything is possible and tonight we showed the German character” he added.

Ronaldo - Madrid? Just A Few Days

2008-06-19T15:36:00.000-07:00

Cristiano Ronaldo wasted no time in looking ahead to his club future after Portugal's elimination from Euro 2008...

The wonder-winger gave the strongest hint yet that he's looking to secure a move to the Santiago Bernabéu from Manchester United.

When asked by Portuguese sports website Record.pt about a possible future at Real Madrid, he replied, "The possibilities are great, but like I said it does not depend on me.

"Over the coming days we'll see if we can reach an agreement."

"I have many desires. Over the coming days, we'll see if we have news," he smiled.

Indeed, ABola.pt went one step further, quoting Ronaldo as saying: "I think there is a concrete offer."

Portugal Elimination

The young goal scorer also offered his thoughts on Portugal's 3-2 loss to Germany.

"We are all sad," he said of the dressing room.

"We really wanted to win this game because we knew we would be just one step from the final. We lost due to two free-kick situations, but that's just football.

"It is a big disappointment because we know we have a better team. We practiced free-kick situations during the week but we could not stop them. Portugal are better but what matters is the result, Germany won and they are in the semi-finals."

Language Barrier

But it was the move abroad that seemed to garner the most press attention. Speculation will mount further after the player himself confirmed that he now has a firm command of the Castellano language.

"I can speak Spanish," he said to Record. "And I'm always practicing English and French."

And A Bola believe that he will be able to put such linguistic skills to the test soon.

"I think so," he said when quizzed once more on the Madrid offer.

"Do I want to go? The people know what I want. In a few days there will be news."

Of course, English could still play a role if he remains at Manchester United, and there he could well come up against former national team mentor Luiz Felipe Scolari, now of Chelsea.

"He would be my rival," Ronaldo said of this eventuality to Record. "I'll want to win against him and he'll want to do the same against me."

World cup 2010 Brazil vs Argentina - Highglights video

2008-06-19T05:13:00.000-07:00

Brazil Vs Argentina Highlights World Cup 2010 Qualifiers Highlights on June 18, 2008. Watch Brazil Vs Argentina Highlights and Video

Clash of the titans between two most fiercest rivals in South America. It is a Round 6 match of the World Cup 2010 Qualifiers. Earlier, Brazil lost to Paraguay 0-2 in Round 5.

Meanwhile Argentina only managed a 1-1 draw with Ecuador. So how will this two giants fare in this match? Watch the highlights to find out more.

Brazil Vs Argentina Highlights World Cup 2010

Euro 2008 : Portugal vs Germany LIve streaming Quarter Finals Live

2008-06-19T05:06:00.000-07:00

Germany Vs Portugal Live Streaming Online Euro 2008 Quarter Finals Live on June 19, 2008. Watch Germany Vs Portugal Live Streaming and Highlights

20:45 - 22:45	Euro 2008							Live!
			Portugal	vs.	Germany

Euro 2008 Video : Russia 2-0 Sweden

2008-06-19T04:55:00.000-07:00

Sweden Vs Russia Starting Eleven:

Sweden Probable Starting Lineup:

Coach: Lars Lagerbaeck
Formation: 4-4-2
Goalkeeper: Andreas Isaksson
Defence: Niclas Alexandersson, Mellberg, Petter Hansson, Mikael Nilsson
Midfield: Sebastian Larsson, Anders Svensson, Daniel Andersson, Frederik Ljungberg
Forwards: Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Henrik Larsson

Russia Probable Starting Lineup:

Coach: Guus Hiddink
Formation: 4-4-2
Goalkeeper: Igor Akinfeyev
Defence: Alexander Anyukov, Denis Kolodin, Sergei Ignashevich, Yuri Zhirkov
Midfield: Sergei Semak, Dmitry Torbinsky, Konstantin Zyryanov, Igor Semshov
Forwards: Roman Pavlyuchenko, Andrei Arshavin

Full Match Highlights

Goals

Ronaldo Madrid Deal Already Done?

2008-06-17T15:38:00.000-07:00

According to the Observer newspaper, a deal has already been agreed between Manchester United and Real Madrid to take Cristiano Ronaldo to the Spanish champions, despite the denials of both clubs.

The story is destined to become the enduring transfer saga of the summer, with the Portuguese player neither confirming nor denying his intentions about next season.

Manchester United have approached FIFA to complain about the alleged ‘tapping up’ of their star player, while Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon has insisted a deal cannot be done this transfer window.

However, according to the Observer, the deal has already ‘passed the point of no return’, with terms agreed ‘weeks ago’.

An unnamed Manchester United official commented on the rumours and stated that Sir Alex Ferguson is powerless to prevent the transfer from taking place.

The source is reported to have said: “They have been talking for at least two months, and it was all agreed with Real Madrid weeks ago.

All this chat from 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.”

Euro 2008 - Netherland (Holland) vs Romania Highlights video

2008-06-17T15:30:00.000-07:00

Netherlands Vs Romania Highlights Euro 2008:

Stage: Group C
Venue: Stade de Suisse Wankdorf
Date: June 17, 2008
Kick-Off Time: 19.45 (UK Time)

Netherlands Probable Starting Lineup:

Coach: Marce Van Basten
Formation: 4-4-2
Goalkeeper: Edwin van Der Sar
Defence: Boulahrouz, Mathijsen, Heitinga, Giovanni van Bronckhorst
Midfield: Sneijder, Demy de Zeeuw, Rafael van Der Vaart, Engelaar
Forwards: Dirk Kuyt, Ruud van Nistelrooy

Romania Probable Starting Lineup:

Coach: Victor Piturca
Formation: 4-4-2
Goalkeeper: Bogdon Lobont
Defence: Cosmin Contra, Stefan Radu, Cristian Chivu, Gabriel Tamas
Midfield: Petre, Cocis, Paul Codred, Banel Nicolita
Forwards: Ciprian Marica, Adrian Mutu

Netherland vs Romania Highlights video Euro 2008

Euro 2008 - France 0-2 Italy Player rating

2008-06-17T15:26:00.001-07:00

ITALY

Buffon: 8 – Confirmed his status as the best goalkeeper in the world with a simply magnificent fingertip save from Benzema.

Zambrotta: 7.5 – Bombed up and down the right flank, particularly in the first half. Back to something near his best following his mistake against Romania.

Panucci: 6.5 – A calming influence in defence. Offered some tactical organisation in the absence of Cannavaro. Almost scored with a header too.

Chiellini: 6.5 – Another committed display from Chiellini, who showed his typical leadership qualities. Made one mistake in letting Henry through but he was not made to pay.

Grosso: 7 – Not as impressive as in his first two games, but still did very well, and almost scored when his free kick crashed off the post.

Gattuso: 7 – Surprisingly good in the first half, he was simply more up for the game than the French. Tired as the match wore on. Booked and will miss the quarter final against Spain.

Pirlo: 8 – Simply on another planet in the first half. Scored the penalty, dictated the play, and one through ball to Perrotta was pure genius. Also got booked and will be a big miss against Spain.

De Rossi: 9 – An absolute colossus in the centre of midfield. This was the De Rossi who was the best player in Serie A last season. Scored a fortuitous goal, but he deserved this luck. A beast.

Perrotta: 6 – A little off the pace, but once again he provided some much needed balance to the Italian midfield.

Cassano: 7 – Drifted in an out of the game, but had his moments, including one stunning back heeled through ball to Zambrotta. Will need to bring some more effectiveness into his game, even if he is clearly a better choice than Del Piero.

Toni: 6.5 – Held the ball up well, and won the penalty, but he could have had a double hat-trick tonight so awful was his finishing. I have never seen a striker scuff so many shots in one game. Looked exhausted at the end - could the long season have taken its toll?

Substitutes

Ambrosini: 6 – Slightly bemusing decision by Donadoni to bring him on for Pirlo, but it seemed to work in quelling France's strong start to the second half.

Camoranesi: 6 – Never really got into the game during his limited time on the field, although he had one shot deflected wide.

Aquilani: N/A – No time to make an impact.

FRANCE

Coupet: 8 – Has been criticised this tournament but tonight he was superb, helping to keep the score down with a brilliant tip onto the post from Grosso, and another save onto the woodwork from Toni in injury time.

Clerc: 6 – Not too bad defensively, and did not disgrace himself against Cassano. Provided nothing going forward though.

Abidal: 4 – Shocking decision by Domenech to play him at centre back. The game was lost when he gave away a penalty and got himself sent off. I wonder what Philippe Mexes must be thinking sitting on his settee in Rome.

Gallas: 5 – Struggled to cope with Toni’s strength, and was only let off by the striker’s dreadful finishing. A bad example to his team-mates also. How he is captain of Arsenal I do not know.

Evra: 5.5 – Certainly not the same outstanding player for country that he is for his club. Seemed disinterested at times. Was he playing for his manager?

Makelele: 5.5 – One of the greatest holding midfielders of all time, but at the age of 35 his time is now up. It is time to pass over the baton.

Toulalan: 7.5 – Excellent. Did virtually everything in midfield for France, and created the team’s best chance for Henry. One of the few French players who was really up for the game.

Ribery: N/A – Started brightly before picking up what looked a serious injury after just eight minutes. His departure was a massive blow.

Govou: 4 – Virtually anonymous. Govou shouldn’t have even made the French squad, let alone the team. Simply a disgrace that David Trezeguet was left at home.

Henry: 6.5 – Tried his best, and caused the Italians some problems at times. However he missed a fine chance to equalise at 0-1, and had the misfortune of deflecting De Rossi’s free kick into his own net.

Benzema: 7 – A bright spark up-front for France. Always looked the most likely player to score, and would have hit the back of the net if it wasn’t for a world class save from Buffon.

Substitutes

Nasri: N/A – Replaced the injured Ribery but only lasted 16 minutes before he was withdrawn for Boumsong following Abidal’s sending off.

Boumsong: 6 – Had a nervy first five minutes after coming on, but in truth he didn’t do too bad given the circumstances.

Anelka: 6 –Made no impact on the game following his late introduction.

Euro 2008 - Italy vs France Highlights Video

2008-06-17T15:15:00.000-07:00

Italy Vs France Highlights and Video Euro 2008 on June 17, 2008.

Italy Vs France Highlights Euro 2008:

Stage: Group C

Venue: Letzigrund Stadium

Date: June 17, 2008

Kick-Off Time: 19.45 (UK Time)

Italy Vs France Starting Eleven:-

Italy Starting Lineup:-

Coach: Roberto Donadoni
Goalkeeper: Gianluigi Buffon
Defence: Zambrotta, Panucci, Chiellini, Grosso
Midfield: Andrea Pirlo, Daniele De Rossi, Camoranise, Perotta
Forwards: Cassano, Luca Toni

France Starting Lineup:-

Coach: Raymond Domenech
Goalkeeper: Gregory Coupet
Defence: Willy Sagnol, Thuram, William Gallas, Evra
Midfield: Viera, Makelele, Ribery, Malouda
Forwards: Henry, Govou

Italy Vs France 2-0 Highlights and Video Euro 2008

Euro 2008 - Oranje End Romanian Dream

2008-06-17T15:03:00.000-07:00

Despite making no fewer than nine changes to their side, the Dutch maintained their 100% record with an easy win over a Romanian side that simply was not up to it on such a crucial night. The Tricolorii go home, while the Dutch prepare to meet Russia or Sweden

The World Champions of Italy might have so nearly been humbled, and France may also have left with their tails between their legs, but the fairytale of Romania's advancement through the 'Group of Death' concluded before the final chapter was written.

For it was the jubilant Dutch that left with all three points in Bern, Marco van Basten's all-changed line-up doing more than enough to sink their opponents on what was a largely uninspiring occasion.

First Half

Very little occurred to excite the largely Dutch crowd in the stadium in the opening stages. The Netherlands, perhaps finding their feet with an unfamiliar line-up, were content to work through slow buildup. Romania, meanwhile, offered little.

Bit after the quarter hour mark the Tricolorii began to apply a little bit of pressure with their possession, mainly through Adrian Mutu. The striker, though, was to endure a luckless evening from a wide position behind Marius Niculae, hit his first real chance off Wilfred Bouma 20 minutes in.

At the other end, the Holland side sprung into life. First Afellay cut the ball back wonderfully into the box only for Chivu to clear at full stretch as the danger mounted.

The game took on something of an end-to-end quality for a while after that, but neither side looked particularly coherent. The Dutch, though, marginally had the better of it, not least after Huntelaar flicked the ball on to an unmarked Robben 35 minutes in only for the Real Madrid man to drag his shot just wide when he shohld have scored.

Codrea passed up a similarly positive opportunity at the other end, albeit from longer range, as half time approached, and although the Romanians had made them sweat on occasion the Dutch seemed to be on top.

Second Half

Still, the Romanians had everything to play for in the second period and came out with all due enthusiasm. After some pressure in the final third, though, a wasted free-kick was all that the Tricolorii had to show for their efforts.

The Oranje, then, took the initiative once more. Van Persie, getting on the end of a lovely long ball, was let down by a weak shot on the turn, but soon enough it was to be 1-0 to the Oranje.

It was a well-worked team effort, and it came on the break. Romania surrendered the ball, and the Dutch brought it down the right. Afellay crossed it in low, and with Engelaar stepping over it, there was Klaas-Jan Huntelaar to decisively side-foot it into the back of the net.

Romania had to do something, and Daniel Niculae came on for namesake Marius to reply to Melchiot's coming on for Boulahrouz. The Dutch, not to be outdone, then raised the stakes by replacing Robben with Kuyt.

Kuyt was to see plenty of the ball over the next ten minutes, although there were to be relatively few chances. Afellay had the best of it 20 minutes from time after being put through by Van Persie, but a sliding challenge from Tamas did for that.

Romania, despite still having it all to play for, were exhausted and presumably demoralised by news of Italy's 2-0 lead, and it showed as the jubilant Dutch finished strongly. Indeed, they were to find a second goal: atoning for his earlier miss, Robin Van Persie getting on the end of a cross from the right before beating Lobont with a wonderful effort into the roof of the net.

The Tricolorii heads, then, were well and truly down, and the Dutch held theirs high as they take their 100% record to the next round to meet Sweden or Russia. Romania, who started so well and shocked the world champions and France, leave empty-handed.

Euro 2008 Highlights Video - Portugal Vs Switzerland 0-2 - Group A

2008-06-16T01:33:00.001-07:00

18th match of Euro 2008, Group A
15th June, 2008

Video Highlights of Portugal Vs Switzerland in Euro 2008

Goals of the match

1st goal in 71 st minute Switzerland 1 Portugal 0 : Yakin opened the scoring in the match after a pass from fellow striker Eren Derdiyok in the 71 st minute shooting the ball through the legs of goalkeeper from 14 minutes.

2nd goal in 83 rd minute: Switzerland 2 Portugal 0: A penalty was given to the hosts after Fernando Meirs was adjudged to have fouled Barrietta. Yakin socred once again this time in penalty.

Portugal are to the quarter-finals of the tournamet being the group winners. Turkey is another team from here to qualify for the quarter-final of tournament.

Euro 2008 Highlights Video - Turkey Vs Czech Republic 3-2

2008-06-16T01:33:00.000-07:00

Goals of the match

1st goal in 34 th minute Czech Republic 1 Turkey 0: Jan Koller got the first lead for the Czechs scoring in the 34 th minute with a header.

2nd goal in 62 nd minuteCzech Republic 2 Turkey 0 : Jaro Slav Plasil scored another goal in the second half and looked if Czech Republic are through to the quarter finals of Euro 2008 with Portugal from Group A.

3rd goal in the 75 th minute Czech Republic 2 Turkey 1: Adra Turan hit a superb strike past Petr Czech to give his side some hopes with 15 minutes remaining in the match.

4th goal in the 87 th minuteCzech Republic 2 Turkey 2: Villareal's Nihat Kahveci brought Turkey strongly back in the game with a dramatic goal with just 3 minutes remaining in the match.

5 th goal in 89 th minute: Czech Republic 2 Turkey 3: What a finish it got to the match. Nihat Kaveci stroke another goal in the match and Turkey made it to the quarter-finals of Euro 2008.

Video Highlights of Turkey Vs Czech Republic in Euro 2008

Euro 2008 Highlights Video - Greece Vs Russia 1-0 - Group D

2008-06-16T01:32:00.000-07:00

Euro 2008- match no. 16
June 14, 2008 - group D

The defending champion Greece even failed to qualify for the quarter-finals of Euro 2008 as it lost to Russia 1-0 after a goal from Konstantin in 32 nd minute. The match was on of the most entertaining matches of Euro 2008 particularly the second half where both sides created and wasted a lot of chances. Anyway, Russia played technically excellent football after a huge loss against Sweden.

Highlights video of Greece Vs Russia in Euro 2008

Goals of the match
Only goal in 32 nd minute , Russia 1 Greece 0 : This goal from Zyrianov Konstantin for Russia became the deciding goal of the match.

Cristiano ronaldo Naked photos #1

2008-06-15T16:56:00.000-07:00

Here is my cristiano ronaldo photos collection

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Cristiano Ronaldo voted hottest player in Euro 2008

2008-06-15T12:45:00.000-07:00

In a survey by the electronic company LG, Cristiano Ronaldo has been voted as the hottest player in this years European Championship according to 12,000 women who answered the poll.

Thierry Henry came in second, Fabio Cannavaro and Fredrik Ljungberg shared the third place.

Euro 2008 Portugal - We'd Knock Ronaldo's Portugal Out - Vejic

2008-06-15T12:36:00.000-07:00

Croatia defender Hrvoje Vejic jokingly suggested that he is glad his side won't face Portugal in the quarterfinals of Euro 2008, as he would not want to see Cristiano Ronaldo face such an early exit from the tournament

Croatia sealed top spot in their group with a surprising and impressive 2-1 victory over Germany on Thursday, with Portugal having done likewise with a 3-1 win over the Czech Republic the day before.

They will now avoid each other in the quarterfinals, with Portugal likely to face pre-tournament favourites Germany, and Croatia to come up against the winner of Czech Republic versus Turkey, to be played tomorrow.

While there is a possibility Croatia may come up against Portugal in the semi-final, Vejic jokingly fanned some flames in a press conference today: "We are glad that we are not playing Portugal in the quarter-finals because it would be a pity for Ronaldo to make such an early exit from the tournament.

"Of course, we have the utmost respect for Portugal, who are one of the best sides in the tournament, but we are also very confident of going all the way.

Croatia coach Slaven Bilic, meanwhile, was a lot less outspoken than usual regarding his side's prosperous position in the tournament. "It is a nice feeling to move up the scale in people's eyes but all teams that reach the last eight are favourites because they will be only two games away from the final."

Euro 2008 - Ronaldo: Work Not Done Yet

2008-06-15T12:26:00.000-07:00

Portugal winger Cristiano Ronaldo believes his side’s Group A closer against Switzerland will give fringe players the perfect opportunity to stake their claim for the first-team

Portugal have already secured their passage to the EURO 2008 quarterfinals after collecting a maximum six points from their clashes against Turkey and the Czech Republic.

Their co-hosts have already been eliminated, and Luiz Felipe Scolari is expected to make a number of changes to his starting line-up for Tuesday’s outing in Basel.

But Ronaldo was quick to insist that the encounter is far from meaningless, as it will give squad players the chance to prove their worth and possibly earn a starting role during the knockout stages.

"Players who have not played yet will get a chance," said the Manchester United superstar.

"They'll want to show the coach they want to be in the team in future."

Surprises

Ronaldo is one of the big names expected to be rested by Scolari, along with Chelsea defender Ricardo Carvalho, while the likes of Ricardo Quaresma and Miguel Veloso are expected to start.

But the 23-year-old is adamant that his team-mates must not become complacent, insisting every bit of preparation will prove vital going into the latter stages of the tournament.

"We have to expect that, as the tournament goes on, it's going to be more difficult with each game," said Ronaldo.

"There have already been surprises. A lot of people thought Germany would win their group but they lost to Croatia."

Euro 2008 Highlights - Sweden Vs Spain 1-2

2008-06-14T14:19:00.000-07:00

Spain Vs Sweden Highlights : Euro 2008 Highlights
UEFA EURO 2008 GROUP D:
Spain Vs Sweden Highlights
Date: Sat 14 June
Kick-off: 1700 BST
Venue: Stadion Tivoli Neu, Innsbruck

Video Highlights Sweden Vs Spain

Euro 2008 Player Ratings - Holland vs France 4-1

2008-06-14T07:01:00.000-07:00

France

Coupet: 5 - Made a couple of good stops and was powerless to stop the first and last goal. He would have done extremely well to stop the second, but ultimately should have been able to keep out the third from Robben, which went over his head at the near post.

Sagnol: 7 - Got up and down his flank to decent effect. Was better than against Romania, but did not win his duel with Sneijder in the Dutch half or his own. Provided a smart ball across goal for Henry to touch home.

Thuram: 3 - Had a nightmare and looked every one of his 36 years. Was not quick or sharp enough and was even out-muscled and caught out of position from time to time. With no Mexes to step in, it's likely he will nevertheless retain his place in the side against Italy..

Gallas: 6.5 - Was strong at the back and, unlike Thuram, had the athleticism to keep pace with the Dutch forwards. Could have done little to stop the goals that punished his side on the break.

Evra: 7 - Looked a great fit in the side. Not afforded as much offensive freedom as usual but his defensive discipline was a testament to his all-round ability as a full-back.

Govou: 7.5 - A great addition to the team down the right wing and worked tremendously hard for his side. Had a few half chances and the Dutch a number of problems.

Toulalan: 7 - Grew into the game and was solid defensively, also playing neat and tidy passes throughout. Became overrun towards the end of the game.

Makelele: 6 - Made some horrible challenges but otherwise played quite well, full of energy and not allowing the Dutch too much freedom. Did not give up until the end.

Ribery: 7 - Lively and full of running but too selfish at crucial moments. Has not yet provided the magic spark he did for Bayern this season.

Malouda: 5 - Barring a few moments where he showed the skill we all know him to have, Malouda had a poor game. He gave the ball away far too often and was not incisive enough with his running or passing.

Henry: 6.5 - Some good movement but ultimately was kept out of the game for far too long, which is hardly his own fault. Had a big miss with the score at 1-0, but did pull back a smart goal to make it 2-1, only for the Dutch to add another less than a minute later.

Substitutes

Gomis: 5

Anelka: n/a.

Holland

Van der Sar: 7 - Made some solid stops, particularly midway through the first half, and looked dependable throughout.

Boulahrouz: 9 - Brilliant! Made several perfect challenges and gave Malouda no joy down the left hand side, or Evra, or even Ribery when he came over to that side as well. An incredible showing from the Chelsea man. Will Scolari be interested in hanging onto him now?

Ooijer: 8 - The player of the first half. Very quick to close down any French attacks and stayed tight to his man. His overcommitment occasionally almost left him exposed, but his was a performance tailor-made for the day.

Mathijsen: 5.5 - A little off the pace on the odd occasion and was caught out regularly when the French roved forward.

Van Bronckhorst: 7 - Had a stern test up against the vibrant Sidney Govou and often Franck Ribery doubling up as well, but he coped very well with a tenacious performance.

De Jong: 7 - Stuck in there to his credit, but could not impose himself on the game as he would have liked.

Engelaar: 5 - Surprisingly off-colour after a very good first game against Italy. Misplaced passes and was not as big a presence in stopping the dynamic Franck Ribery. Was substituted at half time.

Kuyt: 7.5 - Tenacious as ever playing down the right hand side. A well-taken header, in the right place at the right time from close range from a corner kick.

Van der Vaart: 7 - Smart passing as usual, not quite as expansive and marked tighter than he was against Italy.

Sneijder: 8.5 - Like Kuyt, worked tremendously hard down his flank, doubling up to assist van Bronckhorst on defensive duty brilliantly. Good pace when breaking forward and scored an absolute beauty in the dying seconds.

Van Nistelrooy: 8 - Moved very freely and held the ball up brilliantly for his side all over the pitch. Did not get into the box as much as he would have liked against a very disciplined French rearguard. Amazingly, he didn't score, but he showed several touches of pure class, including two 360-spins that would have made Cruyff himself proud.

Substitutes

Robben: 8.5 - A magnificent performance off the bench. His devastating pace put the French to the sword and his tight-angle blast gave the Dutch the initiative back after having just conceded.

Van Persie: 8 - Full of energy and was in the right place at the right time to thump home the second goal. An ambitious substitution that paid off.

Bouma: 6.5

Euro 2008 Player Ratings - Italy vs Romania

2008-06-14T06:58:00.000-07:00

ROMANIA

Labont 9 – A series of stunning saves to deny the Italians. The stops from Toni and De Rossi headers were world class.

Contra 6.5 – Sound down the right flank, even if he was left exposed in the first half to Grosso’s forward thrusts.

Tamas 8 – Outstanding. A rock in defence. Also good in possession, and went close with a long range free kick.

Goian 7 – Continued his solid partnership with Tamas, as the pair impressed for the second game running.

Rat 6.5 – Did really well going forward, but was caused a few problems defensively by Camoranesi in the first half.

Petre 4.5 – Very poor. Torn apart by Grosso, and also missed a fine chance at 1-1 to put his side back ahead.

Chivu 7 – A class act once again in the middle of the park. Took control in the second half after Perrotta went off the field. Hit post with a deflected free kick.

Radoi 6 – Made a steady start to the game until he was substituted after just 20 minutes due to a facial injury.

Codrea 6 – Lots of quantity in midfield but not too much quality. Made one goal saving tackle on Perrotta.

Mutu 7.5 – A quiet first half, but outstanding after the break. Put Romania ahead, created a one-on-one chance for Petre, but unfortunately missed a penalty. However it wasn’t really a miss, it was a wonder-save from Buffon.

Niculae 6 – Busy and industrious throughout although he maybe should have been more involved.

Subs

Dica 6.5 - Replaced Radoi early on, and largely did well. Inventive, intricate and tricky in possession.

Nicolita 6 - Did much better than the player he replaced, and contributed to Romania's sound final third to the game.

Cocis N/A - Brought on to run down the clock.

ITALY

Buffon 9 – His penalty save was worth this rating alone, a stop that will go down as one of the great saves in European Championships history.

Zambrotta 5 – Shocking mistake for Mutu’s goal, and struggled at times to get the better of Rat.

Panucci 7.5 – Excellent at the back. Organised the defence, and scored Italy’s equaliser. Conceded the penalty, but it was a very poor decision by the referee, and that is being kind and diplomatic.

Chiellini 6.5 – Won everything in the air, and formed a decent partnership with Panucci. Created his partner’s goal with header towards the far post.

Grosso 8 – Outstanding again, particularly in the first half when he bombarded forward at will, and whipped in some great crosses.

De Rossi 6 – Slightly disappointing, but still much better than the players he replaced Ambrosini and Gattuso. Would have scored with a header if it wasn’t for a magnificent Lobont save.

Pirlo 6.5 – Kept Italy ticking in the middle of the park, but did not find any killer passes. His set-pieces were generally poor.

Perrotta 6.5 – Nothing eye-catching but he was crucial to Italy’s balance, which was the key to Italy’s fine first half. Donadoni blundered again by taking him off, thus completely unbalancing the side.

Camoranesi 7.5 – Italy’s best final-third player, he was involved in everything in the first half. Tired after the break.

Del Piero 5 – A massive disappointment. Missed an excellent early chance, and then never made an impact, leading to his eventual substitution.

Toni 7 – All that was missing from his performance was a goal, and in truth he did find the back of the net but was denied by a simply shocking decision from the linesman. Could have had a hat-trick today. Unlucky.

Subs

Cassano 7 – A bright spark after coming on, but Donadoni replaced him for the wrong player, meaning he was playing in an unbalanced team. Once again Donadoni got it all wrong.

Quagliarella 6 – Did not get enough touched to make an impact in the game.

Ambrosini N/A – Only played a few minutes at the end.

Euro 2008 Highlights video - Holland Vs France 4-1

2008-06-14T06:55:00.000-07:00

Moments of the match

1st goal in on the home 9 th minute: NETHERLANDS 1 FRANCE 0. Dirk Kuyt puts the Dutch ahead with a powerful close range header from a Rafael van der Vaart corner after getting in front of Florent Malouda.

Second Goal in 59 minute : NETHERLANDS 2 FRANCE 0. Substitute Van Persie volleys home Robben's cross from the left with Coupet getting a hand to the ball but failing to stop it rolling over the line.

Third goal in 71 minute: NETHERLANDS 2 FRANCE 1. Henry gets France back in the game with a deft close-range touch past Van der Sar from a cross by Willy Sagnol

Fourth Goal in 2 nd minute: NETHERLANDS 3 FRANCE 1. Robben restores a two-goal lead for the Dutch when he twists and turns in the area before firing a fierce left-foot shot under the bar.

Fifth goal in 90+2 minute :NETHERLANDS 4 FRANCE 1. Sneijder caps a glorious night for the Dutch with a dipping shot from the edge of the area that clips the bar on the way in.

Video Highlights of Holland Vs France in Euro 2008

4:1 Holland vs. Frankreich-EM 2008 - MyVideo

Euro 2008 Video Highlights - Italy VS Romania 1-1

2008-06-14T06:51:00.000-07:00

Italy VS Romania Group C match - Friday 13 th June 2008

The world champion Italy shared heir points with Romania as they had a draw of 1-1 with Romania.After a goalless first half two goals game in an interval of just 1 minute in second half. Adrian Mutu scored for Romania in the 55 th minute but Cristian Panucci returned the goal in 56 th minute. Also the goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon saved a penalty from Mutu in 81 st minute.

Main moments of the match

1st goal in 55 th minute : ITALY 0 ROMANIA 1 - Mutu pounces on Zambrotta's weak header to slot the ball home.

2nd goal in 56 th minute : ITALY 1 ROMANIA 1 - Panucci scrambles the ball home after Giorgio Chiellini heads the ball across the goal.

Penalty save in 81 minute : Buffon brilliantly saves a Mutu penalty, awarded after Daniel Niculae went down under a challenge by Panucci.

Video Highlights of Italy Vs Romania in Euro 2008

1-1 Italy vs. Romania Highlights - MyVideo

Euro 2008 Highlights video - Austria Vs Poland 1-1

2008-06-14T06:44:00.000-07:00

Euro 2008, Group B match
Poland Vs Croatia - 12th match With co-hosts Switzerland out of the tournament, hosts Austria managed to get some hosts remain for themselves after a Injury time penalty goal from Ivica Vastic. The Croatian born Austrian player also qualified his birthplace with his goal and too became the oldest scorer n the history of European football championship.

Video highlights of Austria Vs Poland 1-1

Goals of the match

1st goal: Roger Gurreiro for Poland in 30 th minute.

2nd goal: Ivica Castic for Austria in 90+3 minute in penalty.

Euro 2008 highlights Video - Germany vs Croatia 1-2

2008-06-12T13:04:00.000-07:00

Germany Vs Croatia Highlights and Video Euro 2008 on June 12, 2008.

Germany Vs Croatia Euro 2008 Highlights :

Stage: Group B
Venue: Wortherseestadion
Date: June 12, 2008

Germany Vs Croatia Starting Lineup/Eleven :

Germany Probable Starting Lineup :

Coach: Joachim Loew
Formation: 4-4-2
Defence: Philipp Lahm, Per Mertesacker, Metzelder, Marcell Jansen
Midfield: Clemens Fritz, Torsten Frings, Ballack, Podolski
Forwards: Klose, Gomez

Croatia Probable Starting Lineup :

Coach: Slaven Bilic
Formation: 4-4-2
Defence: Dario Simic, Robert Kovac, Simunic, Vedran Corluka
Midfield: Niko Kovac, Luka Modric, Darijo Srna, Niko Kranjcar
Forwards: Ivan Rakitic, Ivica Olic

First Half Highlights

Second Half Highlights

Goals

Croatia 2-1 Germany Resume Euro Cup 2008 Highlights
by eurocup666

Euro 2008 - Man Of The Match Cristiano Ronaldo: Good Chance Of Winning The Euros

2008-06-12T12:51:00.000-07:00

Portugal ace Cristiano Ronaldo was pleased with his side's win over the Czech Republic and believes they're now in with a good chance of winning the whole competition

Ronaldo played a big part in all three of his side's goals, racing in with an intelligent run beyond the defence to commit Petr Cech before seeing the ball bounce out to Deco, who could not miss at the second time of asking. He then scored the second just after the hour mark, with his side having been pulled back to 1-1, rifling home from the edge of the area. The third was scored right at the death, with the Czechs fully committed to grabbing an equaliser, Ronaldo dashed onto Deco's pin-point through ball before unselfishly playing in substitute Ricardo Quaresma for a tap-in.

"It's a very good feeling," said Ronaldo after the game. "We have almost reached our aim, which was to get out of this phase and reach the next. I was very happy to help my team-mates win.

"We played really well even though the Czech Republic played very well in the first half and we found it difficult to penetrate their defence. We played as a team and know how to sacrifice everything for the team.

"We have a good chance [to win the competition] but we must respect our opponents who want to win as much as we do."

He dedicated his goal to the Score for Red Cross campaign, a humanitarian project started by UEFA and Red Cross, of which he is the ambassador."My goal goes to the Red Cross which makes me very proud." Every goal not scored in a penalty shootout will result in a €4,000 donation to the campaign.

György Mezey, one of the UEFA Technical Team who awarded Ronaldo Man of the Match, shed light on his decision: "You do not need to explain why he is Man of the Match. He scores goals and sets them up and did very well throughout the game.

"It was a very good game, a football festival played between two very well-prepared teams with fantastic individual performances. In one-v-one situations they were not able to mark Ronaldo, he was always dangerous."

Czech Republic coach Karel Brückner also gave his thoughts on the 23-year-old: "Ronaldo is one of the best players. He is a very dangerous weapon but the Portugal team is not only about Ronaldo. They have other very good players, but Ronaldo might be the best at EURO 2008."

Euro 2008 Player Ratings: Croatia 2-1 Germany

2008-06-12T12:46:00.000-07:00

Croatia stunned Germany by beating them 2-1 in their Group B fixture.

GERMANY

Lehmann: 6- Beaten twice but not at fault for either goal. Let down by Jansen for the first and beaten by a wicked deflection for the second. He pulled off a top reflex save in the first half to deny Kranjcar.

Lahm: 6- Another quiet game from Lahm. We didn’t see him getting forward as much as he does with Bayern, and he had to switch to left back in the second half as Löw switched things around.

Mertesacker: 6.5- Began the game very well blocking and intercepting everything the Croats threw forward, but was helpless to stop them scoring twice.

Metzelder: 6- Metzelder still looked a long way off the pace at times, but is getting through on defensive ability and cleverness. Lost possession cheaply at times, but did get back late on to deny Modric a goal scoring chance.

Jansen: 4.5- Jansen had a bit of a nightmare. Looked good going forward but hopeless defensively. Lost Srna in the box for Croatia’s opener and was hauled off by Joachim Löw at half time

Frings: 6.5- Solid enough but not his dynamic best.

Ballack: 6.5- Captain Ballack did his best to drive the team forward in the second half after going 2-0 down. His header ultimately lead to Podolski’s goals late on.

Fritz: 6- Had a better game than last time out against Poland, but not much of a threat going forward. Had to drop back to full back at half time with Jansen going off and Lahm switching flanks.

Podolski: 7- Another goal for the Bayern striker but it wasn’t enough to spare the Germans defeat. Seems to be enjoying his new role out on the left of midfield.

Klose: 5- A rather anonymous game from the German striker. Difficult to remember any threatening chances on goal.

Gomez: 6- The number one German striker had another quiet game and failed to really threaten the Croat goal. Substituted in the second half for Schweinsteiger.

Subs:

Odonkor: 5- Didn’t really have the desired impact after being brought on at half time

Schweinsteiger: 5- Did inject a little skill and direction after coming on, but blotted his copy book by becoming the first player sent off at this summer’s finals

Kuranyi- n/a

CROATIA

Pletikosa: 6.5- Not too busy overall but did produce a fine save from Ballack in the first half. Helpless to stop Podolski’s goal in the second period.

Corluka: 6.5- A good overall display from the Manchester City full back. Didn’t venture forward as much as Panic on the other flank.

R. Kovac: 7.0- A solid defensive performance from Kovac although the danger from Klose and Gomez wasn’t as great as he may have feared prior to the game. His weak header set-up Podolski for the German goal.

Simunic: 7.0- A fine display from the Hertha Berlin defender alongside Kovac at the heart of the Croatian defence.

Pranjic: 7.5- The Heerenveen full back made plenty of forays forward and looked secure at the back. Secure in defence and a threat going forward.

Srna: 8.0- The Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder had a very good game running himself into the ground before being substituted in the second half. He scored the first goal and was a constant threat with his deliveries from corners and free kicks.

N.Kovac: 7.0- There was some tough tackling from the Salzburg midfielder, and while unspectacular, he performed an important job for Croatia in the heart f the midfield allowing the likes of Modric and Kranjcar forward

Kranjcar: 7.0- A fine display from the Portsmouth midfielder. He was pushed a little further forward to support the lone striker Olic. He wasted a glorious chance to make it 2-0 in the first half after firing straight at Lehmann. Used possession well.

Modric: 8- Ever busy and always looking to create. He kept going right to the end and very nearly got on the end of a good counter attack only to be denied by the stronger Metzelder.

Rakitic: 7.0- The Schalke midfielder had a fine game and linked play up well. It was his cross that was deflected onto the post leading to the second goal from Olic.

Olic: 7.5- The Croat lone striker ran himself into the ground before being replaced in the second half by the fresher Petric. He was rewarded for his efforts with the second goal of the evening.

Subs:

Petric: 6- Did well when brought on to provide fresher legs after Olic had tired.

Leko: 5- The main talking point will be the incident that led to the sending off of Schweinsteiger. He was pushed but he went down rather theatrically.

Knezevic: n/a

Euro 2008 Highlights Video - Portugal Vs Czech Republic 3-1

2008-06-11T20:21:00.000-07:00

Portugal beat Czech Republic 3-1 to ensure its qualification on Quarter-finals of the Euro 2008. Portugal scored 3 goals whereas Czech only managed single goal. Portugal took the lead with 1-0 on 8 th minute after the Deco goal. This lead was for just 9 minutes when Sionko of Czech scored equaliser to make 1-1 in 17 th min. Till lots of chances going away from goal, first half ended with 1-1 draw.

After the interval both started more attacking but the success goes only who shows more so Portugal yet another rime took lead in the match with Cristiano scoring in the 63 rd min. Czech had lots of equaling moments but couldn't utilize it. But in another hand Portugal utilized yet another moment to score from the goal of Quaresma on 90+ min.

Highlight Video of Euro 2008 - Portugal VS Czech Republic

1-3 Czech Republic vs. Portugal Goals - MyVideo

Euro 2008 - I Prefer Wearing A White Jersey - Ronaldo

2008-06-11T18:54:00.000-07:00

Portugal and Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo has dropped a bombshell as he insists he likes wearing a white football kit.

The midfield magician looked back on his performance following his side’s 3-1 win over the Czech Republic as they book their place in the quarter finals.

He believes his side can go on and win the tournament and he revealed he likes playing in white as he drops an ironic hint to Real Madrid.

“I really like playing in a white football kit, the white national kit that is,” Ronaldo told Marca.

“I am really happy with my goal, when you score against Cech it makes you feel even better.

"I am in good shape and training well but the best is yet to come.”

Ronaldo also spoke about his side’s chances

“Our main aim was to get to next phase. I'm very happy to have helped my team-mates to win,” said Ronaldo

"We played very well, although the Czech Republic played very well in the first half.

"It was very difficult to penetrate their defence. Portugal have played well in the first match and well again in this match as a team.

"We know how to sacrifice everything for the good of the team. We have now got a big chance but must respect our opponents because they too have a mission - they want to win as we do.”

Portugal will play Switzerland in their last group A game on Sunday and then they will play the group B runner up which is likely to be Croatia.

Euro 2008 Player ratings - Czech Republic 1-3 Portugal

2008-06-11T18:42:00.000-07:00

Portugal produced a strong display to overcome a much improved Czech Republic side and secure qualification from Group A..

Portugal

Ricardo: 6 - Not tested all that often, but had a couple of shaky moments, flapping at one corner in particular which, fortunately for him, did not cost his side a goal. Made one great save from Sionko which helped his rating.

Bosingwa: 7 - His pace was an asset in making a number of saving tackles. Wasn't prolific enough in possession going forward.

Pepe: 8 - A commanding presence as usual. Tremendously strong and fast which made him very hard to beat.

Carvalho: 7.5 - Swept up routinely at the back and rarely looked troubled. Did well to keep pace with Milan Baros on the most part.

Ferreira: 7 - Certainly gets an A for effort, particularly going forward and supplying crosses on his left foot despite being a right-back. Was not entirely comfortable with Sionko running at him, but hung in there to his credit.

Simao: 6 - Had a poor first half but became more involved in the second. Still seemed too hesitant in possession to make the difference; allowed himself to be closed down too easily.

Petit: 5 - Was poor, which will disappoint him after a good start in the previous game. Gave away careless fouls as he got tired towards the end of the game. Will be hoping he will keep his place in the side as he is playing his last tournament for his country.

Deco: 8.5 - Continued his good form from the first game and looked fitter as well. Played well in the build-up to the first and ensured the ball eventually got over the line. Also provided a smart assist for the match-winner and a great through-pass that eventually resulted in the third.

Moutinho: 6.5 - A little lost in today's game, but kept things moving and did the simple things well. Lacked the physical presence to impose himself against the Czechs' midfield.

Ronaldo : 8.5 - A consistent menace. Took his goal brilliantly, made a good run to eventually play a vital part in the opener as well and was selfless when playing in Quaresma for the third at the death when he could have scored himself.

Nuno Gomes: 7.5 - Understated but crucial. Played a smart reverse pass in the build-up to the opening goal for Ronaldo. Had a couple of decent efforts himself. Kept the defenders busy.

Substitutes

Meira: 6.5 - Defensively solid.

Almeida: 5 - Poor first touch, gave the ball away too often.

Quaresma: 6.5 - In the right place at the right time to tap in the third.

Czech Republic

Cech: 7 - Did his utmost to keep the goals out but was given very little chance. Made some good saves and was as reliable as ever.

Grygera: 6 - Somewhat positionally suspect for the first goal, but otherwise fairly solid down the right hand side.

Ujfalusi: 7 - A strong performance from the skipper, who stayed tight to Nuno Gomes and organised the defence well.

Rozehnal: 6.5 - His physical presence was an asset and he was a threat from set-pieces as well, but was positionally suspect now and again.

Jankulovsky: 7 - Stood firm on his flank and was thoroughly superior to Simao in the first half. However, he lost his legs slightly in the second, as Portugal were able to exploit the right as well as the left flank.

Sionko: 7.5 - A real threat down the right hand side. Took his goal very well and his running gave Paulo Ferreira a fair few problems. Got into several great positions and had some good efforts on goal; slightly unlucky not to score a second.

Matejovsky: 7 - Picked a few good passes and was better than Jarolim - the man he replaced in the side - but did n't get on the ball enough.

Galasek: 7.5 - Definitely the Czechs' best player, even though he was withdrawn towards the end when his side were chasing the game. Worked tirelessly, closed down spaces and doubled up with his defenders, making several saving challenges throughout. A performance reminiscent of him in his prime after a slightly laboured first game against Switzerland.

Polak: 7 - Not quite as impressive as in the first game, but a solid presence in midfield, though his influence waned in the first half.

Plasil: 7.5 - A solid creative force. Took good set-pieces and always looked capable of causing Portugal a problem when on the ball, but he didn't see enough of it.

Baros: 7.5 - Worked extremely hard for the team. Ran tirelessly and looked like the Baros of 2004, who finished top scorer of the previous edition of this competition.

Substitutes

Vlcek: 6

Koller: 6

Jarolim: n/a

Euro 2008 team preview - Greece VS Sweden

2008-06-10T06:18:00.000-07:00

As impressive as it seems, almost 88 years have gone by since the first – and only – time these two sides came up against each other in a competitive match. Sweden had won that August 28, 1920 game by nine goals to nil (!) in the Antwerp summer Olympics men’s football tournament, as Herbert Karlsson stole the show with five goals. But arguably a lot has changed since then…

Past the group stage

There is however a similarity. Even though that historic encounter was a knock-out match, it sent the Swedes into the quarter-finals. And reaching the same round of this European Championship looks like their target again, a goal they share with defending champions Greece. Should one – or even both – of these teams make the last eight, then anything’s possible. Otto Rehhagel may assure you of that.

While perhaps half of the teams still in contention have a chance of actually clinching the Henri Delaunay trophy, one of the clear favourites to do it are Spain, also drawn in group D. And even though it all comes down to what you do on the pitch, both Greece and Sweden could be forgiven for believing that it will be the clashes between them as well as against Russia which will determine which of the three follow La Furia Roja to the next round.

No fluke

Greece caused the biggest upset in football history when they won the European Championship in Portugal four years ago, starting the final phase as 100 to 1 outsiders. However, no one can deny the fact they had won a qualifying group which also included the Ukraine and Spain, whom they also knocked out in the last 16 before famously beating the likes of France, the Czech Republic and Portugal, all three by a single goal, to claim the biggest prize in the European game.

They did fail to shine in the last Confederations Cup and were knocked out in the qualifying phase of the previous World Cup, finishing fourth in a group also including Ukraine, Turkey and Denmark. But that made German boss Rehhagel even more motivated. He extended his contract by another two years, until the end of the running World Cup and his revived side took the continent by storm once again in the run-up to Tuesday’s clash.

Despite being thrashed at home by fierce rivals Turkey 4-1, Greece won 10 of their other 11 qualifiers and drew 2-2 in Norway, Swiss referee Massimo Busacca, also in charge in Wals-Siezenheim on Tuesday night, leaving them with many complaints. They conjured up as many as 31 points out of a maximum 36, a number not even Poland or Portugal could match in 14 games.

Past and present

But what is perhaps more striking it the fact that Rehhagel’s troops did it thanks to a whole different recipe. Forget the 4-5-1 formation of 2004; the Greeks play 4-3-3 these days.

No, Rehhagel, the man credited with lifting Greece a stunning 60 places up to eighth in the FIFA world ranking, did not suddenly decide to change his ways at 69. It’s just that he has to work with a largely different set of players now. Compared to four years ago, mastermind Vasilis Tsiartas has hung up his boots, striker Demis Nikolaidis is now the president of AEK and Euro 2004 MVP Thodoris Zagorakis his PAOK counterpart. Forwards Yorgos Georgiadis and Zisis Vryzas recently withdrew too to take up new duties with the Thessaloniki club, while eight more of that legendary squad, including centre-back Mihalis Kapsis, are not around this time.

The remaining 10 are still here however and seven of them are poised to line-up on Tuesday, along with fresh faces such as Fanis Gekas of Bayer Leverkusen, the Eintracht Frankfurt duo of Sotiris Kyrgiakos and Yannis Amanatidis, as well as Vasilis Torosidis of Olympiakos Pirea.

Friendly woes

Neither team has looked particularly sharp in their latest warm-up games, but Greece may take heart by the fact that they were not beaten a single time by Sweden in the friendy matches which complete their all-time head-to-head record, all five of them in the past 27 years or so.

But Tuesday’s clash will be the real thing and Sweden will fancy their chances of ending that streak. Even though they’re only ranked 30th in the world, they have been there at the final phase of either the World Cup or the European Championship almost every time in the last two decades – they only missed out twice, in 1996 and ’98.

And they have certainly been a force to be reckoned with throughout their footballing history. World Cup beaten finalists on home soil in ’58, they also finished third in ’50 and ’94, whereas in the European Championship they were quarter-finalists last time out, 12 years after making home advantage count again, at least until the last four.

The 1948 gold Olympic medal could be considered as their biggest achievement to date, but Swedish fans and media are now hungry for more, putting pressure on Lasse Lagerbäck, their coach since 2000.

Ten years younger than his opposite number, Lagerbäck started a solo career at the helm after the previous European Championship, when Tommy Söderberg withdrew to take over at the U-21 national team. And despite criticism, he did well to see Sweden through to Austria and Switzerland behind… Spain, whom they play again on Saturday, but above rivals Denmark and surprise package Northern Ireland.

The Greek connection

While nine of Greece’s 23 are plying their trade abroad, Sweden’s squad only includes six home-based players. The rest have set off in pursue of an international career and in fact two of them are under contract with Greek clubs. Micke Nilsson has played for Panathinaikos for the past three years and Daniel Majstorović, a Swede of Serbian descent, only signed for AEK last month.

The world’s best paid footballer, Internazionale’s 12-million-euros-man Zlatan Ibrahimović, is no doubt the star of the team. But while at 26 he still has a lot to give and expect, his probable striking partner will be keen to add some European Championship glory to an illustrious career, which has seen him win almost everything else. After all, this is why 36-year-old Henrik Larsson decided to rejoin the national side.

FORM GUIDE

Greece

21/11/2007 (EC) Hungary 2-1 (A)

6/2/’08 (Fr.) Finland 2-1 (N)

26/3/’08 (Fr.) Portugal 2-1 (N)

19/5/’08 (Fr.) Cyprus 2-0 (H)

24/5/’08 (Fr.) Hungary 2-3 (A)

1/6/’08 (Fr.) Armenia 0-0 (N)

Sweden

13/1/’08 (Fr.) Costa Rica 1-0 (A)

19/1/’08 (Fr.) USA 0-2 (A)

6/2/’08 (Fr.) Turkey 0-0 (A)

26/3/’08 (Fr.) Brazil 0-1 (N)

26/5/’08 (Fr.) Slovenia 1-0 (H)

1/6/’08 (Fr.) Ukraine 0-1 (H)

TEAM NEWS

Greece

In contrast to several other teams still in the tournament, the defending champions are injury-free ahead of their last 16 opener on the outskirts of Salzburg. As many as 10,000 of their fans are expected to attend the Sweden game, which Yorgos Karagounis will start, despite not training for a few days due to a knee injury.

The Panathinaikos central midfielder is one of Rehhagel’s key players, alongside captain Angelos Basinas of Mallorca. However, the German coach is widely tipped to hand Benfica’s Kostas Katsouranis the task of switching from defensive midfield to Henrik Larsson’s man-marker, while Kyrgiakos, who - like Katsouranis – recorded his first ever cap against Sweden, will keep a close eye on Ibrahimović.

Right back Torosidis will play on the left, ahead of Nikos Spyropoulos, whereas 2004 hero Angelos Haristeas is expected to get the nod ahead of Dimitris Salpiggidis on the right of attack.

Possible line-up (4-3-3): Antonis Nikopolidis – Yourkas Seitaridis, Kyrgiakos, Traianos Dellas, Torosidis – Katsouranis, Basinas, Karagounis – Haristeas, Gekas, Amanatidis.

Sweden

Lagerbäck has revealed that he’s already chosen his starting XI, although it remains to be seen whether Ibrahimović will be included. The boss insists that he will, despite a knee problem.

Much like their opponents, Sweden are short on left-footed footballers, with the exception of Olympique Lyonnais’ Kim Källström, who may lose his place to Anders Svensson, scorer of the Swedes’ last goal against the Greeks in a 2003 friendly 2-1 home defeat. Torosidis and Amanatidis are right-footed, and so are Micke Nilsson and Swedish captain Freddie Ljungberg, who’s fit to play in a competitive match for the first time since April 26.

But unlike Greece, Lagerbäck will most probably stick to his favourite 4-4-2, especially given a wealth of options down the right flank. Henrik Larsson is expected to support Ibrahimović up front.

Possible line-up (4-4-2): Andreas Isaksson – Niclas Alexandersson (Fredrik Stoor), Olof Mellberg, Petter Hansson, Micke Nilsson – Tobias Linderoth (Källström), Anders Svensson, Sebastian Larsson, Freddie Ljungberg – Henke Larsson, Ibrahimović.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Greece – Sotiris Kyrgiakos

In 2004 it was the now absent Kapsis who partnered Dellas in the heart of a watertight defense. While the “Colossus” is still going strong, he’s now playing alongside Kyrgiakos, who’s transformed into one of Europe’s best central defenders while at Glasgow Rangers and Eintracht Frankfurt. Tall and commanding, he scored against Turkey and twice against Norway in the qualifying phase. His contract runs out at the end of the month and should he impress enough with Greece he will certainly move to a bigger club. What better chance to do it than against Ibrahimović?

Sweden – Zlatan Ibrahimović

With an annual salary of 12 million euros he’s the best-paid footballer on the planet and arguably one of the very best. Despite his exploits with the Milan giants (22 goals and 10 Serie A assists in a total of 33 appearances this season), he did not score a single goal for his country in the qualifying phase of this tournament, a stat which will no doubt give him some extra motivation against Greece. He could certainly prove to be one of the tournament’s biggest stars.

PREDICTION

The Swedes always seem to get there, but their last major breakthrough dates 14 years back, when they finished third in the World Cup. Strong defense, experienced squad, some great players building a career abroad, especially up front. Sounds a bit like Greece, doesn’t it? Despite their 2004 heroics, too few regard them even as dark horses. But count Rehhagel’s men out at your peril.

Greece – Sweden 2-1

Euro 2008 team preview - Spain VS Russia

2008-06-10T06:16:00.000-07:00

Luis Aragonés and Guus Hiddink have both placed the emphasis of their pre-match build-up to this tantalising opener on not losing, so caution could be the order of the day in Innsbruck on Tuesday afternoon.

The two sides met in the opening game of Euro 2004 with Spanish edging a very tight encounter with a solitary goal from Juan Carlos Valerón and it could take just a single effort to separate the two sides here.

For Spain the pressure is as intense as ever with all kinds of baggage being taken into a major tournament with them once again along with the high expectations of public that believes success should be theirs, but inevitably will not be.

During his tenure Aragonés has been pilloried and derided and rarely praised with chapters like his outburst against Thierry Henry, his omission of Raúl and his arguments and rants at the media all having seen him earn more and more critics.

Then there is the performance of his team who have been accused of passing far too much while lacking the penetration to be able to play a major role in the tournament this summer.

Spain had relied on a steadfast defence, but even that is being picked at after Carlos Marchena weak clearance allowed Peru to score against Iker Casillas last week in a friendly.

While the media revel in highlighting and dissecting Spain's mistakes, all this may well be creating something of a siege mentality within the camp because all the players are certainly singing from the same songsheet in front of the media.

In the game against the United States and Peru recently, the team looked like a unit, but it is not look effective or incisive and that is an old problem that Aragonés is going to have to solve.

When a free-scoring striker at club level like Fernando Torres claims that the system is hampering him, then maybe it is time to consider a change.

Defensive Challenge

Against Russia, the Spanish will come up against a team that will defend in numbers and pose the kind of problem that has caused them so many problems throughout the qualifying period.

Guus Hiddink has unashamedly seen his side through to Austria and Switzerland utilising the counter-attacking system as well as being able to rely on England to fall at every hurdle to let them through.

After missing out on the World Cup Finals two years ago, the Russians have gone back to the drawing board under their Dutch coach and introducde a number of young, hungry players to lift them back to the top.

Players such as Igor Akinfeev is the number, with Vyacheslav Malafeev and Vladimir Gabulov more than capable back-ups, while Aleksandr Anyukovand Denis Kolodin are outstanding at the back.

The former Valencia, Real Madrid and Real Betis boss switches between 3-5-2 and 4-4-2 effecitvely and that has turned his current side into a very solid unit that conceded just seven goals in the entire qualification campaign.

Diniyar Bilyaletdinov, Yuri Zhirkov, Vladimir Bystrov, Ivan Saenko and Dmitri Torbinskiy all offer something going forward while Igor Semshov and Konstantin Zyrianov add to a midfield group that will give the coach plenty of options.

Up front Oleg Ivanov has been called in to replace Pavel Pogrebnyak, who was forced out through injury, while Andrei Arshavinis suspended for the first two games.

Previous Meetings

There is not much history between the two countries with only two previous meetings since the fall of Berlin Wall, but before that the Spanish and the Soviet Union marked a memorable chapter in la Furia Roja's past.

In 1960 Spain were withdrawn from the first ever European Championships tournament because Generalisimo Francisco Franco had now wanted his team to face the Soviet Union.

Four years later though he knew that the groundswell of support for the Spanish team in Madrid was too big to let him prevent the team from playing in the final against the Soviets.

Chus Pereda gave the home nation the lead early, but just two minutes later Galimzian Khusainov equalised and the visitors were back in the game in front of a very nervous dictator.

It was not until the 84th minute that Marcelino finally netted to give the Spanish victory and hand them their first and, incredibly, only major tournament victory to date.

RECENT FORM

Russia

28/05 A Serbia 2-1
23/05 H Kazakhstan 6-0
26/03 A Romania 0-3
21/11 A Andorra 1-0
17/11 A Israel 1-2
17/10 H England 2-1

Spain

04/06 H United States 1-0
31/05 H Peru 2-1
26/03 H Italy 1-0
06/02 H France 1-0
21/11 H Northern Ireland 1-0
17/11 H Sweden 3-0

TEAM NEWS

Spain

Aragonés is keeping his cards very close to his chest, but reports in Spain suggest that the veteran trainer is considering pairing David Villa up front with Fernando Torres, rather than employ the conservative formation he played against the United States. In midfield, Xavi, Andrés Iniesta and Marcos Senna look set to play with David Silva just in front.

Russia

Arshavin is suspended while Pogrebnyak has been ruled out of the tournament with a knee injury meaning the Hiddink will be trying a front pair that he was not expecting to.

PREDICTION

With both coaches stating their desire not to lose, goals may be at a premium. That having been said, Spain are far better equipped to make that breakthrough given the quality that they have up front. The Spanish will have to remember not to always look for the extra pass, while the Russians must be adventurous and not sit back for the entire match.

Spain 1- 0 Russia

Euro 2008 Player Ratings: Holland 3-0 Italy

2008-06-10T06:02:00.000-07:00

HOLLAND

Van der Sar 8.5 – Had little to do in the first half but proved his worth after the break, with a simply world class stop from Pirlo’s free kick. Also saved a one-on-one from Grosso.

Boulahrouz 7 – Has barely played in two years, but was a big surprise tonight. Coped well with Di Natale’s pace down the Italian left.

Mathijsen 6.5 – Relatively solid at the heart of the Dutch defence. Organised those around him.

Ooijer 6.5 – Most would have tipped him to be crucified by Toni, but the Blackburn veteran coped well with the prolific forward.

Van Bronckhorst 9 – Absolutely outstanding. Completely neutralised Camoranesi defensively, while he headed off the line before providing a superb cross-field pass in the build-up to the second goal. Also scored Holland’s third to crown a superb display. Man-of-the-match.

De Jong 7 – Took charge of the midfield in the first half, and kept his discipline in front of the back four despite heavy second half Italian pressure.

Engelaar 7 – Similar assessment for De Jong. He may not look like a footballer but the Goliath-sized midfielder was a physical presence in the middle-of-the-park.

Sneijder 8 – Outstanding was the Real Madrid man. His shot set-up Van Nistelrooy’s goal, while he scored the brilliant second goal, which at present is the goal of the tournament.

Van der Vaart 8 – Surely set to join a European giant after this performance. Skilful, creative, and a delightful array of passes, including one that put Van Nistelrooy clean through at 2-0.

Kuyt 8 – Battled hard as usual, and had the final assist on both the second and third Dutch goals. A real pain in the backside for any defender.

Van Nistelrooy 7.5 – Terrorised Barzagli and Materazzi. Scored Holland’s opener, although I will leave it up to you to decide if it was offside. Also could have had two others, squandering one-on-one chances.

Substitutes

Van Persie 6 – Looked reasonably sharp on his injury comeback and went close with one effort.

Heitinga 6 – Shored up the defence in the closing stages.

Afellay 6 – Almost grabbed a fourth with a vicious long-range shot.

ITALY

Buffon 6 – Partly to blame for first goal after a poor punch. Made one outstanding save from van Nistelrooy at 0-2. Did not communicate with his defenders as much as he should have.

Panucci 5.5 – Below par. Questionable whether he has the pace to play at right back in an international tournament. Did better when switched to the centre.

Barzagli 4 – Has never impressed without Cannavaro to hold his hand and this was proved tonight after a shocking performance. Certainly not the next in a long-line of great Italian defenders judged on this.

Materazzi 3.5 – Confirmed his dreadful club season with a stinker of a game. Second to every ball, positionally all over the place, and no help at all to Barzagli. If it was up to me, he would never play for Italy again.

Zambrotta 6 – The best of a bad bunch, although improved greatly as the game went on, going on one excellent run in the second half down the left.

Gattuso 6 – Battled as usual in midfield, and slowly took charge as the game wore on, but as proven for Milan this season his levels have quite clearly dropped from the World Cup two years ago.

Pirlo 7 – Unsurprisingly Italy’s best midfielder. Brilliant through-ball to put Grosso through on goal, while he would have scored with a magnificent free-kick, had it not been for Van der Sar’s miraculous save.

Ambrosini 5 – Baffling decision by Donadoni to start him ahead of De Rossi, and he clearly was not in the same league as Sneijder and Van der Vaart. Missed a chance late on.

Camoranesi 4 – Anonymous on the right hand side of the trident. Quite why Donadoni waited until the 75th minute to take him off is another mystery.

Di Natale 6 – Far from Italy’s worst player. Di Natale worked hard, and had a few efforts, including one sweet volley that would have gone in had it not been straight at Van der Sar.

Toni 5 – Another disappointment. Looked strangely tired after a long campaign. Missed one glorious one-on-one opportunity.

Substitutes

Grosso 8 – Donadoni's worst decision was not starting Grosso, who caused havoc down the left after coming on. Could and should have scored when alone with Van der Sar.

Del Piero 7 – Excellent after coming on. Looked really sharp, was inventive, and had two fine efforts at goal. Must start the next game.

Cassano 7 – Scandalously only offered 15 minutes at the end, but did more with virtually his first touch of the ball than Camoranesi did for 75 minutes before him. A magnificent chipped pass to put Toni through. Also must start along with Del Piero against Romania.

Euro 2008 Player Ratings: France 0-0 Romania

2008-06-10T05:52:00.000-07:00

ROMANIA

Labont: 7.0 - Was out smartly to deny Malouda in the first half but will be surprised at how little he had to do.

Contra: 7.0 - Marshalled Malouda fairly well and ensured he couldn’t get in behind and deliver crosses.

Rat: 7.0 - Sound defensively and tried his utmost to get forward whenever possible. Handled Ribery well enough.

Goian: 7.5 – A solid partnership with Tamas which marshalled Anelka and Benzema well and restricted them only to shots from the edge of the area.

Tamas: 7.5 – The centre back who plays his club football in France, did well and ensured the French attack endured a frustrating evening.

Chivu: 7.5 – The captain has a little bit of class which shows in his distribution. Tidied up well when needed to and a good all around performance.

Radoi: 7.0 – A solid, well disciplined, midfield performance.

Cocis: 6.0 – Steady, made the Romanians difficult to break down before being subbed after an hour.

Niculae: 7.0 - Another player who plays his football in France. Struggled at times on his own up front, but did just about enough.

Mutu: 7.0 - Looked dangerous and certainly gave Thuram and Gallas something to think about.

Nicolita: 6.5 – Busy and industrious throughout although he maybe should have been more involved.

Substitutions:

Codrea: 6.5 - Replaced Cocis with half an hour to go and kept things tight in midfield.

Niculae: n/a

Dica: n/a

FRANCE

Coupet: 7.0 - A virtual spectator for the majority of the game. Expect him to be busier against Italy and Holland.

Sagnol: 6.5 - Looked rusty, as well he might having missed part of the season through injury. His crossing and distribution were poor at times but he got forward well enough.

Abidal: 6.0 - Surprisingly picked ahead of Patrice Evra and he doesn’t offer the same threat going forward as the Manchester United man. Defensively did OK although it will be interesting to see if he retains his place in the side.

Gallas: 7.0 - Handled what little threat Romania offered comfortably.

Thuram: 7.0 – Looked after Mutu and Niculae confidently and really wasn’t troubled.

Toulalan: 6.0 – Came into the starting line up for Vieira but didn’t have the same influence. Couldn’t get his team going forwards although he tidied up well enough at the back when needed to.

Makelele: 6.0 – He saw a lot of the ball and his passing was as immaculate as always but he couldn’t drive his team on.

Ribery: 6.5 - France’s most creative player who worked hard to get in behind the Romanian defence but couldn’t quite carve out the chance the French needed.

Malouda: 6.0 – A quiet first half and an even quieter second. Seemed reluctant to take on his man and offered little as an attacking force. In short, disappointing.

Anelka: 5.0 – Had a few half chances which he didn’t trouble the goalkeeper with but otherwise a quiet afternoon. Domenech eventually lost patience with the Chelsea man and swapped him for Gomis.

Benzema: 5.5 - France will have been hoping for better from their great hope. Some nice touches and managed to fashion a couple of shots but didn’t really trouble the keeper.

Substitutions

Gomis: 5.5 - Replaced Anelka for the last 20 minutes but couldn’t find a way through the Romanian defence.

Nasri: 5.0- Replaced Benzema but could no better than the Lyon man had before him.

Cristiano ronaldo Picture - shopping

2008-06-09T00:21:00.000-07:00

Cristiano ronaldo Topless picture

2008-06-09T00:03:00.000-07:00

A photograph showing Cristiano Ronaldo topless after celebrating at the end of the match between Chelsea and Manchester United.

Euro 2008 Player Ratings: Germany 2-0 Poland

2008-06-08T23:38:00.000-07:00

GERMANY

Lehmann 6.5 – Looked shaky at times in the first half, and his handling was less than secure. Fumbled a cross in the first 40 seconds that could have led to Kryznowek scoring. However he made a fine stop from Saganowski late on.

Lahm 8 – Neutralised Kryznowek very well, never losing out in a one-on-one battle. The most impressive of the Germany defenders. Also did well offensively.

Metzelder 6 – Looks completely unfit after his long injury absence and will be crucified by a better opponent. Having said this he didn’t do too bad tonight and made one vital interception from a Guerriero cross.

Mertesacker 6.5 – Won everything in the air as would be expected, and was reasonably solid on the floor.

Jansen 5.5 – Struggled really badly against the dangerous Lobodzinski in the first period, but improved after the break.

Fritz 7 – Very lively down the German right. Crossed well and gave his marker Golanski a number of problems. Somewhat surprisingly taken off on 55 minutes.

Frings 7.5 – Was superb in the first 25 minutes, then faded a little, before regaining his dominance in the final 30. A class act when he is on form.

Ballack 7 – Provided a superb through pass for Klose’s early chance, and had some shorts spells of excellence throughout the game. Brought out a superb save from Boruc at 1-0.

Podolski 8.5 – Germany’s best player in the first half, getting behind Golanski at will, and putting his side into the lead. Added a second after the break with a thumping volley into the top corner.

Klose 7 – Wasted a one-on-one chance early on when he tried to pass to Gomez instead of shoot himself. Made up for it soon after by setting up Podolski for the opener. Also involved in the second goal.

Gomez 6 – Excellent pass that started the move for Podolski’s first, but a disappointment thereafter. Missed a good chance at 1-0.

Substitutes

Schweinsteiger 6.5 – Has had a poor season but did relatively well and got behind Golanski, and also had a few shots at goal.

Hitzlsperger 6 – Only had 15 minutes to make an impact, and helped close out the game.

Kuranyi N.A – Only on the field for a matter of seconds.

POLAND

Boruc 7 – Offered little protection from the defence in front of him, and could do nothing on either goal. Made one stunning stop from Ballack at 1-0. Undoubtedly a top-class keeper.

Wasilewski 5.5 – Could not cope with Podolski in the first half, although he improved after the break.

Bak 5 – The 35-year-old showed all of his advancing years tonight. His lack of pace was a real problem, and his command of the defensive line was also non-existent.

Zewlakow 5 – Almost identical assessment to his centre back partner Bak. Pushed up suicidally when Germany scored their first goal.

Golanski 4.5 – The fourth and final member of the Marx brothers. His mistake prior to Podolski’s second was of Groucho, Chico, Harpo and Zippo proportions.

Dudka 6.5 – Neat and tidy in the middle of the park, and held his own for spells, but no cutting edge to his game.

Lewandowski 7 – Did well in the centre of midfield. Distributed the ball, and also got forward well, firing in a number of long-range shots.

Lobodzinski 7 – Caused havoc down the right in the first half, beating his marker Jansen on a number of occasions. Also forced a fine save out of Lehmann. Faded after the break and was substituted.

Zurawski 5.5 – Never really got into the match, and missed a fine chance, scuffing the ball wide when well placed. Subbed at half time.

Kryznowek 6 – Gave his all as usual, but got little change down the flank against Lahm. Had more success when he cut inside, and had a few half chances, one coming in the first 40 seconds.

Smolarek 5.5 – A disappointment. Would have been expected to cause the Germany centre backs some problems but it never really happened for him.

Substitutes

Guerreiro 7 – Gave the Poles a lift after his introduction at half time, showing some Brazilian-like touches.

Piszczek 6 – Never got into the game after replacing the impressive Lobodzinski.

Saganowski 6 – Almost grabbed a consolation at the end but was denied by a fine Lehmann save.

Original analysist from goal.com

Euro 2008 Video - Germany VS Poland 2-0

2008-06-08T23:35:00.000-07:00

Euro 2008 Group B - Game 4 - Lukas Podolski netted both goals against the country of his birth to give Germany a winning start to their Euro 2008 campaign against Poland in Klagenfurt.

Euro 2008 Player Ratings: Austria 0-1 Croatia

2008-06-08T23:31:00.000-07:00

Although the result went the way of the form-book, Croatia would not have expected to work as hard as they did.

The co-hosts gave a credible account of themselves and proved they are no national disgrace. Josef Hickersberger has instilled a resiliency and steel into this previously toothless side.

The spine of the team, from Sebastian Proedl through Rene Aufhauser and Andreas Ivanschitz, worked well at limiting the duration of Croatian possession.

Luka Modric, a pain for opposition when he is in possession, was limited to mere touches, and was unable to mould the game to his will. Croatia's most effective attacking performer was Hamburg's Ivica Olic who ran himself ragged as his side worked hard for their win.

Austria:

Jurgen Macho: 6 - His first task was to fetch the ball from the net and he subsequently dealt admirably with the Croatian threat.

Emanuel Pogatetz: 5.5 - Has a rash streak that was close to being detrimental this evening. Lucky not to be sent off but his tenacity and commitment cannot be doubted.

Sebastian Proedl: 6.5 An assured performance from the Sturm Graz centre back. Rarely made it easy for the Croatians to play around him and was a threat from set-pieces-

Martin Stranzl: 6.5 - Lent a physicality to the Austrian rear-guard and made it uncomfortable for Petric to gain space.

Rene Aufhauser: 5.5 An uncharacteristic and costly error from Austria‘s most experienced squad member. Recovered well however and managed to have an influence.

Andreas Ivanschitz: 8 - Pulled the strings in the centre of midfield with an array of clever passes and threatening set-pieces.

Jurgen Saeumel: 7 - Worked tremendously well during the first half and ultimately ran out of steam. A good enforcer in midfield.

Ronald Gercaliu: 6 - Had limited opportunities to deliver crosses. An average performance, but did keep tabs on Corluka.

Joachim Standfest: 6.5 - Was efficient in his wing-back position, both attacked and defended with vitality and steel. Missed Austria’s best chance.

Martin Harnik: 7 - Showed glimpses of the technique that makes him a highly rated young forward. The Werder Bremen man made the most of his second half space to cross, shoot and pass capably.

Roland Linz: 6 - Struggled for space and ball-time during the first half alongside Harnik. Whereas his strike partner found space as the game progressed, Linz remained somewhat peripheral.

Substitutes

Umit Korkmaz: 7 - Used his pace and power well to trouble Corluka in the latter stages. Made a significant impact.

Ivica Vastic: 7 - The veteran used his experience to conjure space for his colleagues. Unlucky with his only chance, a header.

Ronald Kienast: 7 - Had Austria’s last opportunity and showed flickers of effectiveness. If he had started, he may have found his range.

Croatia:

Stipe Pletikosa: 7 - Had a lot to deal with as the game went on and looked steady. Got lucky on two occasions when the ball escaped his grasp. Nonetheless, a clean sheet.

Verdan Corluka: 7 - Was more comfortable going forward than back and was troubled by Korkmaz in the latter stages. A consistent performance, he did not put a foot wrong.

Daniel Pranjic: 6.5 - The Heerenveen man is filling a problem position for Slaven Bilic’s side and was exposed on occasion by Harnik and Standfest.

Robert Kovac 7.5: An uncompromising display from the Dortmund centre back. Organises the line well.

Josip Simunic 7: Not his first choice position for Croatia, Simunic covered capably for the ring-rusty Dario Simic. His imposing frame meant that little escaped the Dortmund man in the air.

Niko Kovac - 5.5: An efficient user of the ball, his game is more suited to prolonged Croatian possession. Was made occasionally anonymous and struggled against imposing opposition.

Luka Modric - 6: Used the ball well when he had it. He struggled to find possession as the Austrians rampaged forward and showed a tendency to go missing.

Darijo Srna - 6.5: A threat due to his abilitiy at dead balls. Imbued his side with penetrative and forceful running.

Niko Kranjcar - 5.5: Suffered more than most on his team without the ball at his feet. Was practically anonymous aside from intermittent one-touch passes.

Ivica Olic - 8.5: Drew three bookings and earned a penalty due to his persistent and determined nature. A valuable asset to Bilic’s plans. Unlucky not to score.

Mladen Petric - 7: Gave sporadic examples of why he is so highly rated. Pressed his opponents high up the pitch but was a little naïve with his only meaningful chance.

Substitutes

Dario Knezevic - 6: Slotted in midfield to attempt prevent Austrian raids. Almost conceded a penalty with slipshod control.

Orgjen Vukojevic - n/a: Replaced Olic but did not have the opportunity to make an impression.

Igor Budan - 6: The Parma man may have more of a significant impact as the tournament progresses. He was forced to feed off scraps after his introduction.

Original analysist from goal.com

Euro 2008 Video - Austria VS Croatia 0-1

2008-06-08T23:29:00.000-07:00

Euro 2008 Group B - Game 3 - Croatia got their Euro 2008 campaign off to a winning start on Sunday when a fourth-minute Luka Modric penalty proved enough to beat co-hosts Austria 1-0 in the opening game of Group B.

Cristiano Ronaldo's Brother Offers His Tip

2008-06-08T23:09:00.000-07:00

Speaking to the Spanish media, Cristiano Ronaldo's siblings, Hugo and Elma Santos Aveiro, confirmed that it was CR7's dream to move to Real Madrid

The pair, however, stated that although his goal is to "play with Real Madrid" next season, his future will not be settled until after the European Championships.

Hugo told laSexta, "Between now and next year or the year after he will go to Real Madrid. Personally, I would like that. I'd like it very much."

Elma, meanwhile, was slightly more cautious, although she did state that this was Ronaldo's dream since he was a small boy.

"He won't decide anything until after the Euros," she said.

Ronaldo has been involved in a tug-of-war between Manchester United and Real Madrid for some weeks now.

Euro 2008 Preview: Austria VS Croatia

2008-06-08T07:54:00.000-07:00

Stern Opening Test For Co-Hosts

As co-hosts of the tournament, there is extra pressure on Austria to succeed at Euro 2008 - yet the portents are not promising for Austrian fans. Apart from the fact that they are drawn in Group B with Germany, Poland and their first opponents, Croatia, all of whom qualified impressively, Austria lack big tournament experience, competitive preparation and current form going into Sunday's opener. In contrast, Croatia are viewed by many as potential 'dark-horse' winners of Euro 2008.

It is 10 years since Austria last qualified for a major tournament - the 1998 World Cup - and their participation in Euro 2008 was secured as co-hosts rather than through a qualifying group. In fact this will be Austria's first-ever appearance in a European Championship, as they failed to qualify on every one of their previous attempts. Their underdog status is underlined by the fact that they are by some distance the lowest-ranked team involved in Euro 2008, having slipped out of the top 100 in Fifa's official rankings following a poor run of just one win in 14 matches up to the start of this year.

On the other hand Croatia, who were quarter-finalists at Euro 96 and finished third at the 1998 World Cup in France, looked a fluid and potent attacking force during their qualifying campaign,. the highlight of which was beating England convincingly home and away. However, the Croats suffered a body blow in February, when star striker Eduardo da Silva had his leg shattered playing for Arsenal at Birmingham. The Brazilian-born forward had contributed 10 goals in 12 qualifiers, and his absence is bound to be felt by Slaven Bilic's side. He had been the attacking focal point of an adventurous 4-1-3-2 system deployed by Bilic, a departure from the more physical approach adopted in the three preceding tournaments (World Cup and Euros) when Croatia, having qualified, got no further than the group stages.

Hickersberger's Optimism Heavily Qualified

Even Austria's coach, Josef Hickersberger, only feels his team have a 40 per cent chance of beating Croatia. But although they have lost all three of their previous matches against the Croats, Hickersberger insists his side should not be written off prematurely, and says home advantage underpins his 40 percent prediction. "Croatia are a world-class team," he said, "so my prediction is very optimistic. But if we have a good day and a little bit of luck, we can beat Croatia."

Remarkably for a national team about to embark on the biggest event their history, Hickersberger has had to address poor discipline within his squad this week. He said some of the Austrian players lacked concentration in training, while one arrived late for a team meeting.

"The team was not as focused anymore as it was before, the attitude just wasn't right," complained the coach. "We can't afford that, even if the rainy conditions were difficult. If we are not 100 percent sharp against Croatia on Sunday, we have a huge problem."

The Austrians were held to a 1-1 draw by Nigeria in a friendly last week before thrashing Malta 5-1, but Hickersberger feels his side can get through a tough group. "We have set ourselves a big goal," he said. "We want to reach the quarter-finals and in the last days I have become more optimistic.

"We don't need to go to the betting shop to know our rivals are all favoured ahead of us. However, we have the home advantage and we have a chance of getting points. I know it was not ideal that we let Malta and Nigeria score goals but this happens to teams like Germany too. We will work on it," he added. He has been working on it for a while, struggled to achieve a balanced side that can consistently get results.

Bilic Believes

For Slaven Bilic, the challenge is somewhat different: he believes his side are capable of winning the whole tournament, but following the loss of Eduardo he has to get his players believing too. He is convinced he has the players available to improve on Croatia's Euro 96 and 04 showings, and possibly spring a surprise.

"I believe that we are strong enough to take the title," he said. "The team is both good and solid, we qualified for the Euros from one of the more difficult groups and we most notably of all beat England on two occasions during the qualifiers.

"On paper, there are the usual favourites: Germany, France and Italy. You could also include Spain and Holland. And the English too would have also been among the favourites...if they had qualified."

One of Bilic's key creative forces, Portsmouth midfielder Niko Kranjcar, claims victory on Sunday is vital. "I always say the most important thing is to win the first game. I think we've proven over the last two or three years that we really have a team that can beat anyone. If we prepare well, we're a team who can give anyone a good game. Hopefully with a bit of luck, we can go pretty far."

Bilic is looking to Kranjcar, new Spurs signing Luka Modric, and Mladen Petric to provide the midfield invention that can drive Croatia to a new level of achievement. "Our top three players should be 100 per cent inspired throughout the tournament and the rest of the team will have to be at their best too if we are to progress from our group," said the coach.

"We won't reach the quarter-finals just by keeping it tight at the back. We need our three magicians Modric, Kranjcar and Petric to make things happen. These strikers are the best we have, not including Eduardo da Silva, whose absence is obviously a severe blow because the whole team played better when he was with us. However, he didn't take us to Euro 2008 on his own and we must make do without him. I've faith in the players who are here and we are convinced they will start firing on all cylinders at a crunch time. They are top-level strikers who score regularly for their clubs so it's not time to sound alarm bells, but we have to improve."

Croatia were less than impressive in beating Moldova 1-0 last week, then drawing 1-1 with Hungary on Saturday, and Bilic knows things will need to improve the moment the tournament gets underway. "We have been a threat to our rivals far too rarely, we have to be more aggressive," he said. "We defend as a team and we have to attack as a team too, meaning that our midfield must carve out more supply routes to the strikers.

FORM GUIDE

Austria

The Austrians had a morale-boosting 5-1 win over Malta in their final friendly before Euro 2008, with goals from Rene Aufhauser, Roland Linz (2), Ivica Vastic and Martin Harnik. It was only Austria's second victory in 16 matches.

Prior to that they drew 1-1 with Nigeria when Roman Kienast put them ahead on 13 minutes, only for Kalu Uche to equalise for Nigeria six minutes later.

Previously, Holland stunned Austria by coming back from a 3-0 deficit to win 4-3 in a thrilling friendly at the end of March. The Austrians looked sure to notch a famous victory over Marco van Basten's side when they went three up inside the opening 36 minutes through Ivan Ivanschitz and Sebastian Prodl (two). But Klaas Huntelaar pulled one back before the break, and Johnny Heitinga, Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink and Huntelaar again left Austria shell-shocked and beaten.

Croatia

Niko Kovac scored at either ends as Croatia were held to a 1-1 draw by Hungary in their last match before Euro 2008.

Kovac had also headed the only goal of the game as Croatia beat Moldova 1-0 in their penultimate fixture. leading up to Euro 2008.

In their Euro 2008 qualifying campaign, Croatia's results were:

06/09/06 v Russia (A) 0 - 0
07/10/06 v Andorra (H) 7 - 0
11/10/06 v England (H) 2 - 0
15/11/06 v Israel (A) 4 - 3
24/03/07 v FYR Macedonia (H) 2 - 1
02/06/07 v Estonia (A) 1 - 0
06/06/07 v Russia (H) 0 - 0
08/09/07 v Estonia (H) 2 - 0
12/09/07 v Andorra (A) 6 - 0
13/10/07 v Israel (H) 1 - 0
17/11/07 v FYR Macedonia (A) 0 - 2
21/11/07 v England (A) 3 - 2

TEAM NEWS

Austria

Emanuel Pogatetz is expected to be available after suffering a calf injury in training, manager Hickersberger saying there was only a small chance he wouldn't be fit in time to face Croatia.

But Hickersberger was forced to make a late change to his squad when goalkeeper Helge Payer suffered a blood circulation problem. Payer was replaced by Ramazan Ozcan, but the coach was coy about whether Alex Manninger or Jurgen Macho would be his first-choice goalkeeper.

He was keeping his players on their toes during the week, saying in midweek that although he had a team in his head to play against Croatia, he wanted to use the remaining training sessions for the players to show their best.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Jurgen Macho (AEK Athens), Alex Manninger (Siena), Ramazan Ozcan (Hoffenheim).

Defenders: Gyorgy Garics (Napoli), Ronald Gercaliu (Austria Vienna), Martin Hiden (Austria Carinthia), Markus Katzer (Rapid Vienna), Jurgen Patocka (Rapid Vienna), Emanuel Pogatetz (Middlesbrough), Sebastian Proedl (Sturm Graz), Martin Stranzl (Spartak Moscow).

Midfielders: Rene Aufhauser (Salzburg), Christian Fuchs (Mattersburg), Andreas Ivanschitz (Panathinaikos), Umit Korkmaz (Rapid Vienna),Christoph Leitgeb (Salzburg), Jurgen Saeumel (Sturm Graz), Joachim Standfest (Austria Vienna), Ivica Vastic (Linz).

Strikers: Martin Harnik (Werder Bremen), Erwin Hoffer (Rapid Vienna), Roman Kienast (Ham-Kam), Roland Linz (Braga).

Croatia

Slaven Bilic has named his strongest team to face Austria, and said he will be keeping to the same formation he used in Croatia's recent friendlies against Moldova and Hungary.

That suggests the team will be:
Stipe Pletikosa; Vedran Corluka, Robert Kovac, Josip Simunic, Danijel Pranjic; Darijo Srna, Niko Kovac, Luka Modric, Niko Kranjcar; Mladen Petric, Ivica Olic.

Bilic added that, "The mood is excellent, but the nerves are increasing – a positive nervousness. Be sure we'll give everything we can; we'll be a top team. We'll be better than Austria as we're capable of controlling the match. Like in Formula 1, a good start is so important in the first game. All the best to women, but football is the most beautiful thing in the world."

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Stipe Pletikosa (Spartak Moscow), Vedran Runje (Lens), Mario Galinovic (Panathinaikos).

Defenders: Vedran Corluka (Manchester City), Dario Simic (Milan), Robert Kovac (Borussia Dortmund), Josip Simunic (Hertha Berlin), Dario Knezevic (Livorno), Hrvoje Vejic (Tomsk).

Midfielders: Danijel Pranjic (Heerenveen), Nikola Pokrivac (Monaco), Niko Kovac (Salzburg), Luka Modric (Dinamo Zagreb), Jerko Leko (Monaco), Ognjen Vukojevic (Dinamo Zagreb), Darijo Srna (Shakhtar Donetsk), Niko Kranjcar (Portsmouth), Ivan Rakitic (Schalke).

Strikers: Mladen Petric (Borussia Dortmund), Ivica Olic (Hamburg), Igor Budan (Parma), Ivan Klasnic (Werder Bremen), Nikola Kalinic (Hajduk Split).

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Austria

Sporting Braga striker Roland Linz is said to be a summer target for Premier League clubs West Ham, Middlesbrough, Newcastle and Fulham. He will be leading the Austrian attack as he was last week against Malta when he scored twice and was watched by representatives of up to five English clubs. Linz, 26, scored 11 league goals for Sporting and will be hoping to impress would-be suitors during the tournament.

A spokesman for his agency was quoted as saying: "There has been interest in Roland from the Premiership and a number of clubs were watching him again at the Malta game. But he is focused on the Euros at the moment and we will see what happens after the tournament."

Linz's international team-mate, Martin Harnik, is another one to watch, a highly promising young forward who will turn 21 during the tournament. He has made a name for himself with Werder Bremen and also scored on his international debut as a substitute against the Czech Republic last August.

Croatia

Midfielder Luka Modric starred for Croatia against England in the qualification campaign and has now agreed to join Tottenham in a £15.8million deal from Dinamo Zagreb. Before arriving at White Hart Lane, though, Modric wants to make a big impact at Euro 2008. He is seen as the natural successor to Croatian hero Robert Prosinecki and has been compared by some with the great Johan Cruyff, often deployed in the middle of the pitch, but with the freedom to make the sort of penetrative forward runs that unhinged Steve McClaren's England.

Modric said: "That game with England at Wembley was not that important to us in terms of needing the points. But we wanted to show all the footballing world that Croatia have a very, very good team. We did our best in that game to demonstrate that. I was sorry for England - but in every game we want to be successful and we want to do well at the European Championships. In our qualification group to reach the finals, we played some very good football and won against some strong teams. I believe Croatia have the qualities to come in the first two in this summer's finals. That is the first goal and after that we will see what happens."

Croatia manager Bilic commented: "Tottenham is perfect for Luka. It is better for him than, for example, going to Chelsea. Chelsea could have bought him, Lionel Messi and Ronaldinho and then Luka could have ended up on the bench."

In the absence of Eduardo, Modric will have additional responsibility - from central midfield he will be expected to dictate the tempo of the match, but will need strikers to convert the chances he create.

Another of Bilic's squad, Niko Kranjcar, is already established in the Premier League at Portsmouth, with whom he won the FA Cup last month. He is being linked with a possible move to Arsenal, although he insists he is happy at Fratton Park. Kranjcar is expected to provide the creativity in harness with Modric and Mladen Petric.

PREDICTION

Austria legend Hans Krankl suggested that the country's fans needed to be "realistic" about their team's chances. Krankl said getting past the group stage would be a "great, great success." That put their prospects into sharp perspective, and although Greece upset the odds in sensational style four years ago when surprising many by winning Euro 2004, few are expecting Austria to cause a similar shock, even on home turf. The backing of the crowd will be vital to the team, but as the weakest (lowest-ranked) team in the competition without as yet a settled side, Croatia - one of the world's top 13 teams - look the likelier winners. The Croats looked slick and inventive in qualifying, and although expectations are high, which can be a problem, and Eduardo is missing, which is a burden, they should ease past the co-hosts.

Austria 0-2 Croatia

Euro 2008 Preview: Germany VS Poland

2008-06-08T07:45:00.000-07:00

Group B kicks-off on Sunday and tournament favourites Germany will be looking to get off to a flying start against neighbours Poland, who are in the first European Championships finals. Everything looks set for a cracking match up.

Best Foot Forward

Joachim Löw’s side rightly come into the tournament as one of the favourites following a superb qualification process and Germany will no doubt be looking to get themselves off to a winning start against Poland in Klagenfurt in their opener.

The Germans cruised through their qualifying group that included the Czech Republic and many believe they finished second on purpose as to avoid a ‘Group of Death’ like the one that Italy, France and Holland find themselves in.

The two teams met in the group stage at the World Cup 2006 in Dortmund and it took a 91st minute goal from substitute Oliver Neville to secure a narrow 1-0 win for the host nation. The occasion was huge then and the rivalry is such that the forthcoming clash is likely to be just as massive.

The German team that took to the field two years ago against Poland remains pretty much intact with just one or two changes expected. Co-trainer Hansi Flick has even joked that the Germans will be using exactly the same team talk they used last time out.

The one worry concerning the Germans going into the tournament is surprisingly their defence. Keeper Jens Lehmann has not had a lot of football this season at Arsenal and has not looked on top of his game during recent warm-up games.

Christophe Metzelder, a Löw favourite, will partner Per Mertesacker in the centre of the defence, but he too has missed a lot of games this season for Real Madrid through injury. The one positive thing is that the same concerns were being raised prior to the World Cup in 2006 and they proved unfounded as the Germans reached the semi-final.

Poland Look To Beenhakker

After breaking new ground in qualifying for their first European Championship finals, Poland will enter their opening Group B match against Germany looking for another first in the form of a long-awaited win over their neighbours. The Poles have failed to register a win in the previous 15 meetings between the two sides.

Poland will look to the experience of their coach Leo Beenhakker to see them through against the Germans. After losing his opening game in the qualifying group, the Dutch coach led the country to the top of the group ahead of Portugal and qualified the Poles for the European Championships for the first time.

The Polish tabloid press have certainly been stoking up the fires in recent days with a series of inflammatory front pages which haven’t gone down to well in the German camp. The have been images of Beenhakker holding the severed heads of both Ballack and Löw and plenty of jingoistic references.

Coach Leo Beenhakker has described the publicity stunt as “mad, dirty and sick” and will be hoping the incident doesn’t impact too much upon his side’s preparations for the vital opening clash with the Germans.

The label of underdogs will suit the Poles. The pressure will be very much on the Germans and to even gain a point will be seen as a success. A win however would surely cause national jubilation.

FORM GUIDE

Germany

17/11/07 Germany 4 Cyprus 0 (Euro Qualifier)

27/11/07 Germany 0 Wales 0 (Euro Qualifier)

06/02/08 Austria 0 Germany 3 (Friendly)

26/03/08 Switzerland 0 Germany 4 (Friendly)

27/05/08 Germany 2 Belarus 2 (Friendly)

31/05/08 Germany 2 Serbia 1 (Friendly)

Poland

06/02/08 Czech Rep 0 Poland 2 (Friendly)

27/02/08 Poland 2 Estonia 0 (Friendly)

26/0308 Poland 0 USA 3 (Friendly)

26/05/08 Poland 1 Macedonia 1 (Friendly)

28/05/08 Poland 1 Albania 1 (Friendly)

01/06/08 Poland 1 Denmark 1 (Friendly)

TEAM NEWS

Germany

Joachim Löw has intimated that he may play Bayern Munich striker Lukas Podolski on the left hand side of midfield in what will be the only real surprise in his line-up. Mario Gomez looks to have won the battle to partner Miroslav Klose up front with Marcell Jansen to play at left back with Bayern team mate Philipp Lahm on the other flank.

Predicted Line-Up: Lehmann, Lahm, Metzelder, Mertesacker, Jansen, Frings, Ballack, Schweinsteiger, Podolski, Gomez, Klose

Poland

Poland’s preparations have been hit after Dortmund midfielder Jakub Blaszczykowski suffered a hamstring injury which means he will miss the finals.

However, there is better news regarding defender Michal Zewlakow, who has recovered from a leg injury and will be ready for his country’s opening game in Group B. The other late injury news concerns third-choice keeper Tomasz Kuszczak, who has suffered a back injury and is also out of the tournament.

Predicted Line-Up: Boruc, Zewlakow, Wawrzyniak, Bak, Wasilewski, Lewandowski, Lobodzinski, Murawski, Dudka, Smolarek, Zurawski

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Germany- Michael Ballack

The Chelsea midfielder will want to lead his country to Euro 2008 glory and end a barren run which has seen the Germans not win the tournament since 1996. A win in Austria/ Switzerland will also go a long way to dampen Ballacks’s personal disappointment of losing out on this season’s Champions League. He has hit form at just the right time towards the end of the season and should be Germany’s key-man in the coming weeks.

Poland- Mariusz Lewandowski

Poland face an uphill task if they are to cause an upset and beat the Germans in this Group B opener. The midfield area will be key and if enforcer Lewandowski can shackle Ballack then part of the battle will have been won. The Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder will also look to get forward at set-pieces to provide a goal threat.

PREDICTION

Germany are a real tournament side and will be looking to top the group despite three matches to come against Poland, Croatia and Austria. They haven’t looked to be on top form in their last two friendly matches against Belarus and Serbia, but should be good enough to secure a win over rivals Poland in this Group B opener.

Germany 2-0 Poland

Player Ratings: Portugal 2-0 Turkey - Goal.com

2008-06-08T07:37:00.000-07:00

Portugal 2-0 Turkey

Portugal

Ricardo: 6 - Some classic 'Ricardo' moments, flapping at the odd ball, but tidy on the most part and got a clean sheet.

Bosingwa: 7 - Tremendously quick but occasionally positionally suspect and found wanting with his final ball when going forward.

Carvalho: 7 - A solid performance as usual from the Chelsea stopper. He swept up at the back and even broke forward on the odd occasion.

Pepe: 8 - Headed home brilliantly early on, but was half a yard or so offside. Scored a quite magnificent goal later on, breaking forward from defence. Strong and imposing at the back, but caught a little lax on a couple of occasions.

Ferreira: 6.5 - A solid performance at the back and not in his natural position either. Did well to keep pace with the energetic Kazim Kazim.

Petit: 7 - Swept up fairly well and played some good passes as well. Kept things moving in midfield.

Moutinho: 6.5 - A speedy and energetic customer. Made some good runs, did brilliantly for the second goal and linked up well with his team-mates.

Deco: 6.5 - Played some expansive passes and looked like his old self, particularly in the first half, but lost his legs a little in the latter half of the game.

Ronaldo: 7.5 - Could not get into the game until he switched to the left hand side. Made good runs, hit the post with a sweetly struck free-kick and was involved in both goals.

Nuno Gomes: 7.5 - Was seen as a potential weakness going into the tournament but put in an extremely promising performance today, a throwback reminding us of him at his best. Put in great work to bring his midfielders into play; his return pass for Pepe's goal was magnificent.

Simao: 6 - Underwhelming. Whipped in some good crosses when given the time, but in general he did not seem to be at the races and probably will not start the next game.

Substitutes:

Nani: 6 - Fairly energetic, but lacking the end product in the short time he was afforded on the pitch.

Meireles: 7 - Took his goal very well at the death, having barely been on the pitch.

Meira: n/a.

Turkey

Volkan: 7 - Did fairly well in goal, with none of his typical shaky moments. Could not have done a lot more to prevent either goal. Produced one magnificent save to tip Ronaldo's free-kick onto the post.

Hamit Altintop: 6.5 - Put in an admirable shift playing out of position in right-back. Proved decent in defence and a good outlet going forward as well.

Gokhan Zan: 7 - A powerful performance in which he made several saving tackles. His game was blighted by one extremely horrendous error that saw him almost gift Portugal a goal, and he committed a fairly nasty foul in order to prevent it.

Servet: 6.5 - The muscle man was physically imposing as ever, but occasionally found a few paces off the Portuguese.

Hakan Balta: 7.5 - An incredibly solid showing at left-back. Gave Ronaldo no joy in the first half - so much so the megastar switched flanks - and Simao was similarly powerless to beat his man.

Mevlut: 6.5 - Put in a fairly promising performance, not afraid to push forward and linked up fairly well. Substituted at half time, possibly due to injury, or it may have been a purely tactical switch.

Aurelio: 7.5 - Put in a brilliant perfornmance in the middle of the park, regularly getting back to make saving tackles and setting off his midfielders and forwards as well. Full of energy.

Emre: 6 - Bypassed for much of the game and did not impose himself in a creative capacity as he perhaps would have liked. Had some moments, but no concsistency.

Kazim Richards: 6 - Full of energy but lacking in end product. He kept the Portuguese busy, but ultimately failed to provide crosses or get shots on goal.

Nihat: 6.5 - A decent performance and he cannot be faulted for his work rate. Some good set-pieces, but was physically out of his depth against the likes of Pepe and Carvalho.

Tuncay: 5.5 - Drifted out of the game but always came back in with some creative flair. Had some 'nearly' moments, but missed a few chances to capitalise on good positions.

Subsitutes

Sabri: 6.5 - Worked hard, running well but ultimately unable to provide a breakthrough.

Asik: 6

Semih: 6

Source : Goal.com

Euro 2008 - Portugal Vs turkey 2-0

2008-06-08T07:31:00.000-07:00

Euro 2008 Group A - Game 2 Portugal VS Turkey, 2-0

Portugal VS Turkey - Euro 2008 preview

2008-06-07T07:47:00.000-07:00

Euro 2008 Preview: Portugal-Turkey

Euro 2008's second match features 2004's losing finalists and a side that failed to reach the last tournament. It's an intriguing clash as Portugal take on Turkey in Basel.

Bad Memories

Portugal come into this game with their last European Championship game, of course, having ended in tragedy. A last-gasp defeat to the Greeks in front of a partisan crowd in Lisbon put paid to any illusions of gaining their first ever piece of silverware, and some might ask if their best chance ever has gone.

It's a fair question - there's nothing like home advantage, after all, and there's a lingering feeling that the squad, now bereft of the likes of Pauleta and Figo, lacks a certain something.

But at the same time there are grounds for optimism. After a rocky qualification path there is less pressure on the side than previously, and, of course, the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Ricardo Carvalho and Quaresma are beginning to hit stride.

Still, defensive worries continue to dominate, and victory is thus far from assured.

Something To Prove

Thankfully for the Portuguese, the same applies to the Crescent-Stars. The Turks seem to have regressed since their glory days of reaching the semi-final of the 2002 World Cup, especially given that they have missed out on both major tournaments since then.

Even reaching this one was no sure thing: it took a late surge past Norway for the Turkish side to squeeze through alongside hated rivals Greece to the final tournament.

Yet here they are, and with a large Turkish contingent living in Switzerland, it's something of a home from home for Fatih Terim's men. That's a positive, for just like Portugal this is a side that tends to play better when surrounded by domestic comforts.

And they also seem to look the part up front. Nihat and Erding enter the tournament in massively high confidence; at the back, though, it may be tougher to keep things tight.

FORM GUIDE

Portugal

31 May 08 - Georgia (H) - WON 2-0 (Friendly)
26 Mar 08 - Greece (N) - LOST 2-1 (Friendly)
06 Feb 08 - Italy (N) - LOST 3-1 (Friendly)
21 Nov 07 - Finland (H) - DREW 0-0 (ECQ)
17 Nov 07 - Armenia (H) - WON 1-0 (ECQ)

Turkey

29 May 08 - Finland (N) - WON 2-0 (Friendly)
25 May 08 - Uruguay (N) - LOST 3-2 (Friendly)
20 May 08 - Slovakia (N) - WON 1-0 (Friendly)
26 Mar 08 - Belarus (A) - DREW 2-2 (Friendly)
06 Feb 08 - Sweden (H) - DREW 0-0 (Friendly)
21 Nov 07 - BiH (H) - WON 1-0 (ECQ)
17 Nov 07 - Norway (A) - WON 2-1 (ECQ)

TEAM NEWS

Portugal

Cristiano Ronaldo, Simao and Quaresma are likely to provide the inventive force for a lone striker - Nuno Gomes, perhaps - while Bosingwa has recovered to play right-back.

Predicted Line-Up: Ricardo; Bosingwa, Pepe, Carvalho, Paulo Ferreira; João Moutnho, Petit; Cristiano Ronaldo, Simao, Deco; Nuno Gomes.

Turkey

Hamit Altintop is doubtful after his mucle injury but could yet make the side. Coach Terim will most likely stick with a 4-4-2, with either Senturk or on-form Erdinc partnering Nihat up front. Aurelio is likely to be the lynchpin of the midfield.

Predicted Line-Up: Recber; Gokhan Zan, Asik, Cetin, Balta; Altintop, Aurelio, Emre, Arda; Nihat, Senturk.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Portugal - Cristiano Ronaldo : His last trip to a European Championship ended in heartbreak, but so much has changed since then. The Manchester United man has just enjoyed the year of his life as he helped his side to both the Champions League and Premier League titles, scooping the top scorer award along the way. Rumours of his impending move to Real Madrid continue to circulate, but he's stated that all he's worried about right now is Portugal.

Turkey - Nihat Kahveci : The Villarreal man may not have enjoyed quite as productive a season as Ronaldo, but in his own way he's back in the big time. The ex-Real Sociedad man cut a mean partnership up front with Giuseppe Rossi for Villarreal and proved himself deadly in front of goal, not least on the counter. With Hakan Sukur having stepped back from the national squad, Nihat can stake a claim to being the next Turkish striking legend.

PREDICTION

These two sides conceded more goals than any other qualifying team except Poland, and at the other end they averaged around two per game. As such this could be one of Euro 2008's more open ties, but it's worth remembering that both teams tend to do better at home than on their travels. It's going to be very, very close, but Portugal might just squeeze it.

Portugal 2-1 Turkey

Euro 2008 Preview: Switzerland VS Czech Republic

2008-06-07T07:30:00.000-07:00

The opening fixture of Euro 2008 is not quite the blockbuster everyone would be hoping for by any means, but it could well provide an intriguing clue as to how the tournament unfolds. Will we be in for a dramatic, thrilling Euro 2000, with a clash of the titans in the final being decided by a golden goal, or a slightly less thrilling but nonetheless dramatic Euro 2004 in which Greece managed to pull off one of the greatest upsets in European Championship history, entering as a bottom seed but going on to win the tournament?

If Switzerland manage a victory then this could be yet another tournament for the underdog, but the Czechs are hardly giants themselves and are missing the two players who are quite easily their most high profile. Legend Pavel Nedved has of course taken the eventual decision to retire from international football while Tomas Rosicky's never-ending battle with injury is ongoing.

They will require yet more work after the Championship when iconic target-man Jan Koller calls time on his international career, but he is sure to give his all in one last push to do his part to get his country its first ever major honour on the international stage. They of course reached the final in Euro 96 and the semi-final in Euro 2004 only to see success elude them - could Euro 2008 be their last chance?

They are without doubt perennial underdogs and relish such a position. They have always made their way by disposing of sides beneath them in the pecking order, where more star-studded sides tend to stumble. The real test for them will come in the knock-outs, but first and foremost they must maintain their usual prolificacy in the group stages.

Facing hosts is never an easy proposition - particularly in the opening game - and Switzerland are coming into the tournament off the back of a couple of convincing wins in warm-up matches. While it must be noted that Liechtenstein and Slovakia are hardly the stiffest of opposition, winning is a habit and if the Swiss army carry this momentum into their opening game they could spring a surprise on their visitors.

This modern incarnation of Switzerland is famous for having been eliminated from the 2006 World Cup without conceding a goal; their woeful penalty shootout against Ukraine proved their undoing after what had been an impressive if not all that entertaining qualification from the group stage. Philippe Senderos is almost like another player entirely for his country, but is no doubt helped by the defensive tactics employed by coach Jakob Kuhn. It is their unit that provides strength - with Inler no doubt set to be a star for them - but their problem may be outstanding individual play to create goals.

Valon Behrami may prove a key man in this respect. The outgoing Lazio star has already expressed his enthusiasm leading up to the tournament and will relish the attacking freedom he is allowed on the wing for his country, having been played as a full-back at club level.

Gelson Fernandes may also have a fair amount of responsibility to create, and having not enjoyed the most morale-boosting time at Manchester City in recent months, there is a chance he may be found wanting. The key to their attacks will be using the flanks to their full effect. Barnetta, Vonlanthen, Behrami, Degen, Lichtsteiner and Magnin are all able down the flanks as full-backs and wingers, and if they use wide areas to break and try and hit the Czechs where they are somewhat weaker, they may well grab the opening day victory the whole country will be hoping for.

FORM GUIDE

Switzerland

* May 30 Switzerland 3-0 Liechtenstein (Friendly)

* May 24 Switzerland 2-0 Slovakia (Friendly)

* March 26 Switzerland 0-4 Germany (Friendly)

* February 6 England 2-1 Switzerland (Friendly)

* November 20 Switzerland 0-1 Nigeria (Friendly)

* October 17 Switzerland 0-1 United States (Friendly)

Czech Republic

* May 30 Czech Republic 3-1 Scotland (Friendly)

* May 27 Czech Republic 2-0 Lithuania (Friendly)

* March 26 Denmark 1-1 Czech Republic (Friendly)

* February 6 Poland 2-0 Czech Republic (Friendly)

* November 21 Cyprus 0-2 Czech Republic (European Championship qualifier)

* November 17 Czech Republic 3-1 Slovakia (European Championship qualifier)

TEAM NEWS

Switzerland

Despite having played 4-4-2 in their two recent victories, against tougher opposition the Swiss are likely to revert to 4-5-1, with Alexander Frei the lone striker and fellow front-man Streller withdrawn for attacking midfielder Hakan Yakin. Tranquillo Barnetta has overcome an ankle injury and will be fit to start, though Johan Vonlanthen's impressive performances during his lay-off may make competition for the left-wing slot fairly stiff. Veteran defender Patrick Müller has looked solid in the warm-up games despite recently suffering a cruciate ligament injury and should prevent Johan Djourou from lining up with Arsenal team-mate Philippe Senderos in defence.

Probable XI (4-4-1-1): Benaglio - Lichtsteiner, Müller, Senderos, Magnin - Behrami, Inler, Fernandes, Barnetta - Yakin - Frei.

Czech Republic

It is likely that the Czechs will not want to risk too much and will therefore start with a similar system to their hosts. Milan Baros will most likely drop to the bench and come on only if they are pressing for a result, with Sionko having earned his place following a brace against Scotland and Plašil also likely to start. Full-back Zdněk Pospěch has the flu and will be sitting out the game, with Juventus' Zdeněk Grygera a possible like-for-like replacement, though Ujfalusi could play at right-back allowing Radoslav Kovac to partner David Rozehnal in defence. With the possibilities continuing, Matejovsky's place may also be taken by a more creative player such as Jarolim.

Probable XI (4-5-1): Cech - Grygera, Ujfalusi, Rozehnal, Jankulovski - Sionko, Matejovsky, Galasek, Polak, Plašil - Koller.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Switzerland - Gökhan Inler

The 23-year-old will play a key role protecting the defence in a game where Switzerland, despite being the home nation, will be under some pressure for periods of the game. Has enjoyed a tremendous debut season with Udinese and is likely to carry that form through for his national side in this summer's tournament. For the Czechs, it will be a matter of working around Inler in order to ensure they can break through what is sure to be a packed defence.

Czech Republic - Jan Koller

The big man is likely to be up front on his own and surrounded by a sea of red shirts for long periods throughout the evening. He will have his work cut out, having to knock down several high balls and attempt to put his aerial prowess to good use when attempting to fashion chances on goal. He has just recently announced he will be retiring from international football after the tournament, and he will no doubt be keen to improve on what is already an incredible goal-scoring ratio for his country.

PREDICTION

Home support has been known to work its wonders in the past and there is nothing to suggest the same may not happen tomorrow evening. However, the form guide tells a story: the Czechs have been clinical in disposing of all inferior opposition while Switzerland have only managed results against the weakest of opposition. A home win would be quite an achievement - and one that definitely cannot be ruled out - but the Czechs should have enough at their disposal to make it a less than memorable opening day for the home support.

Switzerland 1-2 Czech Republic...