World Cup Montenegro v England – guide to Montenegro

Posted on March 25, 2013 by adminsports

Meet the men from Montenegro standing in the way of England reaching Brazil 2014

, and the man advantage allowed Montenegro a last minute equalised through Andrija Delibasic.

Brnovic wasn’t able to guide his team through the play-offs, losing 3-0 on aggregate to the Czech Republic, but they’ve been on an eight-match unbeaten run since.

Playing career: Brnovic (right) in action for Yugoslavia in a 2007 match with Switzerland in Basle

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How it stands: The Group H table entering the game

This included an impressive 1-0 win in Ukraine in the third round of qualifying that ranks among the country’s best results. They have also drawn 2-2 with Poland, stuffed San Marino 6-0 and 3-0, and triumphed 1-0 with 10 men in Moldova the other night.

A midfielder, Brnovic represented Yugoslavia 27 times during his playing career, scoring three goals. In his club career, he represented FK Partizan Belgrade, helping them to back-to-back national championships, and Espanyol in Spain for six seasons between 1994 and 2000.

Those with exceptional memories for this kind of thing may recall that Brnovic played in three matches for Yugoslavia at the 1998 World Cup in France, as they reached the last 16.

Dismissed! Brnovic's first match at the helm was the 2-2 draw with England in October 2011 that saw Wayne Rooney sent off

THE PLAYERS

GOALKEEPERS

Mladen Bozovic

Known as ‘Bonja’, experienced 28-year-old goalkeeper Bozovic plays for Hungarian side Videoton and has 30 caps for his county. He has been in good form of late, as Montenegro have kept four consecutive clean sheets in their World Cup qualification campaign.

Vukasin Poleksic

Poleksic would be a complete unknown but for his alleged involvement in a match-fixing scandal involving Liverpool and his club side Debrecen, of Hungary.

In June 2010, Poleksic, who was once linked with a move to Portsmouth in the Premier League, was banned from football for two years for failing to report a telephone call in which a criminal gang offered him money to fix Champions League matches against Fiorentina and Liverpool.

He continued his career at Debrecen, albeit as second choice, after his ban ended and also has 23 caps for Montenegro.

Srdan Blazic

30-year-old third choice with two caps to his name, currently playing for Nea Salamis Famagusta in Cyprus. At one point played in Belgium with Standard Liege and more recently had an ill-fated spell with Anorthosis Famagusta when his poor performance in a Europa League qualifier with Georgian team Dila Gori led to crowd disturbances.

Pleased as punch: Goalkeeper Mladen Bozovic salutes the travelling fans after his crucial saved earned a 0-0 draw at Wembley in October 2010

DEFENDERS

Milan Jovanovic

Not to be confused with the Serbian striker of the same name who plays for Anderlecht. The Montenegrin Jovanovic, 29, is a defender who joined Red Star Belgrade last summer and has won 33 caps for his country. Prior to this, Jovanovic had played in Austria, Romania and Serbia.

Savo Pavicevic

Like Jovanovic, Pavicevic was a founding member of the Montenegro national team when they played Hungary in March 2007 (having hitherto been known as Serbia and Montenegro). Another nomad, the 32-year-old has played in Serbia, Germany, Greece, Cyprus and, of late, Israel. He was at Maccabi Tel Aviv until November last year, but is presently with cross-city rivals Hapoel.

Vladimir Bozovic

31-year-old left back who is usually on the bench, Bozovic made his 30th appearance for Montenegro in the 1-0 win over Moldova on Friday. After five years with Rapid Bucharest, he recently departed for Russian Premier League newcomers Mordovia Saransk.

Marko Basa

Among the better known Montenegro players, centre-half Basa is a regular for French side Lille and played in five of their six Champions League group matches this season. With their depleted central defence, England will have to be careful of 6’ 3” Basa’s potency from corners and free-kicks.

After an uncertain start when Basa made a habit of not showing up for international duty, he has since become a regular starter and has 23 caps.

Commanding: Centre-back Marko Basa in action for Montenegro against San Marino in an earlier World Cup qualifier

Miodrag Dzudovic

Best known for being the target of Wayne Rooney’s ire on the last occasion the two sides met, centre-half Dzudovic is a likely starter having been rested in Moldova on Friday night.

The 33-year-old, who plays for Russian Premier League side Spartak Nalchik, claimed over the weekend that he didn’t provoke the England frontman into lashing out and even spoke up for him at the UEFA disciplinary hearing.

‘I did nothing to provoke him. We didn’t say a single word to each other during the match,’ he said.

‘This was his moment of weakness. He is human, it can happen to anyone.’

Stefan Savic

Manchester City fans will remember 22-year-old centre-half Savic, who had a short spell at the club during the 2011-2012 season following a 6m move from Partizan.

Although occasionally solid during his 20 appearances, mistakes meant he was never likely to replace Vincent Kompany as first choice. He conceded the penalty that allowed Liverpool to gain the first leg advantage in the League Cup semi-final and also gifted Jermain Defoe the equaliser in the league match at the Etihad.

Now at Fiorentina, Savic spoke over the weekend of the welcome England will receive in Podgorica: ‘It is always a hostile atmosphere here and we don’t fear anyone. We just need to be focused and I think the result will come.

‘We have played two games against England and got two draws – now I think maybe it is time for a win.’

English connection: Defender Stefan Savic played for Manchester City during the 2011-2012 season

Vladimir Volkov

Left-back who is a relative newcomer to the Montenegrin set-up, Volkov has played for no less than five Belgrade-based teams. Possessing dual Serbian and Montenegrin citizenship, the 26-year-old opted for the latter after Serbia ‘showed no interest’ in him. Nonetheless, he has spent most of his life playing and living in the Serbian capital Belgrade.

Blazo Igumanovic

Defender with one cap to his credit, Igumanovic plays for the Montenegrin side Rudar Pljevlja, who finished second in the national league last season.

Ivan Kecojevic

Recent graduate from the Under 21 set-up, defender Kecojevic also has one cap to his name and plays his football in Turkey for Gaziantepspor.

MIDFIELDERS

Simon Vukcevic

One of the most experienced players in the squad, Vukcevic may be remembered by English fans for his two years at Blackburn Rovers. Despite a dire and ultimately unsuccessful battle against relegation from the top flight, Vukcevic found first team opportunities limited last season following a 3m move from Sporting Lisbon.

He was given a ticket out of Ewood Park on January transfer deadline day this year and has wound up at Ukrainian side Karpaty Lviv, where he seems likely to see more games.

In and around the senior international set-up for nearly a decade, Vukcevic has 41 caps and two goals for Montenegro and five for Serbia and Montenegro before that.

Slide: Simon Vukcevic, the former Blackburn player, tries to win the ball from Ashley Cole

Elsad Zverotic

Zverotic scored one of his three international goals against England in that 2-2 draw in November 2011, one of three in his five years with the national team. The 26-year-old right-sided player plays for Young Boys in Switzerland and scored a memorable late equaliser against Liverpool at Anfield in the Europa League group stage this season.

Milorad Pekovic

Veteran midfielder who has carved out a career in Germany, initially with Eintracht Trier and Mainz, and latterly with Bundesliga strugglers Greuther Furth. Has 31 caps for Montenegro.

Mitar Novakovic

Defensive midfield player who often comes on from the bench, Novakovic has played for Russian team Amkar Perm for five years and has 21 caps for his country.

Milos Krkotic

25-year-old player for Dacia Chisinau in Moldova, Krkotic was on the bench in his adopted homeland the other evening, but didn’t come on for a first cap.

Celebration: Elsad Zverotic (left), Stefan Savic (centre) and Vladimir Bozovic mark the 1-0 win over Moldova on Friday

STRIKERS

Mirko Vucinic

The closest Montenegro have to a household name, Juventus striker Vucinic once had his creative flair likened to Vincent Van Gogh by a Serie A coach. Brilliant and infuriating in equal measure, England will be hoping it’s the less inspired Vucinic that turns up on Tuesday night.

He’s in decent form though – a fortnight ago, he was combining with Juve midfielder Claudio Marchisio to score a lovely goal against Bologna, and on Friday he won a tricky match in Moldova when his side were down to 10 men.

Former Juventus legend Pavel Nedved sums the 29-year-old up neatly: ‘I love watching him play because he is a genius, a total genius. He can be infuriating with the way he disappears from games.

‘There are times when he is almost invisible and it drives you mad. But then he’ll do something amazing that lifts you out of your seat and you love him for it.’

Chris Smalling and Joleon Lescott, you have been warned…

Mad: Vucinic celebrates in his pants after scoring a goal for Montenegro against Switzerland

Born in the city of Niksic, Vucinic was talent spotted and transferred to Italian side Lecce in 2000, consistently scoring 20 or more goals in a season as they swapped between Serie A and B.

He then switched to Roma in 2006, scoring 64 goals in 202 matches for the club in his five seasons there. Juventus bought him for around 12m in 2011 and Vucinic won the title in his first season.

Averaging a goal every two games for Montenegro, Vucinic has been performing his national duty in winding up Wayne Rooney during the build-up.

Good record: Vucinic has 14 goals in 30 international appearances

‘There is no doubt that Wayne Rooney is one of the best strikers in the world, but we know from the last time England played here that he can sometimes play with a hot head,’ he said.

‘Our fans will not forget the red card he received and I am sure they will let him know. It is an intimidating place to come and if England want to have any chance then Rooney will need to keep a calm head.

‘He is a good player but it has been proved over the years that you can get a reaction out of him. England would have no chance with 10 men and I’m sure their coach will be telling them that.’

Stevan Jovetic

Linked at the moment with Arsenal and Manchester City, the other half of Montenegro’s deadly attack is Fiorentina’s curly-haired Jovetic.

Jovetic, 23, is on record as saying that the Premier League is ‘the top of the football world’ and Tuesday’s match against England will be something of an audition for him.

Heaven sent: Stevan Jovetic celebrates a goal for Fiorentina against Bologna this season

So far, he has 12 goals for his club this season, including a brace against Inter Milan last month. He also has 10 in 21 games for Montenegro since making his debut in that inaugural match against Hungary in 2007.

Andrija Delibasic

Scorer of the last minute equaliser the last time these sides met, Delibasic plays for Rayo Vallecano in Spain, for whom he has four league goals this season. He filed his boots against San Marino earlier in the qualifying campaign, with four in two matches, but is likely to be on the bench against England.

Mental: The scenes after Montenegro scored their equaliser against England in the Euro 2012 qualifier in October 2011

Fatos Beqiraj

Back-up striker who plays in Croatia for Dinamo Zagreb. Last season, Beqiraj was top scorer in the Croatian top flight with 15 goals in 28 appearances, becoming the first foreigner to achieve that feat. The 24-year-old has won 18 caps and scored three times for his country.

Dejan Damjanovic

A long trip home for Damjanovic, who plays out in Korea for FC Seoul. He’s a prolific scorer in the K-League, with 94 goals in 146 appearances over the last five years. Scored the winner in the earlier World Cup qualification match against Ukraine, one of three strikes for Montenegro.

Filip Kasalica

Favoured in Moldova alongside Vucinic and Jovetic, Red Star frontman Kasalica, 24, is a fairly recent graduate from the Under 21 team and has only five caps to his credit so far. Scored his only goal to date in the 2-0 friendly win over Latvia before the start of the qualification campaign.

Chosen men: The Montenegro line-up

ENGLAND NEED TO WIN THE AERIAL DUELS

With England's first-choice central defensive partnership unavailable, Roy Hodgson will be nervous about our chances of winning the aerial battles.

Montenegro are a team packed with six foot plus players and, unsurprisingly, top the World Cup ranking for headers won.

England, by contrast, are 35th in the same ranking, having won just 46 per cent of their aerial contests.

Cautionary tale: Andrija Delibasic scored with an equaliser the last time the sides met

Watch the skies: Aerial duel statistics from the current World Cup qualifying campaign

Watch the skies: Aerial duel statistics from the current World Cup qualifying campaign. Source: Opta

Montenegro's fearsome defenders will take some beating in the air – Marko Basa is 6' 3″, Miodrag Dzudovic is 6' 5″ and Stefan Savic is 6' 2″ – and so Wayne Rooney and Jermain Defoe need service in to feet.

If they manage to work a shooting opportunity, first choice goalkeeper Mladen Bozovic is 6' 5″.

Up front, in addition to their myriad other qualities, Vucinic (6' 1″) and Jovetic (6' 1″) will give Chris Smalling and Joleon Lescott an uncomfortable time from crosses.

Corners are a concern too, with three of Montenegro's goals in the qualifying campaign coming from them.

Set piece danger: The statistics on corner conversion from the current World Cup qualifying campaign. Source: Opta

PODGORICA CITY STADIUM

Despite only being about the size of Southend United's Roots Hall ground, England will face a hostile reception at the Podgorica City Stadium.

Holding 12,000 spectators, the home of FK Buducnost Podgorica was scene of the 2-2 draw between the sides in November 2011, when home fans raised the atmosphere, Wayne Rooney was sent off and England let slip a two-goal lead.

Compact: The 12,000-capacity Podgorica Stadium which will host the match on Tuesday

Rustic: One of the turnstiles at the stadium, where about 1,300 England fans will be in attendance

There were chaotic scenes at the end, too, as home fans poured onto the pitch to confront the 1,100 travelling England contingent.

'At our home nobody takes points off us easily. Who knows what might happen if the weather is not good and the pitch will not be in perfect shape It could help us,' said Dejan Damjanovic.

Hostile: Home fans celebrate on the pitch and goad England supporters after the 2-2 draw in 2011

PREVIOUS MEETINGS

Aside from that 2-2 draw already alluded to, the only previous meeting between England and Montenegro in their current guise was a drab 0-0 draw at Wembley earlier in the same Euro 2012 qualifying campaign.

Fabio Capello's side dominated possession in the October 2010 encounter but Wayne Rooney was subdued and was denied by goalkeeper Mladen Bozovic from snatching all three point at the end.

Montenegro's Milan Jovanovic struck the crossbar from long range with only seven minutes left.

Denied: Kevin Davies, a sub, tries to turn the ball home under pressure from Marko Basa and goalkeeper Mladen Bozovic in the 0-0 draw at Wembley in October 2010

Dejection: England trudge off after the drab goalless draw in the Euro 2012 qualifier

The line-ups that night:

England: Hart, Glen Johnson, Ferdinand, Lescott, Ashley Cole, Adam Johnson, Gerrard, Barry, Young (Wright-Phillips 74), Rooney, Crouch (Davies 69)

Montenegro: Mladen Bozovic, Basa, Jovanovic, Djudovic, Savic, Vukcevic, Zverotic, Boskovic (Beciraj 82), Novakovic (Kascelan 62), Pekovic, Djalovic (Delibasic 77)

England played Serbia and Montenegro once, a 2-1 win in a friendly at the Walkers Stadium in Leicester in June 2003 in which Steven Gerrard and Joe Cole scored.

MONTENEGRO'S REMAINING FIXTURES

June 7 Ukraine (H) September 6 Poland (A) October 11 England (A) October 15 Moldova (H)

Michael Clarke breaks Australia run record as they score a big first innings lead against Sri Lanka

Posted on December 27, 2012 by adminsports

Clarke sets new record for runs in a calendar year as the Aussies pile on the pressure against weary Sri Lanka

UPDATED:

11:36 GMT, 27 December 2012

Michael Clarke's fifth century of 2012 helped Australia finish day two in complete control at the MCG as Sri Lanka found wickets hard to come by in the second Test.

After being skittled out for 156 yesterday, Sri Lanka returned to the field with Australia perched at 150 for three.

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Michael Clarke celebrates his century which saw him surpass Ricky Ponting's runs tally

Record breaker: Michael Clarke celebrates his century which saw him surpass Ricky Ponting's runs tally

As has been the way for Australia in 2012, captain Michael Clarke glued everything together, with his 22nd Test hundred the standout innings, although he was ably assisted by Shane Watson (83) and Mitchell Johnson (73no).

In making 106, Clarke became the highest-ever Australian run-scorer in a calendar year, with his tally of 1595 from 11 Tests, beating Ricky Ponting’s 1544 from 15 matches back in 2005.

Already 1-0 down in a best-of-three series, Sri Lanka`s chances of heading home next month with something to their name are remote, especially with Australia adding runs from everywhere.

Clarke's innings looks to have set Australia on the path to victory

In complete control: Clarke's innings looks to have set Australia on the path to victory

That Johnson, often maligned as a player, cracked his score from number eight shows what the tourists are up against.

Johnson provided a substantial roadblock in the final session of the day, with he, Mike Hussey and Peter Siddle upping the tea score of 332 for six to what it was at the close.

Two wickets did fall, though, with Hussey finding Rangana Herath – running backwards and away to his left for a brilliant one-handed take – off the occasional bowling of Tillakaratne Dilshan for 34, and Siddle nicking Shaminda Eranga to the slips (13).

Before that, it had been all about Clarke and Watson who`s 194 partnership was a fourth-wicket record at the MCG.

But after the Australian skipper broke Ponting's seven-year record, Sri Lanka fought back with three wickets in quick succession.

Clarke chased a wide one from Eranga and was caught by Mahela Jayawardene at second slip, before Watson, in similar style to David Warner (62) on the opening day, holed out to Thilan Samaraweera at deep square leg off the bowling of Dhammika Prasad. Australia's score fell quickly to 313 for five.

It was a poor shot from Watson and the Australia vice-captain will rue the fact that he missed a golden chance to record his third Test century, having looked at ease in registering his 19th career fifty.

When Matthew Wade followed Watson and Warner's lead by hooking a short one from Prasad to Eranga on the boundary, Australia were reduced to 315 for six.

Herath took a stunning one-handed catch to remove Hussey

Flying: Herath took a stunning one-handed catch to remove Hussey

The tourists also could have had Hussey late in the session, but the veteran Australian was dropped by stand-in wicketkeeper Kumar Sangakkara off the bowling of Rangana Herath and then survived a close call for lbw on the next delivery.

Sangakkara is keeping wicket in place of Prasanna Jayawardene, who sustained a thumb injury when dismissed by Johnson on the opening day.

Sri Lanka also picked up another injury early on the second day when paceman Chanaka Welegedara hurt his hamstring following a delivery in the first hour.

Johnson kept the pressure on the Sri Lankans with a swift 73 not out

Slog sweep: Johnson kept the pressure on the Sri Lankans with a swift 73 not out

That has left Mahela Jayawardene without too many bowling options and the Sri Lanka captain used Herath for the majority of the day from the members end of the ground.

The left-arm spinner has bowled without much luck, after a couple of close lbw calls went against him and Jayawardene was guilty of putting down Clarke when the Australian was on 54 – two runs short of breaking Ponting's record.

Pepe Reina targets Liverpool return from injury against Everton

Posted on October 23, 2012 by adminsports

Reina targets Merseyside derby return after being sidelined by hamstring blow

UPDATED:

11:06 GMT, 23 October 2012

Return: Pepe Reina hopes to be fit for Sunday's Merseyside derby

Pepe Reina is hoping for a swift recovery from injury in his bid to return to Liverpool's starting XI for Sunday's Merseyside derby against Everton.

The goalkeeper picked up a minor hamstring problem on international duty with Spain last week and missed the Reds' 1-0 win over Reading on Saturday at Anfield.

Manager Brendan Rodgers is likely to keep faith with understudy Brad Jones for Thursday's Europa League clash against Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala and rest Reina again as a precaution.

'I'm getting better, little by little,' said Reina, speaking to the club's official website.

Impressive: Brad Jones kept a clean sheet against Reading last Saturday

'It wasn’t worth taking any risks because you risk it getting worse. I’ll be patient and get really good.'

Although Reina insists he is on the mend but after a series of errors earlier this season, he knows he could face a battle to reclaim his No 1 spot if Jones maintains his impressive form.

The Australian kept a clean sheet at the weekend and made a series of fine saves and Reina added: 'Brad was excellent.

'He was composed, he was really good in the air, when he was called on he was fast off his line, and he played well with his feet. He had a complete game.

'He’s a good fighter and a good keeper for Liverpool, not just an understudy.

'He’s another keeper for the club and he’ll do his best to play as many games as possible.'

Jones, meanwhile, insists he is up to the task of presenting boss Rodgers a selection dilemma.

'You have to fight to get games under your belt and I’m someone who likes a challenge,' he said.

'That’s the reason I came here. To set the bar high and see how far I can get in the game.

'Since the manager has come in, there have been changes. From the day he came in it’s been a fight to prove to him I’m worthy of being here.

'I’m hoping that I’m winning that battle. If I can get more games then all the better.'

Poland glad John Terry is not playing for England

Posted on October 15, 2012 by adminsports

Terry's absence is big boost for Poland, claims scout Malowiejski

UPDATED:

21:13 GMT, 14 October 2012

Poland will try to do to England in Warsaw on Tuesday night what Italy did to Roy Hodgson’s team at Euro 2012, according to Hubert Malowiejski, the man who has scouted England for Poland. Malowiejski has also identified John Terry’s absence as 'some kind of trouble for Roy Hodgson.'

Poland have beaten England only once in their history and have injury problems but Malowiejski said: 'England are a real team, but they have some problems. Some players are missing. There are some injuries and John Terry is no longer the captain.

'Against Ukraine, England were under pressure and they only saved a point in the last few minutes.

Absent: John Terry (left) retired from international football

'We are analysing this precisely and we are also analysing England-Italy in the Euros because Italy took complete control of that game at times. This is interesting. That could be a key, though we are aware that we cannot copy Italy totally. They have quality defenders.

'I don’t know the whole John Terry story but for Poland it is better that he is not playing. I know the case but I don’t know the real reason. England can miss his mentality, that’s a factor. He has quality of course, maybe more than Lescott or Jagielka, but the main thing they miss without John Terry is mental. They miss his fight, his passion and his example when things do not go well. He is an inspiration for the rest of the England players, he has rescued many situations. He defends bravely.

Battle: England struggled to break down San Marino before winning easily

'It is peculiar that England have no Terry or Rio Ferdinand, but we have to focus on the new central defenders. Terry missing is not a direct advantage for us, but it’s some kind of trouble for Roy Hodgson.'

The Poles are seeking inspiration from the manner in which Italy dominated England in the summer.

'There are two keys I think,' added Malowiejski, 'one is stopping Steven Gerrard and the other is stopping Wayne Rooney.

'Gerrard can change the tempo, he is the director, everything stems from him. It’s a problem for us that Rooney is back.

High flying: Poland are hoping to cause an upset against England

'But we will look to what Italy did. The Italians stopped Rooney from playing. But we cannot do man-marking, it is zonal marking.

'I think the game will be tactical, but you cannot be sure. It’s vital that we are solid and don’t give goals away.'

Poland have no Andrea Pirlo in their team but Malowiejski said that the Bordeaux playmaker Ludovic Obraniak 'can make decisive passes.'

Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy prepare for World Golf Final

Posted on October 8, 2012 by adminsports

McIlroy and Woods prepare for showdown at World Golf Final

UPDATED:

15:38 GMT, 8 October 2012

The one thing lacking from the sensational Ryder Cup at Medinah will take place in Turkey this week, with Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods facing each other at least once in the battle for a first prize of 935,000.

McIlroy and Woods, the world's top two players and biggest attractions, were kept apart for the second Ryder Cup in succession in Chicago, despite the Northern Irishman playing in all five sessions as Europe staged a stunning fightback to retain the trophy.

Shake on it: McIlroy and Woods have been drawn in the same group

Golf blog

However, the duo have been drawn in the same group at the Turkish Airlines World Golf Final, a new eight-man event which is not part of the European Tour but features a total purse of 3.2million, with 935,000 to the winner, 620,000 for the runner-up and even 187,000 for seventh and eighth.

Former Masters champion Charl Schwartzel and 2012 Players Championship winner Matt Kuchar complete Group One, with Lee Westwood, Justin Rose, Hunter Mahan and US Open champion Webb Simpson in Group Two.

Eyes on the prize: McIlroy and Woods were kept apart in the Ryder Cup

The format is medal match play – head-to-head matches with the lowest strokeplay score over 18 holes winning one point – and each player will play three matches in the group stages; one on Tuesday and two on Wednesday.

The winner of Group One will then face the runner-up of Group Two, and vice versa, in Thursday's semi-finals, with the final to be staged on Friday. McIlroy and Woods will not face each other until the final game on Wednesday, by which time they could already be through to the semi-finals if they win their opening two games.

The field was based on the world rankings on April 1, with the only two members of the top eight to turn down a place being Ryder Cup hero Martin Kaymer and Steve Stricker.

They were replaced by Rose and Simpson. Unsurprisingly, the event has not gone down well with either the European or US PGA Tour, although it will finish on Friday so as not to clash with weekend coverage of the Portuguese Masters or the Frys.com Open in California.

Tony Pulis fearing much-changed Liverpool will bounce back from Udinese loss against Stoke

Posted on October 6, 2012 by adminsports

Pulis fears much-changed Liverpool will bounce back from Udinese loss

UPDATED:

15:00 GMT, 6 October 2012

Stoke manager Tony Pulis expects a stern test by Liverpool despite the Reds' loss against Udinese in the Europa League on Thursday night.

The Potters travel to Anfield with former Reds Michael Owen, Peter Crouch and Charlie Adam in their squad, as they go in search of their second Barclays Premier League victory of the season.

Stoke opened their winning account last weekend against Swansea while Liverpool, who have made a stuttering start to their campaign and are currently in 14th place, got their first win against Norwich.

Pulis knows his team will face a much-changed side from the Liverpool outfit who lost 3-2 at home to Udinese, with Reds boss Brendan Rodgers likely to keep the faith with the side who crushed the Canaries 5-2 last Saturday.

Tough ask: Tony Pulis is anticipating a stong test

Tough ask: Tony Pulis is anticipating a strong test

Pulis said: 'I thought they were very unfortunate (against Udinese). They were in complete control of the game and then they scored just after half time and it was a totally different game.

'It gave Udinese a lift. The second goal was an unfortunate goal. They played well, Liverpool, and it will be a tough game.

'Obviously they missed, or didn't start with, half a dozen players who will be playing against us. Steven (Gerrard) didn't start, (Luis) Suarez didn't start. (Raheem) Sterling didn't start. I'm expecting a completely different side. Maybe three players who started will play against us.'

Beaten: But Pulis expects Liverpool to bounce back

Despite ominous signs that Liverpool are returning to their best after a lacklustre beginning to the season, Pulis is refusing to focus on anything other than his preparation.

'You can never call a game,' the Potters boss said. 'The players have trained really well during the week and then you play poorly on the Saturday and then you'll have another occasion where the lads won't train so well during the week and they'll get a result.

'It's a funny old game so it will be the team who turns up and plays well and hopefully we will get a few breaks. Udinese got a few and ended up winning the game so we need a few breaks.'

Pulis, who was at Anfield for the Reds' European tie this week, expects the former Liverpool players in the Stoke squad to receive a warm welcome if they take to the pitch against their former club.

'They will enjoy it, I'm sure they will enjoy it,' Pulis said of Crouch, Owen and Adam.

'Being there (to watch Liverpool play Udinese) and speaking to people on the door, they're all looking forward to seeing the boys back which is lovely.

'But they're good boys, Crouchy, Michael Owen and I think Charlie was well-liked there too, so they're good lads going back and the supporters understand that.'

The Potters boss is one of the longest serving managers in the Premier League, and despite Liverpool's poor start to the season – their worst in a century – he believes Brendan Rodgers should be given time to settle in and make an impact.

'It's a great football club with a fantastic tradition and Brendan is a very lucky guy to have a crack at that and take that club forward,' Pulis said.

'I think he understands that and recognises it. He needs backing which I'm sure they'll give him otherwise they wouldn't have appointed him.

'The Premier League, having been in it – this is my fifth year – you have good runs and bad runs and as a manager you have to deal with it. Football is an emotional industry. It's not like any other industry.

'It runs and thrives on emotion and players go up and down. They get very excited and they get very down in the dumps and you have to manage those situations and the players are the same.

'Winning is brilliant. Anybody could manage a team that wins week-in, week-out. It's dealing with that disappointment and how to handle that disappointment when things are not going so well.'

Neil Lennon: Celtic must be more clinical

Posted on September 22, 2012 by adminsports

Lennon wants Celtic to be more ruthless ater defeat of Dundee

UPDATED:

18:24 GMT, 22 September 2012

Neil Lennon urged his shot-shy players to turn chances into goals following their 2-0 Clydesdale Bank Premier League win over bottom side Dundee at Parkhead.

Strikes by Gary Hooper and Victor Wanyama gave the home side three welcome points but the victory would have been more comprehensive had it not been for former Hoops goalkeeper Robert Douglas and some poor finishing.

The 40-year-old Dees number one had a fine match, brilliantly saving a Scott Brown penalty in the 38th minute – only to be beaten just before the break when Hooper hammered in from 10 yards.

Roar power: Gary Hooper beats Dundee keeper Rab Douglas to score the opener

Wanyama fired in from distance after
four minutes of the second half and after that the home side were in
complete control but continued to spurn numerous opportunities, with
Hooper hitting the post.

The Celtic boss, asked about the
missed chances, replied: 'It is a concern for me. What isn't a concern
is the chances that we are creating, because we are doing that on
numerous occasions in games – but I would like to see us start putting a
few more away.

'We lacked a little quality at times
in the final third but the build-up play was pretty good and defensively
we looked pretty comfortable all afternoon.

Powerhouse: Victor Wanyama made it 2-0 with a rasping long-range drive

'It was a good performance, a clean sheet and three points which is what I wanted.

'There was a good tempo to the game.
We had to wait a wee while for the breakthrough but it was a quality
goal from Gary after really good play between him and Scott.

'We got a great second goal in the
second-half and I felt after that it was one-way traffic and the only
disappointment was we didn't get more goals.'

Lennon joked about the performance
of former Celtic team mate Douglas. He smiled: 'I will have him by the
neck later on for making my day uncomfortable.

'I thought he was excellent. It took two quality goals to beat him today.

Crowded out: Lassad Nouioui tries to go between Steven Milne and Kyle Benedictus

'I thought Gary was unlucky with the
one that hit the post, he took a great first touch but Rab made some
fine saves, especially in the second-half.'

Dundee boss Barry Smith paid tribute to Douglas, saying: 'Rab has done extremely well for us all season.

'He gets a lot of plaudits and maybe a
lot of people give him some stick but at 40 years of age, producing
performances week in, week out is difficult.

'For him to continue to do that is great for Dundee Football Club.'

Smith claimed his side might have
been denied a first-half penalty when defender Gary Irvine went to
ground after going past Emilio Izaguirre in the Hoops box.

The former Celtic defender said: 'I think that Gary Irvine was possibly tripped going into the box.

'I haven't seen it but I think it
would be strange for him to go into the box and go down as easily as he
did (had he not been touched).

'Gary said he was clipped but I can't say anything until I see it for myself.'

Smith mourned John Baird's missed
chance from 12 yards when the game was goalless. He said: “If we take
the chance then it is a different game.

'That is the chances you have to take at Celtic Park.

'They don't come that often so you have to take them.

'Obviously when Robert makes the penalty save, you think maybe something will turn again but unfortunately for us it didn't.'

Manchester City training centre: Plans revealed for 100m complex

Posted on September 14, 2012 by adminsports

First-class train! Manchester City will move in to state-of-the-art 100m training complex in next two years

UPDATED:

05:01 GMT, 14 September 2012

Manchester City have started work on the state-of-the-art 100m training complex that they hope will lead them to the top of the European game.

City's astonishing new complex is being built on an 80-acre site across the road from the Etihad Stadium in East Manchester and will be ready in time for the start of the 2014-2015 season.

Believed to be the most complete training ground in world football, it will comprise 17 football pitches, a 7,000 capacity stadium for reserve matches, a youth academy complete with classrooms and accommodation and even a community sixth-form college and leisure centre.

The future's bright: Manchester City have revealed plans for their new training base

The site will be linked to City's current home by a footbridge and will enable all the club’s players, staff and officials to be housed on the one giant complex.

City ambassador Patrick Vieira said: 'It will be one of the best in all of sport.

'People from the club travelled around the world and tried to capture the best from all the different sports facilities they saw and then bring them back here.'

Two years to go: The development is scheduled to be completed by 2014

Currently City’s senior players train at
Carrington, to the west of Manchester, while the club's youngsters
train at inner-city Platt Lane and the administration staff are based at
the main stadium.

In two years they will all be on one site as the Barclays Premier League champions look to introduce one ideology – and one style of play – throughout all age groups. Of the complex’s 17 pitches, 12 of them will be dedicated for players between the age of 8 and 21.

City intend to plant 2,000 trees on the regenerated land that was once polluted and that has been cleared and environmentally cleaned over the last 12 months. The club have already recruited some construction workers from the local community and – where possible – will use products sourced from the north-west as part of the build.

Night and day: Of the complex's 17 pitches, 12 of them will be dedicated to young players

Of the 80 acres, almost 6 acres will be set aside for community use. This will include the site of the sixth form college and leisure centre. The site will also use recycled water.

City chief executive Ferran Soriano said: 'This is an extremely important day for the future of Manchester City football club.

'The development of young and home grown players is central to our strategy of creating a winning team and a sustainable football club.'

Santi Cazorla says Arsenal need to replace Robin van Persie and Alex Song

Posted on August 20, 2012 by adminsports

New boy Cazorla says Arsenal must replace Van Persie and Song

UPDATED:

10:04 GMT, 20 August 2012

Fantasy football 2012

Arsenal new boy Santi Cazorla has expressed his joy at making his Premier League debut but told his new club they must fill the void left by Robin van Persie and Alex Song.

New strikers Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud were unable to provide the firepower that Van Persie delivered last season as Arsenal opened the campaign with a goalless draw with Sunderland.

Cazorla is confident Arsenal will improve but says it is a shame that both Van Persie and Song left the club.

New boy: Santi Cazorla says Arsenal need to replace Robin van Persie and Alex Song

He told the Daily Mirror: 'It’s clear that Van Persie is a great player and obviously we would all have preferred it if he had stayed. Song has gone as well and there are still 10 days left in the transfer market.

'I do not know if we will sign anyone but obviously it’s important to replace players like that because they were so important for the team.'

While Arsenal did not get the victory they were looking for against the Black Cats, Cazorla caught the eye with an impressive performance in his first appearance since arriving from Malaga.

New boy: Robin van Persie

Moving on: Alex Song

The departed: Both Van Persie and Song have left Arsenal within the last week

He added: 'It felt really good making my debut. Of course, it was not the result any of us wanted, but we had chances and we did well.

'It’s a long season, so we can build on this. I had one chance and so did a few of my colleagues and that was the key to the game. We had complete control but that final step just eluded us.'

Andy Murray beats Sam Querrey in Cincinnati

Posted on August 16, 2012 by adminsports

Olympic champion Murray makes light work of American Querry in Cincinnati

UPDATED:

21:45 GMT, 15 August 2012

Andy Murray cruised into the third round of the Cincinnati Masters with a 6-2 6-4 victory over American Sam Querrey.

The Olympic champion forced a break point as early as the third game but was unable to convert that opportunity. He would not be denied for long though as some dogged defence and a brilliant lob created a break-point opportunity which was duly taken.

No problem: Andy Murray had little problem getting past Sam Querrey

Another break for Murray was forthcoming after more solid defence, blocking two successive Querrey smashes. He served out the first set, taking it in just 34 minutes and with just four unforced errors.

The second set started as the first ended with Murray in complete control. Another break and a hold of serve saw the Scot extend his run of games won to six.

He remained largely in complete control on serve and faced just one real scare when at 4-3 up he faced two break points, but both were saved.

Murray served out the match with comfort and goes on to meet Jeremy Chardy of France next.

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