The Soccer Blog: Qualifiers

Showing posts with label Qualifiers. Show all posts

Saturday, 26 March 2011

Release the Euro 2012 Qualifiers

By: Noel | March 25th, 2011
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Are you ready for some not-so-friendly international football? Maybe? Well, you might want to just say yes, because either way a weekend of mostly Euro 2012 qualifiers is here, and if they’re going to happen anyhow you might as well hop onboard the pain train with everybody else and at least pretend that you’re like, totally excited and stuff…

As always, MyP2P, ATDHE, and FromSport have you covered if your local cable or satellite or gerbils on a spinning wheel package doesn’t.

Friday Euro 2012 qualifiers:

Hungary v. Holland 3:30PM EST/1930 GMT

This time around, the matches with a Liverpool angle of interest kick off with Dirk Kuyt and the Dutch, as he joins the likes of ribcage-cracking specialist Nigel De Jong and rumoured to be leaving Barcelona five minutes after he joined them (because aparently it was a shock to not walk into the starting eleven ahead of the likes of Xavi and Iniesta) Ibrahim Afellay to face Hungary.

Now, that De Jong tried to preform open heart surgery on a former Liverpool player that one time, and that some of the less reputable corners of the internet linked Afellay to Liverpool before the January window he’d switched to Barça in was out, is hardly the most stirring and meaningful Liverpool connection. But that’s more of a connection than to anybody on the Hungarian side of things, and of course there’s always Dirk Kuyt, who can and does score quite often for his country. And usually doesn’t come back injured.

Meanwhile, the Netherlands1 are first and cruising in Group E, while Hungary is a slight surprise in second ahead of Sweden.

Spain v. Czech Republic 5:00PM EST/2100 GMT

Elsewhere today, it’s a late start for Pepe Reina, as he heads to his home province of Andalusia to sit on the bench in the shadow of the Alhambra while BarcelonaSpain take on the Czech Republic. Spain, unsurprisingly first in their group, are a solid bet to take all the points against the second place nation. Especially since Fernando Torres isn’t expected to start, which means they’ll have a striker in either David Villa or Fernando Llorente who might actually score.

As always of late, it’s hard to quite wrap one’s head around the idea that a Spain match won’t have a major Liverpool connection, but there it is again. At least it should be an enjoyable game, and on paper it’s definitely the most promising Euro qualifier of the weekend.

There’s also a Estonia v. Uruguay match today, but it’s only a friendly rather than a qualifier for anything, and as mentioned earlier, Luis Suarez will be sitting this one out.

Saturday Euro 2012 qualifiers:

Before wrapping things up, then, a quick list of tomorrow’s matches so that you can at least plan accordingly. Whatever that means. Anyhow, the Liverpool-related rundown goes thusly:

Wales v. England 11:00AM EST/1500 GMT
Andorra v. Slovakia 3:00PM EST/1900 GMT
Norway v. Denmark 3:00PM EST/1900 GMT
Malta v. Greece 3:30PM EST/1930 GMT

Then there’s the Brazil v. Scotland match on Sunday, which compared to most of what comes before actually looks like some kind of must-watch clash of the titans. Maybe Lucas will put on a composed and controlling yet understated performance in midfield. Or maybe Charlie Adam will release the Kraken2 and tack another million onto his eventual transfer fee.

Well, that about does it for me for the next little while. Ed will be around to nurse you through the internationals and give you a break from my various meandering idiocies for a few days. In the meantime, as usual, this will also serve as a pseudo-Match Day thread for anybody hanging around and looking for a place to comment on Friday’s various proceedings.

Now go celebrate the week being over, or maybe that it’s almost time for a bit of Hungary on Holland action. If that’s your sort of thing.

1 Seriously, how many names do you people need for your country?

2 No, that’s not another dick joke. You’ve got a filthy mind and need to figure out self-restraint. And Scots totally have a bit of Viking in their ancestry, or at least that’s what some dude on the History Channel told me once. So there.

Some Related Liverpool Posts:Fun, Fear, FriendliesWednesday Internationals Matchday-Like Substance and Open ThreadLooking Ahead at InternationalsBlog Pollin’: European Competition in 2011-2012Rafa’s Return, Suarez’ Injury, and Other Phallic Friday Notes

Category: International Duty, Matchday Posts, Team News

Tags: Barcelona, Brazil, Charlie Adam, David Villa, Denmark, Dirk Kuyt, England, Euro 2012, Fernando Torres, I Can't Feel My Face, I'm Having Liver Pains, International Duty, Internationals, Lucas Leiva, Lucas Sucks if you Like Explosions and Loud Noises, Luis Suarez, Matchday Posts, Netherlands, Pepe Reina, Scotland, Spain, Team News, Uruguay
Tweet « Rafa’s Return, Suarez’ Injury, and Other Phallic Friday Notes | Home | Rory BurgessMilan Jovanovic (!) got an assist (!) today. Ominous sign of things come?KhaineTorres is bringing his world cup form to this game. He looks so clunky in this side it's ridiculous. It makes me feel good that I don't have to defend it anymore.

Good to see Villa run up to Pepe Reina and only Pepe Reina for the hug after he scores his historic goal. Shows how big a presence that man is in the dressing room. Here's hoping he stays for the entirety of his career.RoscoWas starting to get a touch nervous. The spaniards were letting us down there but they've clawed it back in true world Champ style. Just waiting for Chuck Adam to give the Samba crew some Paisley pirate style on sunday, show them total football this weekend then we will march on to school the czhechs in September.

"When you hear the noise of the tartan army boys!!!!!"EdAbsolute crime that 101 Goals didn't acknowledge your effort, Noel. There is no justice.

Wait, I just checked, they sort of did...victory?NoelWell, I am a fan of hollow and vaguely unsatisfying victories.

In retrospect, though, "Hungry Hungry Holland With Four Goal Feast" would have been a better effort. Where better means "more cringeworthy."RoscoI think you'll find the Vikings tried to take "Largs" to rape and pillage (as they do) and were run out by clansman from "Millport" eh hehmmm.NoelDirk Kuyt with an easy chip for Holland's third (and you can watch it here: http://t.co/X2EURhU ), a key role in their fourth, and almost gets their fifth. They're currently up 4-0 with the game all but over, and a typically confident display from Kuyt for his national side.KhaineAquilani's starting for Italy against Slovenia tonight, for those who're interested in how he's playing these days. You know, in case we ever see him again. He's been stuck out on the right side of midfield for the better part of the first half, periodically drifting into the middle, but not accomplishing much. Fairly shit match so far, all told.

Also, Jonjo and penis.blog comments powered by Disqus

Harry Redknapp, England manager? (Awful writing) Is It Too Early to Get Excited About Sturridge? Denmark 1 - 2 England (Via Hamlet) more news...

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Wednesday, 23 March 2011

Spain trio to miss qualifiers

Cesc Fabregas, Carles Puyol and Pedro Rodriguez have withdrawn from Spain’s Euro 2012 qualifiers against the Czech Republic and Lithuania.

Spain host the Czech Republic in Grenada on Saturday before travelling to Kaunas four days later to face Lithuania, and will be hoping to maintain their unbeaten run in the qualifying rounds.But the reigning world and European champions will need to do so without the services of Arsenal talisman Fabregas and Barcelona duo Puyol and Pedro, all of whom are unavailable due to injury.Spain coach Vincente del Bosque has called up Valencia winger Juan Mata along with Athletic Bilbao team-mates Andoni Iraola and Javi Martinez as cover.World Cup winners Mata and Martinez return to the national side after missing Spain’s friendly against Colombia last month due to Under-21 duty, while Iraola has not appeared for his country since winning the last of his four caps against Austria in November 2009.Spain lead Group I with nine points from three games.

Wed 23 March, 2011

Monday, 21 March 2011

Robben, Janssen to miss qualifiers

Bayern Munich winger Arjen Robben and FC Twente midfielder Theo Janssen have withdrawn from the Netherlands squad to play two Euro 2012 qualifiers.

Robben and Janssen had both been named in Bert van Marwijk’s 23-man squad to face Hungary in two European Championship qualifiers on Friday and next Tuesday, but withdrew on Monday due to injury.Janssen scored two goals in Twente’s 2-0 win over Excelsior on Sunday but was visibly hindered by a knee injury, while Robben was forced out because of a groin complaint.Van Marwijk has not yet called up any replacements, but Hamburg striker Ruud van Nistelrooy – left out of the original squad – is unlikely to be an option.For Hungary, 34-year-old Attila Tokoli will look to make the most of his second chance in the national team as a replacement for Mainz forward Adam Szalai, who is out with a knee injury.Hungary are three points behind the Group E-leading Netherlands in the qualification standings, but manager Sandor Egervari is confident Tokoli can do the job.”He has such an instinct for timing his runs that I know I can rely on him against the Netherlands,” said Egervari.Hungary host the Netherlands in Budapest on Friday, with the return fixture to be played in Amsterdam four days later.Netherlands squad: Goalkeepers: Michel Vorm (FC Utrecht), Jelle ten Rouwelaar (NAC Breda), Sander Boschker (FC Twente). Defenders: Khalid Boulahrouz (VfB Stuttgart), John Heitinga (Everton), Joris Mathijsen (Hamburger SV), Erik Pieters (PSV Eindhoven), Ron Vlaar (Feyenoord), Gregory van der Wiel (AFC Ajax). Midfielders: Ibrahim Afellay (Barcelona), Mark van Bommel (AC Milan), Urby Emanuelson (AC Milan), Nigel de Jong (Manchester City), Hedwiges Maduro (Valencia CF), Wesley Sneijder (Inter Milan), Kevin Strootman (FC Utrecht), Rafael van der Vaart (Tottenham). Forwards: Eljero Elia (Hamburger SV), Klaas-Jan Huntelaar (Schalke 04), Dirk Kuyt (Liverpool), Robin van Persie (Arsenal).Hungary squad: Goalkeepers: Gabor Kiraly (TSV 1860 Munich), Marton Fulop (Ipswich Town) Adam Bogdan (Bolton Wanderers). Defenders: Pal Lazar (Videoton), Zoltan Liptak (Videoton), Vilmos Vanczak (FC Sion), Roland Juhasz (RSC Anderlecht), Zsolt Laczko (UC Sampdoria), Adam Pinter (Real Zaragoza). Midfielders: Vladimir Koman (UC Sampdoria), Jozsef Varga (Debreceni VSC), Zoltan Gera (Fulham), Tamas Hajnal (VfB Stuttgart), Peter Czvitkovics (Debreceni VSC), Akos Elek (Videoton), Krisztian Vadocz (Osasuna), Balazs Dzsudzsak (PSV Eindhoven). Forwards: Attila Tokoli (Kecskemeti TE), Gergely Rudolf (Bari), Tamas Priskin (Ipswich Town).

Mon 21 March, 2011

Robben, Janssen to miss qualifiers

Bayern Munich winger Arjen Robben and FC Twente midfielder Theo Janssen have withdrawn from the Netherlands squad to play two Euro 2012 qualifiers.

Mon 21 March, 2011

Friday, 3 September 2010

Gunners Get Ready For European Qualifiers

By: Sairax | September 3rd, 2010

There’s finally some football today! I know internationals aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, but these actually mean something and aren’t just random friendlies, so that’s something right? Plus we’ve got some Gunners in action, and I love watching our guys play. If you’ve got some time to kill then check out the numerous qualifiers that are going on today.

The U-21 European qualifiers have been in progress for months now. Jack Wilshere has been called up for England to face Portugal today (1:00pm ET). England and Portugal currently sit in second and third in their group separated by only a point, so this will be an important game where both teams will be pushing for the win. Jack was recently called up to the senior NT but I think most are quite happy for him to take his time before being thrust into the spotlight and scrutiny that comes with being on the England team. I’m sure he will be playing a big role in the match today.

Our two youthful goalkeepers, Wojciech Sczcesny and Vito Mannone, have both been called up to their U-21 squads. I don’t know about you, but I’m pretty interested in seeing how they do today. There’s a lot of hype surrounding these two, mainly due to the fact that we’ve all been waiting and wishing for the kind of goalkeeper that will be a total monster for us in the back and not some sort of spineless jellyfish. Sczcesny will be playing for Poland against Finland (12:00pm ET). Mannone will be in net for Italy against Bosnia (11:00am ET).

Our final youth callup is Armand Traore who recently competed a move to Juventus on loan. His team, France, will be facing group leaders Ukraine for an important 3 points (12:30pm).

The 2012 European qualifiers begin today for the rest of our internationals. All eyes are currently on England. Fresh off of a disappointing and lacklustre World Cup, the England team have a lot to prove to their fans. Their previous European qualifying campaign ended with them not even qualifying, so they will definitely have a lot of pressure. Fabio Capello has been under a ton of scrutiny and critics will be dissecting his every decision. Luckily they are not playing a powerhouse team like Spain, but they could still have their hands full with a Berbatov-less Bulgaria. Theo Walcott is expected to start and Kieran Gibbs will be on the bench unless something happens to Ca$hley. Let’s hope Theo gets an early hattrick and then gets a second half rest (3:00pm ET).

The France NT is in a very similar position to the England NT. They had an awful World Cup: no wins, one goal, in-fighting, players leaving, a strike, and just general chaos. I can’t even begin to explain how disheartened and disappointed I was in seeing this team fall apart before our very eyes. They have a huge mountain to overcome in redeeming themselves to the French public. They have a new coach at least, Laurent Blanc, former French international and coach of Bordeaux. He doesn’t have the bar set high considering who he is succeeding, but he has already begun to crack down on the team with new rules regarding behaviour and appearance. Their first qualifier will be against Belarus (aka the country where Hleb comes from) so that should ease some of the pressure. Our very own Bacary Sagna, Gael Clichy, and Abou Diaby were called up even though they were present during the fiasco in South Africa. In fact, there are rumours that Sagna may be getting the captain’s armband for today’s game. Kickoff is at 3:00pm ET.

Our captain Cesc Fabregas will be warming the bench for the newly crowned World Cup champions Spain against Liechtenstein (2:45pm ET). What can I say? If they don’t totally smash their opponents, I shall be very surprised. Andrei Arshavin will be hoping to erase his disappointment at missing out on the World Cup by playing for Russia against Andorra (12:30om ET). Thomas Vermaelen will be in defense for a fractuous Belgian side against a very confident and talented German team coming off a thrilling World Cup run (2:45pm ET).

That’s your international round-up for today. There are a few games tomorrow so remember to check this space for some potential Eboue! The long weekend is also kicking off today so have a good one everybody!

Some Related Stories:Arsenal Win Emirates Cup; Wilshere, Frimpong to Stay; Wenger Confirms “Not Close” to Signing AnyoneNews Round Up: Jack Arrested in Fracas; Goalkeeper UpdateAre Arsenal on the Verge of the Next “Golden Generation” of English Talent?Xavi and Arshavin Speak, Theo Stays HomeSeason in Review, Part II: The In-Between

Category: Abou Diaby, Andrey Arshavin, Armand Traore, Arsenal News, Bacary Sagna, Cesc Fabregas, Gael Clichy, Internationals, Jack Wilshere, Kieran Gibbs, Theo Walcott, Thomas Vermaelen, Vito Mannone

Tags: Abou Diaby, Andrey Arshavin, Armand Traore, Arsenal News, bacary sagna, Cesc Fabregas, Euro 2012, Gael Clichy, Internationals, Jack Wilshere, Kieran Gibbs, Theo Walcott, Thomas Vermaelen, U-21 Euro 2011, Vito Mannone
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Gigi_manYeah, at least these games are worth something...just rather not have anyone injured and not play for Arsenal afterwards...
Great for Sagna, I love the guy!AlexinhoNasri may be coming back early from injury.

I believe someone said in the comments when he got injured "the problem is, he'll play in three weeks [instead of the scheduled month], and he'll re-injure himself" and he'll be out for even longer, in spurts throughout the season...

Whoever that was, you hit the nail right on the head unfortunately...Darren_VHaha, Robbie KeaneDarren_VIreland are terrible.Isabel GhoseHow can you say such a thing?!? Yeah okay we are pretty awful but we are winning :DDarren_VYou better be able to beat Armenia... but it's not like you controlled the match at all... They scared the Irish that game imo... Not a good signIsabel GhoseWe're not great to watch but we do well enough for a country of our size! Watching Ireland will give you a heart attack though... we always seem to let teams back into the match! And our top goal scorer (Robbie Keane) is not getting played at club level!MartinI wish more of our players would do this after coming back from an injury or getting a bit older:

http://www.football365.com/story/0,17033,8652_6355684,00.htmlHomey_MillsI don't know much about the Belgian team, but I know I read a while back that they have a ridiculous amount of young talent. I'm curious to see how they do, and hopefully they'll qualify for the Euros.
Also, I'm leaving town with Mrs. Homey for a week, so I won't be on too much. I'll still read everything though, in what should be a fairly slow week for Arsenal news.SairaxThey have a lot of talent but there are a lot of personality clashes and discipline problems. I'm not sure if they changed coaches or not because he didn't seem to have it under control, but I don't know a ton about the Belgian team.

Have a good long weekend!axeljan vertonghen who plays with ajax is TV5's best bud..he claimed to be interested in joining arsenal next season..blog comments powered by Disqus

England vs Bulgaria (5-1 - overly optimistic?) Liveblog Factory Records Peter Saville creates New England Shirt Injuries abound as England stutter toward qualifying opener more news...

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