Romario involved in footvolley qualifying

Qualifying for the international footvolley championship began on Thursday, with victories for Brazil, Portugal and Argentina.

The tournament is being held at Ipanema beach in Rio de Janeiro, with squads from Spain, Italy, France and two from Brazil among those battling for the title.

The sport was created in Rio and combines football and beach volleyball.

Teams are comprised of four players, with competitors not allowed to use their hands and arms.

Brazil’s former international footballer-turned-congressman Romario is coaching one of his country’s teams.

“I am a fan and lover of footvolley – it’s my second sport,” Romario said.

“My dream is to see footvolley in the Olympic Games one day. I’m sure that events like this, even with four-player squads – because footvolley is normally played as doubles – could happen at the Olympics.”

“If it’s God’s will, we might see it in the upcoming Olympics here in Brazil.”

The other Brazilian squad is under the guidance of former Roma and Brazil forward and current Gremio coach Renato Portaluppi.

Both home teams were successful on the opening day of competition.

Romario’s team beat Paraguay while Portaluppi’s squad overcame both Italy and France.

Portugal beat France but lost to Italy, while Argentina saw off Spain.

Paraguay coach Julio Cesar Romero hopes the tournament would help to promote the sport on the world stage.

“A foot volley (tournament) with Romario, Renato, me and other players, like Aldair and Donato … puts the championship in the spotlight and helps to advertise footvolley across the world,” Romero said.

“This is very important and the sport will become even greater.”

Sat 2 April, 2011

Romario involved in footvolley qualifying

Qualifying for the international footvolley championship began on Thursday, with victories for Brazil, Portugal and Argentina.

The tournament is being held at Ipanema beach in Rio de Janeiro, with squads from Spain, Italy, France and two from Brazil among those battling for the title.

The sport was created in Rio and combines football and beach volleyball.

Teams are comprised of four players, with competitors not allowed to use their hands and arms.

Brazil’s former international footballer-turned-congressman Romario is coaching one of his country’s teams.

“I am a fan and lover of footvolley – it’s my second sport,” Romario said.

“My dream is to see footvolley in the Olympic Games one day. I’m sure that events like this, even with four-player squads – because footvolley is normally played as doubles – could happen at the Olympics.”

“If it’s God’s will, we might see it in the upcoming Olympics here in Brazil.”

The other Brazilian squad is under the guidance of former Roma and Brazil forward and current Gremio coach Renato Portaluppi.

Both home teams were successful on the opening day of competition.

Romario’s team beat Paraguay while Portaluppi’s squad overcame both Italy and France.

Portugal beat France but lost to Italy, while Argentina saw off Spain.

Paraguay coach Julio Cesar Romero hopes the tournament would help to promote the sport on the world stage.

“A foot volley (tournament) with Romario, Renato, me and other players, like Aldair and Donato … puts the championship in the spotlight and helps to advertise footvolley across the world,” Romero said.

“This is very important and the sport will become even greater.”

Sat 2 April, 2011

Holland 5-3 Hungary: Euro 2012 Qualifying Highlights (Video)

Holland 1-0 Hungary (Van Persie)

szólj hozzá: Netherlands 1-0 Hungary

Holland 1-1 Hungary (Rudolf)

szólj hozzá: Netherlands 1-1 Hungary

Holland 1-2 Hungary (Gera)

szólj hozzá: Netherlands 1-2 Hungary

Holland 2-2 Hungary (Sneijder)

szólj hozzá: Netherlands 2-2 Hungary

Holland 3-2 Hungary (Van Nistelrooy)

Holland 3-3 Hungary (Gera)

szólj hozzá: Netherlands 3-3 Hungary

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Lithuania 1-3 Spain: Euro 2012 Qualifying Highlights (Video)

3 comments by Mad Dog and Glory on March 29th, 2011

Spain battled past Lithuania on a horrid pitch to clinch their fifth win in five Euro 2012 qualifiers.

Euro 2012 qualifying preview: Spain, Holland in action

Spain have a tricky trip to Lithuania, while the Netherlands are firm favourites against Hungary as a host of countries meet in Euro 2012 qualifying on Tuesday.

Lithuania have it all before them when they take on reigning European and world champions Spain, though they do have the benefit of home advantage.Sitting fourth in Group I on four points with a game in hand on their rivals, Raimondas Zutautas’ men can prove their worth against a team wielding the likes of Fernando Torres, David Villa, Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Sergio Busquets.Spain have won all four of their qualifying encounters, scoring 12 and shipping four goals, including a come-from-behind 2-1 win over the Czech Republic on Friday courtesy of two Villa goals.Lithuania are also a country in form however, after they accounted for Poland 2-0 with goals to Saulius Mikoliunas and Edgaras Cesnauskis.The game is scheduled to take place at the S. Dariaus ir S. Gireno stadionas in Kaunas, but all the build-up has been about the state of the pitch after Spain expressed their concern at the standard of the surface.The Netherlands can make it six points in four days against Hungary on Tuesday when they meet in their reverse fixture at the Amsterdam Arena.The Dutch hammered four goals – from Rafael van der Vaart, Ibrahim Afellay, Dirk Kuyt and Robin van Persie – past the Hungarian defence in Budapest, and there could be more pain to come for Sandor Egervari’s side.Despite the thrashing, Hungary are in second place in Group E and three points clear of Sweden, but the latter have two games in hand.Sweden can make inroads into their deficit into Hungary’s advantage when they host Moldova at the Rasundastadion in Solna.The Czech Republic can get back to winning ways after a gallant loss to Spain on Friday, when they welcome strugglers Liechtenstein in their Group I clash at the Fotbalovy stadion Strelecky ostrov in Ceske Budejovice.Georgia will be out to protect their unbeaten Euro qualifying campaign when they take on Israel at Bloomfield Stadium in Tel Aviv in Group F.Turkey host Austria in their Group A affair, with second spot up for grabs for the victor.Romania and Luxembourg face off in a battle of the Group D strugglers, with the two countries sharing just three points between them in their collective nine qualifying encounters.Estonia will welcome Serbia to the A Le Coq Arena for their Group C clash, fresh from a 2-0 friendly victory over Uruguay – the Baltic state’s first win since beating the Serbs 3-1 in the reverse Euro 2012 qualifier in October.A win to either side would help break the congestion on the group table, with four nations from second place to fifth split by just two points.The other two countries involved in the mid-table jam are Northern Ireland and Slovenia, and they will also do battle on Tuesday at Windsor Park in Belfast.Belgium host Azerbaijan in their Group A match in Brussels.

Mon 28 March, 2011

Euro 2012 qualifying preview: Spain, Holland in action

Spain have a tricky trip to Lithuania, while the Netherlands are firm favourites against Hungary as a host of countries meet in Euro 2012 qualifying on Tuesday.

Lithuania have it all before them when they take on reigning European and world champions Spain, though they do have the benefit of home advantage.Sitting fourth in Group I on four points with a game in hand on their rivals, Raimondas Zutautas’ men can prove their worth against a team wielding the likes of Fernando Torres, David Villa, Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Sergio Busquets.Spain have won all four of their qualifying encounters, scoring 12 and shipping four goals, including a come-from-behind 2-1 win over the Czech Republic on Friday courtesy of two Villa goals.Lithuania are also a country in form however, after they accounted for Poland 2-0 with goals to Saulius Mikoliunas and Edgaras Cesnauskis.The game is scheduled to take place at the S. Dariaus ir S. Gireno stadionas in Kaunas, but all the build-up has been about the state of the pitch after Spain expressed their concern at the standard of the surface.The Netherlands can make it six points in four days against Hungary on Tuesday when they meet in their reverse fixture at the Amsterdam Arena.The Dutch hammered four goals – from Rafael van der Vaart, Ibrahim Afellay, Dirk Kuyt and Robin van Persie – past the Hungarian defence in Budapest, and there could be more pain to come for Sandor Egervari’s side.Despite the thrashing, Hungary are in second place in Group E and three points clear of Sweden, but the latter have two games in hand.Sweden can make inroads into their deficit into Hungary’s advantage when they host Moldova at the Rasundastadion in Solna.The Czech Republic can get back to winning ways after a gallant loss to Spain on Friday, when they welcome strugglers Liechtenstein in their Group I clash at the Fotbalovy stadion Strelecky ostrov in Ceske Budejovice.Georgia will be out to protect their unbeaten Euro qualifying campaign when they take on Israel at Bloomfield Stadium in Tel Aviv in Group F.Turkey host Austria in their Group A affair, with second spot up for grabs for the victor.Romania and Luxembourg face off in a battle of the Group D strugglers, with the two countries sharing just three points between them in their collective nine qualifying encounters.Estonia will welcome Serbia to the A Le Coq Arena for their Group C clash, fresh from a 2-0 friendly victory over Uruguay – the Baltic state’s first win since beating the Serbs 3-1 in the reverse Euro 2012 qualifier in October.A win to either side would help break the congestion on the group table, with four nations from second place to fifth split by just two points.The other two countries involved in the mid-table jam are Northern Ireland and Slovenia, and they will also do battle on Tuesday at Windsor Park in Belfast.Belgium host Azerbaijan in their Group A match in Brussels.

Mon 28 March, 2011

Malta 0-1 Greece: Euro 2012 Qualifying Highlights (Video)

no comments by Mad Dog and Glory on March 27th, 2011

Greece left it late, scoring in injury time to end Malta’s resistance.

Norway 1-1 Denmark: Euro 2012 Qualifying Highlights (Video)

no comments by Mad Dog and Glory on March 27th, 2011

Erik Huseklepp scored a late leveller to cancel out Dennis Rommedahl’s superb opener for Denmark.

Euro 2012 qualifying Group H wrap: No splitting rivals

A late Erik Huseklepp strike salvaged a 1-1 draw for Norway in Saturday?s Euro 2012 qualifier with Denmark, while Cyprus and Iceland drew.

Veteran winger Dennis Rommedahl fired Denmark into the lead with a well-struck volley in the 27th minute, but Huseklepp guided a left-footed shot home nine minutes from time to grant the hosts a point that stretches their lead atop Group H to three points.The home side failed to carve out clear-cut chances throughout the encounter and opted for a direct route to goal, with towering Fulham centre-back Brede Hangeland a constant menace for the Danish defence from set pieces. Olympiaklos winger Rommedahl netted the opener somewhat against the run of play, firing home a fierce volley into the top-right corner after Norway?s defence failed to clear a corner.The Danes settled well after taking the lead and motored occasional bursts forward through Ajax man Christian Eriksen, a constant menace for the Norwegian defence on the wing.After seeing his side struggle to trouble the goal of Thomas Sorensen for most of the second half, Norway coach Egil Olsen replaced defender Espen Ruud with forward Daniel Braaten, a ploy that paid off when Braaten fed Bari front-man Huseklepp to level proceedings.The draw means Norway lead the group standings on 10 points, three ahead of Portugal and Denmark on seven.Cyprus and Iceland round out the standings but remain winless after sharing the spoils from a lacklustre 0-0 draw in Nicosia.Chryssis Michail squandered a 21st-minute penalty for the hosts, with Iceland gloveman Stefan Magnusson parrying his effort to safety.The hosts were also denied a late winner when Constantinos Makridis? long-range effort struck the post, while Iceland, who spent most of the match defending, saw Birkir Saevarsson waste their only opportunity of note before half-time.

Sat 26 March, 2011

Euro 2012 qualifying Group B wrap: Three-way tie at the top

The Republic of Ireland snared a share of the lead in Euro 2012 qualifying Group B after defeating Macedonia 2-1 in Dublin on Saturday.

Goals inside the first 25 minutes from Aiden McGeady and Robbie Keane had Ireland cruising but Ivan Trickovski’s strike on the stroke of half-time gave the visitors hope.But for all of Macedonia’s late pressure, Ireland held on to claim all three points in an unconvincing performance. Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni handed debuts to goalkeeper Kieran Westwood, Kevin Foley and Darren O’Dea and his new-look side claimed the lead inside the first two minutes.McGeady, now plying his trade with Spartak Moscow, cut inside nicely before firing low at Edin Nuredoniski, who could only help the ball into the back of the net.It was a poor mistake from the goalkeeper and Ireland took full advantage of his shaky nerves after 21 minutes when Darron Gibson fired his free-kick straight at the shot-stopper.Nuredoniski fumbled the shot and Keane was at his instinctive best, reacting fastest before producing an easy finish.Kevin Doyle had to be replaced due to a knee injury but Ireland were well on top and should have extended their lead when Doyle’s replacement, Shane Long, missed a one-on-one with Nuredoniski.Macedonia produced a fight-back, with Trickovski scoring after he made a mockery of Richard Dunne’s defensive work and produced a neat finish to beat Westwood.The goal gave Macedonia a boost heading into the break and they came out firing in the second, with Inter Milan striker Goran Pandev only just shooting wide on the volley in the early stages.Trickovski also went close and was well-denied by Westwood, as Ireland held on in the final moments to record victory.Ireland managed to move to the equal-top of their group after Russia were held to a 0-0 draw in Armenia.Despite fielding the likes of Andrey Arshavin, Yuri Zhirkov and Diniyar Bilyaletdinov, Vardan Minasyan’s side were compact enough to keep the Russians at bay.The other Group B fixture saw Slovakia claim a 1-0 away win at Andorra thanks to Filip Sebo’s first-half goal.The former Rangers forward is now at Slovan Bratislava and has been in a rich vein of form recently, with his 21st minute strike his seventh in his last six matches.The result sees the Republic of Ireland, Russia and Slovakia all locked on 10 points at the top of the group, with Slovakia leading the way courtesy of goal difference.

Sun 27 March, 2011

Euro 2012 qualifying Group H wrap: No splitting rivals

A late Erik Huseklepp strike salvaged a 1-1 draw for Norway in Saturday?s Euro 2012 qualifier with Denmark, while Cyprus and Iceland drew.

Veteran winger Dennis Rommedahl fired Denmark into the lead with a well-struck volley in the 27th minute, but Huseklepp guided a left-footed shot home nine minutes from time to grant the hosts a point that stretches their lead atop Group H to three points.The home side failed to carve out clear-cut chances throughout the encounter and opted for a direct route to goal, with towering Fulham centre-back Brede Hangeland a constant menace for the Danish defence from set pieces. Olympiaklos winger Rommedahl netted the opener somewhat against the run of play, firing home a fierce volley into the top-right corner after Norway?s defence failed to clear a corner.The Danes settled well after taking the lead and motored occasional bursts forward through Ajax man Christian Eriksen, a constant menace for the Norwegian defence on the wing.After seeing his side struggle to trouble the goal of Thomas Sorensen for most of the second half, Norway coach Egil Olsen replaced defender Espen Ruud with forward Daniel Braaten, a ploy that paid off when Braaten fed Bari front-man Huseklepp to level proceedings.The draw means Norway lead the group standings on 10 points, three ahead of Portugal and Denmark on seven.Cyprus and Iceland round out the standings but remain winless after sharing the spoils from a lacklustre 0-0 draw in Nicosia.Chryssis Michail squandered a 21st-minute penalty for the hosts, with Iceland gloveman Stefan Magnusson parrying his effort to safety.The hosts were also denied a late winner when Constantinos Makridis? long-range effort struck the post, while Iceland, who spent most of the match defending, saw Birkir Saevarsson waste their only opportunity of note before half-time.

Sat 26 March, 2011

Euro 2012 qualifying Group B wrap: Three-way tie at the top

The Republic of Ireland snared a share of the lead in Euro 2012 qualifying Group B after defeating Macedonia 2-1 in Dublin on Saturday.

Goals inside the first 25 minutes from Aiden McGeady and Robbie Keane had Ireland cruising but Ivan Trickovski’s strike on the stroke of half-time gave the visitors hope.But for all of Macedonia’s late pressure, Ireland held on to claim all three points in an unconvincing performance. Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni handed debuts to goalkeeper Kieran Westwood, Kevin Foley and Darren O’Dea and his new-look side claimed the lead inside the first two minutes.McGeady, now plying his trade with Spartak Moscow, cut inside nicely before firing low at Edin Nuredoniski, who could only help the ball into the back of the net.It was a poor mistake from the goalkeeper and Ireland took full advantage of his shaky nerves after 21 minutes when Darron Gibson fired his free-kick straight at the shot-stopper.Nuredoniski fumbled the shot and Keane was at his instinctive best, reacting fastest before producing an easy finish.Kevin Doyle had to be replaced due to a knee injury but Ireland were well on top and should have extended their lead when Doyle’s replacement, Shane Long, missed a one-on-one with Nuredoniski.Macedonia produced a fight-back, with Trickovski scoring after he made a mockery of Richard Dunne’s defensive work and produced a neat finish to beat Westwood.The goal gave Macedonia a boost heading into the break and they came out firing in the second, with Inter Milan striker Goran Pandev only just shooting wide on the volley in the early stages.Trickovski also went close and was well-denied by Westwood, as Ireland held on in the final moments to record victory.Ireland managed to move to the equal-top of their group after Russia were held to a 0-0 draw in Armenia.Despite fielding the likes of Andrey Arshavin, Yuri Zhirkov and Diniyar Bilyaletdinov, Vardan Minasyan’s side were compact enough to keep the Russians at bay.The other Group B fixture saw Slovakia claim a 1-0 away win at Andorra thanks to Filip Sebo’s first-half goal.The former Rangers forward is now at Slovan Bratislava and has been in a rich vein of form recently, with his 21st minute strike his seventh in his last six matches.The result sees the Republic of Ireland, Russia and Slovakia all locked on 10 points at the top of the group, with Slovakia leading the way courtesy of goal difference.

Sun 27 March, 2011

Bosnia-Herzegovina 2-1 Romania: Euro 2012 Qualifying Highlights (Video)

2 comments by Mad Dog and Glory on March 26th, 2011

Man City striker Edin Dzeko scored the winner to help Bosnia to come back from behind against Romania.

Germany 4-0 Kazakhstan: Euro 2012 Qualifying Highlights (Video)

3 comments by Mad Dog and Glory on March 26th, 2011

A brace apiece from Miroslav Klose and Thomas Muller helped Germany past Kazakhstan.

Israel 2-1 Latvia: Euro 2012 Qualifying Highlights (Video)

2 comments by Mad Dog and Glory on March 26th, 2011

A quality winner from Celtic midfielder Biram Kayal helped Israel past Latvia.

Republic of Ireland 2-1 Macedonia: Euro 2012 Qualifying Highlights (Video)

no comments by Mad Dog and Glory on March 27th, 2011

Ireland moved joint top of their Euro 2012 group with this win over Macedonia.

Euro 2012 qualifying Group D: Luxembourg 0 France 2

France moved four points clear in Group D after seeing off Luxembourg 2-0 in Friday’s Euro 2012 qualifier.

Roma defender Philippe Mexes and Lyon midfielder Yoann Gourcuff scored in either half for the visitors, who were largely unimpressive despite the returning talents of Franck Ribery and Patrice Evra. Ribery and Evra were handed lifelines back to the national team by head coach Laurent Blanc after being suspended for their involvement in France’s player revolt at the 2010 World Cup.Both players were booed by a 2000-strong French contingent at the tiny Stade Josy Barthel in Luxembourg and made low-key comebacks.France struggled to unlock the hosts’ defence early, but a free kick from skipper Samir Nasri gave Mexes the opportunity to nod the visitors into the lead in the 28th minute.Real Madrid goal-scoring machine Karim Benzema went close for Les Bleus, as did Chelsea man Florent Malouda before half-time.Gourcuff livened up the action with a second goal on 72 minutes, the Lyon man volleying a deflected cross beyond Luxembourg goalkeeper Jonathan Joubert to seal the three points.Blanc’s men improve to 12 points on the Group D table, four points clear of second-place Belarus.

Fri 25 March, 2011

Euro 2012 qualifying Group A: Austria 0 Belgium 2

Austria’s hopes of qualifying for Euro 2012 took a jolt following a 2-0 home defeat against Belgium on Friday.

Standard Liege midfielder Axel Witsel did the damage for the visitors with goals in either half, ensuring Austria fell to the first defeat of the qualifying campaign.Austria remain second in qualifying Group A but five points behind leaders Germany, while Belgium rise to third, equal on points with Austria.Expectations of a match approaching something like their 4-4 draw in Brussels last October were quickly sunk as Austria managed just the one real chance in 90 minutes.Belgium goalkeeper Simon Mignolet was at hand to smother that opportunity, collecting the ball at his feet after Austria captain Marc Janko was sent through.Witsel put the visitors ahead in just the sixth minute, breaking from the offside trap and getting a clean header to a whipped-in cross.The 22-year-old scored again five minutes after the break, smashing a left-footed shot past Austria custodian Juergen Macho after being picked out at the far post by Laurent Ciman’s cross.

Fri 25 March, 2011

Euro 2012 qualifying Group I: Spain 2 Czech Republic 1

Spain stole a dramatic 2-1 win over the Czech Republic in Friday’s Euro 2012 qualifier courtesy of record-breaking David Villa.

Villa scored a late brace to increase his tally to 46 international goals, making him Spain’s all-time top goal-scorer ahead of Raul (44).His milestone was undoubtedly lost on the Czech Republic, who looked set for an upset of epic proportions at Granada’s Estadio Nuevo Los Carmenes following Jaroslav Plasil’s early goal.But Villa’s goals, the second of which came from a heartbreaking penalty call against the visitors, ensured Spain would stretch their winning streak in Euro 2012 qualifying to four games.The reigning world and European champions sit on top of Group I with 12 points, six clear of second-place Czech Republic.Plasil’s opener on 29 minutes came against the run of play, the Bordeaux midfielder taking a pass from Arsenal man Tomas Rosicky well outside the area and blasting a low shot past Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas.As the hour ticked over and Spain failed to nab an equaliser, the visitors had to think they were a chance of stealing at least a point from their all-conquering opponents.But it all fell apart in a three-minute period as Villa stole the match off his own boot, beginning with a bit of individual brilliance in the 69th minute.The Barcelona superstar collected Andres Iniesta’s pass at the edge of the area, cut inside his marker and split two defenders and Czech custodian Petr Cech with a stinging low strike inside the right post.Three minutes later, Czech defender Jan Rezek cut down Iniesta in the area with a needless challenge, and Villa slammed the spot kick wide of Cech for a 2-1 lead.Spain overran the visitors in the latter stages and could have had another through substitute Fernando Torres, whose attempt was well saved by his Chelsea team-mate at the line.

Sat 26 March, 2011

Euro 2012 qualifying Group D: Luxembourg 0 France 2

France moved four points clear in Group D after seeing off Luxembourg 2-0 in Friday’s Euro 2012 qualifier.

Roma defender Philippe Mexes and Lyon midfielder Yoann Gourcuff scored in either half for the visitors, who were largely unimpressive despite the returning talents of Franck Ribery and Patrice Evra. Ribery and Evra were handed lifelines back to the national team by head coach Laurent Blanc after being suspended for their involvement in France’s player revolt at the 2010 World Cup.Both players were booed by a 2000-strong French contingent at the tiny Stade Josy Barthel in Luxembourg and made low-key comebacks.France struggled to unlock the hosts’ defence early, but a free kick from skipper Samir Nasri gave Mexes the opportunity to nod the visitors into the lead in the 28th minute.Real Madrid goal-scoring machine Karim Benzema went close for Les Bleus, as did Chelsea man Florent Malouda before half-time.Gourcuff livened up the action with a second goal on 72 minutes, the Lyon man volleying a deflected cross beyond Luxembourg goalkeeper Jonathan Joubert to seal the three points.Blanc’s men improve to 12 points on the Group D table, four points clear of second-place Belarus.

Fri 25 March, 2011