Football: 七月 2011

2011年7月3日星期日

Argentine giants River Plate relegated

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Posted June 27, 2011 07:00:00

River Plate, the record 33 times Argentine league champions, suffered its biggest humiliation ever with relegation to the second division for the first time on Monday morning.

River drew 1-1 with Belgrano of the Nacional B division in the second leg of a relegation-promotion playoff at the Monumental after a 2-0 defeat in the first leg in Cordoba on Wednesday.

Fans in the 60,000 plus crowd at the Monumental went wild with rage, throwing objects on to the pitch and some tried to climb over perimeter fencing to storm on to the field.

Players of both sides had to leave the pitch under protection of stewards while police used high power hoses to try to subdue the rioting fans.

River raised their hopes soon after kickoff, going ahead in the sixth minute when striker Mariano Pavone controlled on the edge of the box, swivelled and shot low into the corner past diving keeper Juan Carlos Olave.

Midfielder Guillermo Farre stunned the 60,000 plus Monumental crowd when he equalised just past the hour, blasting the loose ball past stranded 'keeper Juan Pablo Carrizo after a blunder in the River defence.

River were awarded a penalty midway through the second half which Pavone shot to Olave's right but the goalkeeper saved, leaving River still needing two goals to save their top flight status. The referee did not add stoppage time as the rioting had already started.

A tie on aggregate would have saved River from relegation.

- Reuters

Tags: sport, football, football-south-america, argentina

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Germany, France open World Cup with wins

Hosts and defending champions Germany got its women's World Cup campaign off to a flying start as it beat Group A rivals Canada 2-1 at Berlin's Olympic Stadium on Monday morning.

Meanwhile, Marie-Laurie Delie struck the only goal for France to secure a 1-0 win against Nigeria.

Having won both the 2003 and 2007 editions, Germany is bidding to complete a hat-trick of titles on home soil and had few problems against the Canadians, who threatened the German goal on only rare occasions.

First-half goals by midfielders Kerstin Garefrekes and Celia Okoyino da Mbabi put the hosts in control before Canada captain Christine Sinclair, who broke her nose in the first half, slotted home a late free-kick for the guests.

"It was the first game so we were a bit nervous. There is room for improvements and we will improve," said goal-scorer Garefrekes, who also supplied the pass for the second goal.

The win puts the Germans top of Group A on goal difference above France.

"We got two goals in the first half and didn't play so well, then in the second half we were much better organised, but we couldn't score," said Germany coach Silvia Neid.

"Things got tight at the end and it could have been 2-2, so I am very happy we won the first game."

The hosts squandered a string of second-half chances, while Canada grew in confidence as the game wore on.

"The first game in a World Cup tournament is always tough and maybe were a bit intimidated at the start, but I think we did well," said Canada coach Carolina Morace, who paid tribute to her plucky captain Sinclair.

"Christine is a fantastic player and she took her chance well. The doctors have told me the nose was broken, but she insisted on playing on.

"She knows what she can do and it would have been hard to take her off with her experience."

Unstoppable Delie

France's 23-year-old forward Delie struck the winner against Nigeria to continue a torrid pace very few players - men or women - could match.

Delie has tallied 22 goals in just 21 caps, and if that was not good enough, her last six games have seen her tally 12 goals.

"I give it my best each time. The purpose of a striker is to score and voila," answered Delie, who scored three goals as the top goal scorer at the 2007 U19 FIFA's Women World Cup.

Delie's first cap for France's senior side came in a 7-0 routing of Croatia - in which she scored a goal on September 23, 2009. She also scored nine goals in France's qualifying for the 2011 World Cup.

"It just keeps going. She is really unbelievable. I cannot say it will be her World Cup. But it is her time," said French coach Bruno Bini.

- AFP

Tags: sport, football, canada, france, germany, nigeria

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Mexico beats USA to clinch Gold Cup

Mexico won the CONCACAF Gold Cup on Sunday evening with a 4-2 victory over the United States in a hugely entertaining final played in front of 93,000 fans.

The pulsating game was a fitting finale to a tournament boasting plenty of goals and attacking games in front of bumper attendances and Mexico, with their exciting young team, were deserved champions for a record sixth time.

Mexico had to fight back from 2-0 down after 23 minutes but with Giovani dos Santos at his sparkling best, Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez a constant threat and Pablo Barrera causing havoc on the right wing, they ran out convincing winners.

"They're as dynamic as any (Mexico) team I've played against," US forward Landon Donovan told reporters.

"They have a few guys who can change the game in a heart beat. They have some special players and they're explosive and if you give them space they're going to make plays," he added.

A huge Mexican contingent in the crowd at the Rose Bowl brought a festive atmosphere to the ageing venue for the 1994 World Cup final but the pre-game 'Futbol Fiesta' came to a halt soon after kickoff.

The US took the lead in the eighth minute when midfielder Michael Bradley, son of coach Bob, nodded in a Freddy Adu corner with a sublime angled glancing header.

The hosts were forced into an early change, though, when full-back Steve Cherundolo sustained an ankle injury and was replaced by Jonathan Bornstein, a move that had a big impact on the game with the substitute struggling down the left.

The switch did not initially disrupt the attacking flow of Bradley's team who kept surging forward to exploit opponents who appeared rattled by the early assault.

The approach paid off handsomely in the 24th minute when Clint Dempsey fed Landon Donovan, the United States' all-time top scorer celebrating his return to the starting line-up with the coolest of left-foot finishes.

Determined comeback

The Mexicans soon woke up from their evening siesta and within five minutes Pablo Barrera had raced past Bornstein onto a long ball from Javier Hernandez and driven it past a stationary Tim Howard to reduce the deficit.

Suddenly bubbling with confidence, Mexico struck the equaliser in the 36th minute when Dos Santos cut in from the right-flank and hit a low shot into the area which hit defender Clarence Goodson.

Andres Guardado pounced on the deflection to squeeze a shot under the body of keeper Howard.

The US left the field looking shell-shocked at the break while Mexico's confident body language told the story of a determined comeback.

The hosts needed to get a quick grip on the game in midfield if they were to stem Mexico's attacking flow but their southern neighbours were in no mood to ease off.

Guardado fed Barrera inside the area and his low shot beat Howard and went in just inside the far post to make it 3-2.

The US came close to levelling when Clint Dempsey hit the bar with a fine strike from the edge of the area.

But the game was settled in style by Dos Santos, who was forced to dribble away from goal after failing to round Howard but produced an inch-perfect chip that evaded defender Eric Lichaj on the line and floated into the top corner.

"We are the best team in the Cup and that's all that matters at the moment," said a beaming Hernandez.

- Reuters

Tags: sport, football, mexico, united-states

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Spain beats Swiss to win Euro U21 final

Ander Herrera and Thiago Alcantara scored the goals as Spain beat Switzerland 2-0 on Sunday morning to win the European Under-21 championship.

Spain, dominant at senior level where they are world and European champions, sealed their third continental Under-21 title thanks to a first-half header from Herrera and an audacious free kick from Alcantara in the 81st minute.

Switzerland, who had been seeking their first trophy, managed to shackle the Spaniards well in the opening half hour in Aarhus and could have gone ahead when Xherdan Shaqiri half-volleyed a shot that goalkeeper David De Gea had to punch away.

Instead, the Swiss defence was breached for the first time in the tournament as Didac Vila's pinpoint cross found Herrera arriving at pace, and the midfielder planted his header firmly past keeper Yann Sommer at the near post in the 41st minute.

Innocent Emeghara had a great chance to put Switzerland back on level terms after 52 minutes but he scuffed his shot straight at De Gea.

Switzerland upped the tempo and went close on several occasions from set pieces with Timm Klose and Pajtim Kasami heading wide from promising positions.

As the Swiss tired of chasing possession, Thiago put the result beyond doubt with a free kick in the 81st minute.

Spotting Sommer off his line, the Barcelona midfielder floated the ball over his head from 40 metres out, triggering wild celebrations from the Spanish.

- Reuters

Tags: sport, football, spain, switzerland

First posted June 26, 2011 07:46:00

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Buckley keen on Kewell A-League lure

Harry Kewell's revenue-sharing lure to A-League clubs is a smart way of attracting quality players to the domestic competition, according to Football Federation Australia boss Ben Buckley.

Kewell is prepared to go without a basic wage to return to Australia, in exchange for a share of revenue of the extra crowds, members and sponsorship he attracts.

His manager Bernie Mandic confirmed during the week that Kewell, who is off contract at Turkish club Galatasaray, is interested in playing in the A-League under certain conditions.

Media reports have linked the former Liverpool and Leeds star with Melbourne Victory, Sydney FC and defending A-League champions Brisbane Roar.

"It would be a fantastic outcome for whichever club is good enough to secure his services. They'll be deeply rewarded both on the pitch and off the pitch," Buckley said.

"We're certainly delighted that Harry is looking very closely at coming back and delighted that the clubs look like they're making some progress.

"It's up to each individual club how they want to structure a potential agreement.

"But I think it's actually a smart thing to do. To attract players of Harry's quality is not inexpensive.

"I think Harry is demonstrating that he's prepared to come back and play for a base fee and that's not going to put him out of reach of the A-League clubs."

Buckley believes the club who secured Kewell's services would not be the only benefactors of snaring the attacking midfielder.

"The club and the competition would share in the upside as crowds build," he said.

"I think the clubs and Harry should be commended for the way they're approaching it.

"I think we're very cognisant that players like Harry can bring an enormous amount of benefits to the competition."

The A-League received a boost on Thursday with Buckley announcing a deal believed to be worth around $10 million with Optus which will create, manage and market the FFA's websites and mobile phone applications.

The digital channels will connect fans with the Socceroos and all teams which fall under the banner of Australian football, with A-League club websites fully stocked with video, highlight packages and unique content.

- AAP

Tags: sport, football, aleague, australia

First posted June 30, 2011 15:36:00

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Freak goal hands Mexicans draw

A freak long-range goal from Mexico forward Monica Ocampo saw the central Americans hold England to a 1-1 draw in their opening Group B match of the women's World Cup in Germany.

The Atlanta Beat forward was well outside the England penalty area when she hit a long-range first-half effort which curled up before dropping into the top left hand-corner of the England net in their match in Wolfsburg.

In Group B's other game in Bochum, Japan got its campaign off to a winning start with a 2-1 victory over New Zealand.

But Mexican Ocampo's effort in the 33rd minute was the day's highlight and it was enough to share the points after England midfielder Fara Williams had earlier put the Three Lions ahead.

"It's not something that I trained to do, it just came from the flow of the game. Thank God it went in and it put us back in the game," said woman-of-the-match Ocampo.

"It is special because it is a World Cup goal, I am really proud to have scored it."

England coach Hope Powell added: "No excuses, we have played better and we will have to play better if we want to stay in this tournament.

"The goal flew in, didn't it, we would have expected the goalkeeper to save that, she is bitterly disappointed, we dominated up until that point, so we gave away a point."

Leonardo Cuellar's Mexico next faces Japan in Leverkusen on Saturday (AEST) while England takes on New Zealand in Dresden the same day.

Powell's England side had got off to a fine start when Williams' looping header opened the scoring after just 21 minutes.

An accurate cross from Birmingham City forward Karen Carney eluded the Mexican defence, but found Williams on the edge of the penalty box, who headed home.

But the Mexicans drew level thanks to Ocampo's stunning effort after her shot appeared to be flying high over the England goal.

English goalkeeper Karen Bardsley was tracking the shot, but was caught out as it dipped down behind her and into the net to put the Mexicans level at the break.

Japan tops Group B

Despite their win, the Japanese Nadeshiko were pushed hard by the New Zealand Ferns who had been looking to score their first point in their third appearance in a World Cup.

Yuki Nagasato and Aya Miyama scored for Japan with Amber Hearn heading in for New Zealand.

It was the second major international tournament where the two sides had met in the opening match after the 2008 Olympics where New Zealand held Japan 2-2.

The more experienced Japanese got off to a confident start with Nagasato opening the scoring after just six minutes when she lobbed a Shinobu Ohno cross past Jenny Bindon in the New Zealand goal.

It was the 32nd goal in 64 international matches for the 23-year-old Nagasato who plays club football in the German league for Turbine Potsdam.

But New Zealand kept pace with Hearn grabbing the equaliser after 12 minutes when she latched onto a Ria Percival corner to head past Ayumi Kaihori to the delight of the crowd at the Ruhrstadion in Bochum.

Japan finally broke through again when Miyama stepped up to take a free kick following a yellow card handed out to New Zealand captain Rebecca Smith after 68 minutes.

- AFP

Tags: sport, football, germany, japan, mexico, new-zealand, england

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Joeys reach U17 World Cup knockouts

Australia reached the knockout stage of the FIFA Under 17s World Cup in Mexico after a 1-1 draw with Denmark in their rescheduled Group F match.

An 89th minute goal to Luke Remington ensured a ten-man Joeys finished third in the group and progressed to a last-16 clash with Uzbekistan on Thursday (AEST).

Rochester Sorensen had earlier put the Danes ahead with a 35th minute strike in the match that was replayed after being called off after 25 minutes a day earlier due to heavy rain and lightning.

Australia had Yianni Perkatis shown a red card for a reckless tackle just a minute after conceding the goal.

Brazil topped Group F from Ivory Coast, while Denmark finished bottom of the group to be knocked out of the tournament.

- AAP

Tags: sport, football, australia, denmark, mexico

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Joeys get lucky break thanks to weather

Bad weather provided a lucky break for the Joeys when their crucial under-17 World Cup match against Denmark was called off with Australia behind 1-0.

Lightning and a heavy downpour at the venue in Queretaro, Mexico forced officials to suspend the match just 25 minutes in.

Following an hour and a half delay in which conditions did not improve, the organising committee decided to abandon the match and replay it entirely tomorrow at 12:45am (AEST).

Australia can not lose by more than three goals to the Danes in its the final group match if it hopes to be in the top three which progress through to the knockout stage.

-AAP

Tags: sport, football, socceroos, world-cup, australia, denmark, mexico

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Joeys told to improve

Joeys coach Jan Versleijen hopes his side's 1-1 draw with Denmark provides a wake-up call ahead of their elimination clash with Uzbekistan at the FIFA Under-17 World Cup.

The result enabled the Joeys to progress through to the round of 16 as the third-highest qualifier in Group F, but not before they received a timely scare at Estadio Corregidora in Queretaro, Mexico.

Going into the rescheduled match, the Joeys knew they only had to ensure they did not lose by three goals or worse to progress to the next round after Brazil and Ivory Coast had drawn 3-3 in the other group fixture.

Denmark looked to have the match in the bag after Sorenson Rochester's 35th-minute goal gave it the advantage.

And things threatened to spiral out of control for the Joeys immediately after the restart when Yianni Perkatis was sent off for a dangerous tackle, leaving them with 10 men for the rest of the match.

Fortunately they managed to stem the Denmark attack and a moment of individual brilliance from Luke Remington in the 89th minute allowed them to snatch a draw.

Versleijen was relieved his team managed a result but warned it could not afford another sub-par performance when it faces Uzbekistan at Torreon on Thursday (AEST).

"Denmark had lots of chances, but fortune favoured us today," he said.

"We'll have to play better in our next match, because we can't play like that again."

"That's what we'll work on in the next two days.

"We knew Denmark had to score three goals today. Our intention was to control the match, but apart from the first 20 minutes, we didn't succeed. Obviously, the red card made it even harder.

"(Goalkeeper) Paul Izzo made some good saves and Denmark had a lot of chances but the luck was on our side and once we scored near the end you know your qualification for the next round is certain."

The final group tie against Denmark was replayed in full after a heavy downpour and lightning forced officials to suspend the original match after just 25 minutes the day before with Denmark ahead 1-0.

- AAP

Tags: sport, football, australia, mexico

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United signs keeper De Gea

Goalkeeper David de Gea has joined Manchester United on a five-year contract, with the English champions reaching an agreement with Spanish side Atletico Madrid for his transfer.

The 20-year-old passed a medical this week, having become a European Championship winner with Spain Under-21s last weekend.

He now has the responsibility of succeeding Edwin van der Sar as United's new number one following the veteran Dutchman's retirement last month.

Sir Alex Ferguson's preseason spending has now rocketed to about 50 million pounds ($80.53m) after Phil Jones and Ashley Young both arrived at Old Trafford earlier this month.

"I feel very proud and I can't wait to start playing here," de Gea said in an interview with MUTV.

"When a club the size of Manchester United comes in for you it obviously makes you very, very happy.

"I saw their interest as an extra motivation to work even harder to show off my ability.

"It's a great privilege to be part of a club like United and I'm keen to do my best and show what I can do."

Germany's Manuel Neuer, who impressed against United in the Champions League, was also talked of as a potential successor to van der Sar before opting to join Bayern Munich from Schalke 04.

Given Anders Lindegaard joined United in December, Tomasz Kuszczak may now be allowed to leave the Red Devils even though the Polish goalkeeper was on the bench for the Champions League final defeat by Barcelona at Wembley last month.

Meanwhile, de Gea's arrival may not signal the end of United's preseason spending, with a midfielder possibly on his way to Old Trafford following the retirement of Paul Scholes.

Tottenham's Luka Modric and Alexis Sanchez of Udinese have both been linked with moves to United, as has Inter Milan star Wesley Sneijder.

- AFP

Tags: sport, football, english-premier-league, united-kingdom, england

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Mariners to rest Amini for Celtic

Central Coast young gun Mustafa Amini will miss his side's clash with Scottish giants Celtic in an effort to be fit for Australia's upcoming FIFA Under-20 World Cup in Colombia.

The in-demand Amini, who is reportedly being courted by many European clubs - including Celtic, is feeling the effects of a hectic schedule and will take no part in Saturday's friendly at the Olympic stadium.

Mariners coach Graham Arnold said the 18-year-old is coping with a groin injury he sustained during a busy A-League off-season.

"We're quite upset he can't play because the kid was desperate to play," he said.

"But he's just had such a heavy program over the last year with A-League games, he's been involved in three national team set-ups in the last two months ... the developing Socceroos squad in Germany, under-23s and under-20s.

"Hopefully it's going to be fine (for the U-20 World Cup) but he's got quite a bit of discomfort at the moment and with something in that area, the groin, you don't mess around with it.

"It could end up real bad if you push it too far."

Australia opens its U20 World Cup campaign on July 31 and Arnold, a former coach of the Socceroos and the national Under-23 side, has an idea of the bigger picture.

"For the good of the Australian under-20 team, who have the World Cup soon, it would be stupid for me to play him," he said.

"He hasn't had a break and he just turned 18 ... the whole national team program stuff has been too heavy for him."

On top of national team commitments, Amini trained with German club Borussia Dortmund, whose initial offer of 100,000 euros ($137,000) was too low for the Mariners.

Arnold refused to apportion blame when it came to Amini's ailment.

"He never had a problem with us. It's nobody's fault but the kid just needs a break before he breaks," he said.

"I think it's all down to fatigue and overload, too much football."

The Mariners lost last season's A-League final on penalties to the Roar and the classic is likely to be a major talking point ahead of the season-opening rematch on October 8.

However it is the furthest thing from Arnold's mind.

"Not at all. That's history," he said.

"The team had a fantastic season, they were champions but didn't get the championship - that's how I look at it.

"We've already moved forward, we don't talk about it anymore, we don't even look at it any more."

Celtic will use its three-game tour of Australia to help build cohesiveness ahead of the Scottish Premier League season, which has an earlier start date this year, July 23.

Manager Neil Lennon is also keen to develop a series of youngsters and new recruits.

"James Forrest, he's very exciting. Adam Matthews is a new signing from Cardiff who came here on a free transfer. Young Richie Towell is an Irish kid who has just come through the academy," he said.

"It's important for them to gel with the first-team boys, and interact with them, because they're going to be, hopefully, breaking through and being a part of it."

The visitors will field an understrength side on Saturday, with Greek striker Georgios Samaras, South Korean Ky Sung-Yueng and Swede Daniel Majstorovic set to join the team in Perth on July 5.

- AAP

Tags: sport, football, aleague, australia, nsw, gosford-2250

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Socceroos to face Wales for first time

Australia will play Wales for the first time in international football when the teams meet in Cardiff in August, the Football Association of Wales (FAW) said on Tuesday.

The Socceroos will play Gary Speed's team at Cardiff City Stadium on August 10, as the Wales manager looks to follow up his first win in charge against Northern Ireland.

The match will help Wales prepare for its ongoing Euro 2012 qualifying campaign, with the FAW also announcing on Tuesday the dates and venues for Wales's last two home games in Group G for Euro2012 qualifying.

An FAW statement read: "The Football Association of Wales can confirm that Wales will play a friendly international against Australia on Wednesday, August the 10th.

"The venue will be the Cardiff City Stadium and kick off will be at 7.45 pm (local time).

"This will be the first of two international fixtures at the stadium in the space of three weeks, with Wales set to face Montenegro in Cardiff on Friday, September 2."

- AFP

Tags: sport, football, socceroos, australia, wales

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Matildas fall just short against Brazil

A momentary defensive lapse proved costly for Australia as the Matildas lost 1-0 to Brazil in their opening group match at the women's World Cup in Moenchengladbach, Germany.

Brazil striker Rosana lashed the ball home with her left foot in the 54th minute after the Matildas failed to clear the ball on the edge of the area.

Australia had earlier been unable to capitalise on a strong start and a possession advantage in the first half.

The Matildas had a few late chances, the best of which striker Lisa De Vanna hoisted over the bar after she was put clear in the 87th minute.

The loss leaves Australia desperately needing to pick up at least a point from their second match on Sunday against African nation Equatorial Guinea, who lost 1-0 to Norway in the other Group D game.

For the most part, the Australian defence contained Brazil's celebrated striking duo of Marta and Cristiane.

Australia enjoyed more possession in the first half as Brazil surprisingly opted not to pressure the Matildas in their own half.

It was a different story after the break, though, with Brazil showing greater purpose and applying more pressure, especially after they took the lead.

"I think for long periods of the game we more than held our own," Matildas' coach Tom Sermanni told SBS after the match.

"Very proud of the effort, very proud of the performance and a little bit disappointed we didn't get anything out of the game."

The Matildas looked the more consistently dangerous team in the early stages.

Midfielder Collette McCallum curled a free kick over the bar and Kyah Simon had a chip acrobatically saved at the near post.

Rosana put a couple of attempts over the bar from close range, but De Vanna squandered a good chance on the half hour.

She took possession after Brazilian skipper and defender Aline lost control on the edge of her area, but the Australian forward miscued her shot wide.

Brazil almost capitalised on a couple of Australian defensive lapses in the last 15 minutes of the half.

Marta's first-time shot flew just wide after 16-year-old right back Caitlin Foord lost control just outside her box and Cristiane blazed over from close range.

Sermanni's side started the second half well but Simon miscued a header from a corner, just a minute before Rosana scored.

Brazil's midfield then took control and the Matildas struggled to create anything for the next 20 minutes until De Vanna off target shot.

Veteran midfielder Heather Garriock and Tameka Butt had attempts comfortably saved by Brazilian goalkeeper Andreia as the Matildas pressed for an equaliser.

Butt got behind the defence but could not find a team-mate with her cross, while a corner in the closing seconds caused concern for the Brazil defence.

-AAP

Tags: sport, football, socceroos, world-cup, australia, germany

First posted June 30, 2011 06:00:00

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2011年7月2日星期六

Matildas coach rues missed opportunity

Australian coach Tom Sermanni expressed his regret as his young side narrowly failed to topple footballing superstars Brazil in their women's World Cup opener in Germany.

A 57th-minute goal from Brazilian midfielder Rosana ensured all three points for the 2007 runners-up, who were pushed hard by the new-look Australian side in their Group D tie.

"Against Brazil, one of the best in the world, we were more than able to hold our own," Sermanni said.

"Brazil sat back in the first half and underestimated our ability.

"I'm disappointed we had a couple of chances to equalise in the final minutes," added the Scottish coach.

"The teams were quite evenly matched."

Much has changed in the Australia set-up since its career-best run to the World Cup quarter-finals four years ago, when it fell 3-2 to Brazil.

This year's squad has 13 World Cup debutantes, with nearly half the squad aged 20 or under.

And Sermanni said that the team had especially worked on individual marking to block key players like five-time World Player of the Year Marta.

"I'm very pleased with the way we defended against Marta," he said.

"I don't know if she had a shot at goal today. That is how good our defence was."

Australian skipper Melissa Barbieri expressed her pride at the spirit shown by the young team.

"I think we played very exciting football. We didn't stand back and watch Brazil play," the 31-year-old Melbourne Victory player said.

"We came here to play good quality attacking football and it's our aim to do that regardless of how far we go in the tournament."

"I'm proud of the girls' determination to show what Australian football is all about. I'm disappointed in letting one through, but on to the next game."

Brazil coach Kleiton Lima said his side had not been surprised by the level of play shown by the Matildas.

"We were expecting that," he said.

"Australia is a young team, very fast and in very good shape. I know Tom Sermanni and knew he has done done a very good technical job with the team."

Australian next plays Equatorial Guinea on Sunday while Brazil plays former champions Norway.

- AFP

Tags: sport, football, socceroos, world-cup, australia, brazil, germany

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Murray backflips on Neill claims

Respected football commentator Les Murray has miraculously backtracked on claims that Socceroos skipper Lucas Neill led a dressingroom revolt at last year's World Cup.

Murray claimed in his new book The World Game that Neill told the team to ignore coach Pim Verbeek's game plan just before taking the field in the opening 4-0 loss to Germany in Durban.

Neill labelled the accusations as "scandalous" and said he was considering taking legal action.

Murray today released a statement saying he had got it wrong and that any future editions of the book would exclude the accusations.

"In the light of new information that has come to hand, I accept that I was misled by my sources and that Lucas Neill did not call for the team to ignore the then national coach's instructions," he said.

"In my view Lucas Neill has been an outstanding captain of the Australian national football team and the third party report of the Australian game against Germany was never meant to be disparaging of Mr Neill's character and sense of duty to the team.

"I take this opportunity to unreservedly apologise to Lucas Neill for any hurt or embarrassment concerning this matter."

Neill said in a statement that he accepted Murray's apology.

"I am obviously still disappointed that my name has been wrongly attached to these allegations, but I accept the apology that has been issued by Les Murray," he said

"After discussing the matter with Les, I have decided not to proceed with legal action.

"It was important for me to ensure that my reputation remain intact and make the public aware that I have never, nor would ever, behave in this manner towards a manager.

"Furthermore I'm happy that any further prints of the book will exclude this extract.

"I sincerely hope that anybody who reads the book in its current form understands that the allegations that were reported about me are completely false."

Neill said last week that it was goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer and not he who delivered the pre-match address to the team.

Murray initially stood by his claims, saying he had not intended to paint Neill in a bad light but was instead trying to highlight Verbeek's defensive tactics.

Several Socceroos players, including Craig Moore, Luke Wilkshire and Mile Jedinak, as well Football Federation Australia chief Ben Buckley, denied Murray's claims.

Tags: sport, football, socceroos, australia

First posted June 29, 2011 16:01:00

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Flores leaves Adelaide for China

Argentine playmaker Marcos Flores has quit A-League club Adelaide United for a deal in China.

The Reds say they are disappointed the attacking midfielder rejected the club's three-year marquee player offer.

Flores, a Johnny Warren medal winner, has signed with Chinese Super League club Henan Jianye.

Adelaide will receive around $500,000 for the player.

The 31-game Adelaide player asked to be released last Friday, but the club's board initially refused.

"Marcos advised the club he did not intend to remain in Adelaide and intended to take up the offer from China," the club said on Monday in a statement.

Flores is the 11th player to leave Adelaide United since the end of the A-League season.

The departed include captain Travis Dodd, defenders Robbie Cornthwaite and Iain Fyfe, wingers Matthew Leckie and Lucas Pantelis, and midfielder Adam Hughes.

-AAP

Tags: sport, football, aleague, australia, sa, adelaide-5000

First posted June 27, 2011 08:54:00

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Joeys crash out of World Cup

Australia was reduced to nine men by red cards as it crashed out of the under-17 World Cup with a 4-0 loss to Uzbekistan in the round of 16 in Mexico.

Goals in the 11th, 40th, 66th and 89th minutes put an emphatic end to the Joeys' campaign after they progressed to the knockout clash by finishing third in Group F.

Despite controlling possession in the first half, Australia was unable to create any scoring chances, with Uzbekistan the first to capitalise through captain Abbosbek Makhstaliev early in the opening stanza.

Uzbekistan doubled its lead when striker Timur Khakimov found the back of the net after his shot glanced off a Joeys defender.

The chances of a Joeys' comeback took a hit early in the second half when star striker Dylan Tombides was shown a red card for a reckless, studs-up tackle.

In the 66th minute, any chance of a Joeys fight-back was snuffed out when captain Connor Chapman deflected an Uzbek cross past Australia goalkeeper Paul Izzo for an own goal.

Uzbekistan capped off the nightmare match for the Joeys a minute before full-time, with a goal to Davlatbek Yarbekov.

Rubbing salt in Australia's disappointment, Teeboy Kamara was sent off for a second yellow card in the 91st minute.

Joeys coach Jan Versleijen said it was a tough way to bow out of the under-17s tournament.

"The way we got the goals against, that made it more hard to comeback and we already had to fight one hour against Denmark with 10 men," he said.

"To compete in this kind of competition you have to be more better in your ball circulation, you have to be more better in your execution, you have to be more better in possession.

"I think although we are out of the game, it's been a big opportunity for the boys."

Uzbekistan now faces either Congo or Uruguay in the quarter-finals on Sunday (AEST).

-AAP

Tags: sport, football, socceroos, world-cup, australia, mexico, uzbekistan

First posted June 30, 2011 11:17:00

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Roar pick up Danning

Brisbane Roar have received a shot in the arm ahead of the 2011/12 A-League season with the signing of promising young attacking player, Kofi Danning.

An Australian representative at under 20 and 23 level, Danning was released last month by Sydney FC.

Roar coach Ange Postecoglou says he is delighted to add the 20-year-old to his championship-winning squad.

"Kofi is someone we highlighted at the end of last year and I think he'll fit into our system well, so it's pleasing that he's finally signed for us for a couple of years," Postecoglou said of Danning committing to a two-year deal.

"We've got a lot of work to do with him but he fits into our style of game really well and I think he'll develop into a real attacking weapon for us over the next 12 months.

"We're quite confident in the style of player he is and the type of person he is, so I'm sure he'll do really well for us."

The Ghanian-born right winger/striker showed enormous potential when he burst onto the scene in early 2009 for the Sky Blues.

But a serious knee injury the following season scuppered his progress and Sydney eventually cut him and three other players after a disappointing 2010/11 when it failed to make the finals after winning the premiership the previous season.

"I've spoken to Ange and he sees me developing here and sees me improving my game and sees me getting opportunities, which is good for me because that's all I want," Danning said.

"I want to prove myself to everyone. That's why I've come to Brisbane to do the best I can and to make people proud."

-AAP

Tags: sport, football, aleague, australia, nsw, sydney-2000, qld, brisbane-4000

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Mariners resigned to losing young gun Amini

Central Coast Mariners coach Graham Arnold has resigned himself to losing promising A-League midfielder Mustafa Amini to a European club.

It is not a matter of if, it is a matter of when, and Arnold hopes it comes about later rather than sooner.

"I'm not concerned with that because it is every player's dream to go overseas," he said.

"As a club we felt the original offer from (Bundesliga club) Dortmund of 100,000 euros ($137,000) was not enough for a player of his talent.

"It has probably opened up the field for other clubs to have a look at him, it just shows where the A-League sits when the coach of Celtic, Neil Lennon, knows about the players that we have.

"It shows the reputation of the Australian players."

Socceroos Mark Viduka and Scott MacDonald both plied their trade with Celtic.

"They've done excellent at Celtic and everyone knows the mentality of the Australian players over in Europe is good," Arnold said.

"My opinion is that he (Amini) could do with another year here mainly because he's got the under-20 World Cup in August but also the kid came from nowhere last year.

"He's still developing, physically, technically he's got it, tactically he's learning and for a kid who last year played in 23 games, didn't complete 90-minutes once, it has been a big step so far and he's got a long way to go."

The 18-year-old will play against Scottish Premier League giants Celtic on Saturday at the Olympic stadium in Sydney.

Celtic manager Neil Lennon is keen to see the Afro-haired creative midfielder play against his side.

"He's a player that's been flagged up to us," he said.

"I'll get a good look at him on Saturday hopefully."

- AAP

Tags: sport, football, aleague, australia, nsw, gosford-2250

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Gold Coast United signs classy Dutchman

Cynics might not be surprised that extrovert Gold Coast United coach Miron Bleiberg is speaking double Dutch ahead of the A-League season.

However, United fans can breathe easy - Bleiberg is merely unveiling yet another injection from the Netherlands to his dramatically drained 2011-12 Gold Coast squad.

Days after welcoming Dutch defensive utility Paul Beekmans to the tourist strip, Bleiberg has confirmed the signing of countryman and midfield dynamo Peter Jungschlager for the depleted Gold Coast outfit.

It is a major shot in the arm for perennial A-League finalist United.

The club is still reeling from the off-season departures of ex-skipper Jason Culina, Kiwi marksman Shane Smeltz, Zenon Caravella, Steve Pantelidis, Dino Djulbic, Bas van den Brink and Bruce Djite.

Indeed, speculation was rife about United's future after the mass exodus came amid rumours players were only being offered one-year contracts.

Sanity prevailed after billionaire owner Clive Palmer met A-League boss Lyall Gorman recently - still, Bleiberg was left to pick up the pieces with few senior stars and plenty of untried youth.

However, Bleiberg is quietly confident of launching yet another A-League finals campaign after snaffling up his latest Dutch treat.

The Gold Coast coach claims United signed Jungschlager despite competition from clubs in England, Holland, Germany and Austria.

The 184cm, 27-year-old midfielder - who takes up United's fifth and final visa spot on its roster - is expected to arrive mid-July.

"Peter's pedigree speaks for itself and we are very confident he will prove to be a first-class signing for the club," said Bleiberg.

"Players of his age who are playing first team football in a top European league don't become available very often to A-League clubs, especially when there are other European clubs trying to sign them as well.

"Taking all that into account makes us even more delighted and excited to have finalised this deal."

Jungschlager was lured away from leading Netherlands' outfit De Graafschap, where he made 79 appearances - 31 of those last season in the Eredivisie (top division).

A product of the famous ADO Den Haag youth academy, Jungschlager was voted the most underrated Eredivisie player by leading Dutch football magazine Voetbal International and reportedly attracted interest in April from English Championship side Coventry City.

"Peter was not a fringe player at De Graafschap. He only missed three matches for them last season and that alone says a lot about his quality," Bleiberg said.

"He can play in a number of midfield roles so he brings plenty of flexibility to the squad."

United has signed 20 out of the permitted 23 for the senior roster for 2011-12.

- AAP

Tags: sport, football, aleague, australia, qld, robina-4226

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Buckley pleased with Murray apology

Football Federation Australia boss Ben Buckley is pleased commentator Les Murray has apologised and backed down from claims Socceroos' captain Lucas Neill led a player revolt against former coach Pim Verbeek at the World Cup.

Murray claimed in his new book, The World Game, that Neill told the team to ignore Verbeek's game plan just before taking the field in their opening 4-0 loss to Germany at the 2010 World Cup.

The SBS television commentator backed down from the claims on Wednesday and Neill accepted the apology, saying he would not proceed with legal action.

Buckley backed Neill's denial of the claims which he said showed a lack of respect for the Australian skipper.

"I'm very pleased that he (Murray) did (apologise). Clearly, the comments and the statements that were made in the book were inaccurate," Buckley said.

"There was no substance to it and I'm glad that an amicable solution has been reached.

"Lucas has been an outstanding leader of the Socceroos and deserves to be treated accordingly."

Murray last week stuck by his claims but said he had not intended to paint Neill in a bad light.

Neill's denial of leading a player revolt was also supported by Socceroos' team-mates Craig Moore, Luke Wilkshire and Mile Jedinack.

- AAP

Tags: sport, football, socceroos, australia

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Mariners stun Celtic in Sydney

Substitute Troy Hearfield earned Central Coast a massive scalp as his well-taken goal gave the Mariners a 1-0 win over the Scottish soccer giant Celtic in a preseason friendly at the Olympic stadium on Saturday night.

The match between last season's Australian and Scottish league runners-up produced few clear-cut chances.

But new recruit Hearfield, formerly of Wellington and Newcastle, curled in a shot from the edge of the area in the 87th minute after Celtic had failed to clear a cross from the left.

Another second half substitute, Trent Sainsbury, cleared the ball off the line just before the end of the 90 minutes, as Celtic had an appeal for hand ball turned down.

Neither goalkeeper was forced into a significant save in the first half.

Celtic put a couple of attempts wide and the Mariners had a good spell just before the break, forcing several corners and having two shots blocked.

Clearly not enthused by the on-field fare, a few spectators in the 19,482-strong crowd tried to create their own entertainment by running on to the field during the half-time break and in the second half.

Attacking the end where the biggest block of its supporters were gathered, Celtic showed a little more urgency in the second half.

The game finally came to life after an hour, with each side earning good chances within the space of a minute.

Mariners goalkeeper Justin Pasfield foiled substitute Anthony Stokes with his legs before Adriano Pellegrino headed wide from a cross from impressive Mariners left back Josh Rose.

Celtic handed debuts to two off-season signings, defenders Adam Matthews and Kelvin Wilson, and included just three starters from their Scottish Cup final-winning team.

The Mariners started with six of their run-on side from the A-League grand final loss to Brisbane Roar.

Celtic plays Perth Glory next Saturday and Melbourne Victory four days later.

The Scottish giant starts its domestic campaign in five weeks, while the Mariners still have more than three months before their first A-League fixture.

Mariners: 1 (87')

Celtic: 0

- AAP

Tags: sport, football, aleague, australia, nsw, gosford-2250, sydney-2000, united-kingdom, scotland

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Matildas no easybeats, warns Brazil coach

Brazil coach Kleiton Lima has warned his side to take nothing for granted in their opening match of the Women's World Cup against Australia.

Brazil is among the World Cup favourites along with Germany and the United States but the South American coach wants his side to focus all their efforts on closing down the Matildas in their first Group D clash.

"People only think about playing against Germany or the United States but before that we have to win (in the group)," said Lima.

Brazil is ranked third by FIFA and Australia 11th, in a group which also includes 1995 champions Norway and debutants Equatorial Guinea.

"Now our most difficult rival is Australia because it is our first match," said Lima. "Before thinking about the others we have to get through the group stages first."

Despite boasting star players such as Marta and Cristiane, Brazil's women's team have consistently failed to live up to their potential.

The five-time South American champions' best result has been a runner-up spot in China four years ago behind Germany, and they also settled for second on the podium behind the United States at the past two Olympics.

Five-time FIFA World Player of the Year Marta believes it is Brazil's time to finally lift the title.

"It's time for us to add our name to the list of winners in this competition," said Marta.

Asian champion Australia is 1-1 in its last two meetings with Brazil.

The Aussies fell 3-2 in the 2007 World Cup quarter-finals to the Brazilians but a year later scored a memorable 1-0 victory in the Peace Cup in Korea.

Matildas coach Tom Sermanni ranks two-time defending champions Germany "obvious favourites. Brazil and US are strong," but he predicted "any team ranked in the top 12 are potential dark horses."

And the Australians are high on confidence after a 2-0 warm-up victory over England last week in Wolfsburg.

"Winning against a team like England, who by the way are highly fancied for this World Cup, is a boost," said Tom Sermanni.

"There's a real sense of confidence around the team at the moment - a real self belief and buzz in the playing group."

Much has changed in the Australia set-up since a career best run to the quarter-finals four years ago.

This year's squad has 13 World Cup debutantes, with an average age of almost 22 and nearly half the squad is 20 or under.

Sermanni described the squad as "different" from four years ago.

"Less experienced but great depth, greater mobility," he said.

Only striker Lisa De Vanna, most-capped current player Heather Garriock, fellow midfielders Collette McCallum, Lauren Colthorpe, Sally Shipard, defender Clare Polkinghorne along with captain and goalkeepers Melissa Barbieri and Lydia Williams remain from the 2007 squad.

Sermanni said he was "still working on combinations" before deciding who would play up front against Brazil, but said Aussie spirits were high.

"Very positive, lots of energy, enthusiasm, and noise. We are the loudest women's national team," he added.

- AFP

Tags: sport, football, australia, brazil, germany

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Sweden, USA open Cup campaign with wins

A second-half goal from Jessica Landstrom got Sweden's women's World Cup campaign off the mark on Wednesday morning with a 1-0 win over newcomers Colombia in their opening Group C tie.

In the Group's other clash, two-time world champions United States lived up to its status as women's World Cup favourites, beating North Korea 2-0.

The Americans top Group C with three points along with Sweden while North Korea and Colombia have zero points.

USA next plays Colombia on July 2 in Sinsheim while the Koreans face Sweden the same day in Augsburg.

Sweden's Landstrom's 57th-minute goal came after a string of near misses from the bungling Swedish frontline but it was enough to secure all three points in their first meeting against Colombia

It was a worthy debut on the world stage for the young Colombians, who took to the pitch after the news that veteran goalkeeper Yineth Varon had been kicked out of the tournament for failing a doping test.

The 29-year-old tested positive following an out-of-competition test in Leverkusen last Saturday and is now suspended from all football pending an inquiry, but has the right to ask for her 'B' sample to be analysed.

However, the 31st-ranked Colombians proved on the pitch that they were more than a match for the fifth-ranked Swedes.

Despite dominating play early, Sweden made work easy for Colombian goalie Sandra Sepulveda.

The Colombians were hit when Gaitan was stretchered off briefly after being barged by Landstrom, with Seger then booked for a foul on Daniela Montoya. Yoreli Rincon, 17, sent the resulting Colombian free-kick wide.

Back after the break it was more of the same from Sweden as a run by Schelin past Sepulveda towards an empty goal saw the 27-year-old Lyon player fire wide.

A further dreadful effort from Landstrom after 57 minutes had Swedish coach Thomas Dennerby shaking his head in disbelief, but seconds later the disappointment turned to joy as Landstrom picked up a Schelin cross and finally found the target.

Sweden have reached the quarter-finals at four of the last five World Cups, missing out only at China 2007, when they were eliminated in the group phase.

Favourites make statement

Lauren Cheney opened the scoring for the Americans against North Korea in the 54th minute and Rachel Buehler doubled the lead after 76th minutes to take the United States to the top of Group C.

"It feels great to have played the first 45 minutes, to have made some changes at half-time and do very well in the second half," said USA coach Pia Sundhage.

"I am happy with how we scored the goals, how we played, and how strongly we defended. It's a good start."

Her North Korean counterpart was happy with the Asians' first half display.

"Today we played the American team and in the first half I think our team was pretty gutsy," said Kim Kwang Min.

"In the second half we didn't have enough strength left and were unable to implement the tactics we wanted to use."

In front of 21,859 at the Rudolf Harbig Stadium in Dresden American Carli Lloyd had the first chance after 10 minutes with a header off a free kick but Korean keeper Hong Myong Hui was well-placed.

North Korea succumbed to the pressure when Cheney finally beat Hong to make it 1-0 for the Americans in the 54th minute.

Abby Wambach chipped a ball from the left side over the defence to Cheney, who headed home for her 14th goal in her 40th international.

"When Lauren scored that goal it was like getting the monkey off our backs. We just wanted to score that goal and get it out of the way," said Wambach.

North Korea went close to levelling just two minutes later but Ri Ye Gyong's 16-yard blast struck the crossbar.

The Americans missed a chance to double their advantage after 65 minutes as Wambach's header was deflected by Hong onto the crossbar.

The US finished off their opponents in the 76th minute as Alex Krieger sent a cross from the right which struck the crossbar, the ball rebounded to Buehler, who struck the ball just inside the near post for her second career goal.

- AFP

Tags: sport, football, colombia, germany, north-korea, sweden, united-states

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