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[Roverbhoy]

From the BBC:-

Petrov wary of Larsson


Bulgaria midfielder Stilian Petrov has mixed feelings about facing former Celtic club-mate Henrik Larsson when they meet Sweden in Monday's opener.
Larsson, a free agent after parting company with Celtic, has come out of international retirement and Petrov is wary of his scoring prowess.

Petrov said: "Henrik's decision was fantastic for those who enjoy football.

"But it was a bad decision for Bulgaria, he's a fantastic player and it could go against my country."

 

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[Roverbhoy]

From Teletext:-

OWEN — ROONEY CAN SHINE IN PORTUGAL

Michael Owen believes striker partner Wayne Rooney is ready to explode onto the international scene this summer.

Rooney, 18, is the same age Owen was when he lit up the 1998 World Cup and the Liverpool striker said: "Just because he's young it doesn't mean he can't produce on the big stage.

"It's possible for Wayne to have a big tournament. You're not scared when you're young. You just want to play."

Owen says England will show no fear when they face France in their Euro 2004 Group B opener on Sunday.

He said: "We'll show them respect as they are a great side, but we are not in awe of them and we know we have the players to beat them. We won't build them up in our minds."

Owen also denied that a players' revolt made England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson dump his midfield diamond.

But Owen said: "I think it was always the manager's intention to try different things. He's not influenced by others and makes his own judgement."

 

[sallyinzaghi]

what thuram said bout rooney was funny - "he plays for everton, but he is no pele"

All is calm in the Azzurri camp


LISBON, June 8 (Reuters) - There is a strange silence surrounding
Italy's final preparations for Euro 2004 and it is one which bodes
well for Giovanni Trapattoni's team.
While other countries endlessly debate the likely line-up of their
sides, Italians have almost nothing to discuss.


For months now Trapattoni's starting 11 has been fixed, with only
injury likely to alter his plans.

Not even the tactical formation, a topic that can occupy hours of
discussion in Italian bars, is in much doubt ahead of the group C
matches with Denmark, their first opponents on June 14, Sweden and Bulgaria.

Trapattoni has made clear he will play with a four-man defence, two defensive midfielder, two attacking midfielders, including his main creative force Francesco Totti, and a front pairing of Christian
Vieri and probably Alessandro Del Piero.

Del Piero's position is under question due to his disappointing form in the second half of the Serie A season and he faces a challenge from Roma youngster Antonio Cassano.

The Juventus forward still looks to be favourite to start, given his
ability to play in a wider role on the left and bring balance to Trapattoni's formation.

The only other question mark is who will be the other creative
midfielder on the right.

Juventus's Argentine-born winger Mauro Camoranesi was the preferred option through most of the qualifying campaign but Lazio's Stefano Fiore ended the season in top form.

However, Fiore has struggled with an injury in recent weeks and
missed the last warm-up game in Tunisia, opening the door again to Camoranesi.

All in all though there is a rare stability, unity and calm
surrounding the Azzurri.

Some voices in the media would like to see a role given to Milan
midfielder Andrea Pirlo but Trapattoni has been loyal to his central
midfield pairing of Cristiano Zanetti and Simone Perrotta and looks
unlikely to spring any surprises.

The defence picks itself with Christian Panucci, Alessandro Nesta,
Fabio Cannavaro and Gianluca Zambrotta sure of a starting place in front of the first choice keeper Gianluigi Buffon.

It is an attacking formation, with Totti given licence to roam, Del
Piero likely to pull wide on the left and Fiore or Camoranesi
expected to provide the crosses to Vieri from the right.

The big question is whether Trapattoni will maintain such an
offensive line-up if the pressure is turned on.

Italy went into the World Cup in South Korea and Japan with a
similar three-pronged attack.

But on the eve of the tournament Trapattoni switched to a more
traditional 4-4-2 with the result that the entertaining, attacking
football of the qualification campaign was replaced by a more
defensive approach.

Trapattoni was criticised after an uninspired Italy were eliminated
by the Koreans in the second round and that failure may give him the courage to stick to his guns this time.

There is another good reason to stick with the current formation.

The Italy squad is unusual in being made up entirely of home-based players and most are used to playing with a Totti-style playmaker in the hole behind the strikers.

 

[Roverbhoy]

++ [ originally posted by sallyinzaghi ] ++
what thuram said bout rooney was funny - "he plays for everton, but he is no pele"

All is calm in the Azzurri camp


LISBON, June 8 (Reuters) - Italians have almost nothing to discuss.

I guess Gattuso is doing all the discussing by himself

Have you heard his comments about his demotion?

I have sympathy for him, but he must go with the managers decisions

 

[DAVIDZ]

Alex: I’m as good as Totti Wednesday 9 June, 2004

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Alessandro Del Piero says he doesn’t feel inferior to Italy’s new star player Francesco Totti.

The Roman was described as Italy’s answer to Michel Platini by Giovanni Trapattoni yesterday, but the Juve ace feels he shouldn’t be forgotten.

"I haven’t got anything less than Totti," said Alex. "I’m not really taking Trap’s comment into consideration anyway.

"Totti is Totti and I am Del Piero. We play in the same team and we must consider ourselves on the same level."

However, there is no doubt that people are expecting great things from Totti this summer rather than the Juve No 10.

"I’m not affected by the praise that Totti is receiving," he insisted. "In fact, I’m pleased that people are not saying that it will be my tournament as I could spring a surprise."

Trap has stated that the Azzurri are a different proposition with Totti in the side, does Del Piero agree?

"I don’t know how we would play without him," he responded. "Francesco is a great player who is looking forward to making an impact."

Although the Coach feels that Totti is key, Del Piero seems sure of a starting shirt if the boss keeps faith with the 4-2-3-1 system.

"Even if we don’t play like that nothing will really change for me," insisted the 29-year-old. "I may feel more pressure from Cassano but that wouldn’t cause a problem."

Del Piero also commented on Gennaro Gattuso’s decision to criticise Trap for not considering him and Andrea Pirlo in his first team plans.

"I think that you need to weigh up Gattuso’s comments correctly. He was simply stating the fact that he is ready to play if needed," he added.

Alex concluded by commenting on rumours that David Trezeguet could remain at Juventus next season.

"I haven’t got any problems with David," he said. "Emerson? I hope that he arrives. There have already been some surprises this summer, starting with the appointment of Fabio Capello."

Meanwhile, Trap is set to select Mauro Camoranesi ahead of Stefano Fiore for their opening game against Denmark.

The Azzurri played a practice match this morning with a team that should be selected next Monday.

Italy probable: Buffon; Panucci, Nesta, Cannavaro, Zambrotta; Perrotta, Zanetti; Camoranesi, Totti, Del Piero; Vieri

 

[dpforever]

The media looks like wanting to start a war between Del Piero and Totti

I hope Alex's comments doesn't get misinterpreted to Totti. They are both great players and hopefully they will both deliver for Italy and lead the team to glory.

 

[sallyinzaghi]

true.

yes I did read Gattuso's rants, and frankly I quite agree - I mean, I would definitely put pirlo-gattuso ahead of perrotta-zanetti. they're just too boring, and IMO they're not even as good.

if they get to start ahead (which I think they will), I hope they'll prove me wrong

 

[Roverbhoy]

From The BBC:-

Gattuso begs for chance

Italy midfielder Gennaro Gattuso has pleaded with coach Giovanni Trapattoni to start with him in their opening Euro 2004 game against Denmark.
The AC Milan star, who is set to be on the bench on Monday, said: "I've been an international for five years.

"Yet it still seems like my first year. I've made 31 appearances, which makes me the 10th most-capped in the squad.

"The coach makes his choices but I am coming into this tournament after two great seasons and I've improved a lot."

Gattuso believes Trapattoni should go with the formula that led Milan to the Italian title last season by pairing him with Andrea Pirlo.

"I find it absurd that we won't see Pirlo on the field because he is one of the best in the world from a tactical and technical point of view," he added.

But Trapattoni looks certain to choose Cristiano Zanetti and Simone Perrotta in the defensive midfield roles.

And Trapattoni took a swipe at critics of his selection when he said: "To say that the national side can't play like Milan because we don't have players like Kaka or Andriy Shevchenko, I find banal.

"I don't believe that anyone who knows football well could say such a thing."

 

[Elnur_E65]

This Trapp-Totti-Del Piero trio had to burst at one point in time. So here it did, but I hope nothing major happens.

As for Gattuso- he better shut his mouth and wait to be called up to the squad. 4-2-3-1 that Trapp is gonna play is much better than Milan's "all-defensive" scheme.

 

[sallyinzaghi]

oh - eurosport says trap doesn't mind all these rants from gattuso.

Trap names his starting XI
Wednesday June 09 2004

Italy coach Giovanni Trapattoni has gone the rugby route and named his line-up for the Euro 2004 opener five days in advance.

Unless it is a deliberate ploy to throw off Italy's opponents,
Trappattoni has saved Denmark the trouble of trying to second-guess his formation and line-up ahead of the two sides' Group C meeting on Monday.

Barring injury in the intervening period, the Azzurri will play a 4-
2-3-1 formation, with Gianluigi Buffon having won his battle with
Francesco Toldo to take his place between the sticks.

Alessandro Nesta and Fabio Cannavaro will form the side's central
defensive partnership, with Christian Panucci and Gianluca Zambrotta at right and left full-back respectively.

Simone Perrotta has been preferred to Gennarro Gattuso as Cristiano Zanetti's partner in front of the back four.

And in front of the duo will be the trio of Mauro Camoranesi,
Francesco Totti and Alessandro Del Piero, leaving Christian Vieri to
plough a lone furrow in attack.

There had been a groundswell of support for the inclusion of Roma's Antonio Cassano in place of Del Piero, who has not had the best of seasons, and whose profligacy was blamed for Italy's poor showing at the 2002 World Cup finals. But Trapattoni has ignored those calls and kept faith with Del Piero, who played under him at Juventus.

 

[dpforever]

ITALY’S Alessandro Del Piero has revealed he can’t wait for England to kick off against France on Sunday.

The Juventus striker, who faces Denmark next Monday, admitted: “It will be a fantastic game.

“I will watch it on television with the rest of the Italian players.

“There is no question it is the biggest clash of the first round.

“Both teams are capable of winning the tournament — and I really don’t know who will come out on top on the night.”

 

[Dj Juve]

what about Czech - Holland clash...that's bound to be alot more entertaining IMO

 

[paulo]

Agreed.:thumb:

 

[kaizer]

++ [ originally posted by dpforever ] ++
ITALY’S Alessandro Del Piero has revealed he can’t wait for England to kick off against France on Sunday.

The Juventus striker, who faces Denmark next Monday, admitted: “It will be a fantastic game.

“I will watch it on television with the rest of the Italian players.

“There is no question it is the biggest clash of the first round.

“Both teams are capable of winning the tournament — and I really don’t know who will come out on top on the night.”

alez les blues let's show the english who's da boss

 

[Roverbhoy]

From teletext:-

RUUD SEES OFF KLUIVERT CHALLENGE

Manchester United ace Ruud Van Nistelrooy admits he is raring to go now and it looks certain he has won the battle to lead the Dutch attack.

The Old Trafford hotshot has been involved in a fierce battle with Barcelona's Patrick Kluivert for the main striking role against Germany in their group D opener in Porto next week, now that boss Dick Advocaat has decided on a 4-3-3 formation after trying unsuccessfully to forge a partnership between Holland's two main strikers.

Van Nistelrooy said today: "I'm feeling fine, and I can't wait for the chance to play in a major tournament after missing two previously.

"I actually am surprised how fit I feel, particularly after a long season in England. All I can say is that I'm ready to play."

Advocaat has decided to play with one main striker and claims that Van Nistelrooy is his best bet.

And in a swipe at Kluivert, the Dutch coach added: "I played Kluivert because he was good in practice, but some players are good in practice and not in matches. Van Nistelrooy is certainly good in matches."

Van Nistelrooy's record of 14 goals in 33 internationals is on average roughly the same as Kluivert, who has hit 40 goals in 79 games for his country.

Advocaat adds: "I have a lot of good strikers but I have made my decision. I now expect the other forwards to accept that."

Van Nistelrooy says: "Everyone can see I'm ready to play. I enjoy big matches. I enjoy the Champions League, I enjoy FA Cup finals. It's the atmosphere in such cup tie style games that inspires me."

And Van Nistelrooy brushed aside the constant sniping that has been aimed at Advocaat in an erratic build-up to the finals.

He said: "That will not motivate us and is not important. Our motivation is our own desire to perform, we all want to perform well in these championships. That, and only that, is our biggest motivation."

 

[Roverbhoy]

And again:-


NO CASS FOR QUESTIONS WITH AZZURRI


Captain Fabio Cannavaro has denied there are rifts in the Italy squad two days before the start of Euro 2004, rumours exacerbated after volatile striker Antonio Cassano refused to attend a Thursday press conference.

Cannavaro and coach Giovanni Trapattoni have both spoken of the unity of the national team this week, but are dismayed by the number of stories back in Italy claiming that the players are unsettled.


And Cassano did nothing to dispel those rumours or his controversial reputation when deciding not to turn up to meet the media.

The Roma player has had rows in the past with former Roma coach Fabio Capello and Italy Under-21 boss Claudio Gentile.

Italian Football Federation (FIGC) spokesman Stefano Balducci said: "Cassano will not be turning up to the press conference.

"We have tried to convince him but he does not want to do it."

Cassano, who at 21 is the youngest player in Trapattoni's squad, is the first Azzurri player so far this week to have refused to meet the media and Cannavaro was later at pains to hail the team's unity.

"It is important for me to be here as the team spokesman," said Cannavaro in Thursday's press conference.

"We have read the stories that have been published in the past few days and we don't feel respected."

Lazio goalkeeper Angelo Peruzzi and AC Milan midfielder Gennaro Gattuso have both expressed frustration about a lack of playing time, but Trapattoni and Cannavaro have insisted that all is well.

"We are here to construct and not to destruct," said Cannavaro. "We are a good team, united and we want to do well."

Meanwhile, Roma captain Francesco Totti attempted to step out of the limelight by playing down some of Trapattoni's remarks about his importance in the team that have reportedly not been welcomed by some of his team-mates.

"I am very happy that the coach appreciates me," said Totti. "However, there are many other players that are also important in this team.

"A player cannot win alone, you need the support of your team-mates and here we are all equal."

Trapattoni likened Totti to France legend Michel Platini and said that he could have the same impact on the Azzurri that the former Juventus star had on Les Bleus.

Juventus striker Alessandro Del Piero who is set to start Italy's opener against Denmark on Monday in Guimaraes, recently stated that he didn't feel inferior to Totti in the Azzurri squad.

However, the Giallorosso playmaker has calmed the waters.

"If Trapattoni said that about any other player in the team I would not have a problem," said Totti. "Fortunately, I am not a jealous person.

"I simply handle my own responsibility and if the rest of the players do the same then we will do well in this tournament because I want to win the European Championships."

The 27-year-old is focused on the tournament despite his name being continuously linked with Spanish giants Real Madrid.

"I'm only thinking of the European Championships," said Totti. "After the tournament I will evaluate my future."

Totti, who was Roma's top scorer in the last campaign, could leave the debt-ridden club following the surprising departure of coach Capello to Juventus and team-mates Walter Samuel and Jonathan Zebina - they've joined Real Madrid and Juve respectively.

"The past is forgotten," said Totti, "But if they don't bring in five or six players this summer I would not be the one to betray them - they would."

 

[Roverbhoy]

Ditto:-


SWEDES INFLUENCED BY LARSSON RETURN


Sweden joint coach Lars Lagerback believes his side has been given new impetus by the decision of Henrik Larsson to return to international football.

The striker, a veteran of the Sweden team that reached the 1994 World Cup semi-finals, ended his exile from the national team at the request of Lagerback and his fellow coach Tommy Soderberg.

Larsson, a prolific goalscorer for Celtic who he has left this summer, will give the Scandinavians a new cutting edge in attack.

Lagerback said: "It's always a bit tricky to over-stress the importance of individual players but there is no doubt that Henrik will have an enormous influence for us.

"For me the strangest thing is that he continues to improve as a footballer even though he is now 33. You can see for yourselves how intelligent he is in training.

"He is always willing to learn. He has a huge influence on the rest of the team and on the morale of the squad. His return is a positive factor for us."

Larsson retired from international football after the 2002 World Cup.

 

[Roverbhoy]

From the BBC:-

Thuram set for 100th cap

FRANCE v ENGLAND

MATCH DETAILS
Group B, Lisbon
Sunday, 14 June, 1945 BST

France defender Lilian Thuram is set to win his 100th cap against England on Sunday - and hopes to be playing in his favoured central position.
The Juventus star has spent most of his international career at right-back, but has recently been used in the middle.

He has formed a strong partnership with Mikael Silvestre, but captain Marcel Desailly wants to return after injury.

"We don't know anything yet but my idea is that I'm going to play in central defence," said the 32-year-old.

"I've been asking to play in the middle for about 10 years and I was heard eventually. Central defence has always been my favourite position," he added.

Former coach Aime Jacquet, seeking a replacement for the ageing full-back Jocelyn Angloma, handed Thuram his first cap against the Czech Republic in 1994.

For me, the most important cap, the one you can't forget, is the first one.

Lilian Thuram

After Euro 96, Thuram joined Parma from Monaco as sweeper and was named the best defender in the Serie A in his first season.

But with Desailly and Laurent Blanc so impressive in the centre of France's defence, he had to settle for the right-back spot throughout the victorious 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000 campaigns.

Things only changed when Jacques Santini was appointed coach in 2002.

Santini realised that Desailly, who is now 35, was starting to lose his speed and strength and gave Thuram his chance.

Thuram, who will follow Desailly and Didier Deschamps in reaching 100 caps, was typically modest about the landmark.

"I'm not very fond of statistics. For me, the most important cap, the one you can't forget, is the first one," he said.

 

[Freddy]

++ [ originally posted by sallyinzaghi ] ++
what thuram said bout rooney was funny - "he plays for everton, but he is no pele"

What does he mean !! How can he compare Rooney to Pele !!

 

[gray]

England Fans Allowed to Smoke Dope
From NICK PARKER in Portugal

ENGLAND fans will be allowed to smoke dope before Sunday’s crunch clash with France — to keep them calm.

Cops in Lisbon plan to crack down on drunk supporters while turning a blind eye to those spotted puffing on a spliff.

Pot-smoking fans have been assured they will not be arrested, cautioned — or even have their drugs confiscated.

Last night experts said the Portuguese police’s “Here We Blow” policy would reduce chances of a punch-up between rival fans.

Alan Buffry of the Legalise Cannabis Alliance said: “If people are drinking they lose control, if they smoke cannabis they don’t.

“Alcohol makes fans fight. But cannabis smokers will be shaking hands and singing along together.”

Dutch police used a similar policy in Euro 2000 and England’s hooligan element were too stoned to fight.

A Lisbon police spokeswoman said: “If people cause a problem through drugs and become a menace then police will take action. But when this doesn’t happen why should the police be the ones making the fuss?”

More than 600 officers will be on duty for England’s opening group game at Lisbon’s Stadium of Light.

Fans who seem to be drunk may be breath-tested and refused entry.