Croatia held Brazil 1-1 and Kranjcar had a great show, outclassing every brazilian in the midfield. Good to hear, I bet my grandfather had a good time 
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Road to WC2006 (8 Viewers)
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Our team has always been stuck on 3-5-2 for as long as......forever actually. We've been trying to phase it out in favor of the 4-4-2, but most clubs in Egypt prefer the former...I see the 2nd goal being the result of that.
However, the first one...Mido didn't pick up anybody in the area and to add insult to injury, he sticks his big fat ass between Meira and our keeper...the guy couldn't see shit. Mido didn't play like he has been doing with Spurs.
Ghaly was terrible...but really, can you blame him, being fielded with 2 other defensive mids and 3 center forwards?
I was only impressed by Shawqy (the guy who marked Figo...dark skin, short hair) and Meteab (the one who smacked the bar).
As for the coach...I call him "Lion Face"
Oh, and apparently he's got some problem now with Ahmed Hassan (guy in my avatar and sig, always gives 200% for the NT)...keep politics away for ****'s sake.:fero:
However, the first one...Mido didn't pick up anybody in the area and to add insult to injury, he sticks his big fat ass between Meira and our keeper...the guy couldn't see shit. Mido didn't play like he has been doing with Spurs.
Ghaly was terrible...but really, can you blame him, being fielded with 2 other defensive mids and 3 center forwards?
I was only impressed by Shawqy (the guy who marked Figo...dark skin, short hair) and Meteab (the one who smacked the bar).
As for the coach...I call him "Lion Face"
Oh, and apparently he's got some problem now with Ahmed Hassan (guy in my avatar and sig, always gives 200% for the NT)...keep politics away for ****'s sake.:fero:
Analysis of Libya-Nigeria
Libya played strctly defensively for the entire first half relying on counters only from El Taib (#14) and Kara (#15) before changing plans in the second.
The defense was nervous and harassed by Martins and Kanu who had too much time on the ball in the box and near.
Kara (Striker #15) wasted several chances after good set up passes from El Taib (#14). Most obviously wasted chances were in the 7th, 24th, 32nd minutes.
Martins scored with only the goalie to stop him because of a collective mistake from the defense thinking him off sight.
Nigeria's talent and capabilities were evident in the first half and relied mostly on short controlled passes and possession. At times they had the ball for over two minutes before possession changed hands.
Three substitutions in the second half switched the game plan for Libya from defense to attack.
Six Libyan players featured for the first time and did well against such high quality opposition as Nigeria. This is one of the main reasons to consider the game a fruitful friendly.
In the second half Libya was able to excute build up play in Nigeria's half, gain more possession, and dictate more of the game starting from the defense to the midfield. The attack on the other hand was well handled by the Nigerian defense.
Libya played strctly defensively for the entire first half relying on counters only from El Taib (#14) and Kara (#15) before changing plans in the second.
The defense was nervous and harassed by Martins and Kanu who had too much time on the ball in the box and near.
Kara (Striker #15) wasted several chances after good set up passes from El Taib (#14). Most obviously wasted chances were in the 7th, 24th, 32nd minutes.
Martins scored with only the goalie to stop him because of a collective mistake from the defense thinking him off sight.
Nigeria's talent and capabilities were evident in the first half and relied mostly on short controlled passes and possession. At times they had the ball for over two minutes before possession changed hands.
Three substitutions in the second half switched the game plan for Libya from defense to attack.
Six Libyan players featured for the first time and did well against such high quality opposition as Nigeria. This is one of the main reasons to consider the game a fruitful friendly.
In the second half Libya was able to excute build up play in Nigeria's half, gain more possession, and dictate more of the game starting from the defense to the midfield. The attack on the other hand was well handled by the Nigerian defense.
Super Eagles captain and team playmaker Austin Okocha has ruled himself out of the Oran World Cup cracker citing injury as reason. The Eagle captain told a Manchester evening newspaper that he will not be available for Sunday's match because of injury.
"I'm not going because I have a problem that needs a scanning. I think they will be okay. I will be sending them my best wishes," said Okocha yesterday.
Okocha who is also the captain of Bolton Wanderers was reported to have picked up a groin strain in last Saturday 2-1 win at Upton Park against West Ham.
After examination yesterday Okocha said he has no chance of recovering before the game against Algeria.
This is not the first time Okocha will pull out of the national team citing injuries or loss of form. The Eagles captain did not play the match against Gabon at away, Rwanda and there are rumours that he is even planning to skip the Nations Cup next January in Egypt, but with the promise to play at the World Cup.
A cross section of Nigerians are unhappy about the decision especially now that the entire soccer loving citizens are putting their hope on team captain, Okocha to pilot the team to safety in Sunday's World Cup cracker against Algeria.
Reacting to Okocha's decision, a board member of the NFA, Dickson Adejube yesterday said that he still believed that Okocha is only looking for a way to deceive the Algerians.
"Don't forget that the same Okocha declared himself unfit few days before the match against Angola in Kano. At the end of the day, Okocha proved to be the best player in that match. I still believe he will come for the match against Algeria on Sunday".
Speaking further, Adejube, who is also the Chairman of Ondo State FA said: "I do not blame Okocha for the situation we have found ourselves today The blame should go to both the former sports minister Musa Mohammed and the entire team for their unseriousness towards the World Cup qualification."
"The boys did not show enough commitment to our past matches and the sports minister did not help matters. He distabilised the NFA and it affected our plans. If we fail to qualify, Nigerians should hold the former sports minister responsible," Adejube stated
For former 3SC coach, Godfrey Esu, Okocha's absence in Sunday's game against the Algeria Desert Warriors could spell doom for Nigeria.
According to him, majority of Super Eagles' players look up to Okocha for ball distribution, adding that his absence will definitely affect the general performance of the team.
"Apart from our boys missing Okocha's ball distribution and team coordination, his absence will give the Algerians the opportunity to have a field day. As far as I am concerned, playing Sunday's game without Okocha will have a lot of negative impact on the Nigerian team. If the Algerians do not see Okocha in Nigeria's line-up on Sunday, their confidence will grow and that will signal the beginning of problems for the Eagles. Pray that Okocha have a change of mind and turn up for the match because this is one game Nigeria must not lose," Esu said
"I'm not going because I have a problem that needs a scanning. I think they will be okay. I will be sending them my best wishes," said Okocha yesterday.
Okocha who is also the captain of Bolton Wanderers was reported to have picked up a groin strain in last Saturday 2-1 win at Upton Park against West Ham.
After examination yesterday Okocha said he has no chance of recovering before the game against Algeria.
This is not the first time Okocha will pull out of the national team citing injuries or loss of form. The Eagles captain did not play the match against Gabon at away, Rwanda and there are rumours that he is even planning to skip the Nations Cup next January in Egypt, but with the promise to play at the World Cup.
A cross section of Nigerians are unhappy about the decision especially now that the entire soccer loving citizens are putting their hope on team captain, Okocha to pilot the team to safety in Sunday's World Cup cracker against Algeria.
Reacting to Okocha's decision, a board member of the NFA, Dickson Adejube yesterday said that he still believed that Okocha is only looking for a way to deceive the Algerians.
"Don't forget that the same Okocha declared himself unfit few days before the match against Angola in Kano. At the end of the day, Okocha proved to be the best player in that match. I still believe he will come for the match against Algeria on Sunday".
Speaking further, Adejube, who is also the Chairman of Ondo State FA said: "I do not blame Okocha for the situation we have found ourselves today The blame should go to both the former sports minister Musa Mohammed and the entire team for their unseriousness towards the World Cup qualification."
"The boys did not show enough commitment to our past matches and the sports minister did not help matters. He distabilised the NFA and it affected our plans. If we fail to qualify, Nigerians should hold the former sports minister responsible," Adejube stated
For former 3SC coach, Godfrey Esu, Okocha's absence in Sunday's game against the Algeria Desert Warriors could spell doom for Nigeria.
According to him, majority of Super Eagles' players look up to Okocha for ball distribution, adding that his absence will definitely affect the general performance of the team.
"Apart from our boys missing Okocha's ball distribution and team coordination, his absence will give the Algerians the opportunity to have a field day. As far as I am concerned, playing Sunday's game without Okocha will have a lot of negative impact on the Nigerian team. If the Algerians do not see Okocha in Nigeria's line-up on Sunday, their confidence will grow and that will signal the beginning of problems for the Eagles. Pray that Okocha have a change of mind and turn up for the match because this is one game Nigeria must not lose," Esu said
PSV Eindhoven defender Michael Lamey is considering an offer from Nigeria to represent them in a World Cup qualifier with Algeria at the weekend.
The full back has represented the Netherlands at youth level, but has yet to make the step up to the full international team.
With the 25-year-old having a Nigerian mother, the African country's FA are looking into the prospect of drafting him in to face Algeria.
With Nigeria level on points with Angola at the top of Group Four, three points against Algeria is vital as they seek to reach the finals in Germany.
Lamey has been give a couple of days to decide, in what could be a busy week for the defender.
He has yet to secure regular playing time at PSV and is being courted by AZ Alkmaar.
AZ are seeking defensive reinforcements and could make a deadline-day swoop for the defender.
The full back has represented the Netherlands at youth level, but has yet to make the step up to the full international team.
With the 25-year-old having a Nigerian mother, the African country's FA are looking into the prospect of drafting him in to face Algeria.
With Nigeria level on points with Angola at the top of Group Four, three points against Algeria is vital as they seek to reach the finals in Germany.
Lamey has been give a couple of days to decide, in what could be a busy week for the defender.
He has yet to secure regular playing time at PSV and is being courted by AZ Alkmaar.
AZ are seeking defensive reinforcements and could make a deadline-day swoop for the defender.
As the zero hour approaches swiftly for the do or die cracker against the Desert Warriors of Algeria, Super Eagles coach, Augustine Eguavoen said yesterday that the attitude of the players would stand between them and victory on Sunday.
Eguavoen who is having his first acid test since stepping into the shoes of Christian Chukwu as head coach said that if the players fight like wounded lions, they would come out victorious in the battle of Oran. Speaking on our hotline from his Browns Resort Camp in Algarve in Portugal, Eguavoen said that the morale of the players was high and that they were all in good mood training well ahead of the match.
“There is no problem as regards the players in camp. We now have a good number of players in camp and they have all exhibited the enthusiasm of players who want to win . There is nothing we can do without asking for prayers from Nigerians. At a time like this, we need the prayers, knowing that they work wonders”, Eguavoen said adding that his colleagues - Samson Siasia, Daniel Amokachi and Ike Shorunmu have been wonderful as they prepare the team for the task ahead.
Commenting on the absence of skipper Austin Jay Jay Okocha, Eguavoen said that they all miss him but had no alternative than to forge ahead without him.
“We all know that Okocha cannot play forever for the Eagles. But there is no how you can dismiss the fact that he is a fantastic player whose inspiration does a lot of magic for his team mates. But we have come to the sad reality that he cannot play against Algeria and must move ahead.
We all know what it is for a player to have injury and it will not do us any good if he is to hide the injury and becomes a minus to the team. If he comes and does not measure up to the standard expected of him, I would have dropped him. It is good that he is not coming but sad when you know that truly Okocha will not be in Algeria”, Eguavoen confessed. The Coach dismissed fears that his team would not have a replacement for the player.
“We have Wilson Oruma, Mikel Obi and Kanu Nwankwo. We have good replacements and there is nothing to worry about that”, he said. Co-ordinator of the team, Sumonu Bello-Osagie also noted that the players had put behind them the reality that Okocha would not be available and were doing well.
“We’ve concluded arrangements to travel to Oran tomorrow. It is better we leave early and get used to everything in Algeria before the Sunday match. The spirit in camp is high and it is highly emotional when you see players talk about the match and demonstrate their resolve to win”, Bello-Osagie added.
Eguavoen who is having his first acid test since stepping into the shoes of Christian Chukwu as head coach said that if the players fight like wounded lions, they would come out victorious in the battle of Oran. Speaking on our hotline from his Browns Resort Camp in Algarve in Portugal, Eguavoen said that the morale of the players was high and that they were all in good mood training well ahead of the match.
“There is no problem as regards the players in camp. We now have a good number of players in camp and they have all exhibited the enthusiasm of players who want to win . There is nothing we can do without asking for prayers from Nigerians. At a time like this, we need the prayers, knowing that they work wonders”, Eguavoen said adding that his colleagues - Samson Siasia, Daniel Amokachi and Ike Shorunmu have been wonderful as they prepare the team for the task ahead.
Commenting on the absence of skipper Austin Jay Jay Okocha, Eguavoen said that they all miss him but had no alternative than to forge ahead without him.
“We all know that Okocha cannot play forever for the Eagles. But there is no how you can dismiss the fact that he is a fantastic player whose inspiration does a lot of magic for his team mates. But we have come to the sad reality that he cannot play against Algeria and must move ahead.
We all know what it is for a player to have injury and it will not do us any good if he is to hide the injury and becomes a minus to the team. If he comes and does not measure up to the standard expected of him, I would have dropped him. It is good that he is not coming but sad when you know that truly Okocha will not be in Algeria”, Eguavoen confessed. The Coach dismissed fears that his team would not have a replacement for the player.
“We have Wilson Oruma, Mikel Obi and Kanu Nwankwo. We have good replacements and there is nothing to worry about that”, he said. Co-ordinator of the team, Sumonu Bello-Osagie also noted that the players had put behind them the reality that Okocha would not be available and were doing well.
“We’ve concluded arrangements to travel to Oran tomorrow. It is better we leave early and get used to everything in Algeria before the Sunday match. The spirit in camp is high and it is highly emotional when you see players talk about the match and demonstrate their resolve to win”, Bello-Osagie added.
R-E-S-P-E-C-T
Never mind Damon Dash, the next time Victoria Beckham attempts to
revive what passes for her singing career she should look to her
husband for trendiness-by-association musical kudos. For this morning
the England skipper could be heard giving a note-perfect rendition of
an old Aretha Franklin classic when he called upon hacks covering
tomorrow's McDonalds Fuji Mastercard Starbucks Fiver Shell Vodafone
World Cup qualifier between Wales and England to "show a little bit
more respect" to Sven-Goran Eriksson.
With speculation abounding that Sven will field a 4-5-1 formation
because his senior players told him to, Beckham was quick to - sock
it to them, sock it to them, sock it to them, sock it to them - deny
anything of the sort. "This whole player power thing has come up this
week but it's nothing to do with that," he mwa-ha-ha-ed, while
stroking a middle-aged Swede that was curled up on his lap. [Careful
- Fiver Ed]. "It happens all the time - if the manager decides he
wants a meeting with the players to discuss different formations or
ways of playing he calls a meeting. I think a little bit more respect
has to be shown to the manager." Just a little bit. Ooh! Etc.
And while Sven may appear to do little to earn his GBP5m-per-year
salary, Beckham went to great lengths to convince the assembled press
corps that he's definitely earned our respect. "He [Eriksson] picks
the team and formations. He discusses things with players and players
appreciate that, but the final decision is down to him." Quizzed on
the matter himself, Sven was happy to read from a script drafted by
Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard moments earlier: "Since 1976 I've
had meetings with my players and if I don't talk to them, who do I
talk do?" he inquired, as the Fiver's Welsh cousin,
Llanfairpwllgwyngllgogerychwyrndrobwllynyngofod Fiver, elicited
raucous guffaws among the press corps by shouting: "Faria Alam! On
your mobile phone!"
Never mind Damon Dash, the next time Victoria Beckham attempts to
revive what passes for her singing career she should look to her
husband for trendiness-by-association musical kudos. For this morning
the England skipper could be heard giving a note-perfect rendition of
an old Aretha Franklin classic when he called upon hacks covering
tomorrow's McDonalds Fuji Mastercard Starbucks Fiver Shell Vodafone
World Cup qualifier between Wales and England to "show a little bit
more respect" to Sven-Goran Eriksson.
With speculation abounding that Sven will field a 4-5-1 formation
because his senior players told him to, Beckham was quick to - sock
it to them, sock it to them, sock it to them, sock it to them - deny
anything of the sort. "This whole player power thing has come up this
week but it's nothing to do with that," he mwa-ha-ha-ed, while
stroking a middle-aged Swede that was curled up on his lap. [Careful
- Fiver Ed]. "It happens all the time - if the manager decides he
wants a meeting with the players to discuss different formations or
ways of playing he calls a meeting. I think a little bit more respect
has to be shown to the manager." Just a little bit. Ooh! Etc.
And while Sven may appear to do little to earn his GBP5m-per-year
salary, Beckham went to great lengths to convince the assembled press
corps that he's definitely earned our respect. "He [Eriksson] picks
the team and formations. He discusses things with players and players
appreciate that, but the final decision is down to him." Quizzed on
the matter himself, Sven was happy to read from a script drafted by
Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard moments earlier: "Since 1976 I've
had meetings with my players and if I don't talk to them, who do I
talk do?" he inquired, as the Fiver's Welsh cousin,
Llanfairpwllgwyngllgogerychwyrndrobwllynyngofod Fiver, elicited
raucous guffaws among the press corps by shouting: "Faria Alam! On
your mobile phone!"
Officials have told KICK OFF that both Mikel Obi and Chinedu Ogbuke have dropped out of Sunday's World Cup clash against Algeria in Oran.
"The coaches have said that both players need not join the team in Algeria again because they may most likely not fit into their plans as they did not train with the rest of the squad in Portugal," NFA technical committee chairman Sulaiman David told KICK OFF late on Friday.
It is believed that the Flying Eagles stars have been held back by entry visas back to their base in Norway.
They are now expected to fly out to Norway by the weekend.
Both players made their full international debut against Libya last month in a friendly in Tripoli and were expected to also be involved in the all-important qualifier against Algeria on Sunday.
Source
"The coaches have said that both players need not join the team in Algeria again because they may most likely not fit into their plans as they did not train with the rest of the squad in Portugal," NFA technical committee chairman Sulaiman David told KICK OFF late on Friday.
It is believed that the Flying Eagles stars have been held back by entry visas back to their base in Norway.
They are now expected to fly out to Norway by the weekend.
Both players made their full international debut against Libya last month in a friendly in Tripoli and were expected to also be involved in the all-important qualifier against Algeria on Sunday.
Source
Russian billionaire Roman Abramovic is set to grace Sunday's World Cup qualifier between the Ivory Coast and Cameroon in Abidjan.
Abramovic, owner of English Premiership champions Chelsea, will be accompanied by the club's manager Jose Mourinho.
The two men are expected to cheer on Chelsea striker Didier Drogba as he leads the Ivorian attack.
Rumours about the arrival of the two high-profile figures started spreading around the capital on Thursday.
On Saturday, a member of the Ivorian Football Federation confirmed that they had helped a group of eight people from Chelsea, including Mourinho and Abramovic, with the practical details of their trip to Ivory Coast.
One of the world's richest men, Abramovic is expected to arrive in Abidjan aboard his private jet.
It is not yet known where the Portuguese coach and the Russian billionaire will stay, nor what their schedule will look like in the Ivory Coast.
It is unlikely that the pair will take in Abidjan¿s most famous night-time attraction, the raucous Rue Princesse, a long street of rough bars and deafening music.
The two might, though, indulge in a 'Drogba', the litre-sized beer nicknamed after the Chelsea striker for its large dimensions.
Their support is likely to give a huge boost to Drogba the player, as he attempts to lead the Elephants to the World Cup for the first time.
Ivory Coast will qualify for Germany 2006 if they beat Cameroon, while a draw would leave them needing to win their final match, away to minnows Sudan in October.
Source
Abramovic, owner of English Premiership champions Chelsea, will be accompanied by the club's manager Jose Mourinho.
The two men are expected to cheer on Chelsea striker Didier Drogba as he leads the Ivorian attack.
Rumours about the arrival of the two high-profile figures started spreading around the capital on Thursday.
On Saturday, a member of the Ivorian Football Federation confirmed that they had helped a group of eight people from Chelsea, including Mourinho and Abramovic, with the practical details of their trip to Ivory Coast.
One of the world's richest men, Abramovic is expected to arrive in Abidjan aboard his private jet.
It is not yet known where the Portuguese coach and the Russian billionaire will stay, nor what their schedule will look like in the Ivory Coast.
It is unlikely that the pair will take in Abidjan¿s most famous night-time attraction, the raucous Rue Princesse, a long street of rough bars and deafening music.
The two might, though, indulge in a 'Drogba', the litre-sized beer nicknamed after the Chelsea striker for its large dimensions.
Their support is likely to give a huge boost to Drogba the player, as he attempts to lead the Elephants to the World Cup for the first time.
Ivory Coast will qualify for Germany 2006 if they beat Cameroon, while a draw would leave them needing to win their final match, away to minnows Sudan in October.
Source
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