Sculli is really improving :thumb: I can't wait to have him on board in the future 
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UEFA U-21 C'Ship (1 Viewer)
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games today 30/05:
Group B
Germany - Sweden 1:2 (0:0)
49' Jönsson
62' Elmander
84' Auer
Switzerland - Portugal 2:2 (0:0)
57' Vonlanthen
66' Carlos Martins (pen)
71' Hugo Almeida
86' Baykal
table after two matches played:
Sweden 6
Germany 3
Portugal 1
Switzerland 1
Sweden earn second success
Sunday, 30 May 2004
By Tim Dykes at the Carl-Benz-Stadion
Second-half goals from Jon Jönsson and Johan Elmander enabled Sweden to take a giant stride towards the semi-finals of the UEFA European Under-21 Championship with a 2-1 victory against Germany in Group B.
New-look lineup
Jönsson struck on 49 minutes and Elmander chalked up his third goal of the tournament just past the hour mark as a much-changed Germany team was put to the sword in Mannheim before Benjamin Auer's late effort made for a frantic finish.
Nine changes
Germany coach Uli Stielike rang the changes, with only goalkeeper Tim Wiese and Christoph Preuss retaining their places following Friday's 2-1 victory against Switzerland. As promised, Lukas Podolski started in attack alongside Mike Hanke, while Sweden, who beat Portugal in their opening game, began with the fit-again Tobias Hysén supporting Elmander.
Goalkeepers untroubled
There was little promise of the frantic finale during a first half that was at times painfully disjointed, with neither side willing to venture too far forward for fear of exposing themselves at the back. German goalkeeper Tim Wiese twice had to clear with his feet in the opening exchanges and his opposite number Johan Wiland punched clear a 15th-minute Podolski free-kick - but neither man had a significant save in a cagey first half hour.
Volz falters
After Germany had claims for a penalty turned down, the best chance of the half fell to Moritz Volz. The Fulham FC full-back ventured forward and found himself with a gilt-edged opportunity before disappointing the expectant home crowd by dragging the ball wide from eight metres with just Wiland to beat.
Jönsson strikes
Hysén drew the first true save of the match from Wiese with a soft header as the interval approached and the goalkeeper did well to force Elmander wide when the big striker bore down on goal, but the second half was a different story. Sweden took just four minutes to break the deadlock, Jönsson pouncing on indecision in the German defence to drill into the corner from 16 metres.
German pressure
Sweden then had to weather the storm and although Maik Franz was booked for bringing down Elmander, Stefan Ishizaki soon joined him in the referee's notebook for a tackle on Hanke. Podolski then went close with an acrobatic attempt with Wiland stranded before Robert Huth headed wide with the Swedish goal at his mercy.
Elmander quickest
Germany switched to 4-3-3 with the 59th-minute introduction of Auer but it left them stretched in defence and when Wiese pawed Samuel Holmén's header from Ishizaki's cross on to the crossbar, Elmander reacted quickly to stab the ball over the line and double Sweden's lead.
Audacious chip
Podolski showed a glimpse of the form which has put him on the brink of Rudi Voller's senior squad with an audacious chip which bounced off the crossbar before Auer swept in from close range on 85 minutes to rouse the home crowd, but despite Ishizaki having to clear Andreas Görlitz's rasping effort off the line, Sweden held on for victory.
Switzerland salvage vital point
Sunday, 30 May 2004
A spectacular equaliser four minutes from time from Baykal Kulaksizoglu earned Switzerland a dramatic draw in an exhilarating UEFA European Under-21 Championship Group B game in Mainz.
Stunning volley
Trailing 2-1 at the Bruchwegstadion, André Meier's side looked to be on their way out for the competition. However, Philippe Senderos' burst from defence gave Johan Vonlanthen the chance to cross and, although the ball was partially cleared, it fell perfectly for Baykal on the edge of the penalty area and the midfield player rescued a point with a spectacular volley.
New faces
Both sides made changes after defeats in their first matches, with Miguel Garcia, Custódio and Danny coming into the Portugal side in place of Mário Sérgio, Raúl Meireles and Carlos Martins. Switzerland coach Bernard Challandes, meanwhile, introduced Rijat Shala, Alain Nef, Baykal Kulaksizoglu, Fabrizio Zambrella and David Degan to his starting lineup.
Lourenço miss
Initially the personnel reshuffle seemed to have benefited Portugal more and José Pratas Romão's team might have taken the lead after just three minutes. A deep left-wing cross found Lourenço in space at the far post, but he sidefooted against the foot of a post and, although the ball rebounded straight back to the striker, he could only shoot wide.
Physical approach
Bruno Alves and Jorge Ribeiro both forced Switzerland goalkeeper Marco Wölfli into action, but genuine goalscoring opportunities were few and far between as a physical Swiss side sought to hustle and harry their opponents at every turn.
Imortant intervention
As the half wore on, both sides might have broken the deadlock. Nine minutes before the interval Zambrella burst dynamically down the right to cross but, just as Volanthen looked to have rounded Moreira, the Portugal goalkeeper stuck out a hand to palm the ball away.
Chances wasted
At the other end, Miguel Garcia's dribble into the area created another chance for Lourenço but again the striker's aim was wayward as he dragged wide. Zambrella and Volanthen then linked up again, but this time the forward missed his kick as he prepared to shoot.
Cool finish
The breakthrough did finally arrive 12 minutes into the second half, Switzerland taking the lead with a well-worked goal. Rochat's pass found Zambrella, whose perfect through-ball put Volanthen clear. This time the striker makes no mistake, sidefooting beyond Moreira.
Penalty equaliser
The lead lasted only nine minutes however, as Portuguese substitute Carlitos was brought down by Rocaht inside the penalty area and another replacement, Carlos Martins, made no mistake, sending Wölfli the wrong way from the spot.
Glancing header
Five minutes later Portugal were in front as Jorge Ribeiro swang in a left-wing cross and Hugo Almeida got ahead of two Swiss defenders to glance a header beyond a helplessly exposed Wölfli.
Red card
Switzerland threw everything forward as they sought an equaliser, and their hopes were boosted when Portugal captain Ricardo Costa was dismissed for violent conduct following a tussle with Nef eight minutes from time. However, Portugal seemed to set to hold out, but Baykal had other ideas.
reports taken from www.uefa.com
Group B
Germany - Sweden 1:2 (0:0)
49' Jönsson
62' Elmander
84' Auer
Switzerland - Portugal 2:2 (0:0)
57' Vonlanthen
66' Carlos Martins (pen)
71' Hugo Almeida
86' Baykal
table after two matches played:
Sweden 6
Germany 3
Portugal 1
Switzerland 1
Sweden earn second success
Sunday, 30 May 2004
By Tim Dykes at the Carl-Benz-Stadion
Second-half goals from Jon Jönsson and Johan Elmander enabled Sweden to take a giant stride towards the semi-finals of the UEFA European Under-21 Championship with a 2-1 victory against Germany in Group B.
New-look lineup
Jönsson struck on 49 minutes and Elmander chalked up his third goal of the tournament just past the hour mark as a much-changed Germany team was put to the sword in Mannheim before Benjamin Auer's late effort made for a frantic finish.
Nine changes
Germany coach Uli Stielike rang the changes, with only goalkeeper Tim Wiese and Christoph Preuss retaining their places following Friday's 2-1 victory against Switzerland. As promised, Lukas Podolski started in attack alongside Mike Hanke, while Sweden, who beat Portugal in their opening game, began with the fit-again Tobias Hysén supporting Elmander.
Goalkeepers untroubled
There was little promise of the frantic finale during a first half that was at times painfully disjointed, with neither side willing to venture too far forward for fear of exposing themselves at the back. German goalkeeper Tim Wiese twice had to clear with his feet in the opening exchanges and his opposite number Johan Wiland punched clear a 15th-minute Podolski free-kick - but neither man had a significant save in a cagey first half hour.
Volz falters
After Germany had claims for a penalty turned down, the best chance of the half fell to Moritz Volz. The Fulham FC full-back ventured forward and found himself with a gilt-edged opportunity before disappointing the expectant home crowd by dragging the ball wide from eight metres with just Wiland to beat.
Jönsson strikes
Hysén drew the first true save of the match from Wiese with a soft header as the interval approached and the goalkeeper did well to force Elmander wide when the big striker bore down on goal, but the second half was a different story. Sweden took just four minutes to break the deadlock, Jönsson pouncing on indecision in the German defence to drill into the corner from 16 metres.
German pressure
Sweden then had to weather the storm and although Maik Franz was booked for bringing down Elmander, Stefan Ishizaki soon joined him in the referee's notebook for a tackle on Hanke. Podolski then went close with an acrobatic attempt with Wiland stranded before Robert Huth headed wide with the Swedish goal at his mercy.
Elmander quickest
Germany switched to 4-3-3 with the 59th-minute introduction of Auer but it left them stretched in defence and when Wiese pawed Samuel Holmén's header from Ishizaki's cross on to the crossbar, Elmander reacted quickly to stab the ball over the line and double Sweden's lead.
Audacious chip
Podolski showed a glimpse of the form which has put him on the brink of Rudi Voller's senior squad with an audacious chip which bounced off the crossbar before Auer swept in from close range on 85 minutes to rouse the home crowd, but despite Ishizaki having to clear Andreas Görlitz's rasping effort off the line, Sweden held on for victory.
Switzerland salvage vital point
Sunday, 30 May 2004
A spectacular equaliser four minutes from time from Baykal Kulaksizoglu earned Switzerland a dramatic draw in an exhilarating UEFA European Under-21 Championship Group B game in Mainz.
Stunning volley
Trailing 2-1 at the Bruchwegstadion, André Meier's side looked to be on their way out for the competition. However, Philippe Senderos' burst from defence gave Johan Vonlanthen the chance to cross and, although the ball was partially cleared, it fell perfectly for Baykal on the edge of the penalty area and the midfield player rescued a point with a spectacular volley.
New faces
Both sides made changes after defeats in their first matches, with Miguel Garcia, Custódio and Danny coming into the Portugal side in place of Mário Sérgio, Raúl Meireles and Carlos Martins. Switzerland coach Bernard Challandes, meanwhile, introduced Rijat Shala, Alain Nef, Baykal Kulaksizoglu, Fabrizio Zambrella and David Degan to his starting lineup.
Lourenço miss
Initially the personnel reshuffle seemed to have benefited Portugal more and José Pratas Romão's team might have taken the lead after just three minutes. A deep left-wing cross found Lourenço in space at the far post, but he sidefooted against the foot of a post and, although the ball rebounded straight back to the striker, he could only shoot wide.
Physical approach
Bruno Alves and Jorge Ribeiro both forced Switzerland goalkeeper Marco Wölfli into action, but genuine goalscoring opportunities were few and far between as a physical Swiss side sought to hustle and harry their opponents at every turn.
Imortant intervention
As the half wore on, both sides might have broken the deadlock. Nine minutes before the interval Zambrella burst dynamically down the right to cross but, just as Volanthen looked to have rounded Moreira, the Portugal goalkeeper stuck out a hand to palm the ball away.
Chances wasted
At the other end, Miguel Garcia's dribble into the area created another chance for Lourenço but again the striker's aim was wayward as he dragged wide. Zambrella and Volanthen then linked up again, but this time the forward missed his kick as he prepared to shoot.
Cool finish
The breakthrough did finally arrive 12 minutes into the second half, Switzerland taking the lead with a well-worked goal. Rochat's pass found Zambrella, whose perfect through-ball put Volanthen clear. This time the striker makes no mistake, sidefooting beyond Moreira.
Penalty equaliser
The lead lasted only nine minutes however, as Portuguese substitute Carlitos was brought down by Rocaht inside the penalty area and another replacement, Carlos Martins, made no mistake, sending Wölfli the wrong way from the spot.
Glancing header
Five minutes later Portugal were in front as Jorge Ribeiro swang in a left-wing cross and Hugo Almeida got ahead of two Swiss defenders to glance a header beyond a helplessly exposed Wölfli.
Red card
Switzerland threw everything forward as they sought an equaliser, and their hopes were boosted when Portugal captain Ricardo Costa was dismissed for violent conduct following a tussle with Nef eight minutes from time. However, Portugal seemed to set to hold out, but Baykal had other ideas.
reports taken from www.uefa.com
Sculli played a terrible match against Berlarus but when he scores 2 goals (highly doubtful - offside) in the next match he is suddenly a hero and a great player
Anyway, I wish him good and it's nice to see a player like that - extremely hard working. He has really improved from the first match and hope he keeps on improving.
The last group match against Croatia is going to be played tomorrow. Let's hope the Azzurrini get out of this unscathed.
Sweden. Wow !!
Anyway, I wish him good and it's nice to see a player like that - extremely hard working. He has really improved from the first match and hope he keeps on improving.
The last group match against Croatia is going to be played tomorrow. Let's hope the Azzurrini get out of this unscathed.
Sweden. Wow !!
I hope to see the team with the same concentration and the same intensity as the one I saw against Serbia. We have only one objective and we have to achieve it." Claudio Gentile talks about the third match of the final phase of the European Championships. Tomorrow evening, the Under 21 team will play against Croatia and, as with Serbia, the Italians cannot make any mistakes.
The coach is serene and determined. He has already made his decisions: he will not change the module, so the Under-21 team will play with the 4-4-2 and Caracciolo will substitute the disqualified Gilardino on offense, together with Sculli: "I am not going to change the module - explained Gentile. The match will be decided in all the sectors, so we will have to be careful in back and take advantage of their defense with three defenders. I would be happy to see the same kind of match as the one we played against Serbia, we needed to find ourselves again and now we have to continue. We cannot make the mistake of underestimating our opponent."
The Under team has to win. And possibly without risking any more yellow cards, since two players have already been disqualified and seven are yellow-carded. "We can't make any calculations - continued Gentile - because they could result in unpleasant surprises. The yellow-carded players will have to play without thinking about a possible disqualification. The match against Croatia is an important one for me, for the team and for the Federation; we all know how far we can go."
Source: figc.it
The coach is serene and determined. He has already made his decisions: he will not change the module, so the Under-21 team will play with the 4-4-2 and Caracciolo will substitute the disqualified Gilardino on offense, together with Sculli: "I am not going to change the module - explained Gentile. The match will be decided in all the sectors, so we will have to be careful in back and take advantage of their defense with three defenders. I would be happy to see the same kind of match as the one we played against Serbia, we needed to find ourselves again and now we have to continue. We cannot make the mistake of underestimating our opponent."
The Under team has to win. And possibly without risking any more yellow cards, since two players have already been disqualified and seven are yellow-carded. "We can't make any calculations - continued Gentile - because they could result in unpleasant surprises. The yellow-carded players will have to play without thinking about a possible disqualification. The match against Croatia is an important one for me, for the team and for the Federation; we all know how far we can go."
Source: figc.it
De Rossi's Azzurrini through to Semis
Italy 1 - 0 Croatia
De Rossi 21 (I)
Daniele De Rossi's strike proved enough to get ten-man Italy into the semi-finals of the European Under-21 Championships.
The Azzurrini needed a victory in order to be certain of a place in the semi-finals, but they were forced to do without the injured Giandomenico Mesto and suspended Alberto Gilardino.
Croatia had only one point going into this game, but the Under-21 side shares its midfield with the senior squad and was therefore to be considered a threat in this tournament crunch tie.
Brescia hitman Andrea Caracciolo took over Gilardino's duties as partner to Giuseppe Sculli, while Daniele Bonera returned from a one-match ban.
There was a bizarre moment early on when Croatian defender Jese was accidentally kicked in the face by his teammate Goran Ljubojevic, but Marco Amelia had managed to save his bicycle-kick anyway.
Croatia had a very bright start and after seven minutes Amelia did extremely well to palm a Ljubojevic header out of the bottom corner.
Italy also went close with a fine solo effort from Sculli, though the Chievo hitman's rising angled drive merely skimmed the crossbar.
Amelia was kept busy and was forced into another splendid save after Babic had skipped past several defenders in the box, then held a long-range Ljubojevic shot.
However, despite this pressure it was the Azzurrini who broke the deadlock with Roma midfielder Daniele De Rossi's first international goal. A long Simone Del Nero free kick met De Rossi at the back post for an acrobatic volley after 21 minutes.
That boosted their confidence and moments later Sculli saw two consecutive shots charged down with great difficulty. On the half-hour mark Sculli charged down the right flank and brought a tricky save out of the goalkeeper.
Croatia remained dangerous and Kranjcar's angled drive shaved the far post with Amelia beaten, then just before the break he plucked a curling Lucic free kick out of the top corner.
In the second half Kranjcar and Da Silva's curling effort again went close, but Lucic proved decisive in halting Del Nero's intelligent counter-attack.
There was controversy when Carevic appeared to elbow Del Nero, but the referee only awarded a free kick for the incident. Instead, ten minutes later Del Nero was harshly shown his second yellow card for a foul and left Italy in ten men for the remaining half-hour.
As Belarus were losing to Serbia Montenegro, only a win would qualify Italy for the semi-finals. Parma midfielder Marco Donadel replaced Sculli to bolster the midfield.
Croatia saw this opportunity and pushed forward with Amelia again crucial in palming out a long-range Jese effort, throwing on striker Abramovic for the final bid for at least an equaliser, but deep into stoppages that substitute's header went just wide.
Italy U21: Amelia; Bonera, Barzagli, Bovo, Moretti; Pinzi, De Rossi, Palombo (Brighi 90), Del Nero; Caracciolo, Sculli (Donadel 68)
Croatia U21: Sarlija; Jese, Lucic, Drpic; Buljat (Abramovic 75), Babic, Safaric, Carevic; Kranjcar (Linic 81); Ljubojevic (Zahora 38), Da Silva
Ref: Layec (Fra)
Sent off: Del Nero 63 (I
Italy 1 - 0 Croatia
De Rossi 21 (I)
Daniele De Rossi's strike proved enough to get ten-man Italy into the semi-finals of the European Under-21 Championships.
The Azzurrini needed a victory in order to be certain of a place in the semi-finals, but they were forced to do without the injured Giandomenico Mesto and suspended Alberto Gilardino.
Croatia had only one point going into this game, but the Under-21 side shares its midfield with the senior squad and was therefore to be considered a threat in this tournament crunch tie.
Brescia hitman Andrea Caracciolo took over Gilardino's duties as partner to Giuseppe Sculli, while Daniele Bonera returned from a one-match ban.
There was a bizarre moment early on when Croatian defender Jese was accidentally kicked in the face by his teammate Goran Ljubojevic, but Marco Amelia had managed to save his bicycle-kick anyway.
Croatia had a very bright start and after seven minutes Amelia did extremely well to palm a Ljubojevic header out of the bottom corner.
Italy also went close with a fine solo effort from Sculli, though the Chievo hitman's rising angled drive merely skimmed the crossbar.
Amelia was kept busy and was forced into another splendid save after Babic had skipped past several defenders in the box, then held a long-range Ljubojevic shot.
However, despite this pressure it was the Azzurrini who broke the deadlock with Roma midfielder Daniele De Rossi's first international goal. A long Simone Del Nero free kick met De Rossi at the back post for an acrobatic volley after 21 minutes.
That boosted their confidence and moments later Sculli saw two consecutive shots charged down with great difficulty. On the half-hour mark Sculli charged down the right flank and brought a tricky save out of the goalkeeper.
Croatia remained dangerous and Kranjcar's angled drive shaved the far post with Amelia beaten, then just before the break he plucked a curling Lucic free kick out of the top corner.
In the second half Kranjcar and Da Silva's curling effort again went close, but Lucic proved decisive in halting Del Nero's intelligent counter-attack.
There was controversy when Carevic appeared to elbow Del Nero, but the referee only awarded a free kick for the incident. Instead, ten minutes later Del Nero was harshly shown his second yellow card for a foul and left Italy in ten men for the remaining half-hour.
As Belarus were losing to Serbia Montenegro, only a win would qualify Italy for the semi-finals. Parma midfielder Marco Donadel replaced Sculli to bolster the midfield.
Croatia saw this opportunity and pushed forward with Amelia again crucial in palming out a long-range Jese effort, throwing on striker Abramovic for the final bid for at least an equaliser, but deep into stoppages that substitute's header went just wide.
Italy U21: Amelia; Bonera, Barzagli, Bovo, Moretti; Pinzi, De Rossi, Palombo (Brighi 90), Del Nero; Caracciolo, Sculli (Donadel 68)
Croatia U21: Sarlija; Jese, Lucic, Drpic; Buljat (Abramovic 75), Babic, Safaric, Carevic; Kranjcar (Linic 81); Ljubojevic (Zahora 38), Da Silva
Ref: Layec (Fra)
Sent off: Del Nero 63 (I
Agreed, Moretti had a great game, he looked the most 'experienced' player on the field.
Moretti was part of the deal that brought us Appiah from Parma. We got Appiah for 2m Euros + Moretti (full ownership) + Blasi (one year loan). I think Parma then sold him to Bologna.
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Anyway, the Azzurrini next face Portugal in the semifinal and a win insures a place in the Athens Olympics. Italy already beat Portugal in a 3-1 friendly before the tournament started. But will miss Mesto and Del Nero.
Moretti was part of the deal that brought us Appiah from Parma. We got Appiah for 2m Euros + Moretti (full ownership) + Blasi (one year loan). I think Parma then sold him to Bologna.
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Anyway, the Azzurrini next face Portugal in the semifinal and a win insures a place in the Athens Olympics. Italy already beat Portugal in a 3-1 friendly before the tournament started. But will miss Mesto and Del Nero.
The UEFA U-19 C'Ship draw was held yesterday and here is the result:
GrA - Switzerland (Hosts), Italy (Holders), Belgium, Ukraine.
GrB - Germany, Spain, Poland, Turkey.
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Here is Italy's squad:
Goalkeepers
Gianluca Curci
Emiliano Viviano
Defenders
Alessandro Camisa
Michele Canini
Andrea Coda
Andrea D'agostino
Devis Nossa
Matteo Teoldo
Midfielders
Mirko Antonelli
Simone Bentivoglio
Lorenzo Carotti
Raffaele De Martino
Ernesto Luca Fiumicelli
Daniele Galloppa
Forwards
Andrea Alberti
Marino De Fendi
Domenico Girardi
Tonino Sorrentino
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Italy seem to have a good future as the U-19 and U-21 teams are strong and many players already play in Serie A. I can't help but notice teams like England, France and Holland have weak youth teams.
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GrA - Switzerland (Hosts), Italy (Holders), Belgium, Ukraine.
GrB - Germany, Spain, Poland, Turkey.
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Here is Italy's squad:
Goalkeepers
Gianluca Curci
Emiliano Viviano
Defenders
Alessandro Camisa
Michele Canini
Andrea Coda
Andrea D'agostino
Devis Nossa
Matteo Teoldo
Midfielders
Mirko Antonelli
Simone Bentivoglio
Lorenzo Carotti
Raffaele De Martino
Ernesto Luca Fiumicelli
Daniele Galloppa
Forwards
Andrea Alberti
Marino De Fendi
Domenico Girardi
Tonino Sorrentino
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Italy seem to have a good future as the U-19 and U-21 teams are strong and many players already play in Serie A. I can't help but notice teams like England, France and Holland have weak youth teams.
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