Tulips bloom time
From October to May, Holland suffered the first slump of Bert van Marwijk’s era since the coach’s appointment in 2008, with four defeats out of seven games. Most of them (against Germany, Bayern Munich and Bulgaria) however were meaningless friendlies, meaning criticism really failed to land at the Oranje’s door.
“The last two games before Euro 2012 will be our medicine”, stated Van Marwijk. He was right, as Holland easily beat Slovakia 2-0 and Northern Ireland 6-0. Do these victories mean that the side’s confidence is back? To be honest, it never went away.
Holland’s most recent friendlies were useful for Van Marwijk to settle upon his best starting eleven – and that is not the easiest thing to do due to the abundance of talented players in the Dutch squad. The coach has chosen Robin van Persie above Klaas-Jan Huntelaar as central striker, Ibrahim Afellay as the side’s left winger with Arjen Robben on the right, and 18-year-old Jetro Willems as left-back..
Nothing to lose
Denmark have nothing to lose in the hardest group at Euro 2012. This means Morten Olsen’s man can play freely, without any real pressure; and this could be dangerous for the Dutch.
A 2-0 victory over Australia in the country’s last warm-up clash has boosted the Danes’ confidence after poor displays in friendly defeats to Russia and Brazil. However, Denmark still seem to be unable to perform at their best against top class opponents.
Despite playing with an attacking looking 4-3-3, Denmark will focus on a solid defensive display and a one-chance-one-goal philosophy up front. The dramatic lack of a potent striker forces coach Olsen to develop the side’s game on the flanks, with two wingers in Krohn-Dehli and Rommedahl as the team’s most dangerous weapons; that is if the duo can turn in a consistent level of performance, which has often deserted them. And it is consistency that Denmark’s main creative outlet, Christian Eriksen, also still lacks..
Players to watch
Holland – Ibrahim Afellay: Despite only returning to action at the end of April, having been sidelined for eight months due to injury, Barcelona star Afellay was given a vote of confidence with inclusion in the Oranje squad. He has quickly shown himself to be in good form, becoming the regular option for Van Marwijk on the left flank in a 4-2-3-1. His exquisite technical skill, alongside a strong work ethic, combined with a good nose for goal (he scored a brace in Holland’s friendly against Northern Ireland), make him one of the Oranje’s most dangerous players.
Denmark – Michael Krohn-Dehli: Speedy winger Krohn-Dehli will come to face-to-face with former Ajax team-mates Maarten Stekelenburg, John Heitinga, Gregory van der Wiel and Huntelaar. Unlike those stars, the Dane failed to make the breakthrough at the Dutch giants, moving back home to Denmark. At Brondby, he developed into one of the country’s best players, becoming a regular in the national team; he scored four times in 2011. Krohn-Dehli’s speed on the right flank may make him a nightmare for inexperienced Dutch left-back Willems.
Match prediction
“After our star Wesley Sneijder said there is nothing to be worried about, I am worried”, joked a columnist at Dutch paper De Telegraaf. The statement sums up the situation clearly, with a lack of urgency looking to be Holland’s worst enemy. Under Van Marwijk, however, Holland have never failed to perform in the big games. Denmark are rightful underdogs and their fighting spirit may not be enough to take anything from this. Holland 3-0 Denmark.
Fonte: Inside Futbol
sabato 9 giugno 2012
venerdì 8 giugno 2012
Euro 2012: Holland
Since winning the European Championship in 1988, Holland have never failed to reach the knockout phase of the competition. However, the Oranje have not gone beyond the semi-final too. Both in 1992 and 2000 Holland were knocked out after penalty shootouts, while in 2008 a brilliant group stage ended in disappointment as Guus Hiddink’s Russia showed the Dutch the door in the quarter-final.
Holland had an impressive qualifying campaign for Euro 2012, netting 37 goals in ten games and conceding just eight – three coming in the final match against Sweden which was a 3-1 defeat. That stopped Holland recording a 100 per cent qualifying record, as they had on the way to the 2010 World Cup. Coach Bert van Marwijk can call upon a stunning array of attacking talents, including Arjen Robben, Wesley Sneijder, Rafael van der Vaart, Dirk Kuyt, Robin van Persie and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar. While selecting a team will not be easy for Van Marwijk, if he can find the right mix, the 2010 World Cup finalists could go one better than in South Africa.
In The Dugout – Bert van Marwijk
Van Marwijk took over as coach after Euro 2008 and guided his team to the 2010 World Cup in style. He then took the Oranje to the competition’s final, beating Brazil and Uruguay along the way before losing to Spain, only in extra time. Despite criticism of his side’s cynical approach, the coach has continued to enjoy a good relationship with the country’s media, thanks to an almost perfect Euro 2012 qualifying campaign. Van Marwijk has previously bossed Feyenoord and Borussia Dortmund, winning the 2002 UEFA Cup with the former. His daughter Adra is married to Dutch international Mark van Bommel, who worked with his father-in-law at Fortuna Sittard between 1997 and 1999.
Key player: Klaas Jan Huntelaar
Huntelaar is not a striker who stands out on account of an exquisite technique, and his goals are rarely spectacular, but the Schalke man is ruthless in front of goal. Last February, Huntelaar became the second most efficient Dutch striker of all-time, firing himself to an impressive goal per minute ratio of 96.20, due to 30 goals in 2,886 minutes played. And with 12 goals in eight games he finished as the Euro 2012 qualifiers top scorer. The goal machine has been on fire domestically too, finishing as Schalke’s top scorer with 48 goals in all competitions.
View from Holland
The Dutch squad is full of talent and will be one of the favourites for Euro 2012, and in Holland, nobody doubts that the country could win the tournament. At present, the discussion is around who should lead the line, Huntelaar or Van Persie, and what is the best tactical setup for the side. There is nevertheless an expectation that Van Marwijk will make the right calls and lead Holland to the title.
Verdict
Holland have unbelievable attacking strength, while the jury is still out on the country’s defence. The team lack a top class left-back and in the last six months have lost more games (three) than in the previous three years (two). And the side must be at their best from the off, given the tough nature of the group. Potentially Holland have enough quality to beat all their opponents and to bring home the second major piece of silverware in their history after the legendary campaign of 1988.
Fonte: Inside Futbol
Holland had an impressive qualifying campaign for Euro 2012, netting 37 goals in ten games and conceding just eight – three coming in the final match against Sweden which was a 3-1 defeat. That stopped Holland recording a 100 per cent qualifying record, as they had on the way to the 2010 World Cup. Coach Bert van Marwijk can call upon a stunning array of attacking talents, including Arjen Robben, Wesley Sneijder, Rafael van der Vaart, Dirk Kuyt, Robin van Persie and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar. While selecting a team will not be easy for Van Marwijk, if he can find the right mix, the 2010 World Cup finalists could go one better than in South Africa.
In The Dugout – Bert van Marwijk
Van Marwijk took over as coach after Euro 2008 and guided his team to the 2010 World Cup in style. He then took the Oranje to the competition’s final, beating Brazil and Uruguay along the way before losing to Spain, only in extra time. Despite criticism of his side’s cynical approach, the coach has continued to enjoy a good relationship with the country’s media, thanks to an almost perfect Euro 2012 qualifying campaign. Van Marwijk has previously bossed Feyenoord and Borussia Dortmund, winning the 2002 UEFA Cup with the former. His daughter Adra is married to Dutch international Mark van Bommel, who worked with his father-in-law at Fortuna Sittard between 1997 and 1999.
Key player: Klaas Jan Huntelaar
Huntelaar is not a striker who stands out on account of an exquisite technique, and his goals are rarely spectacular, but the Schalke man is ruthless in front of goal. Last February, Huntelaar became the second most efficient Dutch striker of all-time, firing himself to an impressive goal per minute ratio of 96.20, due to 30 goals in 2,886 minutes played. And with 12 goals in eight games he finished as the Euro 2012 qualifiers top scorer. The goal machine has been on fire domestically too, finishing as Schalke’s top scorer with 48 goals in all competitions.
View from Holland
The Dutch squad is full of talent and will be one of the favourites for Euro 2012, and in Holland, nobody doubts that the country could win the tournament. At present, the discussion is around who should lead the line, Huntelaar or Van Persie, and what is the best tactical setup for the side. There is nevertheless an expectation that Van Marwijk will make the right calls and lead Holland to the title.
Verdict
Holland have unbelievable attacking strength, while the jury is still out on the country’s defence. The team lack a top class left-back and in the last six months have lost more games (three) than in the previous three years (two). And the side must be at their best from the off, given the tough nature of the group. Potentially Holland have enough quality to beat all their opponents and to bring home the second major piece of silverware in their history after the legendary campaign of 1988.
Fonte: Inside Futbol
giovedì 7 giugno 2012
Euro 2012: Denmark
In 1992, Denmark shocked the whole of Europe by winning the European Championship despite having just two weeks to prepare for the tournament. The Danes were allowed to compete after Yugoslavia, who finished above the country in the qualifying round, were banned due to civil war in the Balkans. Since then, Denmark have failed to qualify for the finals only in 2008, but in previous editions could not get further than the quarter-final (in 2004).
After a disappointing 2010 World Cup, in which Denmark failed to reach their declared goal of making the Round of 16, Morten Olsen’s men produced a solid qualifying campaign, topping their group ahead of Portugal and Norway. Denmark make up for the lack of a prolific striker with a solid defence and high-quality midfield which blends creativity (Christian Eriksen, Lasse Schone), speed (Michael Krohn-Dehli) and experience (Christian Poulsen). Despite clear underdog status, the Danes are still a team that can be hard to handle and could surprise stronger sides.
In The Dugout – Morten Olsen
A living legend in Denmark, Olsen has clocked up more than 100 matches as a player and coach. Euro 2012 will be yet another tournament for Denmark under the boss who first took charge in 2000. Despite many ups and downs, Olsen’s reign has been the second most successful in the era of full time professional Denmark coaches, thanks to a win percentage of 52.8%. Only Richard Moller-Nielsen, who led Denmark to Euro 1992, has done better with 54.8%. After winning two Danish titles in the early 1990s with Brondby, Olsen picked up an Eredivisie-Dutch Cup double with Ajax in the 1997/98 season. His former assistant Michael Laudrup should take over as Denmark coach from next July..
Key Player: Christian Eriksen
Young Danish midfielder Christian Eriksen is one of the few players in the world to have made his debut for his country’s senior side and then the Under-21 team. When the Ajax talent was called up for the Denmark Under-21 squad for the 2011 European Championship, he had already played five times for the senior side, including two at the 2010 World Cup, where he was the youngest player at the tournament. Last June against Iceland, Eriksen also became the youngest ever Danish player to score a goal in European Championship qualification. 2011’s Danish Player of the Year ended the 2011/12 season by winning his second consecutive Eredivisie title with Ajax – he was the Dutch side’s assist king, creating 15 goals.
View from Denmark
The Danes are not fooling themselves: Surviving the group stage would be considered a miracle. Of course, the country remember the glory days when, as outsiders, they surprised all Europe and won the trophy. Only a few die-hard optimists believe that history can repeat itself.
Verdict
From amongst the 16 Euro 2012 teams, Denmark are not the worst, especially when it comes to quality. Olsen has a well-balanced team at his disposal, a solid defence and one of the most exciting talents in Europe in Eriksen – but they lack a top class striker and even on the flanks Denmark have few options. The country’s biggest problem though is their draw, with a group which it will be almost impossible to survive. They will be stubborn and tough opponents, but nothing more.
Fonte: Inside Futbol
After a disappointing 2010 World Cup, in which Denmark failed to reach their declared goal of making the Round of 16, Morten Olsen’s men produced a solid qualifying campaign, topping their group ahead of Portugal and Norway. Denmark make up for the lack of a prolific striker with a solid defence and high-quality midfield which blends creativity (Christian Eriksen, Lasse Schone), speed (Michael Krohn-Dehli) and experience (Christian Poulsen). Despite clear underdog status, the Danes are still a team that can be hard to handle and could surprise stronger sides.
In The Dugout – Morten Olsen
A living legend in Denmark, Olsen has clocked up more than 100 matches as a player and coach. Euro 2012 will be yet another tournament for Denmark under the boss who first took charge in 2000. Despite many ups and downs, Olsen’s reign has been the second most successful in the era of full time professional Denmark coaches, thanks to a win percentage of 52.8%. Only Richard Moller-Nielsen, who led Denmark to Euro 1992, has done better with 54.8%. After winning two Danish titles in the early 1990s with Brondby, Olsen picked up an Eredivisie-Dutch Cup double with Ajax in the 1997/98 season. His former assistant Michael Laudrup should take over as Denmark coach from next July..
Key Player: Christian Eriksen
Young Danish midfielder Christian Eriksen is one of the few players in the world to have made his debut for his country’s senior side and then the Under-21 team. When the Ajax talent was called up for the Denmark Under-21 squad for the 2011 European Championship, he had already played five times for the senior side, including two at the 2010 World Cup, where he was the youngest player at the tournament. Last June against Iceland, Eriksen also became the youngest ever Danish player to score a goal in European Championship qualification. 2011’s Danish Player of the Year ended the 2011/12 season by winning his second consecutive Eredivisie title with Ajax – he was the Dutch side’s assist king, creating 15 goals.
View from Denmark
The Danes are not fooling themselves: Surviving the group stage would be considered a miracle. Of course, the country remember the glory days when, as outsiders, they surprised all Europe and won the trophy. Only a few die-hard optimists believe that history can repeat itself.
Verdict
From amongst the 16 Euro 2012 teams, Denmark are not the worst, especially when it comes to quality. Olsen has a well-balanced team at his disposal, a solid defence and one of the most exciting talents in Europe in Eriksen – but they lack a top class striker and even on the flanks Denmark have few options. The country’s biggest problem though is their draw, with a group which it will be almost impossible to survive. They will be stubborn and tough opponents, but nothing more.
Fonte: Inside Futbol
mercoledì 6 giugno 2012
Euro 2012: Portugal
Portugal have a tradition of fine performances at the European Championship, having survived the group stage every time they have made the finals. This has happened five times: twice the country reached the quarter-finals and twice the semi-finals. In 2004, Portugal hosted the tournament and produced their best run ever, all the way to the final; it was only an inspired Greece that spoiled the party, winning 1-0.
After a disappointing start to their qualification tilt for Euro 2012 – 4-4 against Cyprus and a 1-0 loss to Norway – Portugal ended their campaign in style with a spectacular 6-2 victory over Bosnia in the playoffs. Coach Paulo Bento handed the team a boost with several tactical changes which included the involvement of many stars with Sporting Lisbon connections: Joao Moutinho, Nani, Miguel Veloso and Cristiano Ronaldo – the latter was given a free role on the flanks. A quiet-before-the-storm type situation makes Portugal dangerous opponents for any side, especially if their forward line fires.
In The Dugout – Paulo Bento
Bento was handed the Portugal post on 20th September 2010 following Carlos Queiroz’ dismissal after a poor start to the Euro 2012 qualifying campaign. In just a few months he managed to turn Portugal from a depressed team into one playing with joy and secured the country’s spot at the finals. A big feather in the coach’s cap came on 17th November as Portugal defeated World Cup winners Spain 4-0 in Lisbon, inflicting their heaviest defeat on their Iberian neighbours since 1963. A former international, capped 35 times, Bento retired in 2004 and just 18 months later took over as Sporting Lisbon coach, leading the club to two Portuguese Cups and two Portuguese Super Cups in four years.
Key Player: Cristiano Ronaldo
No introduction is needed for one of the world’s best players. Ronaldo has it all, pace, power, dribbling, heading, shooting, vision and a never-say-die attitude. His 2011/12 campaign also saw him prevail over arch-rival Lionel Messi, both individually and with club side Real Madrid. The Portuguese was vital for Los Blancos’ 32nd title, scoring 46 goals in 38 La Liga games and also becoming the only player in Spanish league history to score 40 goals in two successive seasons. Ronaldo was also Portugal’s top scorer in qualification for Euro 2012 with seven goals. Currently the country’s third all-time top goal-getter (after Pauleta and Eusebio), the Funchal-born star is expected to make a big impact in Poland/Ukraine after disappointing displays at Euro 2008 and the 2010 World Cup.
View from Portugal
The stability brought by Bento has increased expectation amongst the Portuguese public and hopes are high that the country can survive what is Euro 2012’s “Group of Death”. If Portugal can succeed in making the knockout phase, then the semi-final is considered a realistic aim, especially if Ronaldo can reproduce his Real Madrid performances.
Prediction
In Portugal all eyes are focused on Ronaldo. In the past, this pressure has not helped the Real Madrid phenomenon, who has found himself under fire for a lack of consistency at international level. Portugal need Ronaldo to shrug this off and be at his best for the side to go further than the group stage at Euro 2012, especially taking into account the country’s defensive weakness with key players Ricardo Carvalho and Jose Bosingwa missing – both had a bust-up with Bento. A clean sheet philosophy does not suit the Portuguese and Ronaldo, with Nani and Helder Postiga, must aim to make sure the side score one more goal than their opponents.
Fonte: Inside Futbol
After a disappointing start to their qualification tilt for Euro 2012 – 4-4 against Cyprus and a 1-0 loss to Norway – Portugal ended their campaign in style with a spectacular 6-2 victory over Bosnia in the playoffs. Coach Paulo Bento handed the team a boost with several tactical changes which included the involvement of many stars with Sporting Lisbon connections: Joao Moutinho, Nani, Miguel Veloso and Cristiano Ronaldo – the latter was given a free role on the flanks. A quiet-before-the-storm type situation makes Portugal dangerous opponents for any side, especially if their forward line fires.
In The Dugout – Paulo Bento
Bento was handed the Portugal post on 20th September 2010 following Carlos Queiroz’ dismissal after a poor start to the Euro 2012 qualifying campaign. In just a few months he managed to turn Portugal from a depressed team into one playing with joy and secured the country’s spot at the finals. A big feather in the coach’s cap came on 17th November as Portugal defeated World Cup winners Spain 4-0 in Lisbon, inflicting their heaviest defeat on their Iberian neighbours since 1963. A former international, capped 35 times, Bento retired in 2004 and just 18 months later took over as Sporting Lisbon coach, leading the club to two Portuguese Cups and two Portuguese Super Cups in four years.
Key Player: Cristiano Ronaldo
No introduction is needed for one of the world’s best players. Ronaldo has it all, pace, power, dribbling, heading, shooting, vision and a never-say-die attitude. His 2011/12 campaign also saw him prevail over arch-rival Lionel Messi, both individually and with club side Real Madrid. The Portuguese was vital for Los Blancos’ 32nd title, scoring 46 goals in 38 La Liga games and also becoming the only player in Spanish league history to score 40 goals in two successive seasons. Ronaldo was also Portugal’s top scorer in qualification for Euro 2012 with seven goals. Currently the country’s third all-time top goal-getter (after Pauleta and Eusebio), the Funchal-born star is expected to make a big impact in Poland/Ukraine after disappointing displays at Euro 2008 and the 2010 World Cup.
View from Portugal
The stability brought by Bento has increased expectation amongst the Portuguese public and hopes are high that the country can survive what is Euro 2012’s “Group of Death”. If Portugal can succeed in making the knockout phase, then the semi-final is considered a realistic aim, especially if Ronaldo can reproduce his Real Madrid performances.
Prediction
In Portugal all eyes are focused on Ronaldo. In the past, this pressure has not helped the Real Madrid phenomenon, who has found himself under fire for a lack of consistency at international level. Portugal need Ronaldo to shrug this off and be at his best for the side to go further than the group stage at Euro 2012, especially taking into account the country’s defensive weakness with key players Ricardo Carvalho and Jose Bosingwa missing – both had a bust-up with Bento. A clean sheet philosophy does not suit the Portuguese and Ronaldo, with Nani and Helder Postiga, must aim to make sure the side score one more goal than their opponents.
Fonte: Inside Futbol
martedì 5 giugno 2012
Euro 2012: Germany
Germany are the most successful team in European Championship history, having won the competition a record three times. Their most recent success however came back in 1996 and, while they reached the final in Austria/Switzerland four years ago, Spain triumphed 1-0.
The country’s qualifying campaign was flawless with ten wins from ten games, 34 goals scored and only seven conceded. Miroslav Klose (nine goals) and Mesut Ozil (seven assists) were the Germans’ key players, although rising talents Mario Gotze and Marco Reus will be keen to steal their limelight at Euro 2012. Lesser known, but also extremely talented, is Mats Hummels, one of the Bundesliga’s best centre backs.
In The Dugout – Joachim Löw
“If it had not been for Jurgen Klinsmann, I would probably be coach of Fortuna Leuben (an amateur side) now”, said Low, paying tribute to the former Germany coach, who chose him as his assistant when he replaced Rudi Voller after Euro 2004. Two years later, following Klinsmann’s resignation, Low took over, leading Germany to a runners-up spot at Euro 2008 and third at the 2010 World Cup. Before managing the national team, Low worked in Switzerland, Germany, Turkey and Austria, winning a German Cup in 1997 with Stuttgart and an Austrian league title in 2002 with Tirol Innsbruck. He is under contract with Germany until 2014.
Key Player: Manuel Neuer
The second most expensive goalkeeper of all-time, last season Neuer showed that Bayern Munich had not wasted a single cent of the €22M it took to sign him from Schalke. In the Bundesliga, the German broke Oliver Kahn’s Bayern Munich record for the most competitive clean sheets in a row, going over 1,000 minutes without conceding. The Champions League also saw Neuer playing a key role in the Bavarians reaching the final as he saved penalties from Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka in the Bernabeu. Neuer played every single minute of Germany’s Euro 2012 qualification campaign, conceding only seven goals in ten games.
View from Germany
Germany are considered favourites to lift the trophy alongside Spain, and the country’s media are very confident about their chances. However, the Champions League final lost by Bayern Munich saw enthusiasm in the country cool a little. It is not always the best (or the most talented) team that wins – that is a lesson recently learnt through Chelsea’s victory at the Allianz Arena.
Verdict
Germany have everything needed to win Euro 2012: talent, solidity, an attacking mentality, and a "team first" attitude. The hardest part of Low’s job will be finding his best eleven players, especially in midfield where the country have an embarrassment of riches with Sami Khedira, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Toni Kroos, Mesut Ozil, Mario Gotze, Marco Reus, Thomas Muller and Lukas Podolski all able to slot in. Up front it will be a hard choice for Low too between goal machines Mario Gomez and Miroslav Klose. Should the cards fall right, Germany are likely to be celebrating a fourth European Championship success.
Fonte: Inside Futbol
The country’s qualifying campaign was flawless with ten wins from ten games, 34 goals scored and only seven conceded. Miroslav Klose (nine goals) and Mesut Ozil (seven assists) were the Germans’ key players, although rising talents Mario Gotze and Marco Reus will be keen to steal their limelight at Euro 2012. Lesser known, but also extremely talented, is Mats Hummels, one of the Bundesliga’s best centre backs.
In The Dugout – Joachim Löw
“If it had not been for Jurgen Klinsmann, I would probably be coach of Fortuna Leuben (an amateur side) now”, said Low, paying tribute to the former Germany coach, who chose him as his assistant when he replaced Rudi Voller after Euro 2004. Two years later, following Klinsmann’s resignation, Low took over, leading Germany to a runners-up spot at Euro 2008 and third at the 2010 World Cup. Before managing the national team, Low worked in Switzerland, Germany, Turkey and Austria, winning a German Cup in 1997 with Stuttgart and an Austrian league title in 2002 with Tirol Innsbruck. He is under contract with Germany until 2014.
Key Player: Manuel Neuer
The second most expensive goalkeeper of all-time, last season Neuer showed that Bayern Munich had not wasted a single cent of the €22M it took to sign him from Schalke. In the Bundesliga, the German broke Oliver Kahn’s Bayern Munich record for the most competitive clean sheets in a row, going over 1,000 minutes without conceding. The Champions League also saw Neuer playing a key role in the Bavarians reaching the final as he saved penalties from Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka in the Bernabeu. Neuer played every single minute of Germany’s Euro 2012 qualification campaign, conceding only seven goals in ten games.
View from Germany
Germany are considered favourites to lift the trophy alongside Spain, and the country’s media are very confident about their chances. However, the Champions League final lost by Bayern Munich saw enthusiasm in the country cool a little. It is not always the best (or the most talented) team that wins – that is a lesson recently learnt through Chelsea’s victory at the Allianz Arena.
Verdict
Germany have everything needed to win Euro 2012: talent, solidity, an attacking mentality, and a "team first" attitude. The hardest part of Low’s job will be finding his best eleven players, especially in midfield where the country have an embarrassment of riches with Sami Khedira, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Toni Kroos, Mesut Ozil, Mario Gotze, Marco Reus, Thomas Muller and Lukas Podolski all able to slot in. Up front it will be a hard choice for Low too between goal machines Mario Gomez and Miroslav Klose. Should the cards fall right, Germany are likely to be celebrating a fourth European Championship success.
Fonte: Inside Futbol
venerdì 1 giugno 2012
Kizito, homeless dalle pizze allea nazionale
Khartoum, 29 marzo 2012, minuto 34 di Egitto-Uganda. Il retropassaggio di Ghaly al proprio portiere è corto. Troppo. Per Fabian Derrick Ssubi Kizito è un gioco da ragazzi avventarsi sul pallone e spedirlo in rete. La Cenerentola Uganda è in vantaggio contro il sette volte campione d’Africa Egitto. Non durerà, ma a Kizito importa ben poco. Fino a qualche mese prima era un perfetto sconosciuto nel suo paese. Adesso eccolo idolo nazionale, in rete al debutto. Proprio lui, il ragazzo che sbarcava il lunario lavorando in pizzeria, che dormiva sui marciapiedi alla periferia di Rotterdam, e che tre anni fa aveva deciso di abbandonare il calcio.
Kizito ha 21 anni, e vive in Olanda da quando ne aveva 6. Aveva lasciato l’Uganda per raggiungere la madre, fuggita dal brutale regime di Idi Amin. Il padre invece è sempre stato latitante. Come migliaia di ragazzini, anche Kizito sogna un futuro da calciatore professionista. Ci prova a Breda, ma manda al diavolo l’allenatore e viene messo alla porta. La ruota sembra girare nel verso giusto quando, migrato a Rotterdam, supera un provino con l’Excelsior, il terzo club cittadino dopo Feyenoord e Sparta. Il primo anno viene premiato come miglior nuovo arrivo del club. Due brutti infortuni però bloccano la sua ascesa. Ha da poco compiuto i 18 anni quando decide di abbandonare. Nel frattempo la madre è tornata in Uganda e Kizito, complice la rottura di una relazione sentimentale, si trova solo, senza casa e senza soldi. Si mantiene con qualche lavoretto, continua ad andare a scuola e vaga per Rotterdam alla ricerca di un posto caldo dove dormire la notte.
Lo scorso novembre giunge in Olanda una giornalista ugandese per un’intervista con il centrocampista dell’Ajax Eyong Enoh. Mamma Kizito la conosce, e le presenta il figlio. “Mi vide giocare nel Leonidas (club amatoriale di Rotterdam, nda) e disse che giocavo bene a calcio”, ricorda il giovane. “Mi chiese perché non avevo mai fatto parte della nazionale ugandese. Ma io non sono più professionista – replicai. Lei fece un servizio su di me e lo mandò in onda una volta tornata in Uganda”. Poco tempo dopo è arrivata la chiamata del ct Bobby Williamson, per un provino. C’era un programma un’amichevole contro il Sudan, poi annullata. La partita successiva era quella con l’Egitto. Buona la prima per Kizito. Che la sera stessa, dopo aver incassato un “well done” da Williamson, è rientrato in Olanda. Dove ha ripreso subito a studiare, ad allenarsi e soprattutto a cercarsi una squadra.
Fonte: La Gazzetta dello Sport - Extra Time
Kizito ha 21 anni, e vive in Olanda da quando ne aveva 6. Aveva lasciato l’Uganda per raggiungere la madre, fuggita dal brutale regime di Idi Amin. Il padre invece è sempre stato latitante. Come migliaia di ragazzini, anche Kizito sogna un futuro da calciatore professionista. Ci prova a Breda, ma manda al diavolo l’allenatore e viene messo alla porta. La ruota sembra girare nel verso giusto quando, migrato a Rotterdam, supera un provino con l’Excelsior, il terzo club cittadino dopo Feyenoord e Sparta. Il primo anno viene premiato come miglior nuovo arrivo del club. Due brutti infortuni però bloccano la sua ascesa. Ha da poco compiuto i 18 anni quando decide di abbandonare. Nel frattempo la madre è tornata in Uganda e Kizito, complice la rottura di una relazione sentimentale, si trova solo, senza casa e senza soldi. Si mantiene con qualche lavoretto, continua ad andare a scuola e vaga per Rotterdam alla ricerca di un posto caldo dove dormire la notte.
Lo scorso novembre giunge in Olanda una giornalista ugandese per un’intervista con il centrocampista dell’Ajax Eyong Enoh. Mamma Kizito la conosce, e le presenta il figlio. “Mi vide giocare nel Leonidas (club amatoriale di Rotterdam, nda) e disse che giocavo bene a calcio”, ricorda il giovane. “Mi chiese perché non avevo mai fatto parte della nazionale ugandese. Ma io non sono più professionista – replicai. Lei fece un servizio su di me e lo mandò in onda una volta tornata in Uganda”. Poco tempo dopo è arrivata la chiamata del ct Bobby Williamson, per un provino. C’era un programma un’amichevole contro il Sudan, poi annullata. La partita successiva era quella con l’Egitto. Buona la prima per Kizito. Che la sera stessa, dopo aver incassato un “well done” da Williamson, è rientrato in Olanda. Dove ha ripreso subito a studiare, ad allenarsi e soprattutto a cercarsi una squadra.
Fonte: La Gazzetta dello Sport - Extra Time
mercoledì 30 maggio 2012
Dejan Meleg, lo schiavo del pallone
Talento purissimo proveniente dalla Serbia. Così la stampa olandese ha presentato il 17enne Dejan Meleg il 1° aprile 2012, giorno del suo sbarco a Schipol. Lo attendeva l’Ajax per un provino. Uno su mille ce la fa, recita una nota canzone, e il ragazzo di Novi Sad sembrava proprio essere tra quelli. A volte però le belle favole nascondono un lato oscuro. Quello di Meleg si chiama Mihael Stankovic, procuratore al quale è legato mediante un contratto con scadenza 2030. Nessun refuso. Fino all’età di 35 anni Meleg sarà rappresentato da Stankovic. Tutto nero bianco, un regolare contratto validato dal tribunale di Novi Sad in data 29 ottobre 2010. Un caso di schiavitù aggiornato ai tempi moderni.
Meleg, trequartista/esterno sinistro, possiede qualità facilmente individuabili. Veloce, tecnico, vede bene il gioco. Così all’età di 15 anni il padre decide di affidarlo a un procuratore, il citato Stankovic. “Farò di tuo figlio un top player”, è la promessa. Per la procura del minorenne Dejan, Stankovic paga 3mila euro, impegnandosi a corrispondere alla famiglia “tutta l’attrezzatura sportiva necessaria” per il ragazzo (il primo acquisto sono sei paia di scarpe da calcio), nonché 200 euro annui.
Il contratto prevede che Meleg versi a Stankovic l’8% di tutti i suoi profitti (incluse le sponsorizzazioni). Il giocatore inoltre non può firmare alcun contratto senza il consenso del suo procuratore. Poi ci sono i bonus: alla prima convocazione di Meleg nell’under-17 serba, il suo agente si intasca 500 euro; per la partecipazione a un Europeo di categoria si passa a 1000, che diventano 3000 per un Mondiale. Infine la clausola rescissoria; Stankovic può abbandonare la procura di Meleg pagando una penale di 1800 euro. Ma se fosse il giocatore a decidere di cambiare agente? In questo caso la cifra sale a 200mila euro.
Il Vojvodina Novi Sad, club nel quale attualmente milita Meleg, ha denunciato il contratto alla FIFA, mettendo nel frattempo fuori rosa il giocatore. L’Ajax, per bocca del direttore finanziario Jeroen Slop, si è dichiarato completamente all’oscuro dell’intera vicenda, evidenziando però la propria intenzione di non entrare nel merito di un contratto che riguarda terzi. Quindi gli ajacidi offrono al Vojvodina 450mila euro, ovvero il costo dell’indennità di formazione. Somma che i serbi ritengono inaccettabile. Per Dejan Meleg si prospetta una squalifica da parte della Federcalcio serba. Suo malgrado, è già diventato famoso.
Fonte: La Gazzetta dello Sport - Extra Time
Meleg, trequartista/esterno sinistro, possiede qualità facilmente individuabili. Veloce, tecnico, vede bene il gioco. Così all’età di 15 anni il padre decide di affidarlo a un procuratore, il citato Stankovic. “Farò di tuo figlio un top player”, è la promessa. Per la procura del minorenne Dejan, Stankovic paga 3mila euro, impegnandosi a corrispondere alla famiglia “tutta l’attrezzatura sportiva necessaria” per il ragazzo (il primo acquisto sono sei paia di scarpe da calcio), nonché 200 euro annui.
Il contratto prevede che Meleg versi a Stankovic l’8% di tutti i suoi profitti (incluse le sponsorizzazioni). Il giocatore inoltre non può firmare alcun contratto senza il consenso del suo procuratore. Poi ci sono i bonus: alla prima convocazione di Meleg nell’under-17 serba, il suo agente si intasca 500 euro; per la partecipazione a un Europeo di categoria si passa a 1000, che diventano 3000 per un Mondiale. Infine la clausola rescissoria; Stankovic può abbandonare la procura di Meleg pagando una penale di 1800 euro. Ma se fosse il giocatore a decidere di cambiare agente? In questo caso la cifra sale a 200mila euro.
Il Vojvodina Novi Sad, club nel quale attualmente milita Meleg, ha denunciato il contratto alla FIFA, mettendo nel frattempo fuori rosa il giocatore. L’Ajax, per bocca del direttore finanziario Jeroen Slop, si è dichiarato completamente all’oscuro dell’intera vicenda, evidenziando però la propria intenzione di non entrare nel merito di un contratto che riguarda terzi. Quindi gli ajacidi offrono al Vojvodina 450mila euro, ovvero il costo dell’indennità di formazione. Somma che i serbi ritengono inaccettabile. Per Dejan Meleg si prospetta una squalifica da parte della Federcalcio serba. Suo malgrado, è già diventato famoso.
Fonte: La Gazzetta dello Sport - Extra Time
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