European qualification for Brazil 2014 round up

Group A

Belgium and Croatia took giant steps to securing the top two spots in Group A as both won 2-0 at home to the group's two Great Britain representatives in Scotland and Wales respectively. 

Real Madrid's Luka Modric was in inspired form as Croatia cruised past Wales in Zagreb. Chris Coleman's side had done the hard part and kept the Croat's at bay for the opening 20 minutes; however a mix up between captain Ashley Williams and Lewis Price gifted the hosts their opener, with Mario Mandzukic blocking and then converting the goalkeeper's kick out. Croatia created a host of chances, and their deserved second duly arrived when the former Arsenal forward Eduardo Da Silva tapped in from close range. The defeat leaves Wales seven points adrift of Croatia, with their chances of qualification realistically all but over.

Eduaro sealed the points for Croatia

For the second consecutive match Scotland conceded twice late on to miss out on important away points. The Premier league duo of Christian Benteke and Vincent Kompany broke Scottish hearts to leave them bottom of Group A after two games, in doing so giving Belgium a brilliant chance of making the 2014 World Cup.

The group's other game saw Macedonia beat Serbia 1-0, to go level on four points with their counterparts. 

Belgium P4 Pts 10

Croatia P4 Pts 10

Serbia P4 Pts 4

Macedonia P4 Pts 4

Wales P4 Pts 3

Scotland P4 Pts 2

Group B

The ten men of Italy took a giant step towards Brazil following their 3-1 win over Denmark, who realistically are their closest rivals for the Group B top spot. Riccardo Montolivo and Daniele De Rossi appeared to set the Azzurri on their way to a routine home win; however a minute before and after half-time changed the games perspective. Denmark got on the score sheet on the stroke of the interval via William Kvist and the Danes chances of a result improved grately when just 19 seconds into the second half Pablo Osvaldo saw red for a reckless tackle. However having been played through beautifully by Andrea Pirlo, Mario Balotelli finished in style to secure the win. The groups other game saw the Czech Republic held at home by Bulgaria in a scoreless draw.

Italy P4 Pts 10

Bulgaria P4 Pts 6

Czech Republic P3 Pts 5

Armenia P3 Pts 3

Denmark P3 Pts 2

Malta P3 Pts 0

Group C

An amazing game in Group C saw Germany throw a four goal lead away at home to Sweden in a simply unbelievable match in Berlin. Seemingly cruising after a double from Miroslav Klose was backed up with strikes from Per Mertesacker and Mesut Ozil; however Sweden stirred up the most unlikely of comebacks. Zlatan Ibrahimovic's goal on 62 minutes appeared to be just scant consolation, but Mikael Lustig and Johan Elmander ensured a nervy last ten minutes for the Germans, and they couldn't hold on as Rasmus Elm rescued an incredible point. 

The league's two other games saw the Republic of Ireland bounce back from their German nightmare on Friday in routine fashion with a 4-1 victory away to the Faroe Islands, whilst Austria thrashed Kazakhstan 4-0.

Ireland's win relived the pressure from manager Giovanni Trapattoni.

Germany P4 Pts 10

Sweden P3 Pts 7

Ireland P3 Pts 6

Austria P3 Pts 4

Kazakhstan P4 Pts 1

Faroe Islands P3 Pts 0

Group D

Holland eased to their fourth consecutive Group D win away to Romania, who prior to the defeat were level with the Dutch at the top of the group. Jeremain Lens, Marten Indi, Rafael Van Der Vaart and Robin Van Persie sealed a 4-1 win for the 2010 World Cup finalists. Turkey again disappointed as they blew a goal lead to lose away to Hungary 3-1 and ensure they went level with Romania in the battle for the all important second spot. Estonia scored their first goal in their first win as they overcame Andorra 1-0. 

Holland P4 Pts 12

Hungary P4 Pts 9

Romania P4 Pts 9

Turkey P4 Pts 3

Estonia P4 Pts 3

Andorra P4 Pts 0

Group E

All the Group E favourites won as Norway and Switzerland recorded impressive away victories. Those two will most likely battle it out for the one automatic qualification spot in the weakest European qualification group. Norway won 3-1 away to Cyprus whilst Switzerland overcame Iceland 2-0. The group's other game saw Albania beat Slovenia 1-0 to keep them on the tails of Norway. 

Switzerland P4 Pts 10

Norway P4 Pts 7

Albania P4 Pts 6

Iceland P4 Pts 6

Slovenia P4 Pts 3

Cyprus P4 Pts 3

Group F

Northern Ireland ruined Cristiano Ronaldo's 100th international for Portugal as the Group F minnows earned a 1-1 in Porto. Defensively superb through out and threatening on the counter attack, Northern Ireland deserved their point and only a late Helder Postiga goal cancelled out Niall McGinn's opener on the half hour mark.

Russia are yet to concede or drop a point in Group F; however they needed a late disputable penalty to overcome Berti Vogts' Azerbaijan side, whilst Israel eased past Luxembourg 3-0 to go level on points with Portugal. 

Fabio Capello's side managed back to back 1-0 home wins this week to strengthen their grip on Group F

Russia P4 Pts 12

Israel P4 Pts 7

Portugal P4 Pts 7

Northern Ireland P3 Pts 2

Azerbaijan P3 Pts 1

Luxembourg P4 Pts 1

Group G

Bosnia continued their fine unbeaten start to qualification as they eased past Lithuania 3-0. Goals from Vedad Ibisevic, Edin Dzeko and Miralem Pjanic ensured Bosnia top the group ahead of Greece on goal difference. The Greek's themselves recorded an impressive 1-0 away win against Slovakia with Dimitris Salpingidis scoring the all important match winner. Latvia won the battle of the two previous pointless sides in their 2-0 victory at home to Liechtenstein. 

Bosnia P4 Pts 10

Greece P4 Pts 10

Slovakia P4 Pts 7

Lithuania P4 Pts 4

Latvia P4 Pts 3

Liechtenstein P4 Pts 0

Group F

Poland against England was postponed because of torrential rain, meaning the duo will have to play each other on Wednesday, causing embarrassment for the hosts whose stadium's roof wasn't used as they were unaware of the potential of the rain that was predicted. 

The group's other two games saw Ukraine's chances of qualification take a huge hit as they lost 1-0 at home to Montenegro. Dejan Damjanovic scored the game's only goal on the strike of half-time, meaning Stevan Jovetic's penalty miss was irrelevant. Moldova won the battle of the minnows as they secured a 2-0 victory away to San Marino. 

England P3 Pts 7

Montenegro P3 Pts 7

Poland P2 Pts 4

Moldova P4 Pts 4

Ukraine P3 Pts 2

San Marino P3 Pts 0

Group I

Olivier Giroud stunned Spain as France rescued a deserved point in the last minute of their group I qualifier. Sergio Ramos had given the European and World Champions the lead, and Cesc Fabregas blew the chance to double their advantage from the penalty spot after Hugo Lloris saved the former Arsenal midfielder's spot kick. Fabregas's miss was pivotal in the end as Giroud scored in stoppage time as France went some way to avenging their defeat to the Spanish at Euro 2012. Belarus overcame Georgia 2-0 to keep their slim chances of making Brazil alive. 

Spain P3 Pts 7

France P3 Pts 7

Georgia P4 Pts 4

Belarus P3 Pts 3

Finland P2 Pts 1

Abidal gives Barcelona the advantage

Eric Abidal’s second half winner saw Barcelona come from behind to take a 2-1 lead in their Copa Del Ray quarter final with Real Madrid.

Real Madrid had opened the scoring early on through Cristiano Ronaldo only for Barca captain Carlos Puyol to head a deserved equaliser moments into the second half. And with time running out, Pep Guardiola’s side won it as Abidal found space in the Madrid penalty area and guided his finish past Iker Casillas.

For the second consecutive time Barcelona came from behind to extend their incredible form in this match under Guardiola and their victory loosens Real’s grip on their only trophy in the Jose Mourinho era.

Pepe was again given a midfield role in the ‘El Clasico’ by Mourinho as Ricardo Carvalho, appearing in the white of Real for the first time since September, partnered Sergio Ramos in the heart of Madrid’s defence.

Despite being on the back foot for most of the opening exchanges, Real opened the scoring through their likeliest of sources. Benzema did brilliantly to find the recently maligned Ronaldo and the Portuguese international smashed home through the legs of Pinto. Ronaldo’s strike was hard; however Pinto should’ve dealt with the effort, as Pep Guardiola’s decision to rotate his keeping options back-fired.

Moments later Alexis Sanchez almost levelled for Barcelona as he headed against the bar. Andres Iniesta’s cross was perfect for Sanchez and his header had Iker Casillas beaten, only to bounce back of the frame of the goal.

Unsurprisingly the game followed its usual theme of Barcelona attack up against a stern Real defence as the likes of Xavi and Cesc Fabregas controlled the game from the midfield area.

Iniesta missed his sides best chance in the first half, shooting wide when well placed. Xavi found Alexis Sanchez with room in the penalty area, and the former Udinese man unselfishly passed to Iniesta; however the World Cup winner’s first touch was poor, ensuring the shooting angle was narrow and Ramos’s saving lunge was enough to put Iniesta off who put wide.

Half time came and went and it wasn’t long before Barcelona converted their pressure into an impact on the score line. Barcelona’s seventh corner of the match was superbly headed home by Puyol. The captain of the Catalan giants lost Pepe and gave Casillas no chance with a brilliant finish.

Benzema nearly gave the holders their lead back but the former Lyon man’s header, from a great Hamit Altintop cross, clipped the post and went wide.

Sergio Busquests really should’ve completed the comeback but somehow headed over when it looked easier to score.

Pepe and Busquests continued the games trend of bad sportsmanship, with both regular offenders playing acting far too much. Pepe in particular embarrassed himself after making out Fabregas had caught him with a stray elbow, despite replays showing the contact, if any, was minimal.

If Real Madrid’s opener was from a predictable source then Barca’s winner couldn’t have been more unlikely as Abidal gave Barcelona a deserved lead. Lionel Messi, who by his standards has a quiet evening, found space on a rare occasion, before threading a beautiful pass through for the rampaging Abidal, who finished well past Casillas.

With Barcelona ahead, Madrid players lost their cool and Carvalho was fortunate on two occasions not to see red. Firstly the former Chelsea defender hacked away at Messi and got a yellow card for his troubles; though on another day he could’ve seen red for a deliberate and crude foul. And in injury time Carvalho clearly fouled the sub Adriano, yet his mister mina went unpunished as Real avoided going down to ten men, but didn’t avoid defeat.

Real Madrid

Casillas 6                                                      

Altintop 7                               

Carvalho 6                             

Ramos 7

Coentrao 6

Diarra 6 (Ozil 5)    
Pepe 6 (Granero 5)        
Alonso 6                                 

Benzema 6                         
Higuain 5 (Callejon 5)                    
Ronaldo 7


Barcelona
Pinto 5
Alves 6
Puyol 7
Pique 6
Abidal 7
Xavi 7 (Thiago 5)
Busquests 6
Fabregas 8 (Cuenca 5)

Sanchez 7 (Adriano 5)
Messi 6
Iniesta 6

  

Top 10 foreigners (3-1)

(Numbers 10-7)
(Numbers 6-4)


3) Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United 2003-2009)

Signed from Sporting Lisbon to replace David Beckham, after a slow start, Cristiano Ronaldo became one of Manchester United’s greatest ever players.

After the 2006 World Cup Cristiano Ronaldo really became a Manchester United legend, in those three seasons he scored an incredible 67 Premier League goals in just 99 matches and in them three seasons in all competitions an incredible 91 goals in just 155 games.

The boy has everything: dribbling ability; shooting with either foot; crossing ability; set piece technique; he can even head the ball. And if Lionel Messi wasn’t around, nobody in world football would be able to compare with his match winning ability.

Three Premier League titles to go with a League Cup, F.A Cup and Champions League success definitely ensure Ronaldo is in the top three.

2) Dennis Bergkamp (Arsenal 1995-2007)

Having arrived from a poor spell in Italy with Inter Milan, Bergkamp became a legend not only at Arsenal but in England for an incredible 12 years with the Gunners.

Technically amazing, he could score goals no ‘one could dream of. Famously he once was finished in third, second and first place in the BBC’s goal of the month competition after his two of his incredible hat-trick against Leicester, as well as a strike vs. Southampton were all voted into the top three goals.

During his time at the club Bergkamp won Three Premier League titles, which included two domestic doubles and the invincible season. Bergkamp’s fear of flying often prevented him from playing in Europe for Arsenal; however he did play in the UEFA Cup 2000 final vs. Galatasary, a game the Gunners lost on penalties.

120 goals during his time at Arsenal as well as countless assists ensure the Dutchman is second.

1) Eric Cantona (Leeds United 1992, Manchester United 92-97)

Eric Cantona started his English life of at Leeds when he won the 1992 First Division title.

However he is most certainly more remembered for his time at Manchester United where the Frenchman won four Premier League crowns at the Manchester club as well as two F.A Cups, one of which he so famously scored the winner against Liverpool in a dull final.

A controversial figure Cantona once ‘kung-fu’ kicked a Crystal Palace fan after being sent off at Selhurst Park in 1995. Suspended until the end of the season because of this action, Manchester United lost the League title to big-spenders Blackburn, the only time Cantona didn’t win the title in his five seasons at the club.

His comeback season saw United trail Newcastle by 10 points going into Christmas, however in typical United fashion the club hauled down Kevin Keegan’s Newcastle, as Cantona inspired Manchester United to another double.

In his final season at Old Trafford, before he retired at the young age of 30, Cantona again won the Premier League title. 

Ricardo Carvalho retires from international duty under cloud of controversy.

In a move that has gone under the radar in the last week, the Real Madrid centre half Ricardo Carvalho has retired from international football with immediate affect.

The reason behind the former Chelsea players actions are believed to be behind Paulo Bento's decision to leave the 32 year old defender out of the starting XI in Portugal's Euro 2012 qualifier with Cyprus on Friday.

The move comes as a huge shock, with Carvalho a key part of the Portugal set up. The defenders form for Real Madrid has been impressive and forged a strong partnership with fellow Portugese star Pepe, something that the former Sporting Lisbon manager Bento, felt the need to break up, with Bruno Alves starting ahead of Carvalho.

Carvalho didn't take the decision to not select him well stating "Never before have I felt as disrespected or my dignity so hurt, the only option was to leave.” And despite the dramatic scenes surrounding the game, Portugal eased to a 4-0 victory with Cristiano Ronaldo again grabbing the headlines with another two goals.

One thing for sure is that Portugal have a fine array of centre halves avaliable to them, with Porto's Rolando completing the four centre halves Bento choose for the doubled headed qualifiers, and with the decision to not play Carvalho a tactical one, it is clear Bento believes the likes of Alves and Rolando are able to step into the gapping hole left by Carvalho.

Despite turning Portugal's Euro 2012 campaign around, winning all four of his qualifiers in charge, after they had only managed one point from their opening two games when Carlos Querioz was in charge, Bento's time in charge of Portugal has been a tempermental one, falling out with Jose Boswinga, again for failing to select the defender, as well as Carvalho.