Friday, June 3, 2011

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05.06. (Sun) 12:00 Ethiopia - Nigeria

Walya Antelopes begin life with The Saint

Tom Saintfiet has the unenviable job of facing a strong Nigerian side for his first challenge in charge of Ethiopia. The Belgian replaced British coach Iffy Onuora, who was in charge until the 4-0 thumping of his team in the first leg in Abuja.

He is, however, keeping a couple of the boys from Onuora’s squad while injecting new blood. The Ethiopians have three points in as many games and anything short of a victory at home will mean failure to qualify for their first African Nations Cup since 1982.

High confidence in Super Eagles camp

Fresh from a 4-1 trouncing of two time world champions Argentina in Abuja, the Super Eagles will go to Addis Ababa brimming with a great deal of confidence. Samson Siasia's attacking formations have been praised, but his choice of midfielders and defenders have also put in a decent amount of work to block out opponents.

The Nigerians are hoping to earn qualification for the Afcon and a victory against the Antelopes will put pressure on group leaders Guinea ahead of their clash in Abuja in October.

TEAM NEWS

Ethiopia

Saintfiet has dropped SuperSport striker Fikru Tefera from his squad and is bringing a local-based side for this game. The Antelopes have played two warm up matches with Sudan under Saintfiet. They lost one and drew the other.

Squad
Goalkeepers: Zerihun Tadesse, Yidnekatchew Kidane, Jemal Tessew
Defenders: Alula Girma, Abebaw Butako, Sisay Demissie, Berhanu Bogale, Mengistu Assefa, Aynalem Hailu, Zenebe Kebede, Biadgelegn Elias.
Midfielders: Yared Zenabu, Menyahel Teshome, Shimeles Bekele, Asrat Megersa, Tesfaye Alebachew, Mesfin Ahmed
Strikers: Adane Girma, Oumed Oukri, Chala Driba, Biniam Assefa, Gegre-Micheal Yaco

Nigeria

Siasia is keeping his squad the same from the Argentina game. It is without star striker Peter Odemwingie, due to disciplinary issues. Shola Ameobi and Victor Moses are on standby pending the resolution of their international future with the England FA and Fifa.

Probable starting XI:
Vincent Enyeama; Chibuzor Okonkwo, Efe Ambrose, Joseph Yobo, Taye Taiwo; Joel Obi, John Mikel Obi, Kalu Uche; Obinna Nsofor, Victor Anichebe, Ikechukwu Uche.

PREDICTION

Ethiopia will find it hard breaking down this Nigerian side and the fact that they have a new coach will not work in their favour. However, they are underdogs in this encounter, and that might just spur them on.

Ethiopia 1-3 Nigeria

04.-07. 06. 2011. Clausura Preview Round 17

Game of the Week: Velez Sarsfield vs. Godoy Cruz

With just three games left of the championship, Monday's game between first and third is a title shoot-out in every sense of the word. With Lanus waiting expectantly in the wings both competitors know that a loss would put a serious dent in their Clausura ambitions, and a draw could be just as damaging for their prospects if the Grana pick up three points.

Velez have to pick themselves off the floor after Thursday's painful Copa Libertadores exit against Penarol, but the Fortin at least now can focus solely on the national campaign without worrying about player fatigue dealing them a blow. Ricardo Gareca put out an almost second-string side last time round and was punished with an away defeat to Tigre. It remains to be seen, however, if the first-teamers who pushed themselves so hard in the Copa can stretch their weary legs and fight on in Argentina.

The Tomba meanwhile had their 2011 problems neatly summed up in last week's 2-2 draw to Gimnasia; plenty of goals going in their favour, but also far too many conceded. Godoy let in a last-minute equaliser to lose the chance to draw level with Velez at the top, and a Clausura tally of 29 scored, 24 conceded points to a team which has at times been too cavalier. Of the three sides fighting the title the Mendoza outfit are the outsiders, but a victory in Liniers would give them an excellent chance of securing their first ever championship.

Prediction:
A lot hangs on how the home team reacts to continental defeat, and if the spirit previously shown by Maxi Moralez and company is anything to go by, bet on it being positive. A narrow Velez Sarsfield win is a smart pick, although Godoy will also fancy their chances.

Friday

The weekend opens with another relegation six-pointer for Olimpo, who know three points would all but guarantee them a second season in the Primera. The Aurinegro visit Arsenal de Sarandi, currently just one point ahead of River in the promocion as they seek to secure a 10th successive year in the top-flight since being promoted for the first time in 2002.

Saturday

Just the two games to look forward to on Saturday, as the AFA's scheduling whiz-kids try their best to ensure the title and relegation candidates share similar kick-off times and avoid any advantage or disadvantage to later mention to the press. All Boys have enjoyed an excellent first season in the Primera and are safe of promocion worries barring disaster; they will travel across Buenos Aires to take on a Banfield side in high spirits after dispatching Racing in Avellaneda.

In Rosario, Newell's Old Boys are just desperate for the season to finish, as they look to put an end to a torrid Clausura campaign. The basement boys welcome San Lorenzo, who should have ex-Godoy coach Omar Asad on the bench after 'El Turco' completed a messy resignation from Emelec to join the Bajo Flores club.

Sunday

It is do or die time for Quilmes and Gimnasia, who both take on grande rivals at home as they look to escape the bottom reaches of the average table. Quilmes face a Boca Juniors team who are in-form and just one point from the Copa Sudamericana places. The Cerveceros meanwhile must win all three of their remaining games to stand a chance of avoiding the direct drop.

Gimnasia have a little more breathing space, but will also have to be on form to take down Racing Club. La Academia are holding on to the last Sudamericana place by the skin of their teeth, and with matches against Velez and Godoy on the horizon know that the game in La Plata is their best chance to add another victory.

Huracan currently join Quilmes in direct relegation, albeit just one point from Gimnasia, but with seven straight defeats it is hard to see a win forthcoming at home to Tigre. Three points are also vital to River Plate as they host Colon, with Leandro Caruso and Diego Buonanotte the latest combination up front to try and solve the Millo's chronic shortage of goals.

Monday

Before Velez and Godoy finish the weekend's action, Lanus have the opportunity to go top even for a couple of hours if they can down Independiente in Avellaneda. The Grana have been in excellent form and are also celebrating Diego Valeri's inclusion in the Copa America squad, but Independiente are no slouches themselves having won three in a row, and will make this an intriguing match.

Argentinos Juniors and Estudiantes also meet in the Estadio Diego Armando Maradona, with the Bicho looking to advance their Sudamericana dreams against the coachless La Plata side - who nevertheless cut a 12-game winless streak by beating Huracan 3-0 in the last 60 minutes of a clash suspended for crowd trouble.

Full Fixtures and Predictions for Round 16

Arsenal
 1
 1
Olimpo
 Sat 14:00
Banfield
 2
 1
All Boys
16:10
Newell's OB  0
 1
San Lorenzo
18:20
Quilmes
 1
 1
Boca
20:20
Gimnasia LP
 2
 2
Racing
Sun 14:00
Huracan  1
 3
Tigre
16:00
River Plate
 0
 0
Colon
18:10
Independiente
 1
 2
Lanus
20:20
Argentinos
 2
 0
Estudiantes
Mon 16:10
Velez  3
 2
Godoy Cruz
21:10
Predicted scores in bold

04.-05. 06. 2011. Afcon 2012 qualifying preview round-up


Central African Rep. – Tanzania (June 4)

These two African minnows find themselves surprisingly first and second in a Group that includes Morocco and Algeria, albeit on goal difference, as all four sides have four points after three games.

While the north African derby will go a long way to determining the major contender from the second half of the group, this match will also separate the two frontrunners, and will allow the victor between Morocco and Algeria to see who they should be gunning for in the two matches that follow.

Zambia - Mozambique (June 4)

Group C is led by the unlikely Libyans after a fantastic start to the campaign that included two wins and a draw. But the situation at the top is a tight one, with Zambia following closely behind seven point Libya, on six points, while Mozambique have four.

A win for the Mambas will allow them to move above the Chipolopolo into first or second spot, depending on the result of Comoros-Libya, but if Zambia snatches all three points at home, Mozambique will have an uphill battle on their hands in the final two games to come.

Botswana – Malawi (June 4)

This top of the table clash has a great deal more meaning for Malawi than it does for Botswana. Having already qualified as the first team from the group stages, the Zebras have little to play for in terms of qualification, but in front of their home fans, they will want to continue their fine run of form and build ahead of their first ever African Nations Cup next year.

The Flames are second in the group with nine points, and while they will not catch Botswana, their aim will be to secure their current spot and stay above Tunisia, only two points adrift of them. If they finish as the second placed team with the most points out of all the groups they will qualify for the 2012 Afcon.

Sierra Leone – Niger (June 4)

Niger’s run of form has allowed for Group G to become very interesting, with Egypt rooted to the bottom of the table while South Africa head the standings. The Nigeriens are on six points, one behind Bafana, and they know that with three games left to play, it is wide open for them to make a stab at qualification.

The door is not yet closed for Sierra Leone (two points) or Egypt (one point), so Niger will need to get an away win against their opponents this weekend to ensure they keep the pressure on South Africa and the trailing teams. The Mena have been very impressive recently, and they might just find a win up their sleeve.

Burundi – Rwanda (June 4)

An east African battle ensues in Group H, with Cote D’Ivoire having cemented their spot at the summit of the standings. This leaves Burundi and Rwanda with the scraps, and on one and three points respectively, they will be fighting for pride and a second spot (Benin is on four) rather than qualification.

The Wasps will be confident that they can get a positive result away from home, but the hosts will not be pushovers, and they will consider this match the opportunity to secure at least a point, if not more.

Liberia - Cape Verde Islands (June 4)

Group A is still up in the air with regards to qualification, and Cape Verde have earned themselves top spot, to the surprise of many who thought they would be the whipping boys of the section. The islanders are on seven points, with two wins and a draw allowing them to prevail over the others in the standings, but Mali is close behind on six, and they will be itching to take top spot from Cape Verde.

An away game against bottom placed Liberia will go a long way to determining the shape of the group, and the islanders will be confident with an unbeaten run allowing them to puff their chests out with pride. Liberia will be hoping they can stop the group leaders in their tracks.

Uganda - Guinea Bissau (June 4)

Uganda finds themselves at the top of Group J, and this weekend they will come up against Guinea Bissau at home. Currently Uganda heads the standings with seven points. Kenya are second with four points while, Angola and Guinea Bissau are placed third and fourth with three points each.

A trip to Uganda is likely to prove a tough task for the visitors, and Uganda will be expecting to take the three points against their opponents, who on paper seem to be inferior. Football does not always work like that, however, and the Cranes will need to be aware that Guinea Bissau has nothing to lose, making them a dangerous outfit to face. A win for Uganda would solidify their status at the top of the group and bring them one step closer to the 2012 African Nations Cup.

Swaziland – Sudan (June 5)

Group I is a neutral supporter’s dream with regards to the battle at the top of the standings between Ghana and Sudan, both on seven points after three games. While Ghana will take on Congo, Swaziland play hosts to the north Africans in what is likely to be three points for Sudan.

The landlocked southern African nation is yet to get off the mark and earn a point in the group, and it is unlikely that they will pick this moment to get a win. Sudan could keep the pressure on the Black Stars of Ghana with a win in this match, and force things to go the distance with two matches still to come.

Mauritius - DR Congo (June 5)

DR Congo are currently second in their pool, five points behind runaway leaders Senegal, who play Cameroon. The focus will certainly be in the other match, but Congo will expect to win this encounter and can then benefit from the right result in the other game.

Mauritius will be at home, but DR Congo is a team made up of many TP Mazembe stalwarts, who have shown their quality on the continental stage many times. Their experience will prove too much for the islanders, who will probably practice damage control in the match once DR Congo begin to dominate.

Namibia - Burkina Faso (June 5)

Burkina Faso lead this three-team group, following the withdrawal of Mauritania from the qualification, but six points divide bottom placed Namibia from their more illustrious rivals at the top. Gambia is on three points, and can catch Burkina Faso on six, unless they put further distance between them with a win in Namibia.

The southern Africans are playing for pride, and will hope to at least please their home crowd with a good showing against Burkina Faso.

Guinea – Madagascar (June 5)

Guinea currently find themselves top of Group B on seven points, one ahead of Nigeria. The leaders will be looking ahead to this weekend’s clash with great anticipation, as a win against bottom of the table Madagascar would further consolidate their spot at the summit of the standings with two games to go.

At home Guinea is expected to make light work of the islanders, but Madagascar will have nothing to lose, and that is always a dangerous quality in football. This match will be one for Super Eagles fans to keep a close eye on.

Zimbabwe – Mali (June 5)

Group A is still a closed book when considering who will qualify, and Cape Verde has earned themselves top spot, to the surprise of many. The islanders are on seven points, with two wins and a draw, but Mali is close behind on six, and they can still manage a revival and overtake Cape Verde.

Mali travel away to Zimbabwe, who have been disappointing in the qualification campaign, having played three matches with only two points to show for it. Zimbabwe can still make a late fight-back for an Afcon spot, but it will have to begin with a confident win over Mali this weekend.

Comoros – Libya (June 5)

Group C is led by Libyan on seven points, after a fantastic start to the campaign that included two wins and a draw. The north Africans now travel to take on the minnows of the Comoros, and they will be expected to keep their top spot in the group with a win in this match. Zambia is close behind them on six points.

The home side is firmly rooted to the bottom of the table, and will be mathematically unable to earn top spot in this group if they lose to Libya, with only two games remaining after this weekend’s clashes.

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Predlozi za Tiket (EURO 2012 - kvalifikacije) 03.-04. 06.2011.

Austria - Germany

Ne mogu da se požalim. Kvota 1.40 koliko je ponuđeno za pobedu Nemačke u gostima zvuči jako loše no šta ste očekivali? Nemačka nije poznata po tome da gubi bodove u bitnim mečevima protiv inferiornih protivnika. No time ne kažem da se vredi kladiti na kvotu 1.40, daleko od toga. Bez B. Švajnštajgera, Mertezakera i Kedire Nemačka je pobedila Urugvaj u prijateljskom meču za vikend. Izgleda da će Kedira biti na raspolaganju za ovaj kvalifikacioni meč ali neće biti druge dvojice. Neće igrati ni M. Klose, Treš, Bender ni M. Reus. Nedostajaće im puno igrača? Da, ali Klosea može da zameni M. Gomez a po meni će Nemačka biti bez dva najbitnija igrača, Švajnštajgera i Mertezakera. T. Kros će najverovatnije zameniti Švajnštajgera a Badštuber će se pridružiti Fridrihu u odbrambenoj liniji Nemačke.
Za Austriju neće igrati povređeni Lajtgeb, Jantšer i Helcl.
Arnautović, napadač Verdera iz Bremena, je izostavljen iz sastava Austrijske reprezentacije kao i Majerhofer ali je M. Janko ponovo na raspolaganju a pretpostavljam da će on igrati u napadu. Hofer, Harnik, Alaba, Fuks i Pogatec svi igraju fudbal u Nemačkoj. Meč između Austrije i Nemačke je nekada bio derbi meč ali više nije.
Vrlo verovatna pobeda gostiju.

Belgium - Turkey

Ovo je veoma važan meč u ovoj grupi. Radije bih se opredelio za pobedu domaćina. Belgija ima svež sastav u kome se nalaze mlade zvezde kao što su Azar, Ogun Džimi, Čadli, Vitsel i Lukaku a oni imaju i veoma čvrstu odbranu. Tu mislim na Kompanija, Van Bujtena, Vertongena i oporavljenog Vermelena. Dembele, Felaini i Pokonjoli su povređeni dok su Miraljas i Vanden Bore izostavljeni iz sastava. Gledajući sastav Belgije moram da kažem da oni trenutno deluju jako dobro. Lukaku ipak neće igrati.
Turska je pobedila Belgiju na svom terenu sa 3-2. Kompani je dobio crveni karton u 64-om minutu a Belgija je postigla i primila gol sa deset igrača na terenu.
Dva igrača sredine terena, Sahin i H. Altintop, neće igrati na sutrašnjem meču kao ni Tunčaj Šanli dok je veoma neizvestan nastup G. Gonula usled povrede.
Do sada Turska nije pokazala ništa posebno u ovoj grupi tako da se ne može govoriti o nekom velikom uticaju Hidinka. Ja sam mislio da će oni moći da zaprete Nemačkoj (0-3) a za poraz od Azerbejdžana nema nikakvog opravdanja.
Priča se da će Turska ići na nerešeno no ja sumnjam u to. Oni nikada nisu bili takva ekipa.
Ovo je veoma bitan meč i veliki je ulog a ja ću se opredeliti za pobedu domaćina.

FYR Macedonia - Republic of Ireland

Iako BJR Makedonija ima šest bodova manje od Republike Irske u ovoj grupi ja bih ipak mogao da se kladim na pobedu domaćina. Zašto? Ponuđena kvota me je prosto naterala na to.
R. Irska je pobedila BJR Makedoniju sa 2-1 na svom terenu no taj meč je bio dosta izjednačen. Da je sutrašnji meč bio prvi meč u grupi onda bi kvote bile drugačije a BJR Makedonija bi možda bila i favorit no kladionice su digle ruke od njih posle lošeg niza.
Ja volim da mislim da oni još uvek imaju potencijala da zabeleže pobedu na svom terenu.
R. Irska je nedavno pobedila Severnu Irsku i Škotsku. To su bile sasvim očekivane pobede no priznajem da je uvek lepo pobeđivati. To im je uspelo bez MekGidija, Longa, Gibsona i O'Šeja no svi oni bi trebali da budu na raspolaganju za ovaj kvalifikacioni meč. Neće biti D. Dafa kao ni R. Dana dok je usled povrede veoma neizvestan nastup K. Dojla.
R. Kin je postigao golove u obe pobede. On ne može da se izbori sa mesto u startnoj postavi Vest Hema ali postiže golove za svoju zemlju.
Kladiću se na pobedu domaćina.

Romania - Bosnia

Ova grupa je veoma neizvesna no može se reći da domaćin mora da pobedi na ovom meču inače će oni biti bez ikakvih šansi da se kvalifikuju za Evropsko prvenstvo. Da li oni to mogu da postignu? Ja sumnjam u to. Dobro, oni su vodili sa 1-0 na gostovanju Bosni ali su na kraju izgubili sa 1-2. Zvuči kao da imaju šanse na svom terenu? Pa, Bosna je dominirala u prvom meču a na primer odnos u kornerima je bio 10-0 za njih.
Bosna sada ima mnogo boljih pojedinaca u ekipi. Mislim da svi miožemo da se složimo sa tim. Obično ništa ne fali odbrani Rumunije no na ovom meču neće igrati Gojan, Radu i Kivu. Dobro, samo je Gojan igrao na prethodnom meču.
Kivu je prestao da igra za reprezentaciju Rumunije no Mutu je još uvek tu. Pošto je Stanču povređen Mutu će definitivno igrati u napadu zajedno sa Marikom.
Salihović, igrač sredine terena Bosne, se vraća u sastav posle suspenzije. Na sredini terena će verovatno igrati i Rahimić i Pjanić. Džeko će sigurno igrati u napadu zajedno sa Ibiševićem ili Muslimovićem.
Biće X2.

Belarus - France

Francuska je primila samo jedan gol do sada na pet mečeva koliko su odigrali u ovoj grupi. To je bilo protiv ove reprezentacije Belorusije u Francuskoj kada su Belorusi pobedili sa 1-0. Od tada je reprezentacija Francuske u novom izdanju sa Blanom na kllupi dosta popravila svoju igru tako da će biti jako teško za Belorusiju da ponovo savladaju Francusku.
Mislim da se može reći da Belorusija igra najbolje što zna sa igračima koje ima na raspolaganju no nema mnogo prilika za gol na njihovim mečevima. Oni su postigli tri gola na svojim mečevima a primili su samo jedan. Oni će biti veoma oslabljeni na ovom meču jer su Kornilenko, Kulči i Mološ suspendovani dok su Hleb, Krivets, Kutuzov, Rodionov i Amelčenko svi povređeni. Nedostajaće im puno ključnih igrača.
Veoma jaka ekipa Francuske će se sigurno osvetiti.
Biće pobeda gostiju a kvota će početi da pada.

Moldova - Sweden

Čudne su ove kvote. Švedska trenutno nije neka fudbalska velesila a ja dosta poštujem reprezentaciju Moldavije pogotovo kada imaju prednost domaćeg terena.
Oni isključivo osvajaju bodove na svom terenu. Već su pobedili Finsku a Moldavija je izgubila samo sa 0-1 na svom terenu od dominantne reprezentacije u ovoj grupi, Holandije.
Za Moldaviju neće igrati njihov kapiten Epureanu.
Švedski klupski fudbal je u lošem stanju dok se u reprezentaciji uglavnom nalaze igrači koji igraju u Evropi.
Odbrambeni igrači Melberg i Majstorović su bili suspendovani kada je Ševedska na svom terenu pobedila Moldaviju sa 2-1 ali će obojica biti na raspolaganju za ovaj meč.
Forma Ibrahimovića? Ne moramo sada da razmišljamo o tome jer on neće igrati na ovoj utakmici.
Moja glavna opklada će biti na 0-0 a možda ću se opredeliti i da se kladim na autsajdere.

Latvia - Israel

Oporavljeni Benajun će naravno biti veliki podstrek za Izraelce. Kada je Izrael pobedio na svom terenu ovu reprezentaciju Letonije (2-1) Benajun (bio je na klupi) je tek počeo ponovo da igra no sutra će on ponovo predvoditi svoju reprezentaciju. On je njihov ubedljivo najbolji fudbaler. Kajal (igra za Seltik) i Barda, koji je postigao oba gola u prvom meču protiv Letonije, su povređeni kao i Vermut. Tamuz, vodeći strelac u Izraelskom prvenstvu, nije u sastavu. Umesto njega je pozvan Hemed.
Letonija je do sada postigla ono što se i očekivalo. Oni su pobedili Maltu i to je sve. Tu ima nekoliko poznatih igrača kao što su Verpakovskis, Rudnevs, Rubins, i Gorks.
Biće X2.

England - Switzerland

Kvota na pobedu domaćina je jako loša no za ovaj meč nema nikakvih drugih opcija. Engleska je pobedila Švajcarsku na gostovanju sa 3-1 a od tada su dva napadača Švajcarske, Frej i Štreler, prestali da igraju za reprezentaciju.
Derdijok (Bajer Leverkuzen) je njihov jedini pravi napadač ali su se Mehmedi i Emeghara, obojica su dosta mladi, pridružili Švajcarskoj reprezentaciji.
U postavu Engleske se za ovaj meč vraća R. Ferdinand ali je Runi suspendovan. Džerard, Defo i Kerik su svi povređeni.
U napadu će igrati dva igrača, D. Bent, Krauč ili Zamora, ili će D. Bent igrati kao usamljeni napadač dok će iza njega igrati E. Jang.
Pobeda Engleske ali je kvota depresivna.

Montenegro - Bulgaria

Tri pobede od po 1-0 i 0-0 na gostovanju Engleskoj, zbog toga Crna Gora deli prvo mesto sa Engleskom na tabeli ove grupe. Oni su uspeli da pobede na gostovanju u Bugarskoj no možda domaćin toga dana nije imao sreće. Bugarska je imala devet šuteva u okvir gola dok je Crna Gora perfektno iskoristila jedini šut i pobedila je sa 1-0.
Jovetić nije odigrao nijedan meč za Fiorentinu ove sezone ali je on sada spreman i biće u sastavu za ovaj meč.
Drinčić i Fatić su se takođe oporavili ali će možda samo Drinčić igrati od početka meča.
Loše vesti su da će Vukčević, Bošković i Đudović, svi su bili u startnoj postavi protiv Engleske (0-0), propustiti ovaj meč.
Za Bugarsku neće igrati suspendovani igrač sredine terena Georgiev i povređeni odbrambeni igrač Stojanov. Dva Petrova, koji igraju u Engleskoj, će igrati ali neće biti Berbatova.
Kladiću se na pobedu domaćina ali bi kvota mogla da bude bolja.

Iceland - Denmark

Čak 21 utakmicu su odigrale ove dve reprezentacije a Islanđani nisu zabeležili nijednu pobedu nad Danskom. Oni su bili blizu 0-0 u prvom meču ali je domaćin, Danska, postigao gol pred kraj meča. Danci uopšte nisu bili ubedljivi na tom meču.
As iz Ajaksa Eriksen će igrati iza Bendtnera i Romedala a to su vam najinteresantniji Danski igrači. Šmajkl junior će biti na golu.
Gudjonsen, koji sada igra za Fulam, se vraća u reprezentaciju Islanda a u napadu će mu se možda pridružiti H. Helguson.
Nisam oduševljen ovom reprezentacijom Danske ali oni najverovatnije neće izgubiti na ovom meču. Biće X2.

Portugal - Norway

Za ovaj meč se može reći da je finale u ovoj grupi a Portugal će želeti da se osveti. Oni bi morali da se osvete jer Norvežani teško da mogu da postignu pozitivan rezultat na ovom meču. Portugal deluje isuviše dobro za reprezentaciju Norveške trenera Drila no moram da priznam da je to upravo onakav izazov kakvom se Drilo raduje.
Kerju će najverovatnije igrati u napadu od početka meča za Norvešku ili će možda napadač Hanovera Moa Abdelaue dobiti priliku.
U reprezentaciji Portugala ima isuviše fantastičnih pojedinaca protiv koje Norveška ekipna mašinerija neće lako izaći na kraj jer se ne igra na jesen u Norveškoj već se igra u junu u Portugalu.
Pobeda domaćina.

Chris

Mića Sredojević - prognozira mečeve kvalifikacija za Afrički kup nacija 03.-05. 06. 2011.

GRUPA A
 LIBERIJA – KAPE VERDE 1X – Kape Verde je iznenadio dosadašnjim rezultatima i plasmanom na prvo mesto. Radi se o portugalskoj školi fudbala, pa sam uveren da Liberiji, iako je u Africi domaći teren ogromna prednost, neće biti lako da savlada ekipu Kape Verde.
ZIMBABVE – MALI 1 – Zimbabve će pokušati da iznenadi Mali, jer će utakmica da se odigra na terenu sa veštačkom travom, na koju gosti nisu navikli.
GRUPA B 
ETIOPIJA – NIGERIJA 1X2 – Etiopija želi da popravi utisak iz dosadašnjeg dela kvalifikacija. Meč se igra na velikoj nadmorskoj visini, a svaki rezultat je moguć.
GVINEJA – MADAGASKAR 1 – Domaća Gvineja je neuporedivo jača od Madagaskara. Jedinica je sigurna.
GRUPA C 
ZAMBIJA – MOZAMBIK 1 – Zambija je slavila i u Mozambiku (2:0), pa bi meč pred domaćom publikom morala da reši u svoju korist.
KOMOROS – LIBIJA 2 – Rekao bih da tim Komorosa još uči kako se igra fudbal. Domaća selekcija još nije postigla ni gol u kvalifikacijama, a Libija nije primila pogodak. Dvojka je sigurna.
GRUPA D 
MAROKO – ALŽIR – 1X2 – Veliki derbi najneizvesnije grupe kvalifikacija na kojem je nemoguće predvideti rezultat.
CENTRALNOAFRIČKA REPUBLIKA – TANZANIJA 1X – Domaća selekcija je iznenadila dosadašnjim rezultatima. Tanzaniji neće biti lako da izbegne poraz.
GRUPA E
 KAMERUN – SENEGAL 1X – Havijer Klemente, bivši selektor Srbije, pokušaće sa svojim Kamerunom da savlada jaki Senegal. Po mojoj proceni, na ovom meču ne bi smela da dođe dvojka.
MAURICIJUS – DR KONGO 2 – Gost je apsolutni favorit na ovoj utakmici. Mauricijus je previše slab.
GRUPA F
NAMIBIJA – BURKINA FASO X
– Namibija nije osvojila ni bod u dosadašnjem delu kvalifikacija, ali uveren sam da Burkini Faso neće da bude lako na ovom gostovanju.
GRUPA G 
EGIPAT – J. AFRIKA 1 – Posle revolucije u svojoj zemlji, Egipat Južnu Afriku čeka “na nož”. Selektor gostiju voli defanzivnu igru, ali domaćini su dominantni u visini i u skoku, pa bi prekid mogao da donese pobedu Egiptu.
SIJERA LEONE – NIGER 1X – Ne znam šta su vračevi rekli za ovu utakmicu. Šalu na stranu, ali pripadnici oba naroda više se uzdaju u magiju nego u fudbalsko nadmetanje. Domaćin je u blagoj prednosti.
GRUPA H 
BENIN – O. SLONOVAČE X2 – Obala Slonovače je daleko kvalitetnija, ali mora se uzeti u obzir da je ova zemlja prošla kroz period građanskog rata i opšteg haosa. Ipak, “slonovi” teško gube, pa ne verujem da Benin ima snage da ih savlada.
BURUNDI – RUANDA 1X – Komšijski derbi pun naboja. Burundi i Ruanda su ratovali u prošlosti... Mislim da nema dvojke.

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05.06. (Sun) 12:00 Angola - Kenya

Another loss will end the qualifying dreamsof the Palancas Negras

Angola have already lost their two away matches against Uganda (3-0), and Kenya recently in March when they went down 2-0. The 2010 African Cup of Nations hosts are tottering at the brink of missing next year's extravaganza, and unless they snatch a win against Harambee Stars, they are unlikely to resuscitate their chances.

It is with this in mind that the team held a week-long training camp with foreign based professionals in Portugal, which according to coach Lito Vidigal, was meant to empower players to be fit and ready ahead of the match against Kenya.

The players who had a training stint in Portugal a week ago included Manucho Gonçalves, Djalma, Flavio Gilberto, Dede, Carlos, Andre Makanga Vunguidica, Marco Airosa, Matthew, Titi Buenger, and Kivuvu Tiquinho.

Angola know that another loss or even a draw will end their dreams and a convincing win is the only result that can give them a fighting chance in Group J, where Uganda top the standings with seven points. Kenya are second with four points while, Angola and Guinea Bissau are placed third and fourth with three points each.

Without a doubt, Kenya will be in for a torrid evening of high octane action as the hosts work their socks off to give their home fans something to smile about.

Zedekiah ‘Zico’ Otieno’s first real test

Coach Zedekiah ‘Zico’ Otieno started his Harambee Stars stint with victory when he led his charges to a 2-1 win against the Palancas Negras in Nairobi. That victory may have come largely due to the fact that Otieno had a full squad and was playing at home where the crowds at Nyayo played their part.

But on Sunday, the youthful coach who also doubles as Premier League side Gor Mahia's tactician will be leading his players against a hostile and charged crowd in Luanda and to add insult to injury, he will be missing key players like keeper Anorld Origi (injury) and midfielder MacDonald Mariga (suspension) among others.

The team’s preparations for the crucial match started on the wrong note when they failed to play a friendly match against Libya last week and another one against Namibia on Monday, where the team has anticipated to camp for a week before heading to Angola.

The two friendlies were canceled in the last minute under unclear circumstances. Further woes for Otieno were to come when he landed with his players in Luanda on Tuesday, but the hosts were not hospitable enough to give the Stars a training ground. By Wednesday evening, the team had not held a single training session and they were not even made aware of the match location.

But Otieno still has an experienced squad that will give a good account of themselves in Angola, although the absence of Origi and Mariga will be dearly missed. They travelled to Luanda with six foreign based professionals. They include captain Dennis Oliech (Auxerre), striker Allan Wanga (Vietnam), Jerry Santos (Tanzania’s Simba) and George ‘Blackberry’ Odhiambo of Randers in Denmark. Patrick Oboya, who is based in the Czech Republic and Victor Mugabe, who plies his trade in Belgium are the two other professionals who will be fielded against Angola.
Harambee Stars in action

TEAM NEWS

Angola

Coach Lito Vidigal has recalled defender Marco Airosa and the midfielder Tiquinho to reinforce his squad ahead of the crucial clash against Kenya. Marco Airosa, who plays for Portugal's Desportivo das Aves, has been away from national duty since the 2008 CAN, whereas Tiquinho, who plays for Spain's Alzira, has been picked again after making his debut 18-months ago. But Job and João Martins, two regular players in the squad, will miss the match due to injuries.

Squad:
Goalkeepers: Carlos, Lamá, Wilson
Defenders: Zuela, Marco Airosa, Mingo Bille, Kaly, Miguel, Fabrício, Dany Massunguna and Amaro.
Midfielders: Djalma, Dedé, Gilberto, Makanga, Osório, Tiquinho, Geraldo and Chara.
Strikers: Mateus, Flávio, Vunguidica, Manucho and Love.

Kenya

In the absence of MacDonald Mariga, Swedish based Patrick Osiako was recalled to the provisional squad, but the midfielder did not report to camp and his place was taken by Simba midfielder Jerry Santo, who has had a consistent spell with the Tanzanian side. Ulinzi striker Mike Barasa was also added to the team after an impressive performance in the local league and Vietnam based Allan Wanga also returned to the squad. Wanga has featured for Petro Atletico in the Angolan Girabola.

Squad:
Goalkeepers: Boniface Oluoch, Jeremiah Onyango
Defenders: James Situma, Osborne Monday, Edgar Ochieng, John Njoroge, Anthony Kimani, Pascal Ochieng, Joseph Shikokoti, Collins Kisuya.
Midfielders: Jerry Santo, Victor Mugubi, Jamal Mohammed, Titus Mulama, Kevin Ochieng, Patrick Oboya.
Strikers: Dennis Oliech, Mike Barasa, Allan Wanga, George Odhiambo.

PREDICTION

The fact that Angola will be playing at home will give them a great boost in this must win encounter. The Harambee Stars backline has been their weakest link in the past year, and considering the absence of experienced keeper Origi and defensive midfielder Mariga, Angola will most likely have a stress free evening.

Angola 2-1 Kenya

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04.06. (Sat) 22:00 Morocco - Algeria

Biggest test yet for Gerets and his Lions

Anyone who looked at Group D after the draw and figured that the 2012 African Cup of Nations (Afcon) race would be dominated by Morocco and Algeria were off the mark. After three games played, the two favorites from the Maghreb are surprisingly in third and four place in a group that includes the Central African Republic and Tanzania, who are ranked first and second thanks to their superior goal difference.

For the Atlas Lions, their meager standing is primarily due to their faulty start to Afcon qualifying, when they failed to get past a stubborn Central African Republic team in Rabat.

Some have pointed to Eric Gerets’ late arrival as the main reason for the disappointment, but the players had to face Tanzania without him as well, and came back with all three points from Dar es Salaam. They then headed to Annaba where they looked offensively inept despite all their possession against a better-organised and seemingly more motivated Algeria side in Gerets’ first qualifier at the helm.

Now their coach is under a considerable amount of pressure, as a loss in Marrakesh would essentially mean that Morocco would have to rely on favours from other sides in order to qualify and avoid missing a second Afcon in a row.

In dire need of a win, the Belgian tactician hasn’t hesitated in ratcheting up the intensity by admitting that if he fails to lead Morocco to Gabon and Equatorial Guinea then the Moroccan Royal Football Federation (FRMF) would be legally free to sack him per the conditions in his contract.

The majority of football fans in the north African kingdom don’t want to see that happen, as most agree that Gerets is doing a fine job and that improvements are starting to show. If his players want him to stick around and continue the revival he’s been tasked with, then it’s up to them to win at all cost. Individual flair and pretty build up play won’t count for much if the Atlas Lions fall flat like they did in Annaba.

The Fennecs look to outfox their neighbours again

Much like their upcoming opponents, Algeria stumbled out of the gates of Afcon qualifying when they came from behind to salvage a 1-1 draw against Jan Poulsen’s Tanzania in Blida. After a rather underwhelming 2010 World Cup campaign during which the team didn’t score a single goal, the result proved to be former Fennecs coach Rabah Saadane’s last game in charge, as he was sacked by the Algerian Football Federation (FAF).

His replacement, Abdelhak Ben Chikha, followed that up with a nightmare start of his own when his men collapsed in the late stages of an away match against the Central African Republic. The 2-0 loss ended up being a catalyst for the Fennecs, who knew that another letdown against Morocco would not only drop them out of qualifying contention, but would also likely bring Ben Chikha’s time with the national team to an undesired premature end.

Determined to stave off elimination and save their manager’s job, an under-staffed Algeria battled to an ugly, but precious win against Morocco. Now, in the return fixture, they are benefiting from more offensive manpower, and will look to use their counter-attacking threats to good effect in Marrakesh.

Speaking to the media prior to the crucial match, Ben Chikha has made it clear that although the points are extremely important to both nations, he wants to see fair play prevail and for Algerian and Moroccan ties to remain strong no matter the result at the end of 90 minutes.

TEAM NEWS

Morocco

Unfortunately for the Atlas Lions, some of their players are limping into this match. It’s already been confirmed that Wydad midfielder Mohamed Berrabeh will miss the qualifier due to injury. Perhaps more worryingly, both Nancy-Lorraine’s Michael Basser and Anzhi Makhachkala’s Mbark Boussoufa are also possible absences.

Probable starting XI:
Nadir Lamyaghri; Mehdi Benatia, Badr El Kaddouri, Abdelhamid El Kouatri, Jamal Allioui; Adil Hermach, Younes Belhanda, Houcine Kharja, Adel Taarabt; Marouane Chamakh, Youssouf Hadji.

Algeria

Unlike the previous match between these two, this time around Ben Chikha does not have any serious injury concerns to contend with. Rafik Djebbour had a slight tweak in his adductor muscle, but scans have revealed nothing serious. Meanwhile, both Rais Mbolhi and Mehdi Mostefa were rested, but are expected to be available come matchday.

Probable starting XI:
Rais Mbolhi; Mehdi Mostefa, Madjid Bougherra, Antar Yahia, Djamel Mesbah; Medhi Lacen, Hassan Yebda, Foued Kadir, Karim Ziani, Ryad Boudebouz; Rafik Djebbour

PREDICTION

It’s not quite a make or break affair, but it almost is and sparks usually fly in north African derbies of this magnitude. Look for Morocco to press early and often in search of the all-important first goal that evaded them in Annaba. This time around I expect them to get on the score-sheet, but Ben Chikha’s players are solid enough to do the same and pull out a draw, a decent result considering the caliber of the opponent.

Morocco 1-1 Algeria

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03.06. (Fri) 20:50 Belarus - France

DID YOU KNOW?

Belarus caused arguably one of the shocks of the qualifying campaign, after they secured a 1-0 win in Paris in Laurent Blanc's first competitive game as national team manager.
The Eastern Europeans lie second in Group D, having amassed eight points so far.
Bernd Stange's side have only scored two goals in four qualifiers since that famous victory.
Friday's encounter will be the second time the two nations have met in international competition.
Belarus were beaten 1-0 by Albania in their previous qualifier.
They also slipped to a 1-0 defeat by Canada in their last international.
Nevertheless, Belarus lie 37th in the World Rankings.

France have not lost a game since their surprise defeat to Belarus in September and sit top of Group D, four points clear.
Laurent Blanc's men have won six of their previous seven games since.
Les Bleus have also notched up four successive victories in their qualifying campaign in that period.
Laurent Blanc, who is battling a race quota scandal, will look to make it five competitive wins in succession, a feat that has not occurred since 2003.
Les Bleus made hard work of overcoming minnows Luxembourg in their previous qualifier, as they laboured to a 2-0 in unconvincing fashion.
They were also held in their previous international, which saw them play out a goalless draw against Croatia in March.
France occupy 19th position in the World Rankings.

PROBABLE LINE-UPS

Belarus (4-4-2)
Zhevnov; Shitov, Martynovich, Verkhovtsov, Amelyanchuk; Kalachow, Tigarev, Putsila, Kryvets; Varankow, V. Hleb

Bernd Stange has omitted Barcelona's Alexander Hleb from the squad to face France tomorrow. The midfielder, who has been on loan at relegated Birmingham, has suffered a string of injuries in the past season, and the German tactician believes the 30-year old isn't match fit for the top-of-the-table clash.
Striker Vitaly Kutuzov and midfielder Vitaly Rodionov, also miss out while Sergei Kornilenko, Dmitry Malosh and Alexander Kulchiy are suspended.

France (4-3-3)
Lloris; Sagna, Sakho, Rami, Evra; M'Vila; Matuidi, Nasri; Ribery, Malouda; Benzema

Laurent Blanc is waiting on the fitness of Loic Remy and Abou Diaby ahead of their Euro 2012 qualifying fixture against Belarus on Friday. It was reported earlier this week that both players sat out training due to persistent injuries.

Blanc has also called up a number of fringe players and new faces to the squad, most notably Younes Kaboul and Sochaux's Marvin Martin, who enjoyed a stellar club season and may play a part in this fixture, albeit from the bench.

Prediction
Les Bleus have been improving as of late, and with Belarus missing half of their key players due to various reasons, it would be hard to see the Eastern Europeans do an unlikely double over the 1998 World Champions. A comfortable and efficient victory for France looks to be the most likely outcome.

Belarus 0-2 France

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03.06. (Fri) 20:45 Italy - Estonia

DID YOU KNOW?

Italy have won their last five matches against Estonia.

The Azzurri have scored 15 goals in their last five encounters versus Estonia.

Cesare Prandelli's men have conceded only one goal in the current qualifying campaign.

Italy have outscored their Group C opponents 11-1 after five games.

Antonio Cassano leads the team in scoring with two goals.

Estonia beat Serbia 3-1 in their only road game in Euro 2012 qualifying.

Tarmo Ruutli's men held the lead for 30 minutes against Italy in their first encounter in September before the Azzurri scored two second half goals to win 2-1.

Estonia have conceded six goals in five group games so far.

PROBABLE LINE-UPS

Italy (4-3-1-2)
Buffon; Maggio, Ranocchia, Chiellini, Balzaretti; Montolivo, Pirlo, Marchisio; Aquilani; Rossi, Cassano

Italy coach Cesare Prandelli will be without the services of Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli who was forced to leave the Coverciano training base with a knee injury. Thiago Motta will also miss out on Friday night’s festivities in Modena with a leg problem while Daniele De Rossi was excluded from the squad for breaching Prandelli’s code of conduct.

Estonia (4-4-1-1)
Pareiko; Klavan, Piiroja, Rahn, Jaager; Kruglov, Purje, Kink, Puri; Saag; Ahjupera

Tarmo Ruutli will be without key duo Aleksandr Dmitrijev and Konstantin Vassiljev for the match on Friday. Andres Oper and Andrei Sidorenkov will also miss the crunch clash through injury.

Prediction
Italy are undefeated in the current qualifying campaign and have more than enough firepower to comfortably see off the visitors in Modena.
Italy 2-0 Estonia

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03.06. (Fri) 19:00 Ghana - Congo

High expectations as stars rock Kumasi

There is a great at stake in this crucial qualifier. Ghana need a win to better their chances of qualifying for the 2012 Africa Nations Cup. Coach Goran Stevanovic needs all points or at worst a draw in his debut home game. Scudetto winner Kevin-Prince Boateng is playing on home soil for the first time since he switched allegiance to become a Ghanaian, prior to the 2010 World Cup. Also, the Congo game is an opportunity for Chelsea ace Michael Essien to win back the hearts of the local fans after an 17-month hiatus.

The four-time African champions thumped the Diables Rouges [Red Devils] 3-0 in the first leg. The Black Stars have jelled extremely well without certain key players over the past two or so years and parading almost all their integral stars this time puts a great deal more pressure on their shoulders to maul the Congolese.

They have recorded a clean sheet under the Serbian in their last three outings outside Ghana. Plavi started off with a convincing 4-1 win over Togo in a friendly, thrashed Congo 3-0 away in the Nations Cup qualifiers and provided an entertaining, but fiercely fought 1-1 friendly with England at Wembley Stadium.

Over the past few months, the west Africans have set high standards for themselves as the best in Africa if the Fifa rankings are anything to go by. These heights came as a result of commitment and dedication from most of the young players who filled the void created by some of the senior players, who stepped aside as a result of injuries and other personal problems.They are now back in the team and the fans will not take a loss or draw as an excuse. It is a do or die affair for the home side since Kumasi has promised a teeming welcome for the World Cup quarter-finalists. Ghana top Group I with seven points and a goal advantage.

Breaking a spell that has lasted a decade

The 1972 Nations Cup champions seem to be losing their motivation to return to the continental flagship in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea. It has been an emotional roller coaster journey for them since the tournament was instituted. They have been in the dark over the past 10 years after playing in the 2000 edition and taking an early shower in the first round.

A win against the Black Stars is their safest bet to keep their campaign on track. However, they will be eliminated if the second in the group, Sudan defeat Swaziland and they lose to the west Africans. They find themselves in a rather tricky position at the moment and judging from their inexperience, it will take a mini-miracle to beat their opponents.

Congo have only won a game in three matches during this qualifying campaign. They lost their opening fixture against Sudan, won their second at home against Swaziland and lost to Ghana. They are in dire need of victory, and stealing the show as well as returning with all spoils from the fortress of a better Ghana side will be one of the greatest achievements of their football history, if they are able to pull it off.

TEAM NEWS

Ghana

The team arrived safely in Kumasi after training for three days in the capital, Accra. Olympique Marseille hero Andre Ayew was the last to arrive in camp due to theft of his passport in France. Morale is said to be very high, with only right-back Samuel Inkoom who has been ruled out as a result of a tear in his thigh.

Probable starting IX: 
Richard Kingson; John Paintsil, Addy, Isaac Vorsah, John Mensah; Andre Ayew, Kwadwo Asamoah, Kevin-Prince Boateng; Dominic Adiyiah, Prince Tagoe

Congo

Squad
Goalkeepers: Barel Mouko (Lille, France), Chancel Massa (AC Leopards) 
Defenders: Bruce Abdoulaye (Clermont, D2 France), Papou Makita (Al-Ahly Tripoli, Libya), Francis Nganga (FC Tours, France), Igor Nganga (FC Schaffhausen, Switzerland), Christopher Samba (Blackburn Rovers, England)
Midfielders: Boukama Kaya (AC Leopards), Rolf Guie Mien (Paderborn, Germany), David Louhoungou (Boulogne, France), Mfountou Madila (Coton Sport Garoua, Cameroon), Delvin Ndinga (Auxerre, France), Burnel Okana (Stal Alchevsk, Ukraine), Prince Oniangue (FC Tours, France)
Attackers: Franchel Ibara (Vita Club, DR Congo), Ulrich Kapolongo (Al-Shabab, Jordan), Matt Moussilou (Lausanne Sport, Switzerland), Fabrice Ondama (Wydad Casablanca, Morocco), Francky Sembolo (Holstein Kiel, Germany), Nkolo Loris (Diables Noirs)

PREDICTION

The Ghanaians are the better side, and are likely to dominate each department of the game. On paper they have already won the match, but the Congolese need to close down their frontmen to minimize any humiliating defeat.

Ghana 4-1 Congo