25.06. (Sat) 20:45 Switzerland U21 - Spain U21

DID YOU KNOW?

Switzerland are competing in their fifth Euro U21 tournament, and have never before reached the final.

Admir Mehmedi netted his third goal of the tournament in extra-time against the Czech Republic to help his team to progress to the final.

Winger Xherdan Shaqiri has had 12 attempts off target so far in the tournament, more than double the amount of any other player.

Shaqiri is, however, the tournament's most fouled player, alongside Spain's Javi Martinez.

Spain will be going for their third title at this level, having won in both 1986 and 1998.

Adrian Lopez is the leading scorer in this year's finals with five goals in four matches. He will move to Atletico Madrid from relegated Deportivo next month.
Juan Mata is the tournament's leading assist-maker with two.

Diego Capel, Javi Martinez and Bojan Krkic are three of the top 10 most-capped Spanish players at this level, with 24, 23 and 21 appearances respectively.
Both nations' participation in this final has guaranteed their involvement in the 2012 Olympics in London.


PROBABLE LINE-UPS

Switzerland (4-4-2)
Sommer; Koch, Rossini, Klose, Berardi; Lustenberger, Frei, Shaqiri, Xhaki; Emeghara, Mehmedi

Defender Francois Affolter tore a thigh muscle in training the morning of Switzerland's semi-final clash and has been ruled out of the final. Granit Xhaka returns from suspension, however, and could take his place in the starting line-up.

Spain (4-3-3)
De Gea; Montoya, Botia, Dominguez, Didac; Javi Martinez, Ander Herrera, Thiago; Mata, Adrian, Jeffren

Spain coach Luis Milla could give Jeffren a start after his stunning goal against Belarus in the semi-final, with Athletic Bilbao youngster Iker Muniain likely to make way.

Adrian Lopez has been in blistering form so far in the tournament, netting on five occasions, and he will lead the line in what is likely to be an otherwise unchanged team.

Prediction

Spain have been regarded as the favourites to win the tournament from the off, and will not slip up at this stage. Switzerland will provide a stern test, but Luis Milla's men will celebrate collecting the trophy.

Editor's Prediction

Switzerland Under 21 1-2 Spain Under 21

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22.06. (Wed) 21:00 Switzerland U21 - Czech U21

DID YOU KNOW?

Switzerland have scored six goals in their first three group games.

Pierluigi Tami's men have yet to concede a goal in the tournament.

Admir Mehmedi leads the Swiss scoring charts with two goals.
Switzerland gave up less than a goal a game (0.83) in the qualifying phase.

Czech Republic won the European Under-21 Championships in 2002.

Jakub Dovalil's men were on the verge of elimination before two late goals against England saw them progress to the semi-finals.

The Czechs have committed 64 fouls and have picked up nine bookings in three games.

Borek Dockal leads the team in scoring with two goals in the competition.

PROBABLE LINE-UPS

Switzerland (4-4-2)
Sommer; Koch, Rossini, Klose, Berardi; Lustenberger, Frei, Shaqiri, Abrashi; Emeghara, Gavranovic

Basel youngster Granit Xhaka will miss the semi-final encounter after picking up one yellow card too many and will likely be replaced by Amir Abrashi.

Czech Republic (4-4-2)
Vaclik; Lecjaks, Mazuch, Celustka, Suchy; Dockal, Vacha, Marecek, Kovarik; Kozac, Pekhart

Lukas Vacha will likely return to claim his place in midfield after missing the 2-1 win over England through suspension. Tomas Pekhart could be handed a start after his injury-time heroics against the English.

Prediction

The Swiss will concede their first goal of the tournament but have enough firepower upfront to punch their ticket to the final.

Switzerland Under 21 2-1 Czech Republic Under 21

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19.06. (Sun) 21:00 Jamaica - USA

After storming through the group stage with three wins, it’s easy to understand how the Jamaican national team has garnered so much attention for their play thus far in the Gold Cup.

It’s also easy to understand the frustrations of the USA fans after a rather unconvincing group stage. The forums and comment pages lit up after the USA’s 1-0 win over Guadeloupe, and if those who failed to watch the game formulated an opinion off the reactions of the masses, it was clear that the USA was completely outplayed, shouldn’t have won, and has no chance at reaching the Gold Cup final.

In reality, the win over Guadeloupe was a largely dominant performance for a team that simply had a horrendous night in front of goal. The USA had, depending on which set of statistics you believe, had about a 10 per cent advantage in terms of possession, got off 22 shots while only giving up six, and kept Guadeloupe from putting even one shot on target. In fact, aside from an early opportunity which deflected off the crossbar, the USA never really even gave Guadeloupe much of a chance to score.

Not that it was a good night for the USA. After all, 22 shots producing only one goal is unacceptable. But claims that the team lacked any real drive to finish off the match are contrary to all statistical evidence. Teams that aren’t trying to find goals generally don’t get off 20-plus shots.

“It’s still positive that we were able to create a good number of chances,” U.S. midfielder Michael Bradley said after the Guadeloupe win. “It’s important that as we move forward in this tournament, each game gets a little better, and each game we’re a little bit sharper. They don’t hand out a trophy after three games. It’s six games and the goal is at the end to be playing your best soccer.”


For Jamaica, the situation is actually reversed. A win over Honduras rounded out a perfect record in the group stage, and suddenly the expectations are soaring for a team that traditionally hasn’t been very good in the Gold Cup. A quick glance at Jamaica’s showing in the group stage would leave the casual observer very impressed.

But upon further examination, it becomes clear that while Jamaica have been good, they have also benefited greatly from being in the competition’s softest group. A 4-0 win over Grenada is nice, but the same Grenada side lost by six to Honduras and had to play the entire competition without their one quality player, midfielder Shalrie Joseph. Other than that the Jamaicans have been effective but unspectacular, racking up a 2-0 win over Guatemala and a 1-0 win over a Honduras side missing Wilson Palacios, Maynor Figueroa and Emilio Izaguirre, arguably their three best players, to clinch the group.

This is not to say that Jamaica does not deserve credit for playing well, or should not cause some moments of worry for the USA. The team has speed to burn and should be largely familiar with the USA’s style of play. However, like Honduras, the Jamaicans are missing a couple of key figures, and the group stage competition is not a very good barometer of where the team really stands in terms of the knockout rounds.

“I think Jamaica did really well,” midfielder Sacha Kljestan said of Sunday’s opposition. “They took nine points out of nine I think. Obviously I know quite a few of their players from being in Major League Soccer. So we’ve seen them play and we know how Caribbean teams play. They’re usually very skillful. Obviously we still think we’re the strongest team in Concacaf so we still have to go out there and play hard. We need to play harder and better than we have in the first three games, that’s for sure.”

The USA and Jamaica have a pretty long history on the pitch. Sunday’s quarter-final will mark the 18th time the countries have met, with the USA having won nine times and the teams having played to eight draws. The USA also holds a 29-10 advantage in terms of goals scored with Jamaica having only ever scored more than one goal in a match against the USA one time.

Despite the historical advantages for the USA the matches between these sides are generally very tight. The last time the USA and Jamaica squared off was in 2006, with the USA squeaking out a 1-0 victory.

Only on the rare occasion has the USA been able to walk away from Jamaica with a comfortable win, and Sunday’s match has all the makings of another classic between the two.

Prediction

  Jamaica 0-2 United States   

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19.06. (Sun) 20:45 Ukraine U21 - Spain U21

DID YOU KNOW?

Ukraine were runners-up in this tournament in 2006, their first ever participation in the Under-21 European Championships.

Ukraine were undefeated in their qualification group for this year’s tournament, winning four games and drawing four to top a group which also included Belgium and France.

Since qualifying for this tournament late last year, Ukraine won just one of their five friendlies in the lead-up to this competition - a 3-2 victory over Iceland.
Ukraine have played Spain three times at this level, having won one, drawn one and lost one so far.

Andriy Shevchenko made seven appearances for Ukraine's Under-21 side, scoring six goals.

Spain's Thiago Alcantara has twiced caused controversy at this tournament, first by claiming he had never heard of any of England's players and then by saying he doesn't dream of triumphing at Barcelona, but the midfielder has turned in two fine performances on the pitch and has completed 10 successful dribbles so far - more than any other player in the competition.

Spain will be going for their third title at this level, having won in both 1986 and 1998.

Juan Mata and Adrian Lopez, who linked up brilliantly for both of Spain's goals against Czech Republic, are from the northern province of Asturias, which also gave us David Villa and Formula 1 driver Fernando Alonso.

Like six of his players in Denmark (Bojan, Thiago, Jeffren, Martin Montoya, Ruben Mino and Alberto Botia), Spain coach Luis Milla came through Barcelona's famed La Masia youth system.


PROBABLE LINE-UPS

Ukraine (4-4-2):
Kanibolitskiy; Rakitskiy, Kryvtsov, Butko, Selin; Garmash, Holodyuk, Chesnakov, Beliy; Yarmolenko, Konoplienka.

Ukraine have picked up just one point in the tournament so far, having lost their opening match against Czech Republic last weekend and then shared the spoils in a goalless draw with England on Wednesday. Only a win in this match will therefore be good enough for the Eastern Europeans to progess to the semi-finals.

Talismanic captain Taras Stepanenko limped out of his side’s opening defeat to the Czech Republic with an injury to the adductor muscle in his thigh and will miss the rest of the tournament. But Ukraine were much improved in the last match and coach Pavlo Yakovenko is set to name an unchanged side for this crucial game.

Spain (4-3-3):
De Gea; Montoya, Botia, Dominguez, Didac; Javi Martinez, Ander Herrera, Thiago; Mata, Adrian, Muniain

Spain are all but qualified and can even advance to the semi-finals with a defeat in this match. However, La Rojita will be going after a win to ensure progress as Group B winners.

Coach Luis Milla has said he has no plans to rotate, so expect the same XI from the impressive win over Czech Republic on Wednesday night.

If Spain get off to a good start, though, Bojan could be an early substitute as Milla looks to boost the striker's confidence after he played just 10 minutes in the opening two matches, having been expected to be an important player in this tournament.

Prediction

Ukraine need to win this match to progress to the last four, but Spain looked ominously impressive in the 2-0 win over Czech Republic on Wednesday and will be keen to advance as Group B winners.

Playing like this, it is hard to see anyone stopping La Rojita and Ukraine will have to remain solid at the back, probably even more so than in the goalless draw against England on Wednesday, as well as improving in attack. It all seems unlikely and Spain should win fairly comfortably again.

Editor's Prediction

Ukraine Under 21 0-2 Spain Under 21

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19.06. (Sun) 20:45 England U21 - Czech U21

DID YOU KNOW?

England need a victory from their final Group B match in order to avoid elimination from the tournament, whereas the Czech Republic know a draw should be enough to see them progress to the semi-finals, provided Ukraine do not beat Spain.

The Czech Republic were on an eleven-match unbeaten run prior to their 2-0 defeat by Spain on Wednesday.

England have only lost once in 2011, a 2-1 friendly defeat at the hands of Iceland. The side managed by Stuart Pearce (pictured right) have won three and drawn two of their six matches this year.

The two sides have met four times at Under-21 level, with one win apiece and two draws.

The only competitive Under-21 meeting between the two sides came in the 2007 European Championship, and resulted in a 0-0 draw.

The last meeting between the sides was a friendly in November 2008 at Bramall Lane, the home of Sheffield United. England ran out 2-0 winners thanks to goals from Fraizer Campbell and Craig Gardner.

Revenge may be on the minds of some of the England players when they face the Czech Republic on Sunday. Six members of the current Under-21 squad were in the starting line-up for the Under-19s in the summer of 2008 when the Czech Republic beat them 2-0 in the European Under-19 Championships.

However, several of the Czech Republic players may also feel they have a point to prove in Sunday’s match. Striker Tomas Pekhart spent four years as a teenager at Tottenham Hotspur but failed to make a single Premier League appearance before leaving the club in January last year, while Vaclav Kadlec and Marek Suchy were also rejected after trials at Liverpool and Spurs, respectively.

England have won the European Under-21 Championships twice in their history, in 1982 and 1984, and also finished runners-up in 2009.

The Czech Republic have won the European Under-21 Championships once in their history, in 2002, and also finished runners up in 2000.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

England – Daniel Sturridge
By far England’s most dangerous player and unlucky not to score against Ukraine on Wednesday, it will once again be Sturridge to whom Stuart Pearce looks for inspiration as his side seek the vital win they need to progress to the tournament semi-finals.

Against what will likely be a highly organised and disciplined Czech defence, the 21-year-old Chelsea striker’s pace, trickery and guile may well prove crucial to England’s chances of producing a piece of brilliance or forcing a decisive error from the opposition.

Czech Republic – Borek Dockal
The Slovan Liberec midfielder served notice of his considerable talent with the classy brace which ensured the Czechs an opening day victory over the Ukraine and, despite being starved of service against Spain on Wednesday, he will probably once again have a big say in the outcome of this match.

Dockal’s main weapons are his vision, clever movement and eye for goal. He will start on the wing but regularly drift inside in order to exert more influence on the match.

England’s defence will surely look to stop the Czechs getting the ball to their captain and to marshall him whenever he chooses to ghost into the penalty area, but both tasks could prove difficult if he is on form.

PROBABLE LINE-UPS

England (4-3-3): 
Fielding; Walker, Smalling, Jones, Bertrand; Henderson, Mancienne, Lansbury; Sturridge, Welbeck, Rose.

Stuart Pearce’s side enter their final match in Group B knowing only a win will be good enough to see them progress to the semi-finals, and so it is likely the creativity and guile of Arsenal midfielder Henri Lansbury, who impressed as a substitute against the Ukraine, will be preferred to the more physical presence of Jack Rodwell in the midfield.

Lansbury will be expected to provide a better quality of service to the unchanged attacking trident of Rose, Welbeck and Sturridge as England look to convert chances into much-needed goals, while the defensive pairing of Chris Smalling and Phil Jones will be hoping to continue their hugely impressive form so far in the tournament.

Czech Republic (4-5-1): 
Vaclik; Celustka, Mazuch, Suchy, Lecjaks; Dockal, Horava, Gecov, Moravek, Hlousek; Pekhart.

Manager Jakub Dovalil will likely stick with the same back four which has started both his side’s Group B matches so far, despite Wednesday’s defeat against Spain.

Jan Moravek will probably be the man chosen to replace the suspended Lukas Vacha in the centre of midfield, while Kaiserslautern winger Adam Hlousek should keep his place on the left flank ahead of Jan Kovarik after making his tournament debut against the Spaniards.

Up front, the much-touted Vaclav Kadlec is available for selection after returning from injury as a substitute on Wednesday, but Sparta Prague team-mate Tomas Pekhart should be given one last chance to impress from the start despite his indifferent form so far.

England Under 21 1-0 Czech Republic Under 21 

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Copa America - Najava

Najveći favorit je Argentina, baš kao i pre tri godine. Šta se tada dogodilo? Argentina je u finalu izgubila od kombiniovane reprezentacije Brazila sa 0-3, a može se reći da su baš nadigrani u tom meču.
Ovoga puta Argentina, koja na papiru deluje jako dobro, ima i prednost domaćeg terena i oni prosto ne smeju da ne osvoje ovo takmičenje. Koja još reprezentacija ima ofanzivne igrače kao što su Mesi, Iguain, Laveci, Aguero, Tevez i Di Maria?

Brazil više deluje kao ekipa koja se tek stvara no izgleda da oni imaju nekakvu psihološku prednost kada igraju protiv Argentinaca. Oni se nadaju da će Pato biti spreman za ovo takmičenje no po meni Pato, Nejmar, Robinjo i Fred ne mogu da se porede sa Argentinskim igračima.
Nedostaje mi Marselo u sastavu Brazila ali me preterano ne nedostaje Kaka. Pato će izgleda ipak biti spreman i on je uvršten u širi sastav reprezentacije za Kopa Amerika.

Posle ove dve reprezentacije dolaze Čile i Urugvaj. Meni se više sviđa Čile iako je Urugvaj stigao do polufinala Svetskog prvenstva.
Čile je je igrao možda najatraktivniji fudbal u Južnoj Africi no preostaje nam da vidimo da li će im nedostajati prethodni trener Bielsa. A. Sančez, napadač Udinezea, je možda najtraženiji fudbaler trenutno.

Urugvaj se oslanjao na sjajnog D. Forlana na Svetskom prvenstvu. Taj isti Forlan nije mnogo toga pokazao u La Ligi ove sezone. A sada? Recite vi meni jer kada sam video Kavanija, L. Suareza i Forlana u startnoj postavi Urugvaja protiv Nemačke pomislio sam da reprezentacija sa ovakva tri ofanzivna igrača nikada ne sme da bude potcenjena.

Paragvaj je igrao pragmatičan, pametan defanzivni fudbal u Južnoj Africi a ne treba zaboraviti da su oni izgubili samo sa 0-1 od Španije. Ja imam dosta sumnji u vezi reprezentacije Paragvaja po pitanju ofanzive. Santa Kruz ne igra na svom nivou ove sezone dok ni Nelson Valdez nije baš mnogo toga pokazao u Erkulesu. Druge ofanzivne opcije su im L. Barios i Santander.

Meksiko i Kolumbija su verovatno podjednako jaki kao i Paragvaj tako da je grupa u kojoj se nalaze Čile, Meksiko, Urugvaj i Peru dosta otvorena.
Iskusni R. Markez je još uvek kapiten Meksičke reprezentacije ali je njihova ofanzivna linija prepuna uzbudljivih mladih igrača kao što su as M. Junajteda Ernandez, Dos Santos, De Nigris i Guardado. Da li će biti previše za ovu mladu reprezentaciju Meksika to što igraju i u Gold kupu i Kopa Amerika? Mislim da je to samo pitanje motivacije.

Pripazite na Kolumbiju! Falkao i Guarin, njihove dve zvezde koje igraju za Porto, Rodaljega, T. Gutierez, A. Ramos su svi odlični napadači, a odbrambeni igrači su Jepes, Zapata, Perea, Zuniga i Armero, tako da će ova Kolumbijska reprezentacija sasvim sigurno biti druga u grupi iza Argentine.

Za Boliviju, Peru i Kosta Riku ću reći da oni nemaju šta tu da traže ovoga puta. Ekvador i Venecuela? Pa, Ekvador skoro isključivo pobeđuje na mečevima koji se igraju na velikoj nadmorskoj visini. Oni imaju bar dva ofanzivna asa u sastavu, Valensiju i Kaiseda. K. Benitez je takođe dosta pristojan napadač. Reprezentacija Venecuele se dosta popravila i oni bi mogli da se bore sa Paragvajem (i Ekvadorom) za drugo mesto u grupi, odmah iza Brazila. (U stvari su pravila za dalju kvalifikaciju dosta darežljiva jer dve od tri najbolje treće reprezentacije prolaze u četvrtfinale).

Kosta Rika je zamenila Japan na ovom takmičenju. Oni će igrati sa svojim najboljim igračima do 23 godine i vratiće se kući bez bodova.

Reprezentacija koja će napraviti najveće iznenađenje na ovom takmičenju? Zašto to ne bi bila Kolumbija!

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Clausura Preview Round 19

The Battle for Survival:
Independiente vs. Huracan
Gimnasia vs. Boca Juniors
Quilmes vs. Olimpo
River Plate vs. Lanus
Argentinos Juniors vs. Tigre
All games kick off Saturday June 18, 15:00 (20:00 CET)

After 37 games to pull themselves out of relegation danger, no less than six teams will be fighting on Saturday afternoon to avoid a place in either the direct relegation places or the promocion relegation playoff against a side from the Nacional B. There are a bewildering number of possibilities and outcomes for the teams involved; the three year average points table may not be the fairest way to decide a team's fate, but more often than not it ensures a nail-biting climax to the season.

Huracan, Gimnasia and Quilmes find themselves in the gravest danger, as marooned at the

The View from the Bottom

	GP	Pts.	Av.
Tigre	113	143	1.265
River Plate	113	141	1.247
Olimpo	37	45	1.216
Huracan	113	125	1.106
Gimnasia	113	124	1.097
Quilmes	37	39	1.054

bottom of the table the best they can hope for is a place in the promocion to save otherwise disappointing years. Ricardo Caruso Lombardi has done wonders with Quilmes after their case looked hopeless two months ago, but he knows that his side must beat fellow strugglers Olimpo, and hope both sides just above lose to have a chance of escaping a return to the second tier. Huracan meanwhile need only match Gimnasia's result to send them to oblivion.

In the fight for the final promocion spot, meanwhile, any one of River, Olimpo and Tigre could be left occupying the spot at 5pm Saturday. Calculators, patience and a deep breath will be necessary to explain the ramifications of this battle.

Anything less than a win for Olimpo would send them to the playoff, while a win means that at the very least they would play a tie-breaker with River to decide who goes down. A draw for the Millo would leave them safe if the Bahia Blanca side lose or tie. Only a defeat for Tigre coupled with wins for their rivals would see them drop into the promo, while a draw combined with victories elsewhere could set up an incredible three way tie-break unprecedented in the Primera Division.

Prediction:

It is fiendishly difficult to try and determine who will be celebrating and who will be mourning when the dust settles on Saturday afternoon. Quilmes, however, may just fall short against Olimpo and condemn themselves to the B. With Martin Palermo playing his last ever game against Gimnasia, trust the former Estudiantes player to upset his rivals and send them down directly alongside the Cerveceros. This would leave Huracan in the promocion, and River and Olimpo could well end up playing a decider after two wins.

Direct Relegation: Quilmes and Gimnasia
To the Promocion: Huracan and River/ Olimpo (below)

Saturday's Action

With the relegation battle taking all attention this weekend, Godoy Cruz's clash against the now-safe All Boys will receive very little attention. This is an injustice, however, on two teams that have performed admirably in 2010-11. The Tomba especially will want to end the Clausura with a bang, beating the Floresta team at home to try and pip Lanus to second place.

Sunday's Action

A fantastic run of results at the end of the season has seen Arsenal de Sarandi pull clear of the survival battle, and Gustavo Alfaro's team have even reached a place in the Copa Sudamericana. They can confirm it with victory over Estudiantes, who look set to pick Miguel Angel Russo as their new coach for the coming season after he was told that his Racing contract would not be renewed.

Elsewhere Newell's Old Boys and Colon play out a local Santefesino rivalry, which will hold little interest for anyone outside of the Argentine province after disappointing campaigns for both teams. Banfield and San Lorenzo play in Lomas de Zamora, before champions Velez Sarsfield plan their celebration at home against Racing Club in what will be Russo's last match on the bench. Disappointing in 2011, La Academia still have the chance to secure continental football with a victory, if Arsenal drop points against the Pincha.

Full Fixtures and Predictions

Independiente	1	1	Huracan	Sat 20:00
Quilmes	1	2	Olimpo	20:00
Argentinos	0	1	Tigre	20:00
Gimnasia LP	1	1	Boca	20:00
River Plate	3	1	Lanus	20:00
Godoy Cruz	2	0	All Boys	Sun 01:10
Arsenal	1	0	Estudiantes	19:00
Colon	1	0	Newell's OB	20:00
Banfield	1	1	San Lorenzo	22:10
Velez	3	1	Racing	Mon 00:30

Predicted scores in bold

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BOJAN ZAJIĆ (VALERENGA) TIPUJE 12 KOLO NORVEŠKE LIGE 19.06.2011.

Molde je u poslednje vreme siguran kod kuće, pa bi pred dva uzastopna gostovanja morao da savlada Sogndal, od kojeg je mnogo kvalitetniji.
MOLDE – SOGNDAL 1

Start je u veoma lošoj formi, Haugesund je zbog toga favorit, ali sigurniji sam u veliki broj golova na ovom meču.
HAUGESUND – START 3+

Od Grenland ima problema sa povredama, ali nisam uveren da će Fredrikštad to da iskoristi.
Fredrikštad – Od Grenland 1X

Problem sa povredama ima i Valerenga a uz to i dvojica igrača su na “Gold kupu”.
Valerenga – Sarpsborg 1x

Viking je i dalje u velikoj rezultatskoj krizi, za koju u klubu tvrde da je posledica povreda i suspenzija.
Stabek – Viking 1, GG

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SRĐAN TUFEGDŽIĆ (AKUREJRI) O PAROVIMA KUPA ISLANDA 20.-23. 06.2011.

Na Islandu je i dalje veoma hladno, ovih dana ima samo pet-šest stepeni, zbog čega su tereni i dalje u prilično lošem stanju. Zato iznenađenja nisu retka, a verovatno će da ih bude i u kupu, jer klubovi sa različitim ambicijama ulaze u ovo takmičenje. Recimo da sam uveren jedino u trijumf jednog od boljih drugoligaša, ekipe Fjolnira, protiv trećeligaša Hamara.Tor i Vikingur su novajlije u eliti, ali bih igrao na domaćina koji je malo živnuo u poslednje vreme. Dvojka na Keflavik je realna, ali savetujem oprez, jer Haukar igra na plastičnoj podlozi. Grindaviku dajem prednost najviše zbog odsustva trenera gostiju, koji je na Evropskom prvenstvu za mlade, kao selektor.

Tor – Vikingur 1Haukar – Keflavik 2
FJOLNIR – HAMAR 1
Grindavik – HK 1
Valur – Vestmanejar 1
Trotur – Fram 1x
Rejkjavik – Hafnarfjordur 1
Bolungarvik – Breidablik 0-2

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ČETVRTFINALA „GOLD KUPA“ (5-25. JUN)

Na „Gold kupu“ (5-25. jun), Prvenstvu Severne, Srednje Amerike i Kariba u SAD, kreću mečevi odluke. Posle takmičenja po grupama otpale su četiri reprezentacije, a osam najboljih igraju četvrtfinale.
U derbiju ove faze sastaju se polufinalisti prethodnog šampionata. Kostarika sa sjajnim vezistom Tventea Ruizom i napadačem Kubana Urenom, bliža je slavlju prema predviđanjima kladionica od protivnika Hondurasa, kojeg predvode vezista Totenhema Palasios i golgeter meksičkog Atlasa Kostli. Razlog za to je, verovatno, skroman učinak Hondurasa (1 1 1) u najlakšoj grupi.
Gvatemala, koju su „bukmejkeri“ pre početka „Gold kupa“ procenili kao najslabiju ekipu uz Grenadu, srušila je prognoze i prošla među osam, ali tu je čeka branilac krune i rekorder po broju pehara Meksiko, favorit „broj jedan“. Raspucani Čikarito (pet pogodaka) iz Mančester Junajteda i drugovi su u tri meča ostvarili stopsototan učinak uz gol-razliku 14:1, pa je jasno da se autsajderu ne piše dobro.
B. A.

KVOTE ZA PEHAR („BWIN“)
1. Meksiko 1,55
2. SAD 2,80
3. Panama 19,00
4-5. Kostarika 26,00
4-5. Jamajka 26,00
6. Honduras 29,00
7. El Salvador 81,00
8. Gvatemala 251,00

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SVETSKO PRVENSTVO ZA FUDBALERE DO 17 GODINA U MEKSIKU (18. JUN – 10. JUL)

Sesk Fabregas (Arsenal), Anderson (Mančester Junajted), Toni Kros (Bajern), Lendon Donovan (Los Anđeles)... bili su najbolji pojedinci prethodnih Mundijala za fudbalere do 17 godina. Svetsko prvenstvo za igrače rođene posle 1. januara 1994, 14. po redu, koje se održava u Meksiku od 18. juna do 10. jula, sigurno će lansirati neke nove zvezde, jer su na okupu, u borbi za pehar 24 najbolje selekcije u tom uzrastu, podeljene u šest grupa.
Na 13 održanih šampionata, dominirali su Afrikanci, koji su pet puta osvajali trofej i isto toliko puta zauzeli drugo mesto. Dakle, samo tri finala su odigrana bez predstavnika „crnog kontinenta“, što je bitan podatak za prognozere. Doduše, sada neće nastupiti osvajači, Nigerija (tri puta) i Gana (dvaput).

Grupa A
Na prvi pogled ova „divizija“ ne deluje preterano jako, ali kada se zagrebe dublje po podacima, jasno je da je u pitanju „grupa smrti“. Tu su domaćin Meksiko, prvak 2005, zatim šampion Evrope Holandija, koja je titulu osvojila u maju na prvenstvu u Srbiji, gde je deklasirala Nemačku u finalu (5:2), kao i pobednik azijskog šampionata – Severna Koreja. U takvom društvu, Kongo, predstavnik Afrike, najuspešnijeg kontinenta, ima ulogu blagog autsajdera.

Grupa B
Francuzi su jedini u ovom društvu bili prvaci, a tu su još Argentinci, Japanci i Jamajčani. Nijedna od ovih reprezentacija se nije kvalifikovala kao osvajač kontinentalnog takmičenja.
B. Antić

SISTEM TAKMIČENJA
Osmerac otpada

U osminu finala plasiraće se po dve ekipe iz svake od šest grupa, kao i još četiri najbolje trećeplasirane selekcije – ukupno šesnaest (12+4). Dakle, posle prvog kruga otpada osam timova.
U slučaju istog broja bodova odlučuje gol-razlika.

KVOTE ZA PEHAR („VILIJEM HIL“)
1. Brazil 4,50
2. Holandija 5,50
3. Argentina 6,50
4. Nemačka 7,00
5. Meksiko 10,50

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15.06. (Wed) 20:45 Ukraine U21 - England U21

DID YOU KNOW?

Both England and the Ukraine are looking for their first victories of this year’s European Under-21 Championships.

Ukraine were undefeated in their qualification group for this year’s tournament, but have lost both of their last two matches.

England have only suffered one defeat in their last 10 matches, and are currently on a run of five games unbeaten.

Both teams have a striker who is one booking away from missing the final match of the group stage – Danny Welbeck for England, Roman Zozulya for the Ukraine.

History shows Ukraine should not be deterred by their opening day defeat. In three of the last five European Under-21 Championships, the eventual winners lost their opening match (Czech Republic in 2002, Italy in 2004 and the Netherlands in 2006)

These two nations have never faced each other in a competitive Under-21 match, but England did emerge as 3-1 winners in a friendly between the two sides in Middlesborough in August 2004, courtesy of two goals from Carlton Cole and one from Darren Bent.

England have won the European Under-21 Championships twice, in 1982 and 1984, as well as finishing as runners up in 2009. Ukraine have never won the tournament, although they did finish as runners up in 2006.

A member of the current Ukraine Under-21 squad, Denys Garmash, scored against England in the 2009 European Under-19 Championship final. Three members of the current England Under-21 squad, Kyle Walker, Danny Welbeck and Henri Lansbury, also featured. Ukraine won the match 2-0.

The two sides had earlier met in the group stage of the 2009 European Under-19 Championships, with Henri Lansbury scoring for England in a 2-2 draw.

Football Federation of Ukraine (FFU) president Grigory Surkis came into the Ukraine Under-21 dressing room after their defeat to the Czech Republic on Sunday and told the players to keep their chins up.

PROBABLE LINE-UPS

Ukraine (4-3-3)
Kanibolitskiy; Kurilov, Kryvtsov, Butko, Selin; Morozyuk, Rakitskiy, Chesnakov; Zozulya, Yarmolenko, Konoplienka.

Ukraine are looking to get off the mark in Group B, but will have to do so without talismanic captain Taras Stepanenko, who limped out of his side’s opening defeat to the Czech Republic with an injury to the adductor muscle in his thigh and will miss the rest of the tournament.

In Stepanenko’s absence, regular right-back Yaroslav Rakitskiy will likely assume both the captain’s armband and his Shakhtar Donetsk club-mate’s position as the midfield anchorman. First choice left-back Yevhen Selin should also return after missing the Czech Republic game with a high temperature.

England (4-3-3)
Fielding; Walker, Jones, Smalling, Bertrand; Henderson, Mancienne, Cleverley; Sturridge, Welbeck, Rose.

With no fresh injury worries, Stuart Pearce will likely stick with the same starting XI which took to the field against Spain, but will no doubt be hoping his midfield trio is not so easily overrun this time around.

The centre-back pairing of Smalling and Jones, so imperious in dealing with danger that day, will be crucial again, not least in dealing with the Ukrainians’ threat from set-pieces.

Danny Welbeck will look to build on his clinically-taken equaliser against the Spanish on Sunday, while pacey duo Daniel Sturridge and Danny Rose will aim to carry a more potent threat from wide positions than last time out.

Prediction

Ukraine will look to impose their superior physicality on the game from the outset, and will target set-pieces as their likeliest source of goals.

They could even take the lead, likely capitalising on some slack England marking from a corner, but as the game wears on, the pace and skill of Stuart Pearce’s side should begin to tell.

The attacking trio of Rose, Welbeck and Sturridge will start to receive the ball in space in the final third, and the Ukrainian defence will be unable to handle their opponents’ incisive movement.

It won’t be easy for England, but they will eventually emerge 3-1 winners.

Ukraine Under 21 1-3 England Under 21

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15.06. (Wed) 18:00 Czech U21 - Spain U21

DID YOU KNOW?

Czech Republic are unbeaten at this level since 2008 and were champions of this competition in 2002.

The Czechs have secured three 8-0 wins at this level - against Bulgaria in 2001, Liechtenstein in 2007 and San Marino in 2009.
Striker Tomas Pekhart, who had a spell at Tottenham when he was younger, has represented Czech Republic at under-16, under-17, under-18, under-20 and under-21 level. He is also the country's all-time topscorer at this level, with 16.

Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech was won the Player of the Tournament prize in his side's 2002 victory.

Since winning in 2002, the Czechs have failed to qualify for three out of the last four tournaments.

Senior Spain coach Vicente del Bosque rates the Czech side. He said: "Spain are a great team but they could have difficulties because Czech Republic are a very strong side."

Spain's biggest win at this level was a 14-0 thrashing of San Marino in 2005, while their worst loss was a 5-0 defeat to Holland in 1983.

Spain won this tournament in 1986 and 1998, having finished as runners-up in both 1984 and 1996. La Rojita have also finished third twice, but have not secured a top-three finish since 2000.

Spain came from behind to beat Czech republic 2-1 in a Euro 2012 qualifying match when the senior sides met back in March. David Villa scored both goals in that match to become La Roja's all-time top goalscorer.

The Under-21 side's last defeat came a day before that match as La Rojita went down 3-2 to France.

PROBABLE LINE-UPS

Czech Republic (4-5-1)
Vaclik; Lecjaks, Suchy, Mazuch, Celutska; Gecov, Kovarik, Vacha, Horava, Dockal; Pekhart

Czech Republic lead Group B after beating Ukraine 2-1 on Sunday. Kaiserslautern midfielder Jan Moravek is still struggling with injury and may be left out of the starting line-up for a second game running, having featured only as a late substitue against Ukraine.
The Czechs should otherwise be at full-strength and will line up in the defensive-minded 4-5-1 formation, with giant striker Tomas Pekhart the reference up front.

England (4-3-3)
De Gea; Montoya, Botia, Dominguez, Jose Angel; Javi Martinez, Ander, Thiago; Mata, Bojan, Muniain

Spain looked imperious in midfeld for long spells against England, but Luis Milla's side lacked a cutting edge up front and Deportivo La Coruna striker Adrian Lopez failed to cause problems for Stuart Pearce's men. Bojan, a late substitute against England, is likely to get a chance to shine in his place for this match, along with Athletic Bilbao's Iker Muniain, who has recovered from tonsillitis and is set to replace Jeffren Suarez.

In defence, Barcelona target Jose Angel could come in for Didac Vila, who had a poor game against England. Sevilla winger Diego Capel is also in contention for a start.

Prediction

Czech Republic were not entirely convincing in their win over Ukraine on Sunday and they will be confident of wrapping up a semi-final berth with a win in this match.

Spain, on the other hand, need a reaction after throwing away two points against England. The tournament favourites dominated that match but conceded a late goal and could even have lost at the end. Expect a reaction in this match and a comfortable win for La Rojita.

Czech Republic Under 21 1-3 Spain Under 21

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12.06. (Sun) 20:45 Spain U21 - England U21

DID YOU KNOW?

Spain have two World Cup winners within their squad, with Javi Martinez and Juan Mata (pictured together, right) both included in the senior side that coach Vicente del Bosque led to victory in South Africa last year.

The last time these two sides met was in 2009, with second half goals from Fraizer Campbell and James Milner sealing a 2-0 victory for Stuart Pearce's side.

Having been beaten in 2007's semi-final 13-12 on penalties by the Netherlands, and then crushed 4-0 by Germany in the 2009 final, England will hope to go one step further and win their third European Under-21 title, having already done so in 1982 and 1984.

Spain have also succeeded twice in the competition, in 1986 and 1998, and have finished runners-up twice, most recently in 1996, and at the hands of Sunday's opponents in 1984.

England are ranked No.1 by Uefa at Under-21 level, and finished second to Greece in qualifying, as did Spain to the Netherlands. They are joined by Ukraine and the Czech Republic in Group B.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Spain – Juan Mata

While David Villa and David Silva left debt-ridden Valencia last summer, Mata stayed at the Mestalla. Interest from Barcelona wasn't pursued and the midfielder eventually signed a new contract.

Summer speculation has seen the player linked with Liverpool, however, and this tournament could be the ideal platform for the 23 year-old to showcase his talents. Mata appeared just once for Spain in last summer's successful World Cup campaign, replacing Fernando Torres for the last 20 minutes of the 2-0 group win over Honduras, but he is likely to be a key figure in this tournament.

England – Phil Jones

The 19-year-old's recent switch to Manchester United may have been premature due to the interest of Arsenal and Liverpool, with Sir Alex Ferguson acting quickly to secure a £16 million transfer and ward off competition for a player described by Stuart Pearce as a future England captain.

Jones will have to be solid alongside his fellow centre-half and new club-mate Chris Smalling in order to nullify the threat of Spain's attacking line, and a strong performance would also boost his first-team chances at Old Trafford.

PROBABLE LINE-UPS

Spain (4-3-3):
De Gea; Azpilicueta, Botia, Dominguez, Didac Vila; Thiago, Javi Martinez, Capel; Bojan, Adrian Lopez, Mata.

Spain have talent all the way through the side. Manchester United-bound David De Gea starts in goal, with Barcelona duo Bojan and Thiago Alcantara also set to feature and two World Cup winners - Athletic Bilbao's Javi Martinez and Valencia's Juan Mata.

Sergio Busquets and Pedro are now established with the senior side and are not involved, while Real Madrid's Sergio Canales missed out on a call-up following a disappointing season. Mata, Thiago and De Gea have all shaken off knocks, but Iker Muniain is recovering from tonsilitis and is unlikely to be involved.

England (4-4-2):
Fielding; Mancienne, Smalling, Jones, Bertrand; Rodwell, Henderson, Muamba, Rose; Sturridge, Welbeck.

Stuart Pearce will field a strong side on Sunday, despite a number of key withdrawals, including Jack Wilshere, Andy Carroll, Micah Richards and Kieran Gibbs.

With Michael Mancienne, Phil Jones and Jordan Henderson having made summer moves already, and Jack Rodwell, Daniel Sturridge and Danny Welbeck all heavily linked with transfers away from their respective clubs, there will be ample motivation to perform in Denmark.

Prediction

While England are likely to have the edge physically, Spain's side is superior technically and brimming with talent, especially in midfield and attack. They also have experience, with two World Cup winners - Juan Mata and Javi Martinez - in their side.

Many believe the tournament winner will be one of these two sides, so this clash will prove an interesting benchmark for the rest of the competition. But it is hard to see beyond a victory for Spain in what is likely to be an entertaining clash.

Spain Under 21 3-1 England Under 21

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Clausura Preview - Round 18

Games of the Week:

12.06. (Sun) 19:00 Huracan B.Aires - Velez Sarsfield

12.06. (Sun) 23:10 Lanus - Arg. Juniors

With just two games of the championship to go, Sunday promises a tantalising double-header which could decide the final destination of the Clausura title. Leaders Velez Sarsfield travel to Parque Patricios to take on Huracan, while Lanus will want to keep up the pressure just one point behind with victory at home against Copa Sudamericana hopefuls Argentinos.

Free of continental commitments after exiting the Copa Libertadores at the semi-final stage, Ricardo Gareca's side know now that after such an impressive season failure in the local league would mean a trophy-less term, and real disappointment after such high hopes. They will have to work hard, though, to take points off an Huracan side fighting for their life at the other end of the table.

The Globo cut a run of seven straight defeats last week with a 3-2 defeat of Tigre, with a performance that showed the guts and spirit sorely lacking for most of the year. They remain just one point clear of Gimnasia and direct relegation, and will hope top scorer Javier Campora can once again find the goals to spark what would be the upset of the season on Sunday.

Lanus meanwhile are in the best form of anybody in the league, and could make it five wins in a row with victory over the Bicho. The strength of the team lies in the midfield quality of Diego Valeri and Mauro Camoranesi (below), who have formed a formidable duo all year to inspire a young team to the top reaches of the Clausura.

Argentinos are no pushovers, however. With just three defeats all year only this weekend's opponents have lost as few games, and no team can boast a stronger defence. A lack of attacking potency has cost the La Paternal club the chance to repeat their title triumph of 2010, but they could well frustrate the Grana and put a dent in their Clausura hopes.

Prediction:

Velez will not have an easy time in the Duco, but should have enough quality to see off the Globo and gain victory. Lanus as well will be expecting a win on their own turf, meaning the championship would go into a final weekend showdown.

Saturday's Action

Colon and Arsenal de Sarandi face-off in Saturday's early kick-off in Santa Fe, before Quilmes, need nothing short of a miracle to stay in the Primera after letting slip a 2-0 lead to draw with Boca, begin their quest for six points out of six against San Lorenzo. The Cuervo have nothing to play for but pride now, but should have new coach Omar Asad on the bench for the first time to give the players a little more incentive.

Three points are also a necessity for Gimnasia as they look to escape direct relegation against an All Boys side all but clear of the drop zone, before Tigre host Independiente in yet another clash which could have an effect at the bottom of the table.

Sunday's Action

Aside from the championship contenders, Sunday also sees Argentina's two biggest clubs in action. Aware of the need to pick up any point available, Juan Jose Lopez is planning a defensive 4-4-1-1 set-up for River Plate's visit to Estudiantes. Young starlet Erik Lamela will once more be expected to shoulder the creative burden for the Millo, as he lines up behind lone striker and last week's scorer Leandro Caruso.

Monday's Action

In the Bombonera meanwhile, it is the end of an era as Martin Palermo's incredible career comes to a close. 'El Titan' plays his last ever home Boca Juniors match as he faces-off against Banfield; and he will have a newly-fit Juan Roman Riquelme by his side as the striker hopes to put Boca into the Copa Sudamericana.

Tuesday's Action

With only one point from the last three games, spirits are low at Racing Club as the post-mortem on a season which promised so much already begin. La Academia though can all but seal a Sudamericana place with victory at home against Godoy Cruz, and they will have Teo Gutierrez up front after a compromise was reached to send the striker to Colombia's Copa America training camp later than scheduled.

Full Fixtures and Predictions

Colon	1	1	Arsenal	Sat 19:00
San Lorenzo	1	0	Quilmes	21:10
All Boys	1	1	Gimnasia LP	23:20
Tigre	2	2	Independiente	Sun 01:20
Huracan	1	2	Velez	19:00
Estudiantes	1	0	River Plate	21:00
Lanus	2	0	Argentinos	23:10
Boca	1	0	Banfield	Mon 01:20
Racing	2	1	Godoy Cruz	Tue  21:10

Predicted scores in bold

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11.-12. 06. 2011. - Saveti Ilije Stolice (Nju Ingland, SAD)

Los Anđeles je najjači klub na “zapadu”, u odličnoj je formi i ne bi trebalo da ima problema sa Torontom.
12.06. (Sun) 04:30 LA Galaxy - Toronto 1

Izdvajam i keca na Vašington, koji je posle slabog starta počeo da igra mnogo bolje . San Hoze je, takođe, popravio formu, ali će prednost domaćeg terena da presudi.
12.06. (Sun) 01:30 DC United - San Jose E. 1

Solt Lejk je, ipak, najbolja ekipa u ligi, zbog čega mislim da može do pobede u Filadelfiji, iako je domaćin pokazao da ume da igra dobar fudbal.
11.06. (Sat) 22:00 Philadelphia Union - Real Salt Lake 2

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09.06. (Thu) 21:00 Poland - France

DID YOU KNOW?

Poland have lost only one of their last nine matches, winning four of these encounters.

Lukasz Mierzejewski’s equalising goal against Argentina ended a two-game streak without scoring.

Since beating France 4-0 in Paris in 1982, the Poles have failed to defeat les Bleus, drawing four and losing twice.

They’ve met twice previously in Warsaw, drawing 2-2 in 1960 but losing 4-1 seven years later.

France are unbeaten in their last nine fixtures.

Marvin Martin became just the fourth France player in history to score on his international debut, following Jean Vincent, Zinedine Zidane and Bafetimbi Gomis, in Monday’s 4-1 win over Uruguay.

In Laurent Blanc’s 26-man squad, he has used 22 players during the last two matches.

Les Bleus are well poised to return to Poland and Ukraine in 12 months, leading Euro 2012 qualifying Group D by a point over Belarus, but also boast a game in hand.

PROBABLE LINE-UPS

Poland (4-2-3-1):
Szczesny; Piszczek, Jodlowiec, Wojtkowiak, Wawrzyniak; Dudka, Murawski; Blaszczykowski, Mierzejewski, Brozek; Lewandowski

After a magnificent victory over Argentina in their last outing, Poland boss Franciszek Smuda may rearrange his squad.

Amongst the players who may be introduced are Pawel Brozek, who scored the winner at the weekend, and Auxerre-based Dariusz Dudka, who is the most experienced member of a selection generally lacking in caps.

France (4-2-3-1):
Carrasso; Sagna, Sakho, Rami, Abidal; M’Vila, Diarra; N’Zogbia, Martin, Ribery; Hoarau

Laurent Blanc is likely to continue to experiment, rotating his side to allow those players who haven’t yet featured in this three-game tour the chance to impress.

After his stellar substitute performance on Monday, Marvin Martin will surely have to be handed the playmaker's role, but the defence is liable to be bolstered and could even be at full strength, minus the absent Philippe Mexes. Yoann Gourcuff is also absent from the squad due to injury.

Cedric Carrasso will be handed the gloves, Blanc has already confirmed.

Prediction

France showed on Monday that their squad players have much to offer, but the Poles will be treating this encounter like a competitive fixture and should be expected to be very tricky opponents. Bristling with confidence after their weekend performance, the hosts might well register a draw.

Editor's Prediction

Poland 1-1 France

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08.06. (Wed) 21:30 Uruguay - Netherlands

DID YOU KNOW?

Uruguay have won only one out of their last six games against European opposition.

With 74 international appearances so far, Atletico Madrid's Diego Forlan is the most experienced Uruguay player in Wednesday's game.

Not a single teenager has been included in the South Americans' roster for the Oranje clash.

Uruguay last won a big trophy when they lifted the Copa America in 1995.

Ajax midfielder Nicolas Lodeiro is the only player in the Uruguay squad who currently plies his trade in the Dutch Eredivisie.

Netherlands have not lost a single match since their 1-0 loss against Spain in the final of the 2010 World Cup.

At the age of 31, Hamburg's Joris Mathijsen is the oldest player in the squad for this week's friendly.

Feyenoord youngster Georginio Wijnaldum is one of three Dutch players who could make his international debut on Wednesday.

Netherlands have met Uruguay five times before and were beaten on three occasions. Their only wins came in 2010 and 1974.

Schalke hitman Klaas-Jan Huntelaar sits ninth in the list of all-time Oranje goalscorers with 26 goals.

PROBABLE LINE-UPS

Uruguay (4-3-1-2)
Muslera; Caceres, Lugano, Godin, M. Pereira; Gargano, Perez, A. Pereira; Forlan; Cavani, Suarez

Head coach Oscar Tabarez could field the same eleven players who featured in the 2-1 friendly loss against Germany last week as he does not have too many injury worries. Sevilla's Martin Caceres was plagued by problems in the last weeks of the domestic season, but appears to be ready in time for the rematch of last World Cup's semi-final.

Goalscorers from that day Diego Forlan and Maxi Pereira are both present in the squad, as they look to banish memories of the 3-2 reverse in front of their own fans.

Netherlands (4-2-3-1)
Krul; Van der Wiel, Bruma, Mathijsen, Pieters; De Jong, Strootman; Robben, Afellay, Elia; Huntelaar

Netherlands tactician Bert van Marwijk will be without several regulars on Oranje's South America trip as Rafael van der Vaart, Wesley Sneijder, Mark van Bommel, Demy de Zeeuw, Theo Janssen, Michel Vorm and Maarten Stekelenburg have all stayed behind in Holland.

Shot-stopper Tim Krul made his debut against Brazil at the weekend and the Newcastle man is likely to start again. Nevertheless, Van Marwijk could make some changes compared to the team that locked horns with Brazil and Jeffrey Bruma, Eljero Elia and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar could all start on Wednesday.

Prediction

Uruguay will be keen to get a good result against Netherlands after their World Cup semi-final loss last year, but it will not be easy for the Charruas. They start the match as favourites as they are in full preparation for the Copa America, whereas Oranje's season is already over. Their recent record against European opposition is far from impressive though, while the Dutch have not lost a single game since their defeat against Spain in July 2010. 

Uruguay 1-1 Netherlands

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08.06. (Wed) 02:50 Brazil - Romania

DID YOU KNOW?

Brazil and Romania first met in Group 3 at the 1970 World Cup, when a Pele brace, the first from a thumping free-kick, and a close-range Jairzinho effort earned the South Americans a 3-2 win. In the teams’ only other encounter, the Selecao emerged 2-0 victors courtesy of strikes by Edu and Leivinha, the uncle of Liverpool midfielder Lucas.

Romania reached a personal best of third on the Fifa ranking in September 1997. With the likes of Gheorghe Popescu, Gheorghe Hagi, Viorel Moldovan and Adrian Ilie shining, they had won their last six matches.

Ronaldo will be making his 98th and final appearance for Brazil, and consequently becoming their joint-fifth all-time record appearance holder, level with Djalma Santos and behind Cafu, Roberto Carlos, Lucio and Taffarel. The 34-year-old has never played against Romania previously.

Brazilians Eric and Wesley finished second and third respectively on the 2010-11 Romanian top flight’s scoring chart behind Ianis Zicu.

Otelul Galati last month became Romanian champions for the first time in their 47-year-old history. They are coached by Dorinel Munteanu, Romania’s most-capped player. Fluminense ended a 26-year wait for Campeonato Brasileiro gold in December.

Gheorghe Hagi is widely regarded as Romania’s greatest-ever player. Pele called the former playmaker, whom he named in his 100 greatest living footballers in 2004, “a joy to watch.”

PROBABLE LINE-UPS

Brazil (4-3-1-2)
Victor; Maicon, Lucio, David Luiz, Andre Santos; Sandro, Henrique, Elias; Robinho; Neymar, Fred.

Mano Menezes released Julio Cesar, Daniel Alves, Thiago Silva and Ramires from his squad following the 0-0 draw with the Netherlands on Saturday, in order to afford them more rest ahead of the Copa America. The Brazil coach will introduce Ronaldo on the half-hour mark, to give the iconic striker a 15-minute run-out and his farewell appearance for his country, so Leandro Damiao and Nilmar are hopeful they will begin the second half.

Romania (4-4-2)
Tatarusanu; Rapa, Gardos, Papp, Oros; Muresan, Bourceanu, Torje, Sanmartean; Marica, Surdu

Razvan Lucescu unexpectedly quit the Romania reins on Saturday following a victory, a 3-0 one at that, over Bosnia and Herzegovina. His assistant Stefan Iovan, along with U-21 coach Emil Sand, will take charge for the game in Sao Paulo, though they will be unable to call upon Cristian Sapunaru, Gabriel Tamas, Razvan Rat and Adrian Mutu, who have been released from the squad. Romania are likely to field a very inexperienced team.

Prediction

Romania’s first-choice XI would face an uphill struggle away to Brazil. Without key players, the Europeans have a mountain to climb to take anything from the match. The South Americans will be desperate to win convincingly after losing two and drawing one of their last four outings, and they should keep a clean sheet, dominate possession and emerge with a big victory.

Brazil 5-0 Romania

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07.06. (Tue) 22:30 Venezuela - Spain

DID YOU KNOW?

Venezuela's football team is nicknamed La Vinotinto (The Red Wine) because of the burgundy colour of their shirts.

Venezuela is the only national team from Conmebol to have never qualified for a World Cup.

Venezuela's all-time top goalscorer - with 20 - is Giancarlo Maldonado, who had a spell at Xerez last season.

Another Venezuela forward, Salomon Rondon, plays in Spain with Malaga and has been compared to former Barcelona striker Patrick Kluivert.

While football is growing in popularity in Venezuela, baseball remains the country's most popular sport.

Spain could have faced Venezuela in this summer's Copa Ameria, but the world champions decided to turn down the invitation to play in Argentina.

Athletic Bilbao defender Fernando Amorebieta, who has been called up by Spain but remains uncapped, is eligible to play for Venezuela.

Barcelona forward Jeffren Suarez is also eligible to represent Venezuela, but says he has chosen Spain and has represented La Roja at under-21 level.

Spain have won the only two previous meetings between these two sides.

In the 4-0 win over USA on Saturday night, Fernando Torres became Spain's joint fourth-highest goalscorer with 27, the same amount as former Real Madrid striker Fernando Morientes.

PROBABLE LINE-UPS


Venezuela (4-4-2):
Morales; Rincon, Vizcarrondo, Rosales, Fuenmayor; A. Flores, Chourio, F. Flores, Arango; Fedor, Maldonado

Venezuela striker Salomon Rondon is unfit to start this match after picking up an injury late in the season with Malaga.

Rondon, who scored 14 goals in 29 appearances to help the Andalusian side avoid relegation, is expected to be fit enough to make a late cameo appearance from the bench.

Coach Cesar Farias is set to name a strong side for the visit of the world champions, with former Mallorca favourite Juan Arango included in midfield.


Spain (4-4-2):
Casillas; Ramos, Pique, Albiol, Iraola; Bruno, Xabi Alonso, Iniesta, Silva; Torres, Llorente

The president of Spain's football association (RFEF), Angel Maria Villar, promised a strong line-up for this friendly last month, as part of the terms agreed in the contract.

Coach Vicente del Bosque could hand a start to Fernando Torres up front after the Chelsea striker scored as a substitute in Saturday night's 4-0 win over USA.

With many of the players tired following a long journey to Venezuela and the match on Saturday, Del Bosque is likely to freshen up his side by bringing in the likes of Andres Iniesta, Fernando Llorente and Andoni Iraola.

Meanwhile, either Pepe Reina or Victor Valdes could get an opportunity from the bench.

Prediction

After their squashbuckling performance in the 4-0 win against USA on Saturday night, it is hard to see Spain achieving anything other than a convincing victory in this match.

It will be a strong side from La Roja and Venezuela, although improved in recent years, will not be able to live with the World Cup winners - even if Vicente del Bosque's side men play in second gear.

Venezuela 0-3 Spain

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07.06. (Tue) 20:45 Italy - Ireland

DID YOU KNOW?

Italy are undefeated in Euro 2012 qualifying and have a five-point lead over second-placed Slovenia.

Azzurri coach Cesare Prandelli played under current Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni at Juventus.

The Nazionale beat Ukraine 2-0 in their last international friendly.

Giuseppe Rossi has scored in his last two games for Italy.

Republic of Ireland have outscored their opponents 8-0 in their last three competitive fixtures.

Robbie Keane passed the 50-goal mark after netting a brace in the 2-0 win over Macedonia on Saturday.

The Boys and Green played out a 2-2 draw in their last match against Italy in a World Cup qualifier in October 2009.

Giovanni Trapattoni had a four-year stint as Italy's national team coach from 2000-04.

PROBABLE LINE-UPS

Italy (4-3-1-2)
Viviano; Cassani, Gamberini, Chiellini, Criscito; Nocerino, Pirlo, Marchisio; Montolivo; Rossi, Pazzini

Italy coach Cesare Prandelli will be unable to call on Mario Balotelli, Thiago Motta or Alberto Aquilani on Tuesday evening while Daniele De Rossi was excluded from the squad for breaching the Azzurri tactician's code of conduct.


Republic of Ireland (4-4-2)
Forde; McShane, St Ledger, O'Dea, Ward; Coleman, Andrews, Foley, Lawrence; Keogh, Long

Aiden McGeady will miss the match after the winger was summoned back to Russia by Spartak Moscow. Robbie Keane, Kevin Kilbane, Shay Given, Keith Fahey and John O'Shea were all given permission to be excused from the squad.

Prediction

Ireland are missing a slew of first-team regulars while Italy are coming off an impressive win over Estonia. Look for the Azzurri squeak out a slim victory in Liege on Tuesday.

Italy 2-1 Ireland

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07.06. (Tue) 19:30 Russia - Cameroon

Shaking up for the rest of the Euro qualifiers

Fresh from a sound 3-1 win over Armenia in their most recent Euro 2012 qualifier, Russia are keen to build upon that momentum. After being unable to win their two previous games against Qatar (1-1) and Armenia (0-0) during the last three months, and then losing to Iran (1-0) and Belgium (2-0) earlier on, the Russians will look to build on their victory with another.

Placed second in Group B of the Euro 2012 qualification table with 13 points – shared with group leaders Slovakia and third-placed Republic of Ireland – Russia are playing host to Macedonia in early September to hopefully consolidate their group status, and a friendly against one of Africa’s top teams will be a positive test for them.

Both teams have met twice at the Fifa World Cup finals in 1990 and 1994, with Europeans always triumphing big, but generations have long changed and the Sbornaya are conscious of the fact that the Indomitable Lions now float a number of sparkling talents who ply their trade in top European clubs.

How to make up for the black Saturday

Cameroon’s chances of reaching the 2012 African Cup of Nations now hang by a thread after they failed to win at home against Senegal on Saturday, ending the clash in a scoreless draw and letting the visitors share the spoils to push near qualification.

With an entire nation still ruing the fluffed opportunity of reviving the central Africans’ campaign for next year’s continental showpiece, especially after a wasted last minute penalty kick by captain Samuel Eto’o, how necessary is a friendly match that comes barely three days after the black Saturday?

Coach Javier Clemente will likely strive to squeeze out some consolation for the FA and authorities, but will hardly pacify millions of local fans who now feel it is all over for the Indomitable Lions and that they will not see them compete in their backyard of Gabon and Equatorial Guinea early next year. What’s the need of a friendly match against Russia?

FORM GUIDE

Russia

4/6/2011 Russia 3-1 Armenia (Qualifier)

29/3/2011 Qatar 1-1 Russia (Friendly)

26/3/2011 Armenia 0-0 Russia (Qualifier)

09/2/2011 Iran 1-0 Russia (Friendly)

17/11/2010 Russia 0-2 Belgium (Friendly)

Cameroon

04/6/2011 Cameroon 0-0 Senegal (Qualifier)

26/03/2011 Senegal 1-0 Cameroon (Qualifier)

09/2/2011 Macedonia 0-1 Cameroon (Friendly)

09/10/2010 Cameroon 1-1 DR Congo (Qualifier)

04/09/2010 Mauritius 1-3 Cameroon (Qualifier)

TEAM NEWS

Russia

Dick Advocaat has announced that Zenit St. Petersburg midfielders Roman Shirokov and Alexei Ionov have been dropped from the squad.

Probable starting XI:
Akinfeev, Zhirkov, Ignashevitch, Berezoutski, Anyukov, Torbinski, Zyrianov, Denisov, Semshov, Arshavin, Pavlyuchenko

Cameroon

Arsenal’s Alex Song is the only known withdrawal from the squad for now due to injury but it is still unclear if all the players who played against Senegal will make the Austrian trip, according to local sources.


Probable starting XI:
Kameni, Assou-Ekotto, Mbia, N'Koulou, Bassong, Chedjou, Enoh, Aboubakar, Eto'o, Emana, Webo

PREDICTION

Russia will tend to impose their historic advantage over Cameroon, but the Central Africans have a mission more than just winning here, but to roll out a performance good enough to wipe the tears of Saturday’s faux pas against Senegals from the faces of home fans.

Russia 1-1 Cameroon

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