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Euro 2016 Qualifiers
- Thread starter Joachim
- Start date
Deschamps: I'm responsible for France defeat
By Nicholas McGee
Jun 13, 2015 22:48:50
The Euro 2016 hosts went down 1-0 to Albania and the coach expressed his anger and disappointment at their performance, but insisted he was the man to blame
Didier Deschamps was left "angry and disappointed" by France's 1-0 loss to Albania on Saturday, but says he is the man to blame for it.
The Euro 2016 hosts succumbed to their second defeat in less than a week as they were humbled by Gianni De Biasi's side in Elbasan after losing 4-3 to Belgium last Sunday.
A stunning free-kick from Ergys Kace just before half-time settled the encounter in Albania's favour, leaving Deschamps to fume over France's loss of form.
"With Belgium we had an opponent that was superior and played a great game," Deschamps said. "It was down to their level.
"Against Albania, there was an opponent with more determination. I am particularly annoyed and disappointed because I'm responsible.
"I choose the players, the systems. I'll take time to analyse the game but this is not a period that is very favourable to us.
"We did not have enough hunger, this is not acceptablet. I do not judge the players but we were not mentally ready to play a high level game.
"I will not castigate one player. But they have five, 10, 30 minutes or an entire game, all players must be as efficient as possible and that was not the case."
Low's pleased with 'clinical' Germany
Harry West
Jun 14, 2015 00:57:03
The World Cup winners smashed seven past Gibraltar in an easy win and the coach was happy with how effective his team were in the second half
Joachim Low was happy with how clinical his Germany team were in the second half of their 7-0 demolition of Gibraltar on Saturday, revealing that his half-time pep-talk lifted them in their Euro 2016 qualifier.
Low was not impressed with his side's first-half display in the Algarve on Saturday, after Bastian Schweinsteiger saw a weak penalty saved and Gibraltar created a number of good chances.
Andre Schurrle eventually put the visitors in front in the 28th minute, but only a point-blank save from Roman Weidenfeller prevented an immediate equaliser from Jake Gosling.
After half-time, Germany's superiority finally told, as they ran in six more goals, with Schurrle completing his hat-trick.
"There was only one topic at half time: converting our chances. I was clear on that," Low said. "We weren't happy with the first half, especially because we were missing chances.
"After the break we were probing and clinical."
Hat-trick hero Schurrle added: "We scored plenty of goals in the second half. We came out strongly after the interval."
There was also a brace for Max Kruse and further strikes from Ilkay Gundogan and Karim Bellarabi, but Schweinsteiger was left disappointed with his spot-kick, which lacked power.
"We created a lot of chances but weren't scoring before the break," the midfielder said. "My penalty wasn't great. I shouldn't allow that to happen."
O'Neill: Ireland can still qualify for Euro 2016
By Ryan Kelly
Jun 14, 2015 00:02:00
The manager says his team are still in with a chance of reaching Euro 2016 despite being held at home to Scotland
Republic of Ireland manager Martin O'Neill was disappointed with his side's defending after playing out a 1-1 draw against Euro 2016 qualification rivals Scotland at the Aviva Stadium.
Ireland needed a win to boost their prospects of reaching next summer's tournament and took the lead shortly before half time when Stoke City striker Jonathan Walters reacted quickest to prod past David Marshall.
However, Scotland drew level immediately after the restart when Shaun Maloney's strike deflected past Shay Given off the back of John O'Shea.
A win for Poland leaves Ireland five points behind top spot in Group D, and while O'Neill was highly critical of his team's defending, he feels they remain "well in the competition."
"We dominated the first half. The goal we conceded was a desperately poor goal. We lost a bit of composure and Scotlland came into it," O'Neill told RTE. "But we're still in it, we're still well in the competition.
"You would have expected Poland to win that game against Georgia. But we're still in contention.
"We should have defended better and, even though Shaun Maloney's shot was going wide, we should have closed that down."
Ireland resume their quest for qualification in September away to Gibraltar.
Wilmots: Lukaku and Benteke stood around like two poles
Jun 13, 2015 11:31:36
The Belgium coach aimed his frustrations at the lack of movement from his strikers after Friday's narrow defeat to Wales in Euro 2016 qualifying
Belgium coach Marc Wilmots was left furious by the lack of movement from Christian Benteke and Romelu Lukaku during his side’s 1-0 defeat to Wales in Euro 2016 qualifying on Friday.
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Gareth Bale capitalised on a misjudged header from Radja Nainggolan to slot home the only goal of the game in Cardiff and send Wales three points clear at the top of Group B.
However, rather than blame the Roma man for his costly error, Wilmots was more frustrated by his side's inability to get back in the game despite boasting an array of attacking talent.
"[Nainggolan] misjudged in this moment but he's a good player. It is all too easy now to blame him," the Belgium boss told Sporza.
"We are a bit disappointed. The first half was good, but we've given away a goal and that made Wales stronger.
"I changed my system afterwards, because Benteke was isolated. I then played with two strikers, but they need more crosses. We asked them to get to the front post, but they stand there like two poles. We still have work to do.
"We missed [Fellaini] in this game because this really was a match for him. He gets in the box.
"[Axel] Witsel tried [to get forward] but was a little bit too deep. That's why I talk about the profile of players in creating a system."
Swastika markings a disgrace to Croatia – FA chief
Jun 13, 2015 13:36:00
FA president Davor Suker has called for further help from the authorities as the country battle an increasing problem of hooliganism
Executive president of the Croatian FA, Damir Vrbanovi, has described the swastika markings seen on the field during their 1-1 draw with Italy on Friday as a disgrace to the country.
The Euro 2016 qualifier was played behind closed doors due to a sanction for racist chants from sections of the Croatian crowd in a match against Norway in March.
The symbol was clearly visible on the grass as the game kicked off, leaving ground staff at the Stadion Poljud in Split scrambling - unsuccessfully - to cover it up at half-time.
"It is a disgrace to Croatia," fumed Vrbanovi.
"In Milan the match was almost abandoned, now we have to embarrass ourselves again," he added, alluding to the November clash between the same two sides which saw a number of flares thrown from the Croatia end.
"We had been to the pitch in the morning, nothing was visible, we told that to the match official."
Croatia football association (HNS) president Davor Suker also expressed his sadness at the events, admitting he fears further Uefa sanctions.
"I feel bad because it should have been spectacle but it was not," said former Real Madrid striker Suker.
"I feel sorry for the coaches and the players and I request the government do whatever it takes and help football. Now we have to face a disciplinary committee again.
"I hope hooligans will not win, we want someone here to protect football, Croatia and the city of Split."
HNS security officer Zoran Cvrk said he expects at least a financial sanction from Uefa and revealed he was informed of the problem shortly before kick-off.
"We will be heavily fined," he said. "We were informed about the swastika right before the beginning of the match so we tried to do something at half-time."
Croatia apologise after swastika is seen on pitch against Italy
By Michael Huguenin
Jun 13, 2015 00:28:47
The country's footballing body has branded the incident "a disgrace" after the symbol was seemingly burned into the turf
The Croatian Football Federation (HNS) has apologised for a swastika that appeared in the grass of Stadion Poljud during Croatia's Euro 2016 qualifier with Italy.
The HNS labelled the Nazi symbol "obvious sabotage and a criminal act" and urged Croatian authorities to identify and punish those responsible.
During the opening 45 minutes of Friday's match, it became apparent a swastika could be seen in Croatia's half and, despite stadium staff's best efforts at half-time, they were unable to remove the symbol.
The match in Split was played behind closed doors, after Uefa found Croatian fans guilty of racist chanting during a qualifier against Norway in March.
"We apologise to all the spectators, guests from Italy and the players of both teams because of Nazi symbols on the Poljud grass," read a statement that was posted on the HNS's website on Saturday.
The HNS went on to explain that the swastika had somehow been created in the days leading up to the match so that it would appear on game-day, while they confirmed they had informed Uefa.
"It is an obvious sabotage and criminal act that we condemn and call on the police and judicial authorities to find the culprit, who has not only disgraced Croatian football but also the country," the HNS added.
Spokesman Tomislav Bacek had earlier told Ansa : "What happened is shameful not just for Croatian football, but for the whole country.
"We reported the incident to Uefa. We apologise to Italy and to everybody."
President Davor Suker admitted the incident is the latest in a continuing battle between some football fans in the country and the organising body.
"It is a problem that we have. We are working to resolve it, but unfortunately another thing happened tonight," said the former striker.
The match finished 1-1 after Antonio Candreva cancelled out Mario Mandzukic's opener.
England can rely on Rooney - Hodgson
By Liam Twomey
Jun 15, 2015 00:37:00
The Three Lions captain reacted to what appeared to be an elbow from Bostjan Cesar by scoring his side's decisive third goal in Ljubljana on Sunday
Wayne Rooney's winning goal against Slovenia proves he is a man England can rely on, according to Roy Hodgson.
The Manchester United star missed two clear chances in Sunday's Euro 2016 qualifier in Ljubljana but picked himself up to score England's decisive third goal after strikes from Milivoje Novakovic and Nejc Pecnik had cancelled out a spectacular double from Jack Wilshere.
Rooney's 48th international goal brings him within one of Sir Bobby Charlton's all-time scoring record in an England shirt but Hodgson was just as impressed with his captain's discipline when appearing to be elbowed by Bostjan Cesar in the second half.
"Wayne Rooney's performance says a lot of things about him as a man," Hodgson told reporters after a victory that sent his side nine points clear at the top of Group E.
"Just before he took that chance he took a nasty blow from an elbow, which could have decked many a player and led to him losing his discipline. It didn't and he got up.
"The fact one or two chances had gone begging, when the ball fell to him he still stuck it away with aplomb. We can rely on that man. I'd have liked him to get a hat-trick today so all the talk of the record would be finished, but he has plenty of time.
"I've not studied the elbow incident. We thought at the time it could have been a penalty. But the referee handled the game well.
“They're a strong, physical, aggressive team. Fabian Delph has an elbow to his jaw, and Raheem Sterling took a nasty kick at the end of the game as well."
Spain have taken a big step towards Euro 2016 - Del Bosque
By Peter McVitie
Jun 15, 2015 00:05:53
David Silva's goal was all that saved La Roja from an embarrassing result against Belarus, but the coach was happy that they did not fall further behind Slovakia
Vicente del Bosque says Spain took a big "step towards qualification" for Euro 2016 after their 1-0 win over Belarus on Sunday.
David Silva's goal late in the first half was enough to give La Roja the win and keep them on the heels of Group C leaders Slovakia, who they trail by three points.
Second-placed Spain remain three points ahead of Ukraine and occupy the last automatic qualification slot, and the coach feels they are in a strong position to book a place in the competition in France next year.
"We took a step towards achieving qualification," he told reporters.
"We made a huge effort after finishing the season and coming into conditions that didn't stop us from reaching our goal.
"We were in control at all times in the game, except for a few minutes in the second half in which we were a bit wild and they took advantage.
"We were a bit lazy at the start of the second half. It's a fair result and we got the three points that allow us to be in a good position to qualify.
"We are one of three teams fighting for two places above the playoffs, losing points against the bottom would be a serious setback. We won though and we have taken a step towards qualifying."
Uefa opens disciplinary proceedings against Croatia
Alex Fisher
Jun 15, 2015 16:50:31
The Croatian Football Federation will have to answer questions from Uefa after an apparent swastika was spotted on the pitch on Friday.
Uefa has confirmed disciplinary proceedings have been opened against the Croatia Football Federation (HNS) after an apparent swastika was spotted on the pitch during their Euro 2016 qualifier with Italy.
Friday's game in Split was overshadowed when, during the first half, it became apparent a swastika could be seen in Croatia's half.
Attempts from stadium staff to remove the symbol at half-time proved unsuccessful and the HNS duly apologised, while lamenting "obvious sabotage and a criminal act".
European football's governing body has now initiated an investigation - charging the HNS with a breach of article 14 of their regulations, relating to racist behaviour.
The match in Split, which finished 1-1, was played behind closed doors after Uefa found Croatian fans guilty of racist chanting during a qualifier against Norway in March.
Following the latest round of qualifiers, Uefa has also opened proceedings against three other national federations.
The Irish FA (IFA) has been charged over the "setting off and/or throwing of fireworks and objects" in Northern Ireland's 1-1 draw with Romania, while the Romanian Football Federation (FRF) also faces an investigation over "illicit banners".
The Bosnia and Herzegovina Football Federation (NFSBiH) has been charged in relation to "disruption of national anthem", "setting off and/or throwing of fireworks and objects" and "racist behaviour" in their qualifier with Israel.
Each of the cases will be dealt with by Uefa's Controls, Ethics and Disciplinary Body on July 16.
Croatia deducted one point for swastika in Italy clash
By Peter McVitie
Jul 23, 2015 16:53:32
Uefa has disciplined the country for racism after the symbol was found printed on the pitch during their 1-1 draw with Antonio Conte's men
Croatia have been deducted one point from 2016 European Championship qualifying Group H and fined €100,000 for racism in their clash with Italy in June.
The 1-1 draw in Split ensured Niko Kovac's men stayed two points clear of Italy at the top of their pool, but the match was overshadowed by the presence of a swastika that was marked on the pitch.
The Croatian Football Federation (HNS) apologised for the incident, but Uefa has responded with a deduction and a fine, while the team will have to play their next two home matches behind closed doors. They are also not allowed to play in Split in their remaining Euro 2016 qualifying fixtures.
The association have three days to lodge an appeal against the ruling.
The game against Italy had been played behind closed doors as Croatia were already being punished for racist chanting in a game against Norway.
Coach Kovac has previously slammed the national team fans for "embarrassing" behaviour and was even confronted by a group of hooligans ahead of the game against Antonio Conte's men.
The punishment leaves Croatia one point ahead of the Azzurri with four games left to play. Their next match is away to Azerbaijan in September and their only remaining home tie is against Bulgaria in October.
Reus ruled out of Germany qualifiers
By Robin Bairner
Sep 3, 2015 08:07:02
The Borussia Dortmund star has been hopeful of making his first international appearance in over a year but a toe injury has ruled him out of Friday's match against Poland
Marco Reus has been ruled out of Germany's upcoming Euro 2016 qualifying matches after he suffered a toe injury in training
The Borussia Dortmund star has not represented his country since last September's 2-1 victory over Scotland, following an injury-plaged 2014-15 campaign and his jinx has struck again.
Reus, who also missed out on being part of Germany's World Cup winning campaign through injury, twice suffered serious ankle ligament damage last year but has made a promising start to the new season, scoring twice in three games, helping Dortmund to the top of the Bundesliga.
Germany currently trail Group D leaders Poland by a point ahead of their summit meeting in Frankfurt on Friday, before Joachim Low's side travel to Glasgow to face Scotland on Monday where they will hope to all but guarantee a place in France next summer.
Blow for Sweden as Ibrahimovic picks up injury
By Peter McVitie
Sep 5, 2015 22:57:29
The Paris Saint-Germain forward was replaced by Ola Toivonen at half time because of a suspected back problem
Sweden suffered a blow in their Euro 2016 qualifying campaign during Saturday's clash with Russia as Zlatan Ibrahimovic picked up a suspected back injury which could rule him out of Tuesday's clash with Austria.
With Russia already 1-0 up, the 33-year-old was taken off at half time and replaced by Ola Toivonen.
Ibrahimovic appeared to receive the knock during the first half when he clashed with Alan Dzagoev and he admitted that he is unsure if he will be fit for their next game.
"I immediately felt that I had been struck in the ribs," he told reporters. "I will see on Sunday how I feel."
Coach Erik Hamren revealed that the striker was determined to stay on, but that the discomfort became too much for him.
"I do not know exactly how bad it is with him yet," the coach told Kanal 5. "But he wanted to continue and run on, but felt more and more pain.
"I have not talked to the medical team so don't know yet if he can play against Austria."
It comes as the second injury problem the attacker has suffered this season, having missed the start of Paris Saint-Germain's Ligue 1 campaign due to a knee injury.
Russia went on to win the game 1-0, which leaves them just one point behind Sweden who currently sit second in their Euro 2016 qualifying Group G.
Del Bosque: Spain won't throw strikers at Slovakia
Sep 5, 2015 12:54:06
The veteran coach does not think the solution to breaking down Saturday's opponents is to barrage them with attacking players
Spain coach Vicente del Bosque believes patience - not an abundance of attackers - is the key to defeating Slovakia on Saturday.
La Roja lost the reverse Euro 2016 Group C qualification match 2-1 last year, when Del Bosque picked Diego Costa as the lone striker.
In other qualifiers since he has selected two up front from the likes of the Brazil-born centre forward, Valencia's Paco Alcacer and new Chelsea signing Pedro, but he is refusing to reveal how his team will line up in Oviedo.
"It's true, we are expecting a team who will play with six men always behind the ball, which will make it tough for us to find space," Del Bosque told reporters.
"This is what we have to be prepared for. I think it will be better for us. I hope it is this way and we dominate the game, that we control possession, that we have sufficient patience, and the ability to overcome them.
"We are preparing for this, and I hope we can resolve this problem.
"On the question of the centre forward, I don't think it is an issue whether we play with one or two, it isn't important. For example, we played against Luxembourg with two and we did well, Alcacer and Diego Costa played well.
"If we play with one tomorrow we have a possibility, and with the people up front, to cause them problems."
Barcelona and Spain skipper Iniesta is wary of the Central European nation causing another shock or preventing them from playing their natural game.
"We are expecting a similar game to the one we had there - a team who keep it tight," he said.
"A team who always try to cut out the inside balls, and that accumulates people in the centre of the pitch to disrupt our style of play."
Spain (15 points) sit second in Group C's standings behind Slovakia (18) and ahead of Ukraine (12), who host Belarus.
Hodgson prepared to blood new players
By Patric Rigde
Sep 4, 2015 19:27:14
The former Liverpool head coach says qualification for next summer's tournament is the most important thing but refuses to hold back the progress of his younger players
England manager Roy Hodgson insists he will not prioritise winning all 10 Euro 2016 qualifiers over blooding new players.
The Three Lions have won all six of their Group E fixtures so far and will progress to next summer's showpiece in France with a win over minnows San Marino on Saturday.
But Hodgson, who confirmed that Jamie Vardy, Jonjo Shelvey and John Stones would all start away at the minnows, was adamant that a potential clean sweep of qualifying victories would not affect his squad selection.
"There's going to be 24 teams competing next year," he said. "I very much doubt that any of those will go in with doubts about having a chance of winning the tournament.
"We're the same, but we do things step-by-step. And at the moment we're just concentrating on winning the games we need to.
"One thing that is within our grasp is to win all the 10 qualifiers, but that's not a given, though If we do qualify either tomorrow, I may not put 10 out of 10 in front of the opportunity to blood other players next month.
"I don't want to give the team out, but there are some players who have invoked interest. Shelvey, Stones and Vardy will start tomorrow.
"Stones has done exceptionally well. Since he's been with us he has been 100 per cent focused and motivated, the news stories haven’t affected him."
Hodgson also backed Wayne Rooney to break Bobby Charlton's goalscoring record for England, with the Manchester United man just one goal away from matching the haul of 49.
"There's no doubt in my mind he'll score these goals," Hodgson added.
"But his main concern is to win his remaining matches. I wouldn’t mind him not scoring a goal in all these games if it meant that we won."
Scotland need something against Germany - Strachan
By Stephen Creek
Sep 4, 2015 23:02:06
The national team boss set his sights on a result against the World Cup winners and praised his players despite the crushing defeat in Tbilisi
Scotland manager Gordon Strachan admitted his side will need to take at least a point from Monday's Euro 2016 qualifier against Germany after suffering a 1-0 defeat to Georgia.
Valeri Kazaishvili's first-half strike condemned Scotland to a repeat of their 2007 result at the same venue in Tbilisi, when a 2-0 win for Georgia all but put paid to Alex McLeish's team's hopes of reaching Euro 2008.
Scotland have slipped to fourth in Group D after they were leapfrogged by the Republic of Ireland, but it could all change again with three games still to play.
Strachan stopped short of describing the visit of Germany to Hampden Park early next as a must-win match.
"I would think we have to pick up something," he told Sky Sports.
“We are still there, so we'll get over the disappointment and we've got to bring that into a good performance."
The result in Tbilisi gave Georgia only their second qualifying win of the campaign, as Scotland struggled to create openings despite the hosts' defence having leaked almost twice as many goals in Group D.
But the Scotland manager felt his side were unfortunate in defeat, suggesting that the players did enough to achieve a better result.
"We did more than enough not to get beaten, but not enough to win the game," Strachan added.
"There was never any real problem with the game. We felt really comfortable, we did what we had to do and made sure there was nothing exciting going on about our box in the first half hour.
"It's vital you don't give away the first goal against a team that's quite used to defending and they were hard to break down. We weren't far away at times but we just didn't have that final touch.
"They tried to pass the ball and to be inventive. They tried as much as they can and that's all you can ask. They gave us what they've got and unfortunately on the night the final pass was short."
Following the visit of Germany, Scotland will conclude their Euro 2016 qualifying campaign with games against Poland and Gibraltar.
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