Scottish-Wales-Rep.Ireland-Northen Ireland News and Rumors

[Supernan]

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/8/89/Scottish_football_association_logo.pnghttp://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/1/10/Walesfootballbadge.gifhttp://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/e/e4/Fai_logo_new.jpg/165px-Fai_logo_new.jpghttp://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/0/0b/Northern_ireland_national_football_team_logo.png/150px-Northern_ireland_national_football_team_logo.png

Great Britain ga bs dipisahkan sm negara Wales dan Scottish, Walaupun Republik Irlandia dan Irlandia Utara bukan termasuk Great Britain tetapi memiliki hub erat kedua negara dengan Inggris ga bisa dipungkiri. Jadi semua berita dan pertandingan negara eropa barat masuk kesini yah. Belum lg punggawa United bbrapa berasal dr negara ini.

[Supernan]

Scotland show some front, but it doesn't add up ahead of daunting clash against Spain

By Michael Walker
Last updated at 12:03 AM on 12th October 2010

It just doesn't add up. Whether it is 4-4-2 or 3-5-2 or 4-5-1 or whatever, the answer is always 10 outfield players with at least one up front. But 4-6-0? The answer to that particular permutation in Scotland over the last 72 hours has been: No thanks.
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On Friday night in Prague against the Czech Republic, 7,000 Scottish fans travelled to see manager Craig Levein send out a team with no strikers. If it caused consternation at kick-off, then that had changed to despair and anger by the final whistle, by which time the Scots had lost 1-0 to a mediocre side.

Levein conceded on Monday that 'the torture of Prague', as one Scottish newspaper had it, has provoked a 'stooshie' - argument in Broons-speak - but there were few other concessions from the former Leicester City and Dundee United manager.

'Some of you have got too excited,' Levein told reporters. 'But I saw some really positive stuff that allows me to think I've got a group of players capable of doing what I want them to do.'
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Excited was the last thing those in Prague were, which is one of the problems . The absence of attacking ambition against a Czech team who had lost their previous qualifier to Lithuania is being viewed as akin to a betrayal of the ghost of Hughie Gallacher.


Murdo MacLeod, a former international colleague of Levein, caught the mood, saying: 'I can understand going away and playing 4-5-1, with three central midfielders and wide players who'll do a shift up and down the park. But no strikers at all? I can't get my head around that.'

MacLeod will have searched long for the rallying call ahead of tonight's clash with the World Cup holders in another Levein assertion: 'Yes, Spain are inspirational because of where they are just now. But they are 20 years ahead of us. It's not as easy as saying, "There is the Spanish model, let's do as they do".'

Even Spain's normally unflappable manager Vicente del Bosque was nabbed by the issue when asked if he would ever contemplate 4-6-0.
Craig Levein

Laughing matter: Craig Levein continues to smile despite the criticism of his team

'That's a sneaky question,' Del Bosque replied, only half-smiling.

No-one within the Scotland squad has broken ranks to declare himself as dissatisfied as MacLeod with Levein's tactics but elder statesman David Weir did say: 'The reaction to the system we played against the Czech Republic has put us all on a bit of a downer.'

Weir will have time to elaborate after tonight, yet he was part of the Rangers team that went to Manchester United a month ago happy to defend deep in their own half to earn a Champions League point. That is Levein's position of realism, his justification.

Scotland beat Spain in Glasgow the last time the two met competitively here in 1984, but Levein would note the team contained Dalglish, as well as Souness, Willie Miller, McLeish, Bett, Cooper and Mo Johnston.

Levein's critics would counter that Scotland' s reduced talent does not excuse an abdication of ambition. Slovakia beat World Cup holders Italy in Johannesburg this summer.

Rangers boss Walter Smith talked about 'going 4-6-0' in the build-up to the United game. But it was a joke and Kenny Miller played at Old Trafford, albeit alone up front. Miller got 14 minutes on Friday.

Spain's arrival in their downtown Glasgow hotel has raised the profile of Friday's game as well as tonight's. Del Bosque's men top Group One with six points from two games.

On Friday, Spain defeated Lithuania 3-1 in Del Bosque's home city of Salamanca. Missing the likes of Xavi, Fernando Torres, Cesc Fabregas and Xabi Alonso, Fernando Llorente scored twice and Manchester City's David Silva added the third.

David Villa, joint top all-time Spain scorer on 44 goals, has hit the woodwork four times since equalling Raul's total. Hampden Park could come to mean a lot to Villa. But it was Alonso's standin, Santi Cazorla, who dominated coverage from Salamanca with his creativity.

From there came the headline: 'Santi Football v Anti Football'.


But there is expectation in Glasgow. Hampden is sold out and Levein hinted that Miller may earn a recall to a 4-1-4-1 formation, though that raised the question: if Scotland attack Spain, why not attack the Czechs?

Miller may be involved more in harrying than shooting, but his presence tonight will be a cause for optimism.
HOW THEY LINE UP

SCOTLAND (probable, 4-1-4-1): McGregor; Bardsley, Weir, McManus, Whittaker; McCulloch; Morrison, Fletcher, Dorrans, Naismith; Miller.
SPAIN (probable, 4-2-3-1): Casillas; Ramos, Puyol, Pique, Capdevila; Alonso, Busquets; Silva, Iniesta, Villa; Llorente.
Referee: Massimo Busacca (Switzerland).
TV: Sky Sports 1, 7.30pm (kick-off 8.0).

He was in the team who last year lost 1-0 to Holland, and the Dutch went on to reach the World Cup final. Scotland were third in that qualifying group, accumulating 10 points from eight games.

They now have four points from three matches and goalkeeper Iker Casillas, like Del Bosque, returning to the stadium where he won the European Cup with Real Madrid in 2002, shifted the pressure on to the hosts.

'If they come away pointless from this game, it will be very hard to qualify,' said Casillas. 'The rest of the group would become very complicated for them. They need something from this.'

One point would demand praise, possibly even for Levein. Capturing all three feels inconceivable. As Levein said: 'They are the best team Scotland have ever played, I think. That's how highly I rate Spain.'


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1319672/Scotland-doesnt-add-ahead-daunting-clash-Spain.html#ixzz126M8yUpB

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[rondwisan]

wah Bardo akhirnya ikut membela Scotland nih ... 8-|8-|
kelahiran Inggris, but Bokapnya Scottish
________________________________________

Bardsley set for Scotland bow
ESPNsoccernet - October 11, 2010



Sunderland's Phil Bardsley is set to make his Scotland debut against Spain with Tottenham full-back Alan Hutton a major fitness doubt ahead of the Euro 2012 qualifier.

Hutton has been struggling with a groin problem and was one of several players to sit out training on Sunday. Scotland boss Craig Levein did not rule the right-back out completely but expects Hutton to miss the game.

Levein said: "The biggest doubt is probably Alan Hutton. It looks as if he might struggle but I can't say for certain."

With Levein already without the injured Rangers defender Kirk Broadfoot, he confirmed that a debut for English-born Bardsley was a "distinct possibility".

Bardsley, 25, was called into the squad last week after pledging his allegiance to Scotland despite previously rejecting overtures from his Glaswegian father's nation.

Levein confirmed he would deploy a "different game plan" against the world and European champions but he made no apology for his Prague tactics as he attempted to move on from the furore over his striker-less formation.

"You're assuming I have read any papers, which I haven't," Levein said when asked whether he had been stung by the criticism. "I am very positive about this match. In fact I'm excited and looking forward to it, and the players are too."

The former Dundee United boss added: "Here's how it works: I got the job and the job is to try and qualify for the Euros. I'll do that the way I think is right. If it causes a little bit of a stooshie and some of you press guys get upset, then so what?

"That's not my concern. I've got a group of players who I believe I can work with and who everybody who watched against the Czech Republic realised they put everything they had into the match. For me, that's a great starting point and we move on."

[Supernan]

wow just know opa gan,thx for info nih.

Akhirnya BArdo kepanggil timns jg walaupung bukan England hehehe. Hutton lg bgus di Spurs tp kondisi fitness nya sering bngt cedera.

[rondwisan]

sama Gan Obet ..., gw juga baru tau ..., tadinya kirain Bardo ikut England ...
ternyata bokapnya nyang Scottish ..., yah blessing in disguise nih dengan cederanya Hutton ...
moga bisa ikut mengharumkan nama United deh ..., ceile ... :hammer::hammer::peace;

btw :cek:

[Supernan]

Gila Irlandia Utara ditahan imbang sm negara semenjana Kep. Faroe 1-1.

Jonny Evans main 90 menit. si Corry masuk sbagai pengganti. Report soon ya besok.

Waiting for Wales,Scotland,Rep, Irlandia nih guys. \m/

[Supernan]

Hasil mengecewakan nih negara Eropa barat. :(

Skotland udh tempur spartan syg klh 2-3 dr Spain, Bardsley main apik di debutnya malam itu. Kapten Fletcher allround player top breaker! =D>:thumbup:

Scotland 2 Spain 3: Scottish goals but no glory as world champions win Hampden thriller

By Michael Walker
Last updated at 12:15 AM on 13th October 2010



Scotland lost a football match last night and with it perhaps the chance to reach the Euro 2012 finals, but in coming back from 2-0 down against world champions Spain, Scotland regained respect, both for themselves and from others.

At 2-2 Hampden Park was literally bouncing. All the 4-6-0 furore from last Friday in Prague was lost in one of those breathless Hampden affairs that pulsated from kick-off. The noise was fantastic, the contest true and some of Spain’s football exquisite.

On a night when David Villa equalled Raul’s goalscoring record for Spain it says much that it was only one of the headlines.

Villa, The Kid as he is known in his native Asturia, opened the scoring with a 44th minute penalty. It was his 44th Spain goal in his 70th appearance. As a comparison it took Raul 102 caps to reach 44.

Privately Villa may dispute that. A strike against Poland before the World Cup was later registered as an own goal.

On Monday his manager Vicente Del Bosque talked about him breaking the record.

From 1960 and Real Madrid through to 2002 and Real again, the Spanish have relished the historical significance of this place and it seemed then as if this was an occasion that would again be all about Spaniards.

When Andres Iniesta steered in a smooth second ten minutes after the interval, that feeling was franked. Xabi Alonso was starring.

But Scotland manager Craig Levein had responded to the avalanche of criticism from Friday by returning Kenny Miller, in an attacking role, to the line-up. Miller was sparky from the first whistle and won a corner in 33 seconds.

And three minutes after Iniesta had appeared to close the door on this Glaswegian drama, Miller fought for possession by drifting wide to the right, looked up and delivered a cross that his Rangers colleague Steven Naismith met with a flick of the head. Not even Iker Casillas could stop it.

Hampden dared to dream, but that was the context. Then Scotland captain Darren Fletcher and West Bromwich’s James Morrison altered Spain’s reality with a peach of a one-two on the edge of the visitors’ area.

Morrison was released and from the byline sent in a low cross aimed for blue shirts lurking in the six-yard box.

Spain were flustered, Carlos Puyol had been taken out by Fletcher’s pass and Gerard Pique, could only stub out a boot to send the ball high past Casillas.

Scottish thoughts now turned to an improbable winner. Instead it was Spain who pulled out a third.

Considering Levein’s decision to play not striker against the Czech Republic, Del Bosque will have doubtless appreciated the irony in him dropping his two-goal forward from last Friday, Fernando Llorente.


That left Villa (inset) as the lone forward, though one ably supported by Iniesta and David Silva.

But it was Silva whom Llorente replaced in the 76th minute. Three minutes later Joan Capdevila did what he had done all night, eased down the left and sent in a good cross. Stephen McManus missed it and Llorente was waiting to meet it on the volley. Allan McGregor, who made a number of fine saves, was beaten again.

Having chased Spain all game, Scotland had nothing more to give, bar a rash challenge by Steven Whittaker on Sergio Ramos in the 89th minute. Booked for his handball on the penalty — a block of a Ramos shot — Whittaker was shown a second yellow card and a red.

The match ended with Villa one-on-one with McGregor and claiming to have been pulled down as he shaped to shoot. The final whistle terminated that debate but Scotland’s players left to an ovation and Levein saluted the 51,322 present: ‘I wish I could shake the hand of every one of them.’

Del Bosque saluted them too: ‘Scotland had character, spirit, pure hard work and great play.’

MATCH FACTS

Scotland (4-1-4-1) McGregor 7; Bardsley 6, Weir 5, McManus 6, Whittaker 5; McCulloch 6; Morrison 6, D. Fletcher 6,
Dorrans 6, Naismith 6; Miller 6. Subs: Gordon, Caldwell, Adam, Berra, Maloney, S. Fletcher, Mackie.

Spain (4-2-3-1) Casillas 6; Ramos 6, Puyol 6, Pique 6, Capdevila 6; Alonso 7, Busquets 6; Silva 6, Iniesta 7, Cazorla 7; Villa 8. Subs: Valdes, Monreal, Marchena, Arbeloa, Hernandez, Llorente,Soriano.

Man of the match: Alonso.

Referee: M. Busacca (Italy)


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1319878/Scotland-2-Spain-3-Brave-Scots-scare-world-champions-Fernando-Llorente-saves-blushes.html#ixzz12CDlbAlR

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1319878/Scotland-2-Spain-3-Brave-Scots-scare-world-champions-Fernando-Llorente-saves-blushes.html#ixzz12CDUXb5o

[Supernan]

Switzerland 4 Wales 1: Wales out of Euro 2012 already ... but Brian Flynn’s still not down

By Phil Cadden
Last updated at 11:53 PM on 12th October 2010

Brian Flynn insists he is still the person to lead Wales forward despite this hammering which ended their Euro 2012 qualification hopes.

The visitors slumped to their worst start to a qualifying campaign in 40 years following a defensive horror show at St Jakob-Park.

Gareth Bale briefly levelled for Wales but slack first-half defending allowed Valentin Stocker and Marco Streller to strike before an 81st-minute penalty from Gokhan Inler and Stocker’s second dampened Flynn’s 55th birthday celebrations.


Wales now face England next March following three straight defeats in Group G and the long-term future of caretaker boss Flynn remains up in the air after his two-game agreement ended.

But the ex-Wrexham boss, who has two losses from as many games after the home defeat by Bulgaria last week, maintains he is desperate to take over on a permanent basis.

Flynn said: ‘I still feel I’m the man for the job. I’ve no doubt about my credentials and I want it even more after this defeat.

‘The results have not improved my position but I haven’t spoken to the Football Association of Wales since I sat down with them a month ago.

‘I don’t know about the timescale but I think a shortlist will be drawn up and we will go from there.’

Wales began brightly with the excellent Bale in full flow.


But they fell behind in the eighth minute as calamitous defending allowed Stocker to nod home from eight yards.

Flynn’s men rallied and were on level terms on 12 minutes when Andrew Crofts’ tackle set Bale clear and the winger finished past substitute goalkeeper Marco Wolfli from the edge of the box.

James Collins saw a firm header cleared off the line from Bale’s corner as Wales’ confidence grew but the Aston Villa defender was the villain as Streller regained the lead for the Swiss.

Inler’s chipped cross found Streller, played onside by Collins, and the striker’s miscued effort crept into the bottom corner.

Ottmar Hitzfeld’s men killed off Wales’ hopes of a comeback when they added a third through Inler’s spot-kick after Barnetta was fouled by substitute Christian Ribeiro


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1319877/Switzerland-4-Wales-1-Valentin-Stocker-hits-Dragons-suffer-worst-start-40-years.html#ixzz12CF7HaXu

[Supernan]

Slovakia 1 Republic of Ireland 1: St Ledger's ice cool but Keane pays the penalty

By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 9:54 PM on 12th October 2010


The Republic of Ireland got back on track in Euro 2012 qualifying with a battling draw against Slovakia in Zilina but were left to rue Robbie Keane's missed penalty.

After Sean St Ledger's opener had been cancelled out by Jan Durica in the 36th minute, the Republic were handed a glorious chance to retake the lead in first-half stoppage time when Aiden McGeady was felled by Jan Mucha.

But the goalkeeper made up for his error with a fine save, and, as Slovakia dominated the second half, the Republic were left hanging on for a point that keeps them level with their opponents in Group B.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1319893/Slovakia-1-Republic-Ireland-1-St-Ledgers-ice-cool-Keane-pays-penalty.html#ixzz12CFNP0qv

[rondwisan]

Bardo langsung maen full 90' yaa ...
sayang setelah mengejar ketinggalan 2 gol, mereka kebobolan lagi oleh tim tamu ... :(

[Supernan]

Faroe Islands 1 Northern Ireland 1: Kyle Lafferty rescues a point but Nigel Worthington's men fail to build on Italy draw

By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 9:35 PM on 12th October 2010

Northern Ireland's impressive start to their Euro 2012 qualifying campaign came to a shuddering halt against traditional whipping boys the Faroe Islands.

After the satisfaction of drawing with former world champions Italy on Friday they had to settle for a point against much lesser opposition in Toftir despite having the majority of possession.

That came thanks to an equaliser from Kyle Lafferty after Christian Holst had given the Faroes a shock lead.

It could have been even worse as well as Christian Holst gave the home team the lead.

Kyle Lafferty, who regained his place in the side at the expense of David Healy, salvaged some pride by scoring the equaliser.

Northern Ireland carved out the first chance of the match in the fourth minute following a swift break and it carried on that way for most of the game.

Lafferty got on the end of a cross from Gareth McAuley only to send a soft header into the arms of goalkeeper Jakup Mikkelsen.

They kept up the pace and Lafferty peeled away from his marker in the ninth minute but Mikkelsen was equal to his effort.

Lafferty was finding plenty of space and sent a shot into the goalkeeper's body in the 16th minute with Warren Feeney playing a part in the move.

Then Lafferty came close to making the breakthrough three minutes later when his pace took him clear but Mikkelsen turned his powerful effort over the bar.

The Faroe Islands were being pegged back but managed to break away following a mistake by Stephen Craigan. However, goalkeeper Maik Taylor made a good block from Frodji Benjaminsen.

It was brief respite for the home side with Jonny Evans cracking in a shot from distance that was deflected by Lafferty and went wide after 31 minutes.

They maintained the momentum and Chris Baird released Lafferty down the left. He delivered the ball into the path of Niall McGinn but he miscued his effort.

Matt Fortune

The Faroes then gave away a free-kick with Jonas Tor Naes booked after tripping Feeney as he tried to break clear. Baird's effort was taken cleanly by Mikkelsen.

Northern Ireland should have taken the lead in the 50th minute when Steve Davis threaded the ball through the middle.

McGinn was first to react but only succeeded in finding the side netting when it seemed he should have hit the target at least.

Healy was quickly into the action after replacing Feeney and Mikkelsen had to make a smart save from him in the 53rd minute.

Mikkelsen came to the Faroes' rescue five minutes later when he clawed away a towering header from Lafferty following Chris Brunt's cross from the left.

Northern Ireland were made to pay in the 61st minute when the Faroes took the lead.

Holst took advantage of some slack defensive work to steer a shot beyond Taylor and into the net.

Northern Ireland hit back in search of the equaliser and Baird headed wide three minutes later following Brunt's corner. Then Craigan was off target with a header in front of the posts.

Northern Ireland's pressure paid off in the 76th minute when Lafferty equalised.

He linked up well with Brunt before steering his effort home via the post for his eighth goal in 28 international appearances.

It was just the lift his side needed and Lafferty was sent clear by Brunt a minute later but failed to get a decent touch.

But despite all their pressure they had to settle for a point and that is not what manager Nigel Worthington wanted going into a three-month break.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1319929/Faroe-Islands-1-Northern-Ireland-1-Kyle-Lafferty-rescues-point-Nigel-Worthingtons-men-fail-build-draw-Italy.html#ixzz12CG6MnAt

[Supernan]

Here the Pictures : :D

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[Supernan]

Scotland boss Craig Levein remains upbeat ahead of Faroe Islands despite call-offs galore
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By Peter Jardine
Last updated at 11:35 PM on 15th November 2010

Craig Levein believes Tuesday's friendly against the Faroe Islands at Pittodrie can carry 'huge significance' - despite the worst bout of absenteeism in Scotland's international history.

The SFA were forced into 24 hours of hectic phone calls and travel arrangements after no fewer than nine players from the original squad called off and a further five invited to attend reported injury concerns for the game.

With five Rangers players already rested even before the initial squad announcement, that duly led to surprise Scotland call-ups for players from St Johnstone, Motherwell, Kilmarnock, Swindon Town and Wigan Athletic.
SCOTLAND STARTING XI

Gordon, Bardsley, Caldwell, Wilson, Crainey, Commons, Maloney, Fletcher,
Adam, Bannan, Mackie.

Levein will hand debuts to Aston Villa prospect Barry Bannan, 20, and 18-year-old Liverpool centre-half Danny Wilson.

The Aberdeen public threaten to deliver their own verdict on the Pittodrie game with only around 7,000 tickets sold, but Levein is adamant it will all be worthwhile if the likes of Bannan or Wilson shine on the big stage.

Levein said: 'If a Barry Bannan, Danny Wilson or David Goodwillie shows something here, then that's great for me. If someone has a fantastic match, it will put them right at the forefront of my thoughts.

'Every international player started somewhere. You will find a good few of them started because someone else was injured. And a lot will have come through from a start in a friendly match. So the game has huge significance for me.

'A lot of people are deriding the fixture and bleating about call-offs and, certainly, it is

[Supernan]

Northern Ireland 1 Morocco 1: Patterson to the rescue after Chamakh pounces on Blayney blunder
A late penalty from Rory Patterson spared Northern Ireland goalkeeper Alan Blayney's blushes in a low-key friendly against Morocco.

Substitute Blayney handed the visitors the lead on a wet and windy night at Windsor Park when he miscontrolled a backpass and his clearance rebounded into the net off Arsenal's Marouane Chamakh.

Blayney then partially redeemed himself by tipping a fierce Adil Hermach drive onto the bar and Patterson stepped up to force a draw after Josh McQuoid was fouled five minutes from time.

http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2010/11/17/article-1330683-0C1E50F3000005DC-332_634x373.jpg
The equaliser will give manager Nigel Worthington reason for optimism after what seemed like being a dismal night. The value of the exercise had been brought into question after 12 players withdrew from the initial squad named last week for a variety of reasons.

Worthington was forced to make eight changes from the side which laboured to a draw in the Faroe Islands last month.

In-form West Brom winger Chris Brunt, playing in an advanced role, had the best of the early opportunities but failed to test the goalkeeper before being withdrawn at half-time.

Preston midfielder Adam Barton, who is also eligible for England, was handed a debut from the start by Worthington in the hope he could be persuaded to pledge his allegiance full-time.

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Inverness' Jonny Tuffey was the initial pick in goal in the absence of veteran Maik Taylor and his status as second choice was only enhanced by what followed just 10 minutes after he left the action.

After torrential rain throughout the day, the pitch was heavy but Brunt attempted to make a bright start as he won possession from the kick-off.

Brunt broke forward and fed John Gorman out wide but the Wolves man's cross was easily claimed by Nadir Lamyaghri.

Brunt, recently linked with Liverpool after a fine start to the season, was intent on impressing but shot well over when a chance opened up from distance.

Morocco attacked down the flanks and Chakib Benzoukane cut inside from the left to force Tuffey to concede a corner. Aaron Hughes headed away from the set-piece but Kharja Houssine fired a shot back in which flew over the bar.

Brunt tried his luck from a 40-yard free-kick but again missed the target and Morocco began to show some neat attacking touches.

Houssine had a shot blocked after being fed by Chamakh and Chadli put a good chance over on the rebound.

Northern Ireland survived a scare midway through the first half as Younes Belhanda slipped Youssef Hadji into the box but the Nancy midfielder shot straight at Tuffey.

Brunt showed more good touches as the hosts built a patient attack but was again off-target with his shot. Morocco came forward again with Chadli showing good skill on the left but captain Hughes headed behind.

Northern Ireland made four changes for the start of the second half, with Worthington bringing off Premier League pair Hughes and Brunt as expected.

Pat McCourt, one of the more influential players, was also forced off with a dead leg and Linfield's Blayney was also introduced.

Michael O'Connor, McQuoid and Rory McArdle were the other players to come on.

O'Connor quickly got in the action as he flashed a free-kick wide but two of the others may have wished they stayed on the bench.

McArdle played Blayney into trouble with a back pass which the Linfield keeper failed to control.

He hastily tried to kick away as Chamakh advanced but the Arsenal striker was too quick and his clearance rebounded off the Moroccan and into the net.

Morocco went close to a second moments later as Hermach unleashed a ferocious 40-yard drive but Blayney made some amends for his gaffe his he tipped onto the bar.

The visitors came forward again and Youssef Hadji shot wide from the edge of the area.

The game appeared to be winding down when Bournemouth forward McQuoid won a penalty from a corner after being pulled down by Rachid Soulaimani.

Plymouth's Patterson held his nerve to score from the penalty spot.

Morocco had a late chance to snatch victory but Youssef El-Arabi shot over after a weaving run.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1330683/Northern-Ireland-1-Morocco-1-Patterson-rescue-Chamakh-pounces-Blayney-blunder.html#ixzz15ael3orO

[rondwisan]

BBC.co.uk - 10 December 2010
Mark Hughes backs Gary Speed for Wales managerial job



Mark Hughes has told potential Welsh managerial candidate Gary Speed that being Wales boss would be "fantastic grounding" for the rookie manager.

The Football Association of Wales are set to ask permission from Sheffield United to speak to their manager as the FAW seek a successor to John Toshack.

Speed was Hughes' skipper when he was Wales boss and praised his "leadership qualities" and "outstanding" captaincy.

But United insist "no approach has been made" and "no discussions" are planned.

Former Wales international and current Fulham manager Hughes started his managerial career with his national team in 1999.

And Hughes and captain Speed inspired the Welsh to the Euro 2004 qualification play-offs - losing their finals bid in a two-legged play-off against Russia.

"It's understandable that Gary is being spoken of for the job," said Hughes.

"When I left myself, I recommended that Gary speak to the Football Association of Wales. He felt that at that time it was too soon."

Midfielder Speed, Wales' most-capped outfield played, retired from international football after 85 caps when Hughes quit Wales to manager Blackburn Rovers in the Premier League.

Toshack succeeded Hughes in 2004 but the post is once again vacant following Toshack's exit in September in the wake of Wales' opening Euro 2012 defeat in Montenegro.

The FAW has interviewed four of the candidates on its shortlist and hopes to name their new national team coach before Christmas.

BBC Sport understands former Sweden coach Lars Lagerback, Wales' caretaker manager Brian Flynn, former Fulham boss Chris Coleman and former Wales striker John Hartson have been interviewed by the Welsh FA's managerial appointment sub-committee.

Former Northern Ireland manager Lawrie Sanchez and current Wrexham boss Dean Saunders, who was part of Toshack's coaching team, are also in the frame.

But the FAW are to seek permission from Championship strugglers United to speak to their boss of four months Speed about the Welsh vacancy.

The 41-year-old has won six of his 17 games in charge since replacing Kevin Blackwell in August and taking his first managerial job.

Speed is now among the favourites to suceed Toshack on a full-time basis - and he has the endorsement of managerial mentor Hughes who gave Speed his first coaching role with Wales' under-21 side.

"If Gary sees his future as a manager, then being an international coach for Wales is a fantastic grounding," said Hughes.

"It's early in his managerial career but it's a similar situation to how I found myself.

"I'd recommend it every day of the week. Most people say it's a job for an older, more experienced manager.

"Sometimes that can be the case, but for a young manager to be exposed to international football and to learn and grow, it's perfect."

Hughes could call on experienced internationals Speed, Hartson, Ryan Giggs, Paul Jones, Simon Davies, Robbie Savage, Mark Pembridge, Mark Delaney and Andy Melville when he managed Wales.

But he insists that Wales' young player base - including Gareth Bale, Aaron Ramsey and Jack Collison - is stronger now than when he was in charge.

"There's no reason why Gary can't make a good fist of it given his standing in the game," said Hughes.

"In fairness the group of players there now is better in terms of quality than the squad I inherited.

"It's a good opportunity for whoever gets the job because there are some good young players who will develop in time.

"Hopefully some time in the future they'll qualify for a major championship."

Wales' youth guru Flynn has been backed by many Welsh international after he took temporary charge of Wales for their Group G qualifying defeats to Bulgaria and Switzerland in October.

But Speed has been heavily linked despite United chief executive Trevor Birch revealing the club have received no approach from the FAW.

"The speculation is very unhelpful as Gary has only one thing on his mind at the moment and that is to prepare the team for the derby game against Barnsley at the weekend," Birch said in a statement.

"Although unwelcome, the Welsh FA's interest is quite understandable as he's not only a Welshman but also a manager with a great future ahead of him.

"Gary has not been approached and there are no discussions planned. He has already stated that he is happy here and we are more than happy with him.

"This has become an intrusion into his and the club's preparations and we will not be commenting further."

[rondwisan]

hadoohhh ..., aya-aya wae nih Oom Speed, klo mo manggil buat nemenin jadi co-asst sih ok lah ..., but klo disuruh maen lagi ...
hmmm ..., please deh ..., emang udah kagak ada pemain laen yaa ... :peace:
maaf maaf Oom Giggs ...., hehe ...
_____________________________________

Speed open to Giggs return for Wales
ESPNsoccernet - December 15, 2010



New Wales manager Gary Speed says he is hoping to coax Manchester United midfielder Ryan Giggs out of international retirement.

Speed was appointed as the country's new boss on Tuesday and has already been contacted by Robbie Savage, who is keen to end his international exile and return to the Wales first team.

Though Speed is yet to contact Giggs, 37, he would be open to the return of the winger who has won 62 caps and scored 12 goals for his country.

"I am sure I will be ringing around," Speed said. "There are a couple who have already rung me to be honest. Sav rang me. I'm not sure about Ryan yet, but who wouldn't want him in a team? I'm sure others will be in touch."

Savage, 36, has not represented Wales since falling out with John Toshack in 2005 but hopes to earn recognition under his former international team-mate.

"I'm available to play for Wales again and if Gary Speed thinks it's the right thing for me to come back then I will do," Savage said in the Daily Mirror. "I think I'm playing well enough to be part of Wales again. But I know Gary and he won't pick people for the sake of giving his old mates a last hurrah.

"If he says, 'Sav, it's over' then I'll respect that and I'll still be a big advocate of him. The advantage I've got with Gary is that he's seen me play for the past two years. Gary is a man who commands respect, for what he's done on the pitch and for his massive football knowledge."

[Supernan]

haha bner OpaGan, masa suruh main lagi. Jd Ass.Coach kekya minimal staff pelatih hehe

masi bnyk talenta Wales lain,kan udh ada Gareth Bale :P

[rondwisan]

hehe ..., akoorr Agan Obet :shakehand:
dengan tidak mengurangi rasa hormat pada Oom Giggs ...
skrng ini klo beliau maen untuk United, baik starter or sub, jantung ini mulai berdegup lebih kencang ... :hammer:

*lebaymodeON

[Ucup Carrick]

2011 ini bakal ada turnamen antar negara-negara britania raya plus irlandia (kecuali inggris)
namanya Nation Cup 2011

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/14/Nations-Cup-logo.jpg/250px-Nations-Cup-logo.jpg

nampaknya mo bangkiti home championship dulu...

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/9/93/Carling_Nations_Cup_Trophy.jpg/220px-Carling_Nations_Cup_Trophy.jpg

jadwalnya:
8 February 2011
19:45 Republic of Ireland v Wales
9 February 2011
19:45 Northern Ireland v Scotland
24 May 2011
19:45 Republic of Ireland v Northern Ireland
25 May 2011
19:45 Wales v Scotland
27 May 2011
19:45 Wales v Northern Ireland
29 May 2011
18:30 Republic of Ireland v Scotland

[Supernan]

Sayang Fletcher tgl 8 besok menarik diri dr skuad Skotlandia.

Withdrawals hit Scotland plans
http://images.teamtalk.com/10/09/402x210/Darren-Fletcher-Scotland_2499164.jpg
Sunday 6th February 2011

Lee McCulloch, Darren Fletcher and Graham Dorrans will miss Scotland's midweek clash with Northern Ireland in Dublin.

Craig Levein has been hit by three definite withdrawals from his squad for the Carling Nations Cup game on Wednesday night.

There is no surprise that Rangers midfielder McCulloch was confirmed as having pulled out with the knee injury which caused him to miss Sunday's Old Firm Scottish Cup fifth-round clash at Ibrox which ended in a 2-2 draw.

However, Manchester United midfielder Fletcher (ankle and eye socket) and West Brom's Dorrans (ankle) have also pulled out, while there are doubts over Gary Caldwell.

The Wigan defender has a cheekbone injury but will join up with the squad to be assessed.

Caldwell's brother and club team-mate, Steven Caldwell, and James McArthur, also from Wigan, have been called up as replacements.

[Supernan]

Ireland 3 Wales 0: Gisbson and Duff shine as Irish sink woeful Welsh in Nations Cup opener

By Colin Young
Last updated at 12:08 AM on 9th February 2011
http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/02/08/article-1354986-0D17CB92000005DC-467_634x313.jpg

This was about gettogethers, motivational speeches, and an understanding of what it means to be Welsh and playing for Gary Speed.

It was about preparations for the Euro 2012 showdown with England on March 26, which is why Craig Bellamy was along for the trip, despite his weak knees, and why the likes of John Hartson were propping up the bar of the Welsh team hotel.
http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/02/08/article-1354986-0D17BC1E000005DC-641_634x381.jpg

This may have been the opening match of a new home nations tournament but the result was not that important for Wales's new manager.

And it's just as well. Speed's boys were outplayed by the Republic of Ireland, on the few occasions they did actually play in a poor game, and second-half goals from Darron Gibson, Damien Duff and Keith Fahey gave the hosts an emphatic win and the opening points on the opening night.

Wales looked solid enough, as Speed was close to picking his first-choice back four, but in attack they looked clueless.

They had one penalty shout when Hal Robson-Kanu was pulled back by Seamus Coleman - 'absolutely a penalty', said Speed - and a few long-range efforts easily gathered by Shay Given.

Wales are depending on the return of Bellamy and Gareth Bale before they will feel confident about meeting the English.

But Speed was still satisfied with the week's work and, despite the result, will be in optimistic mood as he prepares in place for his first competitive game. He said: 'In the first half we didn't pass the ball as well as we can do, I have seen the lads can pass the ball better, but we defended really well.

In the second half we started quite brightly but they scored a great goal and once that went in our heads went down a bit, which is the way it has been in the last few years.

http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/02/09/article-1354986-0D180A28000005DC-405_306x355.jpg