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Robert Lewandowski, Poland National Team
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Euro 2012 Update - Poland v Greece
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Do not miss out on the chance to watch Robert Lewndowski in action as Poland clashs with Greece in the upcoming Euro 2012 Final competition. Great premium football tickets are still available for sale now online.
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Poland automatically qualified for the tournament as co-host, but hasn’t played a competitive match since 2010 World Cup qualifying. Poland’s debut at the European Championship four years ago ended in disappointment with zero wins in three games. Since then Poland hired a new coach, revamped much of the squad and featured players who have found success in one of Europe’s toughest leagues.
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As co-host of Euro 2012, Poland is hoping the changes make a difference when they take on Russia, Greece and the Czech Republic in Group A.
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”It is our goal to advance from the group and I am convinced we can do it,” Poland coach Franciszek Smuda said. ”But this is a group that you can be wrong about. Russia is an excellent team. I think they are the favorites to advance from our group. Greece also is very good.”
”Last year showed that we can play with strong opponents,” said Smuda.
”OK, so we didn’t win, but we were good to watch. Against Germany, France, and Portugal we fought as equals despite the fact that we don’t have a team that has played with that lineup at a tournament and hasn’t played against those sorts of opponents.
”That’s why I’m optimistic and why Poles are optimistic.”
”Taking over this post, I thought that you could easily find 11 players, and good players at that. But it turns out that it’s actually very hard to find 11 good players,” he said. ”We aren’t in a situation like the Germans are right now, where we could put together three national teams from our roster. We can only put together one, and we have to pray to God that we don’t have any injuries.”
What Smuda can draw on are three top-class players – the Borussia Dortmund trio of Robert Lewandowski, Jakub Blaszczykowski and Lukasz Piszczek, as well as Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny.
Poland’s attack will be centered on the 23-year-old Lewandowski, who is coming off a stellar campaign for Dortmund. Lewandowski scored 22 goals in 34 matches, finishing the 2011-12 campaign third best in the league.
”We are playing at home and we will do our best to advance from the group and it will be a great success for these boys,”
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Luis Suarez, FC Liverpool
Liverpool Update - Suarez Hat-Trick Delivers 3-0 Victory v Norwich City
Liverpool FC is in eighth place in the Premier League table going into their clash v Chelsea fC in the upcoming FA Cup 2012 Final Match.
Liverpool striker Luis Suarez scored a beautiful goal from 55 yards to complete a stunning hat-trick in a 3-0 Premier League victory for FC Liverpool against Norwich City at Carrow Road today.
Manager Kenny Dalglish had praise for Suarez and the rest of his men following the win.
“It is called a work in progress,” said Dalglish. “We have said that before and there is no need for us to change.
“After the Carling Cup I said we are not the finished article and we are saying the same thing now.”
“He’s a special player. It was a fantastic performance.
“Everybody knows what’s coming ahead on Saturday but the team did their jobs professionally and efficiently.”
“The players who play on Tuesday will have the same determination to get the victory,” said the Liverpool manager. “I can’t guarantee we will be as good as that but the players who play will do as well as they can.”
“Luis has been like that many times this year and not been rewarded – and it’s the same with the team.
“That third goal is not difficult to score if you’ve got Luis Suarez’s ability – it’s more difficult if you are a mere mortal.
“The clean sheet was also important for us. It gives the defenders and Pepe Reina a bit of a boost.”
Midfielder Steven Gerrard had praise for Suarez as well.
“I was just about to give him a rollicking but I ended up clapping him,” said Gerrard. “It was a fantastic individual performance by Luis. It was world class, so clinical.
“We are lucky to have him. Only certain players in the world can score goals like that third one – and he is one of them. It was about vision more than technique.”
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Laurent Blanc, France National Team Manager
Euro 2012: France v England 11 Jun 2012 18:00 Donbass Arena Donetsk, Ukraine
The French National Team will take on England in the opening game of Group D at Euro 2012 in Donetsk on 11 June. France v England Tickets EURO 2012 11 Jun 2012 18:00 Donbass Arena Donetsk, Ukraine.
The French national side are looking in very good shape under boss Laurent Blanc going into the European championships - being unbeaten in their previous 18 games.
France manager, Laurent Blanc's contract ends this summer. He was offered a four-year extension in September before qualification for the finals had been secured. However he declined to sign the extension at the time, citing the need to reach Poland and Ukraine first.
Blanc may walk away from his position as boss of the French National Team if an extension to his current contract remain at an impasse and an "exceptional challenge" is offered to him by a leading club side.
Chelsea are searching for a long-term replacement for André Villas-Boas. Both Chelsea FC and Internazionale Milan are reportedly interested in signing Blanc though the 46-year-old insists he has yet to be approached by any club side.
Chelsea are willing to offer the Frenchman a staggering £9 million pounds annually to take over the reins at Stamford Bridge, claim French newspaper Le Parisien.
The former Inter and Manchester United defender will, however, listen to potential offers if the FFF do not return to the negotiating table.
"It's always gratifying when big clubs show an interest in you. My objective remains the European Championship. I am concentrating on that competition. But I would say – and not because I'm putting pressure on anyone, but because I think it – that I often hear it said that it's the boss who decides whether or not to extend the contract of a player or a coach at the end of their deal. I'm fine with that, but don't forget the employee can also make decisions for themselves," said Blanc.
"My intention is to carry on with the France national team. I haven't changed my mind on that. But the situation is that I have not extended my contract. And I'm not the kind of guy who goes knocking on the door – that should be clear."
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Iker Casillas, Spain National Team
Euro 2012: Spain v Italy
Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas cried after Andres Iniesta scored the winner for Spain in the World Cup, and the Spanish captain was emotional after the first World Championship triumph for Spain. It was due to the excellence of Iker Casillas that Arjen Robben was denied twice from point-blank range which led to Spain's victory.
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Steven Gerrard, Liverpool FC Captain
FA Cup Semi Final 2012: Liverpool v Everton
On Saturday April 14th, Wembley Stadium will host Liverpool v Everton in the first semi-final of 2012 The FA Cup with Budweiser. Everton fans will be in the West end of the stadium, while Liverpool's fans will be in the East. The kick-off time is 12.30pm.
Liverpool Football Club sealed their place in the semis after a 2-1 victory over Stoke City at Anfield, whilst the Toffees secured their place after beating Sunderland in a 6th Round replay.
Liverpool have beaten Everton twice this season. The Reds won the Carling Cup at Wembley in February.
Liverpool Captain Steven Gerrard knows the team must hold their focus going into the match. Last month Gerrard became the first Liverpool player to score a hat-trick in a Merseyside derby at Anfield since Fred Howe in 1935.
"It's a proud day for me to lead the lads out at Wembley again and it's a proud day for the city," he said. "It's a massive game and it's been a long time since Liverpool played Everton at Wembley so it's a fantastic occasion for the supporters.
"It's another important game for us players, we need to try and forget it's Everton and just focus on a really tough game on the day. We realise that it's important not to get ahead of ourselves. Although the game is at Wembley, it's still only a semi-final. There's still one massive hurdle to get over before we can get to the final. We still believe we can beat anyone, Everton included. What we have to do is make sure we're ready and focused and we concentrate on the game rather than the occasion."
"We've beaten Everton twice this year so that should give us belief and confidence but we need to perform to the same levels at Wembley to get the same result," Gerrard added. "We believe that we have the players in our squad capable of doing the job on the day but we all need to deliver good performances – all the players. To reach two major cup finals in the same season would be a fantastic achievement."
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Robin Van Persie, Arsenal FC
Stunning Man City Offer to Robin Van Persie
Arsenal superstar striker Robin Van Persie leads the Premiership League in goal scored in the 2011-12 campaign with 26 goals to date. Van Persie made his 25th league start of the season last night with a career-high tally for a single campaign. The Dutchman has scored or assisted in 36 league goals this season, 11 more than Man Utd’s second-placed Wayne Rooney.
A recent report has revealed that Manchester City are ready to more than three times Robin van Persie’s current pay-packet at Arsenal to bring him to City this summer.
Evidently the cash rich Man City club are willing to pay Van Persie up to £220,000 per week over four years inclusive of add-ons to join their squad.
The £46million deal would be in addition to a massive transfer fee from Man City. Reportedly Arsenal would demand in excess of £25m — a huge amount for a player in the final year of his contract.
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Robin Van Persie, Arsenal FC
Arsenal Rises To 3rd Place
Robin van Persie has urged his Arsenal team-mates to keep up the intensity for the rest of the season and prove they can be consistent over a period of months.
“If you look at the last couple of weeks, we showed we have a lot of character in our side, and we can be proud of that," said Van Persie. “Now we need to show that over a period of a whole year. We need to have a run like that for months and even win the ugly games."
By defeating Everton 0-1, Arsenal make it six league wins in a row as they move one step closer to cementing a top-four finish.
Arsenal has risen to third place in the Premier League and is looking fit in the race for the trophy and Champions League Qualification going into the Spring.
Arsenal superstar striker Robin Van Persie leads the Premiership League in goal scored in the 2011-12 campaign with 26 goals to date. Van Persie made his 25th league start of the season last night with a career-high tally for a single campaign. The Dutchman has scored or assisted in 36 league goals this season, 11 more than Man Utd’s second-placed Wayne Rooney.
The Gunners have already beaten Saturday’s opponents Aston Villa twice this season and are the favorites to win against Villa again. Arsenal v Aston Villa Tickets are still available!
Arsene Wenger’s men have won their last six Premier League matches, scoring 19 goals total.
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Fabrice Muamba Returns From Death In Miracle Recovery
“Hi Doc, I’m fine,” said Fabrice Muamba as he was gaining consciousness after his heart attack. Muamba immediately asked about his son, "Where's Josh."
His father Marcel asked him if he knew who he was. 'Yes' - 'Did we lose?'
When told the match was called off while the two teams were drawing 1-1, Fabrice asked why and his father said, 'Because of you'."
Patrice Muamba remains in intensive care at the London Chest Hospital after suffering a cardiac arrest during his club’s FA Cup clash with Tottenham Hotspur.
Bolton Wanderers doctor Jonathan Tobin revealed it took 15 shocks to get the 23-year-old’s heart started after he collapsed on the pitch on Saturday – and was legally dead.
He also told how medics worked on Muamba for 48 minutes between his collapse and arrival at the hospital. Then it took another 30 minutes before his heart started beating again.
He said, “In effect, he was dead in that time.”
Dr. Tobin said: “I’m glad to say that the early signs of recovery have continued.”
I went in to see him last night, and he said ‘Hi, doc’”, said Dr. Tobin. “I asked him how he was and he said ‘Fine’.”
Dr Tobin said Muamba asked him what had happened.
“I explained to him what had happened. That’s the sort of level of communication I have had with Fabrice.”
Speaking at the hospital in Bethnal Green, East London, he told of his reaction when he first realised the player was in trouble.
He said all that was going through his head was “Oh my God, it’s Fabrice”.
Dr Andrew Deaner, the cardiologist and Tottenham fan who leapt from his seat in the crowd and rushed on to the pitch to help the player said: “If you’re going to use the term miraculous, I guess it could be used here.”
“I understand you’re a very good footballer,”said Dr Deaner.
“I try’”, replied Fabrice.
Fabrice asked why Bolton’s FA Cup tie at Spurs had been abandoned — and was told by his dad: “Because of you.”
The 23-year-old Bolton midfielder collapsed on the pitch just before half-time during the club’s FA Cup quarter-final with Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday. Initial attempts to resuscitate him were unsuccessful, his heart started beating on its own again later in hospital.
Maumba's fiancee Shauna said, "All your prayers are working people thank u so so much. Every prayer makes him stronger. To God be the glory.”
"Fabrice has felt every single prayer guys you've been INCREDIBLE!!!. Thank u all so so much I love and appreciate u all. Thank u again xx."
Bolton manager Owen Coyle, who has been by his player's side since the incident on Saturday, last night thanked people for their support and spoke highly of Muamba.
"We know what a humble person Fabrice is and the messages of support, the phone calls and the text messages from everyone in the Premier League, the Football League and beyond – which we’ve been passing on to the family – it is humbling to have that level of support.
“We are all hopeful of a positive outcome but as you can imagine it is a difficult situation. The family are bearing up as best they can. They are very positive people, as Fabrice is, and we’re all hoping he came through this.
“You can feel the strength, unity and togetherness they and as a family they are showing that. It gives them incredible energy.”
Bolton Wanderers will play against Blackburn at home on Saturday.
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Wayne Rooney, Manchester United
Wayne Rooney #2 Goalscorer in Premier League
Wayne Rooney says it was a 'dream come true' to net two rapid goals in Manchester United's 2-1 victory over Liverpool at Old Trafford on Saturday.
Roo scored his 16th and 17th Premier League goals of the campaign to help Sir Alex Ferguson's club return to the top of the table, even if it was for 24 hours only.
Man Utd superstar striker, Wayne Rooney (@ 17 goals) is catching up to Arsenal's Robin Van Persie (@ 22 goals) as top Premier League goalscorer - as Manchester United ( 58 points) moves in on Manchester City (60 points) at the top of the table in the Premiership title race.
"It's a great feeling to score two goals against Liverpool at Old Trafford," said Rooney. "It obviously helped us win the game and get three points which is something that I had dreamed about as a young boy.
"I think Liverpool came to frustrate us by putting men behind the ball, they did that to a certain extent but we kept pushing and opened them up a couple of times.
"We maybe should have done better in front of goal so when we went in to half time at 0-0, we knew we had to concentrate and come out quickly. We managed to do that and get the two goals early on. It was a great lift for us. It killed the game off a little bit and we felt we were in control."
Liverpool's Luis Suarez grabbed a consolation in the last ten minutes remaining.
"They had a little bit more of possession but they didn't really trouble us to be honest," Rooney continued. "They hit a few long balls into the box which we dealt with quite well and thankfully we saw the game out.
"Anything can happen in these games. Once they got the goal we knew we had to see the game out and we retreated a little bit to get men behind the ball and try to hit them on the counter attack. Thankfully, we managed to see it out and get the three points."
Twenty-four year old Wayne Rooney was born October 24, 1985. Rooney competes for Manchester United in the Premier League and for the England National Team in World Cup soccer. Rooney is a forward at 5'10" and 172 pounds.
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Andy Carroll, Liverpool FC
Andy Carroll Ends Goal Drought
Andy Carroll has ended his goal drought with a stunning shot as Liverpool defeated Wolves 2-0. Carroll scored the match's opening goal - it was his first league goal since October.
Liverpool FC manager King Kenny Dalglish has denied Manchester City's claims that the Merseyside outfit attempted a swap deal between strikers Andy Carroll and Carlos Tevez.
Dalglish is unhappy after City revealed the potential exchange and has reiterated that Liverpool will have no players coming in or out of Anfield before the end of the transfer window.
“We’re not going to get involved in justifying what people are saying – we don’t have to. Get City to justify it, not us," said Dalglish.
“We’re not talking about any specific incident, but if you are going to do business in any way shape or form, no matter what life you are in, you don’t need to disclose it until it’s done.
Dalglish insisted that Carroll is perfectly happy at the club and would not be leaving.
“Nothing is happening at all and we don’t anticipate it to either. Last year was a bit manic but there’ll be nothing this time,” he said.
“There’s no need for us to pass comment on anything that’s been speculative in any way shape or form. We’ve said what’s going to happen, and that’s nothing. It’s quiet.
“We don’t have any problems with any of the players, because they are all going nowhere.”
“Andy has said he is very happy here and doesn’t regret coming. That’s the best reference you can get, but for some reason the focus always seems to be on the big fella.”
Liverpool enjoyed a dramatic 2-1 win over Manchester United in the FA Cup. Reds striker Luis Suarez is serving the final match of his ban for allegedly racially abusing Manchester United defender Patrice Evra.
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