2008/09 UEFA Cup: Legia Warsaw vs. FC Gomel

The two clubs face off in the first qualifying round of the 2008-2009 UEFA Cup. The first leg will be played on July, 17 2008 and the second leg on July 31, 2008.

FC Gomel finished second in the 2007 Belarusian Premier League. Forward and Belarusian national team member Roman Vasilyuk has scored over 50 goals since his arrival at the club in 2005. 19-year-old Brazilian midfielder Renan is a wild card and could make things interesting for Legia Warsaw if he sees action.

Legia Warsaw also finished second in the Polish Orange Ekstraklasa last season. 25-year-old Zimbabwean forward Takesure Chinyama paced the outfit with 15 league goals. Fellow Zimbabwean Dickson Choto has been solid in defense since his arrival in 2003. Captain Aleksandar Vuković is a strong player in the midfield. He recently became a citizen of Poland. Spanish forward Mikel Arruabarrena Aranbide is one of the more notable transfers this offseason.

The best player on the Polish club, winger Roger Guerreiro, has the potential to lead Legia Warsaw deep into the tournament. The Brazilian-turned-Polish international competed at a high level during Euro 2008. He finished last club season with five league goals.


Image details: Austria v Poland - Group B Euro 2008 served by picapp.com

For more UEFA cup coverage click below:

• 2008/09 UEFA Cup

Euro 2008 Final: Spain vs. Germany

Prior to Euro 2008, Soccer City FC highlighted only two of the participating teams - Spain and Germany.

Alan has Spain winning 2-1 while Jack Gaughan gives the edge to Germany 2-1.

Enjoy the final!

Ribery Is Gone Till September

The injury sustained by French international Franck Ribery in the team's loss to Italy during the final phase of the group stage during Euro 2008 will cost the midfielder to miss the start of the 2008-2009 Bundesliga season.

Ribery tore ligaments above his left ankle and underwent surgery in Munich on Thursday. The operation was described in media reports as having "gone perfectly."

Originally believed to be out for around seven to eight weeks, the midfielder will once again be operated on in approximately six weeks to have metal plates removed.

This step backward means that the recovery time now must be reassessed. Ribery is likely to return to Bundesliga action in September.

After the plate removal, he will be on crutches for four weeks before commencing rehab exercises at Bayern's training ground.

Ribery out until September after his inury at Euro 2008.

Image details: France v Italy - Group C Euro 2008 served by picapp.com

Netherlands .vs. Russia on ABC

Don't forget that the third of the four quarter final matches will be on ABC instead of ESPN for viewers in the US tomorrow.

Saturday 6/21 2:30 p.m. - Netherlands vs. Russia (ABC)

Can the Dutch be stopped?

Image details: Netherlands v Romania - Group C Euro 2008 served by picapp.com

Turkey Survives and Advances

Turkey snatched victory from defeat for the third time at Euro 2008. With little time left in the match, Croatia went up 1-0 only to have Turkey tie seconds later on a strike from forward Semih Şentürk. Turkey won 3-1 on penalties after. Turkey will face Germany in one of the two semi-final matches.

Semih Şentürk stuns the Croatian supporters.

Image details: Croatia v Turkey - Euro 2008 Quarter Final served by picapp.com

Euro 2008: The Top XI Who Failed to Make the Quarter Finals

Norman Hubbard over at ESPNsoccernet writes about the 11 players who failed to make the Euro 2008 quarterfinals who deserved to be recognized for their work during the group stage.

Read the article here.

Romanian defender Razvan Rat made the list.

Image details: Romania v France - Group C Euro 2008 served by picapp.com

Euro 2008 Gear Still Available

The tornament is almost over. Get your gear now!

Euro 2008: Germany and Poland Stunned

By: Phillip Boran
Soccer City FC

Germany Stunned Against Croatia 1-2

Croatia took a huge stride in the right direction to get a quarter-final spot in the next round as they take down the early favorites in the group 1-2.
Mario Gomez was thought to be the game’s first scorer but was later found offside in the 22nd minute. Croatia caught Germany surprised as Darjio Srna made the supporters erupt in joy as he put away the game’s first goal in the 24th minute. Ivaca Olic put confidence into the squad as he tapped in a rebounded shot off the post in the 62nd minute.

Lukas Podolski made a valiant attempt to bring back Germany as he banged one in at the 80th minute. After the 90th minute, tempers flared as Germany’s left midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger was given a straight red card for shoving over Jerko Leko.

Austria Scratches Away with a Draw Against Poland 1-1

Poland and fans alike will be disappointed as Poland gave up a late penalty to co-hosts Austria. Poland looked to be the clear winners of this game as Roger Guerrero put the game in favor of Poland which caused some controversy in the match in the 30th minute.

Austria got a very favorable call when Ivan Vastic grabbed a 93rd minute penalty called in favor for them.

Germany's head coach Joachim Loew reflects on his side's recent loss at the hands of Croatia from today's press conference.

Image details: Euro 2008 - Germany Training & Press Conference Day 11 served by picapp.com

Can Poland Rebound and Can Modrić Shine?

The two biggest storylines from today's two matches:

Poland needs to take three points from today's match against co-host Austria if they want to keep alive any hope of advancing out of the group stage.

Croatia might be overmatched against Germany today, but it will be interesting to see how midfielder Luka Modrić, who is Premiership-bound, handles the Germans. His coach Slaven Bilić believes that he will rise to the occasion.

11:50 a.m.- Croatia vs. Germany (Group B) - (ESPN2)

2:30 p.m.- Austria vs. Poland (Group B) - (ESPN2)

Will Luka Modrić shine today against a talented German squad?

Image details: Austria v Croatia - Group B Euro 2008 served by picapp.com

Tuesday Transfer News

A busy few days in the world of transfer news, rumour, and speculation:

Finnish international midfielder Mika Vayrynen appears ready to move from PSV Eindhoven to Belgian side Club Brugge.

Also leaving PSV, forward Jefferson Farfan looks ready to join Bundesliga side FC Schalke 04. The transfer will net PSV a reported £7.9million.

Recently promoted Ligue 1 side Nantes added Hearts defender Ibrahim Tall for the 2008-2009 campaign.

Former Newcastle United defender David Rozehnal is staying at Lazio after a loan to the Italian side this spring. The 27-year-old is currently on international duty with the Czech Republic at Euro 2008.

29-year-old Hungary midfielder Zoltan Gera is leaving recently promoted West Bromwich Albion for Fulham. Gera single-handily carried West Brom at times this past season; he will be sorely missed in their battle to remain in the Premiership.

PSV Eindhoven's Jefferson Farfan battles against Liverpool in the 2006 UEFA Champions League -- His role with Schalke in the upcoming 2008-2009 Champions League remains to be seen.

Image details: UEFA Champions League: Liverpool v PSV Eindhoven served by picapp.com

Sweden's Star Delivers

Zlatan Ibrahimović - Sweden's & Inter Milan's international star delivered the first goal in today's 2-0 victory over Greece, the champions of UEFA Euro 2004.

Ibrahimović's second-half blast left the defensive-minded Greeks as spectators, helpless against the world-class strike. Euro 2008 is the last hurrah for Sweden's "golden generation". With Ibrahimović finally scoring after a 14 international match drought, the likes of Mellberg, Ljungberg, Svensson, Alexandersson, Allbäck, and Larsson have their superstar to rally around as they attempt to join Group D favorite Spain in the final 8.

Image details: Greece v Sweden - Group D Euro 2008 served by picapp.com

Euro 2008: Sunday June 8th Schedule

Sunday 6/08

11:50 a.m.- Austria vs. Croatia (Group B) - (ESPN2)

Key Players

Austria - FW Roland Linz, DF Martin Stranzl, and MF René Aufhauser

Croatia - DF Vedran Ćorluka, MF Luka Modrić, and MF Niko Kranjčar

Prediction: Croatia's overall skill too much for the co-hosts. Croatia 3-1.

2:30 p.m.- Germany vs. Poland (Group B) - (ESPN2)

Key Players

Poland - FW Euzebiusz Smolarek, GK Artur Boruc, and MF Mariusz Lewandowski

Germany - GK Jens Lehmann, DF Philipp Lahm, FW Miroslav Klose

Prediction: This should turn out to be one of the best matches in the group stage. Poland 3-2 over Germany in a goal fest.

Euro 2008: Saturday June 7th Schedule

Saturday 6/07

11:50 a.m.- Switzerland vs. Czech Republic (Group A) - (ESPN Classic)

Key Players

Switzerland - FW Alexander Frei, MF Tranquillo Barnetta, and MF Gelson Fernandes

Czech Republic - FW Jan Koller, DF Tomáš Ujfaluši, and GK Peter Čech.

Prediction: Switzerland win 1-0. The home crowd carry the squad to victory.

2:30 p.m.- Portugal vs. Turkey (Group A) - (ESPN Classic)

Key Players

Portugal - FW/MF Cristiano Ronaldo, FW Nani, and MF Deco

Turkey - FW Nihat Kahveci, MF Tuncay Şanlı, and GK Rüştü Reçber

Prediction: Turkey 2-1 over Portugal. The Ronaldo - Real saga plays a part in Portugal's unfocused day.

Two German Goalkeepers Returning to Bundesliga for 2008

Former Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann has signed with Bundesliga side VfB Stuttgart for the 2008-2009 season. The 38-year-old German is expected to start for his nation in Euro 2008 which begins this weekend. Previously, he played for Schalke 04 and Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga. Lehmann signed a one-year contract with Stuttgart.

Also returning home is Germany goalkeeper Hans-Jörg Butt. The former international player played for S.L. Benfica in Portugal last season. He has signed a two-year contract with Bundesliga champions FC Bayern Munich.

Image details: Euro 2008 - German National Team Training & Press Conference Day 2 served by picapp.com

Euro 2008 TV Schedule

Saturday 6/07
11:50 a.m.- Switzerland vs. Czech Republic (Group A) - (ESPN Classic)
2:30 p.m.- Portugal vs. Turkey (Group A) - (ESPN Classic)

Sunday 6/08
11:50 a.m.- Austria vs. Croatia (Group B) - (ESPN2)
2:30 p.m.- Germany vs. Poland (Group B) - (ESPN2)

Monday 6/09
11:50 a.m.- Romania vs. France (Group C) - (ESPN2)
2:30 p.m.- Netherlands vs. Italy (Group C) - (ESPN2)

Tuesday 6/10
11:50 a.m.- Spain vs. Russia (Group D) - (ESPN2)
2:30 p.m.- Greece vs. Sweden (Group D) - (ESPN2)

Wednesday 6/11
11:50 a.m.- Czech Republic vs. Portugal (Group A) - (ESPN2)
2:30 p.m.- Switzerland vs. Turkey (Group A) - (ESPN2)

Thursday 6/12
11:50 a.m.- Croatia vs. Germany (Group B) - (ESPN2)
2:30 p.m.- Austria vs. Poland (Group B) - (ESPN2)

Friday 6/13
11:50 a.m.- Italy vs. Romania (Group C) - (ESPN2)
2:30 p.m.- Netherlands vs. France (Group C) - (ESPN2)

Saturday 6/14
11:50 a.m.- Sweden vs. Spain (Group D) - (ESPN2)
2:30 p.m.- Greece vs. Russia (Group D) - (ESPN2)

Sunday 6/15
2:30 p.m.- Switzerland vs. Portugal (Group A) - (ESPN2)
2:30 p.m.- Turkey vs. Czech Republic (Group A) - (ESPN2)

Monday 6/16
2:30 p.m.- Poland vs. Croatia (Group B) - (ESPN Classic)
2:30 p.m.- Austria vs. Germany (Group B) - (ESPN)

Tuesday 6/17
2:30 p.m.- Netherlands vs. Romania (Group C) - (ESPN Classic)
2:30 p.m.- France vs. Italy (Group C) - (ESPN)

Wednesday 6/18
2:30 p.m.- Greece vs. Spain (Group D) - (ESPN)
2:30 p.m.- Russia vs. Sweden (Group D) - (ESPN2)

Quarterfinals
Thursday 6/19 2:30 p.m. - 1A vs. 2B (ESPN)
Friday 6/20 2:30 p.m. - 1B vs. 2A (ESPN)
Saturday 6/21 2:30 p.m. - 1C vs. 2D (ABC)
Sunday 6/22 2:55 p.m. - 1D vs. 2C (ESPN)

Semifinals
Wednesday 6/25 2:30 p.m. - Winners (ESPN)
Thursday 6/26 2:30 p.m. - Winners (ESPN2)

Finals
Sunday 6/29 2:30 p.m. - Title Match in Vienna (ABC)

FIFA's Top 50 Teams

Let's take a look at the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking (Top 50)...

1 Argentina
2 Brazil
3 Italy
4 Spain
5 Germany
6 Czech Republic
7 France
8 Greece
9 England
10 Netherlands
11 Portugal
12 Romania
13 Cameroon
14 Mexico
15 Croatia
16 Ghana
17 Scotland
18 Bulgaria
19 Colombia
20 Turkey
21 USA
22 Israel
23 Egypt
24 Russia
25 Côte d'Ivoire
26 Uruguay
27 Norway
28 Paraguay
28 Poland
30 Sweden
31 Ukraine
32 Northern Ireland
33 Denmark
34 Nigeria
35 Australia
36 Finland
37 Honduras
38 Japan
39 Serbia
40 Morocco
41 Guinea
42 Republic of Ireland
43 Senegal
44 Switzerland
45 Korea Republic
46 Mali
47 Chile
48 Iran
49 Belgium
50 Tunisia

It will be interesting to see where teams rank in a few weeks after Euro 2008 and the recent run of World Cup qualifiers have concluded. Will Russia, Poland, or Sweden move into the top 20 with strong showings at Euro 2008? Soccer City FC will post the ranking after the tournament's conclusion.

Another interesting team to pay attention to is El Tri. Mexico sits at 14th. Will Sven's guidance send them higher in the rankings or will his lack knowledge regarding the league and Mexican culture overwhelm him?

Rui Costa Looks to Improve Benfica in 2008-2009

On May 11th 2008, Rui Costa played his final game for Benfica against . Immediately following the match, he was appointed as the new director of football at S.L. Benfica. He quickly hired ex-Valencia manager, Quique Flores to lead the club in 2008-2009. So what can be expected of this new management team?

Soccer City FC takes a look at four possible transfer options.

1. Right Back Paweł Golański: The 25-year-old Polish international plays for Steaua Bucureşti. His performance at Euro 2008 will help determine his options for 2008-2009.

2. Attacking Midfielder Jorge Valdivia: The 24-year-old Chilean international plays for Palmeiras in Brazil. Known as the Magician in South America, he displayed his attacking skills in 2008 as the club captured the Campeonato Paulista. Recently he has been linked with several teams in Europe.

3. Defensive Midfielder David Albelda: The 30-year-old veteran of several La Liga campaigns with Valencia played under Flores. Could a reunion be in the cards?

4. Striker Germán Denis: Yet another South American who has garnered attention from the various rumour mills. The 26-year-old Argentine striker is a prolific goal scorer. He scored 44 goals in 65 league appearances with Club Atlético Independiente.

Euro 2008: Player Video Tour 2

Soccer City FC continues to showcase several players who will be looked upon to carry their national teams in Austria and Switzerland. Videos via various members at YouTube. Click on the player's name to view their video.

Goalkeeper Jens Lehman (Germany) - "38 year old keeper’s last outing for the national team. Jens has a lot to prove if he wants to continue his club career."

Striker: Miroslav Klose (Germany) - "The former Werder Bremen, now Bayern Munich man will have to show that World Cup form again."

Right Back: Sergio Ramos (Spain) - "As one of the most creative and energetic full backs, his contribution down the right flank will be very important in a team lacking any natural right winger."

Goalkeeper: Iker Casillas (Spain) - "The current Spanish number one had another consistent season, topping La Liga in both saves made and fewest goals conceded, as well as making UEFA's Team of the Year. Spain's progress in the tournament could come down to how well Casillas does."

Euro 2008 Preview: Germany

By: Phillip Boran
Soccer City FC

Player Spotlights

Goalkeeper: Jens Lehmann - 38 year old keeper’s last outing for the national team. Jens has a lot to prove if he wants to continue his club career.

Left Back: Philipp Lahm - The 24 year old Bayern Munich back will prove to be an offensive threat when the defense least expects it. As long as Lahm doesn’t get tired around the 65’ mark, he should fair well.

Center Midfielder: Michael Ballack – The Chelsea midfielder is showing his age but will prove to dominate the midfield for Germany.

Striker: Miroslav Klose – The former Werder Bremen, now Bayern Munich man will have to show that World Cup form again.

Group B Opponents

Austria – The other co-host to the tournement, should prove to be an easy team for Germany.

Croatia – They spoiled England’s chances to qualify for this competition, and should prove to be not as powerful as they were in the qualification stages.

Poland – Should prove to challenge for 2nd spot in this group, and maybe even surprise Germany.

Form Question

Will the 3 from Bayern Munich - Bastian Schweinsteiger, Philipp Lahm, and Lukas Podolski, relive their 2006 World Cup form?

Tactical Question

What if Michael Ballack goes down with an injury or proves to be in bad form?

Prediction

I see them getting out of the group stages with little problem. The ability to get to the semi-finals is there, just a matter of following through.

Euro 2008 Preview: Spain

By: Juan Iglesias
Special to Soccer City FC

Player Spotlights:

Goalkeeper: Iker Casillas - The current Spanish number one had another consistent season, topping La Liga in both saves made and fewest goals conceded, as well as making UEFA's Team of the Year. Spain's progress in the tournament could come down to how well Casillas does.

Centre Back: Carles Puyol - Coming off a disappointing season affected by injury, Puyol is nevertheless the only top class central defender in the squad. He will be crucial in organizing the weakest part of the team.

Right Back: Sergio Ramos - As one of the most creative and energetic full backs, his contribution down the right flank will be very important in a team lacking any natural right winger.

Forward: Fernando Torres - He will start either as the leading forward or the only one. Despite being the most talented Spanish striker, he has been overshadowed at times in the national team by David Villa. The time has come for Torres to fulfill his potential.

Group D Opponents

Russia - Four years ago Spain won this match 1-0, and a similar result can be expected against the the weakest team in group D.

Sweden - Solid team, with quality individuals. This should be a close game. In the qualifiers, Sweden won 2-0 at home, while Spain won 3-0 in the return.

Greece - With their defensive system, they are ideally suited to contain Spain and will be their toughest opponent in the group stage. A draw is likely here.

Tactical Questions

While Spain possess an abundance of quality midfielders such as Iniesta, Fàbregas, Xavi and Senna, finding the best way of utilising them has proved problematic for aging Spanish coach Luis Aragonés. This will be one of Spain's biggest problems, coping with his fondness of switching formations and line-ups. However, in recent games at least, something resembling a flat 4-4-2 has been used, which will be important in competing with physically stronger teams.

Prediction

Reaching the quarterfinal is achievable, the question is whether further progress can be made. Whichever team emerges this "Group of Death" will prove a formidable opponent.