timesofmalta.com

Pearce loses England job

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 00:16:00 +0200

England’s early exit from the Under-21 European Championship has cost Stuart Pearce his job as manager, with the Football Association saying yesterday they would not renew his contract. Pearce’s team lost all three of their group matches in Israel and scored just once, from the penalty spot. FA chairman David Bernstein said it was time for a change. “I’d like to thank Stuart Pearce for his hard work,” Bernstein said in a statement. “Nobody can doubt his commitment to the job throughout his time as Under-21 coach. “He has done extremely well in qualifying for finals tournaments, but after the disappointment of the past two tournaments we believe it is time to change coach. “It is important the organisation now considers the best approach for the role of Under-21 national team coach and how this works best within the overall England structure before making any new appointment.” Pearce, the 51-year-old former England defender, has held the position since 2007, and also led Great Britain’s men’s soccer side at the London Olympics last year. Talk of a replacement is already rife, with former Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate a standout favourite with the bookmakers. Glenn Hoddle...

Padovano to meet Juve fans in Malta

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 00:08:00 +0200

Former Juventus striker Michele Padovano will be in Malta on June 30 as guest of the Juventus Club Cuore Bianconero for the launching of the club’s membership campaign. In a statement, the supporters’ club said that they are currently final-ising a programme of events to boost their drive to further increase mem-bership ahead of the new season. Last season, the club boasted 860 paid mem-bers, the highest for a Juventus supporters club in Malta, Juventus Club Cuore Bianconero said. Padovano, who started his career with Serie C2 side Asti, had spells with Pisa, Napoli, Genoa and Reggina before joining Juventus in season 1994-95. With Juventus, Padovano enjoyed his best spell of his career and he also managed to force his way into Cesare Maldini’s Italy squad in 1997. With the Bianconeri he gained the reputation of a super sub as he frequently came off the bench to score vital goals for his team in various matches. During his stint in Turin, Padovano won the 1996 Cham-pions League, where he scored the second goal in his team’s 2-0 win over Real Madrid in the quarter-finals. He also won the 1996/1997 Serie A title, the 1996 Super Cup and the 1996 Intercontinental Cup. For more...

Platini praises Israel

Thu, 20 Jun 2013 00:18:00 +0200

Israel came in for warm praise from European soccer’s supremo Michel Platini as the Euro Under-21 championships ended with Spain thrashing Italy 4-2 to retain the title on Tuesday. “The stadiums were wonderful and well organised, the pitches excellent and the atmosphere in the stadiums was great with many families and young children attending. That is exactly the type of tournament that I like to see,” Platini told a news conference. Spain stood out above all their opponents, winning all their matches without conceding a goal until the final and their flowing style captivated the crowds. They won a fourth title in Jerusalem, one fewer than the record held by Italy. Israel qualified as hosts and were on paper the weakest team in the event, although they managed to beat England in a meaningless encounter and forced a draw with eventual semi-finalists Norway. It was a disappointing outing for Germany, Russia and England, who never threatened to advance to the semi-finals, while the Netherlands showed flair but were frail defensively. The 13-day tournament was the most important international sporting event to be held in the Jewish state since the 1968 Paralympics and was held amid...

Fenech to run for MFA presidency

Kevin Azzopardi — Thu, 20 Jun 2013 00:17:00 +0200

Peter Fenech has decided to run for the Malta FA presidency, well-placed sources have confirmed to The Times of Malta. With Norman Darmanin Demajo’s three-year term at the helm of the Malta FA coming to an end next month, speculation has been rife that Dr Fenech was seriously considering launching a bid for the MFA presidency at the next election, to be held during the association’s annual general meeting on July 20. Darmanin Demajo has already declared his intention to run for a second term but he will not be unopposed, as many had expected after the former St Andrew’s official was elected MFA president for the the first time three years ago. The decision of Dr Fenech to throw his hat into the ring raises the prospect of another tense face-off for the top job in Maltese football after Darmanin Demajo’s landslide victory brought an end to Joe Mifsud’s 18-year tenure as MFA president on August 7, 2010. Darmanin Demajo, who 10 years earlier had been forced to step down from his post as MFA honorary treasurer after a row with Dr Mifsud, obtained 77 votes to his rival’s 31 in the last election. In an interview with The Sunday Times of Malta, Darmanin Demajo confirmed that he will be...

Greece shaping up as Hogg’s next destination

Thu, 20 Jun 2013 00:16:00 +0200

Malta goalkeeper Andrew Hogg is poised to continue his career in Greece after agreeing a deal with AEL Kalloni. The 28-year-old is expected to finalise his move later this month after signing a preliminary agreement. Buoyed by his positive spell with Neon Enosis Paralimni in the Cyprus top league last season, Hogg has been determined to secure another contract with an overseas club in order to progress further in his career. In recent weeks, Hogg was linked with a return to Valletta, the club he left in summer of 2012 to join Enosis, but he all but ruled out an immediate return to Maltese football in an interview with The Times of Malta a few weeks ago. AEL Kalloni are not among the leading teams in Greece but they have ambitions to establish themselves in the Super League after winning promotion last season. The club’s plans to strengthen their squad and produce a strong challenge in Greece’s elite championship appealed to Hogg who is eagerly looking forward to pre-season training after completing his recovery from a back problem that forced him out of Malta’s 1-0 win over Armenia in a World Cup Group B qualifier earlier this month. Elsewhere, Premier League club Balzan’s drive...

Juventus sign Asamoah from Udinese

Thu, 20 Jun 2013 00:15:00 +0200

Juventus have bought Ghana international Kwadwo Asamoah outright on a four-year deal after ending their co-ownership deal with Udinese for the midfielder, the Serie A club said yesterday. Juve will pay Udinese a total of nine million euros over the next three financial years for the 24-year-old. “Juventus Football Club announces that it has terminated the current co-ownership agreement with Udinese Calcio concerning the registration rights of Kwadwo Asamoah,” the club announced on their official website (www.juventus.com). Asamoah has been a hit since signing for Antonio Conte’s side before the start of last season, making 27 league appearances and scoring two goals, and the club have been keen to make him their own. Juventus have also extended co-ownership deals for Mauricio Isla and Cristian Pasquato with Udinese until next June.

West Ham Utd land Carroll on six-year deal in club record fee

Thu, 20 Jun 2013 00:14:00 +0200

England international striker Andy Carroll has completed a permanent switch from Liverpool to West Ham on a six-year deal and for a club record fee yesterday. No financial details were given but media reports have suggested the deal, which includes an option for a further two years in the club’s favour, is worth a reported £15.5 million plus extras. Carroll, the club’s top scorer in 2012-13, underwent a stringent medical at the East London club after injuries limited him to 24 games last season. “The marquee signing represents a significant step for the club as they prepare to move to the Olympic Stadium in 2016, with Carroll set to play a central role having committed his long-term future to the Hammers,” West Ham said. The 24-year-old was loaned to West Ham in August 2012 as Liverpool changed their playing style under manager Brendan Rodgers. A heel injury in West Ham’s final game of the season meant Carroll missed England’s recent friendlies against Ireland and Brazil. The towering forward became Britain’s most expensive player in January 2011 when Liverpool signed him from Newcastle for £35 million on transfer deadline day. “It’s fantastic for me to be here. I really enjoyed...

Moyes handed tough start

Thu, 20 Jun 2013 00:13:00 +0200

Champions Manchester United will travel to Swansea City for their first Premier League match under new manager David Moyes, while Manuel Pellegrini’s Manchester City are at home to Newcastle United on August 17. United, kicking off their league campaign without Alex Ferguson in charge for the first time since 1986, were handed a tricky opening five matches in fixture lists published yesterday. The Red Devils host Chelsea, with Jose Mourinho back in charge for the second time, on August 24 before Moyes makes a return to Merseyside with a game at Anfield against Liverpool on August 31. The champions then take on promoted Crystal Palace before making the short journey to the Etihad Stadium for the first Manchester derby against last year’s runners-up with their new Chilean manager on September 22. The return Manchester derby at Old Trafford is scheduled for March 21. “Lively start to the season! Let us at them,” declared United defender Rio Ferdinand on Twitter. Chelsea, third last season behind the Manchester clubs, start at Stamford Bridge against newly promoted Hull City with Frank Lampard hoping to make a record 18th appearance in an opening fixture of a Premier League...

Celtic start at Ross County

Thu, 20 Jun 2013 00:12:00 +0200

Celtic begin the defence of their SPL title with a home match against Ross County on Saturday, August 3. As the Hoops unfurl their second successive championship flag, new boys Partick Thistle mark their return to the top flight by entertaining old boy Jackie McNamara’s Dundee United at Firhill. Day one – August 3Aberdeen vs Kilmarnock; Celtic vs Ross County; Inverness CT vs St Mirren; Partick vs Dundee Utd; St Johnstone vs Hearts; Hibernian vs Motherwell.

Sultana flourishes in a Hibs shirt

Carmel Baldacchino — Thu, 20 Jun 2013 00:10:00 +0200

Leli Sultana was one of three brothers who, as Stanley Clews once wrote in The Times of Malta, hardly topped a crossbar if they stood on each other’s shoulders. However, what they lacked in inches, the Sultana’s made up in football skills. Sultana was born in Marsa on December 4, 1933 but, like his brothers Ritchie and Twanny, he started playing with Floriana. Sultana was first noticed while playing for Floriana Colts. Among the little ones he was the smallest. Yet his skills were as evident as his ginger hair and boyish good looks which made him look more English than Maltese. After serving his apprenticeship with Floriana’s junior strings, Sultana made his senior debut on April 7, 1951 in a FA Trophy tie against Melita. However, in those days it was very difficult for a youngster to find a place in Floriana’s star-studded team. There was nothing Sultana could do other than to seek pastures new and the next season he joined Vittoriosa Stars in the Second Division. Sultana gained a lot of experience in the hustle and bustle of the lower league. It was clear that his talent was way above that of Second Division standard and it was no surprise when after a couple of seasons with...

Football news

Thu, 20 Jun 2013 00:09:00 +0200

Serie B club Palermo have appointed former Italy and Milan midfielder Gennaro Gattuso as their new head coach. The 35-year-old experienced a brief spell as player-manager with Swiss club Sion last season but, after falling out with president Christian Constantin in May, he was demoted to the reserves to serve out his contract while being replaced as manager by Michel Decastel. Palermo president Maurizio Zamparini, who changed his team’s head coach four times during the Sicilians’ relegation season, last month admitted opening talks with Gattuso while working on a contract resolution with then-Rosanero boss Giu-seppe Sannino. Gladbach net record ticket sales Borussia Moenchengladbach have stopped selling season tickets with two months still to go before the start of the 2013/14 season after reaching their upper limit of 30,000. Despite not qualifying for Europe, interest has never been so high as Gladbach confirmed they had already broken last season’s record for the sale of season tickets. “We could have sold even more tickets,” general manager Stephan Schippers said. “But we decided to hold back a number of matchday tickets. Borussia have a big following and many fans live a long...

Sporting briefs

Thu, 20 Jun 2013 00:08:00 +0200

Mertens: PSV winger Dries Mer-tens expects to complete a move to Serie A club Napoli in the upcoming transfer window, according to his father. An interview published in Belgian newspaper Het Nieuwsblad suggests the 26-year-old will pick the Italian runners-up ahead of a London club and possible Premier League football. Herman Mertens said: “Dries sent me a text message saying he expects to go to Naples next week.” Handanovic: Inter quashed speculation that they will part with goalkeeper Samir Handa-novic after revealing they had bought out his contract from Udinese. The Slovenia international joined Inter in a co-ownership from last summer. He impressed at the San Siro and this summer was linked with a move to Barcelona. Wigan: Wigan will start life in the Championship under new boss Owen Coyle with a trip to Barnsley on August 3. The FA Cup holders will cross the Pennines to Oakwell following their relegation from the Premier League. Harry Redknapp’s QPR, who also dropped down a league at the end of last season, will kick off with a home tie against Sheffield Wednesday while the third team relegated, Reading, will host Ipswich Town. Hearts: Scottish Premier League outfit Hearts...

No grudge match says Silva as Brazil seek semi-finals spot

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 00:20:00 +0200

Brazil captain Thiago Silva insists his team do not view tonight’s Confederations Cup meeting with Mexico (kick-off: 21.00) as a grudge match after they were beaten to the 2012 Olympic gold medal by their rivals. Mexico ran out 2-1 winners at Wembley against the Selecao during last summer’s London Games, and although the defeat is still a painful one for Silva, he is not treating today’s match in Fortaleza as a chance to avenge that loss. “It is obvious the Olympics match against Mexico was a very sad moment for us and the entire country, but revenge is not on our mind,” said the Paris St Germain defender. Brazil won their Confederations Cup opener against Japan and another three points would all but see them through to the semi-finals of the tournament. Mexico need a victory to keep their hopes of progression alive, after losing to Italy in their first match, but boast a good recent record against Brazil with seven wins in their last 12 fixtures. However, Silva said: “We are calm. They are a great team, with good players too, but this is Brazil and I’m sure Mexico also think they will have difficulties advancing.” The extreme heat in Fortaleza could also pose a problem for the...

Japan will have edge over Italy – Prandelli

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 00:19:00 +0200

Italy go into their second game of Group A against Japan tonight (kick-off: 24.00) knowing that a win will see them edging closer to the Confederations Cup semi-finals. Mario Balotelli’s drive and and a free-kick from Andrea Pirlo – who was making his 100th appearance for the Azzurri – was enough to see off Mexico in their opening game. Japan – who recently qualified for the 2014 FIFA World Cup – slumped to a 3-0 defeat against host nation and three-time winners Brazil on Saturday. However, Italy boss Cesare Prandelli is even more cautious of the threat posed by Japan as they are coached by his compatriot Alberto Zaccheroni. “Japan will have the slight edge, I think, because they have an extra day of rest,” he said. “Plus, Alberto knows us very well, he knows how we work. I expect him to prepare a trap for us. I trust that he will come up with an interesting strategy against us.” Meanwhile, Zaccheroni knows that Japan must avoid defeat to have any chance of progressing. “We weren’t able to demonstrate our abilities against Brazil. We only showed about 50 per cent of what we can do,” he said. “We take the field (against Italy) knowing that this is like a final for us. “We will be...

Tahiti capture Olympic spirit by taking part

Mike Collett — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 00:18:00 +0200

Tahiti coach Eddy Etaeta embra-ced some of the old Olympic spirit of just taking part after his side made their debut in a major international tournament with a 6-1 loss to Nigeria at the Confederations Cup on Monday. There was never much doubt the African champions would beat the South Pacific amateurs who qualified as Oceania champions and did their confederation proud by playing well, scoring a goal and winning the hearts of the Brazilian crowd. “We may be amateurs but we have approached this like professionals, we have worked like professionals and just to take part and be here today was something very special,” Etaeta said. “Normally, we just watch big events like the World Cup and the Olympic Games on TV but today we were here, actors on the stage in an important match in an important tournament. “When the national anthem was played I just felt it in my heart, I thought I was going to cry... I was so proud.” Despite conceding six goals, and in reality Nigeria could have scored more but for some profligate shooting and some fine work by goalkeeper Xavier Samin, Tahiti were not embarrassed or humiliated. The 20,000 crowd at the im-pressive Mineirao stadium immediately showed...

Alcantara hat-trick leads Spain to crown

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 00:17:00 +0200

Thiago Alcantara inspired Spain U-21s to European Championship glory, with the reported Manchester United target hitting a hat-trick as Italy were defeated 4-2 in Jeru-salem, yesterday. The 22-year-old Barcelona midfielder has been regularly linked with a move to Old Trafford and saw his considerable stock rise further as Spain stylishly disposed of the country of his birth. Alcantara, part of the Spain side that won the tournament in Denmark two years ago, headed home his first after just six minutes, but Italy were quickly level through a fine Ciro Immobile goal. Spain regained the lead through Alcantara in the 31st minute, before the son of Brazilian 1994 World Cup winner Mazinho completed his hat-trick with a penalty seven minutes later. Isco added to Alcantara’s treble in the second half and, despite a nervy ending following a strike from Liverpool’s Fabio Borini, La Rojita retained their title in style. Spain dominated from the outset and took an early lead through Alcantara, who headed home an Alvaro Morata cross from close range. It was an impressive goal but one that was soon cancelled out as Giulio Donati played a wonderfully-weighted ball from the back, which Immobile...

Late penalty earns Hibs a 1-1 draw

Paul Cachia, Centenary Stadium — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 00:15:00 +0200

Hibernians 1Valletta 1 Valletta’s desire to make a fresh start was abundantly evident yesterday as no fewer than eight of the 11 players on the Lilywhites’ starting grid did not form part of last season’s squad. Only Jason Lee Vandelannoite, Ian Azzopardi and Dyson Falzon survived Mark Miller’s guillotine – albeit the national team players were not involved in this pre-season tournament opener. The Valletta coach awarded starting roles to three foreigners – Italian goalkeeper Pietro Marino, midfielder Milos Stojanovic, who played for Nadur Youngsters last season, and Dutch striker Hendri Gommans. The rest of the line-up was mainly made up of a clutch of home-grown talent, including promising duo Llwelyn Cremona and Siraj Arab, and others who returned from loans elsewhere, namely Kurt Magro, Yessous Camilleri and striker Terence Scerri. Hibernians included regulars Luis Edison, Andrew Cohen and Bjorn Kristensen in the starting formation but their inability to put their opponents to the sword had them enduring a nervy finish and they only got the equaliser from a penalty. New Hibs coach Branko Nisevic included Matthew Gauci and Steve Pisani, back in the Paolites’ fold after a loan...

Azzopardi fourth official at women’s Euro 2013

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 00:14:00 +0200

Esther Azzopardi is currently attending a three-day preparatory seminar conducted by UEFA in Nyon ahead of her participation in the Women’s European Championship in Sweden next month. Azzopardi is ranked among the 12 best female referees in Europe and she was chosen to officiate at the championships where 12 national teams, pooled in three groups, will compete to win the continental title between July 10 and 28. Nine of the match officials selected by UEFA will act as referees and the three others, one of whom Azzopardi, will be fourth officials. The preparatory seminar involves various types of prepara-tion, namely technical, physical and psychological. Presentations with key topics such as handball, offside and obvious goal-scoring opportunities are being delivered by the renowned Pierluigi Collina, Bo Karlsson and Dagmar Damkova. Group A will be composed of Denmark, Finland, Italy and hosts Sweden. Favourites Germany are in Group B along with Iceland, Netherlands and Norway. England and France were paired in Group C. The other two teams in this pool will be Russia and Spain.

No offers for Fabregas

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 00:13:00 +0200

Cesc Fabregas has reiterated that he has not received any offers from any clubs to tempt him away from Barcelona. Fabregas has been linked with a return to the Premier League following a difficult season with the Catalans last term, with Manchester United believed to be keen to take him to Old Trafford so he can join up with his former Arsenal team-mate Robin van Persie. Fabregas said: “People talk a lot but the truth is that no-one has spoken with me. “I want to triumph in Barcelona, that club is my home and I always dreamed of playing there, so I will try and succeed there as long as I can.” Next year Fabregas will be playing alongside new signing Neymar, who joined Barcelona earlier this month. The Spaniard believes the Brazilian has the capabilities to light up the Nou Camp but said he must be given time to bed in after moving club, league and country. “Neymar will need time to adapt because he is coming from a completely different type of football from what he will find here. “We need to help him settle in and grow so that he can give us great nights,” said Fabregas.

Late winner sends Aussies to Brazil

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 00:12:00 +0200

Substitute Josh Kennedy’s goal seven minutes from time sent Australia into the World Cup finals for the fourth time yesterday, ending a nervous night for 80,523 rain-soaked fans packed into Sydney’s Olympic Stadium. Six minutes after coming on as a substitute for Tim Cahill, Kennedy rose alone in the centre of the penalty box to head Mark Bresciano’s cross past the despairing dive of Iraq goalkeeper Noor Sabri and into the net. The stadium erupted and Kennedy was mobbed by his team-mates as they celebrated the goal that looked like it would secure the win they needed to seal second place in Asian qualifying Group B and the ticket to Brazil that went with it. The Australians, frustrated for much of the evening by their own lack of penetration as much as the Iraqis, will now make their third successive trip to soccer’s showpiece tournament and a fourth in total after 1974, 2006 and 2010. “It’s amazing for the country,” captain Lucas Neill said. “Three World Cups (in a row) now. It wasn’t pretty but we beat what was in front of us. Tonight let’s look at the positives... Australia are going to Brazil!” Iraq’s hopes of qualifying were ended by last week’s defeat at the hands of group...