Slaven Bilic - leading Croatia to victories

Slaven Bilić, a former Croatian Football player is the current coach of the Croatian national team. Being Croatia's most important defender in their golden years from 1994-1998, he combined a high football IQ with an underated athletic build to become an exceptional defender and vital member of Croatia's bronze medal winning World Cup Squad. He was a unnaimous choice of the executive committee of the Croatian Football Federation to be the new coach of Croatia despite being just 37 year old. Bilić, began as a coach during the 2002/03 season with HNK Hajduk Split, his first football club. His greatest achievement came at the 1998 FIFA World Cup when he helped Croatia to a third-place finish and he ultimately won 44 caps.

Croatia have been a strong side since their first tournament, Euro 96 and then the France 1998 World Cup. Slaven Bilic was a key part of the Croatian squad for Euro 2008 qualifiers and their achievements continues from a deserved win over England to a 7-0 thrashing victory over Andorra and a consistency of only two draw and no losses. Croatia tops Group E with 17 points and could pull away from the chasing pack if they continue this form.

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Veteran defender Panucci back in Italian squad for upcming Euro qualifiers

Cristian Panucci, the veteran Roma defender was recalled by coach Roberto Donadoni to the Italy squad for the first time in three years overnight for the crucial Euro 2008 qualifiers against France and Ukraine this month. Panucci, who has 48 caps was named as a replacement for Marco Materazzi, injured in last month’s 3-1 friendly defeat by Hungary. Cagliari midfield player Pasquale Foggia, Roma midfield players Daniele De Rossi, Simone Perrotta, Juve star Giorgio Chiellini were also included in the squad. Italy take on Group B rival France at the San Siro in Milan on Sunday, before travelling to face Ukraine in Kiev the following Wednesday.

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Filippo Inzaghi - Italy's " Superpippo "

Filippo Inzaghi is an Italian football player born on August 9, 1973, in Piacenza. Inzaghi plays as a striker for European Champions AC Milan and is popularly known by his nickname "Superpippo" for his exceptionally good positional sense near the goal which has helped him score many of his career goals. He is considered as one of the greatest goal poachers to ever play the game. He started his career as a footballer playing for his hometown club Piacenza Calcio in 1991. With a change over to Parma A.C, the following year, Inzaghi stepped upto the top league getting two goals from 15 matches. In 1997, being the season's top scorer in the Italian Serie A with 24 goals, he was named the young player of the year. Later Inzaghi moved on to AC Milan.

At Milan, Inzaghi became the all-time top Italian goalscorer in the European competition history, beating the previous record of 39 goals held by Alessandro Altobelli. With Pippo, AC Milan won the European Cup (2002-03) and (2006-07),the Scudetto (2003-04), Italian Super Cup (2004), the European Super Cup (2003) and the Coppa Italia (2002-03).

Inzaghi made his debut for Italy against Brazil on June 8, 1997, and has since scored 25 goals in 54 appearances. He was the top scorer for the Azurri in the Qualifying campaigns for both Korea/Japan and Uefa Euro 2004. Pippo was also a member of the Italian Squad at the 1998, 2002 FIFA World Cup finals, UEFA Euro 2000 and also the winning squad at the 2006 FIFA World Cup.

Filippo Inzaghi has made 5 appearances and scored 3 goals so far in Euro 2008 qualifiers. Italy is at the second position in Group B with 16 points. The next qualifying match for Italy is against France on September 8th.

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Raymond Domenech declares France squad for Euro 2008 qualifiers

France, the European team with the most top-quality players are likely to qualify for Euro 2008 despite their defeat to Scotland. However, in the group of death nothing can be taken for granted. France, which leads Group B, face Italy on Sept. 8 and hosts Scotland four days later. Scotland is the only team that has beaten France in Euro 2008 qualifying.

France squad for Euro qualifiers against Italy and Scotland

Goalkeepers: Mickael Landreaus, Sebastien Frey, Ulrich Rame

Defenders: Eric Abidal, Francois Clerc, Julien Escude, Patrice Evra, William Gallas, Philippe Mexes, Bakary Sagna, Lilian Thuram

Midfielders: Alou Diarra, Lassana Diarra, Claude Makelele, Samir Nasri, Jeremy Toulalan, Patrick Vieira

Forwards: Nicolas Anelka, Karim Benzema, Sidney Govou, Thierry Henry, Florent Malouda, Franck Ribery, David Trezeguet

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Shay Given included in Ireland squad for upcoming Euro qualifiers

Shay Given, the Newcastle goalkeeper was recalled to the Ireland squad on Tuesday for the two Euro qualifying matches next month. Given missed Ireland's 4-0 friendly win over Denmark last Wednesday with a groin injury. He was also absent from Ireland's 1-1 draws in friendlies against Bolivia and Ecuador in the United States in May. Coach Steve Staunton said that he has been training since last Monday and doing very well. Ireland plays Slovakia on Sept. 8 and against Czech Republic in Prague four days later. Germany leads with Group D with 19 points, followed by the Czech Republic with 14, Ireland with 13 and Slovakia with nine. All teams have five matches left to play.

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Northern Ireland's seeks to qualify for Euro 2008

Northern Ireland captain Aaron Hughes was recalled by coach Nigel Worthington for its Euro 2008 qualifiers next month as it seeks to qualify for the final tournament for the first time. Northern Ireland plays at Latvia on Sept. 8 and travels to Iceland four days later. Aaron Hughes missed Northern Ireland's 3-1 win over Liechtenstein in a qualifier last Wednesday due to an ankle injury. Defender Jonathan Evans and midfielder Damien Johnson are also in the squad after missing the last game due to injury. David Healy is expected to lead the attack. He scored two goals against Liechtenstein to increase his qualifying tally to 11. Sweden leads Group F with 18 points after seven games, two points ahead of Northern Ireland and three clear of Spain. Denmark is in fourth place with 10 points.

Northern Ireland Squad

Goalkeepers: Maik Taylor, Roy Carroll, Alan Mannus

Defenders: Michael Duff, Chris Baird, Gareth McAuley, Stephen Craigan, Jonathan Evans, Tony Capaldi, George McCartney, Sean Webb, Aaron Hughes

Midfielders: Damien Johnson, Keith Gillespie, Steven Davis,Sammy Clingan,Chris Brunt,Steve Jones, Grant McCann, Stuart Elliott

Forwards: Warren Feeney, David Healy, Kyle Lafferty, Ivan Sproule

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David Rozenhal included in Czech Republic squad for euro 2008 qualifiers

David Rozehnal has been included in the Czech Republic squad for their euro 2008 Qualifiers double-header next month. The Toon defender will travel to San Marino on Saturday 8th,September before facing Republic of Ireland and a possible face-off with United team-mate Stephen Carr in Prague on Wednesday 12, September.The Czech Republic are currently second in their group, five points behind leaders germany with the two top teams qualifying for next summer's championships in Austria and Switzerland.

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Northern Ireland and Finland go second in their groups

Finland started the day level on 14 points with Portugal and Serbia, and five behind leaders Poland. But with Portugal held 1-1 in Armenia and Finland beating Kazakhstan 2-1 at home, Roy Hodgson's side went second, at least temporarily with Serbia playing in Belgium later.

Results for Euro 2008 qualifiers - August 22nd, 2007

Belgium defeated Serbia 3-2. The first goal by Dembele at the 10th minute gave the lead for Belgium and Mirallas added a second on the half-hour mark. But Kuzmanovic pulled a goal back for the Serbia on 73 minutes, only for Dembele to make the winning goal for Belgium's two minutes from tome. Kuzmanovic got his and Serbia's second in the 90th minute.

San Marino were beaten 1-0 by Cyprus in Group D with the goal by Okkas in the 54th minute.

Estonia earned three points in Group E despite being reduced to nine men at home to Andorra. The key man for Estonia, who won 2-1, was Indrek Zelinski, back in the national team after two-and-a-half years out. He scored the winner in the second minute of added time - but was promptly dismissed for whipping off his shirt in celebration to collect a second yellow card.

In Group F, Northern Ireland had a comfortable victory over Liechtenstein at Windsor Park in what was Nigel Worthington's first game in charge following the resignation of Lawrie Sanchez who quit to take over at Fulham. First he headed home a Keith Gillespie cross before netting his 31st international goal with a stunning shot that he curled in from 20 yards. Kyle Lafferty, who had earlier missed a sitter, made it 3-0 before Liechtenstein striker Mario Frick netted a late consolation.

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Beckham in England squad for friendly against Germany at Wembly

David Beckham will play for England’s friendly against Germany at Wembley. England manager Steve McClaren said that Beckham is ready to face Germany on Wednesday despite a recent ankle injury and a long-haul flight from the U.S. The friendly on Wednesday is preparation for England's Euro 2008 qualifiers at home to group rivals Russia and Israel next month and McClaren said he was happy to have Beckham, now with LA Galaxy, back in the squad with him set to win his 97th cap.

McClaren has already had to contend with several withdrawals, including Wayne Rooney, midfielders Steven Gerrard, Owen Hargreaves and Everton striker Andy Johnson, while Peter Crouch is suspended for the match against Israel and so would be unlikely to start. Michael Owen, who came on as a substitute for Newcastle United on Saturday, will feature, with Jermain Defoe and Alan Smith also likely to play at some stage. England’s defeat in Croatia last year and draws against Israel and Macedonia have left England fourth in Group E, three points behind Croatia and Israel and one behind Russia.

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Valeri Bojinov to miss Bulgaria's friendly against Wales

Manchester City striker Valeri Bojinov will miss Bulgaria's friendly against Wales on Wednesday following an injury. He got injured in his knee during his side's 1-0 victory over Manchester United on Sunday and is likely to be out of action for at least three months. The Bulgarian was carried off on a stretcher after falling awkwardly while challenging for a header in the sixth minute of Sunday's derby. Bojinov joined Manchester City from Italian side Fiorentina only a week before the start of the Premier League season. Manchester City top the league with a maximum nine points. He has been included in the Bulgarian squad by coach Dimitar Penev as a replacement of injured captain Dimitar Berbatov. But now Bojinov will miss Bulgaria’s friendly match on Wednesday and almost certainly Bulgaria's Euro 2008 Group G qualifiers against Netherlands and Luxembourg next month.

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Germany can win Euro 2008 - Franz Beckenbauer

Franz Beckenbauer, the German football coach and manager believes Germany has all the potential to win the Euro 2008 title. The legendary former football icon of Germany wrote in his column for the Bild daily that at the moment he can see no better national team in Europe than Germany who can qualify for the big event and achieve the Euro title. He also added that Germany is the No. 1 team in Europe at present. He is highly confident and excited for the upcoming Germany vs. Wales Euro qualifier championship to be held on September 8th 2007 at the Millennium Stadium. He is delighted with Germany’s 2-1 win over Czech Republic at the Euro 2008 qualifier held in Prague.

Beckenbauer also hopes that the immense investment in new players including Luca Toni, Franck Ribery, and Miroslav Klose will certainly be worth and the players would definitely lead Germany to win another title. Germany leads Group D with 19 points from seven matches, followed by Czech Republic with 14 points in the second position and Ireland with 13 points in the third position respectively.

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Gareth Bale included in Wales' squad for Bulgaria

Tottenham and Welsh defender Gareth Bale has been selected in the Wales squad for the Bulgaria trip, regardless of his knee and thigh injuries. However, Wales’s manager John Toshack admits Bale is "a major doubt" to play. The 18 year old teenage player is at present facing a race against time to revitalize his health for the Euro 2008 qualifier. Bale suffered an ankle injury during Southampton's Championship play-off loss. He missed his Premiership debut for new club Tottenham owing to the injury. However, he will travel will travel for the 22 August friendly to be held in Bourgas. This match will be in preparation for their September's Euro 2008 fixtures against Germany and Slovakia on September 2nd and 12th.

Wales drew 0-0 with Bulgaria in a friendly at Swansea's Liberty Stadium in mid-August last year, and have won only once in five previous meetings against Bulgaria.

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Veloso in Portugal squad for Euro 2008 qualifier against Armenia

Sporting Lisbon midfielder Miguel Veloso has been called to join the Portugal squad by the national coach Luiz Felipe Scolari. Miguel Veloso was named in Scolari’s powerful 20-man squad for the 2008 European Championship qualifier in Armenia on Aug. 22. The Manchester United midfielder Nani is not included in the squad as more experienced players joined back to the team, including Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo, who was at a suspension and missed that Group A match, along with Chelsea defender Ricardo Carvalho and Atletico Madrid winger Simao Sabrosa who were sidelined from games owing to injuries. All of them had missed the Portugal's 2-1 win against Belgium in June.

Even though the impressive performance of Veloso during June's UEFA European Under-21 Championship in Holland was worth for his selection, the suspension of the Bentica midfielder Armando Petite for the match against Armenia has increased the certainty of Miguel’s selection to the team. Both the Group A teams will meet at Hanrapetakan Stadium/Republican Stadium at Yerevan, Armenia next week. Portugal has 14 points and is joint second with Serbia and Finland, seven ahead of Armenia. Group leader Poland has 19 points.

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Aaron Lennon could miss England's euro qualifiers against Israel and Russia

England’s young right winger Aaron Lennon may most likely miss out during England's Euro 2008 qualifiers to be held next month against Russia and Israel owing to a surgery to his right knee injury. He had an operation on the outside of his cartilage on account of a small tear in his knee and has temporarily withdrawn from the England squad as he will be out of action for several weeks. Thus he is in doubt to play for England at the forthcoming match with Israel on September 8 and Russia four days later in Group E. He will get only a week’s time to prove his fitness to play for the next month’s qualifier.

Lennon has already missed the London club's pre-season preparations and will also miss the start of the Premier League season. Spurs manager Martin Jol said that the winger will not resume training until the end of August and is currently doing his conditioning work with the coaches. England is already hit by the wave of injuries, Lennon’s injury being the latest of all. Captain John Terry along with other prominent players including Ledley King, Jonathan Woodgate, Owen Hargreaves and Wayne Bridge are also doubtful for England for its upcoming Euro 2008 qualifying games.

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Gregory Coupet set to miss France's next euro qualifier

France goalkeeper Gregory Coupet is set to miss their next euro qualifiers following an injury damaging his knee ligament while training with his Olympique Lyon club on Thursday. Coupet who tore a left knee ligament after his foot got caught in the net, will undergo surgery on Monday. Coupet will miss at least four Euro 2008 qualifiers and notably the next one, a potentially-decisive match against world champions Italy on September 8 in Milan. The injury is a severe blow for France and also for Lyon, who start the Ligue 1 season by welcoming Auxerre on Sunday. France remains leader in Group B with 18 points. Italy is second with 16 points and Scotland in third place with 15 points.

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JUMPTV together with SPORT FIVE – Europe's leading sports rights marketing company, is glad to present the long awaited European Championship second round qualifying matches (June 2 - Nov 21) for EURO 2008 to all the true soccer fans from all over the world! Subscribe to JumpTV and watch the upcoming exciting matches online............

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Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney suffers foot injury

Wayne Rooney will not be able to make it to England's crucial Euro 2008 qualifiers against Israel and Russia at Wembley next month. Defending champions Manchester United also received a jolt as striker Wayne Rooney suffered a foot injury in the first half of their premiership opener against Reading at Old Trafford on Sunday, August 11. This is his third serious foot injury in three years.

Wayne Rooney, the fortune of England who was hoped to fire England to the Euro 2008 title has broken his foot again. This was following Rooney’s collision with Reading’s defender Michael Duberry, at the end of the first half of the Sunday's Manchester United vs. Reading football match and was replaced by Nani. The match ended draw, 0-0. The frequent metatarsal injury is badly affecting the career of the gifted player. Having previously suffered two broken metatarsals in his career, the last at the 2004 Euro and 2006 World cup, his latest injury setback is confirmed as a hairline fracture of the left foot by United last night.

Rooney’s lay-off for up to six weeks has left England in despair. Rooney's absence could prove to be sheer misfortune for England as he will be ruled out from next month’s Euro 2008 qualifier to he held against Israel and Russia on 8th and 12 respectively. The 21-year old Rooney is sure to miss the next two Premier League matches with Portsmouth and Manchester City as well as England's August 22nd international friendly with the German squad. Without his most talented striker, McClaren is now waiting for Michael Owen's recovery.

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Terry’s injury a serious blow for England’s Euro 2008 prospects

Problems for Steve McClaren are increasing day by day. John Terry, the England captain, got injured during the last practice session before the Community Shield game against Manchester United on Sunday. Terry will certainly miss the start of the Premier League season and also England's friendly against Germany at Wembley on August 22, leaving Steven Gerrard to captain his country for the first time under Steve McClaren.

England's scenario of qualifying for Euro 2008 has suffered a potentially severe blow after Terry tweaked knee ligaments during training on Saturday. The center-half is expected to be out of action for almost a month with medial ligament damage to his knee, leaving him in doubt for the next two decisive Euro qualifiers against Israel and Russia next month.
Absence of Terry may adversely influence England’s prospects in Euro 2008. The team, which desperately needs to win their next two qualifiers, has already facing a lot of injury problems. In addition to the Chelsea captain, other key players like Beckham, Owen, and Ledley King are having problems with their physical fitness. Jamie Carragher may also be unavailable as he is thinking of international retirement. McClaren plans to visit for Carragher for further talks with regards to reconsidering his position. England boss is also due to telephone his captain for a fitness update this week.

JumpTV is showing many of the decisive Euro 2008 qualifier matches live and on demand on each match day from August until the November, at the following prices

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Steve McClaren: Rooney can lead England to Euro 2008

England coach Steve McClaren believes firmly that Wayne Rooney can help his team in making into the Euro 2008 finals. The England coach is so much relieved with the current form of his young forward.

The Manchester United player has effectively enjoyed a full pre-session and is the easiest choice for McClaren. The England coach previously spoke with Alex Forguson about the fitness of Wayne, one of the most exciting prospects of the modern game. He is also overwhelmed by the Rooney’s performance in last two games against Inter Milan and Chelsea.

“It is great to see Wayne coming back from his break this summer in top form,” Said McClaren. “Speaking to Wayne, I know he is dying to get back into the England squad and he is going to be a big player for us.”

Rooney’s return after the suspension will undoubtedly lift the team’s confidence in the game against Germany on 22nd August. They need to win the next two qualifiers against Israel and Russia to stay alive in the Euro 2008 competition. McClaren is pretty optimist about their future in the tournament. “It is about sticking to the preparation that we know and making sure we get the results. You are going to get bad times and adversity.”

"But going through it, you learn a lot, not just about yourself but the players around you" “There is a great determination amongst the players and staff to make sure we create a successful England team that qualifies for Euro 2008. The fans deserve it.” He added.

JumpTV in conjunction with Sportfive presents The European Championships 2008 Qualifying matches. Play fantasy football to have a chance to win $20,000* and other top prizes.

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Beckham’s main priority to play for Galaxy

David Beckham ruled out his probability of playing for England in the friendly match against Germany on 22nd Aug. David Beckham missed out on an LA Galaxy debut last week. Beckham was not even among the seven substitutes named for this match as Galaxy drew 0-0 with Toronto.

Although Steve McClaren, the English manager, wants him back for the Euro qualifiers against Israel and Russia on 8th and 12th September, the 32 year old former Real Madrid midfielder is also not expected to play in these matches.

Beckham is improving from his left knee injury and started training after an interval. Presently, he cannot plant or turn without pain. He informed his main priority at the moment is getting himself fit and playing for LA Galaxy. “If I'm fit, obviously I have to play a few games before I even think about going home to England to play for the country.”

Beckham still needs 7 to 10 days of time to completely recover from his injury. He is likely to make his MLS debut against DC United on August 9, 2007 at the RFK Stadium, although the player is not quite sure about the possibility.

JumpTV is showing many of the decisive Euro 2008 qualifier matches live and on demand on each match day from August until the November, at the following prices:

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Alessandro Nesta retires from International Football

Alessandro Nesta, Italy’s trusted defender, announced his retirement from International football. The 31 year old star now wants to focus playing for his club, AC Milan. "I am not going to play for the national side any more. My adventure in blue finishes here". "To play in blue has been one of the most beautiful things in my life. But I can't do it any more." Nesta said. The No.13 Azzurri player gave this declaration on Wednesday afternoon, a month after the retirement of Francesco Totti. He said that his retirement message has nothing to do with the new Italy coach Roberto Donadoni.

Nesta started his career in 1993 with Lazio, and joined the national team in 1996. He played in 78 games and 3 World Cups for Italy, and was one of the members of the 2006 World Cup winning squad; although he hasn’t contributed much because of his right thigh injury which occurred during the 3rd World Cup match against Czech Republic. He joined AC Milan in 2002 and has a contract signed until 2011. The Milan star can now contribute his entire physical strength for his club in winning more tournaments like the recent Champions League. But the Italian national team will without doubt face some problems in their defense.

JUMPTV together with SPORT FIVE – Europe's leading sports rights marketing company, is glad to present the long awaited European Championship second round qualifying matches (June 2 - Nov 21) for EURO 2008 to all the true soccer fans from all over the world! Subscribe to JumpTV and watch the upcoming exciting matches online............

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Litmanen's ankle surgery hits Finn Euro 2008 hopes

Jari Litmanen, Finland striker will be out of action for up to six months due to an forthcoming operation on his left Achilles tendon. As a result of this injury Jari Litmanen will miss the rest of Finland's Euro 2008 qualifying campaign.

Litmanen, Finland's greatest-ever footballer, said "Unfortunately I have to undergo another operation, this time on my left Achilles tendon, which means it will take four to six months before I can train and play," on Aug 2, 2007.

"I have really enjoyed my time at Malmo. The club has always supported me," added the Finn, who has ended his contract with the club by mutual consent.

Litmanen has struggled with injuries since joining Malmo in 2005. He had not made a single appearance for the club this year. He was chosen as the best Finnish player of the last 50 years by the Football Association of Finland in the UEFA Jubilee Awards in November 2003.

Finland are joint second with Serbia and Portugal in Euro qualifying Group A behind Poland. Finland's next Euro 2008 qualifier is against Kazakhstan in the Finnish city of Tampere on 22 August.


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