Wednesday 26th March - Friendly
Amsterdam ArenA, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Norihiko Suzuki's curling stoppage time free-kick saw Japan clinch a famous 1-1 draw with the Netherlands in Amsterdam.
Tim van den Bergh put the Boys in Orange ahead only after six minutes gone slotting the ball home after Danny Ledezma's 30-yard through-ball.
But the Dutch failed to finish off the dogged Japanese side as Van den Bergh, Alex Wijnkamp and Phillip van der Vuuren missed chance after chance after chance.
And Japan deserved their reward when John van Reeke fouled Daisuke Makayano on the edge of the area with time ticking down.
And FC London left-back Suzuki curled an amazing free-kick past Dutch keeper Steve Klobbers to give Japan an unforgettable result.
Thursday 27 March 2008
World-class Wizzi sees off SA
Wednesday 26th March - Friendly
Ibrox, Glasgow, Scotland
Craig Wisniewski scored two world-class strikes as Scotland saw off South Africa 2-0 at Ibrox.
Scott McRae played a wonderful through-ball to the FC London striker Wisniewski, who proceeded to fire home from 35 yards out.
And 'Wizzi' stole the ball from Kevin Nel on the halfway line ran menacingly at the South African defenders and then chipped keeper Steve Van Gessen.
Ibrox, Glasgow, Scotland
Craig Wisniewski scored two world-class strikes as Scotland saw off South Africa 2-0 at Ibrox.
Scott McRae played a wonderful through-ball to the FC London striker Wisniewski, who proceeded to fire home from 35 yards out.
And 'Wizzi' stole the ball from Kevin Nel on the halfway line ran menacingly at the South African defenders and then chipped keeper Steve Van Gessen.
Five-star Quique stuns Russia
Wednesday 26th March - Friendly
Riazor, La Coruna
Quique Sánchez incredibly scored all the goals as Spain stunned Russia 5-0 in La Coruna.
Middlesbrough Monsters striker Quique had all the help he could get from namesake Rafael Sánchez, as the London FC midfielder assisted Quique's first three goals, before being taken off before half-time.
Juan Pablo González then retreated the ball the forward and a 60-yard pass was volley home by Quique on the edge of the area for his fourth.
And the 23-year-old became only the fourth player to score five goals in a CSA International when he rounded the Russian keeper Sergei Kristianov three minutes from time.
The blond striker was taken off seconds later and got a standing ovation from the Spanish faithful.
Riazor, La Coruna
Quique Sánchez incredibly scored all the goals as Spain stunned Russia 5-0 in La Coruna.
Middlesbrough Monsters striker Quique had all the help he could get from namesake Rafael Sánchez, as the London FC midfielder assisted Quique's first three goals, before being taken off before half-time.
Juan Pablo González then retreated the ball the forward and a 60-yard pass was volley home by Quique on the edge of the area for his fourth.
And the 23-year-old became only the fourth player to score five goals in a CSA International when he rounded the Russian keeper Sergei Kristianov three minutes from time.
The blond striker was taken off seconds later and got a standing ovation from the Spanish faithful.
Simovic stuns Argies
Wednesday 26th March - Friendly
Maribor, Slovenia
Goran Simovic's free-kick secured a stunning victory for Slovenia over Argentina.
The visitors could have been 1-0 up after 10 seconds, after Alberto Nunez immediately broke through the Slovenian defense and his shot beat the keeper, but agonizingly for the London United forward, it hit the post.
Argentinian defender Fernando Cassetti brought down Slovene striker Andrej Cepatic for a dangerous free-kick from 25 yards out.
And Manchester Magic defender Simovic made no mistake in curling past Fabián Caballero with only 20 minutes remaining on the clock.
Maribor, Slovenia
Goran Simovic's free-kick secured a stunning victory for Slovenia over Argentina.
The visitors could have been 1-0 up after 10 seconds, after Alberto Nunez immediately broke through the Slovenian defense and his shot beat the keeper, but agonizingly for the London United forward, it hit the post.
Argentinian defender Fernando Cassetti brought down Slovene striker Andrej Cepatic for a dangerous free-kick from 25 yards out.
And Manchester Magic defender Simovic made no mistake in curling past Fabián Caballero with only 20 minutes remaining on the clock.
Bengtsson header enough to beat Germany
Wednesday 26th March - Friendly
Ullevi Stadium, Gothenburg
Sweden captain John Bengtsson's towering header was enough to see his side beat Germany 1-0.
The towering Glasgow FC defender, 28, thumped home Magnus Andersson's corner.
The Germans couldn't get one past the Swedish defence, especially with 6'4" Bengtsson and 6'8" giant Stefan Andersson in the heart of it.
Ullevi Stadium, Gothenburg
Sweden captain John Bengtsson's towering header was enough to see his side beat Germany 1-0.
The towering Glasgow FC defender, 28, thumped home Magnus Andersson's corner.
The Germans couldn't get one past the Swedish defence, especially with 6'4" Bengtsson and 6'8" giant Stefan Andersson in the heart of it.
Italy frozen by Iceland
Wednesday 26th March - Friendly
Reykjavik, Iceland
Italy couldn't get one through Iceland's goal as the Scandinavians thoroughly deserved their draw.
Nico Milanese and Mirko Dellarosa created a few chances for the Azzurri but just didn't manage to shoot straight in the freezing Icelandic cold.
Heidar Arnorsson created Iceland best opportunity, aiming straight for the top corner, but Andy Rossi made a brilliant reflex save.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Italy couldn't get one through Iceland's goal as the Scandinavians thoroughly deserved their draw.
Nico Milanese and Mirko Dellarosa created a few chances for the Azzurri but just didn't manage to shoot straight in the freezing Icelandic cold.
Heidar Arnorsson created Iceland best opportunity, aiming straight for the top corner, but Andy Rossi made a brilliant reflex save.
Coyne foils Les Bleus
Wednesday 26th March - Friendly
Stade Vélodrome, Marseille, France
Neil Coyne scored a hat-trick as the union of Ireland thrashed France 3-0 in Marseilles.
The Northern Ireland native, 22, scored his first goal in typical Coyne fashion - from 30 yards out, giving Quéntin Passin no chance after only three minutes.
Stefan 'Shanna' Shanahan, the German-born, English-raised winger of Republic of Ireland heritage, was assistant to Coyne's second and third strikes.
Shanna crossed a brilliant ball to Coyne who volleyed well, and made it 2-0 after eight minutes and the Vélodrome was in stunned silence.
Coyne got his treble on the stroke of half-time after Shanna had played him through and the NI wunderkind Coyne made no mistake in chipping Passin in a 1v1 situation.
France created a few chances but they all came too late in the second half when Les Bleus were already losing 3-0.
Sébastien Lacroix had a golden opportunity, but Shane Murphy was there to save everything he could.
Stade Vélodrome, Marseille, France
Neil Coyne scored a hat-trick as the union of Ireland thrashed France 3-0 in Marseilles.
The Northern Ireland native, 22, scored his first goal in typical Coyne fashion - from 30 yards out, giving Quéntin Passin no chance after only three minutes.
Stefan 'Shanna' Shanahan, the German-born, English-raised winger of Republic of Ireland heritage, was assistant to Coyne's second and third strikes.
Shanna crossed a brilliant ball to Coyne who volleyed well, and made it 2-0 after eight minutes and the Vélodrome was in stunned silence.
Coyne got his treble on the stroke of half-time after Shanna had played him through and the NI wunderkind Coyne made no mistake in chipping Passin in a 1v1 situation.
France created a few chances but they all came too late in the second half when Les Bleus were already losing 3-0.
Sébastien Lacroix had a golden opportunity, but Shane Murphy was there to save everything he could.
Croatia burned by Billy
Wednesday 26th March - Friendly
Washington, DC, USA
Billy Bernhardt scored a brace as the United States beat Croatia 3-1 at RFK Stadium.
The Bristol Pirates striker, 27, scored the first goal after a speedy cross from Orlando Sun Devils winger Jamaal Taylor.
But the Red-and-White Checks equalized in quality Croatian fashion as Zvonimir Markovic belted the ball from 30 yards out past U.S. keeper Mike Foster.
The speedy Taylor put the Red, White and Blue back into the lead after a one-two with Marcus Holmgren.
And Bernhardt finished Croatia off with a delightful 25-yard free-kick.
Washington, DC, USA
Billy Bernhardt scored a brace as the United States beat Croatia 3-1 at RFK Stadium.
The Bristol Pirates striker, 27, scored the first goal after a speedy cross from Orlando Sun Devils winger Jamaal Taylor.
But the Red-and-White Checks equalized in quality Croatian fashion as Zvonimir Markovic belted the ball from 30 yards out past U.S. keeper Mike Foster.
The speedy Taylor put the Red, White and Blue back into the lead after a one-two with Marcus Holmgren.
And Bernhardt finished Croatia off with a delightful 25-yard free-kick.
JD and Redsy see off Canucks
Wednesday 26th March - Friendly
England comfortably saw off Canada with an easy 2-0 win at Wembley on Wednesday.
Edward Redwood scored the first goal after 21 minutes hitting a 20-yard first-timer past Canadian keeper Ross Rogers.
James Douglas tucked away a penalty in the 41st after Redwood was hauled down in the box by Canadian captain Paul Gray.
Gray was so incensed with the call, he spat on the ball, getting booked in the process.
Redwood tossed said ball out of the pitch and asked a ball-boy to produce him with a fresh ball. The 22-year-old London United striker then gave it to 21-year-old FC London midfielder Douglas who successfully took the PK.
Barnsworth captain Dan Perry made his England CSA début, sharing the centre-back position with London United and England captain Mark Strickland. Perry and Strickland were then subbed at half-time for two more débutants in John Macdonald (London United) and Steven Tweedy (Newcastle Geordies), who both only just got drafted by MLF.
Manchester Magic's Andrew 'Cezza' Corne, who had been away from England CSA action since June 2005, started the game at left-back, before being replaced by yet another England and London United rookie in Ashton Reid. Reid himself was replaced by Liam Cole just before stoppage time.
Kevin Warhurst was then replaced by Harchester United wunderkind Jason Porter in the centre of midfield.
Aging strikers Karl Fletcher (34) and Rocky Race (30) also made their debuts, replacing a much youthful starting strike force in Hugo Watson (24) and Edward Redwood (22). Fletcher and Race themselves were then replaced by David Wright and Peter Elkins in stoppage time, as Garibaldi promised all 30 players that they would all play in the match, with the CSA having no limit on substitutions in friendlies.
Video report
England comfortably saw off Canada with an easy 2-0 win at Wembley on Wednesday.
Edward Redwood scored the first goal after 21 minutes hitting a 20-yard first-timer past Canadian keeper Ross Rogers.
James Douglas tucked away a penalty in the 41st after Redwood was hauled down in the box by Canadian captain Paul Gray.
Gray was so incensed with the call, he spat on the ball, getting booked in the process.
Redwood tossed said ball out of the pitch and asked a ball-boy to produce him with a fresh ball. The 22-year-old London United striker then gave it to 21-year-old FC London midfielder Douglas who successfully took the PK.
Barnsworth captain Dan Perry made his England CSA début, sharing the centre-back position with London United and England captain Mark Strickland. Perry and Strickland were then subbed at half-time for two more débutants in John Macdonald (London United) and Steven Tweedy (Newcastle Geordies), who both only just got drafted by MLF.
Manchester Magic's Andrew 'Cezza' Corne, who had been away from England CSA action since June 2005, started the game at left-back, before being replaced by yet another England and London United rookie in Ashton Reid. Reid himself was replaced by Liam Cole just before stoppage time.
Kevin Warhurst was then replaced by Harchester United wunderkind Jason Porter in the centre of midfield.
Aging strikers Karl Fletcher (34) and Rocky Race (30) also made their debuts, replacing a much youthful starting strike force in Hugo Watson (24) and Edward Redwood (22). Fletcher and Race themselves were then replaced by David Wright and Peter Elkins in stoppage time, as Garibaldi promised all 30 players that they would all play in the match, with the CSA having no limit on substitutions in friendlies.
Video report
Ümit and Krzysti net trebles in thriller
Wednesday 26th March - Friendly
It truly was Krzysti World vs. The Ümit Kubilay Show as both FC London stars scored hat-tricks as Turkey and Wales drew 3-3 at Istanbul's Ataturk Stadium.
Karlo 'Krzysti' Krzystofski scored all of Wales' goals, while Ümit netted all of the Turkish strikes.
Both stars scored their first goal from top-drawer curling free-kicks that would make David Beckham proud.
Krzysti thumped the ball home to make it 2-1, but Ümit's stunning overhead kick levelled the scores once again.
Ümit then stole the ball from winger Christian Jones on the halfway line as he went mazy run past all the Welsh defenders and then slotted the ball past Kevin Jones for a contender for Goal of the Year, and a 3-2 lead for Turkey.
But Krzysti found the Turkish keeper off his line while inside his own half and scored an incredible long-range strike that would make Xabi Alonso proud.
It truly was Krzysti World vs. The Ümit Kubilay Show as both FC London stars scored hat-tricks as Turkey and Wales drew 3-3 at Istanbul's Ataturk Stadium.
Karlo 'Krzysti' Krzystofski scored all of Wales' goals, while Ümit netted all of the Turkish strikes.
Both stars scored their first goal from top-drawer curling free-kicks that would make David Beckham proud.
Krzysti thumped the ball home to make it 2-1, but Ümit's stunning overhead kick levelled the scores once again.
Ümit then stole the ball from winger Christian Jones on the halfway line as he went mazy run past all the Welsh defenders and then slotted the ball past Kevin Jones for a contender for Goal of the Year, and a 3-2 lead for Turkey.
But Krzysti found the Turkish keeper off his line while inside his own half and scored an incredible long-range strike that would make Xabi Alonso proud.
Brazil hit Ivory Coast for six
Thursday March 27th - Friendly
CSA Hong Kong Tournament
Brazil outclassed the Ivory Coast winning 6-0 in Shanghai.
Kikao scored a hat-trick and Rodrigo Santos, Riko and Renatinho scored the other three as Brazil really looked their class.
Mohamed Traore got the Ivory Coast's only real chance of the match, blasting over the bar of Etherson's goal.
Santos, Riko and Renatinho are on the plane now as we speak, as they have return back to the UK for the MLF season which starts this weekend.
CSA Hong Kong Tournament
Brazil outclassed the Ivory Coast winning 6-0 in Shanghai.
Kikao scored a hat-trick and Rodrigo Santos, Riko and Renatinho scored the other three as Brazil really looked their class.
Mohamed Traore got the Ivory Coast's only real chance of the match, blasting over the bar of Etherson's goal.
Santos, Riko and Renatinho are on the plane now as we speak, as they have return back to the UK for the MLF season which starts this weekend.
Tuesday 25 March 2008
Garibaldi names England squad v Canada
England CSA head coach Marco Garibaldi has recalled Andrew 'Cezza' Corne in his 30-man squad for the Wembley friendly against Canada on Wednesday.
The Manchester Magic wingback, 24, has not featured for his country since June 2005, when he last appeared against Germany.
"I'm delighted to be back in the England frame again - it's been a long time coming," said Cezza.
"Obviously Mr. Garibaldi will straighten up the SOBS (Super Odd Boys) and get away from our WAGS (Wives and Girlfriends) just before big matches."
The previous two England CSA coaches Iain Greenwood-Smith and Niklas Erlingmark infamously banned SOBS from being involved in all England CSA squads.
Erlingmark had no problem with them, until it came to the CSA World Cup 2006. The Swede infamously told Cezza, Brian McGovern and Adam Wyngrove among others that "Super odd blokes aren't World Cup quality."
Greenwood-Smith said "These so called soccer popstars are too arrogant, cocky, selfish and two-faced to play for my England CSA."
Erlingmark resigned after successfully winning the World Cup, while Greenwood-Smith was lured back to club management at the end of last year, stepping into the Cardiff Dragons hotseat, becoming the club's first ever non-Welsh manager.
But Garibaldi insisted he will pick the best players SOBS or not.
"Great players are great players even if they're super odd guys, scums or cheats," said the Italian.
Veteran strikers Rocky Race (Melchester Rovers) and Karl Fletcher (Harchester United), who at a combined age of 64, are in the England CSA squad for the first time.
Another pair of fresh faces are Harchester midfielder Jason Porter, 20 and 21-year-old midfielder Danny Basingstoke of the East Anglia Knights.
Also in the team for the first time are Tony Butcher (Harchester United), Scott Chandler (London City), John Macdonald (London United), Dan Perry (Barnsworth), Ashton Reid (London United) and Steven Tweedy (Newcastle Geordies).
One of the surprise omissions is that of London United defender Dean Whitley.
Whitley, 24, was Mark Strickland's regular central defense partner last year.
For the record there are 24 MLF players compared to six E-Leaguers. The previous managers didn't bother to select E-League players in their squad, but Garibaldi checks out E-League and MLF football week in and week out, and for the first time there is a significant number of E-League players in the line-up.
There are nine London United representatives in the squad, but the only two teams who even come close to matching that are East Anglia Knights and Harchester United, who both only have three.
England CSA squad to face Canada
Goalkeepers:
Scott CHANDLER (London City, E-League)
Simon HERDING (London United, MLF)
Chris KOLINSKI (Reading Ruckus, MLF)
Defenders:
Tony BUTCHER (Harchester United, E-League)
Liam COLE (Newcastle Geordies, MLF)
Neil CRANDALL (Middlesbrough Monsters, MLF)
John MACDONALD (London United, MLF)
Gary MITCHELL (London United, MLF)
Dan PERRY (Barnsworth, E-League)
Ashton REID (London United, MLF)
Mark STRICKLAND (London United, MLF)
Dayve TOMLINSON (Leeds Lightning, MLF)
Steven TWEEDY (Newcastle Geordies, MLF)
Midfielders:
Danny BASINGSTOKE (East Anglia Knights, MLF)
Andrew 'CEZZA' Corne (Manchester Magic, MLF)
Craig Cohen 'CRAICO' (London United, MLF)
James DOUGLAS (FC London, MLF)
Bradley HATFIELD (FC London, MLF)
Ian PARKER (London United, MLF)
Jason PORTER (Harchester United, E-League)
Kevin SIMMS (Manchester Magic, MLF)
Kevin WARHURST (London United, MLF)
Darren WATKINSON (Middlesbrough Monsters, MLF)
Strikers:
Peter ELKINS (Ajax London, MLF)
Karl FLETCHER (Harchester United, E-League)
Brian NIXON (East Anglia Knights, MLF)
Roy 'Rocky' RACE (Melchester Rovers, E-League)
Edward REDWOOD (London United, MLF)
Hugo WATSON (East Anglia Knights, MLF)
David WRIGHT (Bristol Pirates, MLF)
The Manchester Magic wingback, 24, has not featured for his country since June 2005, when he last appeared against Germany.
"I'm delighted to be back in the England frame again - it's been a long time coming," said Cezza.
"Obviously Mr. Garibaldi will straighten up the SOBS (Super Odd Boys) and get away from our WAGS (Wives and Girlfriends) just before big matches."
The previous two England CSA coaches Iain Greenwood-Smith and Niklas Erlingmark infamously banned SOBS from being involved in all England CSA squads.
Erlingmark had no problem with them, until it came to the CSA World Cup 2006. The Swede infamously told Cezza, Brian McGovern and Adam Wyngrove among others that "Super odd blokes aren't World Cup quality."
Greenwood-Smith said "These so called soccer popstars are too arrogant, cocky, selfish and two-faced to play for my England CSA."
Erlingmark resigned after successfully winning the World Cup, while Greenwood-Smith was lured back to club management at the end of last year, stepping into the Cardiff Dragons hotseat, becoming the club's first ever non-Welsh manager.
But Garibaldi insisted he will pick the best players SOBS or not.
"Great players are great players even if they're super odd guys, scums or cheats," said the Italian.
Veteran strikers Rocky Race (Melchester Rovers) and Karl Fletcher (Harchester United), who at a combined age of 64, are in the England CSA squad for the first time.
Another pair of fresh faces are Harchester midfielder Jason Porter, 20 and 21-year-old midfielder Danny Basingstoke of the East Anglia Knights.
Also in the team for the first time are Tony Butcher (Harchester United), Scott Chandler (London City), John Macdonald (London United), Dan Perry (Barnsworth), Ashton Reid (London United) and Steven Tweedy (Newcastle Geordies).
One of the surprise omissions is that of London United defender Dean Whitley.
Whitley, 24, was Mark Strickland's regular central defense partner last year.
For the record there are 24 MLF players compared to six E-Leaguers. The previous managers didn't bother to select E-League players in their squad, but Garibaldi checks out E-League and MLF football week in and week out, and for the first time there is a significant number of E-League players in the line-up.
There are nine London United representatives in the squad, but the only two teams who even come close to matching that are East Anglia Knights and Harchester United, who both only have three.
England CSA squad to face Canada
Goalkeepers:
Scott CHANDLER (London City, E-League)
Simon HERDING (London United, MLF)
Chris KOLINSKI (Reading Ruckus, MLF)
Defenders:
Tony BUTCHER (Harchester United, E-League)
Liam COLE (Newcastle Geordies, MLF)
Neil CRANDALL (Middlesbrough Monsters, MLF)
John MACDONALD (London United, MLF)
Gary MITCHELL (London United, MLF)
Dan PERRY (Barnsworth, E-League)
Ashton REID (London United, MLF)
Mark STRICKLAND (London United, MLF)
Dayve TOMLINSON (Leeds Lightning, MLF)
Steven TWEEDY (Newcastle Geordies, MLF)
Midfielders:
Danny BASINGSTOKE (East Anglia Knights, MLF)
Andrew 'CEZZA' Corne (Manchester Magic, MLF)
Craig Cohen 'CRAICO' (London United, MLF)
James DOUGLAS (FC London, MLF)
Bradley HATFIELD (FC London, MLF)
Ian PARKER (London United, MLF)
Jason PORTER (Harchester United, E-League)
Kevin SIMMS (Manchester Magic, MLF)
Kevin WARHURST (London United, MLF)
Darren WATKINSON (Middlesbrough Monsters, MLF)
Strikers:
Peter ELKINS (Ajax London, MLF)
Karl FLETCHER (Harchester United, E-League)
Brian NIXON (East Anglia Knights, MLF)
Roy 'Rocky' RACE (Melchester Rovers, E-League)
Edward REDWOOD (London United, MLF)
Hugo WATSON (East Anglia Knights, MLF)
David WRIGHT (Bristol Pirates, MLF)
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