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Post by bob1389 on Jun 2, 2009 8:46:12 GMT -5
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Post by bob1389 on Jun 2, 2009 8:51:05 GMT -5
The only time I wished I lived in Sweden!
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Post by bob1389 on Jun 2, 2009 8:56:26 GMT -5
Group A PreviewThe 2009 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship kicks off on Monday, Jun. 15 and runs for two weeks as eight of Europe’s finest teams battle to be crowned champions of Europe. The draw is split into two groups of four, each team playing each other once with the top two from each group progressing to face off in the semi-finals. Belarus Belarus finished second behind Serbia in Group Eight by virtue of their head-to-head record in an impressive campaign in which they only suffered one defeat (away to Serbia). They faced a tough tie against Turkey in the Playoffs and went down 1-0 in the away leg before turning things around at home with a 2-0 win to secure qualification. Dmitri Komarovski finished as the team’s top scorer with four goals in qualifying. Sergei Kryvets is perhaps their highest rated player, having made his mark scoring against Juventus in this season’s UEFA Champions League for club side BATE Borisov. This is only Belarus’ second appearance at the Under-21 finals, having only previously qualified in 2004 in a side starring Aleksandr Hleb where they exited at the group stage. Italy Pierluigi Casiraghi’s Italy topped Group One with an unbeaten record, winning seven of their ten matches as they finished two points clear of Croatia. They then faced Israel in the Playoffs and appeared to struggle initially after a goalless draw in the home leg. However, an impressive 3-1 win in Israel in the second leg secured qualification. Mario Balotelli scored twice in their win in Israel, and big things will be expected of the young Inter Milan forward if he is selected to lead the line this summer. Italy is the most successful country in the history of the competition with five wins—the first three of which were all back-to-back in 1992, 1994, and 1996. Andrea Pirlo was named Player of the Tournament in 2000 when the Italians triumphed again and their most recent success was in 2004. SerbiaSerbia finished on top of Group Eight by virtue of their head-to-head record against runners-up Belarus after both nations finished level on 17 points in a hard fought section.
They played Denmark in the Playoffs for the right to compete in the final tournament this summer, and impressed as they won both legs 1-0 to book their tickets to Sweden this summer.
Gojko Kačar top scored in qualifying with six goals in eight games and helped primarily by his record five goal haul in an 8-0 mauling of Hungary, a feat unequalled in Serbian history.
Runners-up to Holland two years ago, Serbia is continuing their rich history at this level having also finished second in 2004 competing as Serbia and Montenegro.Sweden Sweden qualified automatically as hosts, so did not participate in the group stage of playoff qualifiers. They played ten friendlies in 2008, posting a record of four wins, four draws, and two defeats. Sweden’s finest hour in previous competitions came in 1992, when a Thomas Brolin inspired side lost to Italy in the final. Their most recent impressive showing was a semi-final defeat on penalties in 2004, the last time they competed in the final tournament.
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Post by bob1389 on Jun 2, 2009 19:40:37 GMT -5
Krčmarević names full-strength Serbia squad Serbia Under-21 coach Slobodan Krčmarević has named a full-strength squad for the 2009 UEFA European Under-21 Championship, with five senior internationals included in the party for Sweden. Big namesMidfielder Adem Ljajić and forward Danijel Aleksić are omitted and will instead play at the 2009 UEFA European Under-19 Championship. Gojko Kačar, Ivan Obradović and Miralem Sulejmani will link up with the U21 squad on 11 June after featuring in the senior side's FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Austria and the Faroe Islands on 6 and 10 June. 'Strong competition'"It will be a great and strong competition," Krčmarević said. "The fact that reigning champions the Netherlands have not qualified and that France and Portugal are also out shows just how good the teams who have qualified will be. With that in mind, I want to be cautious about our prospects. We will take it step by step, preparing for a great new campaign at U21 level, but not making any promises." Injury freeSerbia, who were defeated by the Netherlands in the 2007 final, will begin their training camp on 4 June in the Zlatibor mountain region in the centre of the country. Their only friendly match ahead of the tournament is against F.Y.R. Macedonia on 7 June before the squad travels to Sweden four days later. "We want the players to recuperate after a long season," said Krčmarević, who has no injury concerns. "I know they have great ambition and motivation. I respect that, but we must prepare them in the right way. One game against Macedonia will be enough, for sure. We will save ourselves for the opening game against Italy." 'Great support'Serbia have been drawn in Group A against Italy, Belarus and Sweden and Krčmarević is expecting a strong show of support from the local population. "More than 20,000 Serbs live in and around Malmo," he said. "We expect great support from the stands and we will be playing for them."
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Post by bob1389 on Jun 2, 2009 19:41:51 GMT -5
Serbia squad
Goalkeepers: Željko Brkić (FK Vojvodina), Bojan Šaranov (OFK Beograd) and Živko Živković (FK Metalac).
Defenders: Nenad Tomović (FK Crvena Zvezda), Marko Jovanović (FK Partizan), Nemanja Pejčinović (FK Crvena Zvezda), Milan Vilotić (FK Čukarički), Jagoš Vuković (FK Rad), Rajko Brežančić (FK Partizan), Ivan Obradović (FK Partizan), Nikola Petković (Eintracht Frankfurt).
Midfielders: Ljubomir Fejsa (FK Partizan), Nemanja Tomić (FK Partizan), Milan Smiljanić (RCD Espanyol), Nemanja Matić (MFK Košice), Marko Milinković (MFK Košice), Nikola Gulan (ACF Fiorentina), Gojko Kačar (Hertha BSC Berlin), Zoran Tošić (Manchester United FC), Dušan Tadić (FK Vojvodina).
Forwards: Miralem Sulejmani (AFC Ajax), Filip Dordević (FC Nantes) and Rade Veljović (CFR 1907 Cluj).
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Post by bob1389 on Jun 2, 2009 23:16:31 GMT -5
Is this Serbia's year?Could this be Serbia's year at last? They reached the final last time round in their first tournament as an independent nation and with a squad bursting with talent, full internationals and experience it would come as no surprise if they went one better in Sweden. Serbia expects Manchester United FC winger Zoran Tošić played in the defeat to the Netherlands in the 2007 final and knows just what lies ahead as they countdown to their Group A campaign against the hosts, Italy and Belarus. "People from Serbia expect us to do well and we hope we can, but it is one thing to talk about winning: we have to go there and prove we're the best," he told uefa.com. As part of the former Yugoslavia, Serbia triumphed in the inaugural competition in 1978. Can they do it again? Click below to tell us your thoughts on Serbia's team and how far you think they can go in Sweden. ©uefa.com 1998-2009. All rights reserved. www.uefa.com/competitions/under21/news/kind=1073741824/newsid=833789.htmlYES WE CAN !
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Post by zgembo on Jun 3, 2009 2:56:50 GMT -5
We get spoiled by the success of some of our athletes... nevertheless, I would be disappointed with anything less than the semi-finals
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Post by bob1389 on Jun 8, 2009 20:50:32 GMT -5
Serbia 4-1 FYR Macedonia
Serbia coach Slobodan Krčmarević was delighted to report that his side were "positive and full of motivation" after a routine victory in their final friendly before the UEFA European Under-21 Championship in Sweden.
Confident display Playing at their training base up in the Zlatibor mountains, Serbia were on top throughout the contest. Filip Djordjević put them ahead in the 32nd minute, and while Petar Stojkov exploited a lapse in concentration to level with a 20-metre shot not long afterwards, Jagoš Vuković restored the hosts' lead with a header from a corner after the break. Dušan Tadić made it 3-1 on 72 minutes, with his long-range strike the pick of the goals, and Milan Vilotić headed home from Marko Milinković's cross to finish the scoring three minutes from time.
Senior call-ups "Even though we were without three players who are with the senior team – Ivan Obradović, Gojko Kačar and Miralem Sulejmani – I am very satisfied with our game," said Krčmarević. "We were positive and full of motivation, which is very important at the end of season. Of course, I saw some weaknesses but we will use these next days to eliminate those." After the match, MFK Košice midfielder Nemanja Matić was called into Radomir Antić's senior team for Wednesday's FIFA World Cup qualifier against the Faroe Islands in Torshvan. Along with Obradović, Kačar and Sulejmani, he will rejoin the U21 squad in Sweden on Thursday.
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Post by Caslav Klonimirovic on Jun 8, 2009 21:12:47 GMT -5
Dario, tell us about it man. You going to be there?
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Post by Caslav Klonimirovic on Jun 8, 2009 21:16:07 GMT -5
The squad is not EXACTLY full strength since Neven Subotic is not playing even though he is elligible.
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Post by bob1389 on Jun 12, 2009 23:33:14 GMT -5
Euro U-21 Championship Team Guide: Serbia
After two runners-up positions and a semi-final appearance last time out, could 2009 be the year that Serbia finally takes the step and claims glory at European Under 21 level?
Arguably the most consistent team in recent years at this level, Serbia are looking to take the title that has narrowly eluded them in the last three editions of the tournament. Along with Italy, they are the only country to have appeared in this year's competitions, as well as the previous three editions (2007, 2006 and 2004).
Serbia are therefore one of the strongest teams at this level, and have been so for several seasons as different generations of teams have carried the flame onto the next tournament. Serbia, and before that Yugoslavia, have always enjoyed a fine reputation at youth level winning the inaugural Under 21 Championships back in 1978 on home-soil, as well as the World Youth Championships in 1987.
However, the past five years have seen Serbia really flourish bringing on several fine players such as Danko Lazovic, Milan Stepanov and Branislav Ivanovic all now members of the senior squad for Serbia. Whilst the management have been successful in bringing on players to the senior team, potentially the most important role a junior team that the Under 21 fulfils, bringing home some silverware would be also appreciated after coming so close in recent tournaments.
Path to qualification
Serbia came through qualification from Group 8, which provides two participants in Sweden, pipping Belarus, who are also at the tournament, on goal-difference. Their goals for column was significantly boosted thanks to a mammoth haul in the final group match against Hungary smashing 8 past the not-so Magic Magyars taking their total to 24 for the qualification; the joint best of any of the qualified teams with Germany. That eased them nine goals ahead of Belarus in the final group-standings, who they beat at home and drew with away.
Serbia also finished with the second joint top goal scorer for the qualification tournament in the unlikely shape of Hertha Berlin midfielder Gojko Kačar, who bagged six, including five in the final match rout of Hungary.
That sent Serbia into the play-offs where they overcame Denmark 2-0 on aggregate winning both legs 1-0 thanks to goals from Filip Dordević in Aalborg and Marko Milinković in Belgrade. The ties against the Danes highlighted the Serbs technical ability withstanding home pressure in the first tie before snatching a lead in the second half and then dominating in the return leg at home doubling their advantage. Both comfortable in defence and dangerous in attack, Serbia, if their qualifying form is anything to go by, will be dangerous opposition in Sweden.
The collective sang froid, shown especially in the face of the Danish onslaught in the opening stages of the first leg when the Danes had several excellent chances, is also a positive sign. Too often Serbian, and before that Yugoslav teams, have let themselves down with a lack of discipline or allowing pressure to fluster them out of their rhythm. The fine result in Denmark followed up with another good result in the home-tie suggests that this young Serb side may have more cool-headedness than some of their forebears.
Players to watch
Named in the Serbian Team of the Year at left-back Ivan Obradovic has been courted by several clubs already and has a price tag of €7 million. He’s already achieved double figures in terms of senior caps at just 20, but returns to the Under 21 side to try and help them claim glory in Sweden. A strong tournament for the Serbs may persuade those sides monitoring him, believed to be, amongst others, Tottenham Hotspur, Barcelona and Ajax, that he’s worth a bid.
Having already made the move to Amsterdam, Miralem Sulejmani will be looking to try and further establish himself. After a big summer move 12 months ago from Heerenveen, who took him as a youngster from the Partizan youth side following a FIFA tribunal, he’s struggled to find the form that persuaded Ajax to shell out over €15 million for him. A creative midfielder as well as a potent finisher, Sulejmani could be a key player for Serbia if they want to make an impression on the tournament.
Fixtures
16th June – Italy
19th June – Belarus
23rd June - Sweden
Prediction
After so many near misses in previous tournaments this could be Serbia’s year. The side is strong and has a good blend of experience from home and promising youngsters, who have already made the move abroad. As with many Serbian sides they are technically proficient and comfortable on the ball, but also capable of frustrating in equal measure.
Their tournament credentials will be examined right from the outset when they meet Italy in the first group match. Whilst a win isn’t vital it would send a sign to the opposition that Serbia are definite title contenders.
Their one downfall could be their potential stage-fright. After qualifying well from the group stages in the last three tournaments, Serbia have let themselves down by disappointing in the knock-out stages. If this group can overcome their nerves and show they have what it takes in the final stages, they could well be potential winners in 2009.
Walter Townsend, Goal.com
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Post by zgembo on Jun 14, 2009 7:11:43 GMT -5
Here in Canada they are showing the entire tournament on TV (on The Score, local channel that comes with basic cable)... so sweet, really looking forward to the Tuesday game against Italy now!!!
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Post by zgembo on Jun 14, 2009 12:27:18 GMT -5
The U19 Championships are next month (in July). Serbia is among the 8 teams that qualified for that.
Interesting stat: the only teams with a representative in both the U19 and U21 championship this year are England, Spain and Serbia. So two countries with the two best domestic football leagues in the world, and poor old Serbia. Unbelievable!
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Post by Caslav Klonimirovic on Jun 14, 2009 23:19:37 GMT -5
Look out for Ljajic & Aleksic in the U19's. Both potentially could have ben in the U21's.
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Post by zgembo on Jun 15, 2009 10:42:03 GMT -5
Kačar seeks flying start for Serbia Monday 15 June 2009 by Simon Hart from Glumslov
Gojko Kačar believes a repeat of Serbia's 2007 opening victory over Italy would all but guarantee his side a place in the semi-finals of the UEFA European Under-21 Championship.
Semi-final aim Kačar considers a last-four spot the minimum requirement for Serbia, beaten finalists in the Netherlands two summers ago when they defeated the Azzurrini 1-0 in their first match in Nijmegen. "The first game is important in every tournament," he told uefa.com. "Last time we won against Italy and it is important for your confidence. I think if we win, we will be for sure in the semi-finals."
Optimistic The Serbia midfielder was speaking to uefa.com shortly after his squad's switch from Helsingborg to their base for the group stage, Glumslov's Örenas Slott Hotel. Overlooking Oresund, the strait that separates Sweden from Denmark, the peaceful setting seems the ideal place to prepare for the challenge of Tuesday's Group A meeting with Italy. "A tactical game, a tough game" is what Kačar anticipates. Yet he is optimistic: "They are strong but we need to be brave and attack them. We have a good chance.
Key figure "We can reach the semi-finals and for us that is the main goal," he added. "Every team is good at this level. We are in the first eight teams in Europe and we need a bit of luck, but with that we have a good chance of doing something." A squad member two years ago – "I played only one match against England but it was a great experience" – he has become a key figure, scoring six goals in qualifying.
Experience With nine senior caps, the most recent as a substitute in last week's FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Austria and the Faroe Islands, Kačar is one of this Serbia side's most experienced players – his development accelerated by his move from FK Vojvodina to Hertha BSC Berlin midway through 2007/08. Kačar, who has since made 42 Bundesliga appearances, registering seven goals, said: "The Bundesliga is one of the strongest leagues in Europe, every game is very difficult and you need to be 100 per cent concentrated every time, even in training. I feel I have progressed game by game and will show myself in the best condition in this tournament."
Silver lining After a gloomy finish to the season with Hertha – who, in the final straight, slipped out of title contention and missed out on a UEFA Champions League berth – he is hoping for a silver lining with his country. He went on: "The atmosphere is the key to this team. We have a very good spirit, we have been together for many years. I just hope we will still have a smile on our faces after the Italy game."
©uefa.com 1998-2009. All rights reserved.
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Post by zgembo on Jun 15, 2009 10:43:02 GMT -5
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Post by Sh1 Shonić on Jun 15, 2009 13:10:32 GMT -5
15. jun 2009. | Izvor: B92 Počinje U21 EP u ŠvedskojOsam najboljih mladih fudbalskih reprezentacija Evrope boriće se u narednih 15 dana za titulu šampiona na četiri švedska stadiona. Selekcija Srbije, koja je na prethodna tri šampionata stizala najmanje do polufinala, ovog puta igra u grupi A sa Italijom, Belorusijom i domaćom Švedskom, dok su u grupi B selekcije Španije, Nemačke, Engleske i Finske. Takmičenje počinje mečom Engleske i Finske na Erjans Valu u Halmstadu, u ponedeljak od 18.15, dok se u večernjem meču sastaju Nemci i Španci (20.45, Gamla Ulevi u Geteborgu). Prvo kolo grupe B na programu je u utorak, od 18.15 domaćin sa Belorusijom igra na Novom gradskom stadionu u Malmeu, od 20.45 sastaju se Srbija i Italija. Opširnije o učesnicima šampionata čitajte ovde. Grupa A 15. jun, 18.15 Erjans val, Halmstad: Engleska – Finska 15. jun, 20.45 Gamla Ulevi, Geteborg: Španija – Nemačka 18. jun, 18.15 Erjans val, Halmstad: Nemačka – Finska 18. jun, 20.45 Gamla Ulevi, Geteborg: Engleska – Španija 21. jun, 20.45 Gamla Ulevi, Geteborg: Španija – Finska 21. jun, 20.45 Erjans val, Halmstad: Engleska – Nemačka Grupa B 16. jun, 18.15 Novi stadion, Malme: Švedska – Belorusija 16. jun, 20.45 Olimpija, Helsinborg: Italija – Srbija 19. jun, 16.00 Olimpija, Helsinborg: Švedska - Italija 19. jun, 18.15 Novi stadion, Malme: Srbija – Belorusija 22. jun, 20.45 Novi stadion, Malme: Srbija – Švedska 22. jun, 20.45 Olimpija, Helsinborg: Belorusija – Italija Polufinala 26. jun, 18.15 Gamla Ulevi, Geteborg: B1 – A2 26. jun, 20.45 Olimpija, Helsinborg: A1 – B2 Finale 29. jun, 20.45 Novi stadion, Malme
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Anthologic
Amicus
"Lord of all Reality"
Ha!
Posts: 1,237
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Post by Anthologic on Jun 15, 2009 21:27:17 GMT -5
Looks like serbia is in the easier group, good luck
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Post by Caslav Klonimirovic on Jun 15, 2009 21:50:50 GMT -5
Serbia may not have played yet but two Serbs have made their debut at this championships already. Marko Marin for Germany & Bojan Krkic for Spain played against eachother in the opening match. Imagine if they were just playing for Serbia.
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Post by acosrbin on Jun 16, 2009 5:47:59 GMT -5
do u guys know where to watch this game
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