Tag Archives: russia

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Preview: Celtic vs Spartak Moscow, Weds 19:45

Neil Lennon’s Celtic will reach the knockout stages of the Champions League for the first time in 4 years if they better Group G rivals Benfica’s result – the Portuguese giants travel to the Nou Camp to face Barcelona, on what could be a historic night for Celtic.

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Georgios Samaras rises highest to hand Celtic a priceless winner in the reverse fixture of this match back in October.

Team News:

Celtic:

  • Celtic will be without their captain Scott Brown for the all-important clash with Spartak Moscow on Wednesday night.
  • The midfielder picked up a hip injury in Celtic’s recent 1-1 draw with Arbroath, and will play no part in the match at Celtic Park.
  • Influential Kenyan midfielder Victor Wanyama will also miss out through suspension, after being booked in Celtic’s 2-1 loss against Benfica last time around.
  • Beram Kayal is likely to fill in in central midfield, partnering Kris Commons.
  • Georgios Samaras will start up front once again for Celtic, the Greek striker is looking for his 6th European goal this season.

 

Spartak Moscow:

  • Spartak manager Valeri Karpin is likely to make a few changes to the side that were thumped 4-2 by Zenit St Petersburg.
  • Former Celtic winger Aiden McGeady came on as a substitute in that match and impressed greatly – he may be given a starting place against his former club on Wednesday.
  • Juan Manuel Insaurralde and Nicolas Pareja were both sent off in that match against Zenit, but are likely to start at Celtic Park.
  • Emmauel Emenike will start alone up front for the Russian side, and will look to add to his tally of 3 European goals this season. Two of those goals were against Celtic in the reverse fixture of this match.

 

Domestic Form Guide (Last 5 Matches)

 

Celtic: W-L-W-D-D                              Spartak Moscow:  L-L-D-W-W

 

Head to Head (Last 3 Matches)

 

CELTIC

SPARTAK MOSCOW

WINS

1

0

DRAWS

2

GOALS SCORED

5

4

 

These sides have met 3 times in European competitions in their histories, in which time Spartak Moscow have never mustered a victory over Celtic. The only season that they met before this campaign was in 2007/08, whereby Celtic recorded a 4-3 victory on penalties after two draws between the sides in a Champions League play-off to reach the group stage.

When the teams met in the Champions League this season, a last minute Georgios Samaras strike earned Celtic 3 crucial group points in Russia. Gary Hooper opened the scoring for Celtic before an Emmanuel Emenike double turned the game on its head at the start of the second half. Dmitri Kombarov’s own goal drew the sides level, before Samaras stole the headlines in the 90th minute to hand Celtic the win.

 

The Stats:

  • Celtic are currently top of the SPL having taken 28 points from their 15 matches.
  • The Scottish giants’ last three Champions League games have finished 2-1 – a win and loss against Barcelona, and a defeat in their last match against Benfica.
  • The hosts won this competition back in 1967, beating Inter Milan 2-1 in the final in Lisbon.
  • Celtic and Benfica sit level on points in Group G, the Scottish side must better Benfica’s result to qualify for the knockout stages.
  • Spartak Moscow currently sit eighth in the Russian Premier League table, having taken 29 points from their 18 matches. 
  • Middlesbrough striker Scott McDonald, and former Tottenham striker Roman Pavlyuchenko were on the score sheet the last time that these sides met at Celtic Park – in a 1-1 draw.

 

Follow Wednesday’s Champions League clash via the PlayUp app – view live commentary, stats, photos, games and interact with other fans on your PC: CLICK HERE

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PlayUp’s Top 5 International Goals

Zlatan Ibrahimovic wrote himself into football history with his overhead kick against England on Wednesday. But what is the best international goal ever?

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Davor Suker, Croatia vs. Denmark, 1996

To avoid repeating pretty much every single ‘Greatest International Goals’ list ever written, we thought we’d throw in a curveball to start off with. Croatia faced defending European champions Denmark and were 2-0 up with little time remaining. Denmark were confronted with early elimination if they didn’t get the three points, which prompted goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel to bomb on up the pitch.

However, the Danes were caught in possession and with Schmeichel forty-odd yards from his own box, the Croatian defence hit a long ball towards forward Davor Suker. Upon controlling the ball, the Real Madrid striker-to-be began to head towards goal but was charged by the freshly retreated Manchester United ‘keeper. Suker anticipated this and effortlessly chipped over Schmeichel, a sight he was all too familiar with seeing – just ask Phillipe Albert. (Track to 1:56)

 

Carlos Alberto, Brazil vs. Italy, 1970

It was during Brazil’s 4-1 victory over Italy in the 1970 Mexico World Cup Final that people began to categorically recognise Mario Zagallo’s squad – containing the likes of Pele, Rivelino, Jairzinho and Carlos Alberto to name a few – as one of the greatest and most talented teams to grace the World Cup stage. And they proved they could live up to this name by scoring one of the best international goals of all time.

Dribbling past four players in his own half, Clodoaldo started the move off, then passing to Jairzinho. The Botafogo forward then slips it to Pele who cooly hands it on a plate to the oncoming steam train who is Carlos Alberto. The defender runs onto it and smashes home first-time with the force of a Joey Barton sucker punch, sending the 107,000 inside Mexico’s Azteca Stadium into raptures.

 

Diego Maradona, Argentina vs. England, 1986

Maradona took possession of the ball inside his own half against an England side still fuming from that handball incident just minutes before. The spritely South American controlled it – ingeniously taking two players out of the game with a Cruyff turn – revved up, and began to jink his way around cumbersome England challenges with his stubby little legs pumping away at full steam.

By the time he reached the penalty area he’d surpassed six white shirts, only to round Peter Shilton and stab home.  Argentina went on to win 2-1 and were eventual World Cup winners.

 

Roberto Baggio, Italy vs. Czechoslovakia, 1990

As Italy played hosts to the World Cup in 1990, 23-year-old Roberto Baggio made his World Cup debut for Italy in the final group stage game against Czechoslovakia.

A swift one-two with fellow countryman Giuseppe Giannini set Baggio on a run that started mid-way up the pitch on the left hand side and ended with him tip-toeing his way towards the opposition goal like a pony-tailed gazelle in football boots.

Skipping his way past one defender, the Italian maestro dropped a shoulder to fool another then gave the Czechoslovakian keeper ‘the eyes’ to nonchalantly slot in at the near post, sending him the wrong way.

 

Marco van Basten, Netherlands vs. Russia, 1988

This peach comes from the final of the 1988 European Championships in West Germany. Yes, it’s another goal from a final, but there is no denying that this is certainly one that will stand the test of time.

Following an over-hit cross field pass from deep, Van Basten adjusted his run and arrived to the descending ball close to the Russian by-line. From what looks like an impossible angle, the Dutchman hits it first time on the volley past Russian goalkeeper Rinat Dasayev.

Needless to say this shot has been attempted many-a-time by budding footballers playing headers and volleys over the park – the majority of which have flown waywardly into neighbouring gardens.

 

This is just our opinion. If your favourite international goal isn’t in here, just let us know by commenting below!

 

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Home Nations: It’s All Kicking Off Tonight

This Northern Irish kick off at 4pm, the Welsh at 7.45pm and the Scots are in action tomorrow. Here is PlayUp's guide to the first round of World Cup qualifiers for 'Team GB' . And the other Irish team

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TEAM NEWS

RUSSIA v NORTHERN IRELAND,  4pm KO Today

Manager Michael O’Neill is not short of injury problems with Martin Paterson (hamstring), Paddy McCourt and Shane Ferguson (both groin) all unfit to play. Free agent midfielder Sammy Clingan has been given the call and O’Neill will be happy to have Jonny Evans and Aaron Hughes back in the squad despite missing their last game against Finland

One to Watch: Kyle Lafferty. With a defence and midfield that is starting to look settled, O’Neill will need the FC Sion striker to be on top form if they are to make an upset in a group that also contains Portugal. Look out for Lafferty’s wife too; she’s a former Miss Scotland!

Have your say on PlayUp, the leading mobile social network for live sports and get connected with like-minded fans around the world in the PlayUp mobile App. Download the iPhone and Android App today or visit www.playup.com to play games and for more information. To go directly to your choice of game, CLICK HERE.

KAZAKHSTAN v REP. OF IRELAND, 5pm KO today

James McClean has been passed fit but is expected to be used from the bench with Simon Cox starting ahead of him. Midfielder James McCarthy is likely to begin his first competitive game for Ireland alongside regulars Aiden McGeady, Glenn Whelan and Simon Cox.

One to Watch: James McCarthy. After pulling out of the Euros to be with his sick father, the Wigan midfielder is expected to start in his first competitive international fixture and will want to cement his place in the squad.

WALES v BELGIUM, 7:45pm KO Today

Chris Coleman will be wondering where to start when picking his starting XI against star-studded Belgium tomorrow. Wales are left with little options at the back with Joel Lynch (Achilles) and Neil Taylor (ankle) missing out through injury.

Swansea’s Jazz Richards and Ben Davies will fill in with James Collins also featuring. Midfielders Andrew Crofts (ankle), Jack Collison (knee), David Vaughan (ankle) and Joe Ledley (groin) are all absent too, as well as striker Craig Bellamy who has a calf injury. It’s not all bad news, though as main men Aaron Ramsey, Gareth Bale and Joe Allen are all expected to start.

One to Watch: Gareth Bale. Belgium’s Daniel van Buyten will have his work cut out and may need some ‘Kompany’ if Bale is up for the task.

SCOTLAND v SERBIA, Saturday 8th September, 3pm

Craig Levein has been left with a selection headache today after receiving news that Scottish PFA Player of the Year Charlie Mulgrew will be unavailable for their fixture against Serbia due to an Achilles injury.

Mulgrew joins a growing list of crocked defenders in the physio room along with Lee Wallace (hamstring), Danny Fox (groin), Russell Martin (ankle), Steven Whittaker and Phil Bardsley (both ankle), leaving Levein struggling for cover at the back. Call-ups include Ricky Foster, Paul Dixon and Gary MacKenzie with late addition Christophe Berra adding some experience to the side.

One to Watch: Jordan Rhodes. After scoring 36 goals in League One for Huddersfield last season and helping them to promotion, the 22 year old comes with great expectations. He opened his international account with a goal in Scotand’s friendly against Australia back in August.

Think you know better than us who will start for the Home Nations sides? Why not submit your predicted line-ups on our Facebook game “The Insider” – PLAY NOW

Head-to-head:

 

RUSSIA

NORTHERN IRELAND
Won

0

0
Drawn

0
Lost

0

0

 

 

KAZAKHSTAN

REP. OF IRELAND
Won

0

0
Drawn

0
Lost

0

0

 

 

WALES

BELGIUM
Won

1

3
Drawn

0
Goals

5

7

 

 

SCOTLAND

SERBIA (as Serbia & Montenegro)
Won

0

1
Drawn

3
Goals

4

6

 

FORM GUIDE – Last 5

 

Russia             WWDLD             Northern Ireland         LLLLD

 

Kazakhstan     LLDLL                 Rep. Of Ireland           DLLLD

                                 

Wales              WWLLL                Belgium                     DDWLW

 

Scotland          LWDLW               Serbia                         WWDLD

 

STATS AND FACTS

- Going solely on the FIFA rankings, Northern Ireland were fourth seeds when the draw was made in July 2011

- In five of Belgium’s last eight games there has been at least two goals scored before half-time

- In 15 games since the start of 2011 Belgium have drawn seven of them

- Ireland star-striker Robbie Keane hasn’t found the onion bag in 519 minutes of football for the national team and was last on the scoresheet in November 2011

- Two of Kazakhstan’s last four games have ended 0-0

- Scotland have lost just two of their last 9 games and have scored in every one.

- Serbia have been beaten 2-0 in five of their last eight matches

 

 

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The story of Group A – Euro 2012

Greece stun co-hosts Poland & group favourites Russia to qualify

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Group A was ridiculed by most and labelled the weakest by far. To be honest, there were a fair few reasons to support this view. Russia were the highest placed nation in the group and they were ranked at 12th in the Official FIFA World Rankings pre-tournament. Being just outside the top 10 obviously is not bad at all, but when you look at Group B, three out of the four countries were ranked above Russia. Not only did Group A have the weakest top ranked country, it also had the lowest placed nation; co-hosts and top seeds Poland at 66. Continue reading →

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POLAND vs. RUSSIA – Tuesday, June 12 – 7:45pm

Preview

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POLAND vs RUSSIA – Tuesday 12th June, 19:45

These two sides were definitely up there with the most adventurous and exciting nations to watch in Gameweek 1. Poland began with an electric start in front of the home support, playing entertaining, counter-attacking football. The Russians then pulled of a classy performance over Czech Republic, with Andrey Arshavin standing out as a star performer. The slick passing and getting forward in numbers made them a brilliant team to watch.

Have your say on PlayUp, the leading mobile social network for live sports and get connected with like-minded fans around the world in the PlayUp mobile App. Follow all the games live during Euro 2012 and get involved with the banter. Download the iPhone and Android App today or visit www.playup.com to play games and for more information. To come directly to the Poland vs Russia game, CLICK HERE.

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The Group Of Death Can Be The Group Of Life at Euro 2012

By Mary Meyer

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When the draw for Euro 2012 was made back in December, Group B of Denmark, Germany, Holland and Portugal was immediately labelled the tournament’s “Group of Death”. All four sides are within the world’s top 10, and have an average ranking of 4.75.

Denmark are still seen as the rank outsiders but a history of the graveyard groups shows they should not be discouraged. Regardless, Group B promises to produce the most electrifying of all the match-ups in Poland and Ukraine this June. 2010 World Cup Finalists the Netherlands and 2008 Euros Finalists Germany are by no means guaranteed a quarter final place. Continue reading →

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RUSSIA 4 – 1 CZECH REPUBLIC

Post Match Summary

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                                      RUSSIA   4 – 1   CZECH REP

                          Dzagoev 15′, 79′             Pilar 52′

                                 Shirokov 24′

                         Pavlyuchenko 82′

 

RUSSIA

CZECH REP
Possession (%)

58

42
Shots

17

13
Shots on target

7

7
Corners

3

5
Yellow Cards

0

0
Red Cards

0

0

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RUSSIA vs CZECH REPUBLIC – Friday, June 8th – 7:45pm

Match Preview

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The second Group A fixture sees Russia take on Czech Republic. The Russians will be looking to build on their Euro 2008 performance, in which they lost to eventual winners Spain in the semi-finals of the competition. Czech Republic failed to make it out of the Group Stage last time, so they will be expecting a major improvement.

Have your say on PlayUp, the leading mobile social network for live sports and get connected with like-minded fans around the world in the PlayUp mobile App. Follow all the games live during Euro 2012 and get involved with the banter. Download the iPhone and Android App today or visit www.playup.com to play games and for more information. To come directly to the Russia vs. Czech Republic match click here: http://bit.ly/RUSvsCZE

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