Friday, February 20

Daily WHUFC News - II 20th February 2009

Bolton Wanderers v West Ham Utd
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 20th February 2009
By: Preview Percy

And so to Horwich, current home of Bolton Wanderers, for our second Saturday
3pm kick-off in a row.

Back in October, Wanderers inflicted a somewhat fortunate defeat on us at
the Boleyn in a match that Robert Green will probably want to forget. Two of
the three goals conceded in the 3-1 defeat were down to him whilst the third
came from a free-kick awarded for an offence that only existed in the mind
of the corrupt and incompetent Mike Dean – just for a change. At the time of
that match we were in 6th place, ten places above Bolton. Since then we've
been down to the relegation zone and back up to 8th whilst Bolton's form has
mirrored ours and they currently lie in 14th place on 27 points, 6 behind us
and 4 above Blackburn, who have a game in hand in the drop zone.

Current form has not been the greatest for the Trotters, who have won only
one of their last 8, that being hilariously at home to Tottenham. The run
includes league defeats to Wigan, Arsenal, Man Utd, Liverpool, and Everton
as well as a cup exit to Sunderland. The only other point in that run came
from a 2-2 draw away at Blackburn. All in all not a run that has improved
the popularity of boss Gary Megson amongst sections of the Bolton faithful.
Megson's response – calling fans "pathetic" – was predictably reported in
the tabloids as a blast on Wanderers fans in general rather than the dig at
a few supporters it undoubtedly was. However given that many fans actually
base their view of the modern game by what they read on the back pages, the
outburst was probably ill-advised from a manager of a team with a poor
current form record to defend.

If Megson did have any thoughts of courting popularity by some clever
manoeuvring during the transfer window you might have thought that the
transfer of long serving club captain Kevin Nolan to Newcastle may not have
been quite the way to do it. However, Nolan himself had not been without his
critics at the Reebok and both he and Megson were widely moaned at for his
continued selection, despite the absence of anything vaguely resembling form
on the midfielder's part. One observer described the midfielder as having
become "like a black hole, where counterattacks go to die" so getting £4m
for him from the Geordies might have been a shrewd bit of business.

Coming in the other way has been Mark Davies, from Wolves and, continuing
the trend of recent years at the Reebok, a couple of jobbing chaps on loan
from abroad in Seb Puygrenier and Ariza Makukula. Frenchman Puygrenier,
on-loan from Zenit St Petersburg, is described as a "ball-playing" centre
back whilst the Portuguese Makukula is a tall forward forming a "large and
larger" partnership with the new club captain Kevin Davies. Attempts to
bring in midfielder Manuel Veloso from Sporting Lisbon failed as a potential
£12m-£14m deal evaporated just before the window shut (or a week before if
you're Arsenal). It was probably this deal to which Megson alluded when he
described a possible signing as being akin to "putting a tiara on a shire
horse". As a quote it's one of the better (if more bizarre) ones from a
manager this season, though quite how the Bolton squad feel about being
likened to shire horses is anyone's guess and the RSPCA were unavailable for
comment at the time of going to press.

Having exited the cup to Sunderland, their last outing was a couple of weeks
ago where they went down 3-0 at Everton with a display described by Megson
as "a complete waste of people being paid a week's wages". He's certainly
got a way of motivating people hasn't he?! In goal that day was the club's
longest –serving current player Jussi Jaaskelainen, who has that most
irritating of habits in that he always seems to have an absolute blinder
whenever we play them. In front of him was a back four comprised of
Puygrenier, O'Brien, Cahill and Samuel. Nicky Hunt is listed as possibly
being available for selection following a thigh injury, along with the
amusingly-named Danny Shittu should Megson decide he wants more value for
money from the wages paid to his defenders this week.

Davies picked up a knee injury and a yellow up at Goodison the other week.
However he is expected to be available for selection in the middle that,
with the departure of Nolan lacks a bit of experience. Davies' fellow
sufferers against Everton were Muamba, Steinson and Taylor, who, as taker of
the free-kick for their third goal at the Boleyn, was the main beneficiary
of ref Dean's permanently confused mental state when the two sides last met.
Alternatives in the middle include the Pole Smolarek and Tamir Cohen, though
Cohen is more of a fringe player and has not featured so far this term –
partly as a result of injury but mostly not. Older readers may remember his
Dad Avi who played for Liverpool in the 80's.

As mentioned, the strike-force of Makukula and Davies is not one that
suggests subtlety and the possible return from injury of another big unit in
the form of Swede Elmander underlines the basic nature of the game played at
the Reebok. Another alternative, the 6'2" tall Ricardo Vaz Te, is a
long-term absentee whilst Mustapha Riga, who at 5'10" is possibly regarded
as some sort of circus oddity in Horwich, made a sub appearance at Everton.

We have injury problems of our own. The knock picked up by Carlton Cole
exposed our attack as a bit short on depth as Tristan and DiMichele
struggled to make an impact on what was a far from impressive Boro' back
four at the weekend. Cole's ankle isn't said to be that serious a problem –
and some (admittedly unlikely) reports suggest he may even be available for
this one. If not, there will have to be a significant improvement in both
the work-rate and finishing of the front pair this weekend if we are to come
away from the Northwest with anything from this one.

In the middle, Savio showed some promise last weekend and clearly Zola sees
him more of a midfielder than as a striker in the Bellamy mould, if his
replacement of Noble over the last few weeks is anything to go by. Noble has
seemed a little out of sorts of late and there must be a temptation to start
the little German, though whether this is a good idea against a Bolton side
often described as "uncompromising" remains to be seen. Behrami, an absentee
last week, is believed to be available for selection and his return will be
a most welcome one. Kovacs will also be in contention.

At the back Lucas Neill will sit this one out as he will be serving a one
match ban and this may mean a first start of the season for Jonathan
Spector. Other than that the side picks itself, assuming there are no
further mishaps between the time of writing and kick-off.

Even a few weeks ago, before we suddenly found our strike-force severely
depleted, I wouldn't have been too optimistic about this one. The Reebok,
one of the most soulless of grounds I have ever visited (and I've seen a
match at the National Hockey Stadium!) has never been one of our more happy
hunting grounds and our record there in recent years is none too impressive.
Although we've been playing some good stuff away from home over the weeks
past experience tells me that this weekend is not going to be pretty – when
is it ever at Bolton? A fit Carlton Cole would have been in his element in
this one but if he's not about it's going to be hard and the most optimistic
prediction I can go for is for us to sneak a fingers-crossed 1-1 draw – but
for Pete's sake don't stick any money on it on my say so!

Enjoy the game!

Last season: Lost 0-1 A first start for Jack Collison was about the only
bright spot as we picked up yet more injuries in another forgettable trip to
Horwich.

Danger Man: Kevin Davies – according to Megson we've got it all wrong and
his skipper is not a dirty player but is actually a shy retiring little
thing who is supposedly the most fouled player in the league. Yeah right.

Look out for: Shire horses wearing tiaras – though if you actually spot one
go to the nearest St John's Ambulance point and tell them your pint was
spiked!

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Pole keen on Hammers move
Race on for Brozek
Last updated: 20th February 2009
SSN

Polish striker Pawel Brozek would be interested in a move to West Ham,
according to the player's agent. West Ham are thought to be lining up a move
for the Wisla Krakow hit-man after watching him in international action
against Wales last week. Brozek is thought to have impressed West Ham scouts
and his goalscoring exploits have made him one of Europe's most sought-after
forwards. The 25-year-old's agent Radoslaw Osuch admits he is aware of the
rumours of West Ham's interest and that the player would consider a switch
to England. "I have heard the rumours about interest from West Ham and I
believe they watched him playing for Poland," Osuch told skysports.com. "Of
course he would be interested in a move to West Ham. They are a nice club,
they are in London and they are playing good football under Zola. "Pawel is
the most talked about player in Poland and there are a lot of clubs
interested in him from Russia, Germany, France and England. "He will stay at
Wisla until the summer and then we will see what happens."

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Green: Zola has brought stability to West Ham
20.02.09 | tribalfootball.com

West Ham United goalkeeper Robert Green says manager Gianfranco Zola has
brought a new sense of stability to Upton Park. Green said: "It's been
topsy-turvy since I arrived. "Everyone is looking for a crisis-club – and
sometimes it's been West Ham. "But we're on an upward curve, one where we've
been picking up results with a fairly settled team and managerial staff, and
it's been an enjoyable recent experience."

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Brozek agent welcomes West Ham interest
20.02.09 | tribalfootball.com

The agent of Wislaw Krakow striker Pawel Brozek says the Pole is keen on a
move to West Ham United. Brozek is thought to have impressed West Ham scouts
and his goalscoring exploits have made him one of Europe's most sought-after
forwards. The 25-year-old's agent, Radoslaw Osuch, admits he is aware of the
rumours of West Ham's interest and that the player would consider a switch
to England. "I have heard the rumours about interest from West Ham and I
believe they watched him playing for Poland," Osuch told Sky Sports. "Of
course he would be interested in a move to West Ham. They are a nice club,
they are in London and they are playing good football under Zola. "Pawel is
the most talked about player in Poland and there are a lot of clubs
interested in him from Russia, Germany, France and England. "He will stay at
Wisla until the summer and then we will see what happens."

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West Ham boss Zola: Ashton in my plans
20.02.09 | tribalfootball.com

West Ham United boss Gianfranco Zola says he's planning for next season with
Dean Ashton involved. "For me it is unfortunate because I have not had him
in my side before," he said. "It's a big blow because I know how important
he can be for us. "I'm sorry especially for him though, being out so long is
not an easy thing. He is one of those player whose qualities would be
perfect for this team. "I'm sure he would like to be involved but when he
comes back he will make up for it I'm sure."

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Sunderland boss Sbragia: Ferdinand thriving here
20.02.09 | tribalfootball.com

Sunderland boss Ricky Sbragia has hailed the way former West Ham defender
Anton Ferdinand has settled on Wearside. He said: "There may have been a bit
of doubt about him because he'd come from London and that he might find it
difficult to settle in, but he's put his roots down already and he's really
happy. "He's away from the limelight as well, he's up here and more
focussed. Maybe there were more distractions for him down there. Kieran
Richardson has done super. Phil Bardsley hasn't caused a problem. That's
what I want. I want people who want to come in and train, not complain about
this and that and forget about the football. That's been the problem."

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Zola joins Moyes in battle for Roma wonderkid
Sport.co.uk
Author: Nigel Brown
Posted on: 20 February 2009 - 11:47

West Ham have joined Everton in the race for Roma forward Stefano Okaka
Chuka according to reports in Italy. The Italian press reported Everton's
interest in January and it is now thought that Gianfranco Zola is ready to
join the battle for the Nigerian born striker. Moyes originally wanted to
sign the AS Roma youngster on loan, but the Everton manager has now
enquiried to the availability of the forward. The Nigerian born striker is
an Italian citizen which would allow the striker to move without a work
permit. To view the original report click here. Zola has been aware of Okaka
Chuka's talent since he was the Under-21's boss for Italy and sources in
Italy suggest he is now among the front-runners to sign the starlet. The
Hammer's manager has also expressed an interest in Sampdoria hitman and
Italian international Antonio Cassano.

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Bolton v WEST HAM: Trip too soon for Hammers striker Cole
By Sportsmail Reporter Last updated at 12:59 PM on 20th February 2009
Daily Mail

West Ham are likely to be without England striker Carlton Cole for
tomorrow's trip to Bolton. Cole came off in the FA Cup draw with
Middlesbrough nursing an ankle injury and although he has responded well to
treatment he is not thought to be in contention this weekend. That means a
start for record buy Savio Nsereko could be on the cards, with Freddie Sears
and Diego Tristan also under consideration. Lucas Neill is suspended and
Luis Boa Morte is out for two weeks with a groin strain.

Team (from): Green, Collins, Upson, Ilunga, Behrami, Parker, Noble,
Collison, Cole, Di Michele, Lastuvka, Kovac, Spector, Sears, Nsereko,
Tristan, Tomkins, Dyer, Dixon.

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'Loyal' Parker praised for staying at West Ham - so the £80k a week he was
offered had nothing to do with it then?
Last updated at 12:23 PM on 20th February 2009
Daily Mail

Gianfranco Zola has praised Scott Parker for staying at West Ham despite
interest in the last transfer window from Manchester City. The manager
insists: 'It was not a matter of money and that it means he is doing a good
job.' Now Zola does seem to be doing well at Upton Park - something this
column didn't expect at all - but he is wrong to dress up Parker's
continuing presence as loyalty. The midfielder didn't have a 'choice' about
leaving as the Italian implies. He was under contract and the decision on
whether or not to sell lay with West Ham. In fact, Parker's already
lucrative deal had another three and a half years to run so he was in no
great bargaining position and yet he was offered and signed a new and
improved contract 'committing' him to stay until 2013. Some reports have
that new deal worth as much as £80,000-a-week and, even if Parker could have
earned more at City, sums of anywhere near that figure might just have
helped shape his decision to stay.

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Zola reassures absent Ashton
Friday 20 Feb 2009
4thgame.com

West Ham United manager Gianfranco Zola has reassured injury-jinxed striker
Dean Ashton that he is still an important player in his future plans at
Upton Park. The 26-year-old is currently sidelined by an ankle injury,
having made just five appearances for the Hammers this season. However, Zola
believes the frontman will eventually return to be a major figure in the
Irons plans. He said: "For me it is unfortunate because I have not had him
in my side before. It's a big blow because I know how important he can be
for us. "I'm sorry especially for him though, being out so long is not an
easy thing. He is one of those players whose qualities would be perfect for
this team. "I'm sure he would like to be involved, but when he comes back he
will make up for it I'm sure."
Meanwhile, Italian Zola has spoken of his delight that midfield anchorman
Scott Parker has signed a new long-term contract to stay at the Boleyn
Ground until the summer of 2013. He added: "We are very proud to keep a
player like him. It shows we are doing a good job and the players appreciate
what we are doing. "It's not a matter of money, because if it was he would
have gone. He likes what we are doing here and that's a positive sign."

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Zola backing for injured Hammer Ashton
20 Feb 2009
Virgin Media

West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola believes Dean Ashton will provide the
"perfect" spearhead for his improving team next season. The Italian boss
will have to do without his England striker for the rest of the current
campaign as he continues to recover from ankle surgery. But speaking ahead
of Saturday's match at Bolton, Zola outlined his desire to have the former
Norwich frontman back to lead the line. "For me it is unfortunate because I
have not had him in my side before," he said. "It's a big blow because I
know how important he can be for us. "I'm sorry especially for him though,
being out so long is not an easy thing. He is one of those player whose
qualities would be perfect for this team. "I'm sure he would like to be
involved but when he comes back he will make up for it I'm sure."

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Zola eyes deals for key pair
The Sun
Published: Today

GIANFRANCO ZOLA claims Robert Green and Lucas Neill are close to signing new
deals at West Ham. The Hammers duo have both been linked with moves away
from Upton Park this summer. But Zola is confident first-choice keeper Green
and skipper Neill are going nowhere. He said: "Robert is due to sign a new
deal and we are also speaking to Lucas. I think they are happy to stay. "I
think the club have tried to make Lucas happy. He's done a lot for us this
year and we want to extend his deal."

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Cole's ready for a quick return after ankle scare
This Is London
20.02.09

CARLTON Cole could be a surprise inclusion in West Ham's team to face
Bolton. The striker limped off in the first half of the 1-1 FA Cup fifth
round tie with Middlesbrough last weekend and, although no serious ankle
damage showed up on a scan, was still expected to be out for at least two
weeks. But he has responded well to treatment and West Ham manager
Gianfranco Zola said: "Carlton has made really good progress this week. I
don't know, though, if he will be ready for tomorrow." Definitely missing is
Luis Boa Morte, who has a groin injury, plus suspended captain Lucas Neill.
Zola also confirmed that Neill and goalkeeper Robert Green are expected to
sign new, improved deals in the near future while talks have also opened
with England defender Matthew Upson about a new contract. The Hammers remain
one of the Premier League's in-form sides, but their rookie boss is aware
his management skills will be put to the test as the club begin a demanding
spell of four matches in 11 days. Zola believed his squad was too big before
the transfer window but eight players left the club in January and the
opposite now applies. "Physically we are okay at the moment," said Zola. "I
am watching the fitness statistics very carefully and hopefully we will
cope, but if somebody gets very tired we should have a replacement ready."
One who should soon get his chance is Czech Republic midfielder Radoslav
Kovac, who is on loan from Spartak Moscow until the end of the season.
Kovac, who can also play in the centre of defence, has already expressed his
wish for a permanent contract and Zola confirmed that the 29-year-old is
knocking on the door. "Kovac has been training hard and is coming on very
well," said Zola. "I am sure that, either against Bolton or in the FA Cup
replay against Middlesbrough next Wednesday, he will get his chance."
Kovac could even come in for Neill tomorrow but Jonathan Spector, who has
been out for much of the season with a hip problem, is a more likely
replacement. Zola, while admitting that Bolton pose a tough challenge,
believes his side will be eager for revenge after a 3-1 defeat at Upton Park
in October. "That was my third game in charge and I don't think we deserved
that scoreline," he said. "We will try and play our game. Obviously we know
their strengths but maybe they have some weaknesses as well and we hope to
exploit them."

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Zola laments Ashton's absence
Football365

West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola believes Dean Ashton will provide the
"perfect" spearhead for his improving team next season. The Italian boss
will have to do without his England striker for the rest of the current
campaign as he continues to recover from ankle surgery. But speaking ahead
of Saturday's Barclays Premier League match at Bolton, Zola outlined his
desire to have the former Norwich frontman back to lead the line. "For me it
is unfortunate because I have not had him in my side before," he said. "It's
a big blow because I know how important he can be for us. "I'm sorry
especially for him though, being out so long is not an easy thing. He is one
of those player whose qualities would be perfect for this team. "I'm sure he
would like to be involved but when he comes back he will make up for it I'm
sure." Trotters counterpart Gary Megson has, meanwhile, hit out at
trigger-happy club chairmen following Chelsea's sacking of Luiz Felipe
Scolari last week. "After kamikaze pilot I would guess football manager has
about the same sort of job security," he said. "It is really strange that
these decisions are made and yet the people who make these decisions, after
getting it wrong with one manager and then doing it with another one and
then another one - surely the common denominator is the person making the
decision isn't it?"

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Bolton duo back to face Hammers
TeamTalk

Bolton striker Johan Elmander and midfielder Gavin McCann both return to the
squad for Saturday's Premier League visit of West Ham. Elmander, the club's
record signing last summer, has recovered from a hamstring injury while
McCann is fit again after a broken toe. Midfielder Tamir Cohen and defender
Nicky Hunt are also included in the squad having played for the reserves
this week. Joey O'Brien has just had an operation on a knee problem and
remains sidelined for the clash against the Hammers at The Reebok Stadium.

Bolton (from): Jaaskelainen, Steinsson, Cahill, A O'Brien, Samuel, K Davies,
McCann, Basham, Muamba, Gardner, Taylor, Cohen, Makukula, Puygrenier,
Obadeyi, Al Habsi, M Davies, Smolarek, Riga, Hunt, Elmander.

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Cole's recovery from a knee injury could give Hammers boss Zola a selection
headache
By KEN DYER
Last updated at 10:17 AM on 20th February 2009
Daily Mail

Carlton Cole could be a surprise inclusion in West Ham's team to face Bolton
tomorrow. The striker limped off in the first half of the 1-1 FA Cup fifth
round tie
with Middlesbrough last weekend and, although no serious ankle damage showed
up on a scan, was still expected to be out for at least two weeks. But he
has responded well to treatment and West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola said:
'Carlton has made really good progress this week. I don't know, though, if
he will be ready for tomorrow.'
Definitely missing is Luis Boa Morte, who has a groin injury, plus suspended
captain Lucas Neill. Zola also confirmed that Neill and goalkeeper Robert
Green are expected to sign new, improved deals in the near future while
talks have also opened with England defender Matthew Upson about a new
contract. The Hammers remain one of the Premier League's in-form sides, but
their rookie boss is aware his management skills will be put to the test as
the club begin a demanding spell of four matches in 11 days.
Zola believed his squad was too big before the transfer window but eight
players left the club in January and the opposite now applies. 'Physically
we are okay at the moment,' said Zola. 'I am watching the fitness statistics
very carefully and hopefully we will cope, but if somebody gets very tired
we should have a replacement ready.'
One who should soon get his chance is Czech Republic midfielder Radoslav
Kovac, who is on loan from Spartak Moscow until the end of the season.
Kovac, who can also play in the centre of defence, has already expressed his
wish for a permanent contract and Zola confirmed that the 29-year-old is
knocking on the door. 'Kovac has been training hard and is coming on very
well,' said Zola. 'I am sure that, either against Bolton or in the FA Cup
replay against Middlesbrough next Wednesday, he will get his chance.' Kovac
could even come in for Neill tomorrow but Jonathan Spector, who has been out
for much of the season with a hip problem, is a more likely replacement.
Zola, while admitting that Bolton pose a tough challenge, believes his side
will be eager for revenge after a 3-1 defeat at Upton Park in October. 'That
was my third game in charge and I don't think we deserved that scoreline,'
he said. 'We will try and play our game. Obviously we know their strengths
but maybe they have some weaknesses as well and we hope to exploit them.'

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Nobby Watch :)

S.America round-up-Solano scores twice on Peru return
Feb 16, 7:00 am EST
Yahoosports.com

BUENOS AIRES, Feb 16 (Reuters) - Nolberto Solano celebrated his return to
Peru by scoring twice for Universitario in a 2-1 win at Alianza Atletico on
Sunday. Libertad began their attempt to win a fifth consecutive Paraguayan
title by demolishing 3 de Febrero 8-0 and Nacional won the first stage of
the Uruguayan championship, which had twice been suspended because of
security problems.

PERU

Former Newcastle United, Aston Villa and West Ham midfielder Nolberto Solano
gave Universitario a winning start as the 2009 championship kicked off amid
controversy over ineligible players. Jonathan Rodriguez gave Alianza
Atletico a 55th minute lead but Solano levelled two minutes later and scored
the winner from a penalty in the 64th minute. Solano also scored on his
debut for Universitario last Wednesday, when they lost 2-1 away to Libertad
of Paraguay in the Libertadores Cup. Solano's signing for Universitario was
a major coup and raised eyebrows as the club were plagued by financial
problems last year. Defending champions Deportivo San Marin drew 1-1 with
Cesar Vallejo, although Peruvian media said they could lose the points for
fielding four foreign players when the permitted maximum is three. However,
one match official was quoted as saying that the limit had been increased at
the meeting of the clubs last week. Media reports also said that CNI fielded
a suspended player during their 0-0 draw with Sporting Cristal and Cienciano
did the same in their 2-1 win over Melgar.


Solano inspires Universitario to surprise win
Reuters - Today, 03:23
Fourfourtwo.com

BUENOS AIRES - Nolberto Solano converted a penalty to lead Peruvians
Universitario to a shock 1-0 win over Argentina's San Lorenzo in the South
American Libertadores Cup on Thursday. Estudiantes completed an unhappy
night for Argentine sides when they were thrashed 3-0 by Brazil's Cruzeiro
in the evening's other game. Peru captain Solano, who returned home after 12
years when he joined Universitario at the start of this year in a surprise
move, controlled the midfielder as Universitario dominated the first half of
the Group Eight game in Lima. The former Newcastle United, Aston Villa and
West Ham player was involved in the move which led to the 19th minute
penalty, launching the ball to Calheira, who was upended by Jonathan
Bottinelli. Bottinelli was sent off and Solano calmly converted the penalty.
Solano was also close to a second near the end after a neat one-two but his
shot was saved by Agustin Orion. It was a welcome victory for Peru, whose
teams have regularly struggled in recent editions of the tournament.
Cruzeiro scored three times in 10 minutes in their win at the Mineirao in
Belo Horizonte. Fernandinho broke the deadlock with a 62nd minute penalty
then Kleber, who come on as a substitute in the 60th minute, scored twice in
quick succession. Kleber completed an eventful evening when he was sent off
in the 84th minute for a crude tackle on Juan Sebastian Veron.

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