WHUFC.com
West Ham United were well represented by Jonathan Spector as he helped the
US to a famous victory
21.06.2009
Jonathan Spector played a major part in an incredible turnaround that saw
the United States come from nowhere to reach the FIFA Confederations Cup
semi-finals with a 3-0 victory against Egypt on Sunday night.
The US had begun the final Group B fixture seemingly down and out as they
were bottom of the section. They had to win, have Brazil beat Italy and see
a six-goal swing overall in the two games to lift them into second spot.
Brazil raced into a three-goal lead in their match against the world
champions and, astonishingly, the US matched the feat in their contest.
Despite tense finales, both matches finished 3-0.
Charlie Davis scrambled in the opener on 21 minutes before the Americans
were denied a clear penalty when Jozy Altidore's shot early in the second
half was handled on the line. The impressive Michael Bradley then scored one
of the goals of the tournament by finishing off a neat one-two with Landon
Donovan before Spector stepped up on 71 minutes with the sweetest of crosses
for Clint Dempsey to head in.
The US , who needed a great defensive header from Spector in added time,
will now play Group A's runaway winners Spain in the last four in
Bloemfontein on Wednesday night, with Brazil taking on the hosts South
Africa in Johannesburg the following evening. Spector, who was cautioned in
the first half for his first yellow of the competition, has played every
minute at right-back of the US's three games so far - making it 16 caps for
the versatile 23-year-old.
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Hammers denied in Masters
WHUFC.com
West Ham United reached the final of the London Masters in style but were to
lose out on penalties
20.06.2009
West Ham United lost out in the final of the 2009 London Masters after a
penalty shoot-out defeat by Queen's Park Rangers at Wembley Arena on
Saturday night.
The Hammers, featuring three former Rangers players in Rufus Brevett, Keith
Rowland and Trevor Sinclair, had cruised past Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal
to get to the showpiece. However, once there, QPR won 3-2 on spot-kicks
after a 1-1 draw in normal time to mean West Ham relinquished their hold on
the trophy they had won a year ago.
During open play in the final, the Hammers had dominated. That was summed up
when Brevett went closest as the first half drew to a close with an effort
that just fizzed wide. Ian Pearce then combined delightfully with Sinclair
midway through the second half to put West Ham in front with his second goal
of the competition. QPR responded though with a late breakaway goal from
Bradley Allen, which sent the game into the shoot-out.
Michael Hughes missed the first but Karl Connolly followed suit for QPR when
Sasa Ilic dived to his left to save. Sinclair stepped up to score with ease
but Danny Maddix also converted. Rowland then spurned his chance with a high
and wide effort but Ilic again came to the rescue by leaping to his left to
deny Tony Thorpe.
Kevin Horlock was the next to be frustrated with Tony Roberts saving his
powerful kick allowing Andy Tillson to put QPR on the brink of the trophy.
Brevett gave the Hammers hope by converting his but Michael Meaker stepped
up to win the Masters for QPR with a solid finish.
The Hammers had qualified for the final with a 3-1 win against Arsenal,
although a 4-2 win in their opener against Tottenham Hotspur had meant they
had only needed to draw against the Gunners to progress to face Group A's
top team QPR.
In that group decider, Ray Parlour gave Arsenal the lead with a powerful
drive from distance midway through the first half. However, Rowland turned
on a Sinclair pass to equalise immediately after the turnaround to put West
Ham on track for the draw they required. Sinclair then struck on the
breakaway with a delightful finish before Hughes - player coach for the
absent Steve Lomas at St Neots Town - tucked home after Pearce's effort had
hit the post.
Earlier, against Spurs, the Hammers veterans were on fire from the first
whistle, with Kenny Brown getting the ball rolling with a long-range effort
that gave the Tottenham keeper Kevin Dearden no chance. Darren Caskey
equalised soon afterwards but two goals from Rowland and Horlock just before
the change of ends made it advantage West Ham.
After the break, Pearce made it four with perhaps the goal of the game - a
curling effort that had the Hammers fans packed into the prestigious north
London venue on their feet. Spurs gave themselves a glimmer of hope with a
late Clive Wilson effort that beat Ilic but the Hammers attack - led by a
youthful Sinclair at 36 - were always a threat and set the tone for what was
to come over the course of the evening.
West Ham United: Sasa Ilic, Rufus Brevett, Kenny Brown, Ian Pearce, Michael
Hughes, Keith Rowland, Kevin Horlock, Trevor Sinclair
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Savio set to shine
WHUFC.com
After a promising first six months in east London, the manager is predicting
a bright future for Savio
20.06.2009
Gianfranco Zola is looking forward to seeing Savio make the next step at
West Ham United in the coming campaign after a lively introduction to life
in England.
The manager can be seen discussing his Germany Under-20 attacker on WHUTV as
part of exclusive footage from a recent disabled fans forum held at the
Boleyn Ground. The well-attended event saw the manager and Jack Collison
field questions on a range of issues. Check out the video now on WHUTV to
see for yourself, just click here....
One of the questions for Zola was about his January signing Savio. He was
asked what his plans were for the exciting youngster who made eleven
appearances for the club in all competitions and produced a couple of
memorable vital late assists at the Boleyn Ground in the draw against
Middlesbrough in the FA Cup and the Premier League win against Manchester
City. Savio had burst on to the continental scene the previous summer as
player of the tournament at the UEFA European U19 Championship.
Still only 19, Savio arrived from Brescia Calcio with the manager predicting
a bright future for a player who was snapped up quickly to beat off interest
from the Serie A elite. Part of a promising crop of players aged 24 or under
- including Valon Behrami, Jonathan Spector, Mark Noble, James Tomkins,
Junior Stanislas, Jack Collison, Josh Payne and Freddie Sears, who is set to
sign a loan move next week for the coming campaign - the manager said the
youngster has learnt a lot in a short space of time.
"Savio is a boy who came from a totally different league with a lower
standard so had a few problems at the beginning trying to establish
himself," Zola said. "He was used to playing at very low rhythm, so he had
time on the ball and would get two or three seconds before someone was going
to challenge.
"In the Premier League it is totally different, you don't have the ball and
already someone is challenging you - but he is catching up. He is only 19.
He is a player that I believe is going to give satisfaction to the
supporters. We need to be patient with him because he needs to adapt. He has
got quality and believe me is going to be an important player."
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Sears secures Palace loan switch
BBC.co.uk
Crystal Palace have secured the services of West Ham striker Freddie Sears
on a season-long loan. The 19-year-old, who signed a new five-year deal in
November, made 22 appearances for the Hammers last season, including seven
starts. An England Under-20 international, Sears enjoyed a dream debut in
2008 when he came off the bench to score the winner against Blackburn.
However, he has failed to score in 28 subsequent appearances.
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Sears switch confirmed
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 21st June 2009
By: Staff Writer
Crystal Palace have confirmed the loan signing of West Ham's Freddie Sears.
As exclusively revealed here on KUMB.com last week, Sears will join Palace
on a season-long loan having snubbed the opportunity to join Sheffield
Wednesday. A statement from the Championship club confirming the arrival of
Sears simply read: "Crystal Palace Football Club have agreed with West Ham
United to take Freddie Sears on a season long loan." 19-year-old Sears burst
onto the scene 18 months ago when scoring the winning goal against Blackburn
on his debut. However he has failed to score a single goal for the first
team since despite featuring in some 30 games, and Gianfranco Zola has
decided that the England youth striker would benefit from some first team
experience at a lower level.
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Palace agree Sears deal
Hammers striker to spend season on loan at Selhurst Park
Last updated: 20th June 2009
SSN
Crystal Palace have agreed a deal to sign Freddie Sears on a season-long
loan deal from West Ham United. Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola is keen for
the teenage striker to gain greater first-team experience next season and a
clutch of Championship clubs had shown an interest. Sheffield Wednesday and
Championship new boys Peterborough United were among the teams to have made
an approach for the 19-year-old. However, Palace have now confirmed that
Sears, who failed to score in 22 appearances last term, will spend the
campaign on loan at Selhurst Park. Meanwhile, Zola is hoping that another
young striker - Savio Nsereko - can make an impact at Upton Park next season
after struggling since his arrival from Brescia in January. "Savio is a boy
who came from a totally different league with a lower standard so had a few
problems at the beginning trying to establish himself," Zola told the club's
official website. "He was used to playing at a very low rhythm, so he had
time on the ball and would get two or three seconds before someone was going
to challenge. "In the Premier League it is totally different, you don't have
the ball and already someone is challenging you - but he is catching up. He
is only 19. "He is a player that I believe is going to give satisfaction to
the supporters. We need to be patient with him because he needs to adapt. He
has got quality and believe me is going to be an important player."
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Report: West Ham United Looking To Loan Inter's Mario Balotelli
The Italy Under-21 international striker is said to be frustrated with his
limited first-team opportunities at the San Siro...
20 Jun 2009 09:03:30
Goal.com
According to a report in the British tabloid The Daily Mirror, Premier
League outfit West Ham United are hoping to secure a loan-deal for Inter's
Mario Balotelli. It is thought that Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola attempted
to land the 18-year-old during the January transfer window, but was
unsuccessful. The east London based club are set to renew their interest in
the 6ft 2in striker in the hope of acquiring his services for the 2009-10
campaign. Apparently, the highly-rated youngster is growing impatient at his
lack of first-team opportunities at the San Siro. Balotelli made 22 Serie A
appearances for the Nerazzurri last season, scoring eight goals. In
addition, he also netted once in six Champions League games. The
Palermo-born forward is currently on international duty with the Italy
Under-21 squad at the U-21 European Championships, where he has experienced
a mixture of emotions. He bagged the first goal of the game against Sweden
on Friday before being sent off for kicking-out at an opponent. West Ham are
also trying to snap-up Chile international midfielder Luis Jimenez on loan
from Il Biscione.
Ricky Brooks, Goal.com
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Trevor Brooking: Stuart Pearce Is A Future England Manager
The Under-21 boss receives praise from the normally critical FA director of
Football Development...
21 Jun 2009 17:59:54
Goal.com
England Under-21 manager Stuart Pearce has been told by West Ham United
favourite Trevor Brooking that he has what it takes to succeed Fabio Capello
as England boss.
The former Manchester City manager is currently with his squad at the
Under-21 European Championships in Sweden, where they have qualified for the
semi-finals with a game to spare. The team's impressive results, especially
the 2-0 win over Spain, have seen them praised over the last week and they
are now in with a genuine chance of lifting the trophy. Meanwhile, Capello's
senior side have won seven games out of seven in their current World Cup
qualifying group, and know that one more win would ensure their place in the
tournament in South Africa next year. Brooking has stated that Pearce is
definitely being groomed to become Capello's successor. Speaking to News of
the World, Brooking said, "You'd like to feel that progression is there.
Fabio is here for three more years, but the experience Stuart is getting
will benefit him when that opportunity arises. It certainly can't be doing
Stuart any harm, that's for sure, but let's wait and see what happens."
Brooking also revealed that Capello is a big fan of the former defender's
coaching ability, and even uses him as a defensive coach for the senior
side. "On match days with the seniors, Fabio gives his team-talks and
announces the side - but on the team bus, it is Stuart who does the
set-pieces and explains who is marking who. Fabio really likes him. "We
appointed Stuart as we wanted an English coach within Fabio's team. Some
asked whether he would just be window dressing, but if you asked Stuart how
much involvement he thought he would have, he would say he's absolutely
delighted with how it has gone. And the great advantage is that you get
players such as Theo Walcott and James Milner, who have both been with the
senior squad recently before moving back to the Under-21s, seeing first-hand
how involved he is. "Then they go back to the Under-21s and tell all the
other lads about his level of involvement and that's really important. We
have a much stronger link between the senior and Under-21 squads, and that
can only be a long-term benefit."
Brooking, who has been a long time critic of all levels of coaching in the
English game, has really taken his hat off to Pearce's humility and his
willingness to learn. Pearce's Young Lions take on Germany in their final
group game on Monday, in a match which will decide their finishing place in
the table ahead of the semi-final stage.
Nick Turner, Goal.com
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Is the Return of Tevez Unthinkable?
West Ham Till I Die
Ok, yes, it probably is, but we can all dream. Let's indulge in a bit of
football counterfactual. Tevez has made clear he is leaving Man U. Liverpool
haven't got the money to afford him, nor have Arsenal. He has made clear he
wants to stay in this country so that leaves Chelsea and Manchester City.
Chelsea could afford him, but it's difficult to see where he would fit into
their formation. Apart from the money, why would he go to Manchester City?
Could he really work himself into a frenzy of excitement to appear at
Eastlands. No, what could really float his boat is a return to Upton Park.
He'd forego the huge salary, Kia wouldn't worry about the fee too much and
we'd be guaranteed a fourth place finish.
A nice thought, isn't it, however brief?!
I'm going to have a lie down.
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