WHUFC.com
Gianfranco Zola was happy with his players, despite their defeat by SSC
Napoli in the Bobby Moore Cup
08.08.2009
The old football adage goes that it is performances that matter more than
results in pre-season. That was certainly the case for Gianfranco Zola after
watching his West Ham United side fall to a 1-0 defeat by SSC Napoli.
Napoli, the club Zola represented with honour himself as a player, stole
victory with their only effort on target. When it arrived with 12 minutes to
go, however, Fabio Quagliarella's acrobatic header was a joy to behold for
the 1,200 supporters who had made the journey from southern Italy to east
London.
Despite the disappointment of defeat, the Hammers manager was in upbeat mood
following the final whistle, telling the assembled press - including many
old friends from his homeland - that he had been pleased with his team's
performance.
However, Zola revealed that he had told his players that they will need to
show a more ruthless streak in front of goal when the Barclays Premier
League season gets under way at Wolverhampton Wanderers on 15 August.
"I thought we played very well. I told the players that what I saw in the
first half and some parts of the second half was, between our box and their
box, the best I have seen West Ham play," he said.
"There were some quite good movements so I was pleased. We just need to
improve a little bit and maybe take chances to shoot more. Sometimes it is
so easy for us to get into those positions that we think it is easy to get
the ball into the goal. I think we should be more clinical but that is
something we will improve.
"It was a very good game. I didn't expect the team to improve so much from
the last game [against Beijing Guoan] in such a short time. I think we
played a very good team because Napoli can finish in the top-six of the
Italian league next year."
Having put his squad through their paces at an arduous Austrian training
camp, Zola is convinced his players are fully prepared for the rigours of
the new campaign.
New signing Luis Jimenez was particularly bright against Napoli, while the
likes of Carlton Cole and Scott Parker have shaken off the effects of the
injuries that affected them towards the end of last season.
"I'm very pleased," said Zola. "Physically we are okay. Most of the players
played the full 90 minutes and they were very good. I think we're at a very
good point and we're going to be ready for Saturday, absolutely."
While Zola is generally happy with the make-up and physical condition of his
squad, the manager did admit the club were still eager to sign a new forward
before the end of the summer transfer window.
"Everybody knows that that is a position where we need a bit more cover but
I rely on the club and the club knows that," he said. "The club is trying to
strengthen the team so maybe this week something will happen.
"This team can improve. The good thing about this team is that after the
last game, I said we needed to improve certain things and they just did it.
It is very encouraging for me and I'm absolutely convinced this will be a
positive season."
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Trio earn England call
WHUFC.com
Fabio Capello has handed international calls to three West Ham United
players for next week's friendly
08.08.2009
Robert Green, Matthew Upson and Carlton Cole have all been called up by
England for the friendly against the Netherlands on Wednesday.
The trio were watched by Fabio Capello in Saturday afternoon's 1-0 defeat by
SSC Napoli. They will link up with the rest of the squad on Sunday evening
ahead of the match in Amsterdam. Green will hope to win his fifth cap,
having been first choice for the two FIFA World Cup qualifiers against
Kazakhstan and Andorra at the end of last season. Upson has 15 caps to his
name, while Cole has made two appearances.
They join Wales trio James Collins, Danny Gabbidon and Jack Collison, United
States defender Jonathan Spector and England Under-21 duo James Tomkins and
Junior Stanislas in being away from Chadwell Heath this coming week. The
Netherlands fixture will be followed by another friendly against Slovenia on
Saturday 5 September before the World Cup tie against Croatia at Wembley
four days later.
England squad
Goalkeepers: Foster, Green, Robinson
Defenders: Upson, Terry, Ferdinand, Lescott, Johnson, Bridge, A Cole
Midfielders: Barry, Beckham, Carrick, Gerrard, Lampard, Milner, Walcott,
Wright-Phillips, Young
Forwards: Cole, Heskey, Defoe, Rooney
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Napoli nick it
WHUFC.com
Napoli lifted the Bobby Moore Cup with a 1-0 win at the Boleyn Ground on
Saturday
08.08.2009
West Ham United went down to a single goal defeat as Napoli lifted the Bobby
Moore Cup.
Italy international Fabio Quagliarella's brilliant header with 12 minutes
remaining sealed the win for the visitors, who were reduced to ten men late
on. On the day the new Sir Trevor Brooking Stand was opened, West Ham were
punished for not converting several clear-cut chances, but will go into the
season with optimism after a spirited performance.
Gianfranco Zola had no new injury concerns so named a strong starting XI.
Julien Faubert started at right-back, Scott Parker returned in midfield,
while new signing Luis Jimenez made his first appearance at the Boleyn
Ground.
Captain Matthew Upson led the teams out and once they were lined up, guests
of honour Sir Trevor Brooking and Stephanie Moore were introduced to the
players. A minute of applause was also held in memory of Sir Bobby Robson,
with the 1,200-strong travelling supporters joining the home fans to create
a crescendo of noise.
In the glorious sunshine in east London, Napoli set about continuing their
impressive pre-season form, which has seen them win three and draw one of
their warm-up games. After just 48 seconds Ezequiel Lavezzi showed a
statement of intent with a shot that flew over the crossbar that would no
doubt have impressed the watching England head coach Fabio Capello.
Five minutes later another forceful break saw Quagliarella break down the
left touchline before turning James Tomkins and driving a shot that crashed
into the back of fellow forward Lavezzi.
West Ham began to show their attacking intent as the front-three of Jimenez,
Kieron Dyer and Carlton Cole started to link up with some short, sharp
passing. Dyer won a free-kick on the left. Jimenez took it, and his drilled
ball across the six-yard box was just inches away from being converting by
Tomkins' outstretched leg.
Dyer's forceful running was causing the Italians some concern, and he won
another free-kick right on the edge of the Napoli penalty area. Jimenez
stepped up once more but his free-kick hit the wall. Napoli continued to
carry a threat, though, and Faubert had to be at his best to thwart the
visitors as he made a superb interception just as Quagliarella seemed
destined to score.
Ten minutes before the break, Cole played a delightful ball into the path of
Parker and, after taking a quick look up, the Hammer of the Year opted to
take it first-time and blasted a right-foot shot narrowly wide of the far,
top corner. Luca Cigriani became the first player to be booked after a late
lunge on Collison shortly before the break.
After finishing the first half on top, the Hammers started the second in the
same vein. Mark Noble was the first to come close as his spectacular effort
from the edge of the area was just off target before substitute James
Collins, on for Tomkins at half-time, hit a free-kick high and wide.
Parker had an even better chance minutes later when he rounded Morgan De
Sanctis to give himself a clear sight of goal from the angle. Sadly, the
West Ham No8 lost his footing just at the crucial moment and the chance went
begging.
Collison was the cautioned for a challenge on Lavezzi before Napoli made
their first three changes as Hugo Campagnaro, Manuele Blasi and Christian
Maggio replaced captain Gianluca Grava, Michele Pazienza and Leandro
Rinaudo. Gianfranco Zola, managing against the team where he first made a
major impact as a player, made two more substitutions of his own a short
time later, with Jonathan Spector and Savio replacing Faubert, who had
enjoyed an impressive afternoon at right-back, and Dyer.
Junior Stanislas was the next replacement to be called up, replacing Jimenez
before Blasi picked up his first booking for a foul on Savio on 77 minutes.
Napoli took the lead with 12 minutes remaining when a hopeful ball into the
box from right wing-back Maggio was met expertly by Quagliarella, who
twisted his neck to loop the ball over the stranded Green.
It was to be the striker's final contribution to the match as he soon
replaced by Erwin Hoffer, while West Ham introduced Danny Gabbidon in place
of Upson for the defender's first home appearance since December 2007.
Blasi received his marching orders for a second booking following a
dangerous, late tackle on Ilunga. West Ham continued to probe in the closing
stages, with Collins powering a header too close to De Sanctis from Noble's
right-wing corner.
The match provided an entertaining spectacle for the 21,364 inside the
Boleyn Ground and their attendance helped raise £42,728 for the Bobby Moore
Fund for Cancer Research UK.
West Ham United begin their Barclays Premier League campaign with a trip to
newly-promoted Wolverhampton Wanderers next Saturday.
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West Ham United 0-1 Napoli
WHUFC.com
All the action as it happened as Napoli edged out West Ham United to lift
the Bobby Moore Cup
08.08.2009
Bobby Moore Cup
West Ham United v SCC Napoli
Saturday 8 August
3pm
Referee: Keith Stroud
Full-time - West Ham United 0-1 SSC Napoli
93 mins - It is all over here at the Boleyn Ground. Napoli have won the
Bobby Moore Cup. Plenty of reasons for optimism for Gianfranco Zola, though.
West Ham played some good football, but they will need to turn all their
possession into goals once the Barclays Premier League season starts.
92 mins - A smart turn from Cole again and he wins a corner. Noble to take
and the ball is headed clear.
91 mins - Hamsik is replaced by Luigi Vitale, who is wearning number 87.
90 mins - Stanislas comes within a yard of forcing a penalty shoot-out. Cole
and Savio combine before Parker's pass is blocked and the ball falls to
Stanislas. The winger beats his man, but his low shot flies just wide of the
near post with De Sanctis scrambling. We're going to have three added
minutes.
88 mins - Zavon Hines is on for the last few minutes in place of Jack
Collison. Can the Jamaican make a name for himself?
87 mins - Noble wins another corner, which he will take himself. Collins
meets the ball powerfully, but he heads it too close to De Sanctis and the
goalkeeper punches it clear.
85 mins - Close! Noble clips a free-kick to the far post where Collins rises
highest and heads the ball just in front of the lunging Savio. Spector does
well to keep the ball in at the back post and De Sanctis is forced to
concede a corner. West Ham are getting up a head of steam here against the
ten-men of Napoli.
84 mins - Blasi is sent-off for a late lunge on Ilunga. He has been on the
pitch a total of 26 minutes and managed to get himself booked twice.
83 mins - West Ham will need to be less hesitant in front of goal once the
Barclays Premier League season begins for real. They have got into some good
positions, but the Hammers' players have either passed or taken the wrong
option in front of goal.
80 mins - Matthew Upson goes off. He is replaced by Danny Gabbidon, making
his first appearance at the Boleyn Ground since December 2007.
79 mins - Quagliarella has done his job and he is replaced by Austrian Erwin
Hoffer.
78 mins - GOAL! Fabio Quagliarella beats Green with a quite brilliant
flicked header. Maggio launched the ball from the half-way line and the
Italy striker out-jumped Collins and craned his neck to send the ball
looping over the goalkeeper.
77 mins - Blasi sees yellow for a late challenge on Savio. West Ham make
another change. Jimenez is the man to be replace by Junior Stanislas.
75 mins - Zola stretches his thigh muscles inside the technical area. This
game is crying out for some of his inventiveness. Aronica is booked for
kicking the ball away.
73 mins - Napoli replace Santacroce with Aronica. Quagliarella, who has been
quiet since the break, works a bit of space for himself inside the box, but
his shot on the turn is weak and easily gathered by Green.
71 mins - Jimenez has been very impressive today. He has a nice first touch
and is not afraid to run at defenders. He certainly looks like a player who
will have the supporters on their feet this season.
66 mins - Two more changes to Napoli as Bogliacino and Denis replace
Cigarini and Lavezzi. West Ham respond with a piece of superb one-touch
football involving five players that ends with Savio having a shooting
chance from 16 yards, but he is crowded out by Datolo.
63 mins - Faubert is replaced by Spector and Savio comes on for Kieron Dyer.
62 mins - Brilliant defending from Santacroce denies Collison. Dyer and
Ilunga combined down the left before Cole took possession just outside the
penalty area. He laid the ball off to Parker, who split the Napoli defence,
but the Italy Under-21 defender outmuscled Collison to clear the danger.
West Ham are about to introduce Savio and Jonathan Spector.
61 mins - I'm afraid the match has lost a bit of the intensity it enjoyed
before the interval. We've had 16 minutes and the Napoli supporters are far
more enteraining than the game they are watching at present.
58 mins - These new electronic number boards are more trouble than they are
worth. The three substitutions take about two minutes to complete.
Campagnaro replaces Rinaudo, Blasi is on for Pazienza and Maggio replaces
the captain Grava. Contini takes over as skipper.
56 mins - Napoli are preparing to make their first change, or maybe it's
going to be two. Campagnaro, Blasi and Maggio are all lined up on the
touchline awaiting their introduction.
55 mins - Collison is booked for a foul on Lavezzi wide on the left.
54 mins - Parker has a great chance to give West Ham the lead. He rounds De
Sanctis but is forced wide of the target and is unable to direct his shot on
goal.
52 mins - Lavezzi runs across the field before feeding Datolo, whose cross
is well headed out by Upson for a corner, which comes to nothing.
49 mins - West Ham win a free-kick 30 yards from goal after Rinaudo is
penalised for high feet against Jimenez. It again looks like the Chilean has
won the argument with Noble and will take the free-kick. No. It is instead
rolled to Collins, who belts it into the Napoli fans behind the goal.
48 mins - Close from Noble. Dyer runs down the left and cuts inside before
rolling the ball to Noble, but his first-time shot is just wide of the post.
46 mins - We're off and running again. Today's attendance is 21,364, meaning
£42,728 has been raised for the Bobby Moore Fund through ticket sales alone.
A half-time change is in the offing for West Ham. James Collins is going to
replace James Tomkins.
Stephanie Moore and Trevor Brooking are both introduced to the crowd again
at half-time. The pair are both welcomed with cheers and applause before
being interviewed by Jeremy Nicholas. Sir Trevor reveals that his
grand-daughter slept through the entire first half. I promise you it wasn't
that boring!
Half-time - West Ham United 0-0 SSC Napoli
47 mins - Close! Hamsik should have scored with a near-post header from
Cigarini's corner. Instead, the Slovakian heads the ball into his own
shoulder and it bounces wide.
45 mins - We're into the final minute of the first half and Santacroce is
down with what looks like a left knee injury. We're going to have at least
two added minutes. Santacroce is taken to the sideline. He doesn't look too
happy.
43 mins - Ilunga sends Dyer clear down the left wing. The England man
outpaces his marker, but loses his footing and can only stab the ball into
the arms of De Sanctis. It's been an entertaining spectacle so far, even if
we haven't had a goal as yet. Cigarini is booked for a foul on Collison.
That's the first yellow card of the game.
41 mins - Cigarini twists and turns as he tries to beat Upson, but the
defender sticks to him like glue and blocks his attempted shot. Grava
crosses and Tomkins heads out for a corner, which Green gathers above his
head.
39 mins - Jimenez is again heavily involved as West Ham come forward again.
He finds Cole in the inside-right channel. The striker turns and clips the
ball into the penalty area, but Collison is unable to control the ball on
his chest and it bounces through to De Sanctis.
37 mins - Left-back Datolo strides forward and unleashes a well-struck
effort from 30 yards that curls and dips. Unfortunately for him, the curl
and dip took it no nearer the target.
36 mins - Cole's fine through ball sends Parker in behind the Napoli
defence. Parker strikes the ball cleanly, but it soars past the angle of De
Sanctis's far post and crossbar.
35 mins - Contini leaves Jimenez in a heap inside the centre circle, but the
South American is quickly up on his feet.
33 mins - Hamsik clips the ball over for Quagliarella, who has worked a bit
of space on the edge of the penalty area, but the striker swings his leg and
can only scuff the ball through to Green.
30 mins - West Ham work another good opening through Dyer, but when the ball
falls to Parker inside the penalty area, he opts to pass rather than shoot
himself and the chance is lost. The Hammers are definitely on top here now.
Pazienza illustrates that fact but shooting into his own fans from 25 yards.
That was a bit wild.
28 mins - Hamsik again. He runs at the West Ham defence before shooting wide
from 20 yards under pressure from Noble.
26 mins - Another close-call for Napoli as Dyer breaks down the left and
finds Ilunga. The DR Congo man crosses into the penalty area, but Contini
holds off Jimenez before clearing the ball. Seconds later, Jimenez breaks
into the box again. The ball breaks to Collison, but it gets stuck under his
feet and he can only stab the ball well wide of the far post.
24 mins - Quagliarella dances into the penalty area and nearly works himself
a shooting chance, only for a superb challenge from Faubert to thwart him.
The Frenchman's industry earns him around of applause.
22 mins - Datolo brings down Dyer just outside the penalty area. This is
another chance for Jimenez to show his prowess from set pieces. His shot
hits the wall and Napoli attempt to break, but the alert Mark Noble snuffs
out the danger with a sliding challenge.
19 mins - Now both teams have settled into some sort of rhythm, this has
turned into an entertaining game. Both sides look capable of breaking the
deadlock.
17 mins - Having seen Hamsik shoot into the side-netting, West Ham threaten
again through Ilunga, but his cross is just behind Jimenez. The Chilean has
made a bright start himself. He is clearly an attack-minded player with an
eye for a pass.
15 mins - Almost briliant from Cole. First, Faubert slipped a challenge and
lofted a delicious ball over the Napoli defence. Cole ran on to it and beat
both Contini and De Sanctis to the ball before turning the defender with a
sublime piece of skill on the byline. Unfortunately, however, his cross was
too far behind his onrushing team-mates. Encouraging signs, though.
13 mins - Rinaudo is penalised for holding back Dyer, handing the Hammers a
free-kick wide on the left. Jimenez takes and bends a wicked ball into the
area, where De Sanctis grabs the ball just in front of Tomkins. Napoli break
quickly and Green has a little bit of trouble with Parker's backpass, only
for a quick shimmy to take him past Quagliarella and clear the danger.
12 mins - Napoli's big-name players, Lavezzi, Quagliarella and Hamsik, are
living up to their billing so far. Quagliarella, the Italy striker, looks
particularly dangerous. He finds Lavezzi with a neat pass, but the Argentine
is crowded out on the egde of the penalty area.
10 mins - Much better from West Ham. Jimenez and Parker combine to release
Dyer, who crosses high towards Cole, but the England man just cannot get to
the ball ahead of Rinaudo.
8 mins - Napoli look very sharp. They are buzzing around the pitch and not
allowing their hosts to settle at all. Consequently, too many passes are
going astray from the men in claret and blue. Collison breaks forward, but
his attempted pass to Jimenez rebounds to Cole, whose cross is headed out
for a corner.
6 mins - Faubert finds Cole with a neat pass, but the England forward's
touch lets him down and Contini is able to clear to Quagliarella, who turns
Faubert and cuts inside Tomkins, only for his shot to hit strike partner
Lavezzi on the head and fly out for a goal kick.
4 mins - Hamsik breaks forward again and finds Lavezzi, who cuts inside on
his left foot before shooting well over the top. Napoli are lining up in a
5-3-2 formation, with Grava and Datolo as the full-backs and Contini,
Santacroce and Rinaudo in central defence. Hamsik, Pazienza and Cigarini are
in midfield, with Lavezzi supporting Quagliarella. Napoli come close again,
with Robert Green mis-kicking a backpass and unable to stop the ball going
out for a corner. Lavezzi takes, but the ball is headed harmlessly wide of
the near post.
1 min - We're off and running and Napoli make a strong start. Hamsik and
Lavezzi combine before the latter sees his shot well blocked by Upson. The
follow-up effort flies into the Sir Trevor Brooking Stand.
3.04pm - The two sets of players congregate around the centre circle for a
minute of applause for Sir Bobby Robson. An announcement is made in Italian,
and the Napoli supporters spontaneously launch into a loud and rousing round
of applause. That was superb to see.
3.02pm - Reading the two squads out in no mean feat for stadium announcer
Jeremy Nicholas, with a total of 45 players appearing this afternoon.
3.01pm - The introductions complete, the two sets of players shake hands
before breaking towards their respective ends of the field.
3pm - Matthew Upson introduces Sir Trevor to the West Ham players. I bet
being out on the pitch has brought back a few fond memories for the man who
scored 102 goals in 636 games for the Hammers.
2.58pm - Guests of honour Stephanie Moore MBE and Sir Trevor Brooking are
welcomed on to the pitch with a loud cheer and ovation from the home
supporters. A chorus of 'One Trevor Brooking' is belted out from those sat
in the Bobby Moore Stand.
2.57pm - Napoli are sporting their new grey away kit, complete with bright
orange numbers.
2.56pm - Gianfranco Zola and Roberto Donadoni have got their heads together
and decided that we shall have unlimited substitutions this afternoon. With
23 replacements named, fourth official David Phillips could be in for a busy
afternoon. 'Bubbles' has started to play, and here come the two teams, led
by captains Upson and Gianluca Grava.
2.55pm - Napoli's substitutes, who never did appear for that warm-up, take
their seats in the away dugout. Kick-off is fast approaching...
2.52pm - Don't forget, you can watch the entire match live on WHUTV this
afternoon. Simply follow the link above and follow the instructions.
2.50pm - Jack Collison gets a warm cheer as he comes off the pitch and heads
for the home dressing room. The Wales midfielder responds by handing his
Bobby Moore Fund t-shirt to a supporter.
2.45pm - Time for a bit of pre-match shooting practice for the Hammers, with
Junior Stanislas looking particularly impressive in firing a shot into the
top-corner. Another half-volley flies past Marek Stech from the forward.
He's on fire!
2.35pm - Napoli's fans a making a proper racket in the lower tier of the
soon-to-be Sir Trevor Brooking Stand. They have brought 1,200 supporters
with them from the south of Italy - no mean feat for a pre-season friendly.
They appear to be determined to make themselves heard and are running
through a repertoire of songs and elaborate clapping routines. Very
impressive it all is, too.
2.30pm - While West Ham's entire squad are being put through their paces by
fitness coach Antonio Pintus, Napoli's substitutes are not out on the pitch
at all. Four of them are watching the starting XI warm up, but aside from
the replacement goalkeepers, the remainder of their contingent are nowhere
to be seen. Maybe they'll be out a bit closer to kick-off?
2.25pm - West Ham United's players take to the pitch for their pre-match
warm-up, led by Matthew Upson. To a man, the squad are all wearing bright
red t-shirts in honour of the Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer Research UK.
West Ham United: Robert Green, Julien Faubert (Jonathan Spector 63), James
Tomkins (James Collins 46), Matthew Upson (Danny Gabbidon 80), Herita
Ilunga, Mark Noble, Scott Parker, Jack Collison (Zavon Hines 88), Luis
Jimenez (Junior Stanislas 77), Kieron Dyer (Savio 63), Carlton Cole
Subs: Marek Stech, Peter Kurucz, Fabio Daprela, Josh Payne, Olly Lee, Frank
Nouble
SSC Napoli: Morgan De Sanctis, Gianluca Grava (Christian Maggio 58), Fabiano
Santacroce (Salvatore Aronica 73), Leandro Rinaudo (Hugo Campagnaro 58),
Matteo Contini, Jesus Datolo, Marek Hamsik (Luigi Vitale 90), Luca Cigarini
(Mariano Bogliacino 66), Michele Pazienza (Manuele Blasi 58), Ezequiel
Lavezzi (German Denis 66), Fabio Quagliarella (Erwin Hoffer 78)
Subs: Matteo Gianello, Francesco Montervino, Walter Gargano
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West Ham Utd 0 Napoli 1
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 8th August 2009
By: Staff Writer
West Ham's failure to hit the target cost them dearly again this afternoon
as they went down 1-0 at home to 10-men Napoli. United, who remain
desperately short of firepower just a week ahead of the start of the season
once again struggled to create anything of note in front of goal, despite
the best efforts of the lively Carlton Cole who was forced to plough a lone
furrow up front for much of the game. Meanwhile a late header from Fabio
Quagliarella - capitalising on a mix-up between James Collins and Robert
Green - was enough to take the Bobby Moore Trophy back to Napoli, despite
the Italians having to play the final nine minutes with ten men after
substitute Manuele Blasi deservedly saw red for a second bookable offence.
The day began with a minute's applause for the recently departed Sir Bobby
Robson, which was impeccably observed by both sets of supporters. But once
battle commenced, the Hammers soon found themselves on the backfoot with the
visitors coming out of the blocks the stronger; fortunately Ezequiel Lavezzi
and eventual match-winner Quagliarella failed to hit the target with early
efforts.
The Irons - featuring new signing Luis Jiminez at the Boleyn for the first
time - had to wait until midway through the first half before registering an
effort on goal - although Jack Collison's effort was never troubling
goalkeeper Morgan De Sanctis, a recent arrival at Napoli. West Ham's best
chance of the opening half fell to Scott Parker - who also saw a couple of
speculative efforts fly wide of the post - on the half-hour mark, but the
option to pass inside rather than shoot from inside the area was the wrong
one and the opportunity was lost.
Shortly after James Tomkins almost latched on to a through ball but failed
to make contact by the narrowest of margins when faced with just the keeper
to beat, before Hamsik wasted the best opportunity of the half in it's final
minute when fluffing a Luca Cigarini corner. The half time break saw the
crowd of just over 21,000 introduced to Stephanie Moore, who thanked both
the club and those in attendance for their contributions to the Bobby Moore
Cancer Fund (£1 from every ticket sold for today's game went to the fund,
with the club doubling the final figure). The mike was then handed over to
Sir Trevor Brooking who shared his thoughts on the club's well-received
decision to rename the North Bank/Centenary Stand after him.
After being treated to a pleasant enough version of Nessun Dorma by a singer
who looked uncannily like comedian Eddie Izzard from a distance (this writer
has since been informed he belonged to a group called G4 that emerged from
the TV show 'X Factor') the players reconvened for the second half. This
time it was West Ham - with James Collins on in place of James Tomkins at
centre half - who started the stronger and Mark Noble was a whisker away
from opening the scoring just three minutes in with a drilled effort from
the edge of the box.
Shortly after Scott Parker was once again in the thick of it but as in the
first half, a reluctance to fire first time cost the midfielder dear as he
saw his eventual effort slide narrowly wide. A string of substitutions then
followed - the most notable being the 58th minute introduction of Blasi,
more on that later - as the game became a little disjointed.
The Hammers, who went into the game having won just once in pre-season (that
being against a Beijing Guoan second-string) were beginning to look the more
likely of the two sides to win the game - before being hit by a sucker punch
with 11 minutes of normal time remaining.
A quick free-kick by sub Christian Maggio seemed to catch both James Collins
and Rob Green unaware and Quagliarella, no doubt aware that Green had
ventured off his line simply let the ball flick off his head into an
unguarded net.
James Collins should perhaps have dealt with it sooner but Green, being
watched by England keeper Fabio Capello was clearly at fault having
hesitated once leaving his line.
Five minutes later and the visitors were reduced to ten men when substitute
Blasi, who had already been booked for an extremely late challenge on Savio
Nsereko seven minutes earlier received a second caution for an equally poor
challenge on Herita Ilunga.
The clearly angry Napoli boss Donadini didn't even glance at the player -
who had been on the field for just 26 minutes - as he trudged off down the
tunnel.
With Napoli down to ten men United pushed forward in an attempt to take the
game to penalties but failed to profit ; James Collins went closest to
attoning for his earlier error with a strong header from a Mark Noble
corner, however his effort was just too close to the goalkeeper.
Whilst pre-season friendlies should never be a barometer for league form the
lack of goals up to now will no doubt worry Gianfranco Zola and Steve
Clarke, who will step up the search for a striker this week. Today's game
was yet again reminiscent of the final third of last season when the Hammers
struggled to punish their opposition in the final third.
On the bright side, there were good performances from Julien Faubert at
right back, Kieron Dyer, Carlton Cole and new boy Luis Jimenez, who managed
to treat the fans to a couple of neat tricks before receiving a warm
reception upon his substitution midway through the second half.
Next up for United is the Premier League season opener against
newly-promoted Wolves; far from the ideal way to begin a campaign but a good
test nonetheless.
West Ham Utd 0 SSC Napoli 1: match facts
West Ham United: Green, Faubert (Spector 63), Tomkins (Collins 46), Upson
(Gabbidon 80), Ilunga, Noble, Parker, Collison (Hines 88), Jimenez
(Stanislas 77), Dyer (Savio 63), Cole.
Subs not used: Stech, Kurucz, Daprela, Payne, Lee, Nouble.
Booked: Collison (55).
Napoli: De Sanctis, Grava (Maggio 58), Santacroce (Aronica 73), Rinaudo
(Campagnaro 58), Contini, Datolo, Hamsik (Vitale 90), Cigarini (Bogliacino
66), Pazienza (Blasi 58), Lavezzi (Denis 66), Quagliarella (Hoffer 78).
Subs not used: Gianello, Montervino, Gargano.
Goals: Quagliarella (79).
Booked: Cigarini (43), Aronica (75), Blasi (79).
Sent off: Blasi (84).
Referee: Keith Stroud.
Attendance: 21,364.
Man of the Match: Carlton Cole.
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Zola admits forward hunt
Hammers chief hopeful of new signing
Last updated: 9th August 2009
SSN
West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola has admitted the club is in the market for a
new striker. The Hammers have been credited with an interest in Italian
international Luca Toni who has slipped down the pecking order at Bayern
Munich. Zola refused to reveal any of his targets, but is hopeful there
could be some movement on the transfer front next week "Everybody knows that
that is a position where we need a bit more cover but I rely on the club and
the club knows that," Zola told the club's official website.
"The club is trying to strengthen the team so maybe this week something will
happen. "This team can improve. The good thing about this team is that after
the last game, I said we needed to improve certain things and they just did
it. It is very encouraging for me and I'm absolutely convinced this will be
a positive season."
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Sir Gianfranco meets Napoli againBut the party is for Quagliarella
La Gazzetta De La Sport
LONDON (England), 8 August 2009 - Donadoni beat Zola, Napoli won 1-0 against
a West Ham side coached by the ex-Napoli playmaker. The Bobby Moore Cup will
be on display in the Napoli trophy cabinet thanks to Fabio Quagliarella. The
striker, fresh from his call-up to the national side, scored the winning
goal 12 minutes from the end with a header that deceived Green. The England
coach Fabio Capello was in the stands.
NAPOLI IN PROGRESS - There was nothing very friendly about the match at
Upton Park. There were at least 3,000 Napoli fans on the terraces. Napoli
started well, with Datolo playing on the left. A rather bumbling Lavezzi was
also there in the attack. The sky-blues (in silver jerseys) had the upper
hand for fifteen minutes, then the Hammers showed they know how to play
possession football, but did not look dangerous. The ex-Inter player Jimenez
tried to liven things up, but Napoli's defence (with Santacroce, Rinaudo and
Contini) held.
QUIET EVERYONE - In the second half West Ham came out of their shells:
Zola's team became dangerous, first through Noble (his right-footer was
high) and then with Parker, who evaded the rushing De Sanctis but could not
put the ball away. The best signals for Napoli came from the defence. The
goal started with a piece of intuition from Maggio: a 40 metre ball for
Quagliarella whose header, aided by a slight deviation from Collins, beat
the English keeper and silenced Upton Park. A minute later the striker was
replaced by Hoffer. At the end Blasi was sent off for his second booking.
West Ham went close to scoring with Stanislas, but after three minutes of
stoppage time, the Napoli fans were celebrating.
Davide Palliggiano
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Cash-Strapped West Ham United To Sell £10 Million Matthew Upson – Report
A British tabloid claims that off-field issues could force the Hammers into
selling their key defender...
9 Aug 2009 09:30:10
West Ham United may be forced to sell defender Matthew Upson in order to
raise finances before the end of the transfer window, according to a report
in a British newspaper. The Mail on Sunday claims that the Hammers'
Icelandic owners need to raise £10 million in player sales and could be set
to jettison Upson in order to achieve the required funds. Manager Gianfranco
Zola has previously insisted he is under no financial restraints at Upton
Park, yet that situation appears to have changed in recent weeks. Indeed,
the British tabloid even claims that chief executive Scott Duxbury has been
ordered to raise £10 million before the transfer window closes on September
1.
Upson has been at the club since signing from Birmingham City in 2007 but
has openly admitted he wants to play Champions League football in order to
enhance his international prospects. Manchester City have already been
linked with a move for the 30-year-old, should their attempts to sign Joleon
Lescott fall through, yet he may also prove a tempting option for one of his
former clubs Arsenal.
Gill Clark, Goal.com
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WEST HAM 0, NAPOLI 1
News Of The World
Striking problem for Gianfranco Zola
09/08/2009
GIANFRANCO ZOLA said he is still in the hunt for a new striker after seeing
his side fail to turn possession into goals. Italy striker Fabio
Quagliarella headed the only goal in the 78th minute as Napoli won the Bobby
Moore Cup. West Ham showed plenty of quality in their approach work but did
not force a save out of keeper Morgan De Sanctis until a late rally. Italy
striker Luca Toni has been linked with a loan move from Bayern Munich
although a more likely arrival is Barcelona's Eidur Gudjohnsen. Zola said:
"The club know that and they are trying to strengthen the team, so maybe
this week something will happen."
Napoli's Manuele Blasi was sent off for a high challenge on Herita Ilunga.
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Club-by-club preview: West Ham United
The Times
2008-09 Record Premier League 9, FA Cup rnd 5, Carling Cup rnd3
Manager
Gianfranco Zola So universally beloved that the West Ham fans forgave him
his Chelsea history and the Chelsea fans forgave him taking over at West
Ham. Zola started as shakily as the club's finances have become, but by the
new year he'd impressively turned the corner despite slender resources.
Artists or artisans?
The combination of the artist himself, Zola, and the club of artists, West
Ham, should mean only one thing. The permanent signing of cultured loanee
Herita Ilunga bodes well, as does the fleet-footed Chilean Luis Jimenez's
year-long loan.
Crowd puller
Kieron Dyer A wretched injury record that makes Dean Ashton look like Ryan
Giggs means that Dyer has started just three league games in two seasons.
However, if he's truly fit at last, he'll be the all-action marquee signing
West Ham can no longer afford.
Feuding with
Icelandic banks Owned by one (Lansbanki) that went bust. Acquired by the
holding company of another (Straumur) which is about to be liquidated. Not
to mention the still unfiled accounts that even the chief executive
describes as 'a disaster ... absolute hell'.
Squad analysis
Goalkeepers 1 Robert Green, 28 Peter Kurucz
Defenders 4 Daniel Gabbidon, 15 Matthew Upson, 18 Jonathan Spector, 19 James
Collins, 23 Herita Ilunga, 27 Calum Davenport, 30 James Tomkins, 33 Fabio
Daprela, 44 Bondz N'Gala, 45 Jordan Spence Midfielders 7 Kieron Dyer, 8
Scott Parker, 13 Luis Boa Morte, 16 Mark Noble, 17 Luis Jimenez, 20 Julien
Faubert, 21 Valon Behrami, 26 Nigel Quashie, 31 Jack Collison, 35 Josh
Payne, 46 Junior Stanislas
Forwards 9 Dean Ashton, 10 Savio Nsereko, 12 Carlton Cole, 24 Frank Nouble,
41 Zavon Hines
Players in Fabio Daprela (Grasshopper) undisclosed, Herita Ilunga (Toulouse)
undisclosed, Frank Nouble (Chelsea) undisclosed, Peter Kurucz (Ujpest) free,
Luis Jimenez (Inter) loan
Players out Lee Bowyer (Birmingham) free, Kyel Reid (Sheff Utd) free,
Freddie Sears (Crystal Palace) loan, Lucas Neill and Diego Tristan
(released)
If they were a movie star they would be...
Keanu Reeves Nice to look at but worryingly short on depth.
Jonathan Northcroft's prediction: 10th
Firepower is a worry but West Ham are full of skill elsewhere with Mark
Noble, James Tomkins and Jack Collison
Title odds 1500-1
First six fixtures
Aug 15 Wolves (a) 3pm
Aug 23 Tottenham (h) 1.30pm
Aug 29 Blackburn (a) 3pm
Sep 12 Wigan (a) 3pm
Sep 19 Liverpool (h) 5.30pm
Sep 28 Man City (a) 8pm
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Premier League clubs on alert as West Ham set to lose £10m Upson
By Rob Draper
Last updated at 10:49 PM on 08th August 2009
Daily Mail
West Ham are set to lose England defender Matthew Upson after the club's
cash-strapped Icelandic owners ordered them to raise £10million from player
sales before the close of the transfer window. Despite previously stating
that Gianfranco Zola would be under no pressure to sell players, Icelandic
bank Straumur, who own West Ham through CB Holdings, have told chief
executive Scott Duxbury he must raise cash in the coming weeks. Straumur are
desperately trying to stave off bankruptcy by pacifying their creditors and
Upson is the most bankable asset at Upton Park. The former Luton and
Arsenal defender, 30, has previously been linked with Manchester City, in
the event of Mark Hughes failing to prise Joleon Lescott out of Everton, and
with Tottenham, but he might also be an attractive option for England's four
Champions League clubs. Duxbury will have 17 hours longer than previously
expected to raise the £10m because the Premier League have decided to extend
the transfer window to 5pm on September 1 to take account of August 31 being
Bank Holiday Monday
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Gianfranco Zola eyes Luca Toni and Eidur Gudjohnsen as West Ham continue to
fire blanks
By Sportsmail Reporter Last updated at 12:19 AM on 09th August 2009
Daily Mail
Gianfranco Zola's hunt for a new striker will become even more urgent this
week after West Ham fired blanks again in a 1-0 home defeat by Napoli in
their final pre-season match. Zola is chasing Luca Toni, of Bayern Munich,
and Barcelona's Eidur Gudjohnsen in a bid to beef up his lightweight attack.
With Luis Boa Morte out until January after tearing knee ligaments and Dean
Ashton apparently on his way to Stoke, the job was left to Carlton Cole
yesterday. But he rarely threatened and the match was settled by a mistake
by Robert Green, who allowed Fabio Quagliarella's header to loop in under
the bar.
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Manchester City Shift Focus To West Ham United's Matthew Upson – Report
Having grown frustrated with unsatisfactory demands from Everton for Joleon
Lescott, the Citizens are looking at Upson...
8 Aug 2009 10:50:03
Due to the increasingly frustrating pursuit of Everton's Joleon Lescott, the
Manchester City are reportedly looking elsewhere for a central defensive
partner for Kolo Toure, with Matthew Upson reportedly their next target,
according to The Mirror. The club has apparently sounded out West Ham United
regarding a prospective move for the defender, who recently expressed a
desire to play with a team that is challenging for the Premier League title
in order to increase his chances of World Cup selection.
After having bids of £15 million and £18m rejected, City are said to be
mounting a last ditch offer of £22m for Lescott before shifting their focus
onto Upson. While Everton appear to be unflinching with their £30m
valuation, it is reported that the Irons will be eager to take the talks to
the table should Lescott's proposed move fall through. Brede Hangeland of
Fulham, Chelsea's Alex, as well as Portsmouth stopper Sylvain Distin, are
all said to be on the Eastlands radar as secondary targets. However, manager
Mark Hughes is believed to be keen on securing the services of the England
international, who must perform well over the next campaign to book his
place in the World Cup squad. Meanwhile, Hammers manager Gianfranco Zola
will still have James Collins, James Tomkins and Danny Gabbidon to compete
for the central defensive roles should Upson choose to leave Upton Park.
Adithya Ananth, Goal.com
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Man City, Spurs alerted as West Ham forced into Upson sale
09.08.09 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham United face putting Matthew Upson up for sale. The Mail on Sunday
says the Hammers are set to lose England defender Upson after the club's
cash-strapped Icelandic owners ordered them to raise £10million from player
sales before the close of the transfer window. Despite previously stating
that Gianfranco Zola would be under no pressure to sell players, Icelandic
bank Straumur, who own West Ham through CB Holdings, have told chief
executive Scott Duxbury he must raise cash in the coming weeks. Straumur are
desperately trying to stave off bankruptcy by pacifying their creditors and
Upson is the most bankable asset at Upton Park. The former Luton and Arsenal
defender, 30, has previously been linked with Manchester City, in the event
of Mark Hughes failing to prise Joleon Lescott out of Everton, and with
Tottenham, but he might also be an attractive option for England's four
Champions League clubs.
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Sunderland boss Bruce confident of Neill signing
08.08.09 | tribalfootball.com
Sunderland boss Steve Bruce is confident closing a deal for Australia
captain Lucas Neill. Bruce is confident of landing free agent Neill, who has
held talks after turning down a new West Ham contract. Bruce said: "I've
had a conversation with Neill's agent and we'll see if anything develops in
the next week."
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