Roy Hodgson, England national team manager, remarked that he and his side are assured of a World Cup appearance in 2014, despite a display of flaws while playign against tough oponnent Ukraine that led to a 1-1 draw.

Hodgson's side suffered from a lack of key players. The team needed a late-game penalty from Frank Lampard to get past through losing to Ukraine. Disappointing performances from Tom Cleverley aggravated the team's situation at home on Tuesday.

Important players like Andy Carroll, Wayne Rooney, Theo Walcott and John Terry were all absent during the Ukraine fixture. Hodgson deemed the call-ups of Adam Lallana, Raheem Sterling and Jake Livermore as necessary, even though none of them played for the seniors before.

Hodgson remained confident that his side will be competing strongly for the World Cup. Saying that many features of the Ukraine game impressed him, he noted the abilities of the youngsters in the game. He added that the team has a strong winning chance especially if all the sidelined players are present.

Expectations were high for England when they thrashed an ailing Moldova side 5-0 prior to last Tuesday's match. Ukraine proved to be a tougher team, given their international potential as seen in EURO 2012.

With the match showing England having a difficult time superseding the Ukrainians, the rescue goal provided by Lampard provided consolation to the team's numerous wasted chances. Cleverley's double wide shots is a far cry from his performance in Moldova that led Hodgson to immediately compare him to Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas.

A 25-yard goal from Yevgeni Konoplianka, followed by near-goal attempts from Oleg Gusev and Ruslan Rotan, highlighted the strength of Ukraine. Captain Steven Gerrard's send-off and five other bookings, greatly hampered the progress of England. Jermain Defoe's invalidated 20-yard goal due to an illegal hand-off further drew the ire of Hodgson on referee Cuneyt Cakir.

Gerrard joined Hodgson in agreeing that England has a fighting chance for the World Cup. He commended his side's determined attitude and the satisfactory performance of the youngsters, as shown against Ukraine which could have easily earned them a loss.

England will face San Marino and Poland in their upcoming World Cup qualifiers in October.

Keep Track Of Upcoming 2014 World Cup Qualifying Round Updates With 12BET.com!

Do not miss the latest news on the 2014 World Cup qualifiers! Bet on soccer odds now at 12BET.com to support your preferred national team!

Photo credits:

Roy Hodgson [Photograph]. (2012). Retrieved 13 September 2012, from < http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/article/165/8071022/hodgson-aware-of-slim-pickings >

Euro 2012 EUFA the sports book 12bet 

Group Stage Russia Vs Czech Match Preview


Russia will come into the go with as powerful favorites in many experts sight after their amazing displaying during determining. Dick Advocatt's men lead Team B with seven benefits from their ten trips.

Read More http://epltipsonline.blogspot.com/2012/06/euro-2012-eufa-cash-rewards-12bet.html

Juventus and Napoli are set to face one another in this year’s Coppa Italia Final. The match will light the fire of northern and southern Italy’s rivalry once again, as the north’s Juventus hosts the Coppa Italia final with visiting Napoli from the south aiming to win against Italy’s strongest football club.

Juventus is a powerful contender for this match, beating Milan with an aggregate score of 4-3 in the semi-finals to reach the finals. It also became the third team in the history of the Serie A to go on undefeated the whole season when it won this year’s title. It is also Italy’s most successful football club, gaining the most titles and supporters throughout its history.

Napoli, on the other hand, will not take the pressure lightly. The Azzurri is capable of competing against the mighty Old Lady. Napoli did not lose to Juventus in 4 matches before its recent defeat versus the Turin-based club in this year’s Serie A. The Naples-based club enjoyed 3-1 and 3-0 wins and maintained two draws against Juventus in the Serie A matches of 2010/2011 and 2011/2012, respectively.

Can Juventus win the double this season or will Napoli win for the first time since 1987?

Read more http://englishmatches.com/rivalry-between-juventus-and-napoli-extends-to-coppa-italia-2012-final/