Europa Final ~ Fulham 1 - 2 Atletico Madrid
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Fulham v Atletico Madrid: match preview
Read a full match preview of the Europa League final between Fulham and Atletico Madrid at the Hamburg Arena on Wednesday May 12 2010
Roy Hodgson will lead Fulham against Atletico Madrid in the Europa League Cup final in Hamburg tonight
Fulham vs Atletico Madrid
Wednesday, 12 May 2010
Channel 61 Football Frenzy : 2.45 am - (Live) (Thur Morning)
Europa League Final
Talking tactics:
The key for Fulham will be to contain Atletico's obvious attacking threats, notably Jose Antonio Reyes, Diego Forlan and Sergio Aguero. It means that Roy Hodgson will require major midfield performances from Danny Murphy and Dickson Etuhu. Atletico, however, do have a suspect defence and have conceded 57 goals this season in La Liga.
Managers:
Roy Hodgson v Quique Sanchez Flores: With their teams settled in mid-table of the respective domestic leagues, the Europa League has developed into the priority this season from both Hodgson and Flores. Fulham look to have a decisive advantage in the dugout, both in terms of Hodgson’s experience and tactical acumen. Flores has endured domestic disappointment in what is his first season at Atletico following spells with Benfica, Valencia and Getafe.
Key clash:
Diego Forlan v Brede Hangeland: It is his unpredictability than can make Forlan, the former Manchester United centre-forward, so dangerous. His pace and movement are other major assets, as Liverpool found to their cost in the semi-final, meaning Brede Hangeland will need to rely on much more than his commanding aerial presence.
What they are saying:
Atletico coach Quique Sanchez Flores said: "They have excellent players. The physical aspect and strategy come together. We have to take some risk but not open ourselves to dead-ball situations. There are many reasons to be optimistic but we have to be careful. And we need to be courageous."
Fulham manager Roy Hodgson: "If we lose then I hope it means we've been beaten by a better team and not that we've been very unlucky or been hit by some decisions that are controversial. At the moment we're planning not to be second best, we're planning to try and win the competition. Whatever happens it's been a very good season for us and we're determined to crown that season by winning the trophy."
Probable teams:
Fulham (4-4-1-1): Schwarzer; Pantsil, Hangeland, Hughes, Konchesky; Davies, Murphy, Etuhu, Duff; Gera; Zamora.
Atletico Madrid (4-4-2): De Gea; Valera, Dominguez, Perea, Antonio Lopez; Reyes, Paulo Assuncao, Raul Garcia, Simao; Aguero, Forlan. -
I take AM to win the europa league.
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Prediction:
Fulham might win during ET
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Fulham, even if it goes down to penalties.
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AM !!! they bt valencia, liverpool along the way....
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I want Atletico to win too! =D
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1-1 scoreline at 90 mins. forlan and davis scored for AM and fulham respectively.
now is ET.
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gg forlan just scored again..
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congrats to AM for winning the europa league. forlan did it again, 2 goals tonight.
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I feel for Fulham. Hope they can replicate their form again next season! Grats to Atletico.
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Congrats AM fans !!! & also my wallet slightly thicker than yesterday ~~
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Fulham lost with diginity, hope can come better next season.
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Forlan heroes: United reject ends Fulham Euro dream, but Roy's still so proud
Atletico Madrid 2 Fulham 1 (aet: 90 mins 1-1)
ROY HODGSON saluted his Fulham heroes after their last-gasp Euro heartache and declared: I'm so proud.
Diego Forlan hit a 116th-minute winner to clinch glory for Atletico in the Europa League final - Fulham's 63rd game of the season and their NINETEENTH in Europe.
Hodgson said: "The players are very, very disappointed as we put up a very good show.
"The game was heading towards penalties and despite obvious fatigue we were well organised, well disciplined and looking good value for the result.
"But, unfortunately, Forlan popped up with the crucial goal.
"It's a bitter disappointment as I thought we deserved at least to go to penalties.
"But I am unbelievably proud of my players."
Fulham's 20,000-mile Europa League adventure started last JULY.
Hodgson added: "Everyone wants to finish first but finishing second at this level of competition after 63 games is a remarkable achievement.
"I never imagined we'd get here in my wildest dreams but that doesn't help ease the disappointment I'm feeling now."
Forlan scored both of Atletico's goals, with Simon Davies replying.
Davies said: "It's very painful. We were hanging on a little bit and put a great shift in and towards the end we were looking to take it to penalties.
"It is a shame because we got so close. I will look back on my goal in years to come but right now it is very hard."
Fulham owner Mohamed Al Fayed said: "I'm very proud of the manager and all the players."
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Heartbreak: Forlan hits the winner
Up for the cup: Athletico Madrid celebrate victory over Fulham
Fallen flat: Hodgson (right) and his players sport runners-up medals after an agonising loss
High jinks: Atletico Madrid players throw their head coach Quique Sanchez Flores in the air