北京奧運

Z_Ho

17 November 2007

Japan boost hopes with Vietnam rout

Japan's Tadanari Lee (R) and his teammates celebrate their team's first goal against Vietnam in Hanoi.                                                                                                                            HANOI:Tadanari Lee headed in two goals as Japan trounced Vietnam 4-0 at MyDinh Stadium to boost their hopes of finishing top of Group C andsecuring a spot in the Men's Olympic Football Tournament for a fourthconsecutive time. The Japanese had managed only three goals in their previous fourmatches in the AFC Final Round for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games butLee's first-half brace, a Keisuke Honda penalty and Hajime Hosogai'ssecond half header put Yasuharu Sorimachi's side back in pole positionin the group. They currently hold a three-point lead over second-placed Qatar, whoface a daunting clash with neighbours Saudi Arabia in Dammam later onSaturday. Japan had several absentees with Yasuhito Morishima and Akihiro Ienagasuspended and Mihichiro Yasuda and Takuya Honda missing the gamethrough injury but they enjoyed an excellent start, taking the leadafter only eight minutes. Koki Mizuno swung in a free-kick from the right flank and Lee rosemajestically above the Vietnamese defence to head in the opening goal. Vietnam went close to levelling the score on 20 minutes when Doan VietCuong's cross from the left flank was met by a spectacular bicycle kickfrom Phan Thanh Binh that was turned aside by Japan goalkeeper ShusakuNishikawa for a corner. The home side were in the ascendancy but Japan scored a second againstthe run of play in the 25th minute as Honda's cross from the left wasmet by a thumping header by Lee. The visitors would make it 3-0 lead five minutes before the break whenShinji Okazaki was brought down in the box and Honda made no mistakefrom the spot. Vietnam dominated proceedings in the second half and nearly pulled backa goal in the 56th minute when skipper Le Cong Vinh's close-rangeheader went wide. Japan absorbed plenty of pressure but nearly grabbed a fourth goal inthe 74th minute when substitute Tsukasa Umesaki drove in a long rangeshot that came back off the left upright. Striker Shinji Okazaki reacted quickly to gather the ball, but withonly goalkeeper Tran Duc Cuong to beat he stumbled, allowing theVietnamese custodian to deny him. However, Cuong would pick the ball out of his net again three minutesfrom time when substitute Hajime Hosogai out-leapt the Vietnamgoalkeeper to head home Japan's fourth of the night. Japan had a chance to add a fifth goal a minute later as they wereawarded a penalty after Vo Nhat Tan chopped down Shinzoh Kohrogi with awaist-high tackle. But Honda failed to take advantage as his weak attempt was easily saved by Cuong.

2007年11月18日

日本4蛋贈越南重回正軌

（河內）「空霸」李忠成頭槌梅開二度，助日本在2008年北京奧運亞洲區預選賽，作客以4比0輕取越南。 日本也因此重奪C組榜首，很有機會連續4度亮相奧運舞台。 日本在過去4場比賽僅進3球，鋒無力毛病明顯，但今天的表現完全脫胎換骨，令主帥反町康治大感欣慰。 日本目前以3分領先較後上陣作客沙特阿拉伯的卡塔爾。 日本在第8分鐘先拔頭籌，水野晃樹從右路開出任意球，李忠成力壓越南後防施展頭槌破關。 第23分鐘，本田圭佑左路傳中，身型高壯的李忠成再次發揮「空中霸王」本色，連中雙元。 半場結束前5分鐘，興梠慎三在禁區內給越南後衛絆倒，本田圭佑射進點球，日本上半場以3比0穩操勝券。 日本在下半場初段頂著越南狂攻後，再度牢控場上局勢。第87分鐘，替補細貝萌躍高力壓越南門將陳杜聰，攻進本隊第4球。 日本有機會在一分鐘後再進一球，但本田圭佑主罰的點球，給陳杜聰準確撲出。

Z_Ho

18 November 2007                           
Bahrain held by Syria
AFC Final Round for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games
AFC Final Round for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games
MANAMA: Bahrain's hopes of Olympic qualification suffered a big blow on Saturday as they were held to a 1-1 draw by 10-man Syria in a Group B match at Bahrain National Stadium.

With group leaders Korea Republic held to a goalless draw by Uzbekistan earlier in the day, the Bahrainis had the opportunity to move to the top of the group with a victory in their penultimate match in the AFC Final Round for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

The Bahrainis were seeking their fourth victory in five games but it was Syria, who were winless in their previous four matches, that took the lead through Majed Al Hajj shortly before half-time.

The visitors were reduced to 10 players when Aobada Sayed was sent off early in the second half but although Faouzi Aaish equalised in the 63rd minute, the hosts were unable to get the winner that would have given them a valuable advantage to take to Seoul for their crucial final game against the Koreans on Wednesday.

Bahrain must now win the game to qualify for China while the Taeguk Warriors only need a draw to advance to the Men's Olympic Football Tournament for a sixth consecutive time.

The Bahrainis were out of the gate quickly and nearly opened the scoring after nine minutes when Nigeria-born striker Jaycee Okwunwanee was presented wth an opportunity in the box but fired his shot over the crossbar.

Syria were already out of contention after only picking up two points from our games but they gradually got into the game, keeping the Bahrainis at bay and stunning the home side by taking the lead just before the end of the half.

With only three minutes remaining before the interval, Al Hajj ran on to a long ball from the back and took the ball past the Bahrain goalkeeper before putting the ball into the net despite defender Ahmed Bubeshait's desperate attempt to clear the ball off the goal line.

Bahrain began the second half in determined mood and their hopes of rescuing the match were boosted in the 57th minute when Syrian midfielder Aobada Sayed was sent off after picking up his second yellow card of the game.

Bahrain took full advantage of their numerical superiority in the 63rd minute when midfielder Faouzi Aaish fired a powerful free kick past Syria goalkeeper Ali Al Holami to level the score.

The home side increased their pressure in the closing minutes but were unable to fashion any real threats until two minutes from the end when substitute Abdulla Al Dakeel rounded the goalkeeper but stumbled before he could tuck the ball into the unguarded net.

2007年11月18日                           
巴林錯失登頂機會



（麥納麥）巴林無法在韓國失分的情況下趁虛而入，僅有力在主場和10人應戰的敘利亞1平言和，痛失坐上B組龍椅的黃金機會。

韓國在較早前一役和烏茲別克掛零悶和，使巴林擁有登上小組榜首的有利位置，但在韓、巴同樣失分的情況下，此組的一席2008年北京奧運會出線資格，將留待下週三的壓軸大戰揭曉。巴林作客韓國的戰役，無疑變得更加引人矚目。

提早淘汰的敘利亞在上半場結束前3分鐘先下一城，震驚了麥納麥萬千球迷。阿爾哈吉從後場直接盤球挺進，再拐過巴林門將把皮球送入網窩。巴林後衛布貝薩伊特雖試圖在底線前解圍，但皮球來勢太猛，徒勞無功。

敘利亞在易邊後12分鐘後打少一人，中場薩耶德領下個人在本場的次張黃牌罰下。

佔據人數優勢的巴林，戰至第63分鐘扳平。中場艾什主射一次強勁有力的任意球，敘利亞門將阿爾霍拉米鞭長莫及。

Z_Ho

18 November 2007                           
DPR Korea claim first win
AFC Final Round for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games
AFC Final Round for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games
BEIRUT: DPR Korea finally found the net in the AFC Final Round for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games as they came from behind to beat Lebanon 2-1 at Beirut Municipal Stadium on Saturday.

Lebanon took an early lead through a Hamzeh Salameh penalty but the Koreans levelled right before half-time through Kim Kyong-il before Kim Kuk-jin scored the winner midway through the second half.

Lebanon won the initial meeting between the two sides in Pyongyang 1-0 but they entered the match knowing that they have no chance to qualify for the Olympics after Australia's 2-0 victory over Iraq earlier in the day.

But the Lebanese enjoyed an excellent start, taking the lead after only four minutes when midfielder Hamzeh Salameh converted from the penalty spot after striker Akram Moghrabi had been fouled in the DPR Korea box.  

The signs were ominous for the Koreans, who had failed to score in their previous four games in the final round but with the Lebanese retreating into defence in an attempt to protect their lead, they were given encouragement to take control of midfield and successfully levelled the scores just before the break.

A deep cross from the right picked out an unmarked Kim Kyong-il inside the area and the 19-year-old midfielder made no mistake as he curled the ball into the far corner past goalkeeper Hassan Moghnieh in stoppage time at the end of the half.

DPR Korea continued to enjoy the upper hand after the break and went close in the 55th minute when Pak Song Chol's powerful shot from outside the area flew just wide of the left upright.

The constant pressure of the visitors paid dividends on 70 minutes when they took the lead after Ri Chol-myong's free kick was met with a downward header by Kim Kuk-jin that bounced hard off the ground and into the net to give DPR Korea the lead for the first time in the final round.

Stunned into action, Lebanon pressed forward in a vain attempt to get back into the game.

Their best chance of an equaliser came five minutes before the end when Jihad Al Helwi's cross from the right was headed over the crossbar by Tarek Al Ali.

2007年11月18日                           
朝鮮挫黎巴嫩打破勝荒



（貝魯特）提前淘汰的朝鮮週六在2008年北京奧運亞洲區預選賽一雪前恥，客場以2比1反勝黎巴嫩。

朝鮮此前在平壤以0比1落敗。黎巴嫩在賽前已經知道澳大利亞打敗伊拉克的消息，在最後晉級希望宣告破滅後戰意全無，輸球在情理之中。

黎巴嫩在第4分鐘先拔頭籌。莫格拉比在禁區內給朝鮮後衛絆倒，中場薩拉默主罰點球無誤。

在過去4場比賽一球不進的朝鮮，終於在半場結束前扳平兼結束入球荒。19歲新秀金永一接獲隊友右路傳中，一記弧形球擊敗鞭長莫及的黎巴嫩門將莫格尼爾。

朝鮮在第70分鐘攻進次球。李崔夢開出任意球，金國進頭槌探關，皮球跌地後改變方向反彈入網。

Z_Ho

18 November 2007                           
Saudi keep hopes alive with win
AFC Final Round for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games
AFC Final Round for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games
DAMMAM: Saudi Arabia kept their Olympic qualification hopes alive as they came from a goal down to defeat 10-man Qatar 2-1 in a Group C clash at the Prince Mohammed Bin Fahad Stadium on Saturday.

Needing a victory to stay in contention in the AFC Final Round for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, the hosts found themselves trailing when Magid Hassan fired Qatar ahead in the 69th minute.

But with the visitors reduced to 10 men soon afterwards following the dismissal of Ibrahima Nadiya, the Saudis capitalised with Jufain Al Bishi equalising from the penalty spot in the 75th minute before skipper Abdullatif Al Ghanam fired home the winner in the dying minutes.

While the Saudis still have to beat Japan in Tokyo next Wednesday to earn a spot in Beijing, Qatar's hope of qualifying for next year's Olympics have been completely extinguished.

With Japan trouncing Vietnam 4-0 earlier in the evening, both teams entered the match knowing that victory was imperative for the Olympic qualification hopes.

But the importance of the match appeared to get to the players in a turgid first half as they struggled to fashion a decent chance.

Neither side was able to create an opening until close to the half-hour when the Qataris had a half-chance as Ali Nasser centred to Magid Hassan, who turned his shot wide.

Four minutes before the break, the Saudis went close when Abdelellah Al Hawsawi's shot from distance took a wicked deflection off Mohammed Abdulrab and trickled just wide of the left upright.

On the stroke of half-time, a Qatar corner taken by Ali Nasser found its way to an unmarked Mohamed El Sayed, who had ghosted in unnoticed at the far post, but headed wastefully wide.

Chances continued to be scarce in the second half and the match appeared to be meandering to a goalless draw until a frantic last 21 minutes.

Having escaped just a minute earlier when Ibrahim Abdulmajed made a desperate lunging block to stop a shot by Yousef Al Salem, the Qataris went ahead when substitute Ibrahima Nadiya slipped through an excellent pass to Magid Hassan, who slid the ball past the advancing Waleed Ali to break the deadlock.

But the Cameroon-born Nadiya quickly went from hero to villain when he was sent off in the 73rd minute for elbowing Majed Al Amri in the face near the halfway line.

The Saudis were then awarded a penalty two minutes later when Al Salem went down in the Qatari box after appearing to be tugged down by Abdulmajeed.

Jufain Al Bishi kept his cool, sending goalkeeper Rajab Kassim the wrong way from the spot to level the score.

Qatar very nearly regained the lead in the 83rd minute when Waleed Ali made a brilliant stop to keep out a glancing header by Magid Hassan.

That save would prove important in the 89th minute when Abdullatif Al Ghanam netted the winning goal. The Saudi skipper saw his initial header blocked by Abdulmajed but the rebound fell kindly to him and he lashed the ball Rajjab Kassim to revive his side's hopes of playing in the Olympics.

2007年11月18日                           
沙特粉碎卡塔爾晉級希望



（達曼）一球落後的沙特阿拉伯，主場以2比1反勝10人應戰的卡塔爾，保著進軍2008年北京奧運會的希望。

由於C組領頭羊日本較早前以4比0大勝，沙特和卡塔爾都必須在此役勝出才有望保著生機。沙特如願報捷，將於下週三壓軸戰和日本決一生死；卡塔爾應勝反敗，提前一輪淘汰。

雙方在上半場掛零，卡塔爾在第69分鐘打破僵局。喀麥隆籍替補納迪亞妙傳哈山，後者吊射擊敗出迎不及的沙特門將華立阿里。

納迪亞在4分鐘從英雄變狗熊，他在中圈附近蓄意肘擊沙特中場阿爾安利，直領紅牌罰下。

沙特在第75分鐘扳平。阿爾沙林在禁區內給阿都馬吉德拉倒，阿爾比希主罰點球無誤。

沙特隊長阿爾加納在完場前1分鐘在兩度射門後，終破卡塔爾門將卡辛十指山，力保本隊的出線希望。

Z_Ho

Guatemala secure place in CONCACAF Under-23 Championship




18.11.07 - Guatemala secured their place to the 2008 CONCACAF Under-23 Championship after posting a 2:1 win over Costa Rica to capture the second Central American Qualification Group held at the Estadio Mateo Flores in Guatemala City on Sunday.

Wilson Lalín gave the Chapines the lead in the opening three minutes, but Jean Solorzano tied it for the Ticos in the 15th minute-mark. José Contreras scored the game-winner in the 65th minute as Guatemala finish first at the triangular event and advanced to the final round of the CONCACAF U-23 Championship for the first time since 2000.

Guatemala join Honduras (the other Central American Group winner) at the 2008 CONCACAF U-23 Championship. The tournament is scheduled to take place in the USA from 11-23 March and includes the hosts; defending champion, Mexico; North Zone representative Canada; Caribbean sides Cuba and Haiti; plus one more team from Central America.

Meanwhile, Costa Rica will face Panama (the other Central American Group Runner-up) in a home-and-away playoff series, starting later this month, with the winner earning the final berth to the CONCACAF U-23 Championship.

2008 CONCACAF UNDER-23 CHAMPIONSHIP
Central American Qualification – First Round
Triangular 2 – Ciudad de Guatemala, GUATEMALA; Estadio Mateo Flores
18.11.2007: GUATEMALA – COSTA RICA 2:1 (1:1) (A: 8000)
Wilson LALÍN 3’; José CONTRERAS 65’ – Jean SOLORZANO 15’
GUA: Ricardo Jerez – Wilson Lalín, Jaime Vides, Cristian Noriega, Erwin Morales, Jairo Arriola (82: Abner Trigueros), Rafael Morales, Marcos Pappa, Johnny Brown, Julio Vanegas, José Contreras (84: Marco Tulio Ciani).
TD: Rodrigo KENTON
CRC: Daniel Cambronero – Carl Gordón, Yader Balladares (68: Ignacio Aguilar), Ricardo Castañeda, Esteban Maitland, Bismar Acosta (80: Marvin Ángulo), Celso Borges, Pablo Herrera, Álvaro Guerrero, Brayan Ruiz, Jean Solórzano (81: Mark Watson).
TD: Hernán MEDFORD
R: Joel AGUILAR (SLV)

Z_Ho

Central America
Group A

Honduras	4	2	1	1	0	4	1	+3
Panama	4	2	1	1	0	3	2	+1
El Salvador	0	2	0	0	2	1	5	-4

Group B

Guatemala	6	2	2	0	0	5	1	+4
Costa Rica	3	1	1	0	1	10	3	+7
Nicaragua	0	2	0	0	2	1	12	−11

Third Place Playoff

Panama

–

Costa Rica

Z_Ho

Group A
November 16, 2007
[tr]
[/tr]

Ghana

0–0

Nigeria

Ghana	7	4	2	1	1	8	5	+3
Nigeria	5	3	1	2	0	4	3	+1
South Africa	1	3	0	1	2	3	7	−4
Ethiopia	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-

Group B
November 16-November 18, 2007
[tr]


[/tr]

Côte d'Ivoire	–	Zambia
Mali	–	Senegal

Côte d'Ivoire	9	4	3	0	1	7	4	+3
Zambia	7	4	2	1	1	6	4	+2
Senegal	5	4	1	2	1	3	4	−1
Mali	1	4	0	1	3	3	7	−4

Group C

Cameroon	8	4	2	2	0	10	4	+6
Botswana*	7	5	2	1	2	4	4	0
Morocco	7	5	2	1	2	6	7	-1
Guinea*	3	4	1	0	3	5	10	-5

November 18, 2007[tr]


[/tr]

Guinea	–	Cameroon
Botswana	2–0	Morocco

Z_Ho

Cameroon, Cote D’Ivoire Secure Beijing Berths
November 19, 2007


Cameroon and Cote d’Ivoire have both made sure of places at next year’s Men’s tournament at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games after success in their weekend’ qualifiers.

Cameroon’s 3-1 away win over Guinea ensured their progress to yet another Olympic tournament after closest rivals Morocco were beaten 2-0 in Botswana.

With one round of matches to be played, Cameron cannot be overtaken at the head of Group C.

In Group B a convincing 4-1 win for the Ivorians over second placed Zambia gave them a first ever trip to the Olympic’s football tournament.

Chelsea striker Salomon Kalou, sent to reinforce the team, scored the last goal in the rout.

On Friday Ghana and Nigeria drew 0-0 in Group A in Accra. Nigeria will qualify if they beat South Africa in their final group game in March.

Z_Ho

21 November 2007

Australia battle back for crucial draw

Australian Mark Milligan, who scored the equaliser against DPR Korea on Wednesday.                                                                                                                            PYONGYANG:Australia booked their spot in next year’s Men’s Olympic FootballTournament after a controversial second-half equaliser earned them a1-1 draw against DPR Korea in Pyongyang on Wednesday. Dominated in the opening half and trailing to Pak Chol-min’s 10thminute strike, the Olyroos got back on level terms 20 minutes from timewhen skipper Mark Milligan looped a header into the net although itappeared to strike the hand of Adrian Leijer before crossing the line. Syrian referee Muhsen Basma allowed the goal to stand despiteKorean protests as Australia hung on for the precious point thatensured that they would finish ahead of second-placed Iraq in Group Aof the AFC Final Round for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. Australia coach Graham Arnold had expressed concerns prior to thegame about the chilly conditions in Pyongyang and his team were caughtcold as the home side started strongly on the artificial surface of theKim Il Sung Stadium. Pak Chol-min fired the first warning shot in the ninth minute whenhe received a pass from Jong Chol-min on the edge of the Australian boxand shot just over the crossbar. But the Australians failed to heed the danger and fell behind aminute later. Milligan failed to deal with a long ball from the backwhich flew over his head and bounced up nicely for Pak, who deftlychipped it over the head of goalkeeper Daniel Vukovic from 15 metres. It was the first goal conceded by the Australians in the finalround after five consecutive clean sheets but they very nearly concededa second four minute later. Another long ball caught out the Australian once again, forcingVukovic to charge out of his box and head the ball clear as JongChol-min attempted to gain possession. The ball fell to Kim Kuk-jin,who drilled it back towards goal only for Leijer to get back in time toclear it off the line. Pak Chol-min continued to be a thorn in the side of the Australian defence and nearly netted a second in the 19th minute when he snapped up a half-clearance and volleyed the ball just over the crossbar. Kim Kuk-jin then dragged a shot wide with the goal at his mercy,while Yun Yong-il tested Vukovic with a swerving shot that forced theAustralian goalkeeper to go down low to his left. The Australians could have got back on level terms in the 35thminute after a mistake by Pak Song-chol presented the ball to MarkBridge. He played it through to James Troisi whose sharp drive was wellsaved by goalkeeper Ri Myong-guk with Pak redeeming himself by hackingthe ball clear before Bridge could turn in the rebound. After their strong performance in the first half, the Koreansappeared happy to sit on their lead after the break with their playersgoing down for treatment at the slightest hint of contact. The visitors were able to grab the initiative and Nikolai Topor-Stanley went close to an equaliser in the 66th minute, heading over from close range. But the Olyroos got the goal that they needed on 70 minutes incontroversial circumstances. A Kristian Sarkies free-kick was met inthe six-yard box by Milligan whose header looped past Ri Myong-guk,appearing to strike the hand of Leijer as it went into the net off theleft upright. With the exhausted Koreans unable to muster up any more seriousthreats on the Australian goal and the visitors content to keep theball in the corners in the final 20 minutes, the game petered out to adraw, ensuring that the Australians will play in the Olympics for asixth consecutive time next year.

2007年11月21日

僥倖逼平朝鮮，澳大利亞進軍北京

（平壤）澳大利亞週三作客以1比1逼平朝鮮，如願進軍2008年北京奧運足球賽。 澳大利亞僅需在此場比賽戰平，就可以成功出線。 澳大利亞主教練阿諾德賽前說過，要在平壤零下冰冷徹骨的金日成體育場人造草坪上叫戰朝鮮，不是一件容易的事情，而比賽過程也完全如他所料。 以最佳陣容出戰的朝鮮，在第10分鐘打破僵局。澳大利亞隊長米利甘未能化解朝鮮的一記高空傳球，朴崔敏得球後馬上吊射，在15碼遠距離擊敗澳大利亞門將伍科維奇。 這也是澳大利亞在連續5場比賽龍門保而不失後的首個失球。 處於被動的澳大利亞，在經歷一番驚濤駭浪後，在第70分鐘爭議性扳平。薩吉斯開出任意球，米利甘頭槌探關，但皮球打到隊友雷澤爾的手上，再擦中朝鮮龍門左邊立柱入網。在朝鮮球員的群起抗議下，敘利亞籍主裁判巴斯馬堅持進球有效的原判。 朝鮮在戰意全無、以及體力逐漸不支的情況下，在餘下20分鐘不能再對澳大利亞防線進行強有力衝擊，唯有滿足於平局。 澳大利亞目前領先稍後上陣的伊拉克3分，即使伊拉克勝出，也未能威脅澳大利亞的小組龍頭地位。對賽成績佔優穩然出線的澳大利亞，已經是連續闖進6屆奧運足球賽。

Z_Ho

21 November 2007

Draw means Japan are Beijing bound

Japanese players celebrate after qualifying for next year's Beijing Olympics.                          TOKYO: Japan qualified for their fourth straight finals of an OlympicGames football tournament as a 0-0 draw against Saudi Arabia onWednesday evening earned them top spot in Group C in the continent'squalifying tournament for Beijing. The result means Yasuharu Sorimachi's team finish two points ahead ofthe Saudis on 11 points and maintains a sequence of success in thequalifiers that also saw them appear at the Olympics in 1996, 2000 and2004. The Saudis had been hoping to reach the finals of the Olympic footballtournament for the first time since 1996 and they had enhanced theirchances of qualifying with a 2-1 win over Qatar on Saturday. As a result, Nasser Al Johar's side knew they needed to win in Tokyo toqualify and, after a cagey start, it was the Saudis who came closest toopening the scoring. In the ninth minute Majed Rafa Al Amri's shot was fumbled by ShusakuNishikawa in the Japanese goal and when the ball fell at the feet SalehAl Ghwainim, his attempt was cleared off the line by Toshihiro Aoyama. The onus was squarely on the Saudis to go forward and the Gulf side controlled the majority of possession. That left the Japanese attempting to hit the visitors on the break andin the 27th minute Tadanari Lee sent his long-range attempt just wideof Waleed Ali's right post while the Kashiwa Reysol striker'sclose-range header three minutes before the break was just too high. The Japanese started the second half in determined fashion and withinfive minutes of the restart Shinji Okazaki chested down YosukeKashiwaki's cross before seeing his ensuing goal attempt saved by Ali. Five minutes later Hajime Hosogai shot straight at Ali as Sorimachi's team turned the screw. Not for the first time in this campaign, though, the Japanese wereunable to turn their possession into goals, although they came closeagain 12 minutes with the move of the match. Okazaki collected the ball 40 yards from the Saudi goal before feedinghis pass through to Lee, who found Kashiwaki in the penalty area andhis lay off was met by the advancing Okazaki, but his attempt waswoefully over the bar. The Japanese had to endure a jittery closing few minutes but the Saudiswere unable to fashion any clear-cut opportunities, leaving Sorimachiand his team to celebrate qualification in front of their own fans.

亞洲區決賽階段

2007年11月22日                               主場逼平沙特 日本國奧隊闖進2008北京奧運會                                                                                主場逼平沙特 日本國奧隊闖進2008北京奧運會                                                                                                                            （東京）反町康治率領的日本國奧隊在週三晚東京國立體育場舉行的C組最後一輪2008北京奧運會預選賽中以0比0戰平前來挑戰的沙特，從而以2分的優勢領先沙特，以頭名身份從C組脫穎而出晉級2008北京奧運會足球賽。 沙特在上半場曾經有2次好機會攻門得分，但射門都被英勇的日本後衛線球員奮勇擋出。下半場的比賽日本進一步加強了後衛線力量，最終沒有給沙特國奧隊任何機會，以0比0戰平對手，拿到這最終1分晉級2008北京奧運會。 反町康治在賽後高興的說道：「這是一場非常困難的比賽，賽前我就知道了這一點，沙特是一支非常強的球隊，上半場我們一直被他們壓制在我們的半場，下半場他們的表現也同樣出色，好在後衛線沒有犯大錯誤，才力保我們的城門未失。」 「這場比賽讓我意識到我們還有很長的路要走，在很多方面都需要進一步提高。奧運會的比賽將從16強開始，這也是我們的首要目標。」 沙特國奧隊助理教練奧瑪在賽後祝賀了日本隊的勝利，他對此說道：「祝賀日本成功晉級2008北京奧運會，儘管全隊一直努力爭取晉級，但最終還是沒能做到。我們在上半場比賽的表現要比下半場出色，可以說和日本各自打了半場好球。」 「日本隊有著平局就可以出線的大好機會，這毫無疑問的把所有壓力都轉到我們的身上，全體隊員也盡了全力，但很遺憾最終沒能達到我們的目標。」

Z_Ho

21 November 2007

Stalemate sends Korea through

Bahrain'sAbbas Saeed Ayyad (L) jumps for the ball with Korea Republic's LeeKeun-ho during their 2008 Beijing Olympic qualifier on Wednesday.                                                                                                                            SEOUL:Korea Republic booked their place in the Men's Olympic FootballTournament for a sixth consecutive time despite being held to a 0-0draw by Bahrain at Ansan Wa Stadium on Wednesday. It was the third consecutive goalless stalemate for the Koreans in theAFC Final Round for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games but it was enoughfor them to finish with 12 points in Group B, one clear of thesecond-placed Bahrainis. The Koreans had the better of a generally uneventful first half andcould have taken the lead in the ninth minute when Kim Seung-yong justmanaged to reach the ball before it crossed the right byline and cut itback for Lee Keun-ho whose header on target was easily handled bygoalkeeper Seyed Jaafar. Although the Bahrainis needed a win to progress, they never seriouslythreatened the Korean goal in the opening half with their best attemptfalling to Jaycee Okwunwanne, who turned past his marker in the 20th minute to create an opening but fired well over the crossbar from 20 metres out. Park Chu-young's neat lay-off in the 34th minute sent Seo Dong-hyeonclear but the striker delayed his shot and defender Abbas Ayyad wasable to get back in time to block his attempt on goal. Three minutes before the interval, the ball broke to Ki Sung-yeung onthe edge of the box but his shot on target was well covered by SeyedJaafar. The Bahrainis failed to trouble goalkeeper Jung Sung-ryong in the first45 minutes but showed greater urgency at the start of the second half,nearly taking the lead in the 50th minute when Abdulla Fatadi took theball past Kang Min-soo with a neat touch before firing in a lowright-footed shot that was turned around the post by Jung. Three minutes later, Seo flicked the ball past a Bahraini defender atthe other end but his shot from a tight angle was blocked by SeyedJaafar's body. Jung Sung-ryong then launched a long goal kick that picked out ParkChu-young, who took the ball past the advancing Seyed Jaafar with hisfirst touch but put his shot wide from a tight angle. Okwunwanne managed to outpace Kang Min-soo down the left channel on 64minutes but his shot across goal was easily saved by Jung. The Koreans quickly broke upfield with Ki Sung-yeung crossing to anunmarked Lee Keun-ho, who controlled the ball with his chest but firedwell over the crossbar from 15 metres. With 15 minutes left, Ki nearly played Park Chu-young through with afine diagonal pass but Jasim Al Maloud took the ball off the FC Seoulstriker's foot with a well-timed challenge. But at the end, the fact that the Koreans had managed to score onlyfour goals in six matches didn't matter as they got the result thatthey needed to book their place in Beijing next summer.

Z_Ho

22 November 2007

Abdulzahra hat-trick fires Iraq

Afile photo of Iraq Olympic coach Yahya Alwan whose team defeatedLebanon 5-2 in the Beijing Olympic Games qualifier on Wednesday.                                                                                                                            DOHA:Iraq claimed a crushing 5-2 win over Lebanon in their final game inGroup A in the AFC Final Round qualifiers for the 2008 Beijing Olympicsat Al Rayyan stadium on Wednesday, despite missing out on a place inthe finals next summer. Australia's 1-1 draw with DPR Korea in Pyongyang earlier in the dayended Iraq's hopes of qualifying, but a hat-trick for Ala'a Abdulzahra,a goal from Mostafa Karim and an own goal from Lebanon defender SamerZeineddine sealed the win for the 2004 semi-finalists. Iraq had an impressive start to the game, taking the lead after only eight minutes through a header from Abdulzahra. The Iraqis almost made it 2-0 four minutes later when Fareed Ghadban'sshot cannoned back off the left upright of the Lebanese goal before thevisitors fashioned out their first opportunity of the night. That came in the 21st minute after a cross from the right which was metby Akram Moghrabi with a powerful header, only for the ball to go wide. Iraq eventually added their second in the 23rd minute when Samer Saeedsent a cross from the right to Karim, who laid the ball off toAbdulzahra and the 19-year-old striker made no mistake with a powerfulshot. Karim turned from provider to scorer on the half hour mark when heclaimed the third goal for his side with a shot from outside the areathat gave Lebanese goalkeeper Hassan Bitar little hope. The Iraqis made it 4-0 six minutes later when Samer Saeed, who was aconstant threat down the right flank, beat several defenders beforeforcing Lebanese defender Zeineddine to score in his own net in the36th minute. Lebanon finished the first half with their best chance when HassanMaatuk's well-struck free kick from outside the area was cleared for acorner by goalkeeper Mohammed Kadhum. The Lebanese continued to put pressure on Iraq after the break and theypulled a goal back on the hour mark after Akram Moghrabi was fouledinside the area by Iraq substitute goalkeeper Sarhang Nadir and HassanMaatuk scored from the spot. Iraq should have added another in the 63rd minute when Karim's shotfrom inside the area cleared off the goal line by Jihad Al Hilwa andjust one minute later he was denied by Bitar in a one-on-one situation. Lebanon added a second goal in the 71st minute - again from the penaltyspot - after another foul from Nadir on Moghrabi and Ali Al Saadiscored to reduce the deficit. However, Iraq restored their three-goal cushion nine minutes from theend when Abdulzahra completed his hat-trick after a neat pass fromAhmed Mohammed inside the area to score from a close range.

2007年11月22日

阿樸達扎拉上演帽子戲法 伊拉克5比2力克黎巴嫩

（多哈）伊拉克在週三晚阿爾瑞安體育場舉行的2008北京奧運會亞洲區足球預選賽A組最後一輪比賽中5比2大勝黎巴嫩，雖然最終無緣明年奧運會，但在這場榮譽之戰中受到了世人的尊敬。 澳大利亞在先前進行的比賽中在客場平壤1比1戰平朝鮮，因此在本場比賽開始之間已經提前從A組出線，晉級2008北京奧運會。但伊拉克國奧隊並沒有因此放棄了本場比賽，阿樸達扎拉在本場比賽中上演帽子戲法，一人獨進3球，隊友卡裡米也為伊拉克錦上添花，黎巴嫩後衛薩莫爾的烏龍球最終徹底斷送了本隊，讓伊拉克以5比2的比分取得勝利。 伊拉克曾經闖進2004年雅典奧運會足球賽的半決賽，但很遺憾地沒有能夠重演今年亞足聯亞洲杯的輝煌，最終以1分之差落後於澳大利亞而沒能晉級2008北京奧運會足球賽。

Z_Ho

22 November 2007

Late goal saves Syria

Uzbekistan'sAnzur Ismailov (L) vies for the ball with Syria's Mohannad Ibrahimduring their 2008 Beijing Olympic Games qualifier.                                                                                                                            DAMASCUS:A late goal by Ahmed Dalli Hassan helped Syria avoid a home defeatagainst Uzbekistan as they drew 3-3 with the central Asian side intheir final game in the AFC Final Round for the 2008 Beijing OlympicGames on Wednesday. The Syrians had a 2-0 half-time lead at Al Abbasiyyin Stadiumthanks to goals just before the break by Majed Al Hajj and Bakri Tarabbut found themselves trailing when Farhod Tadjiyev converted a penaltyand Vagiz Galiulin scored twice in as many minutes after the break. But Dalli Hassan struck the equaliser four minutes from time togive the Syrians their fourth draw in six matches as they avoided thewooden spoon in Group B. The home side dominated play early on although the heavy rain inDamascus prevented both teams from creating any decent threats in theopening half-hour. The first notable chance fell to the Uzbeks on 33 minutes when afierce drive by Sobir Usmankhodjaev forced Syria goalkeeper Ali AlHolami into a quick reaction save. However, it was the Syrians who broke the deadlock just threeminutes before the break when skipper Majed Al Hajj surged into theUzbek box and fired a powerful shot into the top corner of the net tomake it 1-0. Two minutes later, Burhan Sahwini’s cross from the right flank wasnodded home by Bakri Tarab, giving the Syrians a comfortable two-goalcushion at the break. The home side very nearly added a third seven minutes after thebreak when Wael Ayan’s cross was met by a powerful volley from MohanadAl Ebrahim that was well blocked by Uzbek goalkeeper Aziz Ashurov.However, Ashurov was injured in the process and had to be replaced byEldor Tadjibaev. The Uzbeks nearly pulled a goal back on 57 minutes as TimurYafarov took the ball into the Syrian box and beat goalkeeper Ali AlHolami only to see his shot slam against the left post. However, the visitors would pull a goal back on the hour afterthey were awarded a penalty for Al Holami’s foul on Galiulin andTadjiyev stepped forward to convert from the spot. Three minutes later, the visitors leveled the score after more good work from Galiulin, who finished off with a well-taken shot. Just a couple of minutes after that, he celebrated his second ofthe game and his side’s third of the match with a powerful effort fromoutside the area. Stunned into action by Uzbekistan’s quick goals, the Syrianspressed forward again and nearly scored in the 68th minute whenAbdulrazzaq Al Housain’s first-time volley from outside the area sailedover the crossbar while Al Hajj fired wide in the 73rd minute. But the home side’s pressure would eventually pay off four minutesbefore the end when Al Hajj did well on the right flank before passingthe ball to substitute Dalli Hassan, who made no mistake from closerange.

2007年11月22日

阿默德達裡單騎救主 敘利亞主場險平烏茲別克斯坦

（大馬士革）阿默德達裡在86分鐘的入球幫助敘利亞國奧隊在主場3比3戰平烏茲別克斯坦，從而避免了自己在2008北京奧運會亞洲區預選賽最後一個主場比賽落敗的尷尬結果。 雖然兩隊在本場比賽開始之前已經無緣明年北京奧運會，但還是為全場球迷奉獻了一場極為精彩的比賽。敘利亞在上半場就取得了2比0的領先優勢，前衛阿爾哈吉在上半場42分鐘烏茲別克斯坦的禁區前沿一腳勁射攻門得手，率先為敘利亞攻入1球。 2分鐘過後，敘利亞中場球員薩維尼在邊路右側下底傳中，隊友巴克裡接球後輕鬆攻門得手，幫助敘利亞以2比0領先結束了上半場的比賽。 下半場異地再戰，沒有想到風雲突變，烏茲別克斯坦國奧隊如夢初醒，向敘利亞的大門發起了猛烈進攻。亞法洛夫在57分鐘千里走單騎，一人殺入禁區，在晃過守門員之後射門打偏。4分鐘過後，烏茲別克斯坦獲得點球機會，塔德吉耶夫操刀主罰一腳命中，為烏茲別克斯坦扳回1球。 3分鐘過後，憑借出色的團隊配合，再加上伽利林嫻熟的個人技術，以一記精彩的世界波為烏茲別克斯坦扳平了比分。沒過2分鐘，伽利林再次上演絕技，梅開二度，攻入了他本場第二粒入球。 10分鐘連丟3球，場上的風雲變幻讓敘利亞國奧隊如夢方醒，在穩定後衛線之後也開始了扳平比分的反攻，阿默德達裡在86分鐘終有所獲，在禁區內近距離射門得手，最終幫助本隊在主場頑強地3比3與烏茲別克斯坦握手言和。

Z_Ho

22 November 2007

Jassim brace lifts Qatar

Qatar coach Hassan Hormatullah.                                                                                                                            DOHA:A goal in each half by Waleed Jassim helped to steer Qatar to a 3-1victory against Vietnam in their final Group C match in the AFC FinalRound for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games on Wednesday. Jassim put his side ahead at Al Sadd Stadium in the 22nd minuteand, after Hasan Al Haydos had made it 2-0, added his second of thenight seven minutes after the break to put the home team in completecontrol. Vietnam pulled back a goal through skipper Le Cong Vinh 10 minutesfrom time but it wasn’t enough to save the visitors from their fourthloss in six games. After a slow start, Vietnam enjoyed the first chance of the gamein the 19th minute when Cong Vinh’s cross from the left was met by PhanThanh Binh who put his effort wide. Having survived that scare, Qatar opened the scoring three minuteslater after Waleed Jassim got past Nguyen Minh Chuyen and Mai Xuan Hopon the edge of the area before unleashing a screamer past goalkeeperTran Duc Cuong. Jassim then turned from scorer to provider on 29 minutes, floatingan inviting free kick into the box, which Hasan Al Haydos met with afirst-time volley to make it 2-0. Just a minute later, the hosts nearly netted a third when MohammedSalem Al Hamad was sent in alone on the goalkeeper but his effortblocked by Duc Cuong. Vietnam were much improved after the break and could have pulled to within a goal in the 51st minute if Cong Vinh had not headed wide. However, it was the Qataris who would score again a minute lateras Al Haydos went down the left channel and cut the ball back forJassim, who bundled the ball in from close range. Jassim very nearly completed his hat-trick on 70 minutes when hefired in a powerful free kick that beat Duc Cuong but rebounded off thewoodwork. The visitors enjoyed strong support from a large number ofVietnamese nationals working in Qatar and they rewarded their fans witha consolation goal 10 minutes from time, Cong Vinh capping a fineindividual performance by scoring with well-struck free kick. The visitors made a valiant effort to add further goals but weredenied by the resolute defence of the Qataris, who claimed their thirdvictory in Group C.

2007年11月22日

賈希姆梅開二度 力助卡塔爾完勝越南國奧隊

（多哈）瓦勒德賈希姆在上下半場的各1粒入球幫助卡塔爾在自己主場進行的2008北京奧運會亞洲區預選賽C組最後一輪比賽中擊敗越南。 賈希姆首粒入球來自上半場22分鐘，隊友哈桑阿爾黑多斯在上半場結束之前將領先優勢擴大為2比0。表現出色的賈希姆在下半場開場僅7分鐘就再入1球，從而確定了本隊的勝局。雖然越南由黎功榮在比賽進行到80分鐘時扳回一球，但最終回天乏力，以1比3輸掉了這場比賽。 卡塔爾由於在上一場客場對陣沙特比賽中以1比2失敗，從而失去了預選賽前一階段所打下的良好基礎，日本成為了C組最後勝者，在主場0比0戰平沙特之後以小組頭名身份晉級2008北京奧運會足球賽。

Z_Ho

Group A

Australia	12	6	3	3	0	7	1	+6
Iraq	11	6	3	2	1	12	4	+8
Korea DPR	5	6	1	2	3	3	6	−3
Lebanon	4	6	1	1	4	4	15	−11

Group B

Korea Republic	12	6	3	3	0	4	1	+3
Bahrain	11	6	3	2	1	7	4	+3
Syria	4	6	0	4	2	5	7	−2
Uzbekistan	3	6	0	3	3	5	9	−4

Group C

Japan	11	6	3	2	1	7	2	+5
Qatar	10	6	3	1	2	8	6	+2
Saudi Arabia	9	6	2	3	1	5	3	+2
Vietnam	2	6	0	2	4	3	12	−9

Z_Ho

Costa Rica take first-leg of Central American Playoff




1.12.07 - Costa Rica took the first-leg of Central American Playoff Series to the 2008 CONCACAF Under-23 Championship, CONCACAF’s qualifier to the Olympic Football Tournament Beijing 2008, with a 1:0 victory over the host, Panama at the Estadio Rod Carew in Panama City on Friday.

After a scoreless first half, Ariel Santana notched the game-winner for the Ticos in the 56th minute. Both teams will meet again in the second-leg at the Estadio Ricardo Saprissa in San José on 6 December.

The winner will join Guatemala and Honduras as the Central American representatives at the 2008 CONCACAF U-23 Championship. The tournament is scheduled to take place in the USA from 11-23 March and includes the hosts, along with defending champion, Mexico, North Zone representative Canada; and the Caribbean sides of Cuba and Haiti.

The eight-team tournament will not only crown the CONCACAF U-23 champion but also qualify two nations to the 2008 Olympic Games.

2008 CONCACAF UNDER-23 CHAMPIONSHIP
Central American Qualification
Playoff
30.11.2007: Ciudad de Panamá, PANAMA; Estadio Rod Carew (A: 7000)
PANAMA – COSTA RICA 0:1 (0:0)
Ariel SANTANA 56’
PAN: José Calderón – Reinaldo Anderson, Éric Vásquez, Adolfo Machado, José Venegas (58: Reggie Arosemena), Nelson Barahona, Cristian Vega, Eduardo Jiménez (70: Alberto Quintero), Aníbal Godoy, Edwin Aguilar-C, Gabriel Torres (81: David Arrue). Booked: Vega 19’, Andeson 21’, Godoy 54’, Barahona 90’
TD: Alexandre GUIMARAES
CRC: Daniel Cambronero – Ariel Santana (76: Jonathan McDonald), Dave Myrie (70: Pablo Herrera), José Carlos Chan, Marvin Angulo (64: Bismarck Acosta), William Richard Castañeda, Esteban Granados, Celso Borges-C, Rudy Dawson, Kéndall Waston, Jean Solórzano. Booked: Solórzano 19’, Dawson 44’, Castañeda 63’, Santana 77’, McDonald 85’, Cambronero 90’+
TD: Hernán MEDFORD
R: Enrico WIJINGAARDE (SUR)

06.12.2007: San José, COSTA RICA; Estadio Ricardo Saprissa (20:00)
COSTA RICA – PANAMA

Z_Ho

Panama progress to 2008 CONCACAF Under-23 Championship




7.12.07 - Panama earned the last berth for the 2008 CONCACAF Under-23 Championship, CONCACAF’s qualifier to the Olympic Football Tournament Beijing 2008, with a 4:3 victory on penalties over Costa Rica following a 1:1 on aggregate score.

After Costa Rica took the first-leg, 1:0, in Panama City last week, Panama tied the Central American Qualification series with Alberto Quintero scoring the game-winner in the second encounter on Thursday at the Estadio Ricardo Saprissa in San José and send the playoff match-up to extra time and then penalty kicks.

In the penalty shootout, Armando Cooper, Quintero, Gabriel Torres and Erick Vasquez scored for the Canaleros while Manuel Bonilla missed his shot. Meanwhile, Marvin Angulo, José Sanchez and Ariel Santana had the only goals for the Ticos, with Celso Borges’ kick saved by Panama’s goalkeeper Gilmar Torres and José Carlos Chan’s shot missing the target.

Panama will be making their third consecutive appearance in the final round of the CONCACAF U-23 Championship, while Costa Rica, who qualified for the 2004 Olympic Games, will be missing the Confederation’s Tournament for the first time since 1992.

Panama join Guatemala and Honduras as the Central American representatives at the 2008 CONCACAF U-23 Championship. The tournament is scheduled to take place in the USA from 11-23 March and includes the hosts, along with defending champion, Mexico, North Zone representative Canada; and the Caribbean sides of Cuba and Haiti.

The draw for the fixtures to the 2008 CONCACAF U-23 Championship will take place at the CONCACAF Offices of the General Secretariat in New York City in late December.

The eight-team tournament will not only crown the CONCACAF U-23 champion but also qualify two nations to the 2008 Olympic Games.

2008 CONCACAF UNDER-23 CHAMPIONSHIP
Central American Qualification
Playoff
06.12.2007: San José, COSTA RICA; Estadio Ricardo Saprissa (A: 5800)
COSTA RICA – PANAMA 0:1 (0:0), 3:4 pen
Alberto QUINTERO 63’
Marvin ANGULO (G), Ariel SANTANA (G), José SANCHEZ (G), José Carlos CHAN (M), Celso BORGES (SV) – Gabriel TORRES (G), Erick VASQUEZ (G), Alberto QUINTERO (G), Manuel BONILLA (M), Armando COOPER (G)
CRC: Daniel Cambronero – Ariel Santana, Dave Myrie (52: Pablo Herrera), José Carlos Chan, Marvin Angulo, Richard Castañeda, Esteban Granados, Celso Borges-C, Rudy Dawson (100: José Sánchez), Kendall Waston, Luis Steward Perez (63: Jonathan McDonald). Booked: Myrie 17’, Waston 45’, Angulo 70’, McDonald 101’, Sent offs: Waston 114’
TD: Hernán MEDFORD
PAN: Gilmar Torres – Rolando Algandona, Erick Vásquez, Adolfo Machado-C, José Venegas, Luis Gallardo (82: Carlos Rodriguez), Manuel Bonilla, Aníbal Godoy (61: Armando Cooper), Gabriel Torres, David Arrué (45: Reggie Arosemena), Alberto Quintero. Booked: Arrué 43’, Venegas 45’, Algandona 69’, Quintero 70’, Vásquez 85’, Bonilla 116’, Sent offs: Algandona 79’
TD: Alexandre GUIMARAES
R: Benito ARCHUNDIA (MEX)
Aggregate tied 1:1, Panama win 4:3 on penalty kicks

Z_Ho

Groups unveiled for 2008 CONCACAF Under-23 Championship




18.12.07 - The groups for the Final Round of the 2008 CONCACAF Under-23 Championship, CONCACAF’s qualifier to the Olympic Football Tournament Beijing 2008, were unveiled today following the draw held at the CONCACAF Offices in New York City.

The eight teams were drawn into two groups for the 2008 CONCACAF U-23 Championship that will take place in three venues in the USA from 11-23 March.

Group A, which will play first round games at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, has Cuba, Honduras, Panama, along with the hosts, USA. Group B, that will have encounters at The Home Depot Center in Carson, California, consist of the defending CONCACAF Champion, Mexico, along with Canada, Guatemala and Haiti.

The semifinals and finals of the CONCACAF U-23 Championship will be held at LP Field in Nashville, Tennessee on 20 and 23 March, respectively.

The complete schedule of matches for the 2008 CONCACAF U-23 Championship will be announced in due course.

The eight-team tournament will not only crown the CONCACAF U-23 champion but also qualify two nations to the 2008 Olympic Games.

2008 CONCACAF UNDER-23 CHAMPIONSHIP
Carson, California – The Home Depot Center
Nashville, Tennessee – LP Field
Tampa, Florida – Raymond James Stadium

Group A - Tampa, Florida
USA
Panama
Honduras
Cuba

Group B - Carson, California
Mexico
Guatemala
Canada
Haiti

Date - Matches - Venue - Kickoff (Local) Times
11 March - Group A - Tampa - 17:30 & 20:00
12 March - Group B - Carson - 17:30 & 20:00
13 March - Group A - Tampa - 17:30 & 20:00
14 March - Group B - Carson - 17:30 & 20:00
15 March - Group A - Tampa - 16:30 & 19:00
16 March - Group B - Carson - 15:30 & 18:00
20 March - Semifinals - Nashville - 17:00 & 20:00
23 March - Finals - Nashville - 13:00 & 16:00

CONCACAF All-Time Men's Qualifiers to Olympic Games
YEAR - VENUE - QUALIFIER (S)
1924 - Paris (France) - USA
1928 - Amsterdam (Netherlands) - Mexico, USA
1936 - Berlin (Germany) - USA
1948 - London (United Kingdom) - Mexico, USA
1952 - Helsinki (Finland) - Netherlands Antilles, USA
1956 - Melbourne (Australia) - USA
1960 - Rome (Italy) - None
1964 - Tokyo (Japan) - Mexico*
1968 - Mexico City (Mexico) - El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico
1972 - Munich (Germany) - Mexico*, USA
1976 - Montreal (Canada) - Canada, Cuba, Guatemala, Mexico*
1980 - Moscow (USSR) - Cuba~, Costa Rica*
1984 - Los Angeles (USA) - Canada, Costa Rica*, USA
1988 - Seoul (Korea Republic) - Guatemala^, USA
1992 - Barcelona (Spain) - Mexico, USA*
1996 - Atlanta (USA) - Mexico*, USA
2000 - Sydney (Australia) - Honduras*, USA
2004 - Athens (Greece) - Costa Rica, Mexico*

Z_Ho

http://www.oceaniafootball.com/o ... football-tournament

Oceania Football Confederation has released the draw for the OFC Men’s Olympic Football Tournament 2008 and it pits OFC heavyweights New Zealand against hosts Fiji in the opening round.

The tournament will run from March 1- 9 and the winner of the six team competition will earn a spot at the Olympic Football Tournament in Beijing in August.

The OFC Men’s Olympic Football tournament will follow a round robin format with each team playing five games and the winner decided on points.

Tahiti and New Caledonia were eligible to play in the tournament but did not enter as they are not members of the International Olympic Committee and would not be able to compete at the Olympics.

New Zealand will face Fiji in the opening round on March 1st in a match which is likely to draw a large crowd from the local support.

Australia has won four out of the last five OFC Olympic qualifying tournaments. New Zealand won the tournament in 2000 (Australia hosted the Olympics and attained automatic entry) beating the Solomon Islands in the final.

Australia defeated New Zealand in the 2004 final which was played over two legs after a 2-0 win in Australia and a 1-1draw in New Zealand.

This is the first year Australia will not be competing as an Oceania representative since switching to the Asian Football Confederation on Jan 1, 2006.


OFC Men’s Olympic Football Tournament Draw

Match Day 1 – 1 March 2008*
New Zealand           vs                     Fiji
Cook Islands           vs                     Vanuatu
Papua New Guinea    vs                     Solomon Islands

Match Day 2 – 3 March 2008*
Vanuatu                vs                     New Zealand
Fiji                        vs                     Papua New Guinea
Solomon Islands      vs                     Cook Islands

Match Day 3 – 5 March 2008*
Fiji                         vs                     Cook Islands
Papua New Guinea    vs                     New Zealand
Solomon Islands       vs                     Vanuatu

Match Day 4 – 7 March 2008*
New Zealand           vs                     Solomon Islands
Cook Islands           vs                     Papua New Guinea
Vanuatu                vs                     Fiji

Match Day 5 – 9 March 2008*
Cook Islands           vs                     New Zealand
Vanuatu                 vs                     Papua New Guinea
Solomon Islands       vs                     Fiji

*Kick-off times and venues to be confirmed

Z_Ho

NEW ZEALAND, SOLOMON ISLANDS AND VANUATU LEAD BEIJING CHARGE
Sunday, 02 March 08, 03:01 AM
LAUTOKA -New Zealand, Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands were all the big winners on Match Day One of the Men’s Olympic Football Tournament in Lautoka, Fiji.



New Zealand needed a 90th minute winner from Wellington Phoenix defender Steven Old to overcome Fiji in the first match of the day in front of 9000 spectators.



New Zealand took the lead after 33 minutes when midfielder Cole Peverley hit a long range shot past Fiji goalkeeper Benaminio from 30 metres.



Fiji were level in 40 minutes when Malakai Tiwa’s shot appeared to take a deflection off Steven Old leaving Oly-Whites goalkeeper Jacob Spoonley stranded.



In the second game Vanuatu cruised to a 4-0 victory over the Cook Islands in inclement weather to move second on goal difference in the standings.



Jeffry Nimanian scored two goals in the first half with Joseph Namariau and Tony Chillia completing a satisfying start to the tournament for Vanuatu.



Benjamin Totori scored a hat trick in the Solomon Islands 6-1 demolition of Papua New Guinea in the final match of the day.



Joachim Rande helped himself to two goals with the fleet-footed Joses Nawo also on target for an impressive Solomon Islands team.



Papua New Guinea scored a consolation goal through Mathias Apo.


FIJI vs. NEW ZEALAND (fulltime: 1-2)

COOK ISLANDS vs. VANUATU (fulltime: 0-4)

PAPUA NEW GUINEA v SOLOMON ISLANDS (fulltime: 1-6)


                                       

1.	Solomon Islands	1	1	0	0	6	1	3	+5
2.	Vanuatu	1	1	0	0	4	0	3	+4
3.	New Zealand	1	1	0	0	2	1	3	+1
4.	Fiji	1	0	0	1	1	2	0	-1
5.	Cook Islands	1	0	0	1	0	4	0	-4
6.	Papua New Guinea	1	0	0	1	1	6	0	-5

[ 本帖最後由 Z_Ho 於 2008-3-14  07:53 PM 編輯 ]