Still don't know who among our lot have trotted off, in particular whether Berbatov has. Noted with interest (amazement ?) that Eddie Johnson has been called up for the USA squad. Oh, and the Italian authorities have informed Liverpool that Borini has broken his foot.
He did, but he came out of retirement at the beginning of this season. Which, selfishly speaking, is bloody annoying.
Eddie Johnson's call up reflects the lack of quality and depth in the USA squad, not his level of ability. I think the USA is playing a very light-weight Carribean team for the WC qualifier, so Johnson's adequate for the task. ... I hate international weeks, and I'm unhappy that Berbatov (having missed two weeks for us) is willing to risk injury playing for Bulgaria when we need him some badly.
Thankfully Berbatov hasn't travelled. Two who have, and for once I think it's good that they're getting extra game time, are Kara and Dejagah - assuming that they come back fit of course. Here is the full list - http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2012/october/12/international-whites
Kaca scored in Sweden's 2-1 win over Faroe Islands and Kasami got the assist in Switzeland (U21s) draw with Germany. Well done both.
And Brede scored for Norway - http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/preliminaries/news/newsid=1784262/index.html?cid=rssfeed&att=
In fairness EJ has been on form in the MLS, not sure why Wondolowski wasn't picked seeing as he is the leading scorer in the MLS by some distance, 2-3 weeks ago he was on pace to breaker the single season record for goals scored not sure were he is at now. There's only one great American striker, and he plays for Italy! Although Jozy Altidore has been tearing it up in Dutch league, apparently wasn't called up because he apparently has had a poor attitude at national team training camps. But like you said we're playing Antigua and Barbados I think, probably could have called up the u18 team and win.
Here is a round up from the Club on how all of our Players have got on so far - http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2012/october/13/swede-dreams-for-kaca And a video clip of Kaca's goal for Sweden (he also had the assist to Ibrahimovic for their winner) - http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=pHQZqi1fe6U
From the Club report : Bryan made the assist for this goal. However he was then apparently lumped all over the place and following a kick on the foot that he broke, he was actually taken off injured at half time. Hopefully this was precautionary on the part of the Costa Rican team.
In US qualifying news, a former Fulham player scored a brace Friday night to save the USA's bacon in a WC qualifying match against Carribean minnows Antigua - and it's NOT who you think! Eddie Johnson, who hadn't played for the USA squad in two years, scored twice, including one in the 90th minute to save the USA from embarrassment at home. Johnson has 10 goals in WC qualifiers - second to Brian McBride. To be fair to the USA, the team is understrength and tired, according to the reports I've read. It's the end of the MLS seasons and many of the team's strongest players are out injured.
That's part if it, but it's really more down to how Klinnsman has the team lined up, he had EJ playing wide left. He consistently has mind baffling team selections. Now our national team is attempting to play that faux-Barcelona style, all possession not bite. Quite dull if you ask me.
Stephen Kelly has had a spat with the Ireland manager. Nice to see the him showing some passion. http://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/sport/three-changes-for-ireland-as-trapattoni-denies-kelly-row-rumours-570656.html
Reports are that Diarra will be be fit to start playing again mid-November. With the ACON tournament looming in January, given that his current injury happened while on International duty, I sincerely hope that the Club put their foot down and tell him he 'aint going.
We're not allowed to stop him. Clubs have to release players for competitive internationals that are ratified by FIFA/UEFA. Quite right too, in my opinion. If an English player was with, say, an Italian club and they tried to bar him from playing a crucial world cup qualifier everyone here would be outraged. The ACON is Africa's biggest continental tournament: it's not like it's some Micky Mouse friendly tournament. Unless he chooses to retire from International football, we can't stop him. I agree that it will be hugely frustrating if he gets injured again though.
Points taken, Captain. Maybe we should take a leaf out of Sir Alex's book though. We've got another wodge of players performing again today (well excepting Mr Kelly). Here are the details from the Club site if anybody wants to follow them - http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2012/october/16/international-preview
The Captain is right, but it is very irritating, as a Fulham supporter, that our best centre mid was injured on Mali duty and will recover in time to sod off with them again at an important point in our season.
Brede scores again in Norway's 3-1 over Cyprus. http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/preliminaries/news/newsid=1785748/index.html?cid=rssfeed&att= Bryan has been ordered home following his injury in Costa Rica's game last Friday and is likely to miss Saturday's game. http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/352566 Bairdhino had a stormer in NI draw 1-1 with Portugal; keeping Ronaldo very quiet. Aaron ditto Dejagah played the full 90 in Iran v S Korea; his free kick led to Iran's goal Kaca had an assist in Sweden's 3rd goal in their 4-4 with Germany - Sweden were 4-0 down !! Steve Wigley apparently got caught up in shenanegans in the England v Serbia U21 game
