Andros Papa Production

Apoel Fc Writting History

AndrosPapa — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 14:23:34 GMT

APOEL eye their place in history

The standard football cliches have been out in full force in Nicosia in the last few weeks.

As the Cypriot press runs headlines like "APOEL Among the Stars", "APOEL - I Have Lost my Mind" and "Living the Dream" to name a few, players and coaching staff at APOEL Nicosia have repeatedly tried to play down expectations of qualification for the last 16 of the Champions League.

The comments emanating from the Cypriot champions have all followed a very similar format. The expected "we're not thinking about the group table, we'll just give 100% in every game and see what happens" has featured, followed closely by the phrase "we are delighted to be where we are, but we know that everything can change with each game", with coach Ivan Jovanovic taking to repeatedly using the phrase "we know who we are" in the run-up to Champions League fixtures, trying to make sure that everyone else understands that his team is not getting carried away with its success.

As APOEL go into Wednesday's Champions League matchday 5 game away to Zenit St Petersburg top of Group G, knowing that even if they were to lose, a draw between Porto and Shakhtar Donetsk in the other game of the group would be enough to see them through to the last 16, expectation could hardly be any higher.

In their second Champions League group stage appearance, the 21-times Cypriot champions are still unbeaten and have been the competition's surprise package this season, securing 2-1 victories against Zenit and Porto at home, while holding the Portuguese champions and Shakhtar Donetsk to 1-1 draws on their travels.

If a measure of APOEL's success so far is needed, it should be mentioned that while their group may not include a Barcelona, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich or Manchester United, APOEL's opponents in Group G have all won the Europa League in the last four seasons.

And for a club with an overall market value of a little more than half the transfer fee that Wednesday's opponents Zenit splashed out to sign Portuguese playmaker Danny three years ago, the achievement becomes even more extraordinary.

In reaching the competition group stages for the first time in 2009, APOEL followed in the footsteps of Anorthosis Famagusta, who the year before became the first ever Cypriot club to do so. Despite finishing last in their group having collected only two points, Nicosia showed the fighting spirit and tactical discipline that have been characteristic of this year's campaign with a couple of battling away performances to hold Atheltico Madrid and Chelsea to draws.

The role that the changes to the format of Champions League qualification introduced by UEFA President Michel Platini three years ago have played in ensuring APOEL's presence in the competition in two out of the last three years cannot be underestimated. However, APOEL's success must be placed in the context of a golden era of club football on the island.

While the national side continue to disappoint on the European stage - they finished in last place in their qualifying group for Euro 2012 - right now this season's UEFA country coefficient rankings sees Cyprus in sixth place, ahead of Italy, Portugal and France.

This has not been down to APOEL alone. Under the guidance of Jordi Cruyff as director of football, AEK Larnaca, a club that two years ago were playing in the Second Division, overcame Norwegians Rosenborg to make the Europa League group stage this season. They have secured draws against Steaua Bucharest and away to Schalke so far.

It would be wrong to assume that the problems that have plagued the game in Cyprus are long gone; football violence, clubs in financial difficulties and low attendances have hardly subsided in recent years.

However, looking at APOEL's Champions League performances, a collective approach to the game and a genuine sense of belief that they are not necessarily consigned to finishing bottom of their group have been the major reasons for their success.

Following their qualification in August, Jovanovic said: "In 2009, we headed into the unknown; we didn't know what was in store for us. Now we do, which was why we wanted to return to this competition. We have targets and we won't be going there just to have fun."

Jovanovic is currently one of the very few managers in Cyprus who has full control over the club's transfer policy without any board interference and has avoided major overhauls to his squad during summer transfer windows, a standard practice for clubs on the island. He has kept his central midfield partnership of former Chelsea player Nuno Morais and Benfica trainee Helio Pinto intact since 2007. While reports in the Cypriot media that both players have been receptive to the idea of opting for Cypriot citizenship should be taken with a pinch of salt for now, this underlies the commitment to the cause.

Against Zenit on Wednesday, APOEL are unlikely to waver from the approach that has brought them to the brink of qualification. The Cypriots do not mind the opposition enjoying most of the possession - as has been the case in all four of their games so far - and they will look to restrict the home side to shots from distance, while calculating the opportune moment to commit men forward and counterattack.

Once again, on paper the odds are firmly stacked against APOEL to get anything from the game, especially as they could be without star man Ailton Almeida, who picked up a knock against Porto and may not recover in time. Zenit have won their last nine home games in European competition, but Jovanovic's players have already shown that they are prepared to defy the odds in their bid to become the first ever Cypriot team to qualify for the Champions League knockout phase.

Should this happen, it would not only be an issue of showing Europe who they are, but securing their place in the history books.

The cold

AndrosPapa — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 16:13:10 GMT

Opponent the cold

One of the reasons the degree of difficulty of the match with Zenit is the largest to date in the course of the group is the polar cold that prevails in the Russian city. You can avoid outrageous temperatures of -10 or -20 degrees Celsius, but as shown in the relevant provision of the next day accuweather weather conditions are unfamiliar and difficult for our team.

A peculiarity which makes it even more intense cold are the winds that prevail both day and evening event thwarting the actions of players. For example, while the evening temperature is -2 degrees in the real sense due to the winds will be at -9. On race day the situation is somewhat better as the night the temperature will be at 0 degrees and real feeling to -4. There is also provision for local storms.

The training value have long known data to find out where to get the Russian town. One of the reasons the mission travels today in St. Petersburg is just to have an extra day at their disposal for purposes of better adaptation. As is known the other away games the team departed from Cyprus last of the race. The workout will be held at Petrofski will be something new for everyone and will get a comprehensive impression of the difficulties they will face on Wednesday night.

The risk of injury under such weather conditions are great and are what will take all necessary measures. This means a very good warm up and protect the edges with the prescribed clothing. Another aspect is the food and liquids should be taken by players in Russia, something that made the necessary adjustments.

Apoel Injuries

AndrosPapa — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 16:11:52 GMT

Μέσα και ο Πουρσαϊτίδης

Οι εκτιμήσεις που έλεγαν ότι ο Πουρσαϊτίδης θα προλάβει τον αγώνα με τη Ζενίτ επιβεβαιώνονται αφού ο αμυντικός μας πέρασε το κρίσιμο τεστ της σημερινής προπόνησης. Ο ακραίος αμυντικός συμμετείχε κανονικά στην τελευταία προπόνηση επί κυπριακού εδάφους , χωρίς να αισθανθεί ενοχλήσεις στον τετρακέφαλο. Οι εντάσεις της προπονήσεις δεν ήταν όπως αυτές που θα επιφορτιστεί το βράδυ της Τετάρτης αλλά κρίνονται αρκετές για να θεωρηθεί σχεδόν βέβαιη η συμμετοχή του. Στο μεσοδιάστημα θα συνεχιστούν οι φυσιοθεραπείες έτσι ώστε να μην υπάρξει κάποιο απρόοπτο

Η αποστολή θα αναχωρήσει λίγο πριν τις 4 το απόγευμα και η διάρκεια της πτήσης αναμένεται να είναι 5 ώρες. Το ζητούμενο για τους παίκτες είναι να εξοικειωθούν με το κρύο αφού την Τετάρτη η θερμοκρασία στην καλύτερη περίπτωση θα είναι στους μηδέν βαθμούς!

Apoel Fc in the last 16???

AndrosPapa — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 05:03:45 GMT

Will Zenit block APOEL's path into history books ???

APOEL FC visit FC Zenit St Petersburg knowing victory would take them into the last 16 for the first time but the Russian side's home record suggests that may prove easier said than done.

APOEL FC have a piece of history within their grasp as they visit FC Zenit St Petersburg in their penultimate Group G fixture.

• The surprise section leaders, APOEL can become the first Cypriot team to secure a place in the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League by beating Zenit, while even a draw might suffice depending on the result between FC Shakhtar Donetsk and FC Porto.

• APOEL head to Russia as the pool's only unbeaten side but will face a tough test against second-placed Zenit who have a formidable home record and can leapfrog their rivals with victory.

Match background
• Like APOEL, Zenit are competing in the UEFA Champions League group stage for the second time and they too would qualify for the knockout phase for the first time with victory at the Petrovski Stadion, as long as Porto fail to beat Shakhtar.

• Zenit lost 2-1 to APOEL in Nicosia on matchday one yet they have won their last nine European home fixtures.

• In addition to this season's wins against Porto and Shakhtar, Luciano Spalletti's side posted seven consecutive home victories en route to last term's UEFA Europa League last 16. The last European visitors to avoid defeat against Zenit were CD Nacional, with a 1-1 draw on 27 August 2009.

• APOEL have lost only one of five away games in this season's competition, qualifying included.

• Ivan Jovanović's team also performed creditably on the road in their UEFA Champions League debut campaign in 2009/10 with draws at Club Atlético de Madrid and Chelsea FC.

• Before last season clubs from the two countries had never met, but Russian and Cypriot sides played in two UEFA Europa League ties in 2010/11. FC Sibir Novosibirsk eliminated Apollon Limassol FC on away goals in the third qualifying round, and PFC CSKA Moskva beat Anorthosis Famagusta FC 6-1 on aggregate in the play-offs. In both cases the Cypriot team suffered defeat on Russian soil.

Team ties
• Bruno Alves was in the Portugal side that faced Sanel Jahić's Bosnia and Herzegovina in the UEFA EURO 2012 qualifying play-offs, winning 6-2 on aggregate.

• Bruno Alves and Danny had earlier featured against Cyprus in a 4-4 draw in Guimaraes on 12 October 2010, with APOEL's Marios Elia, Constantinos Charalambides, Marinos Satsias and Savvas Poursaitides on the opposite side.

• Danny was a late substitute when Portugal won the return fixture 4-0 in Cyprus on 2 September this year, hitting the final goal two minutes into added time. Bruno Alves played 90 minutes against a Cyprus team including Poursaitides and Charalambides – replaced by APOEL club-mate Nektarios Alexandrou just past the hour – while Athos Solomou and Tasos Kissas were unused substitutes.

• Jahić played against Zenit in last season's UEFA Europa League group stage, his AEK Athens FC side losing 4-2 at the Petrovski Stadion.

• Alexandrou scored for Greece's Larissa FC in a 3-2 loss to Zenit in the 2007/08 UEFA Cup group stage.

• Aílton found the net in FC København's 2-0 friendly win against Zenit on 28 June 2008.

• William Boaventura played in two 2-0 defeats by Zenit while on loan at FC Kuban Krasnodar from FC Metalurh Donetsk in 2009.

• Ivan Tričkovski came up against Zenit's Aleksandr Anyukov, Roman Shirokov, Igor Denisov, Konstantin Zyryanov and Vladimir Bystrov when the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia lost 1-0 to Russia in a UEFA EURO 2012 qualifier on 12 October 2010.

• Tričkovski was also in the FYROM team that lost 1-0 in Russia on 2 September this year, Anyukov, Shirokov, Denisov and Zyryanov again featuring. Zenit's Vyacheslav Malafeev and Aleksandr Kerzhakov both came into the home team for the game in Moscow.

• Danny and APOEL defender Nuno Morais were team-mates at CS Marítimo and with the Portugal Under-21 side.

• Bruno Alves was Porto captain in 2009/10 when they played APOEL in the UEFA Champions League group stage.

• Kerzhakov faced Satsias as Russia met Cyprus in a friendly on 12 February 2003 in Limassol. Russia won 1-0.

Taken from: http://www.uefa.com(http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=2012/matches/round=2000263/match=2007646/prematch/background/index.html)

Ailton Almeida is getting better

AndrosPapa — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 04:57:12 GMT

Light at end of tunnel for Almeida

It may not be given final absence of Ailton Almeida in the Wednesday game with Zenit since, as we learn the recovery of Brazilian evolving ideal way. He does not intend to be absent from the new major European appointments and as she confides in his close environment is ready to lead the offensive effort in the frozen Petrofski.

As we understand ways in recent times, the incentive of all to be present at such events is enormous which is confirmed in the case of the Brazilian star. The Almeida is not going to risk everything once deemed medically ready as the tightness he felt in the match against Porto in the adductor has subsided.

If confirmed the above it will be a positive development for our team as the group dynamics are much greater with the Brazilian in the original shape. In the end the decision will be the Jovanovic who will see first and how to meet the group in the fight with Hermes.

On Saturday against the team Andronicus APOEL asked to find its way to the networks and this has not happened in the last two league games even without the Almeida to its original shape. The weight and the requirements of the world will fall back to Solari, who will need supports and helps. Mercury is rightfully in the bottom of the score, but after hiring Andronicus shows improved. This is because like all teams this coach learn to defend themselves massively and well in the half court even when they come back to scoring a goal.

As shown by the last Alexander can finally be included in the plan of the coach as normal while trains and Triskofski is fine after the collision with Georges in yesterday's workout revealed no trauma. The only one who will probably stay out mission although there is a problem Giachits because of his participation in the struggles in Bosnia.

Apoel Ultras

AndrosPapa — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 07:01:23 GMT

European Football: The 10 Craziest Ultras Groups

1. St.Pauli:

A club known more for the politics of their supporters than anything else, St.Pauli's Ultras are recognised throughout Europe for their left-wing stance, claiming to stand against "racism, fascism, sexism and homophobia."

Perhaps unsurprisingly then, St. Pauli have more female followers than any other club in Germany, and have become something of a worldwide brand, with members of music groups such as Sigur Ros, The Gaslight Anthem and Asian Dub Foundation known to sport St. Pauli gear on stage.

2. Saint Etienne:

In France, no Ultras are really capable of matching those of OM—that is, apart from Saint Etienne.

Despite having pretty limited success since the 1970s, when they were among the best clubs in Europe and reached two European Cup finals, the Ultras of les Stéphanois remain fiercely loyal.

The intense atmosphere at Stade Geoffroy Guichard, or "le Chaudron" as it is known, makes it a difficult trip for any visiting team, and their displays and pyrotechnics are up there with the very best.

3. APOEL

You haven't heard of APOEL? Forgivable. But rest assured, if you ever go to one of their matches or even if you just see the sheer numbers of supporters they take to away games in the Champions League, you won't forget them in a hurry.

They're from Cyprus—so why the Greece flags? Well, as is the case for many Ultras in Europe, politics and football have a tendency to become intertwined. APOEL fans are largely of the belief that Cyprus should be under Greek rule, and make this pretty clear with their displays during games.

Inherently superior - Εκ φύσεως ανώτεροι

Injuries

AndrosPapa — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 06:55:11 GMT

Let only be Boaventoura

The next 3-4 weeks are considered by most as the most decisive in this year since it will determine whether we will manage to achieve the unique and historic achievement of qualifying for 16 of the Champions League. During this period should also be careful to reduce the gap from the top while there are a number of difficult matches in the league but the struggle of December 11 with the harmony. In this effort are now given the absence of Boaventoura and hoped to restrict ourselves to this, hoping that adjustments will be made will be beneficial for our team.

Already the list of wounded included and Almeida and attention is all for a few days in Brazilian whose presence is a barometer for our team. The chances to prevent the match with Mercury is no longer with him and others just because others think more highly match with Zenit, the challenge for Almeida is whether we manage to include the footage of Jovanovic for the match in Russia.

The parameter of injury is a fact with which we must learn to live especially when we are racing commitments in league and champions league and their management will determine to a large extent on whether the year will be successful. He also writes a few days ago that may arise and the need for a transfer if there is any injury for a long time. These are all things that are evaluated almost daily from the technical leadership in the effort for the best possible management of the roster.

Boaventura

AndrosPapa — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 14:59:00 GMT

Out for another 3-4 weeks Boaventura

Here we expected to obtain something positive for the Almeida came bad news for Boaventoura since according to what state the site of Super Sport Fm Brazilian will have to undergo a knee arthroscopy. The pain he feels for days .. finally recede and no medical value fit to undergo surgery in order to provide a definitive solution to the problem that plagued the player. The Boaventoura prefers to undergo surgery on his personal physician, which means that as soon as possible will come on board with the final destination of Brazil, while the long abstinence is estimated at 3-4 weeks.

The decision effectively taken over the weekend since after which the Boa tried to raise rates in training Friday and felt severe pain in the relevant meeting following appropriate opt for surgery rather than conservative therapy, physiotherapy

His absence is a blow for our team and comes just before the series is to clarify whether we manage to qualify in 16 of the Champions League but also to reduce the difference in the league. The Boaventoura can hardly be replaced without disturbing the balance in the team and this was confirmed in previous matches. By today's standards the Brazilian losing consecutive matches with Mercury, Zenit, MPC, Renaissance, Shakhtar and Omonia. Based on what we have so far shown that the Alexander Jovanovic Poursaitidis will be those who will be invited to fill the void of Boaventoura.

Because serving our fans will be anticipating it must be said that the injury Boaventoura will not result in any transfer, based always present data.

For those who love cars!

AndrosPapa — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 10:15:16 GMT

The Dodge Challenger

The Dodge Challenger is the name of three different generations of automobiles marketed by the Dodge division of Chrysler.

The first generation Dodge Challenger was a pony car built from 1970 to 1974, using the Chrysler E platform and sharing major components with the Plymouth Barracuda. The second generation, from 1978 to 1983, was a badge engineered Mitsubishi Galant Lambda. The third, and current generation, was introduced in 2008 as a rival to the evolved fifth generation Ford Mustang and the reintroduced fifth generation Chevrolet Camaro.

First generation (1970–1974)

The Challenger was described in a book about 1960s American cars as Dodge's "answer to the Mustang and Camaro."^[3] It was one of two Chrysler E-body cars, the other being the slightly smaller Plymouth Barracuda. "Both the Challenger and Barracuda were available in a staggering number of trim and option levels" and were intended "to compete against cars like the Chevrolet Camaro and Ford Mustang, and to do it while offering virtually every engine in Chrysler's inventory."^[4] However, they were "a rather late response to the ponycar wave the Ford Mustang had started."^[5] In his book Hemi Muscle Cars,^[6] Robert Genat wrote that the Challenger was conceived in the late 1960s as Dodge's equivalent of the Plymouth Barracuda, and that the Barracuda was designed to compete against the Mustang and Camaro. He added that Chrysler intended the new Dodge as "the most potent ponycar ever," and positioned it "to compete against the Mercury Cougar and Pontiac Firebird." Genat also noted that the "Barracuda was intended to compete in the marketplace with the Mustang and Camaro/Firebird, while the Dodge was to be positioned against the Cougar" and other more luxury-type musclecars.^[7]

The Challenger's longer wheelbase, larger dimensions and more luxurious interior were prompted by the launch of the 1967 Mercury Cougar, likewise a bigger, more luxurious and more expensive pony car aimed at affluent young American buyers.^[8] The wheelbase, at 110 inches (2,794 mm), was two inches longer than the Barracuda, and the Dodge differed substantially from the Plymouth in its outer sheetmetal, much as the Cougar differed from the shorter-wheelbase Ford Mustang. A/C and a rear window defogger were optional.^[9]

Exterior design was done by Carl Cameron, who also did the exterior for the 1966 Dodge Charger. Cameron based the 1970 Challenger grille off an older sketch of his 1966 Charger prototype that was to have a turbine engine. The Charger never got the turbine, but the Challenger got that car's grille. Although the Challenger was well-received by the public (with 76,935 produced for the 1970 model year), it was criticized by the press, and the pony car segment was already declining by the time the Challenger arrived. Sales fell dramatically after 1970, and Challenger production ceased midway through the 1974 model year. 165,437 Challengers were sold over this model's lifespan.

Second generation (1978–1983)

The Challenger name was revived in 1978 for a version of the early Mitsubishi Galant Lambda coupe. It was known overseas as the Mitsubishi Sapporo/Scorpion and sold through Dodge dealers as a captive import. It was identical except in color and minor trim to the Plymouth Sapporo. Although mechanically identical, the Dodge version emphasized sportiness, with bright colors and tape stripes, while the Plymouth emphasized luxury, with more subdued trim. The cars were slightly restyled in 1981 with revised headlights and other minor cosmetic changes. Both cars were sold until 1984, until being replaced by the Conquest and Daytona.

The car retained the frameless hardtop styling of the old Challenger, but had smaller engines (inline-4s instead of the six and eight-cylinder engines from the old Challenger) and was a long way in performance from its namesake. Nevertheless, it acquired a reputation as a reasonably brisk performer of its type, not least because of its available 2.6 L engine, exceptionally large for a four-cylinder. Four-cylinder engines of this size had not usually been built due to inherent vibration, but Mitsubishi pioneered the use of balance shafts to help dampen this effect, and the Challenger was one of the first vehicles to bring this technology to the American market; it has since been licensed to many other manufacturers. During its six-year run, sales of the Challenger averaged between 12,000 and 14,000 units per year.

Third generation (2008–present)

On December 3, 2007, Chrysler started taking deposits for the third-generation Dodge Challenger which debuted on February 6, 2008 simultaneously at the Chicago Auto Show and Philadelphia International Auto Show. Listing at US$40,095, the new version was a 2-door coupe which shared common design elements with the first generation Challenger, despite being significantly longer and taller. The chassis is a modified (shortened wheelbase) version of the LX platform that underpins the 2006–Current Dodge Charger, 2005–2008 Dodge Magnum, and the 2005–Current Chrysler 300. The LX was developed in America from the previous Chrysler LH platform, which had been designed to allow it to be easily upgraded to rear and all-wheel drive. Many Mercedes components were incorporated, including the Mercedes-Benz W220 S-class control arm front suspension, the Mercedes-Benz W210 E-Class 5-link rear suspension, the W5A580 5-speed automatic, the rear differential, and the ESP system. All (7119) 2008 models were SRT8s and equipped with the 6.1 L (370 cu in) Hemi and a 5-speed AutoStick automatic transmission. The entire 2008 U.S. run of 6,400 cars were pre-sold (many of which for above MSRP), and production commenced on May 8, 2008; Chrysler Canada offered a further 670+ SRTs uniquely badged as the Challenger 500 (paying homage to Charger and Coronet 500s) all of which were shipped to Canadian Dodge dealers. Chrysler of Mexico offered only 100 of these cars for that country with a 6.1 liter V8 and 425 brake horsepower (317 kW) (SAE); the version of which was the SRT8. Chrysler auctioned off two 2008 SRT8 for charity with the first car going for $400,000 to benefit the notMYkid non-profit organization. A "B5" Blue No.43 car fetched a winning bid of $228,143.43 with proceeds going to the Victory Junction Gang Camp.

Transfers

AndrosPapa — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 10:07:02 GMT

Transfers? The roster is full!

Every November and December, we asked for transcripts in view January. Once escapes while urging the coach and the administration to proceed without a second thought to bring young players. Now our position is different. We see and appreciate that the current roster is both qualitative and complete that does not require any other additions to redo APOEL champion. Besides the above terms do not forget that to get somebody to release a player from the current roster something unlikely to happen.

An analysis of the potential has the chance to manage Ivan further reinforces the view that not only is there a huge potential of the existing players, but requires them to do everything possible to play and time in the Champions League.

Starting with the goalkeepers, we have come to not get frustrated because Dionysis Chiotis is outside the group. This along with Parnto are the best can ask a coach third option the most experienced now Jay. We do not want that any other goalkeeper.

The lateral defenders, we Poursaitidi, Solomos right Boaventoura, Alexander, left, and Elijah can play both positions. By May, can comfortably these players to get comfortable with the league. Not even here there is a need to add another.

The Oliveira, Kaka, Georges and when needed the Giachits complement to the above requirements who wants the center of defense and there is no reason to get another player. Pinto, Morais, Giachits Satsias and can cover the two positions, and as we now Task two players on a location, and Marsinio Belaint. We're talking about a total of six players for three positions in midfield and it is excessive to anyone looking for another addition.

Go to the aggressive edges where we have Manduca, Triskofski, Charalambides Atorno. That's better for a Cyprus team with two of them to stay on the bench, unless Ivan continue to put the attack in Triskofski. Whether alone or with Ailton. But if you play with two strikers, then left over a midfielder, and gone also as an alternative.

The Ailton and Solari are aggressive options by adding Triskofski, so it is argued that for the first time APOEL not burned, nor need another transfer in January.

In conclusion we have a roster with 23 total players who are the strongest ever squad that made APOEL. The have been some gaps does not necessarily mean that the solution is the translational aid as always the key will be called by the so-called qualitative pagkites. The only reason to have to be transcribed in January, only if you leave one of the 23 or unpleasant event, which result in serious injuries. Otherwise, we stay with them and asking them for granted. APOEL go up and finish on top this coming May.