Dimitar Penev names Bulgarian squad for Euro qualifiers this month

Bulgaria, the great team of mid-nineties captained by Hristo Stoichkov, have produced and exported great players and now Dimitar Berbatov and Martin Petrov are continuing this legacy and the national side is once again looking to feature in the finals of a major tournament. Coach Dimitar Penev announced the 20-man Bulgarian squad for the Euro 2008 qualifiers this month. Being in the second position in Group G with 15 points behind Romania, Bulgaria’s prospects of qualification will hinge on their home game against Romania.

Bulgarian squad for upcoming Euro 2008 qualifiers

Goalkeepers: Dimitar Ivankov, Georgi Petkov

Defenders: Plamen Nikolov, Stanislav Angelov, Alexander Tunchev, Radostin Kishishev, Lucio Wagner, Igor Tomasic, Zhivko Milanov, Petar Zanev

Midfielders: Stilian Petrov, Velizar Dimitrov, Chavdar Yankov, Dimitar Telkiyski, Georgi Peev, Ivelin Popov

Forwards: Martin Petrov, Dimitar Berbatov, Martin Kushev, Hristo Yovov

JUMPTV together with SPORT FIVE – Europe's leading sports rights marketing company, is glad to present the long awaited European Championship second round qualifying matches (June 2 - Nov 21) for EURO 2008 to all the true soccer fans from all over the world! Subscribe to JumpTV and watch the upcoming exciting matches online............

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Tony Kane opts for Northern Ireland

Blackburn defender Tony Kane has finally opted to play for Northern Ireland instead of the Republic of Ireland. He has been drafted in to Nigel Worthington's squad for the Euro 2008 qualifiers against Latvia and Iceland on September 8 and 12. Worthington turned to Kane as there remain concerns about the fitness of skipper, Fulham's Aaron Hughes. It is a coup for the new manager as the player has already turned out for the Republic Under-21s. But as they were only friendly matches, Kane has been able to change his mind much to Worthington's delight. Worthington said that it is a very positive sign for the IFA and for the team itself. Worthington is now hoping Manchester United's Darron Gibson will follow Kane's path and swap the Republic for Northern Ireland before the end of the qualifying campaign.

JUMPTV together with SPORT FIVE – Europe's leading sports rights marketing company, is glad to present the long awaited European Championship second round qualifying matches (June 2 - Nov 21) for EURO 2008 to all the true soccer fans from all over the world! Subscribe to JumpTV and watch the upcoming exciting matches online............

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Michael Ballack - " The German midfield Wizard "

Michael Ballack is a German Footballer born on September 26, 1976 in Gorlitz, Germany and is the current captain of German National football team. He plays for the English club Chelsea F.C. Ballack is considered as one of the strongest midfield players of the world. Ballack started his career in a small club in Eastern Germany. Later he turned to several German clubs, including Bayern Munich. In 2006-2007, he arrived England to join the big club, Chelsea. Ballack, the Chelsea midfielder is one of the few German stars that the experts unanimously believe to be world class and is regarded as the current talent on German national team.

Ballack first capped for the national football team in April 1999, against Korea Republic, leading Germany to the 2002 FIFA World cup final. Ballack has attended the World Cup in 2002 and 2006, but has yet to win it with the Germany national football team. He was also the sole representative of East Germany in the world cup squads in 2002 and 2006. He was made captain by Jurgen klinsmann and he proved to be an inspirational presence in the 2006 World Cup on home soil.

Ballack appeared for five matches in Euro 2008 qualifiers and scored three goals. Germany tops the table in Group D with 19 points. Czech Republic and Republic of Ireland are in second and third positions with 14 and 13 points. The next qualifying match for Germany is against Wales.

JUMPTV together with SPORT FIVE – Europe's leading sports rights marketing company, is glad to present the long awaited European Championship second round qualifying matches (June 2 - Nov 21) for EURO 2008 to all the true soccer fans from all over the world! Subscribe to JumpTV and watch the upcoming exciting matches online............

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Coach Marco Van Basten announces Dutch squad for Euro 2008 qualifiers aginst Bulgaria and Albania

Netherland famous for its mastery of Total football, has won the 1988 European football Championship. The Orangemen has also reached the World cup finals in 1974 and 1978. Group G however is not a foregone conclusion and it seems only a matter of time before the Oranje can repeat their Euro ’88 title. Coach Marco van Basten announced on Friday the 25-man Dutch squad for the Euro 2008 qualifying matches against Bulgaria at home on Sept. 8 and Albania away four days later. Romania leads Group G with 17 points. Bulgaria is behind Romania with 15 points and Netherlands in third place with 14 points.

Dutch squad for Euro 2008 qualifiers against Bulgaria and Romania

Goalkeepers: Edwin van der Sar, Maarten Stekelenburg, Henk Timmer

Defenders: Khalid Boulahrouz, Wilfred Bouma, Urby Emanuelson, John Heitinga, Kew Jaliens, Joris Mathijsen, Mario Melchiot, Andr Ooijer

Mifdielders: Ibrahim Afellay, Giovanni van Bronckhorst, Nigel de Jong, Denny Landzaat, Clarence Seedorf, Wesley Sneijder, Rafael van der Vaart, Demy de Zeeuw

Forwards: Ryan Babel, Klaas Jan Huntelaar, Dirk Kuyt, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Robin van Persie, Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink

JUMPTV together with SPORT FIVE – Europe's leading sports rights marketing company, is glad to present the long awaited European Championship second round qualifying matches (June 2 - Nov 21) for EURO 2008 to all the true soccer fans from all over the world! Subscribe to JumpTV and watch the upcoming exciting matches online............

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