UEFA Champions League Group G Fixtures

UEFA Champions League Group G Fixtures
By Nathan L. Redd

September 19, 2007:
PSV Eindhoven– CSKA
Fenerbahce - Inter Milan

October 2, 2007:
Inter Milan – PSV Eindhoven
CSKA – Fenerbahce

October 23, 2007:
PSV Eindhoven – Fenerbahce
CSKA - Inter Milan

November 7, 2007:
Inter Milan – CSKA
Fenerbahce – PSV Eindhoven

November 27, 2007:
Inter Milan – Fenerbahce
CSKA – PSV Eindhoven

December 12, 2007:
PSV Eindhoven – Inter Milan
Fenerbahce – CSKA

Zico Indicates Changes In Store for Sunday

Zico Indicates Changes In Store for Sunday
By Nathan L. Redd

Following Fenerbahce's 2-0 win over Anderlecht, Fenerbahce Manager Zico spoke with the media on Thursday and indicated there may be lineup changes in store for Sunday. "Some of our players suffer from injuries, so I can tell you that there will be some changes in our squad for the upcoming match against Genclerbirligi OFTASSpor in the league. I have to decide about Lugano, Deivid, Tümer and Deniz" he told reporters.

Following Kezman's response to the critical Turkish media, Zico obviously supported his player and reiterated his confidence in the star. Zico told reporters "Deivid, Kezman and Deniz are magnificient players. I am always here for them. I know that they have a lot to give, if they can work in a relaxing atmosphere."

Turkcell Super Lig Week Four Schedule

Turkcell Super Lig Week Four Schedule
By Nathan L. Redd

Friday, August 31:
Bursaspor vs. Trabzonspor

Saturday, September 1:
Konyaspor vs. Denizlispor
Ankaragucuy vs. Genclerbirligi
Caykur Rizespor vs. Istanbul Buyuksehir Belediyespor
Besiktas vs. Kayserispor

Sunday, September 2:
Genclerbirligi OFTASSpor vs. Fenerbahce
Sivasspor vs. Gaziantepspor
Kasimpasa vs. Ankaraspor
Vestel Manisaspor vs. Galatasaray

Highlights of Fenerbahce vs. Anderlecht

Watch highlights of Fenerbahce's 2-0 victory over Anderlecht in UEFA Champions League action.

Full UEFA Champions League Group Draw

Full UEFA Champions League Draw
By Nathan L. Redd

Group A:
Liverpool
Porto
Marseille
Besiktas

Group B:
Chelsea
Valencia
Schalke 04
Rosenborg

Group C:
Real Madrid
Werder Bremen
Lazio
Olympiakos

Group D:
AC Milan
Benfica
Celtic
Shakhtar Donetsk

Group E:
Barcelona
Lyon
Stuttgart
Rangers

Group F:
Manchester United
AS Roma
Sporting
Dynamo Kiev

Group G:
Inter Milan
PSV Eindhoven
CSKA Moskva
Fenerbahce

Group H:
Arsenal
Sevilla / AEK Athens
FC Steaua Bucharest
Slavia Prague

Fenerbahce Draws Into Group G

Fenerbahce Draws Into Group G
By Nathan L. Redd

Following the UEFA Champions League draw just moments ago in Monaco, Fenerbahce draws into Group G.

The other clubs in Group G are Inter Milan, PSV Eindhoven, and CSKA Moskva.

More Photos from Fenerbahce vs. Anderlecht

(All photos courtesy of Royal Sporting Club Anderlecht)

English Side Everton Interested in Appiah

English Side Everton Interested in Appiah
By Nathan L. Redd

According to a report by England's Sky Sports, English Side Everton is the latest club to join the hunt for Stephen Appiah. The defender/midfielder is also rumored to be on West Ham United's wish list once again as well.

Fenerbahce is hoping to hang on to Appiah, but this hasn't discouraged potential suitors from eyeing him. Appiah is currently injured and missed both legs of the Anderlecht UEFA Champions League match. He is expected to join Fenerbahce on the pitch in the coming weeks.

UEFA Champions League Pairings

UEFA Champions League Pairings
By Nathan L. Redd

Pot 1:

AC Milan (Italy)
Barcelona (Spain)
Liverpool (England)
Inter Milan (Italy)
Arsenal (England)
Real Madrid (Spain)
Chelsea (England)
Manchester United (England)

Pot 2:

Valencia (Spain)
Olympique Lyonnais (France)
FC Porto (Portugal)
Sevilla (Spain) / AEK Athens (Greece)
PSV Eindhoven (Netherlands)
AS Roma (Italy)
Benfica (Portugal)
Werder Bremen (Germany)

Pot 3:

Celtic (Scotland)
Schalke 04 (Germany)
Stuttgart (Germany)
FC Steaua Bucharest (Romania)
CSKA Moscow (Russia)
Sporting Portugal (Portugal)
Lazio (Italy)
Olympique Marseille (France)

Pot 4:

Rangers (Scotland)
Shakhtar Donetsk (Ukraine)
Besiktas (Turkiye)
Olympiakos (Greece)
Dynamo Kiev (Ukraine)
Fenerbahce (Turkiye)
Slavia Prague (Czech Republic)
Rosenborg BK (Norway)

Fenerbahce Advance on 3-0 Aggregate

Fenerbahce Advance on 3-0 Aggregate

By Nathan L. Redd

Fenerbahce finds themselves on their way to the group state of the UEFA Champions League following a dominant 2-0 win over Anderlecht in Belgium Wednesday. Fenerbahce wins the series on 3-0 aggregate.

Anderlecht had an uphill battle coming into the game, but Mateja Kezman made their task more difficult by finding the back of the net off a corner only three minutes into the game. Anderlecht quickly went into attack mode, needing to find the back of the net three times for hopes of advancing. Twenty-five minutes in Mbark Boussafa hit the crossbar on a powerful shot. Only seven minutes later, Jelle van Damme nearly put the ball in off a header, but Anderlecht had no such luck.

Fenerbahce was feeling confident with the 1-0 lead as the game went on, but in the 74th minute Alex de Souza put the game out of hand with a shot past the Anderlecht keeper for a 2-0 lead, ending the Belgian side's UEFA Champions League stay.

Volkan Demirel, in goal for the injured Serdar Kulbilge, played well and preserved the clean sheet for Fenerbahce. Volkan made several terrific saves that kept Anderlecht off the boards.

Zico went with a starting eleven of Volkan Demirel, Onder Turaci, Diego Lugano, Edu Dracena, Alex de Souza, Mateja Kezman, Deivid de Souza, Roberto Carlos, Mehmet Aurelio, Tumer Metin, and Deniz Baris. Gokcek Wederson came in for Deivid de Souza in the 83rd minute, Colin Kazim-Richards relieved Tumer in the 67th minute, and Selcuk Sahin came in for Alex de Souza in the 75th minute. Deniz Baris, Onder Turaci, and Deivid de Souza all picked up yellow cards for Fenerbahce.

After the game, Deniz Baris said "After our first goal we are really relieved and did not want to risk the score. We won the first match with the result of 1-0, and also won the second match by scoring 2 goals. So we really deserved to be a part of the Champions League. We are really excited about the upcoming matches."

Mateja Kezman has been widely scrutinized by Fenerbahce fans recently, but he took his frustration out after the game. Kezman stated "Today we showed a great performance on the pitch and defeated Anderlecht. We managed to score a goal at the very right time when we needed it the most. After this goal we tried not to risk anything. Finally we scored another goal which led us to the ultimate victory. Here I want to underline the fact that there is a huge pressure on my shoulders. I want everyone to leave me alone, so that I can do my job freely."

Fenerbahce won't have to wait long to find out their next opponent in the UEFA Champions League. The group stage draw will take place on Thursday at 18:00 local time in Monaco. The UEFA Champions League group stage will be played on 18/19 September, 2/3 October, 23/24 October, 6/7 November, 27/28 November and 11/12 December, though AC Milan's last game will be on 4 December due to their participation in the FIFA Club World Cup. The winners and runners-up from each pool will progress to the first knockout round in the spring, with the final set for Moscow on 21 May. Teams finishing third in each section will have the consolation of going into the UEFA Cup Round of 32.

(Photos courtesy of Fenerbahce.org)

UEFA Champions League Preview

UEFA Champions League Preview
By Berend Scholten and Yakir Mizrahi

The following UEFA Champions League preview was published on the official UEFA website this week by authors Berend Scholten and Yakir Mizrahi:

RSC Anderlecht have been told that failing to reach the group stage would "slow further growth" as they prepare for their decider against Fenerbahçe SK.

Pressure on
After the Belgian champions left Istanbul with a respectable 1-0 first-leg defeat by their Turkish counterparts, Anderlecht chairman Roger Vanden Stock underlined the importance of Wednesday's UEFA Champions League third qualifying round tie in Brussels.

Star attraction
"Anderlecht will not die if we do not qualify but it will slow further growth," he said. "This is the most important match of the first half of the season. Playing in the UEFA Champions League attracts stars – that's why players such as Jan Polák and Lucas Biglia came here. My message is clear: do what you came to Anderlecht for and qualify. The difference in financial terms between qualifying and not is huge – not only for the club but also the players. It think our chances are 50-50."

Théréau excited
Nicolas Frutos is recovering from heel surgery while fellow forward Mbark Boussoufa faces a late fitness test after sustaining an ankle injury in Saturday's 3-0 derby win against FC Molenbeek Brussels Strombeek. Making his first start since joining from FC Steaua Bucureşti, Frenchman Cyril Théréau scored in the derby and now wants to face Fenerbahçe. "I am still a bit short of match fitness but I felt really good on the pitch," he said. "Obviously I hope to play on Wednesday – I am ready for it."

Positive Zico
Meanwhile, Roberto Carlos opened his Fenerbahçe account with a rare header in Saturday's 1-0 defeat of Sivasspor. The goal was set up by Mateja Kežman, who has still to gain universal approval among the supporters but who has been praised by his coach Zico, who also defended fellow striker Deivid and midfielder Deniz Barış. Now Zico is focusing on Anderlecht and is confident of completing the victory. "We have come to Belgium to win," he said. "We have the lead and we have to qualify for the UEFA Champions League."

Goalkeeping change
Volkan Demirel should continue in goal after replacing Serdar Kulbilge when the Turkish international injured his knee against Sivasspor. "Serdar is a top goalkeeper and we could be looking at a serious injury problem," Zico said. "But we will play as we always do. We will make sure we score and we are halfway to winning."
©uefa.com 1998-2007.

Match Day: Fenerbahce vs. Anderlecht

Match Day: Fenerbahce vs. Anderlecht
By Nathan L. Redd

UEFA Champions League Third Qualifying Round

Stadium: Constant Vanden Stock Stadium - Brussels, Belgium

Kick-off: 20:30 local time (21:30 in Turkiye; 2:30 PM EST in the U.S.)

Referee: Massimo Busacca (SUI)

Assistant Referee: Matthias Arnet (SUI), Stephane Cuhat (SUI)

Fourth Official: Jerome Laperriere (SUI)

UEFA Referee Observer: Stefano Braschi (ITA)

First Leg: Fenerbahce 1-0 (Istanbul Sukru Saracoglu Stadium, Kadikoy)

Tebrikler, Mehmet Catay!

Tebrikler, Mehmet Catay!
By Nathan L. Redd

Last weekend, the daughter of Fenerbahce Magazine Editor and Fener Media Manager Mehmet Catay was married in Germany. Aybike Catay married her boyfriend, Engin Ozen in a small, outdoor ceremony in Wolfsburg.

Mehmet Catay of Fenerbahce is a great friend of ours here at Fenerbahce Worldwide, and is a great supporter of our website - www.fenerbahceworldwide.blogspot.com. We'd like to say tebrikler (congratulations) to Mehmet, as well as the newlyweds, Engin and Aybike!

Fenerbahce Under Huge Pressure Against Anderlecht

Fenerbahce Under Huge Pressure Against Anderlecht
By Nathan L. Redd

After a disappointing failure in the UEFA Cup last season, Fenerbahce boss Aziz Yildirim set out to improve the team and build a squad worthy of making a run into the UEFA Champions League. He signed one of the world's biggest stars in Roberto Carlos, then pursued some of the best Turkish players to surround and compliment him. With the second leg of the UEFA Champions League match vs. Anderlecht just hours away, it's put-up or shut-up time for Fenerbahce.

Fener has six points from their first three Turkcell Super Lig games and an impressive win over Besiktas in the Turkish Super Cup. Despite the points, Fener has looked less-than-impressive in the wins. The team is also still trying to find its chemistry and the perfect eleven headed into the Anderlecht match. Zico was so frustrated after the season opening loss that he has made major changes in the lineup since. The new look has produced points, but it hasn't given the team the offensive firepower fans were hoping for. Last weekend's only goal came from Roberto Carlos, a player not expected to produce many goals for Fener. Mateja Kezman has struggled so far, and Alex de Souza is still finding his legs after being injured for several months.

Fenerbahce hoped for a 2-0 or 3-0 decision in the Anderlecht first leg, but a slim 1-0 lead will carry over to Belgium on Wednesday. Fener knows they will have to play much, much better if they hope to advance and keep their European hopes alive this year. Fenerbahceli's are hungry for success, and nothing less than a deep run into the UEFA Champions League group stage will satiate that hunger. Fener has a tough task on Wednesday, and they'll face it head-on without the services of starting goalkeeper Serdar Kulbilge who is injured. Regardless, if Fenerbahce hopes to build its European reputation, Wednesday will be the first step.

Kickoff from Constant Vanden Stock Stadium in Brussels, Belgium is set for 21:30 (2:30 PM EST in the U.S.) on Wednesday.

Hassan Hopes Fans Make Difference for Anderlecht

Hassan Hopes Fans Make Difference for Anderlecht
By Nathan L. Redd

Anderlecht striker Ahmed Hassan knows Turkish futbol well, having spent a good deal of time at Istanbul Besiktas. Hassan still has some disdain for Fenerbahce from his experiences, and he hopes that his new team's fans will make the difference in the UEFA Champions League second leg. "I'm counting on our fans to support us. We can do it, but we need to be focused" he told fansite Purple Dynamite. His teammate, Lucas Biglia went on to say "The game against Brussels was a good preparation for the one against Fenerbahçe. We have to start well. Playing one good half won't be enough."

Anderlecht goalkeeper Daniel Zitka told Purple Dynamite "The next game will be a very important one, against Fenerbahçe. Anderlecht need to overcome the 1-0 defeat in Turkiye in order to qualify for the Champions League. Holding the nill is important."

Could Appiah Be on the Move Again?

Could Appiah Be on the Move Again?
By Nathan L. Redd

Stephen Appiah's name has been mentioned in transfer rumors for months now, but things seemed to have quieted down in recent weeks. However, some reports indicate that Fener may be reconsidering the offer for Appiah from England's West Ham United. According to Goal.com, reports over the weekend now claim that Fenerbahce are considering the West Ham deal in a move that is said to be in the region of £5 million.

Appiah is recovering from injury and has yet to play for Fenerbahce this season. He is expected to return in the coming weeks, however.

Vercauteren Stresses Importance of Fenerbahce Match

Vercauteren Stresses Importance of Fenerbahce Match
By Nathan L. Redd

Anderlecht Manager Frank Vercauteren spoke with fansite Purple Dynamite and stressed what a win over Fenerbahce would mean to Anderlecht, as well as Belgian football. "We have to do everything to go to the Champions League," said Vercauteren. "Not just for Anderlecht, but for Belgian football in general. Going to the CL would be a great achievement, it's important that everyone realizes that. The 1-0 after the previous game is a dangerous result. The game against Fenerbahçe is important for the club and the players."

Fenerbahce Arrives in Belgium

Fenerbahce Arrives in Belgium
By Nathan L. Redd

Fenerbahce arrived in Brussels, Belgium on Tuesday, one day ahead of their UEFA Champions League second-leg matchup. The team is staying at the Chateau du Lac just outside of Brussels.

As expected, Fenerbahce will be without goalkeeper Serdar Kulbilge who was injured in the second half of Saturday's game vs. Sivasspor. Volkan Demirel will replace Serdar in goal for Fenerbahce.

Kickoff will be at 21:30 (2:30 PM EST in the U.S.) from Belgium.

Zico's Comments About Anderlecht Match

Zico's Comments About Anderlecht Match
By Nathan L. Redd

Fenerbahce Manager Zico spoke with Fenerbahce.org on Tuesday about the UEFA Champions League second-leg match vs. Anderlecht. Zico told the website "We attach a great importance to this match. In the first step of the third qualifying round for the Champions League we have defeated Anderlecht in Istanbul. Now we also want to win this game and make our way to the Champions League. We always start a game in order to win it. We know that we have to score goals to defeat our opponents. So that is what we are going to try to achieve. I do not want to comment on what Anderlecht has said about us. Serdar is a very important goalkeeper but he is not able to play tomorrow because of his injury. Our goalkeeper Volkan is also very talented and I totally trust him."

Fenerbahce - Sivasspor 1:0

Watch highlights of the lone goal scored by Roberto Carlos in Fenerbahce's 1-0 win over Sivasspor.

Fenerbahce Holds On for 1-0 Win Over Sivasspor

Fenerbahce Holds On for 1-0 Win Over Sivasspor
By Nathan L. Redd

Roberto Carlos scored his first goal as a Yellow Canary, allowing Fenerbahce to pick up three points Saturday with a 1-0 win over Sivasspor. Fenerbahce exerted dominance over the Sivas side for much of the first half, and Roberto Carlos put Fener on the board in the 30th minute with a magnificent header. Zico went with a starting eleven of Carlos, Onder Turaci, Diego Lugano, Alex de Souza, Mateja Kezman, Deivid de Souza, Edu Dracena, Selcuk Sahin, Deniz Baris, Tumer Metin, and Serdar Kulbilge.

Serdar left the game early in the second half after a knee injury. He underwent an MRI after the game. Volkan Demirel came in to preserve the clean sheet for Fenerbahce. Ali Bilgin also entered the game in the 89th minute replacing Deivid de Souza.

Fenerbahce had many opportunities from Mateja Kezman to increase their lead, but he could not find the back of the net. The Fenerbahce defense and goalkeeper Volkan stepped up to pick up the three points. Edu Dracena, Diego Lugano, Selcuk Sahin, and Deniz Baris all picked up yellow cards in the game.

After the game, Roberto Carlos told Fenerbahce TV "This is really an unforgettable goal. I hope that this goal will bring me luck and help me to score more and more goals for Fenerbahce. This has been my third goal which I scored with a header. Honestly I do not even remember, when was the last time that I scored a goal with a header. When I was playing for Real Madrid, my friends always kissed my head right after I had scored a goal. Especially in the national team Ronaldo used to kiss my head. I believe that it kind of brings me luck. I dedicate my goal to my father who will return to Brazil tomorrow. All my life I have tried to be a natural person and tried to be friends with everyone. That is why I share my happiness with everybody."

Zico commented after the game "Today we never gave up on fighting and were really effective at both wings. I consider our perfomance as positive. Now we have four days to get ready for the upcoming Anderlecht match. I think that four days are enough to relax and work. My only concern is Serdar's health condition. All footballers did their best and fulfilled my expectations."

With the victory behind them, Fenerbahce now looks to focus on their UEFA Champions League second leg matchup with Anderlecht. The team will travel to Brussels early in the week for the Wednesday kickoff.

More to come on the upcoming Fenerbahce vs. Anderlecht UEFA Champions League match later this weekend. Check back with Fenerbahce Worldwide for more updates.

(All photos courtesy of Fenerbahce.org)

Birmingham City Reportedly Interested in Appiah

Birmingham City Reportedly Interested in Appiah
By Nathan L. Redd

According to one Birmingham City (England) fan site, the club is interested in Fenerbahce star Stephen Appiah. Birmingham City released a statement this week indicating that they are close to signing a foreign midfielder, increasing speculation among its fans that Appiah might be that guy. There had been rumors about an interest in Appiah from Birmingham City over the last week.

The English club likely would not be able to afford the transfer fee from Fenerbahce, and Fenerbahce has indicated that they have no intentions of selling Appiah. Currently, Appiah is working to regain his fitness and place in the lineup for upcoming Super Lig and UEFA Champions League games.

Turkcell Super Lig Week Four Schedule

Turkcell Super Lig Week Four Schedule
By Nathan L. Redd

The Turkish Futbol Federation just released the schedule for next week's Turkcell Super Lig games. Fenerbahce will play the first game of the day on Sunday, September 2. Fener will play their first lig match outside of Istanbul this year when they travel to Ankara to take on Genclerbirligi OFTASSpor. Kickoff will be at 18:00 (11 AM EST in the U.S.).

The full Turkcell Super Lig schedule for next weekend is as follows:

Friday, August 31st:
21.00 Bursaspor-Trabzonspor (Bursa Atatürk Stadium).

Saturday, September 1st:
20.00 Konyaspor-Denizlispor (Konya Büyükşehir Belediyesi Atatürk Stadium)
20.00 Çaykur Rizespor-İstanbul Büyükşehir Belediyespor (Rize Atatürk Stadium)
20.00 Ankaragücü-Gençlerbirliği (Ankara Stadium)
21.00 Beşiktaş-Kayserispor (BJK İnönü Stadium)

Sunday, September 2nd:
18.00 Gençlerbirliği OFTAŞ Spor-Fenerbahçe (Ankara Stadium)
20.00 Sivasspor-Gaziantepspor (4 Eylül Stadium)
20.00 Kasımpaşa-Ankaraspor (Atatürk Olimpiyat Stadium)
21.00 Vestel Manisaspor-Galatasaray (Manisa Stadium).

Van Damme: "Fenerbahce is the Game of the Year for Us"

Van Damme: "Fenerbahce is the Game of the Year for Us"

By Nathan L. Redd

Anderlecht defender Jelle Van Damme has been out of service with an injury lately, but he is eager to get back on the pitch. Van Damme spoke with Anderlecht fan site Purple Dynamite and didn't hold back about the team's feelings about Fenerbahce. "Fenerbahçe is the game of the year for us, but for Brussels, Saturday is the game of the year. Certainly after getting zero points they will come here to defend. We know this game will be difficult."

Anderlecht has a huge Brussels derby this weekend, but the team is obviously looking forward to hosting Fenerbahce in their stadium next week. They have an uphill battle after losing the first leg 1-0 in Kadikoy, but the players believe they can defeat Fenerbahce. On the other hand, Fener's first week loss to Istanbul Buyuksehir Belediyespor may have been a case of looking ahead to Anderlecht and a lack of focus. With Sivasspor visiting Sukru Saracoglu Stadium tomorrow, the team's mental state will be tested again. Can Fenerbahce focus completely on Sivasspor with the UEFA Champions League second leg game coming up next week? Fenerbahce and Sivasspor kick off at 18:45 (11:45 AM EST in the U.S.) from Kadikoy on Saturday.

Felipe Massa, Fenerbahce Fan

Felipe Massa, Fenerbahce Fan
By Nathan L. Redd

Brazilian Formula One driver Felipe Massa is in town this weekend for the Turkiye Grand Prix, and he used his visit to gain many fans in Turkiye. "I am a Fenerbahçe fan, because it is just like Brazilian team. My best friend is Roberto Carlos" he told reporters at a press conference.

Massa went on to say "My best friend is Roberto Carlos. Pele Zico was idol of my childhood. I am a Fenerbahçe fan, because it is just like Brazilian team. I love Turkiye. As I won my first championship in Turkiye, it has special value for me."

Massa will compete in the Turkiye Grand Prix on Sunday in Istanbul.

Fenerbahce, Sivasspor Both Motivated for Saturday

Fenerbahce, Sivasspor Both Motivated for Saturday
By Nathan L. Redd

On paper, Fenerbahce vs. Sivasspor doesn't look like a crucial match for either team. However, both teams come into Saturday's game with lots of motivation and much to play for. Both teams have only three points going into week three, but Sivas has only one full game under their belts. Their season opener against Trabonzonspor was marred by violence when Trabzon's Egyptian defender Ayman Abdelaziz and Sivasspor's Israeli striker Pini Balili got into a scuffle. After fans began to rush the pitch, the referee called the game early with neither team earning a result.

Sivasspor rebounded last week with a 2-1 win over Istanbul Buyuksehir Belediyespor; the same team that defeated Fenerbahce 2-0 in their season opener. Sivasspor is looking to evaluate their squad since they've had less time on the pitch than the other Super Lig teams. Fenerbahce Manager Zico is still defining his lineup after a benching of the starting eleven in last week's win over Gaziantepspor. Zico has kept his plans to himself much of this week, not revealing Saturday's anticipated lineup just yet. The Gaziantepspor game gave Fener reserves some crucial playing time, and they took advantage of it. Kemal Aslan, Semih Senturk, and Colin Kazim-Richards all stood out in last week's match.

Fenerbahce and Sivasspor will play the first match of the weekend in the Turkcell Super Lig. Kickoff is 18:45 (11:45 AM EST in the U.S.) from Sukru Saracoglu Stadium in Kadikoy. The game is available online at www.digiturkwebtv.com for $9.95.

Firat Aydinus will be the match referee, with Zafer Onder, Serkan Ok, and Muhittin Gurses as his assistants.

Turkcell Super Lig Week Three Schedule

Turkcell Super Lig Week Three Schedule
By Nathan L. Redd

Saturday, August 25:

Fenerbahce vs. Sivasspor - 18:45 (11:45 AM EST in the U.S.)
Genclerbirligi vs. Bursaspor - 21:00
Istanbul Buyuksehir Belediyespor vs. Genclerbirligi OFTASSpor - 21:00
Gaziantepspor vs. Besiktas - 21:45

Sunday, August 26:

Trabzonspor vs. Caykur Rizespor - 18:45
Kayserispor vs. Kasimpasa - 21:00
Denizilispor vs. Vestel Manisaspor - 21:00
Ankaraspor vs. Konyaspor - 21:00
Galatasaray vs. Ankaragucu - 21:45

Turkiye Suffers Embarrassing 2-0 Loss to Romania

Match report courtesy of Ahmet Turgut (www.turkeyfootball.blogspot.com):

The Romanian National Team beat Turkiye 2-0 in an international friendly match in Bucharest on Wednesday.

This must be the trend now, changing the line up or hiding the line-up from people among the coaches in Turkiye. After Zico and Ertugrul Saglam, National Team Coach Fatih Terim confused a lot of people before the match. I think he confused his own organization too. One hour before the match on TFF web site announced different line-up.

The match: Second-half goals from Nicolae Dica and Adrian Mutu gave Romania a 2-0 win over Turkiye.

Striker Ciprian Marica's cross was converted from close range by Dica to put Romania ahead on 62 minutes.

Eight minutes later Mutu scored his 25th goal in 55 matches for Romania when he was set up by Dorinel Munteanu.

Turkiye had enjoyed the better of the first half, Arda Turan going close when he struck the post in the fourth minute.

Stadium: Lia Manoliu

Referees: Markus Merk, Mathias Auklam, Holger Hesnchel

Turkey: Serdar, Sabri (Gokdeniz), Ibrahim Toraman, Gokhan Zan, Ibrahim Uzulmez (Volkan Yaman), Mehmet Topuz (Huseyin), Hamit, Emre (Nihat), Arda (Tumer), Tuncay, Gokhan Unal (Halil)

Romania: Lobont, Rat, Chivu, Rasoi, Florentin Petre (Nicolita), Marica (Niculescu), Marin Petre, Codrea (Munteanu), Goiam, Mutu, Dica (Cristea)

Scorers: Dica (min. 62), Mutu (min. 71)

Turkiye Moves Up Two Spots in Latest FIFA Rankings

Turkiye Moves Up Two Spots in Latest FIFA Rankings
By Nathan L. Redd

In the latest FIFA world rankings released today, Fatih Terim's "Milli Takim" moved up two spots to settle in at #22. The team is up two spots after having fallen several spots in the July 2007 rankings.

The top five remained the same with Brazil, Argentina, Italy, France, and Germany. There was little movement in the 10-20 range, with Poland up one spot to #20 and Uruguay, led by Fenerbahce star Diego Lugano at #21. Behind Turkiye at #22 is Scotland, Russia, and Bosnia-Herzegovina. The biggest drop in the top 50 was Fenerbahce star Stephen Appiah's native Ghana, who fell six spots to #43. The biggest jump of the top 50 was Korea, who moved up eight spots to #50. The biggest overall jump was Iraq who leaped to #64 following their impressive Asian performance over the summer.

For the complete FIFA World Rankings table, visit their website at http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/ranking/lastranking/gender=m/fullranking.html#confederation=0&rank=160

Match Day: Turkiye vs. Romania

Match Day: Turkiye vs. Romania
By Nathan L. Redd

Turkiye's "Milli Takim" will take the pitch on Wednesday for the first time in over two months as they begin preparations for more Euro 2008 qualifying. Turkiye is in Bucharest, Romania for a friendly vs. the Romanian National Team. The game will take place at Lia Manoliou Stadium in Bucharest at 21:00 (2 PM EST in the U.S.).

Earlier on Tuesday evening the squad finished their final training session. Despite being a friendly, the match is a crucial game for Turkiye as they will begin more Euro 2008 qualifiers in the coming weeks. Fenerbahce will be represented by Tumer Metin, Marco "Mehmet" Aurelio, and goalkeeper Serdar Kulbilge. Former Fenerbahce star Tuncay Sanli will also be on the roster.

Check back with Fenerbahce Worldwide Wednesday for photos and stats from the game.

Fenerbahce Worldwide On Campus

Fenerbahce Worldwide on Campus

By Nathan L. Redd

I am honored to announce that Fenerbahce Worldwide Publisher Nathan L. Redd has been invited to lecture at the University of Louisville on September 20, 2007. I'll be speaking on the current state of Turkish sport and why Fenerbahce is poised to become one of the world's greatest clubs. My lecture will last approximately one hour. If you are in the Louisville area and are interested in attending, please drop me an e-mail.

Are Appiah, West Ham Meeting in London?

Are Appiah, West Ham Meeting in London?
By Nathan L. Redd

According to one West Ham United fan site, Fenerbahce star Stephen Appiah is in London today with his native Ghana National Team, fueling rumors that he may be meeting with West Ham United over a deal. Appiah is injured and cannot play, but the website reports that he traveled with the team anyway for their friendly against Senegal in England.

West Ham United has not commented on Appiah in recent weeks, and Fenerbahce has made no comments other than about his physical condition. It is still expected that Fenerbahce has no plans to let Appiah go and he will join the team within 2-3 weeks for Turkcell Super Lig play.

Zico Confident About Team's Lineup

Zico Confident About Team's Lineup
By Nathan L. Redd

Following Fenerbahce's 2-1 defeat of Gaziantepspor over the weekend, Zico remained confident about his choice of the starting eleven. After the game, Zico told reporters “The most important thing in tonight's game was the players' ambition to win. The fans appreciated this and supported the players until the final whistle. It was a well-deserved victory."

Zico had intimated that he may make several changes in last weekend's lineup, but no one expected an entirely different starting eleven. Fortunately for Zico, it paid off and showed the depth of this year's squad. Last season Fenerbahce was plagued with injuries to key players such as Alex de Souza, Stephen Appiah, and then-goalkeeper Rustu Recber. Zico said this was a factor in his decision to give the usual starters a rest against Gaziantepspor. “Last season we had difficulties when some of the players were injured or suspended. We kept this in mind when establishing this season's squad. Tonight we showed that Fenerbahçe has more than one team to compete at the highest level" he told the media.

Zico spoke to Fenerbahce TV over the weekend and said "We deserved the three points by defeating Gaziantepspor in our stadium. We could have scored even more goals. My players reflected their creativity on the pitch. We really deserved to win. Every Fenerbahce player is very talented and deserves a chance to prove it on the pitch. During the trainings the footballers get to know each other and today they showed that they work in harmony. If you watch FB TV regularly, you won't be surprised about today's squad. I let the substitutes play today because they deserved it. We have greater aims and you cannot stick with 11 players during the whole season. You have to have variations. I am satisfied with the engagement of my players who really proved that they want to win."

The lineup changes may have also been a ploy by Zico to "light a fire" under the starters as well as give confidence to the reserves. Kemal Aslan commented after the game that "Today our head coach Zico gave me a chance to play, so I did my best and scored a goal. I am very glad that we did not let Zico down." After his first-ever start for Fenerbahce, new signee Yasin Cakmak stated "Our head coach Zico gave us this chance to play. So we did our utmost not to disappoint him. We will also continue on working very seriously." His teammate Gurhan Gursoy said "'We had to fight in order to prove that we are a united team. There are no substitutes in Fenerbahce, everyone can play at any time. We want to dedicate this victory to our President Aziz Yildirim and the directors. Our head coach Zico has told us that we will get the chance to prove our skills on the pitch. So we were really motivated and worked hard."

Up next for Fenerbahce is Sivasspor, who visits Sukru Saracoglu Stadium on Saturday.

Are West Ham United Back in the Hunt for Appiah?

Are West Ham United Back in the Hunt for Appiah?
By Nathan L. Redd

Just when you thought the Stephen Appiah exit rumors had died, one English media outlet reports that West Ham United has re-opened their interest. ThisisLondon.co.uk reports that West Ham United are "closing in" on Appiah once again.

Appiah has missed the first two Fenerbahce Super Lig games as well as the UEFA Champions League match due to injury. He has been in rehab for the injury and appears close to joining the squad in 2-3 weeks. Appiah will also be out of action for his native Ghana's upcoming international matches.

West Ham United was one of many suitors after Appiah earlier this summer, but it appeared a few weeks ago that Appiah and Fenerbahce and recommitted themselves to each other and the rumors had died. Appiah is hopeful to join his teammates for Week Four or Week Five of the Turkcell Super Lig fixtures.