Thursday, February 25, 2010

Fulham Advance in Europa League

Fulham pulled off a score draw in the Ukraine and rode the lanky shoulders of Brede Hangeland to defeat Shaktar Donetsk and advance to the Round of 16 in the Europa League.

The big Norwegian centerback scored a first half away goal, which put Shaktar in the position of chasing the tie, needing to score three goals to advance. The Ukrainian side managed only one in the second half amid a furious attack and desperate defending by Hangeland and the rest of the backline of Chris Baird, Aaron Hughes and Stephen Kelly. On loan defender Nicky Shorey was cup tied having played for Aston Villa earlier in teh competition. Mark Schwarzer came up with 8 big saves to put the Cottagers further in European competition than they have ever appeared.

Fulham will face the winner of the Ajax/Jeventus tie. Juve went into their home leg agaisnt teh Dutch with two away goals. Fulham will play the first leg away in either Amsterdam or more like Turin on March 11, with the return leg the following week.

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