Europa Conference League

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      Europa Conference League blunder as ex-Turkey keeper Demirel can’t open draw ball… before being shown up by host

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      THIS is the awkward moment the Europa League Conference draw came to a stuttering halt.That’s after a former goalie’s hands failed him while trying to open a stuck ball.
      Volkan Demirel had trouble opening a ball during the Europa Conference League group stage drawCredit: Twitter @gokcenizden
      The former goalie had to be helped out by Uefa chief Giorgio MarchettiCredit: Twitter @gokcenizden
      Fenerbahce and Turkey legend Volkan Demirel was tasked with revealing teams drawn from the pot during Friday’s group stage draw in Istanbul.
      The 40-year-old was left baffled as his expert grip was unable to prise open a particularly tricky ball.
      Demirel, now manager of Fatih Karagumruk, looked on awkwardly as his fingers continued to struggle with the task.
      And he even paused to wipe his hands on a towel before continuing to fail miserably.
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      But the hilarious moment was promptly saved by host Giorgio Marchetti.
      Uefa’s Deputy General Secretary is master when it comes to European draws.
      And after asking Demirel “can I help?”, he expertly unlocked the stuck ball in one swift movement.
      Marchetti’s one-glide motion prompted fits of laughter from both Demirel and the audience.
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      And fans on Twitter also enjoyed the spectacle immensely.
      One said: “Volkan Demirel having an absolute nightmare here.”
      Another wrote: “Demirel should always be chosen for a draw, he’s actually got personality.”

      One declared: “It’s not a draw until they wheel Marchetti out.”
      Another added: “The year Marchetti retires, the draw will never be the same.”
      Friday’s Europa Conference League group stage draw saw West Ham land Anderlecht, Silkeborg and FSCB.
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      Elsewhere, Villarreal and Napoli will face each other after being drawn together.
      And Scottish side Hearts face tough clashes against Istanbul Basaksehir and Fiorentina. More

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      West Ham get tricky Europa Conference League draw as they face former European champions FCSB, Anderlecht and Silkeborg

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      WEST HAM face tricky trips to Romania, Belgium and Denmark for group stages matches of the Europa Conference League.The Hammers were competing in the Europa League last season and managed to reach the semi-finals.
      West Ham’s Europa Conference League group
      Moyes has guided West Ham to back-to-back European group stagesCredit: Rex
      The Hammers will contest the Europa Conference LeagueCredit: Getty
      However, back-to-back losses to Eintracht Frankfurt saw West Ham miss out on a final spot to face Rangers.
      Winning the competition would have seen David Moyes’ men earn a Champions League spot.
      Instead, West Ham finished their Premier League campaign in seventh, booking their place in Europe’s third tier competition.
      And they will play FCSB, Anderlecht and Silkeborg for a place in the knockout stages.

      Romanian side FCSB have significant European pedigree.
      FCSB won the European Cup in 1986 and were runners-up in 1989.
      Anderlecht will not be an easy trip for the Hammers either.
      The Belgian side were playing in the Champions League in the 2017-18 season.
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      And Silkeborg are neighbours of West Ham’s Danish play-off opponents Viborg.
      On last night’s 3-0 win over Viborg, summer signing Gianluca Scamacca said: “We want to be in the Europa Conference League, so it was so important to win.
      “Everyone want to play in the European competitions, so it was a big night for us and we will give 100 per cent to go as far as possible.”
      West Ham could also have Lucas Paqueta in their squad, and the Brazil ace could be the man to get the Hammers firing again.
      Moyes’ side have agreed a £51million deal with Lyon for the 24-year-old playmaker. More

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      Moment Linfield blow 4-on-1 chance then concede 120th minute own goal to miss out on first ever European qualification

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      LINFIELD failed to become the first Northern Irish team to qualify for the group stage of a European competition after crashing out against FK RFS in cruel fashion.David Healy’s side were denied a piece of history by their Latvian opponents after coming within seconds of securing their place in the Europa Conference League.
      Hét verhaal van de Europese avond komt uit Noord-Ierland: Linfield FC stond tegen het Letse Rigas FC op het punt om als eerste Noord-Ierse club het hoofdtoernooi van een Europese competitie te bereiken, maar toen brak de 120ste minuut aan… pic.twitter.com/Y7zgto9vdg— Balletjebreed (@Balletjebreedtw) August 26, 2022

      Cameron Palmer missed a crucial chance for Linfield in the 120th minute against RFSCredit: BT Sport
      RFS went down the other end to equalise where they then beat Linfield on penalties to qualify for the Europa Conference LeagueCredit: BT Sport
      Going into the play-off second leg with the scores level on aggregate at 2-2, Linfield put themselves ahead in the 104th minute through Kyle McClean.
      And they should have sealed victory at the death in the 120th minute when they sprung a four-man counter attack against a solitary RFS player.
      Eetu Vertainen led the charge, as he played in Cameron Palmer ten yards out from goal.
      But his weak attempt was easily saved by the goalkeeper, who then started off RFS’ counter which led to Jimmy Callacher’s dramatic last-gasp own goal.
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      Windsor Park fell silent through shock, and that soon turned to despair when RFS beat Linfield 4-2 in the penalty shootout.
      Matthew Clarke and Ethan Devine both missed from 12 yards out with Linfield exiting in the cruellest fashion.
      Boss Healy wad devastated following the full-time whistle, as the ex-Manchester United striker told BBC Sport: “I don’t think I’ve been as disappointed in any time. Certainly in my managerial career.”
      Before adding: “It’s gut-wrenching. I feel for the staff, I feel for the players, the supporters and everybody involved in the football club.
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      “The group stage is where we wanted to be and could – and should – have been there tonight.”
      Healy was unable to hide his frustration at Palmer’s late missed chance which saw RFS go up the other end and equalise.
      Healy, 43, remarked: “I’m proud of our performance, I thought we were excellent tonight, some of our play was exceptional.
      “It is no crime for a player to miss a penalty, I think the crime that we committed was probably in the 120th minute of the match when we were flooding forward to score a second.
      “I have been a player and understand that the opportunity is there, there is nobody tracking, but we have got to either keep the ball, score or kick it into the 20th row of the empty stand.
      “We have got to do a bit better, and that is not picking on the players who were breaking – of course there is a hunger [to score]. RFS go up the other end and we concede a poor goal.
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      “Again, it is not a crime to concede the goal in the manner that we did because nobody means to and I thought Jimmy when he came on tonight was exceptional.
      “He has been an exceptional player for me and for Linfield since he has been here.”
      Linfield have failed to become the first Northern Irish to qualify for the group stages of a European tournamentCredit: Pacemaker More

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      Viborg 0 West Ham 3: David Moyes side breeze into Europa Conference League group stages after hammering win in Denmark

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      GIANLUCA SCAMACCA is providing the answers to West Ham’s goalscoring woes as he helped fire them into the Europa Conference League group stages.The Italian striker – a £30.5m summer signing from Sassuolo – netted on his debut start for the Hammers in last week’s 3-1 play-off first leg victory over Viborg.
      Gianluca Scamacca opened the scoring for West Ham in DenmarkCredit: Getty
      The win was comfortable for West Ham in the end, beating their opponents 6-1 on aggregate, with Soucek among the scorersCredit: Getty
      And away in Denmark, he converted in the 22nd minute to make it two from two in a West Ham shirt – easing some of David Moyes’ early-season concerns.
      Moyes has so far been reluctant to throw Scamacca – one of seven buys this window – into a Prem starting XI given a lack of pre-season minutes.
      But the Scottish coach may be left with little choice if the forward’s red-hot form continues.
      The East London side are rock-bottom of the Premier League with no points and no goals from their opening three outings this campaign.
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      In Europe at least, scoring is the least of their worries as Said Benrahma and Tomas Soucek also got in on the act in the second half.
      West Ham will find out their group stage opponents in the draw on Friday afternoon.
      Moyes made six changes from the woeful 2-0 home defeat to Brighton on Sunday, but it remained a strong team with an eye on getting the job done.
      Angelo Ogbonna continued his recovery from a serious knee injury with another start, Aaron Cresswell returned from suspension and Thilo Kehrer kept his place in the side.
      Skipper Declan remained missing as he served the second of his two-match Euro ban, as did Vladimir Coufal after suffering a concussion against the Seagulls.
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      Latest capture Emerson Palmieri was ineligible for this trip, but Scamacca and Maxwel Cornet teamed up again after shining in the first leg.
      Despite the odd counter from the hosts – on their first Euro journey for 22 years – West Ham took control as Scamacca sent an early warning of his instinct for goal.
      Lucas Lund Pedersen’s attempt to play out from the back was intercepted by Soucek, only for the keeper to make a good recovery save from Scamacca’s first-time effort.
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      It did not take long for Pedersen to be beaten moments later however, Scamacca producing an ingenious flick into the roof of the net from Soucek’s low cross.
      Viborg briefly rallied. French shot-stopper Alphonse Areola made a terrific double save to deny both Jay-Roy Grot and Justin Lonwijk just before half-time.
      But a fine team goal by West Ham after the break killed any chance of an unlikely comeback.
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      Scamacca’s lay-off, Cornet’s volleyed pass and Benrahma’s cool finish into the bottom corner made it 2-0 on 51 minutes.
      And 12 minutes later, Soucek made it three by pouncing on Pedersen’s palmed save to initially stop Thilo Kehrer’s bullet header. More

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      Is Viborg vs West Ham on TV? Channel, live stream, kick-off time and team news for Europa Conference League play-off

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      WEST HAM are looking to continue a second straight European season by qualifying for the Europa Conference League group stage.The Hammers made it all the way to the Europa League semi-final last term before being beaten by Frankfurt, and will want another lengthy campaign this term.
      Viborg kept themselves in the tie with a respectable 3-1 defeat at the London StadiumCredit: Getty
      Gianluca Scamacca opened his West Ham account in the first legCredit: EPA
      However, they were pipped to a Europa League spot by Man Utd on the final day last season, meaning they are appearing in Uefa’s third tier competition this time around.
      But they would have been pleased to have picked up a 3-1 victory in the first leg against Viborg following a diabolical start to their Premier League campaign.
      David Moyes’ men are currently in the relegation zone, having yet to pick up a point or even score a goal in games with Man City, Nottingham Forest and Brighton.
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      What time does Viborg vs West Ham kick off?

      Viborg vs West Ham takes place on Thursday, August 25.
      The match kicks off at 6pm.
      It takes place at the Viborg Stadium.

      What TV channel is Viborg vs West Ham on and can I live stream it?

      Viborg vs West Ham is live on Premier Sports 1.
      Coverage commences at 5.55pm – five minutes before kick-off.
      To stream it live, head to the Premier Player.

      READ MORE WEST HAM NEWS
      Team news
      Declan Rice is serving the second of a two-match Uefa ban for accusing the referee of being “paid” to give decisions to Frankfurt during the Europa League semi-final last season.
      Aaron Cresswell returns from a one-game ban he received for getting sent off during the same fixture.
      And Nayef Aguerd remains out with an ankle injury.
      Latest odds
      To win in 90 minutes
      Viborg 3/1
      Draw 12/5
      West Ham 3/4
      *Odds from Betfair correct as of Monday, August 22
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      West Ham 3 Viborg 1: New boy Scamacca gets first Hammers goal as Moyes’ boys take giant step towards Conference League

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      UP IN the executive seats at the London Stadium clutching a notebook, David Moyes would have had mixed emotions.Serving his European one-match touchline ban after booting a ball at a ball-boy in last season’s Europa League semi-final defeat to Frankfurt, the West Ham boss saw it all.
      Gianluca Scamacca grabbed his first West Ham goal in the win over ViborgCredit: Rex
      The Italian rose high to power home a header and break the deadlockCredit: Reuters
      Maxwel Cornet and Gianluca Scamacca had decent full debuts in Claret and Blue in the Hammers’ Europa Conference League play-off first leg against Viborg.
      The duo combined in the 23rd minute as Scamacca nodded home for the lead.
      Last campaign’s goal-getters Jarrod Bowen and Michail Antonio then got their own tallies up and running with second-half strikes.
      Angelo Ogbonna made a surprise return to the starting line-up to ease the club’s defensive injury woes and Thilo Kehrer came off the bench less than 24 hours after signing from PSG.
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      But scribbled down in that notebook, while sat next to trusted coach Kevin Nolan throughout, Moyes will still have gripes over how their place in the group stages is not a done deal with a second leg in Denmark to come.
      Three goals at home is nothing to be sniffed at, but that killer instinct is still missing, worryingly against a respectively average opponent that briefly threatened a comeback.
      Progress has been hard to come by so far this season for the East Londoners, losing their opening two Premier League games without scoring a single goal.
      A much-needed victory and the sight of new-boys Scamacca and Cornet – worth a combined £47.5m – ripping it up was certainly a relief.
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      One of Moyes’ notebook pages must be dedicated to ensuring his summer-signing pair start as many games from now on.
      A Cruyff-turn by Cornet out wide before an inch-perfect cross found the head of Scamacca, who was never going to miss that chance to grab his first goal in West Ham colours.
      Whisper it quietly, but it is a goal ex-West Ham manager Sam Allardyce would have drooled over, and a combination Moyes will hope to use on a more regular basis in weeks to come.
      Combinations have been hard to come by for Moyes with injuries and suspensions a common theme to the start of the season, and tonight was no different.
      Skipper Declan Rice missed out as he serves the first of his two-match Euro ban for accusing an official of corruption during that heated Europa loss to Frankfurt.
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      Aaron Cresswell was also missing thanks to his red card early on in that same game, allowing Ogbonna to return from a knee injury for the first time since November.
      Youngsters Connor Coventry and Harrison Ashby also got a showing from the off as the hosts made the perfect start through Cornet and Scamacca.
      Bowen wasted two great opportunities to widen the gap, smacking both posts before curling one just wide.
      Manuel Lanzini replaced Pablo Fornals at the break only for the visitors to cause West Ham problems with Alphonse Areola called into action.
      The French keeper picked the ball out of his net in the 69th minute with some sloppy defending allowing Jacob Jensen to head in at the far post.
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      But Said Benrahma’s spark down the left shortly after coming off the bench then teed up another sub in Antonio to tap in from a yard out.
      Frustratingly, Moyes still must rely on a diligent Danish display to see them into the groups.
      David Moyes took the game in from the stands as he served his banCredit: Getty
      Jarrod Bowen found the bottom corner with his sweet strikeCredit: Reuters
      Jakob Bonde Jensen got up well to get one back for ViborgCredit: Getty
      Michail Antonio tapped in from Said Benrahma’s centre to make it 3-1Credit: PA More

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      West Ham vs Viborg FF: TV channel, live stream, team news and kick-off time for Europa Conference League playoff

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      WEST HAM return to European action TONIGHT when they welcome Danish side Viborg FF to East London.The Hammers fell short at the semi-final hurdle the last time they figured in a European competition.
      West Ham went crashing out of the Europa League semi-final to Eintracht FranfurtCredit: Rex
      And spirits around the camp will need lifting as they go into this encounter off the back of a surprise defeat to Premier League freshmen Nottingham Forest.
      However, David Moyes can expect his new summer signing of Thilo Kehrer to bring some stability in defence.
      But Viborg have built up some early momentum ahead of the match having already progressed through two ties to reach this stage.
      What time does West Ham vs Viborg FF kick off?

      West Ham will be taking on Viborg FF TONIGHT – Thursday, August 18.
      It is scheduled to kick off at 7:45pm UK time – 8:45pm Danish time.
      London Stadium in East London is the allocated arena for this huge encounter and it can hold around 60,000.
      History will be made as this is the first ever encounter between West Ham and Viborg FF.

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      What TV channel is West Ham vs Viborg FF on and can I live stream it?

      West Ham vs Viborg FF will be broadcasted LIVE on BT Sport 1 in the UK.
      Pre-match coverage is set to commence from 7:15pm UK time – 30 minutes before kick-off.
      Subscription holders of BT Sport have the option to stream the entire action live on the BT Sport website or BT Sport app.

      Team news
      David Moyes will more than likely continue to be without the trio of Angelo Ogbonna, Nayef Aguerd and Craig Dawson.
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      However, the West Ham boss may be tempted to hand summer signing Gianluca Scamacca his first start for the club.
      Elsewhere Viborg FF gaffer Jacob Friis is expected to return to his strongest side having rested a lot of key players on the weekend.
      But Jay-Roy Grot could retain his spot up-top having got off the mark against Silkeborg on Sunday.
      Latest odds

      West Ham to win 1/7
      Draw 11/2
      Viborg FF to win 11/1

      *Odds courtesy of Betfair are correct at time of publication More

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      West Ham’s Europa Conference League opponents Viborg without two players due to post-Brexit rules

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      WEST HAM’S Europa Conference League opponents Viborg will be without two players for their first leg clash due to post-Brexit rules.The Danish side have confirmed that Nigerian Ibrahim Said and Gambian Alassana Jatta have been unable to obtain visas in time for the match.
      Viborg will be without Ibrahim Said at the London StadiumCredit: Getty
      Alassana Jatta also misses outCredit: Getty
      Both were likely to feature in the match, with Said in particular a regular starter for Viborg.
      A club statement read: “We are extremely sorry that we have not been able to get visas for the two players.
      “We have tried everything, and have been in close contact with DBU [Danish Football Association], Uefa, the two embassies and another foreign club which has been in a similar situation.
      “But unfortunately this has proved to be impossible, as there is a processing time of several weeks and the match was only finally decided a week ago.”
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      Viborg’s sporting director Esper Fredberg added: “It is very unfortunate purely sportingly, as both players would have had a role in the match, but even more unfortunate purely humanly, that the two miss out on the great experience.”
      Said, 20, and Jatta, 23, will not be able to play in London on Thursday night, but will be available for the second leg in Denmark next week.
      The two sides meet with a place in the Europa Conference League group stage on the line.
      Viborg have already beaten Lithuanian outfit Suduva and Faroese club B36 to reach this stage.
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      Like the Hammers, they finish seventh in their division last term.
      West Ham go into the match having just completed their sixth summer signing.
      David Moyes’ side announced the £10million acquisition of Thilo Kehrer from Paris Saint-Germain this afternoon.
      Kehrer, 25, joins Nayef Aguerd, Alphonse Areola, Gianluca Scamacca, Maxwel Cornet and Flynn Downes in signing for the Hammers this summer. More