Europa Conference League

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      Silkeborg 2 West Ham 3: Scamacca thunderbolt helps Hammers to entertaining win as Danes fume at goal harshly ruled out

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      FAR FROM pitch perfect, but West Ham’s winning start in the Europa Conference League continues.Boss David Moyes used the pre-match press conference to voice his concerns over the state of the plastic turf, suggesting any top player would think twice about gracing it.
      Manuel Lanzini equalised from the penalty spotCredit: Rex
      Gianluca Scamacca showed his class with an emphatic finishCredit: Reuters
      Craig Dawson scored in his first start of the seasonCredit: Rex
      Kasper Kusk scored Silkeborg’s first ever Europa Conference League goalCredit: EPA
      Michail Antonio summed up his views on it, donning AstroTurf trainers in the warm-up.
      Those worries briefly came to fruition away in Denmark as Silkeborg took a shock sixth-minute lead through Kasper Kusk’s side-footer.
      But just like they did in their opening group stage victory at home to Romania’s FCSB last week, the Hammers levelled the scores from the spot thanks to Manuel Lanzini.

      By the 25th minute, the lightning-quick comeback was complete thanks to Gianluca Scamacca’s scorching thump into the top corner.
      And seven minutes before the break, Craig Dawson – on his first competitive start since May 22 after a pre-season thigh strain – added a third with a near-post header from a corner.
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      Silkeborg grabbed one back in the 75th minute on a breakaway counter through Soren Tengstedt – but ultimately fell flat in their search for an equaliser.
      Another three goals, another three points in the bag and the knock-outs edge closer in speedy fashion for West Ham – just like when they reached the semi-finals of the Europa League last year.
      Yet Moyes will just be relieved to escape the Nordic region with all of his players still intact after a chastening experience on the slickest and most unforgiving of pitches.
      Dawson and Aaron Cresswell made their returns from injury, while Scamacca, Maxwel Cornet and Lucas Paqueta all started in a strong attacking line-up.
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      Silkeborg did their best to make the fake grass as quick as possible by drenching it with the sprinklers before kick-off, and it had the desired effect against their hesitant opponents.
      Lukas Engel pulled a cross back to Kusk just inside the box and his first-time curled effort into the bottom corner left Alphonse Areola rooted.
      The hosts went close to doubling their lead before West Ham got a slice of luck in the 13th minute with a dodgy penalty call as Cornet fell to the floor after a tug from Tobias Salquist.
      Moyes would have been happy VAR was unavailable for that one as Lanzini slotted home from 12 yards – despite slipping before making contact with the ball.
      Silkeborg continued to pepper Areola’s goal with shots until Cornet won the ball high up the pitch, fed Scamacca and watched him rifle an effort from range past Nicolai Larsen.
      The rub of the green was not with the Danes as ex-Aston Villa striker Nicklas Helenius had a headed goal from a corner ruled out for an alleged push.
      And in the 38th minute, Dawson rose highest in similar fashion to add salt to the wounds.
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      The third goal took the wind out of Silkeborg’s sails as West Ham drifted comfortably in the second half, with Paqueta, Scamacca and Declan Rice all taken off on the hour mark.
      But from their own corner, the visitors were done on the counter, giving the Danish outfit a sniff – and sub Tonni Adamsen then almost produced late drama but for a solid Areola stop. More

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      Classy moment Silkeborg staff give West Ham fans free beers as they collect tickets for Europa Conference League clash

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      SILKEBORG handed out free beer to West Ham fans ahead of their Europa Conference League match.The Danish side took on the Hammers in their second match of Group B.
      Silkeborg staff handed out free cans of Carlsberg to West Ham fans
      Sevilla fans were given free beer by Copenhagen on Wednesday
      And as a gesture of goodwill the club handed out free beers to travelling fans collecting their tickets.
      Several West Ham supporters were impressed with the generosity on show from Silkeborg – with some calling on the East London club to return the favour when the Danes visit in October.
      However, not everyone was won over by the idea of free booze with some jokingly pointing out that it was Carlsberg on offer.
      One fan said: “Class from the Danish.”
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      Another added: “I wouldn’t get too excited, its only Carlsberg.”
      And a third said: “It would be amazing if we could do something in the return game for their fans @WestHamHelp.”

      Some fans also visited a bar owned by former Silkeborg and Bolton player Henrik Pedersen, who helped the Trotters escape relegation from the Premier League in 2003 at the expense of West Ham.
      Silkeborg followed the example set by their fellow Danes Copenhagen in the Champions League on Wednesday.
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      The Danish champions handed out free pints to Sevilla fans to thank them for making the trip to Scandinavia.
      A viral video showed the beautiful moment stewards offered the Sevilla faithful their beverages and the supporters responded by singing in gratitude.
      Fans took to social media to praise Copenhagen for the gesture that proved football can still bring people together. More

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      Frank Lampard and Neil Ruddock pose with PLAYBOY BUNNIES in incredible throwback pics from 1999-2000 Uefa Cup adventure

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      EUROPEAN trips with West Ham are not what they used to be.The Hammers kick-off their Europa Conference League group stage on Thursday against Romania’s FCSB — formerly Steaua Bucharest — at the London Stadium.
      Young Lampard talking to a Playboy bunnyCredit: AP:Associated Press
      Ruddock posing for a photo in BucharestCredit: AP:Associated Press
      Lomas recalls a game away at Steaua BucharestCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      David Moyes’ men are hoping for another stunning journey across the continent after reaching the semi-finals of the Europa League last season.
      Yet nothing will ever match the antics Harry Redknapp’s West Ham got up to in the 1999-2000 campaign — their first in Europe for almost 20 years.
      It began on July 17 against Finland’s Jokerit in the Intertoto Cup — a competition the Hammers would go on to win — and ended on November 4, losing over two legs to Bucharest in the second round of the Uefa Cup.
      The Uefa Cup run gave birth to stories that are still spoken of in hushed tones to this day, from Playboy bunnies in Romania to firing Uzi’s from the boot of a car in Croatia.
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      But it was in the warm-up for the first leg away at Steaua Bucharest where former West Ham midfielder Steve Lomas had his most surreal moment.
      Lomas, 48, said: “It was a crappy old night and this delegation of people came walking out. The whole crowd to a man stood up and cheered.
      “I was with Johnny Moncur and Paul Kitson and I was like, ‘Who the f*** is that? Must be the mayor of Bucharest or the president or something’.
      “There was this big puff of smoke around them and then I saw this big Stetson hat and I suddenly went, ‘That’s f***ing JR Ewing from Dallas!’
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      “All the boys go, ‘F*** off, that ain’t Larry Hagman!’. I said, ‘I’m telling you, that’s him’.
      “I knew all the characters from that show but I didn’t like to admit that too much.
      “So, we ran up and sure enough it was Larry Hagman from Dallas. The Romanians were about ten years behind so the TV show was in its prime over there.
      “Larry Hagman was their superstar and he was here to watch our game. It was bizarre.”
      Di Canio was one of many big characters in Redknapp’s dressing roomCredit: Reuters
      If that was not enough, upon arrival at the hotel in Romania, it quickly became apparent there was a Playboy Bunny convention in town.
      Lomas laughed and added: “You should have seen Harry’s face. The lads were begging to stay. I am sure we drove him mad.”
      Having lost 2-0 in the first leg, a superb performance from visiting keeper Zoltan Ritli denied West Ham a comeback as the second leg at Upton Park ended goalless.
      Lomas admitted: “We were pretty gutted. We were getting the taste for Europe and if we had got past Bucharest we would have had a really good run.”
      Paulo Wanchope contesting the ball in the first legCredit: Reuters
      There was at least something to cheer about in the first round, as the Hammers beat Croatian side Osijek 6-1 on aggregate.
      But what made that trip memorable is scarcely believable.
      Having only gained their independence in 1992 following the break-up of Yugoslavia, the wounds of war were still evident in Croatia.
      He explained: “At the time we had Croatian international Igor Stimac and he brought out this guy that was the leader of around only 300 men who defended Osijek from an army.
      Lomas in the second legCredit: Rex
      “This guy opened up the boot of his car and the arsenal of weaponry was unbelievable.
      “Any military would have been proud of it. A few of the boys were having a go on the guns.
      “You couldn’t imagine that now, players firing Uzi’s from the back of a car. The stories he told us, wow. He had a massive scar. You knew he had been through it.
      “I had seen bullet-ridden things in Belfast having grown up in Northern Ireland but this was completely different. Every house had thousands of rounds in them.
      Di Canio doing his boots up in the European tieCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      “That trip was good fun but a lot of things stick in your memory. We were in what was a war zone. It gave us perspective.”
      Redknapp’s squad at the time was overflowing with characters, from veterans Paulo Di Canio, Neil Razor Ruddock and Stuart Pearce, to up-and-coming talents like Frank Lampard and Rio Ferdinand.
      Lomas feels Moyes has built something similar, leading the club to successive top-seven finishes.
      Former Hammer Lomas added: “Players want European nights. It is very difficult now as you only have to look at the top of the Premier League and what they are spending.
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      “We want to keep having as many of those nights as we can, especially for the fans. Long may it continue.
      “If David was to get Europe again this year, it would be a staggering achievement.” More

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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.

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      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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