"Poland Will Have Three Perfect Footballers"

If seven straight wins have left Borussia Dortmund well placed to successfully defend their Bundesliga title, the club's sublime form also gives cause for hope across the border in Poland.

It is no coincidence Dortmund's hot streak has come when their three Polish internationals have enjoyed an extended run together in Jürgen Klopp's team. This was most evident in Sunday's 3-1 home win against Hannover 96, as Robert Lewandowski scored twice with the assists coming from Jakub 'Kuba' Błaszczykowski and Łukasz Piszczek.

The performance had their coach purring. "It was obvious they were all in good shape but against Hannover they took it to another level," said Klopp, whose side are now four points clear in Germany. "Judging by their displays, I would say they are close to 100%. I'm very fond of these types of players."

The timing could barely be better for ambitious Dortmund – and likewise for Poland. "I can promise Polish fans that Kuba, Robert and Łukasz are still to reach the top of their game," Klopp added. "Poland will have three perfect footballers by the time EURO kicks off." It is a hope shared by the trio. "We want to take this form with us to the national team," said midfielder Kuba, whose country face Portugal on Wednesday in the first game at the new National Stadium Warsaw.

"We don't have to communicate much when we are on the pitch together, we already know what the other player will do," added the right-footer, who has been with Dortmund since 2007. Previously an undisputed regular, Blaszczykowski found himself benched earlier this season yet bounced back to emerge as an ideal replacement for the injured Mario Götze. "My confidence has increased a lot in the last few weeks," the 26-year-old former Wisła Kraków man said.

Ever a threat, his contribution has not gone unnoticed by Klopp. "He is an exceptional player with outstanding talent," the coach recently observed. Kuba is also one half of Dortmund's dynamic right flank with Piszczek filling in at full-back. Originally a striker, Piszczek – also 26 – joined Dortmund from Hertha BSC Berlin in 2010 and soon became a fixture in the side, earning a new contract until 2016.

However, it is probably the youngest of the three who has received the most attention. Lewandowski has scored 16 Bundesliga goals in 23 games this term, also supplying eight assists – all of this after he endured a difficult spell last season following his switch from KKS Lech Poznań. In a system that features only one centre-forward, the 23-year-old was second choice behind Lucas Barrios, yet when the Paraguayan got injured, Lewandowski seized his chance.

Having won the Polish Cup and league championship with Lech Poznań, followed by last year's Bundesliga, the No9 certainly has a thirst for trophies. "Defending the title with Dortmund would be great and reaching the German Cup final is another of my goals," he said.

Grand plans are also afoot for UEFA EURO 2012. With expectation levels rising among the Polish public, especially after being drawn in Group A with Greece, Russia and the Czech Republic, Lewandowski predicts: "We should be able to reach the quarter-finals."

While the focus is club football for now, it will not just be Klopp wishing for more Dortmund success this spring. With an expectant nation counting down to June, national coach Francisczek Smuda says: "Dortmund are the most important club for the Polish national team."

Milan Takes Centre Stage For Weekend Drama

A top-of-table clash in Italy, derby games in north London and Istanbul, and dramatic encounters in Germany, Poland and the Netherlands are the pick of this weekend's fixtures.

Italy: AC Milan v Juventus (Saturday, 20.45)
Milan are a point clear of Juventus atop Serie A, though Saturday's visitors have a game in hand. With 48 goals in 24 games, the Rossoneri boast the best attacking record in their league, but are without 15-goal top scorer Zlatan Ibrahimović, who completes a three-game ban. Juve have Italy's most parsimonious defence, conceding just 14 times this season, and won 2-1 at Milan in the first leg of their Coppa Italia semi-final on 8 February. Thiago Silva, though, says the Rossoneri have been a different side since a 2-1 comeback victory at Udinese Calcio three days later. "In those last 25 minutes we rediscovered our will to win," he said. "The game against Juve is important, but now we know we can beat them."

Poland: WKS Śląsk Wrocław v Legia Warszawa (Sunday, 14.30)
Legia fans will get a first glimpse of new striker Nacho Novo as the third-ranked side take on Polish league leaders Śląsk, who are seeking a first title since 1977. The Warsaw outfit recently saw star players Maciej Rybus and Marcin Komorowski join Russian side FC Terek Grozny, but Novo has given them an exciting new option. "I could have stayed at Sporting Gijón but I did not want to just be on the bench," the 32-year-old told UEFA.com. "I heard a lot of good things about Legia. They have fanastic supporters, an amazing stadium and big ambitions. We are aiming for the title and I've come here to help them achieve it." Victory would take them within two points of Śląsk.

Netherlands: PSV Eindhoven v Feyenoord (Sunday, 14.30)
The Eredivisie is providing drama by the bucketload, with six teams still within five points of leaders PSV. Feyenoord are among them, and PSV will be relieved that John Guidetti – who has hit three hat-tricks in five games for the Rotterdam side – is suspended. AZ Alkmaar are level on points with PSV, and on Sunday meet sc Heerenveen, who go into the weekend two points adrift in third despite 5-1 losses to fellow contenders AFC Ajax, PSV and FC Twente this season. "This is a really top match, in which we can show where we stand," said Heerenveen coach Ron Jans.

England: Arsenal FC v Tottenham Hotspur FC (Sunday, 14.30)
The north London derby will have an extra edge as forward Emmanuel Adebayor returns to Arsenal in the colours of their arch-rivals. The 27-year-old hit 46 goals in 104 league appearances under Arsène Wenger but now finds himself as the focal point of Tottenham's attack, with ten league goals so far this term. The Gunners are fourth, ten points adrift of Spurs in third, but Johan Djourou says league positions will be irrelevant come kick-off. "When you play them, you forget the table – it is a battle and the best team will win," said the Arsenal defender. "They are in great shape but you have to forget that and go to war."

Germany: FC Bayern München v FC Schalke 04 (Sunday, 15.30)
The Bundesliga title is apparently destined for one of what has been dubbed the 'Fantastic Four' by the German media, and two of the quartet meet on Sunday as third-placed Bayern host a Schalke side one point behind them. "We are under extreme pressure in the Bundesliga," said Bayern sporting director Christian Nerlinger. "We were eight points clear at the top at one stage, now we are four adrift. The alarm bells are ringing." They will ring louder still after Wednesday's 1-0 UEFA Champions League defeat by FC Basel 1893, though Schalke's legs may be heavier after taking 120 minutes to see off ten-man FC Viktoria Plzeň 24 hours later. Neither can afford to lose ground on VfL Borussia Mönchengladbach and Borussia Dortmund.

Turkey: Galatasaray AŞ v Beşiktaş JK (Sunday, 18.00)
Six points clear of arch-rivals Fenerbahçe SK at the top of the table, Galatasaray may partner Milan Baroš and Necati Ateş up front against third-ranked Beşiktaş, with Johan Elmander's fitness in doubt. Baroš has scored five in six home games against the Black Eagles, and Fatih Terim's predicted 4-4-2 formation could be further fortified by the return of midfielder Yekta Kurtuluş after four months out. Beşiktaş are 11 points adrift of Galatasaray, and up against it: Carlos Carvalhal's side have Manuel Fernandes suspended, while left-back Tanju Kayhan is doubtful with a dislocated shoulder, and they played a UEFA Europa League game against SC Braga on Thursday, advancing to the last 16 despite a 1-0 defeat.

Basel Narrow Lead Over Bayern

Substitute Valentin Stocker's strike four minutes from time earned a famous first-leg victory for the hosts, who also struck the woodwork twice.

A late strike from substitute Valentin Stocker gave FC Basel 1893 a priceless 1-0 advantage in their UEFA Champions League round of 16 tie against FC Bayern München.

Bayern began with purpose but the Swiss hosts responded with equal endeavour and twice hit the woodwork in the opening period. Chances became more and more scarce yet as the visitors grew ever more stagnant, Basel were able to take advantage four minutes from time through Stocker. Having avoided conceding an away goal, Bebbi will head to Munich for the second leg on 13 March confident of causing another upset.

Following a series of below-par performances in the Bundesliga, Bayern needed a reaction and their eagerness was evident in the early stages. Just two minutes had elapsed when Franck Ribéry played in Mario Gomez, but the angle created by the striker's touch around goalkeeper Yann Sommer made finishing impossible.

As Bayern stroked the ball from one flank to the other, Ribéry twice had an opportunity to open the scoring himself within the opening quarter of an hour but was denied by Sommer on both occasions. First the French international was foiled at the near post after controlling Arjen Robben's chip, before again being thwarted by the Basel No1 from Philipp Lahm's pass.

Basel were content to let the visitors control possession, but when they did get the chance to counter the danger felt imminent. Indeed, the hosts struck the goal frame twice in the space of two first-half minutes. Aleksandar Dragović had a header pushed onto the post by Manuel Neuer, who was then helpless as Alexander Frei fired against the bar moments later.

David Alaba and Gomez each tested Sommer from range, but as the interval drew closer Bayern's approach play became increasingly laborious and their movement predictable. Robben's efforts on the right were commendable as he sought to justify his restoration to the side, yet the winger lacked the inspiration which made him such a goal threat in last season's competition.

Marco Streller managed the first effort on target in the second half when he headed harmlessly into Neuer's arms, and it was some time before either goalkeeper was troubled again. Toni Kroos and Alaba were both off target with long shots, while Gomez's overhead attempt from a deflected free-kick was straightforward for Sommer. Lahm had the Basel custodian scrambling after cutting in from the left, but again his strike was palmed away.

Bayern boss Jupp Heynckes introduced Thomas Müller for Ribéry late on and the Germany forward quickly played in Gomez, whose angled finish was again parried by the excellent Sommer. It proved to be a false dawn for the away side, and with full time on the horizon Basel struck the killer blow. Substitutes Jacques Zoua, on three minutes earlier, and Stocker combined, with the latter slotting past Neuer to put the Swiss side in the box seat.

Potters Close To Topal Wipeout After Spanish Screamer

It was always likely to be a culture clash, a contrast in style and approach, and one moment of genuine high quality duly undid all Stoke’s honest toil at the Britannia Stadium.

Stoke manager Tony Pulis had hoped endeavour and fierce commitment might prevail, and his side wasted no time showing they were up for the fight in every sense of the word.

Twice in the opening 30 seconds, Valencia centre back Angel Dealbert was found  wanting under the high ball, as Stoke put him to the test and carved out an early chance that Jonathan Walters fired narrowly wide.

But class ultimately told, as Pulis feared it might, as Valencia midfielder Mehmet Topal  steadied himself 30 yards out and thundered a rising drive into the top corner for a  36th-minute breakthrough that will surely settle this Europa League last-32 tie.

Stoke will travel to the Mestalla Stadium next week believing they can still defy all expectation, but Spain’s third biggest city will have to witness an upset seldom matched in  magnitude for it to happen.

Ever the optimist, Pulis will argue it is not beyond his plucky side, but the evidence of this opening encounter stacks the odds against him.

Not only were Valencia compact in defence, the odd aerial scare apart, and slick moving forwards, their manager Unai Emery demonstrated a thoroughness in his preparations that suggests he will not allow complacency to creep in when the sides meet again.

Mindful of the way Stoke favour piling crosses and long throws into the opposition area, Emery dispensed with normal first-choice keeper Diego Alves and opted for Vicente Guaita on the strength of his ability for commanding his six-yard box.
It proved an inspired choice, as Guaita dealt effectively and efficiently with everything Stoke hurled his way, other than one early moment that left him bemused and disorientated.

It was Rory Delap’s first long throw, in the 14th minute, and Guaita appeared to change his mind about leaving his line at least twice, before flapping at thin air and heaving a sigh of relief as the ball bounced  agonisingly beyond Walters’ reach at the far post. By now, Valencia were beginning to weather the storm, and, after surviving penalty appeals for a 30th-minute push by Bruno Saltor on Peter Crouch, they dealt the decisive blow.

Stoke’s defence uncharacteristically failed to clear their lines, and they paid a heavy price, as Topal seized possession, took a couple of strides forward and unleashed a spectacular long-range shot which Asmir Begovic had no hope of reaching.

The atmosphere had been every bit as vibrant and noisy as Pulis had predicted, but for a moment or two, a raucous  Britannia Stadium fell silent.

The sight of a typical Crouch header being hooked away from the far post briefly roused the home support, but for all of Stoke’s valiant efforts, a second goal looked increasingly like materialising at the other end.

With the lightning quick Pablo Piatti darting past one lunging challenge after another,  Valencia were a handful on the break and almost put the tie beyond Stoke’s reach in the 71st minute, when Sofiane Feghouli cut in from the right and drilled a shot against the near post.

The delivery from the flanks, such a key element of Stoke’s attacking armoury, had fallen below normal standards, with Jermaine Pennant particularly culpable. The winger did at least provide a 74th-minute corner that Robert Huth volleyed over, stretching to reach the ball as it dropped to him 10 yards out.

It was too little too late, though, and not even the sight of chief tormentor Piatti  hobbling off with what looked like a hamstring injury could lift the home side’s spirits.

The game ended on a sour note after Dean Whitehead claimed he was saved from serious injury by his shinpad following a challenge by Tino Costa. ‘It was studs up and if I hadn’t been wearing shinpads it would have broken my leg,’ said the Stoke midfielder.

Stoke’s assistant manager Dave Kemp refused to throw in the towel. He said: ‘They scored a magnificent goal which puts us on the back foot, but the tie is still wide open and we are not out of it.’

Spain And Italy's Futsal Rivalry Is renewed In Thursday's Second Semi-final

Spain and Italy's futsal rivalry is renewed in Thursday's second semi-final and Azzurri captain Marcio Forte is "convinced that our path doesn't end" against the defending champions.

At UEFA Futsal EURO 2010 something almost unique occurred: Spain did not play Italy. That is put right this time around in Thursday's second semi-final in Zagreb.

Italy's quarter-final exit two years ago meant they did not face their great rivals in a major championship for the first time since 2001. Spain had defeated the Azzurri to win both EURO 2007 and the 2004 FIFA Futsal World Cup and prevailed in a dramatic 2008 global semi-final; by contrast Italy were the last team to beat La Furia Roja competitively over 40 minutes, in the EURO 2005 group stage. Two years previously they were also the most recent side to deny them the continental title with a last-four victory on their way to a home triumph.

While Group B winners Spain have had a flawless run to this stage, never scoring less than four, Italy were held by Russia before showing their quality in the 3-1 quarter-final success against Portugal. Captain Marcio Forte, who dedicated Tuesday's win to ill former ASD Montesilvano C/5 team-mate Alexandre Ghiotti, told UEFA.com: "I am absolutely convinced that our path doesn't end here – I've got the final in mind and want to try to qualify.

"Maybe few people believe in us. I'm sorry for them but the squad believes and I'm sure we will have a great performance against Spain. For sure, we will have half of the chances we had against Portugal, therefore we have to take advantage of the best ones."

Such efficiency will be needed by the Group C runners-up as Spain remain unbeaten over 40 minutes since José Venancio López became coach in 2007. He has huge respect for the Azzurri, however. "Against Portugal, Italy were far superior and they deserved to go through," he said.

"The great thing about Italy, apart from their quality, is their mentality. They really know how to compete well and they don’t have to play an exceptional game in order to win – that’s the most dangerous thing about them."

Spanish stalwart Kike sat out the second half against Ukraine in the group stage but will be fit on Thursday, with only Álvaro remaining sidelined with a calf injury. "We have to stay faithful to our style and do what we know best," Venancio López added. "We must maintain that style even though we are facing a semi-final against Italy."