Thursday 22 November 2012

Spurs' Europa League future to be decided in final match

A draw in their final Europa League game will be enough for Tottenham to progress after they drew 0-0 with Lazio.
Spurs made hard work of their Group J clash and indeed they had the brilliance of goalkeeper Hugo Lloris to thank for keeping the Italians at bay.
Libor Kozak, making a rare start, missed a hatful of chances for the hosts, but Lloris was equally important in keeping Lazio at bay.
Their draw against the Rome-based club did not come without controversy, however, as Lazio fans chanted "Juden Tottenham" at the away fans in an apparent anti-Semitic jibe at the end of a troubled 24 hours for the visiting fans.
Lazio, and their icon Paul Gascoigne - who was gust of honour here in the Italian capital - would have hoped for the football to do the talking, but the apparent anti-Semitic chanting will disappoint UEFA, who fined the club for monkey-chanting during the reverse fixture in September.
Gascoigne's appearance on the pitch had rekindled memories of a glorious era for Lazio and Spurs, but the tie proved to be anything but a classic.
Libor Kozak, making a rare start, missed a hatful of chances for the hosts, but Lloris was equally important in keeping Lazio at bay.
The Frenchman, chosen ahead of Brad Friedel, denied Kozak twice in the first half and was a steady and assuring presence throughout.
Tottenham rarely threatened - although Gareth Bale's early strike should not have been ruled out for offside.
But Panathinaikos' victory over Maribor means Tottenham only have to draw their final game at home to the Greeks next month to qualify.
http://www1.skysports.com/football/live/match/278895/report

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