Source: Daily_Mail
CSKA Sofia 1 Fulham 1: Kamara takes his chance to fire reminder to Hodgson
Up for the challenge: Fulham's Diomansy Kamara (left)[LNB]Fulham's decision to ring the changes for their Europa League debut was vindicated as Roy Hodgson's side earned a battling draw here.[LNB] Hodgson was adamant Fulham were not neglecting the Europa League, in which they face CSKA, Basle and Claudio Ranieri's Roma in a difficult group stage, but made nine changes from the side who beat Everton 2-1 on Sunday.[LNB] Only David Stockdale - who played on Sunday because of Mark Schwarzer's neck strain - and right back John Pantsil were retained . . . and they had the 23-year-old goalkeeper to thank for keeping them in the game when he pulled off a fantastic reflex save in the 77th minute.[LNB]Simon Davies started a match for the first time in nearly five months after being sidelined with a foot injury and 19-year-old Chris Smalling, fresh from his England Under 21 debut against Holland last month, made his full debut, 13 months after joining the club from Ryman League Maidstone United.[LNB] Hodgson said: 'I think the team certainly justified the selection there tonight. We played against a good team. It doesn't matter which 11 Fulham players we'd have chosen to put on the field, it would've been a tough game for us.[LNB] 'They have started their season brilliantly, they move the ball about very quickly and they're buoyed by a large and vociferous crowd. I thought we handled the situation brilliantly.'[LNB] Even without the likes of Clint Dempsey, Andrew Johnson and Brede Hangeland, Fulham managed to contain CSKA's threat during a cagey first half on an inadequate playing surface at the Vasil Levski National Stadium.[LNB] He's behind you: CSKA Sofia's goalkeeper Ivan Karadzhov (L) gestures in front of a goalline assistant[LNB] The 44,000-seat national arena was favoured over CSKA's Bulgarian Army Stadium, despite the state of the pitch, which was damaged when Madonna brought her 'Sticky and Sweet' world tour to Sofia on August 29. The end Fulham attacked in the first half was churned up and littered with muddy patches before play had even begun.[LNB] CSKA, runners-up in the Bulgarian league last season behind Levski Sofia, did not compete in Europe last season as Bulgarian champions because they failed to fulfil UEFA's licensing criteria, sotheir supporters were out in force for their side's return to European competition.[LNB] Banners saying 'Animals' and 'Troublemakers' greeted Fulham and the fans indulged in a full range of songs that went from a twist on Auld Lang Syne to a chant to the tune of Boney M's River of Babylon.[LNB] Throw in the bizarre practice of supporters bobbing up and down with their backs to the field of play and it was certainly far from a welcoming atmosphere for Fulham, although the assembled riot police were not needed until the closing moments of the match when fans threatened to spill out of the packed home end.[LNB] Fulham managed to contain CSKA in the first half, despite surrendering possession far too easily. The side were overrun in midfield by CSKA's pace, and strikers Diomansy Kamara and Erik Nevland struggled to act as outlets despite working hard to win back the ball.[LNB] Swift response: Kamara (right) ensured Fulham quickly got back on level terms[LNB] CSKA had an outstanding chance before the break , Kostadin Stoyanov cutting the ball back to the penalty spot, only for Smalling to clear at the crucial moment.[LNB] The Bulgarian side bombarded Fulham with aerial attacks, but Hodgson's young central defensive pairing were not overawed. Smalling, in particular, looked very composed.[LNB] It was not until the 62nd minute that Michel Platini broke the deadlock, the substitute shooting past Stockdale from outside the area after Marquinhos teed him up by chesting down Kosta Yanev's feed.[LNB] The Brazilian striker adopted his nickname - after the UEFA president - only in the last transfer window after the club revoked their plans to sign just homegrown players.[LNB] But a chap by the name of Platini just had to score against an English side in Europe, didn't he?[LNB] [LNB] Fulham responded barely three minutes later as Kamara beat goalkeeper Karadzhov to Nevland's through-ball and chipped a neat half-volley - with his left foot - into the net from distance.[LNB] Reports last week had linked Kamara with a loan move to Newcastle United, but Hodgson praised the striker and said Fulham had turned down the Geordies' approach.[LNB] Reflecting on Basle's 2-0 victory over Roma in the other Group E game, Hodgson said: 'It's going to be six really intensive games and any two of those four teams could qualify from the group.' [LNB] Hangeland set to snub Arsenal as star eyes new long-term deal with FulhamPut your shirt on it! Club-by-club guide to sponsorship deals defying recession[LNB] [LNB] Explore more:People:Brede Hangeland, John Pantsil, Simon Davies, Andrew JohnsonPlaces:The Netherlands, Europe
