The FC 100: Loves Talking Football.

All of the Champions League games are delicately poised going into the second legs in a fortnight’s time.
                
Liverpool, Manchester United and Barcelona are in strong positions having secured an early advantage in their respective ties.
Liverpool produced a dominant performance to secure a 2-0 win over Inter Milan. Having been held by ten-man Inter for 86 minutes, the Italians were on course to pull off a terrific result having defended doggedly from the outset. However goals from Kuyt and crucially Steven Gerrard in the 90th minute, have given Liverpool a terrific platform from which to secure qualification for the quarter-finals. Gerrard’s goal may well prove to be the difference as Inter would surely have settled for a 1-0 defeat. Materazzi’s suspension and an injury to the superb Ivan Cordoba will also give Liverpool hope that they can grab a vital away goal in the San Siro.
The Inter Milan team may well be a much-changed outfit however, with the likes of Viera, Figo and Hernan Crespo likely to feature prominently in the second leg. While Torres was, for the most part, kept quiet by Inter’s excellent defence, the Spaniard will fancy his chances against a weakened defence in the second leg, especially as Inter will have to push far further upfield than they ever did in the game at Anfield.
              
An 87th minute goal from substitute Carlos Tevez gave Manchester United a vital away goal despite a lacklustre performance. Lyon took the lead early in the second half after United-target Karim Benzema scored a terrific solo effort, with four Red shirts around him the Frenchman somehow shifted the ball from his right foot to his left and belted the ball past Edwin Van der Saar.
In a free-flowing game Wayne Rooney’s 1-on-1 with Coupet was well saved while Juninho went close with a free-kick.
Benzema had a chance to make it 2-0 when he evaded a Rio Ferdinand challenge only for the ever-reliable Vidic to step across and sheperd the forward wide.
Ronaldo had a quiet night but produced a terrific save from Coupet late-on when his free-kick threatened to sneak in at the far post. However when Giggs and Scholes were replaced by Nani and Tevez, United began to look brighter and sure enough when Nani’s cross was deflected by Fred, Tevez pounced on the line to give United a foot in the quarter-finals.

Celtic and Barcelona put on a terrific game of football at Celtic Park but with the Catalans running out 3-2 winners, Barcelona will be confident they can secure victory in the Nou Camp, and they are already looking like the team to beat. Despite a disappointing campaign so far in La Liga, Barca have cut the gap on arch-rivals Madrid to just five points and on this display they look like peaking at just the right time.
Celtic took the lead through Venegoor of Hesselink, a terrific header against the run of play. However despite Robson’s goal to make it 2-1, a brace from Messi and a brilliant strike from Thierry Henry leave Barcelona in the driving seat.
Gordan Strachan joked after the game that he wouldn’t put his house on Celtic winning in two weeks time and he’s rarely wrong about these kind of things.

Elsewhere AC Milan and Arsenal played out an entertaining 0-0 draw at the Emirates. AC will be favourites as the old masters denied an exciting Arsenal team. Adebayor’s stoppage time miss will be giving him sleepless nights this week, the Togo striker slamming a header against the bar with the entire goal gaping in front of him…..Chelsea did enough to take a 0-0 game back to London and should progress past Olympiakos. With one eye on Sunday’s Carling Cup Final, Avram Grant rested Terry and Lampard and with one of the strongest squads in Europe, Chelsea should progress to the next phase in two weeks time…… Fenerbache’s 3-2 win over Sevilla makes for a hell of a return leg in Spain. An 87th minute deflected winner means the Turks can progress to the quarter finals for the first time if they avoid defeat in Spain. However, Sevilla will be confident they can turn the game on it’s head at home, and are many peoples’ tips as a dark horse this season…..Roma and Real Madrid served up an entertaining encounter which the Italians shaded 2-1. Despite a strong first-half performance from Real, Roma take the advantage thanks to two Francesco Totti-assisted goals….Shalke 04 lead FC Porto 1-0 thanks to a fourth minute Kevin Kuranyi strike. While the game was always likely to be tight, Shalke are firmly in the driving seat, aware that an away goal will give the Portugese team a mountain to climb. While Shalke’s defence has been their achilles heel so far this season, in Kuranyi they have a top striker and they will look to score and force FC Porto to gamble at the back, having to attack in search of three goals…

Um, no, not really. Liverpool know they have to beat Besiktas. And they will. The real test will come away to Marseille and home to Porto. The fact that Benitez is talking about the financial implications of going out not being a problem and Carragher is talking about it not being a disaster if they go out as well, means it’s hard to summon up any enthisiasm for the game. Which might trickle down into the performance, though Liverpool should have too much. Last time Peter Crouch faced Turkish opposition at Anfield he battered Galataasary. Tonight, spurred on by renewed calls for his inclusion, Crouch should be among the goals.
Chelsea face a tough trip to Shalke 04, made slightly easier by Shalke’s star man Kevin Kuranyi missing the tie through injury. Avram Grant’s start as Chelsea manager has been impressive, barring their easy defeat to Man Utd in the Israeli’s first game in charge.
Continue reading ‘Another Huge European Night?’

Well on a night of more surprises, Chelsea and Celtic recorded outstanding successes in Europe, while Liverpool’s stuttering form continued with a shock 1-0 defeat at home to Marseille.

Celtic recorded one of their greatest nights in Celtic Park for many years when Scott McDonald pounced late on to secure a 2-1 victory over holders AC Milan in Glasgow. A harsh penalty awarded to Milan had looked like denying Celtic a famous victory after Caldwell showed why he was a defender when ‘chesting’ the ball over the line from approximately a yard out; why use your feet when you can use your groin? Clearly he feels his manhood is a more potent finishing weapon than his right foot. Either way, Celtic were disgusted with the penalty awarded to Milan to level things up; what were the chances of Kaka missing?? However when Dida spilled a tame shot late on, McDonald pounced on the rebound and although pictures show it was a relatively straightforward finish, how many of us would’ve panicked in that situation? McDonald gets our hero of the night award. Not that there’s an award. Or that we’ve ever done this before. (ahem). Our other award goes to Dida. Pathetic. Absolutely pathetic. Should UEFA impose greater sanctions than a fine (which is deserved as fans shouldn’t be able to get onto the pitch), Dida can be rightfully ashamed of himself. Continue reading ‘Champions League update #2′

On a bad night for Bitish clubs in Europe, most of the results were to be expected, but the biggest shock of the night came at Stamford Bridge where Chelsea were held by Rosenborg to a 1-1 draw.

Chelsea 1-1Rosenborg

(That’s what it looks like when Sheva celebrates a goal…..don’t see it too often)

Chelsea, without influential duo Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard, frustrated their fans as a string of chances went begging, only Shevchenko’s equaliser in the second half hitting the back of the net. Rosenborg, whom Mourinho admitted afterwards were the ‘weakest team in the group’ showed plenty of heart and by all accounts the goal made the away side seem in control for the remainder of the first half after they had weathered the Chelsea storm.

Florent Malouda could have given Chelsea the perfect start when Shevchenko’s cutback found the Frenchman who chose to hit it with his weaker right foot and it was blocked. Kalou and Essien then both squandered decent opportunities early on before Sapara’s free-kick was volleyed home by centre-back Koppinen who had got ahead of John Terry in the Chelsea defence. Tettey and Kone both had good chances to score a second for Rosenborg, however in between, Malouda’s cross was expertly headed home by Shevchenko for his first Chelsea goal this season and his 47th Champions League goal in his 90th appearance. However despite Malouda and Kalou hitting the post there is plenty for Chelsea to forget from the night, most notably the attendance which at 24,973 was the worst on record for four years at Stamford Bridge. Also, Mourinho’s decision to play John Terry as an emergency centre-forward is an alarming tactic for Chelsea fans who have seen it before and yet never seen it actually work to their team’s advantage.

Positives to take from the game include the performance of Belletti at right-back, finally Mourinho may have found the attacking right-back he has sought for so long, Belletti created many good attacking opportunities. Florent Malouda and even Shevchenko also had a good night. Shevchenko seemed more committed although he still has the frustrating problem of shooting with as much power as he can muster when there are defenders right in front of him.

Mourinho claimed the injuries to his team are the problem as opposed to the one goal Shevchenko and Kalou have scored between them so far this season. With Lampard and Drogba doubtful for Sunday’s clash with Man Utd, things could be getting worse before they get better for Mourinho’s men.

Porto 1-1 Liverpool

(Look at the ref’s face!! Blimey, the sight of Pennant makes him sick..)

Liverpool faced a tricky trip to Porto for their encounter, and for all Rafa Benitez’ talk about wanting to win the game, Liverpool will be happy to have come away with a point following an abject display.

Porto started the game at a ferocious pace and when Finnan’s clearance was blocked by Ricardo Quaresma the ball fell to Lisandro Lopez who had a golden opportunity after three minutes to give Porto the lead. However the forward could only ping the ball off Reina’s face and away to safety. Porto did take the lead minutes later though when Sektioui outpaced Hyypia, who had a yards headstart on his opponent, and Reina brought the striker crashing to the ground. A definite penalty although there was no doubt that the Porto man was going for the penalty as opposed to trying to round Reina to score.

Still, penalties V Reina are 50-50 calls so Liverpool fans prayed their keeper could pull off the heroics of Saturday’s save V Kanu. Not to be. Captain Gonzalez stepped up, and possibly aware that Reina tends to dive to one side no matter what, blasted his penalty down the middle for the Porto lead.

Liverpool equalised when Finnan’s long crossfield ball was well won by Hyypia at the back post and Kuyt stooped to head the ball past Herlander Nuno in the Porto goal. From then on Liverpool began to get a grip on the game, but the passing was at times awful and, as pointed out by the RTE panel after the game, no-one seemed to be remonstrating with the guilty culprits. Gerrard and Mascherano were outplayed in midfield, Gerrard in particular was subdued throughout.

While Ricardo Quaresma earned plaudits from critics everywhere for his performance, thefc100 was sorry to see him, like most on the Porto team, go to ground as though they had been shot whenever a tackle came in. The frustrating aspect in regard to Quaresma was that it was so needless; often he would go down despite the fact that if he had stayed on his feet he would have been away from his marker and in space. The winger seemed to fancy set-pieces as a better route to goal though, and when he could, he hit the deck to get the referee’s attention. A shame, given that he is a terrific footballer and may have left Benitez to wonder why he didn’t pursue him more vigorously last summer….

Shakhtar Donetsk 2-0 Celtic

Celtic’s poor away form in the Champions League is well documented so we won’t delve into that again. Suffice to say, the Ukrainians were deserving winners of this game, scoring two fine goals, having another unfairly ruled out, and forcing Artur Boruc into several smart saves.

Brandao’s fine left-footed strike after just six minutes came when Stephen McManus lost possession and the Brazilian finished expertly. Lucarelli’s goal was one of the best from around the grounds on Matchday 1. A cross from the left found Lucarelli in the box and the Italian managed to evade his marker before stooping low to head bast Boruc into the far corner of the net.

After such a poor start, Celtic were never likely to get anything from the game. Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink (can anyone explain the origin of that name to me??) had the best of Celtic’s chances to score but headed wide from a fair distance. Gordon Strachan will be all too aware of the importance of the home games in the group. Which is why he might be shedding a tear or two when he realises that European minnows AC Milan are first up at Parkhead. Anyone heard of them? Nah, me neither…..

Tuesday Fixtures….. 

• Marseille Vs Besiktas   (Group A)
• FC Porto Vs Liverpool  
• Chelsea  Vs Rosenborg   (Group B)
• FC Shalke 04 Vs Valencia  
• Real Madid Vs Werder Bremen (Group C)
• Olympiacos Vs Lazio  
• Milan  Vs Benfica  (Group D)
• Shakhtar Donetsk Vs Celtic  

Tuesday’s  Preview…..

FC Porto Vs Liverpool…..Liverpool travel to a notoriously hard place for English teams to gain points in recent years when they face FC Porto at the Estadio do Dragao on Tuesday night. The sides had contrasting fortunes at the weekend with Porto heading to the top of their league with a 1-0 win over Maritimo (a top of the table clash), the goal coming from striker Lisandro Lopez. Liverpool could only secure a point at Portsmouth and rarely looked like scoring in the 0-0 draw; Benitez will hope for better this time around.

Porto View: Lucho Gonzalez told Uefa.com:  It’s good to play against such a strong team. Liverpool are very difficult opponents but we think we are ready. Of course, they have a very strong defence and they are very good at counterattacking but we hope to impose our own style. We are very good at making goalscoring chances.

Liverpool View: Rafael Benitez: It is clear that the perfect situation is to get to the last game and already be qualified for the next stage Last season we achieved that and….this is something we must achieve regularly. We are not thinking of drawing this one. I feel we need 12 points to get through to the next stage….If we win our three home games and then achieve one away win, that should be enough.

Marseille Vs Besiktas…….Marseille kick off their first Champions League campaign for four years on the back of an awful start to the Ligue 1 so far this term. Defeat at home to Toulouse left the French side lying 15th without a home win so far this season. They will hope to kickstart their season with a victory over in-form Besiktas who currently lie second in the Süper Lig despite a draw with bottom club Ankaraspor AS at the weekend.

Chelsea Vs Rosenborg….Chelsea head in to the first game of the group stage missing the influential Drogba and Lampard. After the same two missed Saturday’s scoreless draw with Blackburn, quesions were asked as to the London side’s ability to break down opposition without the missing duo. However, Andriy Shevchenko’s goalscoring record is pretty handy in Europe and we fancy him to register his first goal, assuming Mourinho doesn’t drop him (again).

Chelsea View: Jose Mourinho: It’s important to start the group with a victory, we did it against Werder Bremen last season. It’s important that we’re going to play thinking about winning the game. Of course we’ll be respecting the opponent, but we think we’re the better team and we want to win the game.

Rosenborg View: Knut Tørum: We have to take away Chelsea’s strength, speed and power which is at a higher level than we normally face in Norway, but at the same time carry out our own attacks so we don’t just allow Chelsea to keep coming at us. But the group is so strong it will be very difficult for us to go through. Not that he’s making excuses already…..

FC Shalke Vs Valencia…Shalke currently lie eighth in the Bundesliga, courtesy of one win and four draws, an unbeaten start to the season. Having secured a point in Saturday’s clash with league leaders Bayern Munich, Shalke will go into the game with confidence, unlike, perhaps, their opponents Valencia who were booed off by their fans after a poor performance in the 2-1 win over Real Valladolid. However, the Spanish team were quarter-finalists last year and certainly possess the quality in attack to trouble the Germans on home soil.

Real Madrid Vs Werder Bremen….Real enter the game in top form with a 100% record in La Liga and all guns firing so far under new coach Bernd Schuster. Arjen Robben could make his debut to make Schuster even more popular with the fans but Werder Bremen have enough Champions League experience from recent years to offer the home side problems. However the German side have injuries to key players and with the likes of Christophe Mezelder (Real Madrid) and Miroslav Klose (Bayern Munich) having left the club, this game may prove to be a write-off for the visitors.

Olympiacos Vs Lazio….Olympiacos come into this game having last played a competitive fixture on September 2nd. While manager and players alike insist they are well prepared, a combination of poor fitness and the game being played behind closed doors  (a result of crowd trouble last season) may see the Greek side struggle to halt the form of the last two seasons in which they have lost their opening game of the group. Lazio have opened Serie A in poor form, drawing each of their three fixtures, however they may profit from the home side’s lack of playing time in recent weeks due to the International break and recent elections.

Milan Vs Benfica….Last season’s champions kick-start their campaign at home to Benfica and having rested the likes of Kaka, Inzaghi and Ambrosini for the weekend draw with Siena, they clearly want to retain their trophy this term. All three will return for this tie but Maldini, Ronaldo and the playmaker Andrea Pirlo will all miss out through injury. Milan currently lie fifth in Serie A with one win and two draws but will fancy their chances at home to the Portugese. Benfica are in terrific domestic form having enjoyed recent back-to-back 3-0 successes and with former Milan maestro Rui Costa amongst their staff they have a man capable of unlocking their more illustrious opponents. Benfica too though have injury problems, and coach José Antonio Camacho may prioritise the games against the weaker opponents in group D.

Shakhtar Donetsk Vs Celtic….Shakhtar come into this tie on the back of eight straight wins in the Ukrainian Premier League and with the advantage (at this stage of the competition) of being well into their domestic season, unlike their opponents Celtic who are just six games into the new season, albeit top of the table and unbeaten thus far. The Ukranians won 3-0 when these sides met here back in 2004 and Shakhtar coach Mircea Lucescu has emphasised the importance of a good start against the Scottish side who hold a poor away record in Europe.

Shakhtar View: Mircea Lucescu: We need a good start to the group stage. Celtic are stronger than three years ago when we last met in the Champions League, but so are we. Celtic and Shakhtar have differing styles. Celtic are physically strong and well organised; they run from the first whistle until the very last, just like Gordon Strachan did in his playing days. We are more technical and it will be a battle of styles.

Celtic View: Gordan Strachan: It took Milan more than 100 minutes to score against us [in the last 16 last season] and we had a good match at Spartak. I can’t account for all Celtic teams but I think we’ve improved over the last couple of years. I would say most sides in the Champions League have a better home record than away record. All we can do is concentrate on our form – our side of the equation.

Rafael Benitez, Liverpool:

 It’s clear when you look at some of the other groups that ours could have been easier. Porto have good experience in the Champions League and have enjoyed a good record over recent seasons. They will be tough opposition for us. Marseille are a good side in Ligue 1 and they will know a lot about us which could make it more difficult. And you always know when you go to Turkey that it will be hard because of the travelling involved and the wonderful support they give their teams over there. I am always confident we can qualify but as ever the key will be winning the home games and picking up results away.

• Sir Alex Ferguson, Manchester United.

It’s going to be a very tight group. It’s going to be difficult, but if we get ten points, I think we’ll qualify. Obviously Roma will be the talking point after last season. Dynamo Kyiv are a good side and we know quite a lot about Sporting because we have two of their former players here. The whole group poses interesting aspects.

• Arsene Wenger, Arsenal

We have two Eastern countries in Bucharest - who are traditionally a good technical side - and Slavia Prague - who caused the shock of the qualifiers. They knocked Ajax out in a convincing way because they won two games. I don’t think we have to speak about Sevilla because they are one of the four or five best teams in Europe. They showed last year they are a very good side. I think if it had not been for the Spanish Cup and UEFA Cup they would have won the League.

• Peter Kenyon, Chelsea

The big difference for us this year is we’re seeded. We’ve been in two semi-finals in the last four years and got through the group stages every year, he said. It’s the elusive competition for us really but there’s a determination and that is fuelled by a squad we believe we’ve strengthened. Kenyon added on Sky Sports News: It’s not frustrating at all (to have missed out on a place in the final) but there’s a huge expectation within Chelsea to get to the next stage. We’ve had our share of semis, so obviously the next stage is to get to the final. This is clearly a big ambition for us and one we’d like to pull off.

• Gordan Strachan, Celtic

Obviously it’s a tough group and we probably wouldn’t have wanted to be drawn against the two sides that we faced last year – AC Milan and Benfica. They are both good teams, but it’s also for the fans. They would probably like to have seen us playing some new teams. The benefit is that we know what we are up against; looking at the Milan and Benfica squads, there aren’t too many changes from last season and that means we know what we are facing. I’ve never been up against Shakhtar, but the club has been in Donetsk quite recently and we’ll have a look at them over the next few weeks.

• Walter Smith, Rangers

It’s an extremely tough draw for us but it is simply part and parcel of qualifying for the group phase and there is a great element of glamour about it. Barcelona have fabulous footballers, Lyon have remarkable consistency having won the French title for the past six seasons and Stuttgart won the German title on the final day of [last] season. So there is a great standard of teams and it is clearly going to be very hard for us. In saying that, it will be a great experience for everyone because this is the stage that everyone wants to play on. We are in the group phase and have some huge games to look forward to.

(Thanks to Uefa.com, Arsenal.com and Liverpoolfc.tv…….)

http://thefc100.wordpress.com/2007/08/30/champions-league-draw/ (the full draw and commentary)

                                    We will be publishing the Champions League Draw at 5pm (GMT). Arsenal and Celtic booked their places in the group stages last night. This page will be refreshed every time a team comes out of the hat!!!

1. Group A:   Liverpool / Porto / Marseille / Besiktas.
2. Group B:   Chelsea / Valencia / Schalke 04 / Rosenborg.
3. Group C:   Real Madrid / Werder Bremen / Lazio / Olympiakos.
4. Group D:   AC Milan / Benfica / Celtic / Shaktar Donetsk.
5. Group E:   Barcelona / Lyon / Stuttgart / Rangers.
6. Group F:   Manchester United / Roma / Sporting Lisbon / Dynamo Kiev.
7. Group G:   Inter Milan / PSV / CSKA Moscow / Fenerbache.
8. Group H:   Arsenal / Sevilla (or AEK Athens) / Steau Bucharest / Slavia Prague.

16.56….can you feel the excitement…??? No? That’s because these things normally take forever….

17.00….it’s being reported that Liverpool are attempting to bring in Jean Alain Boumsong before the transfer window closes…..maybe I should quit this and write a piece on that bizarre turn of events….? Almost as bizarre as say…ooh I dunno…Zat Knight getting arrested for drug possession hours before he was unveiled as an Aston Villa player……

17.05…..We’re watching highlights of last years final….oooh, lovely bit of skill from Kaka. Oh smashing, ‘club awards’. Rinaat Daaseav is a former Russian great goalkeeper. He’s also speaking Spanish. Blimey. Cech/Reina/Dida/…….and the winner is…..PETR CECH….Club goalkeeper of the year….and quite dashing in his suit…..

17.11…moments silence for Antonio Puerta….

17.13….explanation of the rules…..absolutely no idea what’s gonna happen. This could be completely rigged, no-one would have a clue because it’s a bit mind-boggling…..

17.17….first team out…..HOLDERS….AC MILAN….

17.21…Part 1 is over, thanks to Mr. Cech for helping out….Second award time, defender of the year….Ronald Koeman is on hand to present to….Paolo Maldini!! Fair play. These are clearly the handsome awards because Maldini is hot stuff….fortunately he doesn’t need assistance getting to the stage at the ripe old age of 39. Someone tell that man to retire….

17.27…POT 2….PSV out first…In with Inter who wont be impressed….the big ones, Valencia….Chelsea! Lovely. Jose will be pissed. Maldini drew Benfica for Milan, nice job Paolo…Roma?? Man Utd!! Rematch, beautiful!

17.36…Clarence Seedorf wins midfielder of the year. Four time winner with three different clubs. He’s asked what his secret is….claims its teamwork….we reckon its grass……

17.38….pot 3: Lazio, Celtic, Marseille…some tricky teams…who’s first?? Schalke 04…..

17.47…Kaka is forward of the year…who would’ve guessed that? Another handsome dan. Ok i’m gonna stop that now. Liverpool and Chelsea have the tougher draws so far from the four premiership teams….POT 4. Rangers, Besiktas, Olympiakos, Kiev, Fenerbache….tricky pot…who’s first??? Apparently Olympiakos because of all the rules and regulations, my guess is as good as yours….

17.56….that’s it!! Looks beautiful doesn’t it? Tricky groups galore! Groups C and E look saucy….Arsenal will probably be the happier of the English teams…..

18.04….Kaka is club footballer of the year 2007. Well deserved, what a player. AC will fancy their chances again having looked at their group. Celtic will believe they can grab second spot at least though…Rangers will find the going tougher with Barca, Lyon and Stuttgart….right, i’ve been doing this for long enough now. Happy reading!

Champions League:

• Arsenal (2) Vs Sparta Prague (0)
• Celtic (1) Vs Spartak Moscow (1)

Carling Cup

• Bristol City Vs Manchester City
• Middlesbrough Vs Northampton
• Newcastle Vs Barnsley

 Possibility of upsets? Slim to none. While Man City may have more than an eye on wheeling and dealing in the transfer market they should be able to make it through depending on how seriously Sven takes the Carling Cup. Boro may be the best shot at an upset with Gareth Southgate having confirmed that they will rest players for their first eleven. Given that their first eleven isn’t really that great anyway, Northampton may fancy their chances. Sam tended to rotate a bit at Bolton too, but with the likes of Owen, Emre, Ameobi all short of fitness, a strong team will probably play and will most likely beat Barnsley comfortably. The Toon fans need a trophy and Allardyce knows the Carling Cup is his best bet for giving them what they want.

In the Champions League, Arsenal have a terrific advantage going into their home leg and will be too strong for Prague. Celtic may find the going tougher, but have the crucial away goal, and much will depend (in both games) on whose heads remain cooler as both Eastern European teams have mentioned how they intend to kick lumps out of their British opposition tonight. Isn’t that lovely…..