I got a few quick comments about the Champions League Quarter-finals.
I've watched two of the matches Milan vs Bayern and Chelsea vs Valencia. And obviously saw the goals and highlights of the other two matches.
First up, AC Milan v Bayern Munchen. I got to say that it must be one of the worse AC Milan defensive displays that I've seen aside from the 2005 Champions League final where Liverpool famously scored 3 goals against them after being 3-0 down. Bayern Muchen hardly deserved to score the two away goals, but the fact is they did and now look favourites to go through. Especially if Milan keep slipping up in defence and their forward line continue to fail to score. Super Pippo is back though given the injuries and suspensions to the other AC Milan forwards.
Next, PSV vs Liverpool. I read a comment on Football365 about someone saying that he knows what Rafa, Carra or Stevie would say that 'the tie isn't over', 'there is still 90mins', or 'we have to be professional' and things along those lines. And well, he was spot on right. But I think they should just say that 'we're through for sure', but of course be quietly professional on the return leg. Then again, I can't see a team with so many form and injury problems possibly come back from 3-0 down at Anfield when the Barcelona first team couldn't (come back from 2-1 down).
This morning it was Chelsea vs Valencia. Well, Valencia played like crap this morning and only pure inspiration got them their away goal. It could prove crucial though but I don't think so. Chelsea are likely to score an away goal (or more) themselves, so Valencia would HAVE to win the tie at home. David Villa was awfully quiet and Canizares didn't look like a keeper would made it to two Champions League finals. He was slow off his line and missed all the catches. He was indecisive when coming up then stopping - one time it lead to the Drogba goal. He better improve, or it wouldn't be a happy time for Valencia.
Manchester United vs Roma will be an interesting fixture. The game is as finely-poised as it could be. Manchester did well to finish the away game only 2-1 down having been reduced to ten men so early in the game. Rooney and Ronaldo did well to combine to produce the ellusive away goal. Lucky for Man Utd, Cris Ron is like two players! I think they would overturn the tie now that they are going to be back at Old Trafford and have 11 men once again.
In summary, I tip, Bayern Munchen, Man Utd, Chelsea and Liverpool to go through. Let's hope I'm right cause ill be putting money on it!
8.3.07
Back with the UCL
I haven't blogged in a while, but I just have to this time because of I just watched two Champions League matches: Liverpool vs Barca and Arsenal vs PSV.
First thing I got to say is well done to Liverpool! Okay, being a Liverpool fan I shall be defensive here. There have been criticsm about the team because they lost the home leg 0-1. And then when they beat Barca overall, Stevie G comes out to say they can beat anyone. Critics rush to claim that how can - when you lose a home game 0-1 - claim to be able to win the Champions League. They called Liverpool defending with 11 men and offered nothing but hard work.
Well, firstly, effort wins you games. Skill does count, like when Luis Garcia won some games on his own in last year's competition. But effort does count. And although Liverpool lost the home leg, they were clearly playing like they were 2-1 up - which they were. Obviously, in a normal one-legged game, if you are losing 1-0, you throw everything you got at the opposition to chase the game. But in this case, it is more important to defend for if you concede another goal, you lose. So wasn't it more important to defend your away goals lead?
So we beat Barcelona over two legs, not just over one match!
As for Arsenal, I think they are rubbish. I think they play attractive football at times, but most of the time it's just frustrating. Without van Persie and a full fit Henry, they can't score. Julio Baptista, a highly-rated player he is, doesn't seem to fit into the Arsenal style of play.
And quite so often, Arsenal are playing one pass too many, trying to dribbling once too many times, and often try their flicks and tricks when it's not warranted. Today, I saw the Arsenal team playing with the ball in the PSV penalty box, short passes and dribbling when they should just try to take a shot - afterall, you are chasing the game! Leave the showboating when you are up by 3 or 4 goals!
Anyway, enough ranting for now. It's only a matter of time before I start complaining about the postmatch comments!
First thing I got to say is well done to Liverpool! Okay, being a Liverpool fan I shall be defensive here. There have been criticsm about the team because they lost the home leg 0-1. And then when they beat Barca overall, Stevie G comes out to say they can beat anyone. Critics rush to claim that how can - when you lose a home game 0-1 - claim to be able to win the Champions League. They called Liverpool defending with 11 men and offered nothing but hard work.
Well, firstly, effort wins you games. Skill does count, like when Luis Garcia won some games on his own in last year's competition. But effort does count. And although Liverpool lost the home leg, they were clearly playing like they were 2-1 up - which they were. Obviously, in a normal one-legged game, if you are losing 1-0, you throw everything you got at the opposition to chase the game. But in this case, it is more important to defend for if you concede another goal, you lose. So wasn't it more important to defend your away goals lead?
So we beat Barcelona over two legs, not just over one match!
As for Arsenal, I think they are rubbish. I think they play attractive football at times, but most of the time it's just frustrating. Without van Persie and a full fit Henry, they can't score. Julio Baptista, a highly-rated player he is, doesn't seem to fit into the Arsenal style of play.
And quite so often, Arsenal are playing one pass too many, trying to dribbling once too many times, and often try their flicks and tricks when it's not warranted. Today, I saw the Arsenal team playing with the ball in the PSV penalty box, short passes and dribbling when they should just try to take a shot - afterall, you are chasing the game! Leave the showboating when you are up by 3 or 4 goals!
Anyway, enough ranting for now. It's only a matter of time before I start complaining about the postmatch comments!
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