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| Champions League | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Aug 13 2007, 02:00 PM (4,078 Views) | |
| Winslow | Apr 30 2008, 04:00 AM Post #316 |
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Strange. I missed most of this match (starting a new job) and only saw this goal on slow-motion replay. From the close-up angle showing Scholes striking the ball, I was sure he'd shanked it and got lucky. That's how much of the outside of his foot he used, and how much the ball swerved. And that's why I write news and Scholes makes news.
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| Martin | Apr 30 2008, 09:48 AM Post #317 |
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It is hard to win when you don't score goals and that has been Barcelona's problem recently both in the league and in Europe. Messi did his part yesterday and was very active and caused danger but as others wrote, he didn't receive much help. I too think he needed to be closer to goal and when he moved more centrally late in the match even against a by then packed United defense he was able to be effective. But the rest of Barcelona's attackers were, as somebody else also noted here, so stationary. Against a well organized defense like Manchester United's that just won't get it done. The last time Barcelona scored was 5 games ago against Recreativo! Since then they've played two 0-0 ties, the first leg against Manchester United and against Espanyol in the league and a pair of losses, last night 1-0 against United and last weekend 2-0 versus Deportivo. So maybe Barcelona's futility shouldn't be that much of a surprise to us? The signs have been there for the past month. Like Merengue I thought Rio Ferdinand was superb in this game and is playing as well as any central defender anywhere in the world right now. I see what Winslow meant by his comments on Scholes possibly mishitting that strike which ended up as the game's only goal, as the ball bounced up a bit on him just as he was getting ready to kick it, but instead of shanking it, he hit a shot which curled away from the keeper and was impossible to stop. You have to credit him for that. There wasn't much separating the two teams over 180 minutes except for that strike. Congrats Winslow on the new job. So if we watch the post news credits scroll quickly by we'll see your name? |
| Club Sportivo Desamparados | |
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| Simon | Apr 30 2008, 02:30 PM Post #318 |
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Chelsea 3 - 2 Liverpool (AET, Chelsea win 4-3 on agg) Drogba 33.............Torres 64 Lampard 98 (pen)...Babel 117 Drogba 105 Well that was a cracking match, it ebbed and flowed, it was played at great pace with real attacking intent from both teams and of course there were bags of goals and high drama. I'm happy that Chelsea are through because although they're a better team than Liverpool and they have a great record against United, at least the horrific worst case scenario has been removed, which was losing a European Cup Final to the scousers. Chelsea started the better I thought, and played some really quick one-touch stuff. I wasn't sure Lampard would play following the death of his mother but he did and Chelsea should be extremely grateful for that as his passing and movement along with Ballack kept them ticking over. I thought Drogba was brilliant all night and it underlined Benitez's folly in publically castigating him as a diver this week. Yes, he is a terrible diver but why fire him up with those comments? The way he smashed in that first goal was pure Drogba, although perhaps he should already have scored when Lampard's great pass put him through. Also, look at the goal again - Reina set himself after saving Kalou's shot and I'm not sure he should have been beaten on his near post. Liverpool were probably quite relieved to only be 1-0 down at half-time, especially given how close Ballack came with his free-kick, but they were much improved after half-time and Torres's clever finish was Liverpool's first goal at Stamford Bridge in 9 matches. So often we see extra time just fizzle out towards penalties but nothing could have been further from the truth here. Should Essien's goal have been disallowed? Four Chelsea players were offside, but were they interfering with play or impeding Reina? I'm not sure but that was quickly followed by one of the defining moments of the season. When Hyypia tripped Ballack I was sure the German would take the pen, after the week Lampard's had and given how good a penalty taker Ballack is as he showed once again on Saturday. But Lampard took it which I thought showed unbelievable courage, God only knows what must have been going through his head, but what a penalty! You could see how emotional he was after that (as well as his dad whom the cameras picked out, Frank Lampard Snr who was a very good player for West Ham), and I'm sure everyone but the Liverpool fans would have been delighted for him. We still had such a frantic end, as Drogba buried Anelka's pass and Babel brought Liverpool back to within a goal of the final with his 30-yard drive. Astonishing match really, congratulations to Chelsea and to robdog. The blues now have the chance to become the first London club to win the European Cup. |
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| siralfred | Apr 30 2008, 03:17 PM Post #319 |
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Forza Zlatan!
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I couldn't agree more. We've discussed it before, but I'm still a little embarrassed to admit that I feel this way, being a grown man and all. I could even be happy for the Chelsea players if they beat us in Moscow since I admire many of them. But I could never muster any sympathy for someone who calls Anfield home. So, is it fair to say that Riise's own goal cost them the final? |
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| robdog | Apr 30 2008, 04:01 PM Post #320 |
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Yeah baby, it's time to grab the pooper scoopers so I can help the Blues pick up the manure in Moscow I am stoked. I am still in a state of shock. I was sure L'Puke would pull it through. A Grant tried his best to mess up the situation. Belletti should have started at Right Back and M. Essien should have moved up to the mid-field. Chelsea needs his spark or even Mikel, who had is started to fit in nicely. I love Maka, but it's time for him to goto the MLS
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| Supporter for FCK, San Lorenzo, Chelsea, Pachuca, Corinthians & Real Betis | |
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| raconteur | Apr 30 2008, 07:30 PM Post #321 |
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One of the beauties of this sport is it's unpredictability, Chelsea after playing a good first half were under so much pressure from Liverpool in the 2nd half that it seemed inevitable a Liverpool goal would arrive. Once it did the game evened up more but it still looked like Liverpool were in a favorable condition going inot extra time plus they should have been more rested as Chelsea were coming off an intense weekend game against Manchester United while most Liverpool's starters sat out their last league game. But it was Chelsea who raised their game in the extra periodf and for me were fully deserving of the win. Since they've never won the Champions League before I wouldn't mind seeing them take the crown in Moscow but truthfully I just will be hoping for an entertaining match. With Liverpool out of the way that is more likely to happen. By the way why did Benitez take Fernando Torres off? |
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| robdog | Apr 30 2008, 08:31 PM Post #322 |
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Thigh injury <_< |
| Supporter for FCK, San Lorenzo, Chelsea, Pachuca, Corinthians & Real Betis | |
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| Manzanares | May 1 2008, 05:36 AM Post #323 |
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I too had been wondering about why Torres left so I appreciate the explanation. An unfortunate injury for Liverpool's dangerman. This did end up being a much better matchup than any of the recent past Liverpool-Chelsea games, maybe that had something to do with Mourinho not being on Chelsea's bench anymore? Like raconteur, I also felt Liverpool had the advantage going into extra time but the penalty Hyypia committed against Ballack changed it all. A defining moment in the match. Drogba was a monster out there last night. Simon thought Reina might have been able to stop the opening goal but it was hit with such force that I don't think he can be culpable for not stopping it. Two teams that like to wear their opponents out and ultimately it was Chelsea who wore Liverpool out in the extra period. Curiously it will be two English clubs traveling to Russia for the Champions League Final while if Zenit gets by Bayern Munich tonight, there'll be a Russian club coming to England for the UEFA Cup Final! |
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| Martin | May 1 2008, 09:58 AM Post #324 |
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I heard Rafa Benitez being interviewed last night and he said Torres had a hamstring problem and that is why he was subbed out. With both he and Skrtel going down injured it limited Benitez' moves in the latter part of the 2nd half and the extra period. I agree though with Manzanares that the penalty was the turning point, as it occurred just after Essien's goal had been called back (Simon, I thought it was the right call because Drogba I believe it was, had been right in front of Reina and could have obstructed his view of the shot.) A silly penalty really as Ballack was moving away from goal when Hyypia brought him down. But both series turned on mistakes, Riise's at the end of game 1 between these two, Hyypia's penalty in game 2 and Zambrotta's giveaway in the Manchester United-Barcelona second leg. Add me to those who find it very ironic that once Mourinho left Chelsea they finally made it to the Champions League Final! |
| Club Sportivo Desamparados | |
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| SuperEagle | May 2 2008, 11:50 PM Post #325 |
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Avram Grant has caught a lot of heat for his coaching at Chelsea but like Martin wrote, he's now achieved something Mournho could not, advancing to the Champions League Final. And Grant made some good moves against Liverpool, most notably sending on Nicolas Anelka at the start of extra time. Anelka played a big role in the overtime win. |
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| cafetero | May 20 2008, 06:41 AM Post #326 |
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Time to discuss the Final in Moscow. I was watching a news report last night where they said there are some complaints about the grass which was laid over the artifical surface in Moscow. The fear is the new grass won't be able to settle in time and could easily cut up. I simply hope this Final is better than the FA Cup Final the same two teams played last year. I get the feeling Cristiano Ronaldo who has had a fantastic season has one more trick up his sleeve. But Michael Ballack is ending the season well for Chelsea and is always a danger. I can see this game going into extra time. |
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| Yogi | May 20 2008, 07:15 AM Post #327 |
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As an Italian I admire defensive strength and right now there are no better pairs of central defenders than Manchester United's Ferdinand-Vidic and Chelsea's Terry-Carvalho. They will make it very difficult for either team to score in this game and it could come down to a free kick by Ronaldo or a header off a corner or free kick from Drogba or Ballack to define the game. But I think Manchester United are the better passing team and with many other things being even between the two teams that could be the difference maker in this game. |
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| Mr. Pither | May 20 2008, 01:23 PM Post #328 |
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Yogi, I like your analysis of both sides defensive pairings. You are right they both are strong and each one combines a rugged figure (Terry/Vidic) with a more elegant playing centerback (Carvalho/Ferdinand) That is what makes for a good central defensive pairing. Manchester United may be a fine passing team but I think Chelsea's midfield with Ballack and Lampard aren't poor in that quality either and they have the ability to score goals too. Cristiano Ronaldo has had the reputation in the past for not producing well in big matches but this season he has begun to dispel that myth. Tomorrow night's game would be a great opportunity to really put that claim to rest. I think it will be a very closely contested game and I would not be surprised if it goes to extra time either but I think Manchester United has a spirit about them this year where they feel that they are never out of a match and I think that will carry them to the title. |
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P-I-T-H-E-R ...as in Brotherhood, but with PI instead of the BRO and no HOOD | |
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| enganche | May 20 2008, 03:48 PM Post #329 |
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Good points about the two teams central defensive tandems. They both have been impressive this season but I have really been impressed with how Rio Ferdinand has played, not only is he big and strong but he's very quick. Samuel Eto'o could not break free from him in the semifinals series against Barcelona. With Ronaldo, Rooney and Tevez in attack I think Manchester United has three extremely difficult players to defend and their mobility and speed makes them awkward for Terry and Carvalho to mark. I think it is one of those three attackers who will prove decisive tomorrow. Welcome to the message board Mr. P. We all look forward to more of your contributions. |
| Prefiero morir de pie que vivir arrodillado | |
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| robdog | May 20 2008, 08:10 PM Post #330 |
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Great analysis, but I believe you are forgetting two very important cogs in the Chelsea machine, Claude Makelele and Michael Essien. These guys can stop an attack and initiate one if needed. Ask any Real Madrid fan if they have successfully replaced Claude Makelele. To me there isn't a surprised that Chelsea didn't lifted their curse from arsenal, until Claude Makelele. That curse lasted 10 years. Chelsea have shown that they can stop the fake ronaldo. Look at the teams last 11 meetings, Chelsea has six wins, one after extra time. Manure has two wins, one after penalties. I don't remember fake ronaldo doing anything in those matches, except for flopping around like a fish out of water. To me, I like the Blues' odds. 2-1 Chelsea. Everyone will be singing the Blues
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I am stoked. I am still in a state of shock. I was sure L'Puke would pull it through. A Grant tried his best to mess up the situation. Belletti should have started at Right Back and M. Essien should have moved up to the mid-field. Chelsea needs his spark or even Mikel, who had is started to fit in nicely. I love Maka, but it's time for him to goto the MLS 
and right now there are no better pairs of central defenders than Manchester United's Ferdinand-Vidic and Chelsea's Terry-Carvalho. They will make it very difficult for either team to score in this game and it could come down to a free kick by Ronaldo or a header off a corner or free kick from Drogba or Ballack to define the game.
5:04 PM Jul 10