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Champions League
Topic Started: Aug 13 2007, 02:00 PM (4,077 Views)
Martin
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For those interested Reuters did some capsules on each player for the two clubs.

Manchester United:

http://sports.yahoo.com/sow/news?slug=reu-...uters&type=lgns

Chelsea:

http://sports.yahoo.com/sow/news?slug=reu-...uters&type=lgns

I predict the same score as robdog, 2-1 for Chelsea. It should be a pretty even final but I think Chelsea are such a physically imposing team that they wear down their opponents. Over the course of the league season, Manchester United were the better team but as robdog noted, Chelsea have a good head to head record against them and the fact they finished behind United in the league will I think be just enough motivation to give Chelsea the slight edge. I also have a feeling Michael Ballack will play a key role in this game.

Hopefully it turns out to be a good final and the best of luck to fans on this message board of both teams.
Club Sportivo Desamparados
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SuperEagle
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As an Arsenal supporter I dislike both clubs of course but I do hope it ends up being a good final. Hopefully as somebody mentioned better than the two clubs drab FA Cup Final last season. I think a first half Manchester United goal will open the game up and make it entertaining, a quick Chelsea goal and they'll just stick everyone behind the ball and try and wear United out, as Martin pointed out that is something Chelsea are quite good at. But Ferguson has a tendency in European games to play it very conservatively, witness the two semifinal games against Barcelona. If he does that tomorrow night then we might get a repeat of last year's FA Cup Final.
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Simon
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cafetero,May 20 2008
06:41 AM
I can see this game going into extra time.

:o I don't think I could take it! The FA Cup Final last year caught both teams dead on their feet after challenging on 3 or in Chelsea's case 4 fronts all season. Neither team had the squad for that and United in particular used a very small group of players all season and limped over the line. I think we only scored once in our last 5 games of the season and that was a penalty! None of that will be an issue this season and both league games between the two were good matches.

Cafetero, there has been a lot of talk in the UK about the state of the pitch. Apparently they laid a grass one over the old artificial pitch, but it was terrible so at the last minute stadium authorities decided to lay another using turf from Slovakia at a cost of £160,000. Problem is, this measure hasn't worked either. The new pitch has had to be patched up in places, it is bumpy, it cuts up easily and the ball does not run true on it. Just what you want for the showpiece final of the world's main club competition! IMO it's another addition to the endless catalogue of why Moscow is a bad choice for CL Final venue, but what's done is done.

I think everyone is right to say that amongst the wealth of attacking talent, there are no better defensive partnerships in the world than those possessed by these two clubs. Alan Hansen and Mark Lawrensen provide an excellent assessment of the two partnerships on this link. I don't think there's a better pundit in the game than Hansen, even if he's has Liverpool at heart! Defensive matters are obviously his main area of expertise:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/7409221.stm

Chelsea have an imposing midfield of Makelele, Ballack and Lampard and I think Ferguson wil be tempted to play Hargreaves with Carrick and Scholes to counter them, which means sacrificing Tevez from the starting line-up. I'll be interested to see who starts on the flank opposite Ronaldo. Maybe Park is the man in possession? Essien is expected to remain at right-back for Chelsea. Joe Cole will play on their right with either Malouda or Kalou on the left, and obviously Drogba up front. So there it is, just one very nervous day to come! The pressure is slightly off us as we're champions. Martin is right that that could motivate Chelsea, but equally momentum is with us and that was very powerful in 1999! It would certainly be a nice bonus to bring ol' big ears back to OT! I'm watching it at Manchester's M.E.N. Arena on a 60ft screen, hopefully the next best thing to being there! Took today off work, naturally, so I'll head into town soon and soak up the atmosphere, and probably find plenty else to soak up!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pGQdzzqphus

50 years since Munich, COME ON REDS!!

If ever they're playing in your town,
You must get to that football ground;
Take a lesson come and see,
Football taught by Matt Busby.
Manchester, Manchester United;
A bunch of bouncing Busby Babes,
They deserve to be knighted....
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Johnbuildr
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Simon,May 21 2008
03:58 AM
cafetero,May 20 2008
06:41 AM
I can see this game going into extra time.

:o I don't think I could take it! The FA Cup Final last year caught both teams dead on their feet after challenging on 3 or in Chelsea's case 4 fronts all season. Neither team had the squad for that and United in particular used a very small group of players all season and limped over the line. I think we only scored once in our last 5 games of the season and that was a penalty! None of that will be an issue this season and both league games between the two were good matches.

Cafetero, there has been a lot of talk in the UK about the state of the pitch. Apparently they laid a grass one over the old artificial pitch, but it was terrible so at the last minute stadium authorities decided to lay another using turf from Slovakia at a cost of £160,000. Problem is, this measure hasn't worked either. The new pitch has had to be patched up in places, it is bumpy, it cuts up easily and the ball does not run true on it. Just what you want for the showpiece final of the world's main club competition! IMO it's another addition to the endless catalogue of why Moscow is a bad choice for CL Final venue, but what's done is done.

I think everyone is right to say that amongst the wealth of attacking talent, there are no better defensive partnerships in the world than those possessed by these two clubs. Alan Hansen and Mark Lawrensen provide an excellent assessment of the two partnerships on this link. I don't think there's a better pundit in the game than Hansen, even if he's has Liverpool at heart! Defensive matters are obviously his main area of expertise:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/7409221.stm

Chelsea have an imposing midfield of Makelele, Ballack and Lampard and I think Ferguson wil be tempted to play Hargreaves with Carrick and Scholes to counter them, which means sacrificing Tevez from the starting line-up. I'll be interested to see who starts on the flank opposite Ronaldo. Maybe Park is the man in possession? Essien is expected to remain at right-back for Chelsea. Joe Cole will play on their right with either Malouda or Kalou on the left, and obviously Drogba up front. So there it is, just one very nervous day to come! The pressure is slightly off us as we're champions. Martin is right that that could motivate Chelsea, but equally momentum is with us and that was very powerful in 1999! It would certainly be a nice bonus to bring ol' big ears back to OT! I'm watching it at Manchester's M.E.N. Arena on a 60ft screen, hopefully the next best thing to being there! Took today off work, naturally, so I'll head into town soon and soak up the atmosphere, and probably find plenty else to soak up!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pGQdzzqphus

50 years since Munich, COME ON REDS!!

If ever they're playing in your town,
You must get to that football ground;
Take a lesson come and see,
Football taught by Matt Busby.
Manchester, Manchester United;
A bunch of bouncing Busby Babes,
They deserve to be knighted....

Good Luck, Simon! Hope you have a blast!! :lol:
Qui desiderat pacem, praeparet bellum



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dafyd
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robdog,May 21 2008
12:10 AM
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 :D

Robdog, after a rant like that I could easily go on an opposing rant as I have no love for Chelsea. But I'm not all that fond of Manchester U, either.

Grant you, these are the two top team in England at the moment, and, arguably they are also the top two teams in Europe. I will be watching, though not until later, and hope for a well played game.

Manchester U has already pipped Chelsea for the title. That should give Chelsea all the incentive they need to win this game.
Leper In A Stange Land
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Johnbuildr
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robdog,May 20 2008
09:10 PM
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 :D

Why, Rob, that seems a bit of a homer viewpoint on the match :P , but I do agree Chelsea will likely win, 1-0 is my guess.
I enjoy good solid defense as much as any fan, but I do hope the final is not one long boorish defensive struggle that stretches into painful o.t.
Qui desiderat pacem, praeparet bellum



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valenciano
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I don't have a horse in this race but after reading Simon's and robdog's posts representing each team I'm getting excited for this final!

History favours Manchester United, as the last team to win the title who had not been a previous Champions League/Cup winner was Borussia Dortmund in 1997! Since then all the winners have been clubs who'd previously won the trophy before. Valencia (twice), Bayer Leverkusen, Monaco and Arsenal have all tried and failed since 1997 to become first time winners. If this trend continues then Manchester United will be lifting the trophy tonight in Moscow.

I'm disappointed to read about the state of the pitch. UEFA usually gets it right in terms of organization. I just hope the field condition doesn't effect the outocme of the match.
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robdog
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Look no excuses from me. Manure outplayed Chelsea at the beginning. I don't know if it was a lack of respect or what, but too much space & the first goal. Then Chelsea turned it on. Still having Michael Essien in the back & a volatile Drogba uptop undid the blues. Then to have a center back take the potential Champion winning PK??? You can't make errors like that & win Titles. Have fun with it manure. I can't blame you. Your boyz withstood the attacks physically and mentally. I guess that is why I sing the blues Posted Image
Supporter for FCK, San Lorenzo, Chelsea, Pachuca, Corinthians & Real Betis
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dafyd
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Don't feel so bad, robdog. Both Lampard & Drogba hit posts in an otherwise very evenly played game. The only player who didn't impress me was Tevez, who had several chances that he just couldn't quiet connect with.

As far as Terry taking Chelsea's fifth penalty, I understand your feelings. But if any player is to blame for Chelsea's loss, I'd have to point to Drogba's red card. It wasn't much of a slap, but he should have known better.
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alabastergremlin
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Drogba should be ashamed for getting tossed for THAT. I mean, if you are going to be foolish enough to get tossed out of a game of that magnitutude at least earn it. At least do something violent like a headbutt to the chest!

The game seemed very choppy to me. United could have easily had a 3 goal lead at halftime. I enjoyed it and thought it was going to get ugly there at the end. It is easy to complain about officiating but it seemed he was very inconsistent which lead to the rough tactics near the end.

I hate penalty kicks. I wish they could keep playing soccer. I suppose there isn't any other way to end it though. One thing Terry's miss will do is take the light off of Ronaldo's foolish stop-go shot. Just hit the ball! As for Terry's, it is easy to say he slipped on the pitch, that he did. But it looked like he never end had his plant foot down. He also planted it on its side and the slickness just pushed it through. I wish I could find clips of him taking penalties in the past to see how he does plant that foot. It looked strange, even for somebody slipping on the pitch.


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historyman
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It turned out to be a much better final than many were predicting, and no doubt in the years to come it will be referred to as a 'classic'.

Man Utd should have killed the game off before Chelsea got their equaliser at the end of the first half. Then the game turned on its head as the Blues began to dictate the second half. Either side could have won it in extra-time. By the time Van Der Sar saved Anelka's spot-kick I was exhausted trying to keep up with it all!

It was a night especially set aside for history. 50 years after Munich, Ryan Giggs overtaking Bobby Charlton's appearance record - somehow it seemed more fitting that Man Utd won the trophy as opposed to the nouveaux riche arrivistes from London. :P
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robdog
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Well on the bright side, I don't have to worry about who will win between Pachuca vs. Chelsea in the World Club Cup. I was really dreading that match up <_< Really I was, I guess I would wear a Blues jersey one half and a Blue and white one in another half. Now I am still sweating if San Lorenzo makes it. tsk, tsk. :unsure:
Supporter for FCK, San Lorenzo, Chelsea, Pachuca, Corinthians & Real Betis
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rosarino
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historyman,May 21 2008
10:38 PM
It turned out to be a much better final than many were predicting, and no doubt in the years to come it will be referred to as a 'classic'.

Man Utd should have killed the game off before Chelsea got their equaliser at the end of the first half. Then the game turned on its head as the Blues began to dictate the second half. Either side could have won it in extra-time. By the time Van Der Sar saved Anelka's spot-kick I was exhausted trying to keep up with it all!

It was a night especially set aside for history. 50 years after Munich, Ryan Giggs overtaking Bobby Charlton's appearance record - somehow it seemed more fitting that Man Utd won the trophy as opposed to the nouveaux riche arrivistes from London. :P

I tend to agree with historyman's comments, Manchester United had their opportunities to put it away in the first half but Tevez looked like he took his eye off that low cross late in the match. And as often happens Chelsea went down the other end, got a fortunate bounce and tied it up through Lampard. I thought Chelsea had the better of the play the rest of the way after that first half tying goal, twice hitting the post.

But I thought it was far from a classic game with both teams missing many passes, maybe the rain effected that somewhat but I expected better play from both teams. Drogba's sending off was silly and he very well may have been one of Chelsea's penalty takers if he had remained on the field. It then came down to the lottery that are penalty kicks. Congratulations to Manchester United and as valenciano noted, there still hasn't been a new champion of this tournament since 1997!
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Don Balon
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Like alabaster gremlin I also thought the game was choppy and with both teams being so familiar with each other they were easily able to get under each other's skins. That is what led to Drogba's ejection, one which did probably cost Chelsea dearly. There wasn't much to choose between the two teams and penalty kicks was not a surprising outcome. Where I watched the game in Oviedo we had the feeling it was going to penalty kicks about midway through the 2nd half.

Why is it that star players so often miss key penalties at the end of a game? Not only Cristiano Ronaldo but also Terry today. I recall past World Cups where players like Platini, Baggio and Baresi missed important penalties in a shootout. Strange though that so often it is the big name players who end up missing.
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Simon
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Isn't it incredible the way this sport can put you through the blender like that? That was a really exciting match, but what a total nerve-shredder for those of us supporting one team or the other! I actually often find penalty shoot-outs nerve-wracking even when I'm a neutral, so god only knows what my heart rate got to during that one last night. The whole game was a thriller and I must say I thought there were many excellent passages of play from both sides. There was no stage fright or caginess from either team, both went for it and both had sustained spells of domination as is fitting for two such fine teams. From United's excellently worked goal, to Lampard's coolly-taken equaliser, Edwin's great save from Ballack's point-blank header, Cech's great double save from Tevez's point-blank header and Carrick's rebound drive, to Tevez coming agonisingly short from poking Rooney's cross in, Drogba and Lampard both hitting the woodwork, Terry clearing Giggsy's shot off the line, the sending off, the unbearably dramatic shoot-out - bloody hell there was enough incident here for 3 European Cup finals! Off the top of my head I would reckon that to be about the most exciting and dramatic CL final in about 10 years (excepting the bizarre events of 2005 of course!)

I don't think robdog has too much to be down about. An earlier poster said these are arguably the best two teams in Europe or even the world, and I think that's right. As robdog said, we controlled the first half and played some brilliant football. We could have been out of sight by half-time but you've got to hand it to Chelsea, they are NEVER out of a game. That Makelele, Ballack, Lampard axis in midfield is one of the most powerful in world football and even that was without Essien who nevertheless was a constant menace with his driving runs down the right. Chelsea were unquestionably the better team in the second half and it's a measure of them that they could take what we dished out in the first half and then get back on top. I'd also like to think it says something about us to come right back into it in extra time. What an epic! It's hard to describe that emotion of ecstatic, unbelieving deliverance at the sight of Terry's penalty hitting the post. But I've got huge respect for anyone with the balls to take penalties on that kind of stage.

Well what a night. Needless to say it was a late one and a heavy one, but just a great privilege to be in the crazy carnival that was the whole of Manchester city centre all last night into the early hours of the morning. We're one of the few teams to have won the CL without losing a game, which we also did in 1999. We set a new all-time European Cup/CL record for 11 consecutive home wins and we won on our travels in Lisbon, Kiev and Rome and drew in Lyon, Barcelona and in Rome in the group even with our reserves. We've played brilliant football this season and in Ronaldo we had the 8-goal CL top scorer, so I think we deserved it and I'm bursting with pride for the lads. As historyman says, 50 years after Munich (what a nice touch for Sir Bobby Charlton to lead the boys up the steps), and as Giggs becomes United's all-time highest appearance-maker, maybe some things are just meant to be?
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