Official PROC Champions League semi-final thread

[ho chi feen]

24/25 April 2007
Liverpool v Chelsea, 19:45
Man Utd v AC Milan, 19:45


01/02 May 2007
AC Milan v Man Utd, 19:45
Chelsea v Liverpool, 19:45

Who wants to call this? It's anybody's, as far as I'm concerned. Steering away from the EPL wank-fest, I wouldn't write Milan off at all at all. Be as it may what happened last night, but this is a different match. Milan knew what they had to do tonight, and did a very professional job, and are coming into form domestically. I know a lot of people might be thinking this one's a foregone conclusion. Yes, we should be good enough to beat them, but let's just see.

Liverpool V Chelsea? Fuck knows. I certainly don't. I think playing at home first might actually suit the Pool. Can't quite say why, it's just a hunch.

I never for a minute gave too much though to this competition, but like the FA Cup, we've made it this far, and now, without a shadow of a doubt, it's ON!

[STEVIEG]

ahem:)

http://www.peoplesrepublico fcork.com/~peoplesr/forums/showthread.php?t=102 357

[ho chi feen]

Mockery, the QF's only just ended.

Anyway, this is the official one- accept no imitations.

[homer jay]

Liverpool V Chelsea? Fuck knows. I certainly don't. I think playing at home first might actually suit the Pool. Can't quite say why, it's just a hunch.

liverpool are away in the first leg.

[STEVIEG]

Mockery, the QF's only just ended.

Anyway, this is the official one- accept no imitations.

:)

[Liathroidi Mor]

What odds would you get now on none of the british teams winning it???

[STEVIEG]

What odds would you get now on none of the british teams winning it???



Milan are 4/1 with Paddy Power

They have Chelsea and United at 2/1 and Liverpool at 3/1

[Superdave]

Milan are 4/1 with Paddy Power

They have Chelsea and United at 2/1 and Liverpool at 3/1

i find the pool odds very eh, odd. they were 11/4 yesterday before the PSV game. They win (granted it was practically a foregone conclusion) and the odds are lenghtened.

[Philby]

Jaysus, it has started already. Rafa is a good man for a funny quote from time to time though.


Benitez starts war of words - PA Sport

Rafael Benitez has sparked off the Champions League war of words with Jose Mourinho by insisting the Chelsea boss only has good relationships with the managers he beats.

Benitez's Liverpool have been thrown into another massive showdown with the Blues in the semi-finals of the Champions League after the Anfield men completed a routine 4-0 aggregate victory over PSV Eindhoven in their last-eight clash.

Chelsea set up a possible showdown with Liverpool 24 hours earlier by winning 2-1 away to Valencia, Benitez's former club.

Mourinho immediately claimed that Liverpool will have it easy because they are only chasing one trophy at this stage of the season.

But Benitez was quick to counter, insisting Chelsea would not swap places with his side.

He said: "That is what they want. They must be there and they must compete for every competition, that is their aim."

And Benitez was equally prepared to explain the frosty relationship he now has with Mourinho, which has involved a spate of refusing to shake hands after matches between the clubs this term.

Benitez said: "We were good friends until we started winning, then he started changing his mind."

"It is the same with all the managers of the top sides. He has very good relationships with managers of teams that normally he beats."

"Then he started fighting with the managers of the top sides. He has already started it with us, yesterday."

[Philby]

Rafa - We are going to rip Utd apart ;-)


Liverpool must face Chelsea in the semi-finals on April 25 in London and May 1 at Anfield before they can really start dreaming of a clash with United – or even a repeat of the 2005 final against AC Milan.

But Benitez is confident he can take his side to their second final in three seasons.

He said: “We are in a very good position, to be in the semi-final is surely a great success for us. To do that twice in three years is really important, but now we want to make sure we win the final again.


“We were not intimidated by the football we saw from Manchester United, we have always known they have great character, and they are in very good form at the moment.


“But if I was offered the chance of playing Manchester United in the final I would be happy and say yes, because that means I will be in the final too. We would be confident of success if that occurred.”


He added: “It is difficult to say who is favourite. You can talk about Milan, they are a really good team. The same applies to Manchester United and the way they played this week, and of course Chelsea are also a good team.

“It will be really difficult for all of us, anyone of us can win it now.”

[STEVIEG]

Milan tomorrow

Can't see United keeping a clean sheet so they need at least two goals

Tough prospect i'm not filed with hope

[Rebelred]

given that we're missing our back four, i think this is going to be an extreme test of our squad. One we may not survive. Needs another outstanding display

[dotty]

one thing in our favour strangely is the first leg is at OT,think milan will come looking for the draw and try to keep things tight,therefore i dont know how much pressure our back four will be under,ancelotti will be weary of the fact that united are excellent on the counter attack as shown against roma so could will go with just gilardino up on his own with kaka floating and a solid midfield four of gino,pirlo,ambrosini and seedorf - if you gave me a choice of having a stronger back four tomorrow night or the return at the san siro i would say the latter.

dont get me wrong will be tough tomorrow night and chances could be at a premium but united should take a lead going to milan i reckon - 1-0 (giggs).

[STEVIEG]

United leave a lot of space in front of their back four

Totti couldn't exploit it but Kaka and Pirlo might

Resigned as I am to conceded one or two, I hope united can get more goals and then go for it away aswell

Ronaldo and Scholes are both teetering close to suspensions

[STEVIEG]

Actually

Cristiano Ronaldo, Paul Scholes, Patrice Evra and Gabriel Heinze are all one booking away

Milan away could be worse than Milan home squad-wise!!!!

[Rebelred]

Actually

Cristiano Ronaldo, Paul Scholes, Patrice Evra and Gabriel Heinze are all one booking away

Milan away could be worse than Milan home squad-wise!!!!

Scholes should be ordered to stay on his feet all night. If things are going well for Ronaldo I don't think he'll be booked. Heinze could be in trouble though.

[Philby]

The Chelsea fans seem a little tetchy about any mentions of <shhhhhhh> European Cup wins...talk about an inferiority complex ;-)

After the disappointing draw up at Newcastle on Sunday, Mourinho will need to work on confidence levels ahead of the first of the two Champions League showdowns with Liverpool.

In a way, it is possible that the tie itself will prove to be self-motivating; after all, with the prospect of a place in the 2007 Champions League Final at stake should the squad need motivating.

However, perhaps we possibly face an obstacle in the fact that we are closing in on four trophies whereas Liverpool have only the Champions League to go for. So many fixtures, tiredness creeping in and injuries and suspensions starting to take effect on the squad, may well prove to be debilitating factors.

Therefore, perhaps the simplest way of inspiring a couple of performances out of the team that will live on long in the memory would be to show them all the guff that is currently coming out of the opposition camp and in particular the references to Benitez being a master tactician, the fact that a clash between two English sides should be played in a European manner and the supposed lack of atmosphere at Stamford Bridge.

We`ll start with ex-Chelsea player, Bolo Zenden,

"It will be dangerous for either side to approach these games in the Premiership way. Europe, and European referees, means a difference in the interpretation of the rules."

"You get punished more harshly for tackles - and that can cost you dear."

"You have to be careful and clever in Champions League games. If this game between us and Chelsea is played like a normal Premiership game both teams could suffer."

"The tactics of the sides, maybe more than individual players, are going to be crucial to the result of the tie."

"It will be a heated meeting at the Bridge, and I am sure at Anfield. I think it will be better for us if we play in the European way because we have shown how much that style suits us - and I believe we can get a result down there."

"That way we can also get the most benefit out of the fact that the second leg is on our ground. That way I think we can get to the final again."

"We have five stars on our badge for our five successes in the competition but there is room for another."

"And with Rafa Benitez having already proved himself to be such a good tactician in Europe we have a great chance of adding that extra star!"

Five stars - Even the players can`t stop harping on about it!

Now for Xabi (Scabby) Alonso,

"There is nothing about the atmosphere at Stamford Bridge that intimidates us. There really is not. I don`t know why we haven`t had good results there in the past."

"We won`t be defensive at Stamford Bridge - we need to score goals in the first leg because that will make it easier for the second leg. A goal or two in London will give us the spirit and confidence we need."

"I believe in my team and in my mates. I`m sure we can beat them in the same way we did in the Premiership. We will win if we are better than Chelsea with tactics, technically and physically. There are no secrets to winning this tie."

Cheeky g*t! And there I was thinking that not everything that comes out of Liverpool was funny!

Come on Chelsea, get into them!

http://www.chelsea.vitalfoo tball.co.uk/article.asp?a=62542

[Philby]

Maybe Cech's scrum cap is affecting his hearing...you can nearly hear a pin drop at Stamford Bridge compared to Anfield on big European nights.


The Czech expects Rafa Benitez's team to be dangerous opposition.
"They have been knocked out of the Carling Cup, the FA Cup and they cannot win the Premiership either, so the Champions League is the last chance for them to win a trophy."
Cech does not believe having the first leg of the tie at Stamford Bridge will have any bearing on the eventual outcome of the tie.
"We know the atmosphere at Liverpool and they know Stamford Bridge. That is why I don't think it matters at all the first leg is at home."

Gerrard does his best to take this game on it's merits & not drag up the semi 2 years ago which has been talked to death..

Gerrard: I Laugh At Chelsea

Ahead of Liverpool's clash with Chelsea in the Champions League, Steven Gerrard has had a dig at his opponents. This is not the first time the two clubs have met in the semi finals of Europe, and last time, Liverpool were victorious through a Luis Garcia goal. Replays would suggest however that the ball did not cross the line.
"Chelsea moaned about it at the time. Mourinho still does. I laugh," Gerrard said. "Chelsea's complaints are ridiculous. If it wasn't a goal, Petr Cech would have been red carded for bringing down Milan Baros. What would Chelsea have made of that? All this b*****ks about it not being a penalty, a sending off or a goal. Who cares? The ref gave it. End of story."

Rafa's take on wednesday night's game

Reds will attack - Benitez

Rafa Benitez says he will send his side out at Stamford Bridge to look for goals on Wednesday, but expects a tight encounter.
The last four games between the two sides in the Champions League have produced just one goal, the Luis Garcia goal in the semi-final second-leg which got the Reds through to the final in 2005.
Many are expecting another hard-fought double header this time around but Benitez is keen to point out that he will be sending his side out to score at Stamford Bridge.
The Reds boss admitted: "I don't think there will be many goals in the tie. Chelsea have a very good defence and concede fewer goals now than we do.
"But 0-0 away from home is not necessarily a good result; it is better to try and score a goal. We scored goals in Barcelona and our idea is to score at Stamford Bridge and hopefully to win."
Benitez added: "I think it will be a tight game, though. It tends to be like that when you know you have another game to come."


Rafa repays Fergie for his bizarre post-Istanbul tactical break-down by giving Milan a few tips on how to deal with C. Ronaldo

Benitez's Ronaldo claim

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez wants to play AC Milan in the Champions League final and has told them how to stop Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Anfield boss revealed he had discussed tactics with Sir Alex Ferguson and spoke about the best way of setting up a team to stop the Portuguese dribbler - arguably one of the world's most dangerous individuals.
In an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport, Benitez said: "You need one very defensive player, strong and hard. Serginho wouldn't be right and neither would Marek Jankulowski be ideal, while Kakha Kaladze lacks speed.
"I spoke about this with Ferguson and we are of the same opinion.
"If (Paolo) Maldini has recovered his speed, he is the best solution."
And should Liverpool beat Chelsea in their semi-final, Benitez would prefer to play Milan.
He said: "Against Milan there will be more emotion. If we're in the final against Milan again, fine - it's perfect."

[Philby]

Benitez happy to leave past behind



Paul Wilson
Sunday April 22, 2007
The Observer (http://www.observer.co.uk/)


As Jose Mourinho has done little to hide his festering resentment over the events of two years ago, Chelsea would probably have picked Liverpool for their Champions League semi-final opponents. If you bear a grudge, why not have a grudge match as well as a rematch? Rafa Benitez, on the other hand, can afford to smile at the idea. Winners have no need to bear grudges, and the Liverpool manager - surprise, surprise - does not even see the point of discussing what happened in 2005, when his players pulled off their unlikely triumph in Istanbul by virtue of the comeback of the century against Milan and Luis Garcia's phantom goal against Chelsea in the semi-final at Anfield.

'It's history, it's gone,' Benitez said. 'If Chelsea really want to argue about the goal, then we will argue it should have been a penalty and a red card, but it is better to look ahead. The history the two clubs will create in the next two meetings is more important than what happened in the past.'

Benitez would say that, if it is true that history always comes to be written by the winners, but if Chelsea supporters detect a certain smugness they are underestimating the man. Benitez is nothing if not modest and when it was put to him that he had tactically outsmarted Mourinho at this stage two years ago, he had a diplomatic denial ready at hand. 'Managers can prepare plans, but at the end of the day games come down to players,' he explained. 'What happens on the pitch decides things, not what managers want to happen. I remember Eidur Gudjohnsen had a good chance to equalise late in the game at Anfield. If he had scored it would have been very different. Chelsea would have won, Liverpool would not have been in Istanbul and no one would be complimenting me on my tactics.'
The two European Cup winners from the Iberian peninsula have had 13 head-to-heads in the short time they have been in England and, while Mourinho has the most wins, Benitez has enjoyed the more recent success and has arguably won the one game that mattered the most. The most remarkable statistic about the four meetings so far between Chelsea and Liverpool in the Champions League is the one that suggests Wednesday's game at Stamford Bridge will not be a goalfest. In four games, only one goal has been scored and even that goal, most fair-minded observers outside Anfield would concede, would not have been given by many referees.
'I don't think there will be many goals in the tie. Chelsea have a very good defence and concede fewer goals now than we do,' Benitez said. 'But 0-0 away from home is not necessarily a good result; it is better to try and score a goal. We scored goals in Barcelona and our idea is to score at Stamford Bridge and hopefully to win. I think it will be a tight game, though. It tends to be like that when you know you have another game to come.'
Speaking before Peter Kenyon's curious vote of confidence in Mourinho - Chelsea promised only not to sack him, they did not have much to say about his future at the club - Benitez described him as a good manager who would be a loss to the Premiership. The pair are not best mates, as Benitez wryly observed last week. Results can get in the way of friendship, but admiration clearly exists for the job Mourinho has done at Stamford Bridge. 'I think Jose is a very good manager for Chelsea and I have a lot of respect for him,' Benitez said. 'I think he's done his job well, he knows what he's doing and he's positive for the game. I don't know if he will stay or go but nothing would surprise me. I've managed in Spain. I've seen managers sacked who were eight points clear at the top of the league.'
Benitez is uncomfortable with media portrayals of the semi-final as a confrontation between the Premiership's best young managers, however, and is far happier talking about the two sets of players. 'It is not about Jose and me; it is better to talk about Gerrard against Lampard,' he said. 'I have been very impressed with Chelsea this season, the way they have played and the way they have kept the pressure on Manchester United. For me United have been almost perfect this season, they have been fantastic, but Chelsea have been very close and that says a lot. We know we are in for a tough game, but I think we are a better team now than two years ago.' With three English teams in the last four of the Champions League, claims are once again being advanced that the Premiership is in fact the premier league in Europe and Benitez does not disagree. As someone who has won a European Cup and was coaching in Spain when that country provided three semi-finalists four years ago, Liverpool's manager is a reasonably well qualified judge. 'I'm not overlooking Milan, because they are a team with a lot of quality and experience and they are still in with a good chance in the Champions League,' Benitez said. 'But if you are comparing league with league, I think the English league might be the strongest around right now. Maybe in only one year things will change, but I know the Spanish league very well and I know the English league and I think at this moment England is a little better. Obviously there are some very good teams in Spain, but generally the competition is stronger in this country.'

http://football.guardian.co .uk/Columnists/Column/0,,2062746,00.html?g usrc=rss&feed=5

[wat_boy]

those quotes from gerrard are from his book, typical shit stirring from the english press ahead of the game.

[Roman Abramovich]

pirloooooo

[Rebelred]

pirloooooo

scored a great free at the weekend.If he gets alot of space and time on the ball he has the ability to rip our makeshift back four to shreds

[Rebelred]

fantastic preparation for the big match by Essien.... he's been arrested on suspicion of drink driving,at 5.10 am

http://www.football365.com/story/0,17033,8652_2083687 ,00.html

[Lamps]

pirloooooo

who do you think you are fooling?

[Edmund Blackwater]

fantastic preparation for the big match by Essien.... he's been arrested on suspicion of drink driving,at 5.10 am

http://www.football365.com/story/0,17033,8652_2083687 ,00.html

5:10 am on Monday morning.
He should be well sobered up for the game.
I'd say he'll be grand.

[STEVIEG]

Thought Essien was suspended for tomorrows game?

[homer jay]

Thought Essien was suspended for tomorrows game?

he sure is

[ho chi feen]

5:10 am on Monday morning.
He should be well sobered up for the game.
I'd say he'll be grand.

Hello, Edmund Fitzwater!

[Edmund Blackwater]

Hello, Edmund Fitzwater!
huh?

[Roman Abramovich]

Thought Essien was suspended for tomorrows game?

heh heh heh....
Sports Forum Idiot Membership Approved.

[ho chi feen]

huh?

Parker, Parker, Parker!

[Lamps]

heh heh heh....
Sports Forum Idiot Membership Approved.

Jesus H, a bit much from the man who struggles with basic reading and writing.

[Edmund Blackwater]

Parker, Parker, Parker!
I'm sorry, I'm still not following.

[ho chi feen]

I'm sorry, I'm still not following.

Ahra, nevermind.

Do you reckon Essien will be okay to play tomorrow?

[Edmund Blackwater]

Ahra, nevermind.

Do you reckon Essien will be okay to play tomorrow?
Nice try.

[ho chi feen]

Nice try.

Just checking.

[RonnyB]

Nice try.

A bit late though. Like a Paul Scholes challenge.

[ho chi feen]

A bit late though. Like a Paul Scholes challenge.

Heh heh heh

http://www.peoplesrepublico fcork.com/~peoplesr/forums/showpost.php?p=15092 81&postcount=1811

[Langer Dan]

im off, come on United!!!!

[homer jay]

c'mon meeeeeeeeeeeeelan

[Roman Abramovich]

come on utd.....i wana see an all english final.
fancy milan to do them though.

[Steven]

Actually

Cristiano Ronaldo, Paul Scholes, Patrice Evra and Gabriel Heinze are all one booking away

Milan away could be worse than Milan home squad-wise!!!!

shouldn't scholes be okay seen as he was sent off in 1st leg of roma game?

[STEVIEG]

shouldn't scholes be okay seen as he was sent off in 1st leg of roma game?

That's what i would have thought but UEFA have ruled he is one booking away aagin as he got two cards against Roma

[farranreeboy]

Tough game to call tonight both teams have match winners, i would't be suprised if it was a draw tonight. should be a cracking game tho

[STEVIEG]

Evra starts, Smith makes way Fergie beefs up the midfield Fletcher, Carrick and Scholes

[afeencalleddan]

Milan v Chelsea final for me.

[Jim Comic]

mourinho's off on another rant...
http://www.rte.ie/sport/2007/0424/chelsea1.html

[Jim Comic]

1-0 (ronaldo)

[Roman Abramovich]

after seeing line up i fancy milan to win


shit utd just scored...looks a free out

[Jim Comic]

1-1 (kaka)

[Jim Comic]

1-2 (kaka)

[Roman Abramovich]

can some ring old trafford and tell ronaldo stop doing step overs and wasting the ball. you can be world class and not act like a cunt.
ala kaka.

whats milan for 7-1 win? heh heh heh

[Jim Comic]

ht: 1-2

[Philby]

Kaka is looking every inch the world class player that we all know he is. The way he just elegantly glides past players is a joy to watch.

There looks to be a fair bit of indecision in United's makeshift defence..how Kaka bullied 3 defenders to manufacture the second goal from nothing was really really poor on their part.

[Jim Comic]

2-2 (rooney)

[AmadeusDC]

2-2 (rooney)

It sounds like a great game............can' t believe I am stuck in work for it!! -AmadeusDC-

[Jim Comic]

3-2 (rooney)

[Jim Comic]

ft: 3-2

[storysham]

How sweet was that. Not over yet though, by a long shot.

[STEVIEG]

come on utd.....i wana see an all english final.
fancy milan to do them though.

You changed your tune quickly enough

[STEVIEG]

Good second half performance

The midfield over-ran them

United will need a couple of goals in Milan but it can be done

[homer jay]

It sounds like a great game............can' t believe I am stuck in work for it!! -AmadeusDC-

the 'honesty of effort' crew are bigging the game up, and a lot of people will be on here tomorrow, expect fitzy to make his usual 'when we're winning' appearance. but i didn't think it was that great a game. it was good, but the ref was pretty bad, and utd were playing the kicking game especially in the second half, so there were a lot of free kicks, and stop-starts to the game.

apart from a short spell 50-60 minute approx, milan were shit in the second half, and were completely out of shape, with utd attacking well, and finding space easily in the centre and on the flanks. scholes had a very good game, but imo, was lucky to stay on the field with a couple of dodgy tackles in the second half that probably would have earned him a yellow if wasn't already on one. seedorf had a good game i thought. i always figured him as not a very good player, but showed a cool head for milan, when a few around him were loosing theirs, especially after gattuso went off.

but fair play to utd, they took their chances, even tho dida gifted them 2 of the goals. oh, and very nicely taken goals by kaka, and good pass by scholes for shreks first.

[storysham]

the 'honesty of effort' crew are bigging the game up, and a lot of people will be on here tomorrow, expect fitzy to make his usual 'when we're winning' appearance. but i didn't think it was that great a game. it was good, but the ref was pretty bad, and utd were playing the kicking game especially in the second half, so there were a lot of free kicks, and stop-starts to the game.

apart from a short spell 50-60 minute approx, milan were shit in the second half, and were completely out of shape, with utd attacking well, and finding space easily in the centre and on the flanks. scholes had a very good game, but imo, was lucky to stay on the field with a couple of dodgy tackles in the second half that probably would have earned him a yellow if wasn't already on one. seedorf had a good game i thought. i always figured him as not a very good player, but showed a cool head for milan, when a few around him were loosing theirs, especially after gattuso went off.

but fair play to utd, they took their chances, even tho dida gifted them 2 of the goals. oh, and very nicely taken goals by kaka, and good pass by scholes for shreks first.

i thought the ref had an exellent game.

[homer jay]

i thought the ref had an exellent game.

he was giving an awful lot of free's against utd in the first half that were 50-50 challenges, he coulda left the game go a little bit more.

[STEVIEG]

I agree with Homer

Facisinating game but hardly a great one

I'd be very interested to see the free-kick leading up to Kaka's first goal again-thought it was dubious

These things even out though

A good disciplined and patient 2nd half performance by United

[Corkonian]

See the "supporters" leaving early again. W**kers. Useless shower of muppets. They didn't deserve that Rooney goal. Drives me up the fcuking wall.

[STEVIEG]

See the "supporters" leaving early again. W**kers. Useless shower of muppets. They didn't deserve that Rooney goal. Drives me up the fcuking wall.

Yup, probaly texting their office mates right now telling them how great it was

[homer jay]

a good few of milan's free kicks were dubious. i can't remember the free that lead to the free for the first goal.

tenner says the conglomerate bumps the wrongaldo thread in the morning.

[Forsberg]

Yup, probaly texting their office mates right now telling them how great it was

Hey less of the stereotypes... not all people who work in offices are like that. Has the Gerry Ryan thread not thought you anything?. ;)

[STEVIEG]

a good few of milan's free kicks were dubious. i can't remember the free that lead to the free for the first goal.

tenner says the conglomerate bumps the wrongaldo thread in the morning.

Yup, though the Seedorf one could get a shove aswell:)

I disagree with the RTE crew-he showed his class tonight

I know Milan got overrun in the second half but i thought he was very good overall

[STEVIEG]

Hey less of the stereotypes... not all people who work in offices are like that. Has the Gerry Ryan thread not thought you anything?. ;)

I've loads of match going mates who work in offices:)

I'm on about that post Euro 96 "Who are Ya" corporate ticket blagging cunts that gind their way to big sporting occassions these days

[Jim Comic]

the pivotal moment was when maldini went off at half-time, was he injured or something? once gattuso then went off milan were in serious trouble

[homer jay]

Yup, though the Seedorf one could get a shove aswell:)

I disagree with the RTE crew-he showed his class tonight

I know Milan got overrun in the second half but i thought he was very good overall

i wasn't really listening to them, what did they say? i just caught what dunphy thought of benitez as a manager...:rolleyes: what a tool. i'm outta here catch yis in the morning.

[STEVIEG]

i wasn't really listening to them, what did they say?

Nothing much really


As honest as the day is long etc etc

[FL4ZGN]

Fletcher deserves a mention for his work rate and effort.

Scholes was outstanding once Gattuso went off.

One of Ronaldo's poorest games for a while.

[nemesis]

the 'honesty of effort' crew are bigging the game up, and a lot of people will be on here tomorrow, expect fitzy to make his usual 'when we're winning' appearance. but i didn't think it was that great a game. it was good, but the ref was pretty bad, and utd were playing the kicking game especially in the second half, so there were a lot of free kicks, and stop-starts to the game.

I take it you didn't actually see the game then?

[afeencalleddan]

It was a fantastic game (though not in terms of technical perfection). Everybody knows that Milan's stamina runs low towards the end of games. That was part of what made the game fascinating. United did very well to repel Milan at the start of the second half. Scholes's pass for the equaliser and Rooney's finish for the winner were magnificent despite Dida's poor positioning. The ref did fine too. He got conned a couple of times but overall I thought he kept his head well and evened out his decisions given the high tempo of the game.

Edit: Almost forgot about the flah. He engaged the Milan defence, gave them something to think about but was far from brilliant. Others put in far more influential performances.

[nemesis]

Decent enough game, but losing Maldini and especially Gattusso ruined Milan.

So, what did we learn? Well, Kaka's an excellent, excellent finisher although he's prone to throwing a strop when things aren't going his way. We also learned that Carrick has serious problems with his level of concentration that he'll have to iron out if he's to become a great United midfielder.

Evra looked really, really rusty and he was at fault for everything to do with Kaka's second goal. He started out as the furthest man back, but sauntered back until he realised Kaka was in and then paid an unexpected and ill advised homage to Graeme Souness by cynically taking out his own defender. We've also learned that not all Brazilian goalkeepers are shit. Dida actually had quite a decent game and he can't really be faulted for the first goal since Heinze put him under so much pressure.

We've learned (again) that Heinze isn't half bad at centre back. We've learned that Ronaldo looked unusually out of sorts and that Rooney's coming good at just the right time of the season. Finally, we've learned that, contrary to what the SFI would have us believe, O'Shea and Fletcher are perfectly capable of making a good contribution to the team if needed.

[afeencalleddan]

Dida actually had quite a decent game and he can't really be faulted for the first goal since Heinze put him under so much pressure.I can't agree with that. The ball shouldn't have gone past him in such a way in the first place but then I suppose Ronaldo shouldn't have been allowed such an easy header either.

[saltyfriedeggs]

I can't agree with that. The ball shouldn't have gone past him in such a way in the first place but then I suppose Ronaldo shouldn't have been allowed such an easy header either.

I agree, and his positioning for the last goal was terrible.He wasnt even set for the shot.Yes Rooney took it early but goalkeepers are paid to be prepared for that.He gotten beaten at his near post very easily.

[FL4ZGN]

We also learned that Carrick has serious problems with his level of concentration that he'll have to iron out if he's to become a great United midfielder.


ITV showed a stat that he had covered over 10 kilometres during the game, this was produced 10 minutes from time.

Great work rate.

[RedCityKid]

Decent enough game, but losing Maldini and especially Gattusso ruined Milan.

So, what did we learn? Well, Kaka's an excellent, excellent finisher although he's prone to throwing a strop when things aren't going his way. We also learned that Carrick has serious problems with his level of concentration that he'll have to iron out if he's to become a great United midfielder.

Evra looked really, really rusty and he was at fault for everything to do with Kaka's second goal. He started out as the furthest man back, but sauntered back until he realised Kaka was in and then paid an unexpected and ill advised homage to Graeme Souness by cynically taking out his own defender. We've also learned that not all Brazilian goalkeepers are shit. Dida actually had quite a decent game and he can't really be faulted for the first goal since Heinze put him under so much pressure.

We've learned (again) that Heinze isn't half bad at centre back. We've learned that Ronaldo looked unusually out of sorts and that Rooney's coming good at just the right time of the season. Finally, we've learned that, contrary to what the SFI would have us believe, O'Shea and Fletcher are perfectly capable of making a good contribution to the team if needed.


Yeah John O'Sheas performance tonight was very good which makes me think what the hell is going on in the lads head. At first I thought he was good then I thought he was shit then I though he might be good in the future but then I realised he was shit again now I know he has to potential to be a good player but maintains an equal capability to return to shitness next week

[nemesis]

I can't agree with that. The ball shouldn't have gone past him in such a way in the first place but then I suppose Ronaldo shouldn't have been allowed such an easy header either.

He came off his line for the corner (as Brazilians are wont to do) but went back fairly sharpish. What I was really talking about was his movement just before the ball went in. I've seen free kicks given for less than the pressure Heinze was putting him under.

Not that I'm complaining or anything.

[nemesis]

I agree, and his positioning for the last goal was terrible.He wasnt even set for the shot.Yes Rooney took it early but goalkeepers are paid to be prepared for that.He gotten beaten at his near post very easily.

He was fine for the last goal. It was just a class finish and the keeper didn't see it because Rooney thumped it from behind the defender.

[nemesis]

ITV showed a stat that he had covered over 10 kilometres during the game, this was produced 10 minutes from time.

Great work rate.

Absolutely, I'm not faulting anyone's work rate. I just thought that his mind was elsewhere several times tonight (the sitter he missed and a decent through ball that he missed from Giggs because he checked his run and didn't notice the space).

[ho chi feen]

Decent enough game, but losing Maldini and especially Gattusso ruined Milan.

So, what did we learn? Well, Kaka's an excellent, excellent finisher although he's prone to throwing a strop when things aren't going his way. We also learned that Carrick has serious problems with his level of concentration that he'll have to iron out if he's to become a great United midfielder.

Evra looked really, really rusty and he was at fault for everything to do with Kaka's second goal. He started out as the furthest man back, but sauntered back until he realised Kaka was in and then paid an unexpected and ill advised homage to Graeme Souness by cynically taking out his own defender. We've also learned that not all Brazilian goalkeepers are shit. Dida actually had quite a decent game and he can't really be faulted for the first goal since Heinze put him under so much pressure.

We've learned (again) that Heinze isn't half bad at centre back. We've learned that Ronaldo looked unusually out of sorts and that Rooney's coming good at just the right time of the season. Finally, we've learned that, contrary to what the SFI would have us believe, O'Shea and Fletcher are perfectly capable of making a good contribution to the team if needed.

I actually thought Milan paid such close attention to Ronaldo that it was to the detriment of their ability to repel the remainder of United's attacking quartet. Going down the left, he frequently had two men, sometimes three blocking his avenue. Unfortunately, Evra wasn't really at the races tonight, on another night he could have made hay from this situation. Ronaldo started superbly but faided badly and became very frustrated. He needed to be a bit smarter at times, but at least he kept plugging away. Thought Kak&#225; took both goals well, but at the same time, he should never have been permitted the opportunities.

I'm not at all worried about the two away goals as this just makes in clear that we will have to go out there and score. I would hope that we could be a little bit more measured in the opening stages of the return leg, in the knowledge that the game will open up if Milan try to push men forward, and of course later on when the legs tire. The key lesson here has to be to keep the midfield tight. Too many times, the midfield stood off and most of Milan's chances stemmed from this fact. Next time, I'd like to see the pressing begin inside Milan's half.

Clearly, Gattuso was a massive loss for United, and (if fit) will be a key player next time round, but as long as we learn from some of the mistakes we made tonight, then I can us being safe enough. Quite fancy a scoring draw or an away win in the second leg- it'll take a fully comitted 90 minute performance, but we can manage that, whereas as Milan's play is sporadic at best. Hopefully our defence will be in better nick too. Heinze grew into the game tonight, and I'd have no fear if we need to stick him in there again. Wes, not so sure. Evra's real problem was rustiness.

[nemesis]

Yeah John O'Sheas performance tonight was very good which makes me think what the hell is going on in the lads head. At first I thought he was good then I thought he was shit then I though he might be good in the future but then I realised he was shit again now I know he has to potential to be a good player but maintains an equal capability to return to shitness next week

It's always difficult to judge fringe players since they rarely get a chance to build any sort of consistency by starting several games in a row. He's obviously not a skillful player but he has a happy habit of working hard and finding himself in good positions.

Wouldn't be surprised if he goes in the summer though.

[afeencalleddan]

Evra's real problem was rustiness.Don't forget that he won't be available next week.

[afeencalleddan]

ITV showed a stat that he had covered over 10 kilometres during the game, this was produced 10 minutes from time.That's a stat that pops up on all Champions league games now on all channels. 10k is pretty much the norm for midfielders. It doesn't really say much about the overall performance of the player, not that Carrick did anything wrong. He did fine though I'd imagine he wished he scored that time he was free at the back post.

[ho chi feen]

Don't forget that he won't be available next week.

Shit, of course.

[nemesis]

I actually thought Milan paid such close attention to Ronaldo that it was to the detriment of their ability to repel the remainder of United's attacking quartet. Going down the left, he frequently had two men, sometimes three blocking his avenue.

That was actually really noticeable and it looked like it frustrated him for the night. The other point though was that even with two or three players on Ronaldo, Carrick and Scholes didn't contribute much to the attack until Gattusso went off. If he's missing for next week United should be odds on to go through.

Also, hearing the crowd booing Gattusso for refusing to get on the stretcher was ridiculous. I've only ever seen him on one if he's seriously hurt.

[xvis]

..what is about Milan in the second half against English sides???


The game is nicely poised for the return, with a lot depending on whether Gattuso is available. but United have a lot of work to do.

..I don't think I've seen a better 45 minutes from Scholes, ...he was absolutely in the zone in the second half, ..as was Rooney. Fletcher and Carrick were also superb in the second half, although United tired in the last fifteen minutes.

I think Milan settled somewhat at halftime for their two away goals and lost their way without Maldini and Gattuso.

I thought the ref was poor enough, Evra's yellow was unwarranted, ...and Kaka may have got a yellow for conceding a free outside the box, ..had he not already been on one.

Kaka's touches before each of his goals were superb, ..both the drift into the box and the header.

I thought Fergie got the tactics completely wrong in the first half and United were fortunate the game was not lost, ..he dropped 5 into a deep midfield whereas Milan were controlling it from further back and there was no outlet for any United posession.

A lot will depend on Ronaldo's performance next week, and I think he'll be up for it.

[xvis]

I actually thought Milan paid such close attention to Ronaldo that it was to the detriment of their ability to repel the remainder of United's attacking quartet. Going down the left, he frequently had two men, sometimes three blocking his avenue. Unfortunately, Evra wasn't really at the races tonight, on another night he could have made hay from this situation. Ronaldo started superbly but faided badly and became very frustrated. He needed to be a bit smarter at times, but at least he kept plugging away. Thought Kaká took both goals well, but at the same time, he should never have been permitted the opportunities.



good post, ..agree with the Ronaldo Evra position.

[STEVIEG]

..what is about Milan in the second half against English sides???



Against everyone really

Remember deportivo tearing them apart

Celtic running them close this season and even Bayern and Lille giving them good games

I think United will need two next week but i think it can be done

Rio has a chance of making it he would be a key man

[MonTheHoops]

Well done United. Dug in deep even with Ronaldo underperforming second half. Scholes is United's best performer in Europe. I think he's magnificent and even the bould Wazza made his mark too.

[KolaKubes]

Scholes was excellent when he got used to the idea of playing attacking mid. I thought he was coming into it before Gattuso came off myself but undoubtedly a key moment in the game.

Not that Milan can complain facing that scratch back four!

A fit Saha for the second leg and I wouldn't rule out Vidic being put back in. Broken collar bone. Should have managed to stay some way fit but if its knitted he might be worth the risk.

The away leg presents a slight difficulty for Milan. Unless they get an early goal, they have problems setting their team out now. Does he pick an attack minded team to try and get the necessary goal and risk Utd getting the upper hand in midfield and exposing their defence more? Or does he play it cagey and bank on sneaking it 1-0? I don't think Ancelloti can rely on Utd not to score over there, that's his problem and, say what you like about Heinze, he's a good "box" defender, as is Brown.

Have Milan any wide players they could throw in though? Full back will be an area they can exploit.

[ho chi feen]

Have Milan any wide players they could throw in though? Full back will be an area they can exploit.

Cafu and Serginho, I guess.

[STEVIEG]

Have Milan any wide players they could throw in though? Full back will be an area they can exploit.

Ronaldo but he is suspended:)

[shammy feen]

Philby and Wat Boy will like this...ye cheeky scousers!

http://www.redandwhitekop.c om/gallery/albums/userpics/21799/normal_Chelsea%20Ren t%20Boys2.jpg

[RonnyB]

Ok where to start.

The defending for Kaka's goals was very poor but other than Kaka having a few more chances in the 2nd half Milan didnt create anything of note. Gilardino was very poor & was delighted they didnt sub him for Inzaghi.

Scholes had a great second half but was awful for the 1st 45 mins. As Kola said it was as if he was'nt interested in playing such an advanced role. Saying that what a pass to Rooney. Rooney is probably the only other English player capable of such a touch.

Ronaldo was very wasteful. Too many stepovers & dummies. Did improve as the game went on though.

For me the MOTM again was Fletcher. Whatever about his talents you cant deny the guy has guts & character. As Gilesy would say "he does his stuff". He was always snapping at Seedorf & Pirlo when in posession.

My views on next week are mixed with regards who should play. Neville probably will be available so O'Shea will switch over to replace Evra. I'd be very tempted to play the same front 6 but if I was to make a change it would be Smith for Scholes. Scholes is on a booking and does'nt really contribute positively in a defensive way away from home. It wont happen but Fletcher deserves to keep his place I think.

[homer jay]

Dida actually had quite a decent game and he can't really be faulted for the first goal since Heinze put him under so much pressure.

He was fine for the last goal. It was just a class finish and the keeper didn't see it because Rooney thumped it from behind the defender.

did you actually see the game? if you don't think dida was at fault (granted he was partly at fault for the first one) for those two goals, you know absolutely nothing about football.

[Lamps]

Finally, we've learned that, contrary to what the SFI would have us believe, O'Shea and Fletcher are perfectly capable of making a good contribution to the team if needed.

Leave the SFI out of this. I'd say I've hardly passed comment on these players, ManU fans have been the ones slaggin em off, especially o shea.

On the game, I think Milan suited united's high pressure fast game as they hadn't the legs to stay with it for 90 minutes, it was a case of Russian roulette as until their legs went Milan could have went 3-1 up and it would have been game over. You'd have to admire Ginsoak for it in a way, he's no tactician but he has got balls to go for it. A bit like Steve McClaren in last seasons Uefa cup, it can work brilliantly or fail spectacularly.

I'm very suspect that Rooney handled the ball for the equaliser, I'll check it out if i get the chance

[Forsberg]

did you actually see the game? if you don't think dida was at fault (granted he was partly at fault for the first one) for those two goals, you know absolutely nothing about football.

Yup. . Atrocious goalkeeping for both, especially the second one. Why didn't he shuffle along his line when Rooney went wide. That's basic goalkeeping right there

[homer jay]

Yup. . Atrocious goalkeeping for both, especially the second one. Why didn't he shuffle along his line when Rooney went wide. That's basic goalkeeping right there

yeah, he should have covered the front post, and given the striker the only option of shooting for the far post. but it's not like the ball pinged in off the post, it was a good bit away, PLUS dida was nowhere near it. terrible keeping altogether. i wouldn't be as harsh on him for the first one tho.

[Roman Abramovich]

You changed your tune quickly enough

what ya mean?

[Roman Abramovich]

Good second half performance

The midfield over-ran them


thats cause of gatts going off....

[Roman Abramovich]

Fletcher deserves a mention for his work rate and effort.

Scholes was outstanding once Gattuso went off.

One of Ronaldo's poorest games for a while.

fletchers range of passing was fuckin super. really sat up and made me take notice of him last night. he just seems like an honest pro trying his hardest.

[Sound]

Jose-
'We have Essien suspended and a lot of players with two yellow cards and it would not surprise me if they chase Drogba for 90 minutes to try and get him suspended for the second game.'

Rafa-
'"It had not crossed my mind, but maybe it has Mourinho's because that is what Chelsea did two seasons ago to Xabi Alonso."

:lol:

[Roman Abramovich]

Jose-
'We have Essien suspended and a lot of players with two yellow cards and it would not surprise me if they chase Drogba for 90 minutes to try and get him suspended for the second game.'

Rafa-
'"It had not crossed my mind, but maybe it has Mourinho's because that is what Chelsea did two seasons ago to Xabi Alonso."

:lol:

i love jose......see the latest? he hid in a laundry basket for four hours in the chelsea dressing room the time uefa gave him the ban. he gave his team talk from inside it.

what a fuckin legend. Twill be a sad day he leaves the english premiership.

the second game he was suspended, uefa were wide so they smuggled in a speaker and he gave the chat.

heh heh heh.

inspectore josE

[ho chi feen]

Once again, the most exciting action will be off the pitch.

lhiqvXy0Sx4

[Sound]

Once again, the most exciting action will be off the pitch.

lhiqvXy0Sx4

Like the last uneventful semi, is it?

[Langer Dan]

Fletcher deserves a mention for his work rate and effort.

Scholes was outstanding once Gattuso went off.

One of Ronaldo's poorest games for a while.

well he scored, and to be fair he had two men on him anytime he got the ball. I thought he put the fear of god into the Milan defence anytime he ran at em, for all RTE's praise of Kaka ,he dissappeared in the second half.

The panel are so blatant in their dismissal of Ronaldo as to be laughable. He ran the show against Roma and we simply WOULD not have a title challenge without his contribution this season. Brady is an Arsenal employeee, I dont give a fuck what he thinks, dunphy is a joke figure at this stage, 'real players'? wouldja ever fuck off Eamonn.

Great result considering the halftime score. If we can tighten up at the back I can see us progressing to the final.

Rooney took his chances well, United dominated the second half, Milan were poxed not to have been behind earlier in the half.

[Sound]

I thought Ronaldo played really well for about 20 minutes.

[The Black Knight]

I'm very suspect that Rooney handled the ball for the equaliser, I'll check it out if i get the chance


Did he? I must look at it again, as I thought he kept his hands well clear of the ball. Fair play to Man Utd, they played a great game. Giggs, Scholes, and Rooney were fantastic. Ronaldo was shit, and, as usual, couldn't contribute anything in a really tough game. I think the result would have been different had Milan not lost Maldini and Gattuso. Hopefully they'll be fit for next weeks game. They only need to win 1-0. Should be a great semi-final.

[RonnyB]

Like the last uneventful semi, is it?

The Chelsea Liverpool games at Stamford Bridge have been snoozefests is the Champions League. Next week at Anfield should be way more entertaining.

[ho chi feen]

i love jose......see the latest? he hid in a laundry basket for four hours in the chelsea dressing room the time uefa gave him the ban. he gave his team talk from inside it.

what a fuckin legend. Twill be a sad day he leaves the english premiership.

the second game he was suspended, uefa were wide so they smuggled in a speaker and he gave the chat.

heh heh heh.

inspectore josE

Like the last uneventful semi, is it?

Gripping stuff, but hardly stuff to make the purists purr though!

I'll be watching anyway. Really hope there'll be more goals this time round.

[Sound]

Gripping stuff, but hardly stuff to make the purists purr though!

I'll be watching anyway. Really hope there'll be more goals this time round.

Surprisingly enough Jose is reportedly going with a diamond midfield again. This surprised me because any time Liverpool do beat Chelsea it's when they dont play their wide men.

[KolaKubes]

Gripping stuff, but hardly stuff to make the purists purr though!

I'll be watching anyway. Really hope there'll be more goals this time round.

I love watching rivals for a trophy knocking lumps out of each other so I'm really looking forward to it. I want to see two touchline bans after Mourinho ends up in a Rafa headlock, Alonso, Gerrard, Makelele and Lampard sent off, a not too serious but season ending injury to Drogs and Abramovich coming down from the stands to personally hand the armband to Shevchenko.

Then perhaps a devastating, localised meteor shower. ;)

A goal or two would be nice too.

[The Black Knight]

well he scored, and to be fair he had two men on him anytime he got the ball. I thought he put the fear of god into the Milan defence anytime he ran at em, for all RTE's praise of Kaka ,he dissappeared in the second half.

The panel are so blatant in their dismissal of Ronaldo as to be laughable. He ran the show against Roma and we simply WOULD not have a title challenge without his contribution this season. Brady is an Arsenal employeee, I dont give a fuck what he thinks, dunphy is a joke figure at this stage, 'real players'? wouldja ever fuck off Eamonn.

Great result considering the halftime score. If we can tighten up at the back I can see us progressing to the final.

Rooney took his chances well, United dominated the second half, Milan were poxed not to have been behind earlier in the half.

I don't count that as a Ronaldo goal. Dida tapped it into the back of the net for him.

Kaka was played in a different position in the second half, and he scored two goals.

Dunphy and the panel gave an honest opinion. If Ronaldo was a true great, he would been controlling that game for Utd along with Rooney, Scholes, and Giggs. Roma were a mess the night Ronaldo "ran the show". They were poor. If you want to label Ronaldo as a great, then do so when he plays like he did against Roma match after match, no matter who the opposition is. Great players don't have nights off. Great players would have scored more than two goals in the Champions League, and they certainly would have scored them against a side that wasn't falling to pieces at the time.

[RedCityKid]

I hope the Liverpool Chelsea games will be decided by good football or at least honest football. Not some cheating git diving for a penalty or getting another player sent off(drogba/gerrard has also added this element to his game of late). I have my doubts though

[Roman Abramovich]

Did he? I must look at it again, as I thought he kept his hands well clear of the ball. Fair play to Man Utd, they played a great game. Giggs, Scholes, and Rooney were fantastic. Ronaldo was shit, and, as usual, couldn't contribute anything in a really tough game. I think the result would have been different had Milan not lost Maldini and Gattuso. Hopefully they'll be fit for next weeks game. They only need to win 1-0. Should be a great semi-final.
i actually tought it was hand ball too.
didnt see that camera angle though.

[KolaKubes]

I don't count that as a Ronaldo goal. Dida tapped it into the back of the net for him.

Kaka was played in a different position in the second half, and he scored two goals.

Dunphy and the panel gave an honest opinion. If Ronaldo was a true great, he would been controlling that game for Utd along with Rooney, Scholes, and Giggs. Roma were a mess the night Ronaldo "ran the show". They were poor. If you want to label Ronaldo as a great, then do so when he plays like he did against Roma match after match, no matter who the opposition is. Great players don't have nights off. Great players would have scored more than two goals in the Champions League, and they certainly would have scored them against a side that wasn't falling to pieces at the time.

Jesus, I was wondering who actually listens to those three muppets still.

Ronaldo was being double marked last night.

Yes, he should have had the cop on to realise he'd have to opt for the pass more often but by quietening Ronaldo, all Milan did was create all sorts of space for Scholes and Rooney.

And that was Ronaldo's goal last night, dunno how you'd call it as anything else. Dida actually made a good save from his initial header but it was looping in anyway. Also had to make a good save from Ronaldo in the second half.

And there were still a couple of moments in the second half where Ronaldo carried the game well into Milan's half carrying two men with him.

Not his best game but, then, those three eejits don't get the point at all.

I mean, they were lauding Giggs at the end of the game (who was shit really) and almost forgot about Fletcher.

They like Heinze and yet he was being exploited by Milan and was (yet again) woeful on the ball.

I'm afraid RTE's panel are just anachronistic in their views on football. They should farm them out to Michael Lyster in the summer, Down versus Tyrone would be more their scene.

[Roman Abramovich]

Gripping stuff, but hardly stuff to make the purists purr though!

I'll be watching anyway. Really hope there'll be more goals this time round.

i think chelsea will go all out. chelsea will bate um.

chelsea milan final right now i feel. i hope its two english teams though.

[Roman Abramovich]

Kaka was played in a different position in the second half, and he scored two goals.

1st half....

[Roman Abramovich]

I mean, they were lauding Giggs at the end of the game (who was shit really)

soccer mom.

[ho chi feen]

I don't count that as a Ronaldo goal. Dida tapped it into the back of the net for him.

Kaka was played in a different position in the second half, and he scored two goals.

Dunphy and the panel gave an honest opinion. If Ronaldo was a true great, he would been controlling that game for Utd along with Rooney, Scholes, and Giggs. Roma were a mess the night Ronaldo "ran the show". They were poor. If you want to label Ronaldo as a great, then do so when he plays like he did against Roma match after match, no matter who the opposition is. Great players don't have nights off. Great players would have scored more than two goals in the Champions League, and they certainly would have scored them against a side that wasn't falling to pieces at the time.

It's easy to make facts fit your point of view when you choose to shift the goalposts at will.

[ho chi feen]

i think chelsea will go all out. chelsea will bate um.


Wouldn't even want to call it. Think tonight'll be a draw. Chelski could do them at Anfield- depends on a lot of things though.

[KolaKubes]

Wouldn't even want to call it. Think tonight'll be a draw. Chelski could do them at Anfield- depends on a lot of things though.

Liverpool are the fresher side. I wouldn't say that will win it in itself for them but it will go a long way towards it.

[ho chi feen]

Liverpool are the fresher side. I wouldn't say that will win it in itself for them but it will go a long way towards it.

Yeah, I reckon their best chance to go for the knockout punch. Someone likened Chelsea on another thread to a boxer barely on his feet, working from memory. If Chelski can get a result tonight, it'll be a huge lift to them, but if they lose it could throw a spanner in the works for their whole season.

Or possibly not!

[The Black Knight]

It's easy to make facts fit your point of view when you choose to shift the goalposts at will.

I don't shift goalposts at will. I am, have been and always will be a Liverpool supporter.

Look back at my previous posts in the Sports Forum and you'll see my opinion of Ronaldo has never changed.

[ho chi feen]

I don't shift goalposts at will. I am, have been and always will be a Liverpool supporter.

Look back at my previous posts in the Sports Forum and you'll see my opinion of Ronaldo has never changed.

You are. "I wouldn't give that goal to Ronaldo". "Roma doesn't count because they collapsed".

[STEVIEG]

what ya mean?

Within about a page you had gone from wanting an All English final to celebrating milan's first half and talking about 7-1

[STEVIEG]

Great players don't have nights off.

Am, sorry, but they do

Zidane, Pele, Maradonna, Ronaldinho, Maldini every single one of the greats does

He was poor last night, but it happens with all players

[Sound]

What would Meeeelan give to have Ronaldo Snr playing next week?

[The Black Knight]

Jesus, I was wondering who actually listens to those three muppets still.

Ronaldo was being double marked last night.

Yes, he should have had the cop on to realise he'd have to opt for the pass more often but by quietening Ronaldo, all Milan did was create all sorts of space for Scholes and Rooney.

And that was Ronaldo's goal last night, dunno how you'd call it as anything else. Dida actually made a good save from his initial header but it was looping in anyway. Also had to make a good save from Ronaldo in the second half.

And there were still a couple of moments in the second half where Ronaldo carried the game well into Milan's half carrying two men with him.

Not his best game but, then, those three eejits don't get the point at all.

I mean, they were lauding Giggs at the end of the game (who was shit really) and almost forgot about Fletcher.

They like Heinze and yet he was being exploited by Milan and was (yet again) woeful on the ball.

I'm afraid RTE's panel are just anachronistic in their views on football. They should farm them out to Michael Lyster in the summer, Down versus Tyrone would be more their scene.

Are you for real? Ronaldo's goal was to take two Milan players out of it. Someone with his skill? That's clutching at straws, mate. Even my work mates agreed he was shit last night, and some of them love him to death. Also, one of them called him the best player in the world last week, and I almost ate him alive, yet he even admitted he contributed little last night.

The parts in bold there. There's the bullet in your foot, and the ever present flaw with Ronaldo. He takes on more than he can handle, and he doesn't think. The lads in the panel had it right, he has no brain. This has been obvious from when he first joined Utd.

I personally thought Giggs and a good game. Not the Giggs of old, but he did far more than Little Ms Portuguese. Ronaldo has amazing talent, but she has yet to use it in really difficult games all the time.

[The Black Knight]

Am, sorry, but they do

Zidane, Pele, Maradonna, Ronaldinho, Maldini every single one of the greats does

Perhaps I should have phrased that as "Great players don't have as many nights off as Ronaldo does".

[STEVIEG]

What would Meeeelan give to have Ronaldo Snr playing next week?

What would United give to have Rio, Vidic, Nev and Evra playing

Next week i'd say is a gme for Inzagi

[STEVIEG]

Perhaps I should have phrased that as "Great players don't have as many nights off as Ronaldo does".

You obviously didn't watch the World Cup last year......

[Langer Dan]

I don't count that as a Ronaldo goal. Dida tapped it into the back of the net for him.

.

utter bollocks, it only counts as own goal if the ball isn't moving towards goal when it takes a touch. Twas Ronaldos goal.

The RTE panel dont like Ronaldo, simple as that. They gave him no credit when he destroyed Roma. He had two men on him all last night. He wasnt shit, he scored ffs.

Brady ,Dunphy and Giles are talking thru their hole as per usual.



Kaka was played in a different position in the second half, and he scored two goals.

.
in the first half, he disappeared in the second half, .




Great players don't have nights off. .

sorry, your talking absolute shit now. By your logic, Henry is shit after euro cup final. Ronaldinho is shit on the basis of France vs. Brazil.

I dispute the fact that Ronaldo was rubbish, he scored and he created space for other players in drawing defenders. More often than not he beat his man and drove the attack forward,

you only seem to be regurgitating what the RTE panel have said


as for giles. 'liverpool/chelsea will be a scratchy game'. Thats not even English, Scratchy isnt an adjective. The man is paid to come out with this guff.unbelievable.

[RonnyB]

Are you for real? Ronaldo's goal was to take two Milan players out of it. Someone with his skill? That's clutching at straws, mate. Even my work mates agreed he was shit last night, and some of them love him to death. Also, one of them called him the best player in the world last week, and I almost ate him alive, yet he even admitted he contributed little last night.

The parts in bold there. There's the bullet in your foot, and the ever present flaw with Ronaldo. He takes on more than he can handle, and he doesn't think. The lads in the panel had it right, he has no brain. This has been obvious from when he first joined Utd.

I personally thought Giggs and a good game. Not the Giggs of old, but he did far more than Little Ms Portuguese. Ronaldo has amazing talent, but she has yet to use it in really difficult games all the time.


Giggs didnt have a good game overall. Yes he was prominent in the last half hour but didnt do much until that.

United would have been in serious trouble if it was'nt for Fletcher having a stormer. Most improved player at the club this season (and I'm including Ronaldo in that assessment.)

[Roman Abramovich]

Within about a page you had gone from wanting an All English final to celebrating milan's first half and talking about 7-1

that was in fuckin jest. in all feiernce stevie.
Its a win win for me. If utd go out the pricks on here will be quiet. If utd go through english football is a winner. My preference? its harder for a fan to lose the final than the semi.
;)

[Roman Abramovich]

What would Meeeelan give to have Ronaldo Snr playing next week?

gilardino is a good player. so is inzags...the milan system just doesnt suit. thing with gils is though hell keep pluggin away.

[Roman Abramovich]

utter bollocks, it only counts as own goal if the ball isn't moving towards goal when it takes a touch.

hmmm

[The Black Knight]

You obviously didn't watch the World Cup last year......

I did, and I also don't think that much of the great players really gave a shit about the world cup last year. Ronaldinho certainly didn't.

[Langer Dan]

hmmm

fuck off cuntyballs, you know what I mean.

[STEVIEG]

I did, and I also don't think that much of the great players really gave a shit about the world cup last year. Ronaldinho certainly didn't.


They didn't give a shit??
or they weren't on form all the time due to tiredness etc


I'd go for the later

[Sound]

What would United give to have Rio, Vidic, Nev and Evra playing

Next week i'd say is a gme for Inzagi

True, true.

But, say what you like about the fat man, he's always been the big man for the big occasion and he's just what they'd need I feel.

[The Black Knight]

I dispute the fact that Ronaldo was rubbish, he scored and he created space for other players in drawing defenders. More often than not he beat his man and drove the attack forward,


Ahahaha, were we watching the same game?

[ho chi feen]

gilardino is a good player. so is inzags...the milan system just doesnt suit. thing with gils is though hell keep pluggin away.

Yeah, Gilardino isn't a lone striker. He works much better with a nippy guy next to him.

[RonnyB]

On the goal debate it has to be given to Ronaldo. It was a shot on target which the keeper couldnt keep out despite him getting a hand on the ball.

Shur didnt Dida get a hand on Smicers goal in Istanbul? Didnt see anyone say it was an OG.

[ho chi feen]

I did, and I also don't think that much of the great players really gave a shit about the world cup last year. Ronaldinho certainly didn't.

Here we go again, moving the goalposts. Sorry, but you can't have it both ways mate.

[RonnyB]

True, true.

But, say what you like about the fat man, he's always been the big man for the big occasion and he's just what they'd need I feel.

True btu I'd gladly let Milan have Ronaldo available if United had their 1st choice back 4 playing.

[STEVIEG]

True, true.

But, say what you like about the fat man, he's always been the big man for the big occasion and he's just what they'd need I feel.

True-There will never be a bad word said about him by me

He is class and I've great time for him

Still in the top 3 strikers in the World even today

Kaka's early performance last night reminded me of him at OT a few eyars ago, and Rooneys 2nd goal, as bad as Dida was, was Ronaldo all over, a quick shot before the keeper can steady himself

Brazils Ronaldo is the king of such moments

[RonnyB]

Rooneys 2nd goal, as bad as Dida was, was Ronaldo all over, a quick shot befor ethe keeper can steady himself


Said the same thing to the oul fella when watching the replay of it.

[The Black Knight]

Here we go again, moving the goalposts. Sorry, but you can't have it both ways mate.

Explain how I'm "moving the goalposts".

[ho chi feen]

Explain how I'm "moving the goalposts".

When you're met with something that contradicts your assertions, you simply dismiss it.

Is your name Eamon Dunphy, by any chance?

[Langer Dan]

Ronaldo could score two goals and set up a few few more, run rings around a top 2 side and give a dizzying performance in a crunch match and the RTE boys would still give him no credit, o wait.....

[The Black Knight]

Ronaldo could score two goals and set up a few few more, run rings around a top 2 side and give a dizzying performance in a crunch match and the RTE boys would still give him no credit, o wait.....

It's not about what the RTE boys say. This is my opinion. He's a good player, but he's not and never will be great because he doesn't think.

[Langer Dan]

It's not about what the RTE boys say. This is my opinion. He's a good player, but he's not and never will be great because he doesn't think.

Its just an opinion biy, hes been great this season by any standard. But hey thats just my opinion:)

[The Black Knight]

Its just an opinion biy, hes been great this season by any standard. But hey thats just my opinion:)

Against lesser opposition, he sure has.

[Roman Abramovich]

It's not about what the RTE boys say. This is my opinion. He's a good player, but he's not and never will be great because he doesn't think.

hell never be great because he acts the cunt. thats why. henry isnt liked by alot of the french cause hes so arrogant. Ronalado got fouled by gattuso last night and i actually watched it a few times because i actually tought when he was going to ground gatts whiped out a knife and proceeded to stab him hence the delayed scream and lunge.

the guy added to his game what in my opinion he was always missing. End product. If he can clean up his act followed by not acting the cunt on the pitch ill start to consider him great. As i said. Kaka went about his business professionally, ronaldo was trying to taunt defenders with his stupid stepovers.

time and place for that. and not when utd are losing 2-1 in a champions league semi final at home. only for carrick on 3 occasions breaking it down he could have cost them goal chances....

and as i said after the roma game when the hype died down. Utd as good as they were gave roma far far far too many chances for a team that was beaten 7-1 and gave up.

[Langer Dan]

Against lesser opposition, he sure has.

going on the current league table they're all 'lesser opposition'.

[STEVIEG]

Kaka went about his business professionally,

Great player but terrible dive in the first few minutes of the game

and he acted like a complete cunt in trying to get a United player booked too later on

[Beefeater]

i dont think Ronaldo was as poor as some people are saying last night. I wouldnt go by what them at RTE say, they usually only pick out what he does wrong. But in the first half he was the only United player running at them with purpose and looking like a danger. in the second half they kept him very deep so to take him out of the game. now he misplaced a few passes alright but Giles actually saying "Notice the way we didnt mention Ronaldo, he was terrible" is another way for them to slate him. Rooney aside from the two goals was for the most part sh*t, again gives the ball away around 90% of the time.

[Philby]

He is class and I've great time for him

Still in the top 3 strikers in the World even today


As great a career as he has had (and his scoring record is truly astonishing) I wouldn't have him anywhere near the top 3 strikers in the world. I just don't think he has the all-round game anymore (largely due to his fitness & motivation levels)

I'd take any of the following ahead of him to be honest - Henry, Drogba, Shevchenko, Eto'o, Villa, Torres, RVN, Rooney, Tevez, Milito

Would have to agree that it was def. Ronaldo's goal but he really should've put it either side of the keeper from such an easy position.

Regarding world-class players having off-nights, of course they do but you'd forgive Zidane/Ronaldinho/Maradona/Henry the odd off night because they have done it so often against top-class opposition. Ronaldo simply has not imposed himself enough in games against top sides (time is on his side though) to be granted the leeway to have so many off nights.

[shammy feen]

Jose: Liverpool not a big club

Wednesday, April 25, 2007
http://img.metro.co.uk/i/pix/2007/04/sport/MourinhoPA_175x125.j pg
Mind games: Mourinho

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has started the war of words with his Anfield counterpart Rafa Benitez ahead of tonight's Champions League semi-final, insisting 'Liverpool are not a big club'.
Mourinho, whose side are in the hunt for an unprecedented quadruple, claims Liverpool are the favourites to progress to the final in Athens because they have not had to play in as many big matches as Chelsea.
'If you ask me about the favourites, Liverpool should be the favourites,' said Mourinho.



'They are favourites because in the year 2007, we have played 27 matches and Liverpool play three or four.
'Steven Gerrard didn't play the last game. Do you think Gerrard and Frank Lampard have the same conditions to compete against each other tomorrow - I don't think it will be a fair fight.
'If you are not a big club, you choose one competition and you fight in that competition and forget the others.
'Big clubs - we cannot do this. We have to go on until we can and try the maximum we can. It is a risk to try and win everything or nothing, or almost nothing because we have the Carling Cup.
'In the last three seasons in the Premiership, Chelsea have more than 60 points more than Liverpool.

I won't be surprised if Liverpool try to get Drogba suspended

'That's a lot. If they are a great team in knockout competitions, we have to admit that and praise them for it. They are good in knockout.'
Mourinho also insisted Liverpool would target striker Didier Drogba – who is just one game away from suspension and will miss the return leg at Anfield next week if he picks up a yellow card tonight.
'The fact is they don't have players on yellow cards. They had an easy group in the Champions League and had a chance to 'clean' cards.
'For example Dirk Kuyt getting a card in the last minute against PSV was because he didn't want to play in the second game to be clean for the rest of the competition.
'We have Essien suspended and a lot of players with two yellow cards and it would not surprise me if they chase Drogba for 90 minutes to try and get him suspended for the second game.'

[BlueSkies]

Fair play to United, a gutsy performance and a deserved victory. Losing Gattuso and Maldini was a major blow for Milan, Gattuso was the best midfielder on the pitch in the first half. Carrick in particular is ineffective when closed down quickly.
It's a testament to the crappiness of the premiership that Ronaldo didn't know how to react when double-marked, no premiership side have ever had that brainwave.
It's gonna be a tough return leg, but I think United can do it.

[RonnyB]

Against lesser opposition, he sure has.

maybe so but some of his goals have come at crucial moments against so called lesser opposition.

Reading away - 1-0 down with 20 mins left. United having lost their previous league match to Arsenal. Poor defending by Murty but Ronaldo finished well.

Villa away - 0-0 and a scrappy game needed something to ignite it. Ronaldo did with a run from the half way line and a good finish after his 1st effort was blocked.

Wigan home - only on the field about a minute when he scored a header just after half time. United had struggled in the 1st half.

Fulham away - if the league is to be won, this along with JOS's winner at Anfield will be one of the key moments along the way.

We wont bother mentioning his run & build up play to Rooney's goal in Rome when United were struggling badly with 10 men, his 2nd leg display (albiet against a poor side), his role in another goal for Rooney at Arsenal and so on.

[Philby]

I know I shouldn't rise to this but some of this is actually funny...it's like prior to the interview he made up a laundry list of 5-6 things he wanted to have a dig at Liverpool for and then proceeded to list them out in a non-sensical and clumsy manner...you're losing it Jose.

'If you ask me about the favourites, Liverpool should be the favourites,' said Mourinho.

Ya, cheers for that. You really are the special one if you think you can spend £200m and try to convince people that you're the underdog.

'They are favourites because in the year 2007, we have played 27 matches and Liverpool play three or four.

Ok. Have you been on the sauce Jose?

'Steven Gerrard didn't play the last game. Do you think Gerrard and Frank Lampard have the same conditions to compete against each other tomorrow - I don't think it will be a fair fight.

It's clearly not a fair fight, Lampard is carrying an extra 4 stone in bulk..Gerrard doesn't have a chance if he gets him in close.

'If you are not a big club, you choose one competition and you fight in that competition and forget the others.
'Big clubs - we cannot do this. We have to go on until we can and try the maximum we can. It is a risk to try and win everything or nothing, or almost nothing because we have the Carling Cup.

18 Leagues
5 European Cups

I won't be surprised if Liverpool try to get Drogba suspended

Really? Like in '05 when Eidur took a complete dive to rule Alonso out of the second leg of the semi?

'The fact is they don't have players on yellow cards. They had an easy group in the Champions League and had a chance to 'clean' cards.
'For example Dirk Kuyt getting a card in the last minute against PSV was because he didn't want to play in the second game to be clean for the rest of the competition.

Perhaps Liverpool got an easier group because they were seeded due to their European pedigree...of which Chelsea have none

'We have Essien suspended and a lot of players with two yellow cards and it would not surprise me if they chase Drogba for 90 minutes to try and get him suspended for the second game.'

Essien is suspended for a reason. Players are on yellows for a reason. That reason is not Liverpool FC. Comments like this are a snide, transparent way to curry favour with the referee. He's always at it.

[BlueSkies]

maybe so but some of his goals have come at crucial moments against so called lesser opposition.

Reading away - 1-0 down with 20 mins left. United having lost their previous league match to Arsenal. Poor defending by Murty but Ronaldo finished well.

Villa away - 0-0 and a scrappy game needed something to ignite it. Ronaldo did with a run from the half way line and a good finish after his 1st effort was blocked.

Wigan home - only on the field about a minute when he scored a header just after half time. United had struggled in the 1st half.

Fulham away - if the league is to be won, this along with JOS's winner at Anfield will be one of the key moments along the way.

We wont bother mentioning his run & build up play to Rooney's goal in Rome when United were struggling badly with 10 men, his 2nd leg display (albiet against a poor side), his role in another goal for Rooney at Arsenal and so on.


Won't we?

[homer jay]

i think josé is getting to you phil

[Philby]

i think josé is getting to you phil

Not really like but would rather run the risk of people thinking that (which I could possibly live with) than let his idiotic comments go without offering my take on them.

How are you feeling about tonight? Even with Chelsea having a few players out and less rest I'm still feeling very nervosus about Liverpool's chances. I think we need to score at the Bridge to go through. I really do.

[shammy feen]

I

18 Leagues
5 European Cups




BOOOO!!!!! down with that sort of thing...... ;)

[shammy feen]

I think there will be CARNAGE tonight....

[homer jay]

Not really like but would rather run the risk of people thinking that (which I could possibly live with) than let his idiotic comments go without offering my take on them.

How are you feeling about tonight? Even with Chelsea having a few players out and less rest I'm still feeling very nervosus about Liverpool's chances. I think we need to score at the Bridge to go through. I really do.

dunno, it's a hard one to call. i've backed liverpool to win in the predictions competition based on how they did in the last 2 rounds away from home. but, chelsea are chelsea, and they're mighty hard to beat at the bridge, plus their form of late is very good. it'll be a tight game, but i reckon there will be goals. if it turns into a european game (which is possible with this ref) i'd favour liverpool to get a result, if it's a slog al a the premiership, i'd expect chelsea to nick it. expect sissoko to have a good game, kuyt to run his balls off and not score, and crouch to miss a sitter.

i'm not too nervous tbh. another CL win would be great, but i'm not too bothered about it. it's the league that i'd like to see them win. i was really bad during the semi's 2 years ago. that's not to say there won't be plenty of this...http://i14.tinypic.com/4hn2s93.gif

i think liverpool need to score alright, i can see chelsea doing better at anfield than they did last time. they won't be as rattled by the crowd.

[Langer Dan]

gotta love the commentary:)

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1t7bo_but-rooney-vs-ac-milan-32

[Langer Dan]

I'm very suspect that Rooney handled the ball for the equaliser, I'll check it out if i get the chance

he didnt

http://www.dailymotion.com/relevance/search/united%2Bmilan/video/x1t5kt_man-united-2-2-milan-ac-rooney

[STEVIEG]

he didnt

http://www.dailymotion.com/relevance/search/united%2Bmilan/video/x1t5kt_man-united-2-2-milan-ac-rooney

Yup. my first instinct was hand ball too but a good decision

[EL TORO]

Yup. my first instinct was hand ball too but a good decision

Just watched that footage over and over,and it looks to me like a hand ball. Hard for the ref to see it, but in any event it past tense now.

[Langer Dan]

Just watched that footage over and over,and it looks to me like a hand ball. Hard for the ref to see it, but in any event it past tense now.

it does in its fuck. open your eyes, the last two angles show it touched his chest.


grasping at straws lads.

[bricktop]

Yup. . Atrocious goalkeeping for both, especially the second one. Why didn't he shuffle along his line when Rooney went wide. That's basic goalkeeping right there
Looking at the replay, Dida was shuffling across but the ball was hit sooner than he expected.
Nesta was on Rooney's shoulder and he didn't even stick a leg out, so no one was expecting it.

[STEVIEG]

Just watched that footage over and over,and it looks to me like a hand ball. Hard for the ref to see it, but in any event it past tense now.

The Milan players didn't complain

I saw some good footage last night too and though i initially thought from the back angle it was hands, it's pretty conclusive that it was his chest

[The Black Knight]

maybe so but some of his goals have come at crucial moments against so called lesser opposition.

Reading away - 1-0 down with 20 mins left. United having lost their previous league match to Arsenal. Poor defending by Murty but Ronaldo finished well.

Villa away - 0-0 and a scrappy game needed something to ignite it. Ronaldo did with a run from the half way line and a good finish after his 1st effort was blocked.

Wigan home - only on the field about a minute when he scored a header just after half time. United had struggled in the 1st half.

Fulham away - if the league is to be won, this along with JOS's winner at Anfield will be one of the key moments along the way.

We wont bother mentioning his run & build up play to Rooney's goal in Rome when United were struggling badly with 10 men, his 2nd leg display (albiet against a poor side), his role in another goal for Rooney at Arsenal and so on.

I'm not saying he's not a good player, but he has too many off nights. He's a good player, but not great. I'll admit that he has improved this season, but he still has a long way to go to be great.

How many times did he give the ball away last night in the second half? Most of the time it came to him.

The first leg against Roma I lost count how many times he gave it away, and despite the good game he had in that second leg, he still did some pretty silly things.

I'm just saying there's too much hype about him, and there are far better players out there, whom don't have the talent he has, but they contribute more to the team as a whole.

[ubernerd]

I would be very interested to hear the opinions of someone who was actually at the game last night to see what was going on off the ball.

In the first half Ronaldo ran at the defence quite a bit.
Everytime he got near the box there were two if not three Milanese around him.

Rooney too was crowded out for much of the first half.
I was thinking Ferguson woud surely take advantage of the holes this was creating, and bring on Smith 10 or so minutes into the second half to do so.

Ok, he didn't, but in the second half Scholes and Fletcher came in to the game alot more, and alot more was coming through the middle. I dont think its beyond the realms that Ronaldo was pushing out wide to drag defenders away and create this space, or that this was Ferguson's game plan for the second half.

Ronaldo was quiet as in he was not on the ball alot in the 2nd, but he wasn't there commiting howlers either. Once or twice he outsmarted himself trying nutmegs which didnt come off but he still didnt lose possesion on those occassions. I think Giggs actually gave the ball away more.

Watching the game on TV you are not going to see Ronaldo running off the ball. He was scaring the hell out of Milan and Utd took advantage. Giggs on the other wing was completely unmarked half the time and was knocking in balls every five minutes.

Utd could have scored alot more. Given the second half's outcome I think Ronaldo was used wisely by Ferguson and rewarded accordingly.

O'Shea impressed me last night, aside from one shocking long ball attempt at a pass to Rooney in the first and some poor decision making in where to put the ball in the box in the second. In defence I though he did well and played with a fairly cool head, much as he did against the Slovaks for Ireland incidentally!

[STEVIEG]

I was suprised he kept him on the left and didn't bring on another striker but fair play he called it spot on and even in poor form Ronaldo pulled their defense out wide

Fletcher could easily have been replaced but he was very good

Giggs could have gone but then United wouldn't have won the game

Fergie got it right

They were very patient in the 2nd half and kept their heads (like in Rome after the sending off and like when Vidic went off against Blackburn and they conceded)

They kept their game and were rewarded, unlike on Saturday, where they panicked against the small timers of Boro

[nemesis]

Against lesser opposition, he sure has.

In fairness, if you're United then every team you'll come up against (with the exception of the Romas and Milans of this world) are lesser opposition. The boy can only play what's put in front of him so your point doesn't stand.

[nemesis]

As i said. Kaka went about his business professionally, ronaldo was trying to taunt defenders with his stupid stepovers.

This mystifies me. Kaka, probably because he's so public about his religion, has this image as being whiter than white. However, if you watch him play week in and week out in Serie A you realise that's rubbish. He leaves his leg in the tackle towards the end of games and he's well known for showing imaginary cards to refs after even the lightest of tackles on his players. He's possibly a great player, but that side of his game pisses me off.

[Philby]

In fairness, if you're United then every team you'll come up against (with the exception of the Romas and Milans of this world) are lesser opposition. The boy can only play what's put in front of him so your point doesn't stand.

If Ronaldo was performing on a consistent basis against Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea & the better teams in Europe at a similar level to that which he performs against the the bottom 15 or so sides in the premiership then this point would have no merit.

As it stands I feel that this point does have an element of truth in it but again I'll remind everyone that he is still quite young & is steadily improving.

[The Black Knight]

In fairness, if you're United then every team you'll come up against (with the exception of the Romas and Milans of this world) are lesser opposition. The boy can only play what's put in front of him so your point doesn't stand.

Romas of the world? They should always be able to beat a Roma of this world.

If he had performed against Milan last night I would have been impressed. He didn't play when put up against Milan last night, so my point does stand.

[The Black Knight]

If Ronaldo was performing on a consistent basis against Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea & the better teams in Europe at a similar level to that which he performs against the the bottom 15 or so sides in the premiership then this point would have no merit.

As it stands I feel that this point does have an element of truth in it but again I'll remind everyone that he is still quite young & is steadily improving.

Which is exactly what I said. He's improving, but still has a good bit to go before he deserves to be called great.

[Lamps]

I like the way George Hamilton opened the night by saying it was a huge night for Irish soccer, the planes were jammers leaving Dublin all day, then proceded to wish Paddy Mick Flaherty of the Kanturk Man U supporters branch the best of luck on his big night.

Its preposterous really when you sit down and think about it.

[Actin The Sham]

did you actually see the game? if you don't think dida was at fault (granted he was partly at fault for the first one) for those two goals, you know absolutely nothing about football.


Wow.


We got to page 11 of this thread before the old "you know nothing about football," got posted.


Is that a record?

[Actin The Sham]

hell never be great because he acts the cunt. thats why. henry isnt liked by alot of the french cause hes so arrogant. Ronalado got fouled by gattuso last night and i actually watched it a few times because i actually tought when he was going to ground gatts whiped out a knife and proceeded to stab him hence the delayed scream and lunge.

the guy added to his game what in my opinion he was always missing. End product. If he can clean up his act followed by not acting the cunt on the pitch ill start to consider him great. As i said. Kaka went about his business professionally, ronaldo was trying to taunt defenders with his stupid stepovers.

time and place for that. and not when utd are losing 2-1 in a champions league semi final at home. only for carrick on 3 occasions breaking it down he could have cost them goal chances....

and as i said after the roma game when the hype died down. Utd as good as they were gave roma far far far too many chances for a team that was beaten 7-1 and gave up.

I don't think it's "professional" to brandish an imaginary yellow card at the ref to try and get an opposing player booked.

That's why Giggs got so annoyed at Kaka, and they both ended up getting booked.

It was just after Scholes, I think, had fouled somebody, and there's Kaka running up to the ref waving an imaginary yellow card. Giggs went ballistic, and rightly so.

Kaka is a brilliant talent, but that sort of thing just diminishes him: he has no need to do it.

[Langer Dan]

I don't think it's "professional" to brandish an imaginary yellow card at the ref to try and get an opposing player booked.

That's why Giggs got so annoyed at Kaka, and they both ended up getting booked.

It was just after Scholes, I think, had fouled somebody, and there's Kaka running up to the ref waving an imaginary yellow card. Giggs went ballistic, and rightly so.

Kaka is a brilliant talent, but that sort of thing just diminishes him: he has no need to do it.

earra its only scummy when Ronaldo does it.:)

Christ almighty, how many Sun-readers do we have on here?

[Lamps]

earra its only scummy when Ronaldo does it.:)

Christ almighty, how many Sun-readers do we have on here?

The Sun are ManU's biggest fans. Lets be clear on this.

They've forgiven Ronnie and champion him as the best player in the world quite a bit.

[Langer Dan]

The Sun are ManU's biggest fans. Lets be clear on this.

They've forgiven Ronnie and champion him as the best player in the world quite a bit.

Says lamps in his 'Roo W**ker'! Exclusive Sun T-shirt:lol!:

[Lamps]

Says lamps in his 'Roo W**ker'! Exclusive Sun T-shirt:lol!:

Good one.

The highest circulation of Sun readers per head of population in Britain is in Manchester.

Cuntis is a god there.

[nemesis]

The Sun are ManU's biggest fans. Lets be clear on this.

Yup. Getting that wrong must actually be quite embarrassing.

[Lamps]

Yup. Getting that wrong must actually be quite embarrassing.


Every soccer team thinks that Sky, the media, Andy Gray are out for them.
Its pathetic.


Martin Samuel for example is a Chelsea fan, Lawton favours the Pool, Lovejoy ManU, in the end it all balances out.

Do I have to explain everything to ye.

[STEVIEG]

I like the way George Hamilton opened the night by saying it was a huge night for Irish soccer, the planes were jammers leaving Dublin all day, then proceded to wish Paddy Mick Flaherty of the Kanturk Man U supporters branch the best of luck on his big night.

Its preposterous really when you sit down and think about it.

Agreed

That was totally embarrassing

[homer jay]

Wow.


We got to page 11 of this thread before the old "you know nothing about football," got posted.


Is that a record?

yup, for keeping the lads who don't know anything about football out of here, a pat on the back the back for the forum regulars is in order i think. the odd one slips thru as pointed out above. and fitzy comes back every so often, but a blind eye is thrown his way because of the high entertainment he provides (unbeknown to himself).

and fair play to you for wasting your time reading thru the whole thread and typing up the post. for more procrastination, see the PFA team of the year thread.

[Lamps]

yup, for keeping the lads who don't know anything about football out of here, a pat on the back the back for the forum regulars is in order i think. the odd one slips thru as pointed out above. and fitzy comes back every so often, but a blind eye is thrown his way because of the high entertainment he provides (unbeknown to himself).

and fair play to you for wasting your time reading thru the whole thread and typing up the post. for more procrastination, see the PFA team of the year thread.

You leave my Buddy Nimic alone, he knows more about english soccer and sky digital than you and I combined.
Have you ever been chased throught the MossSide with a firm? Have you?

[homer jay]

Have you ever been chased throught the MossSide with a firm? Have you?

ya have me there so ya do.

[ho chi feen]

Fair play to United, a gutsy performance and a deserved victory. Losing Gattuso and Maldini was a major blow for Milan, Gattuso was the best midfielder on the pitch in the first half. Carrick in particular is ineffective when closed down quickly.
It's a testament to the crappiness of the premiership that Ronaldo didn't know how to react when double-marked, no premiership side have ever had that brainwave.
It's gonna be a tough return leg, but I think United can do it.


Few top sides anywhere double mark these days as it's too big a risk, especially when the opposition have other players who can hurt you. In fact, man-marking full stop is too much of a risk these days- the player only has to break through once to fuck the whole thing up.

[Lamps]

ya have me there so ya do.

At the end of the day, if some lad from Kanturk, wearing the newton heath colours, has gotten a chasing throught the moss side by some citeh fans, then boasted about it on the INTERNET, then you've got to simply doff your cap and step back.


Did I mention he's middle aged:neutral:

[Lamps]

Few top sides anywhere double mark these days as it's too big a risk, especially when the opposition have other players who can hurt you. In fact, man-marking full stop is too much of a risk these days- the player only has to break through once to fuck the whole thing up.

If I was liverpool for example, I would just stick sissoko on him and say don't move 2 feet from that guy for the game. Never understood when other teams haven't done it.

[ho chi feen]

If I was liverpool for example, I would just stick sissoko on him and say don't move 2 feet from that guy for the game. Never understood when other teams haven't done it.

Because zonal defending and pressing is a lot more effective than sticking all your eggs in one basket.

[Lamps]

Because zonal defending and pressing is a lot more effective than sticking all your eggs in one basket.

With Ronaldo I'd make an exception, this season at least.
If you've got the player to do it then its worth trying, no point putting some fat slow defender doing it.

Remember Matheus in 86, almost, and I say almost, shut Diego out.

[ho chi feen]

Remember Matheus in 86, almost, and I say almost, shut Diego out.

That's true, but the game has changed a lot since then. Back then, you could still organise your rearguard with three man-markers and a sweeper. Not so now. I take your point on Ronaldo, but the problem with that is that you're taking one, two, possibly even three defenders out of the game. Making him to focal point of your defensive efforts only creates space for Rooney, Giggs and whoever else has been picked as an attacker. sure, you can nullify him but you don't give other threats the attention they require in doing so.

[Jim Comic]

http://www.rte.ie/sport/2007/0425/acmilan.html


maldini out of 2nd leg

[Philby]

About 40 minutes in to last night's game I texted a manyoo supporting buddy of mins that I can see Scholes ruling himself out of the final (if they made it) again through suspension. It'd be tragic if it happened but I just got a weird feeling that it might - can anyone confirm that Scholes would pick up a suspension if he gets another yellow in Milan?

[STEVIEG]

About 40 minutes in to last night's game I texted a manyoo supporting buddy of mins that I can see Scholes ruling himself out of the final (if they made it) again through suspension. It'd be tragic if it happened but I just got a weird feeling that it might - can anyone confirm that Scholes would pick up a suspension if he gets another yellow in Milan?

Confirmed

Same with Ronaldo and Heinze

[Philby]

You just know it's going to happen. Would be a shame, it's the kind of thing that would really get at you after retirement...to lose out twice would be horrendous.

[ho chi feen]

He has to be instructed to stay on his feet. His tackling is simply woeful so he ought to use his presence to narrow down the space instead.

[Edmund Blackwater]

he didnt

http://www.dailymotion.com/relevance/search/united%2Bmilan/video/x1t5kt_man-united-2-2-milan-ac-rooney
Seriously, that's the most blinkered thing I've ever heard.
handball.
But he got away with.

[Actin The Sham]

You leave my Buddy Nimic alone, he knows more about english soccer and sky digital than you and I combined.
Have you ever been chased throught the MossSide with a firm? Have you?


That wouldn't be hard though in all fairness now kid:


Best premiershit 11 who have never played for the "big" 4
Not as easy as you think

I've got

Given
Carr Hendry Woodgate Pearce
Ginola Parker Batty Lennon
Le Tissier, Big Al

Bench: Juninho, DiCanio, Martyn, Bowyer, Southgate


Back in your box now like a good little boy.

:)





Heh heh heh....

[Lamps]

That wouldn't be hard though in all fairness now kid:





Back in your box now like a good little boy.

:)





Heh heh heh....

:lol!:

I love it

[Actin The Sham]

:lol!:

I love it

I love you too.


;)

[RonnyB]

You just know it's going to happen. Would be a shame, it's the kind of thing that would really get at you after retirement...to lose out twice would be horrendous.

I'm afraid it will happen as well. I hope his recent red cards & the fact he missed the '99 game (which was to a harsh booking in Turin) will keep him out of trouble. If the tie is going from United I'd expect him to be booked.

Paris Hilton probably stands more chance of staying on her feet though than he has over the 90 mins.

[STEVIEG]

Paris Hilton probably stands more chance of staying on her feet though than he has over the 90 mins.

Interesting tactical option

I wonder how she'd work with Carrick?:)

[RonnyB]

Interesting tactical option

I wonder how she'd work with Carrick?:)

He'd play the holding role allowing her play a free role.

[STEVIEG]

He'd play the holding role allowing her play a free role.

I was thinking she might hold while he sprays it around a bit:)

[Roman Abramovich]

Interesting tactical option

I wonder how she'd work with Carrick?:)

dont mention europeanc cup finals and "one night in paris"

[STEVIEG]

dont mention europeanc cup finals and "one night in paris"

heh heh heh

[STEVIEG]

Bill "What do you make of Paris lads"
Eamon " a cocksucker Bill, only playing for the cameras"

[RonnyB]

I was thinking she might hold while he sprays it around a bit:)

brilliant!

[ho chi feen]

Interesting tactical option

I wonder how she'd work with Carrick?:)

She probably spends less time doing her hair than Owen Hargreaves (http://sport.guardian.co.uk/smalltalk/story/0,,2049104,00.html) anyway!

[Roman Abramovich]

heh heh heh
and i waited, and waited, and waited....
http://file030a.bebo.com/1/large/2007/02/07/13/3072811681a352384684 7b886960492l.jpg

[STEVIEG]

She probably spends less time doing her hair than Owen Hargreaves (http://sport.guardian.co.uk/smalltalk/story/0,,2049104,00.html) anyway!

Liam "It's vanity Bill"
Johnny "He'll get on well with Ronaldo"
Eamo "Bunch of poofballs"

[Actin The Sham]

From this mornings BBC gossip column:

Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic could make a shock return in the Champions League semi-final, second leg against AC Milan next week after recovering quicker than expected from a shoulder injury suffered in March. (The Sun)

England defender Rio Ferdinand, who was expected to be sidelined with a groin injury until the match against Chelsea on 9 May, is set to be available for Manchester United's match against AC Milan. (Daily Express)

Brazilian star Kaka feared the sort of seven-goal mauling Manchester United recently dished out to Roma when the Old Trafford outfit took the lead against AC Milan on Tuesday but now believes his side are favourites to reach the Champions League final. (Daily Mirror)

[STEVIEG]

From this mornings BBC gossip column:

Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic could make a shock return in the Champions League semi-final, second leg against AC Milan next week after recovering quicker than expected from a shoulder injury suffered in March. (The Sun)

England defender Rio Ferdinand, who was expected to be sidelined with a groin injury until the match against Chelsea on 9 May, is set to be available for Manchester United's match against AC Milan. (Daily Express)

Brazilian star Kaka feared the sort of seven-goal mauling Manchester United recently dished out to Roma when the Old Trafford outfit took the lead against AC Milan on Tuesday but now believes his side are favourites to reach the Champions League final. (Daily Mirror)

Been scouring for sources this morn and it seems the first two were speculation, possibly made-up (The Sun is never a good source for these things)

Gattuso will be fit though

and here is what Kaka had to say


Kaka, Milan's brilliant Brazilian who scored twice in the Champions League semi-final, first-leg, admitted his side had visions of Manchester United's seven-goal frenzy against Roma in the previous round after Sir Alex Ferguson's side scored an early goal on Tuesday night.

"After five minutes there is obviously the fear that Manchester can go goal crazy," Kaka said. "Our thoughts went back to Roma, seeing how quickly they managed to score. That is why my equaliser was so important and why I celebrated so much."

Kaka admitted Wayne Rooney's late winner was a blow to team morale but remains confident of reaching the final in Athens. "It is a sour defeat," he said. "It was a psychological problem. The whole team went too deep and we paid for that as United have great movement and you need to really push them to keep them down. But I believe we are favourites. Now we hope our home fans will help us to reach the final."

Gennaro Gattuso, Milan's fiery little midfielder, was typically irritated about the finish to the game. "This result burns," he said. "We are really angry. But do not fear because in the return leg we still have a chance. At Old Trafford, we have proved to be a great team and we shouldn't fear Manchester.

"It's going to be difficult but it would have been the same if the result was 2-2."

One reason it did not end that way was arguably because the Milan goalkeeper Dida failed to cover his near post when Rooney smacked home the winner and the Milan coach, Carlo Ancelotti, admitted as much yesterday. "Dida made great saves," he said. "The first goal wasn't an easy save because Cristiano Ronaldo was in front of him. Perhaps he should have covered the near post for the third goal."

[STEVIEG]

and i waited, and waited, and waited....
http://file030a.bebo.com/1/large/2007/02/07/13/3072811681a352384684 7b886960492l.jpg

who took the pic?

[RonnyB]

Bill "what do you make of Hilton's contribution to the game Eamonn"

Eamonn "she showed a lot of resolve Bill with great stamina, grabbed the game by the balls and got stuck in when things were getting messy".

Gilesy "she did her stuff Bill"

Brady "Wonderful foreign import Bill, has a lovely touch & close control".

[STEVIEG]

Bill "what do you make of Hilton's contribution to the game Eamonn"

Eamonn "she showed a lot of resolve Bill with great stamina, grabbed the game by the balls and got stuck in when things were getting messy".

Gilesy "she did her stuff Bill"

Brady "Wonderful foreign import Bill, has a lovely touch & close control".

heh heh:)

[Roman Abramovich]

who took the pic?

me buddy.....heres me scoring me only ever goal for arsenal football club.
see the little fuckin pitch invader!!! prick. twas the final and disrupted by this spanish twat.
http://file030a.bebo.com/7/large/2007/02/07/12/3072811681a352372565 5b370987305l.jpg

[STEVIEG]

me buddy.....heres me scoring me only ever goal for arsenal football club.
see the little fuckin pitch invader!!! prick. twas the final and disrupted by this spanish twat.
http://file030a.bebo.com/7/large/2007/02/07/12/3072811681a352372565 5b370987305l.jpg

We could do with one of those blow-up pitches on Sundays savage things

[Roman Abramovich]

We could do with one of those blow-up pitches on Sundays savage things

http://www.bornrich.org/entry/subbuteo-giant-inflatable-pitch-for-adults/

[ho chi feen]

http://www.bornrich.org/entry/subbuteo-giant-inflatable-pitch-for-adults/

I guarantee that pitch thing is an utter heap of shit. My old fella deals in those sort of goods, I'd be surprised if it last more than a couple of hours.

[Actin The Sham]

I guarantee that pitch thing is an utter heap of shit. My old fella deals in those sort of goods, I'd be surprised if it last more than a couple of hours.

They've gone way up in price over the past few months because of inflation.


I heard they're not all they're blown up to be.

[STEVIEG]

:):)

[Philby]

This fella loves a scrap..

Gattuso Fights With United Fans



In Manchester United's dramatic 3-2 victory over AC Milan last night, it has emmerged that Gattuso was involved in a spat with a section of United fans.

Gattuso, who has turned down several offers to join the reds, was injured in the second half, and carried off down the tunnel, before returning to the dugout.
As he was stood in the dugout, some United fans started calling out to the Milan midfielder, which caused a reaction in the player. He responded to the fans, which then escalated in to shouting, and then tried to climb in to the stands. Team mates and Milan staff pulled Gattuso back, and Cafu eventually managed to calm the enraged midfielder.
It is unknown whether Gattuso will be fit for Milan's home leg of this tie. If he is, no doubt he will be eager to give United fans something to shout about.
http://www.footballexpo.com/gattuso-fights-with-united-fans

[STEVIEG]

Looks like Rio is gonna miss the game

[FL4ZGN]

Looks like Rio is gonna miss the game

He looked okay in training last night and appeared to have joined in with the rest of the squad in the running sessions.

[STEVIEG]

He looked okay in training last night and appeared to have joined in with the rest of the squad in the running sessions.

Sky sports reporter seemed fairly certain we'll see in about 25 mins

[FL4ZGN]

Sky sports reporter seemed fairly certain we'll see in about 25 mins

Still stuck at work here.

Hopefully gone in 20 and in the local for quarter past seven.

Fingers crossed but i think we can do it.

Few pics here (http://editorial.gettyimage s.com/Search/Search.aspx?EventId= 74029843) from getty images of the team training.

Rio,Vidic and Saha are all involved.

[STEVIEG]

Still stuck at work here.

Hopefully gone in 20 and in the local for quarter past seven.

Fingers crossed but i think we can do it.

Few pics here (http://editorial.gettyimage s.com/Search/Search.aspx?EventId= 74029843) from getty images of the team training.

Rio,Vidic and Saha are all involved.

Yup Rio trained well by all accounts we'll see what happens

[FL4ZGN]

Yup Rio trained well by all accounts we'll see what happens

If one of them make it i will be more than happy but if given a choice i would have to take Rio.

[STEVIEG]

Looks like Rio is gonna miss the game

Confirmed

Vidic starts with Brown

Rest of team as you would expect

[STEVIEG]

Inzaghi is almost certain to score for Milan IMO!

Hope the reds get a couple

[Jim Comic]

Looks like Rio is gonna miss the game

no great loss, don't really rate that guy at all, vidic is better for ye i.m.o.