This season’s Champions League final in Athens is set to contain at least one Premiership club after Chelsea and Liverpool were drawn to face each other in the semi finals. Manchester United will face AC Milan in the other semi meaning the possibility of an all English European Cup final is still very much alive. All four of the remaining teams would make worthy champions but only one club can emerge with the trophy.
Manchester United vs. AC Milan
Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United side are still hunting their own domestic double as well as the Champions League. The 7-1 demolition of Roma in the quarter finals will have sent a warning out around Europe that - if given time and space to play - they are a side to be feared. Roma had no answer to United’s all out attacking policy and threw in the towel once they fell 3-0 behind.
With Ronaldo, Rooney and Carrick currently in scintillating form, there is no reason to suggest they cannot overcome the challenge of Milan. If United can repeat their high tempo performances of previous rounds then they have every chance of progressing.
However, Milan will not concede 7 goals home or away to Manchester United or anyone else for that matter and will mark Ronaldo and Rooney a lot tighter than Roma did. Injuries and tiredness could yet work against United before the Champions League final date with so many tough domestic assignments still to overcome. AC Milan knocked out an impressive Bayern Munich side with the help of outstanding performances from Kaka, Seedorf and Inzaghi in the quarter finals. The Italians success of recent years has been based on their legendary rugged defence and quick fire counter attacking. What a fitting end it would be to a remarkable career to see Paolo Maldini lifting the European Cup at the end of a remarkable career.
The emergence of Kaka as the best playmaker and passer in both Serie A and the Champions League has transformed Milan’s season. Kaka’s brilliance coupled with the experience and talent of Andreas Pirlo are by far the best central midfield pairing left in the competition.
Milan will be the fresher - from having less games and no league title chase to distract them - of the two teams coming into the semi final. They have the experience and knowledge of how to win in Eurpoe against quicker and younger teams, so expect them to dash the hope of Manchester United and go through to the final.
Verdict: AC Milan to go through on away goals
Liverpool vs. Chelsea
There are so many sub-plots surrounding this semi final tie, you could make a movie about it. Jose Mourinho has been battling a lengthy injury list, boardroom unrest and an impatient Russian billionaire all season and yet he has managed to guide his team to the semi finals. Chelsea are still in contention for an unlikely quadruple but rest assured, the only trophy that will save the ‘chosen one’s ‘ job is the Champions League. The importance of the returning John Terry and Joe Cole from injury cannot be over-emphasised.
Liverpool have enjoyed a decent run in the Champions League this season and had it easy in the quarter finals against one of the worst PSV sides in recent years. The Reds are out of the race for the Premiership and will have the luxury of being able to rest key players in the run up to the semi finals. However, for all Benitez’s qualities as a top tactical manager expect Chelsea to come out on top over the two legs. The main reason being, simply, revenge for the semi final defeat two seasons ago. If Mourinho is good at one thing it is getting the best out of his players when he utilises the ‘world is against us' mentality.
On paper, Liverpool looks to be the fresher side and have had the easier run to the semi finals. They have also broken their hoodoo by trouncing an under-strength Chelsea at Anfield recently. However, Chelsea will save their best performances for the Champions League for the remainder of this season.
The Chelsea players have made it clear they want their manager to stay and will do everything possible to keep him at the club next season. Winning the Champions League is probably the only way the Portuguese man will remain at the helm next season.
Verdict: Chelsea to go through 1-0
Monday, April 16, 2007
CROKER NIGHTS
Strange...
I sat in a half-empty Croke Park shortly before the Republic of Ireland's European Championship qualifier with Slovakia trying to anticipate what the atmosphere would be like later in the evening. The previous Saturday had been a big disappointment both on and off the pitch with the non-event that was the 1-0 win over the Welsh. So would tonight be any different? Would the fans turn out in their droves at GAA HQ for the second time in a few days to cheer on a team short on confidence, ideas and hope?
The answer was a resounding yes.
The atmosphere generated was amongst the best I have ever experienced at a Soccer International, Rugby International or GAA Championship match. The singing began long before kick-off with "Stand Up For the Boys in Green". To a man, the crowd arose and belted out the song over and over until the two teams strode onto the pitch.
The singing continued throughout the game with familiar chants like "Come on ye boys in green" and "Ole, Ole" surfacing any time the tempo dropped during an entertaining game. The Irish team responded with a superb all round team performance that yielded a 1-0 victory.
So what were the good, the bad and the ugly memories from that Euro qualifier?
The Good
##########
Damien Duff
There is nothing to gladden the heart more of the most pessimistic Irish soccer fan than the sight of Damien Duff in full flight. It has been many years since Duff has had such a positive impact in an Irish International. This point is best emphasised in the fact that Slovakia doubled-up on the marking of Duff in the second period but failed to dampen his impact or enthusiasm.
Paul Mc Shane and Richard Dunne
Mc Shane and Dunne excelled at centre back. True, Mc Shane almost gave a penalty away late in the game but apart from that, neither he nor Dunne put a foot wrong. Whilst Mc Shane took the majority of the plaudits in the media the following day, Richard Dunne put in his most consistent 90 minute performance in an Irish jersey. Their partnership bodes well for the future.
Renewed Hope
Steve Staunton cut a relieved and happy figure in his media interviews and after match press conference. Moreover, why wouldn't he. 6 points in 5 days and the Germans defeat of the Czechs means the Republic of Ireland are still in with a realistic shout of qualifying for the 2008 tournament. If the players can repeat the level of performance demonstrated against the Slovaks in the two (crucial) away games in September then who knows where Staunton's side could yet achieve.
The Bad
##########
Aidan McGeady
The Celtic striker/ winger repeatedly cut in from the right wing and gave the ball away on far too many occasions. His substitution came mid-way through the second half and should have occurred long before then. His replacement, Stephen hunt, made more of an impact in his first 5 minutes after his introduction than McGeady did in the whole of first half time. Hunt simply must start the next two Irish qualifiers.
Steve Finnan and John O'Shea
I do not understand the logic behind playing both Steve Finnan and John O'Shea out of position in the two full back roles. Finnan in particular cut a forlorn figure for much of the game and his body language alone suggested he does not enjoy the left back position. His performance at right back for Liverpool in their recent Champions League win in Eindhoven is surely enough to convince Staunton that this is his best position. O'Shea did well at right back, but the Waterford man is happier on the left side as his performances for Manchester United have suggested this season.
The Ugly
##########
Mexican Waves
The kid's section in the Hogan stand were guilty for trying to start this annoying wave throughout the second half. Thankfully there was no repeat of the previous Saturday when the Mexican Wave ended up being more enjoyable spectacle than the match was.
So on a night that began with much trepidation, the outcome resulted in a complete mood swing and renewed hope amongst the thousands of Irish fans spilling out onto Jones’s road into the cold Dublin night. Chants of "Come on Ye Boy's In Green" resonated for miles from delighted Irish soccer supporters.
Hard to believe an international match at the same venue the previous Saturday could have generated such pessimism.
Thank God football fans aren't fickle...
I sat in a half-empty Croke Park shortly before the Republic of Ireland's European Championship qualifier with Slovakia trying to anticipate what the atmosphere would be like later in the evening. The previous Saturday had been a big disappointment both on and off the pitch with the non-event that was the 1-0 win over the Welsh. So would tonight be any different? Would the fans turn out in their droves at GAA HQ for the second time in a few days to cheer on a team short on confidence, ideas and hope?
The answer was a resounding yes.
The atmosphere generated was amongst the best I have ever experienced at a Soccer International, Rugby International or GAA Championship match. The singing began long before kick-off with "Stand Up For the Boys in Green". To a man, the crowd arose and belted out the song over and over until the two teams strode onto the pitch.
The singing continued throughout the game with familiar chants like "Come on ye boys in green" and "Ole, Ole" surfacing any time the tempo dropped during an entertaining game. The Irish team responded with a superb all round team performance that yielded a 1-0 victory.
So what were the good, the bad and the ugly memories from that Euro qualifier?
The Good
##########
Damien Duff
There is nothing to gladden the heart more of the most pessimistic Irish soccer fan than the sight of Damien Duff in full flight. It has been many years since Duff has had such a positive impact in an Irish International. This point is best emphasised in the fact that Slovakia doubled-up on the marking of Duff in the second period but failed to dampen his impact or enthusiasm.
Paul Mc Shane and Richard Dunne
Mc Shane and Dunne excelled at centre back. True, Mc Shane almost gave a penalty away late in the game but apart from that, neither he nor Dunne put a foot wrong. Whilst Mc Shane took the majority of the plaudits in the media the following day, Richard Dunne put in his most consistent 90 minute performance in an Irish jersey. Their partnership bodes well for the future.
Renewed Hope
Steve Staunton cut a relieved and happy figure in his media interviews and after match press conference. Moreover, why wouldn't he. 6 points in 5 days and the Germans defeat of the Czechs means the Republic of Ireland are still in with a realistic shout of qualifying for the 2008 tournament. If the players can repeat the level of performance demonstrated against the Slovaks in the two (crucial) away games in September then who knows where Staunton's side could yet achieve.
The Bad
##########
Aidan McGeady
The Celtic striker/ winger repeatedly cut in from the right wing and gave the ball away on far too many occasions. His substitution came mid-way through the second half and should have occurred long before then. His replacement, Stephen hunt, made more of an impact in his first 5 minutes after his introduction than McGeady did in the whole of first half time. Hunt simply must start the next two Irish qualifiers.
Steve Finnan and John O'Shea
I do not understand the logic behind playing both Steve Finnan and John O'Shea out of position in the two full back roles. Finnan in particular cut a forlorn figure for much of the game and his body language alone suggested he does not enjoy the left back position. His performance at right back for Liverpool in their recent Champions League win in Eindhoven is surely enough to convince Staunton that this is his best position. O'Shea did well at right back, but the Waterford man is happier on the left side as his performances for Manchester United have suggested this season.
The Ugly
##########
Mexican Waves
The kid's section in the Hogan stand were guilty for trying to start this annoying wave throughout the second half. Thankfully there was no repeat of the previous Saturday when the Mexican Wave ended up being more enjoyable spectacle than the match was.
So on a night that began with much trepidation, the outcome resulted in a complete mood swing and renewed hope amongst the thousands of Irish fans spilling out onto Jones’s road into the cold Dublin night. Chants of "Come on Ye Boy's In Green" resonated for miles from delighted Irish soccer supporters.
Hard to believe an international match at the same venue the previous Saturday could have generated such pessimism.
Thank God football fans aren't fickle...
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