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AC Milan 2 - 1 Liverpool
Rafa Benitez admitted that whereas Milan took their chances, Liverpool did not make the most of their opportunities. Of course he was aware that Milan's first goal included a strong element of luck, but he admitted that’s football, and he congratulated the winners on their success.
Liverpool had the better of most of the first half, and created several chances, which they failed to convert. Pennant's shot, from an acute angle, was covered by Dida. Then he found Gerrard, whose powerful long shot soared over the bar. Alonso's shot was just wide after a Zenden effort had been blocked.
As the first half was drawing to a close Alonso fouled Kaka, and dead ball expert Pirlo took the free kick. He struck the ball well, but Reina appeared to have it covered. Unfortunately for Liverpool, Inzaghi was poorly marked and deflected the ball into the net. Sure it was lucky, but he was in the right place at the right time. With a bit more care a free kick would not have been conceded, and there would then have been no score at the interval, with Liverpool seemingly in charge!
After the interval, on 63 minutes, Gerrard created a great chance, but his shot seemed to lack his usual venom, and was saved by Dida. Liverpool tried hard but they seemed not to be as confident as they had been in the first half. In the 82nd minute, Brazilian superstar Kaka finally stamped his authority on the game, with a precision pass to Inzaghi, who expertly rolled the ball under Reina for his second goal.
Kuyt got one back for Liverpool, in the 89th minute, to rekindle their hopes. However, it was too late and Milan were not about to surrender their advantage, as they had done two years earlier in Turkey.
So well done AC Milan who just about deserved to win over their plucky opponents.
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AC Milan Vs Liverpool
soccer and football
AC Milan Vs Liverpool
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Monday, May 21, 2007
Such A Big Occasion – Such A Poor Show!
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Chelsea 1 - 0 Man Utd
For excitement this match was about as interesting as watching a game of marbles! It was televised to countless millions of fans, not only in England, but throughout the world. It was billed as the super match, between two super teams, at the new super stadium. Unfortunately, there was but one superman on the day, to match the hype. That was Didier Drogba who scored the winner after 116 minutes!
The mighty Drogba never seems to tire, but he frequently looked a lonely figure up front, as Chelsea seemed more intent on stopping United than scoring themselves. Wayne Rooney made a couple of storming runs, and could have put his side ahead, but was denied by Petr Cech.
Both sides had been very cautious in the first half, and to coin a phrase, they cancelled each other out. After 90 minutes of uninspiring football the game proceeded to extra time.
Giggs thought he had put his in front, when he slid the ball in after 104 minutes. Actually it went over the line in the hands of Cech, who was bundled over with it! Quite rightly the goal was disallowed, and technically the referee should have awarded a free kick against Giggs.
It began to look as though the game would go to a penalty shoot out, Then in the 116th minute there was a one, two, between Lampard and Didier Drogba, who tapped the ball classily past Van der Sar for the winner.
So Chelsea won the cup and United won the Premier League. Perhaps a fair outcome to an arduous season! At least for the teams involved but not for the fans who, insofar as this particular game was concerned, got less than they deserved. Chelsea supporters though have the small consolation of winning the cup on this dull but historic occasion.
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Chelsea Vs Man Utd
soccer and football
Chelsea Vs Man Utd
Chelsea 1 - 0 Man Utd
For excitement this match was about as interesting as watching a game of marbles! It was televised to countless millions of fans, not only in England, but throughout the world. It was billed as the super match, between two super teams, at the new super stadium. Unfortunately, there was but one superman on the day, to match the hype. That was Didier Drogba who scored the winner after 116 minutes!
The mighty Drogba never seems to tire, but he frequently looked a lonely figure up front, as Chelsea seemed more intent on stopping United than scoring themselves. Wayne Rooney made a couple of storming runs, and could have put his side ahead, but was denied by Petr Cech.
Both sides had been very cautious in the first half, and to coin a phrase, they cancelled each other out. After 90 minutes of uninspiring football the game proceeded to extra time.
Giggs thought he had put his in front, when he slid the ball in after 104 minutes. Actually it went over the line in the hands of Cech, who was bundled over with it! Quite rightly the goal was disallowed, and technically the referee should have awarded a free kick against Giggs.
It began to look as though the game would go to a penalty shoot out, Then in the 116th minute there was a one, two, between Lampard and Didier Drogba, who tapped the ball classily past Van der Sar for the winner.
So Chelsea won the cup and United won the Premier League. Perhaps a fair outcome to an arduous season! At least for the teams involved but not for the fans who, insofar as this particular game was concerned, got less than they deserved. Chelsea supporters though have the small consolation of winning the cup on this dull but historic occasion.
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Chelsea Vs Man Utd
soccer and football
Chelsea Vs Man Utd
Monday, May 14, 2007
United Didn't Need To Win - And They Didn't!
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Manchester United 0 - 1 West Ham
You could be forgiven for believing that United are saving themselves for next Saturday's Cup Final! Ronaldo, Giggs, and Scholes, all started out on the subs bench. It is difficult to think, that did not play a part, in West Ham being in front at the interval. Carlos Tevez put 'his side' ahead, when he beat Wes Brown, and shot the ball through Van der Sar’s legs.
Although United started the game without a number of their more senior players, those who did line up were only denied by some stout West Ham defending. Alan Smith, Kieran Richardson, and John O' Shea, all had good chances. After about 58 minutes play, Sir Alex called up the cavalry for a rescue attempt. A period of non-stop attack ensued, but Curbishley's men defended desperately, and successfully. At the end thanks were due to the controversial Tevez situation that has served them so well, much to the chagrin of less fortunate adversaries.
On the day that Manchester United, officially, became the new champions of the Premier League, West Ham beat them to remain in the same league next season. It was a close run thing, and they can count themselves lucky in that as far as this match was concerned, United were already home, dry and unassailable at the top.
Chelsea Equal Record
Chelsea 1 - 1 Everton
Chelsea equalled Liverpool's long standing record, of 63 home league games without defeat, so who would dare to bet that they don't beat it next year?
Teenager James Vaughan put Everton ahead after 40 minutes. A cautious Didier Drogba levelled the score after 57 minutes.
You could not help thinking, that like Manchester United, Chelsea are also keeping the powder dry, for the fireworks at Wembley next Saturday. Let us hope there are no damp squibs!
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Manchester United Vs West Ham
soccer and football
Chelsea Vs Everton
Manchester United 0 - 1 West Ham
You could be forgiven for believing that United are saving themselves for next Saturday's Cup Final! Ronaldo, Giggs, and Scholes, all started out on the subs bench. It is difficult to think, that did not play a part, in West Ham being in front at the interval. Carlos Tevez put 'his side' ahead, when he beat Wes Brown, and shot the ball through Van der Sar’s legs.
Although United started the game without a number of their more senior players, those who did line up were only denied by some stout West Ham defending. Alan Smith, Kieran Richardson, and John O' Shea, all had good chances. After about 58 minutes play, Sir Alex called up the cavalry for a rescue attempt. A period of non-stop attack ensued, but Curbishley's men defended desperately, and successfully. At the end thanks were due to the controversial Tevez situation that has served them so well, much to the chagrin of less fortunate adversaries.
On the day that Manchester United, officially, became the new champions of the Premier League, West Ham beat them to remain in the same league next season. It was a close run thing, and they can count themselves lucky in that as far as this match was concerned, United were already home, dry and unassailable at the top.
Chelsea Equal Record
Chelsea 1 - 1 Everton
Chelsea equalled Liverpool's long standing record, of 63 home league games without defeat, so who would dare to bet that they don't beat it next year?
Teenager James Vaughan put Everton ahead after 40 minutes. A cautious Didier Drogba levelled the score after 57 minutes.
You could not help thinking, that like Manchester United, Chelsea are also keeping the powder dry, for the fireworks at Wembley next Saturday. Let us hope there are no damp squibs!
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Manchester United Vs West Ham
soccer and football
Chelsea Vs Everton
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
They Think It's All Over - It Is Now!
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Arsenal 1 - 1 Chelsea
Boulahrouz, back in the team after missing the previous 12 matches, was the architect of Chelsea's failure to win this game. Not only did he concede a penalty in the 43rd minute, to allow Gilberto Silva to shoot Arsenal ahead from the spot, but he got himself sent off into the bargain!
The reliable Michael Essien headed Chelsea level in the 70th minute, from a fine Wright-Phillips cross. In fact the visitors went very close to getting another, when Lehmann produced a fine save to deny Kalou. However, with Ballack, Shevchenko, Drogba, and Ashley Cole injured, Chelsea were hardly at full strength, especially when their side was foolishly depleted to ten men.
So it's all over and the game against the new champions, Manchester United, next Wednesday has lost its significance. It would have been a thriller if it was to decide the Premiership title race. It might anyway, because these two great sides have maintained the momentum throughout the season, with no clear result - until today.
They also meet again in the FA Cup final, with both sides out to grab the spoils. Chelsea to get some consolation silverware, and United to complete a worthy domestic double. They will have the added incentive of trying to beat each other. Whatever happens it should be another treat for the fans, with the two best teams in the Premiership, playing it out in style at the new Wembley.
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Arsenal Vs Chelsea
soccer and football
Arsenal Vs Chelsea
Arsenal 1 - 1 Chelsea
Boulahrouz, back in the team after missing the previous 12 matches, was the architect of Chelsea's failure to win this game. Not only did he concede a penalty in the 43rd minute, to allow Gilberto Silva to shoot Arsenal ahead from the spot, but he got himself sent off into the bargain!
The reliable Michael Essien headed Chelsea level in the 70th minute, from a fine Wright-Phillips cross. In fact the visitors went very close to getting another, when Lehmann produced a fine save to deny Kalou. However, with Ballack, Shevchenko, Drogba, and Ashley Cole injured, Chelsea were hardly at full strength, especially when their side was foolishly depleted to ten men.
So it's all over and the game against the new champions, Manchester United, next Wednesday has lost its significance. It would have been a thriller if it was to decide the Premiership title race. It might anyway, because these two great sides have maintained the momentum throughout the season, with no clear result - until today.
They also meet again in the FA Cup final, with both sides out to grab the spoils. Chelsea to get some consolation silverware, and United to complete a worthy domestic double. They will have the added incentive of trying to beat each other. Whatever happens it should be another treat for the fans, with the two best teams in the Premiership, playing it out in style at the new Wembley.
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Arsenal Vs Chelsea
soccer and football
Arsenal Vs Chelsea
There’s Only One Manchester – United!
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Manchester City 0 - 1 Manchester United
This game was marred by the disgraceful foul on Ronaldo, after two minutes. Replays proved that Michael Ball stamped on the Portuguese player, and the FA disciplinary body should act to impose a meaningful ban. There is no place for this sort of thuggery, but unless the authorities make a stand, with substantial penalties on those involved, such atrocious behaviour will continue.
The guilty opponent brought the same player down in the 34th minute, and a penalty was awarded. Ronaldo converted in some style, and his side went ahead in what was to be the only goal of the match. Ironically Michael Ball, who would not have remained on the field if the referee had seen the earlier incident, 'won' a penalty later in the game. Fortunately it was not converted, for that would only have added insult to injury.
As it happened by far the superior Manchester side won in their seemingly unstoppable march to the Premiership title.
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Manchester City Vs Manchester United
soccer and football
Manchester City Vs Manchester United
Manchester City 0 - 1 Manchester United
This game was marred by the disgraceful foul on Ronaldo, after two minutes. Replays proved that Michael Ball stamped on the Portuguese player, and the FA disciplinary body should act to impose a meaningful ban. There is no place for this sort of thuggery, but unless the authorities make a stand, with substantial penalties on those involved, such atrocious behaviour will continue.
The guilty opponent brought the same player down in the 34th minute, and a penalty was awarded. Ronaldo converted in some style, and his side went ahead in what was to be the only goal of the match. Ironically Michael Ball, who would not have remained on the field if the referee had seen the earlier incident, 'won' a penalty later in the game. Fortunately it was not converted, for that would only have added insult to injury.
As it happened by far the superior Manchester side won in their seemingly unstoppable march to the Premiership title.
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Manchester City Vs Manchester United
soccer and football
Manchester City Vs Manchester United
Thursday, May 03, 2007
Manchester United Thrashed In Milan
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AC Milan 3 - 0 Man Utd
Manchester United failed to score in this second leg, and surrendered the narrow advantage they had secured at Old Trafford. So the dream of an all English final in Athens has been shattered, as has United's hope of repeating their remarkable 1999 treble.
Unfortunately for United all the stars in this encounter, were kitted out in black and red. Kaka seems determined to prove that Ronaldo, despite all his ability, is not the best player in the world. In fact the Brazilian was soon tantalizing the visitors, and scored an exquisite goal after 11 minutes, to add to the two he bagged in the first leg.
If Chelsea looked tired at Anfield, United were made to look tired in Milan. You would have expected them to provide a quick fire response, but it didn’t come and all the skill was from Clarence Seedorf, who took advantage of a weak defence to put his side ahead. They were in front anyway, thanks to Kaka’s three goals, two of which were at Old Trafford.
On a rain soaked night United needed two goals in the last hour, but they could not weather the storm, and it was Alberto Gilardino who put Milan even further ahead after 78 minutes. The Italian side were superb and made Manchester United look distinctly ordinary.
So it will not be an all-English final after all the hype, but Liverpool are still there to fly the flag. It will be a tough task but if pride and passion are anything to go by, they could be up to it. After all they have done it before - against the same opponents!
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AC Milan Vs Man Utd
soccer and football
Ac Milan Vs Man Utd
AC Milan 3 - 0 Man Utd
Manchester United failed to score in this second leg, and surrendered the narrow advantage they had secured at Old Trafford. So the dream of an all English final in Athens has been shattered, as has United's hope of repeating their remarkable 1999 treble.
Unfortunately for United all the stars in this encounter, were kitted out in black and red. Kaka seems determined to prove that Ronaldo, despite all his ability, is not the best player in the world. In fact the Brazilian was soon tantalizing the visitors, and scored an exquisite goal after 11 minutes, to add to the two he bagged in the first leg.
If Chelsea looked tired at Anfield, United were made to look tired in Milan. You would have expected them to provide a quick fire response, but it didn’t come and all the skill was from Clarence Seedorf, who took advantage of a weak defence to put his side ahead. They were in front anyway, thanks to Kaka’s three goals, two of which were at Old Trafford.
On a rain soaked night United needed two goals in the last hour, but they could not weather the storm, and it was Alberto Gilardino who put Milan even further ahead after 78 minutes. The Italian side were superb and made Manchester United look distinctly ordinary.
So it will not be an all-English final after all the hype, but Liverpool are still there to fly the flag. It will be a tough task but if pride and passion are anything to go by, they could be up to it. After all they have done it before - against the same opponents!
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AC Milan Vs Man Utd
soccer and football
Ac Milan Vs Man Utd
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
Mourinho Pays Penalty!
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Liverpool 1 - 0 Chelsea (Agg 1 – 1)
Liverpool won through to the European Championship Final in a penalty shoot out. It was a hard fought second leg, played out before the Kops adoring fans, who played their part and uplifted their team with thunderous support.
It must be said that, on the day, the best team won. At times Chelsea looked tired, and perhaps a long season and high expectations have taken their toll. Liverpool looked fresher. They created better chances, and should have gone ahead, in extra time, without the need for a penalty shoot out, but Kuyt's goal was controversially given offside.
The home side eliminated Chelsea's lead from the first leg after 22 minutes, with a well-rehearsed set piece that bamboozled the visitors. Steven Gerrard was brought down by Joe Cole, and took the free kick himself. He slid the ball along the ground, and whilst Kuyt misled a bewildered defence, Agger thumped it home. Ten minutes later Drogba nearly got one back but was denied by Reina.
Liverpool came on strong again in the second half, but Cech was in the right place and down on his haunches, to save from Peter Crouch. Kuyt was having a good night, and rattled the woodwork with a powerful shot. At the other end, Carragher stood up well to a somewhat isolated Drogba, beating him to an Andy Cole cross.
In extra time Kuyt scored a goal that should have ended the matter, but he was harshly judged to be offside. TV replays showed that only his torso, and not his feet, was beyond the defensive line. It was a hard decision but the game moved on to be decided by penalties.
Two great goalkeepers were up against it, and for once the peerless Petr Cech did not have the answers. Hero of the hour, or two hours as it happened, was Jose Reina, who saved first from Robben, and then Gerimi. Dirk Kuyt was obviously delighted after striking the winning penalty for Liverpool, to erase the memory of his disallowed goal.
This was a great night for a great club, who have won a date in Athens - even possibly with another football colossus and near neighbour!
Tags:
Liverpool Vs Chelsea
soccer and football
Liverpool Vs Chelsea
Liverpool 1 - 0 Chelsea (Agg 1 – 1)
Liverpool won through to the European Championship Final in a penalty shoot out. It was a hard fought second leg, played out before the Kops adoring fans, who played their part and uplifted their team with thunderous support.
It must be said that, on the day, the best team won. At times Chelsea looked tired, and perhaps a long season and high expectations have taken their toll. Liverpool looked fresher. They created better chances, and should have gone ahead, in extra time, without the need for a penalty shoot out, but Kuyt's goal was controversially given offside.
The home side eliminated Chelsea's lead from the first leg after 22 minutes, with a well-rehearsed set piece that bamboozled the visitors. Steven Gerrard was brought down by Joe Cole, and took the free kick himself. He slid the ball along the ground, and whilst Kuyt misled a bewildered defence, Agger thumped it home. Ten minutes later Drogba nearly got one back but was denied by Reina.
Liverpool came on strong again in the second half, but Cech was in the right place and down on his haunches, to save from Peter Crouch. Kuyt was having a good night, and rattled the woodwork with a powerful shot. At the other end, Carragher stood up well to a somewhat isolated Drogba, beating him to an Andy Cole cross.
In extra time Kuyt scored a goal that should have ended the matter, but he was harshly judged to be offside. TV replays showed that only his torso, and not his feet, was beyond the defensive line. It was a hard decision but the game moved on to be decided by penalties.
Two great goalkeepers were up against it, and for once the peerless Petr Cech did not have the answers. Hero of the hour, or two hours as it happened, was Jose Reina, who saved first from Robben, and then Gerimi. Dirk Kuyt was obviously delighted after striking the winning penalty for Liverpool, to erase the memory of his disallowed goal.
This was a great night for a great club, who have won a date in Athens - even possibly with another football colossus and near neighbour!
Tags:
Liverpool Vs Chelsea
soccer and football
Liverpool Vs Chelsea
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