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A Night To Remember But Chelsea Pay The Penalty!
This was a great night to remember and a triumph for European and British football. At the end it was cruelly decided on penalties, with John Terry missing and Van der Sar saving from Nicolas Anelka, Manchester United were triumphant. It could so easily have gone the other way, because the irrepressible Cristiano Ronaldo was the first to fail to score in the shoot out, but he was saved from total humiliation when John Terry slipped and hit a post.
The game was finely balanced until the penalty shoot out, with United dominating the first half, and Chelsea coming back strongly in the second. In fact it was a game that had everything. Superb skill, high drama, and inevitably Lady Luck, who always shows up, sometimes welcome - other times not!
After a relatively quiet start the game sprang to life after about 20 minutes, when Paul Scholes and Claude Makelele were involved in aerial combat. Whilst neither got shot down, they both received yellow cards with Scholes coming off the worst, with a troublesome bloody nose.
Ronaldo seemed to overwhelm Michael Essien, and was rewarded when he soared above the Chelsea defenders to score from Wes Brown's accurate delivery, after 26 minutes. The goal was nearly cancelled out minutes later, when Rio Ferdinand all but scored for the opposition, but Van der Sar managed to claw the ball away. United counter attacked, and were only thwarted by the brilliance of Petr Cech, thought by many to be the best goalkeeper in the world. He made a great one handed save from Tevez, who is usually deadly at putting such chances away. It was end-to-end stuff and the game was becoming pulsatingly exciting. Shortly afterwards Tevez missed another difficult chance from a fine Rooney pass.
It seemed that dominant United would retire for the interval a goal up, with all guns blazing. However, Chelsea were opportunistically fortunate in the 45th minute. Essien's shot was not particularly dangerous, but Lady Luck was kind and responsible for two deflections, that resulted in the ball becoming available for an alert Lampard, who slotted it home. It was an emotional moment as Frank looked to the heavens, seemingly to dedicate the goal to his mother who died recently.
The pendulum had swung and Chelsea came out to dominate the second half. United were only saved by the woodwork as Lady Luck seemed to change sides. Essien had learned how to deal with Ronaldo, and was confidently making his presence felt. Drogba curled a shot against the post and it was United who were called upon to defend. Giggs replaced a tired looking Scholes who had made a sound contribution.
After 90 minutes the game was still drawn and requiring extra time, and Lampard was soon threatening again as a good shot hit the bar. Then when Giggs seemed certain to score, John Terry headed off the line. Rooney was not most pleased when he was replaced by Nani after 101 minutes. Just before the end of extra time there was something of a fracas, and Drogba foolishly slapped Vidic in the face, leaving the referee no alternative but to send him off. This was high drama, with so much at stake, but with more to come in the penalty shoot out.
Tevez and Carrick for United, and Ballack and Belletti for Chelsea all scored from the spot. United's forty two goal hero, Ronaldo was next, but was guilty of a cheeky bit of showboating, and his shot was saved by the magnificent Petr Cech. Lampard and Ashley Cole, and then Hargreaves and Nani for United, all scored, leaving Chelsea on the brink of victory. All John Terry needed to do was to secure his spot kick and Chelsea had won. But, his nightmare slip threw it all away and the game was level again. After Anderson and Giggs, and Kalou for Chelsea had scored, Van der Sar saved from Anelka to win a remarkable match for United.
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Champions League Final - Manchester United Vs Chelsea
soccer and football
Champions League Final - Manchester United Vs Chelsea
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Sunday, May 18, 2008
FA Cup Final - Portsmouth 1 - 0 Cardiff
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Harry Catches Cardiff Knapping!
Although Cardiff started off well enough, with plenty of possession, they were fatally uncertain in front of goal, and failed to score.
There was a lot at stake, which contributed to the game being essentially, a low-key affair. Portsmouth were able to demonstrate the difference between a Premiership team, and their Championship rivals.
Man of the match, Kanu, as usual was a joy to behold, although after a stunning piece of individual skill, he hit the post when a goal seemed certain. However, about eight minutes before half time, he took advantage of a fumble by Cardiff's keeper, and in the blink of an eye the ball was in the net. It was the difference between a very ordinary goalkeeper and an extraordinary attacker!
Cardiff were serious underdogs and after a brisk start, that's how the game panned out. Glen Loovens had a goal disallowed in first time injury time. It was a pity, because he smartly lofted the ball over David James and into the net. Unfortunately he had controlled the ball with his arm, and the referee's decision was sound.
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbank seemed only a shadow of his former self, and was not of the class of some of the older Portsmouth players. The only surprise, when he was replaced after 70 minutes, was that it had not been sooner. Parry had a good chance to level the score, but indecisively crossed to McNaughton, who was left with too much to do.
If victory was awarded to ardent fans, both sides would have shared the honours. However, the best side won, and will be represented in Europe next year. Portsmouth have done well since facing relegation two seasons ago. Harry Redknapp is a capable and respected leader, who has crafted a fine team. They were threatening the 'big boys' earlier on, and even after a relatively poor recent run, they still managed to finish eighth in the Premiership, the best football league in the world!
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FA Cup Final Portsmouth Vs Cardiff
soccer and football
FA Cup Final Portsmouth Vs Cardiff
Harry Catches Cardiff Knapping!
Although Cardiff started off well enough, with plenty of possession, they were fatally uncertain in front of goal, and failed to score.
There was a lot at stake, which contributed to the game being essentially, a low-key affair. Portsmouth were able to demonstrate the difference between a Premiership team, and their Championship rivals.
Man of the match, Kanu, as usual was a joy to behold, although after a stunning piece of individual skill, he hit the post when a goal seemed certain. However, about eight minutes before half time, he took advantage of a fumble by Cardiff's keeper, and in the blink of an eye the ball was in the net. It was the difference between a very ordinary goalkeeper and an extraordinary attacker!
Cardiff were serious underdogs and after a brisk start, that's how the game panned out. Glen Loovens had a goal disallowed in first time injury time. It was a pity, because he smartly lofted the ball over David James and into the net. Unfortunately he had controlled the ball with his arm, and the referee's decision was sound.
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbank seemed only a shadow of his former self, and was not of the class of some of the older Portsmouth players. The only surprise, when he was replaced after 70 minutes, was that it had not been sooner. Parry had a good chance to level the score, but indecisively crossed to McNaughton, who was left with too much to do.
If victory was awarded to ardent fans, both sides would have shared the honours. However, the best side won, and will be represented in Europe next year. Portsmouth have done well since facing relegation two seasons ago. Harry Redknapp is a capable and respected leader, who has crafted a fine team. They were threatening the 'big boys' earlier on, and even after a relatively poor recent run, they still managed to finish eighth in the Premiership, the best football league in the world!
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FA Cup Final Portsmouth Vs Cardiff
soccer and football
FA Cup Final Portsmouth Vs Cardiff
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
Chelsea Keep The Pressure On Manchester United
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Newcastle 0 - 2 Chelsea
After Manchester United's easy win over West Ham, Chelsea needed to beat Newcastle to stay in the race for the Premiership title. They achieved their objective, and if they can do the same in their final match against Bolton, and rely on Wigan to win or draw against United, the title is theirs! It's a big 'If' though because if they both win, lose, or draw, United will take the honours with their vastly superior goal average.
As far as this match was concerned, Michael Owen had two good chances in the first half, to shoot Newcastle ahead, but on this occasion he misfired. Ballack had a good opportunity at the other end, but he too failed to score. So at the interval a goalless draw seemed a fair result.
Whatever Avram Grant said to his men during the interval seemed to work the oracle. Chelsea emerged, and started to look the better side. Michael Ballack seemed sure to score, but he was denied by a last ditch challenge by Steven Taylor. Afterwards, John Terry was narrowly denied when a fierce header hit the crossbar.
It only seemed a matter of time before Chelsea would take the lead. Sure enough, just on the hour, Ballack rose up to force home a mighty header. To their credit Newcastle did not roll over, but retaliated strongly and first Martins and then Michael Owen, put Cech under some pressure.
Ballack almost got another for the blues, and then in a fine move the same player teamed up with Essien and Lampard to push the ball through to Malouda, who scored after 82 minutes. It was just the tonic they needed, to win the game and keep the pressure on their major adversary.
The fact that it's so close between Chelsea and Manchester United ensures an exciting finale to the season. Still to come is the spectacle of the same two teams in gladiatorial combat, in the European Championship in Moscow. It seems somewhat ironic that England have not qualified for the forthcoming European National Championship! However, many of the players from the Premier League, who also represent their home countries, will be involved. So even the English fans will have something to savour, in what promises to be a football feast.
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Newcastle Vs Chelsea
soccer and football
Newcastle Vs Chelsea
Newcastle 0 - 2 Chelsea
After Manchester United's easy win over West Ham, Chelsea needed to beat Newcastle to stay in the race for the Premiership title. They achieved their objective, and if they can do the same in their final match against Bolton, and rely on Wigan to win or draw against United, the title is theirs! It's a big 'If' though because if they both win, lose, or draw, United will take the honours with their vastly superior goal average.
As far as this match was concerned, Michael Owen had two good chances in the first half, to shoot Newcastle ahead, but on this occasion he misfired. Ballack had a good opportunity at the other end, but he too failed to score. So at the interval a goalless draw seemed a fair result.
Whatever Avram Grant said to his men during the interval seemed to work the oracle. Chelsea emerged, and started to look the better side. Michael Ballack seemed sure to score, but he was denied by a last ditch challenge by Steven Taylor. Afterwards, John Terry was narrowly denied when a fierce header hit the crossbar.
It only seemed a matter of time before Chelsea would take the lead. Sure enough, just on the hour, Ballack rose up to force home a mighty header. To their credit Newcastle did not roll over, but retaliated strongly and first Martins and then Michael Owen, put Cech under some pressure.
Ballack almost got another for the blues, and then in a fine move the same player teamed up with Essien and Lampard to push the ball through to Malouda, who scored after 82 minutes. It was just the tonic they needed, to win the game and keep the pressure on their major adversary.
The fact that it's so close between Chelsea and Manchester United ensures an exciting finale to the season. Still to come is the spectacle of the same two teams in gladiatorial combat, in the European Championship in Moscow. It seems somewhat ironic that England have not qualified for the forthcoming European National Championship! However, many of the players from the Premier League, who also represent their home countries, will be involved. So even the English fans will have something to savour, in what promises to be a football feast.
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Newcastle Vs Chelsea
soccer and football
Newcastle Vs Chelsea
Thursday, May 01, 2008
Champions League Semi Final - Chelsea Vs Liverpool Match Report
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Chelsea 3 - 2 Liverpool (Agg 4 - 3)
Chelsea's hard earned win over Liverpool, means that they now meet Manchester United in the final, to be played in Moscow on the 17th May. Regardless of which side wins on the day, it will be a triumph for the English Premier League, who had three of the last four teams in the semi finals. Just to advertise the supremacy of the Premier League further, the top two teams, from where the winner will surely emerge, are Chelsea and Manchester United. The same teams that contest the European Championship.
After a one all draw in the first leg at Anfield, Chelsea, by courtesy of Riise's own goal were in the driving seat. However, it was never going to be a pushover, as Liverpool are nothing if they are not competitive, particularly in the European Champions League. As it happened, it was Chelsea who bagged the first goal, when Drogba shot the ball home in the 33rd minute. They deserved to move ahead, because they had most of the first half possession, and Drogba was constantly threatening.
Liverpool are a very good side, who have just fallen short of top notch in the Premiership, in recent years. They should never be underestimated, and Petr Cech needed to be up to scratch, to keep out Dirk Kuyt early in the second half. Chelsea had lost their first half fluency, and were fully exposed when Torres turned cleverly, to lash home an equaliser in the 64th minute. So when the full-time whistle blew the game was even, and requiring a period of extra time.
Chelsea went ahead from a penalty about 8 minutes into extra time, after Sami Hypia fouled Michael Ballack. Frank Lampard, making a brave reappearance after losing his mother, took the penalty brilliantly, sending the keeper the wrong way, to thump the ball into the opposite corner.
The mighty Drogba scored again after 105 minutes to seal Liverpool's fate, although Babel got one back for the visitors after 117 minutes. It was a frantic end to a hard fought game, with Chelsea emerging as victors, and with a fine chance of securing a significant trophy.
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Chelsea Vs Liverpool
soccer and football
Chelsea Vs Liverpool
Chelsea 3 - 2 Liverpool (Agg 4 - 3)
Chelsea's hard earned win over Liverpool, means that they now meet Manchester United in the final, to be played in Moscow on the 17th May. Regardless of which side wins on the day, it will be a triumph for the English Premier League, who had three of the last four teams in the semi finals. Just to advertise the supremacy of the Premier League further, the top two teams, from where the winner will surely emerge, are Chelsea and Manchester United. The same teams that contest the European Championship.
After a one all draw in the first leg at Anfield, Chelsea, by courtesy of Riise's own goal were in the driving seat. However, it was never going to be a pushover, as Liverpool are nothing if they are not competitive, particularly in the European Champions League. As it happened, it was Chelsea who bagged the first goal, when Drogba shot the ball home in the 33rd minute. They deserved to move ahead, because they had most of the first half possession, and Drogba was constantly threatening.
Liverpool are a very good side, who have just fallen short of top notch in the Premiership, in recent years. They should never be underestimated, and Petr Cech needed to be up to scratch, to keep out Dirk Kuyt early in the second half. Chelsea had lost their first half fluency, and were fully exposed when Torres turned cleverly, to lash home an equaliser in the 64th minute. So when the full-time whistle blew the game was even, and requiring a period of extra time.
Chelsea went ahead from a penalty about 8 minutes into extra time, after Sami Hypia fouled Michael Ballack. Frank Lampard, making a brave reappearance after losing his mother, took the penalty brilliantly, sending the keeper the wrong way, to thump the ball into the opposite corner.
The mighty Drogba scored again after 105 minutes to seal Liverpool's fate, although Babel got one back for the visitors after 117 minutes. It was a frantic end to a hard fought game, with Chelsea emerging as victors, and with a fine chance of securing a significant trophy.
Tags:
Chelsea Vs Liverpool
soccer and football
Chelsea Vs Liverpool
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