This is a disgrace at the highest order. I saw a post on Red And White Kop about a video that is on YouTube that is a 'tribute' to the 96 who passed on during the Hillsbrough incident. Even when I'm typing this, the video IS still on YouTube and easily available.
I've watched only half of video and I tell you, I'm sick in the stomach. The poster is known to be a United fan and this is just bang right out of order. I just can't find words to describe how utterly disgusted I am.
I understand every club has it's 'black sheeps', idiotic fans who act like cretins on the net. But posting videos of a tragedy and then a bunch of people laughing at it?
You deserve time with you fellow red devils, down below.
The draw for the 2006/07 Champions League quarter and semi finals are out and as the English teams were kept apart, Liverpool will have to overcome Dutch giants, PSV Eindhoven, who have just sent Arsenal packing from the competition.
I was so adamant that we'll get PSV and was pleased to get the draw. It's not because they seemed to be the weakest amongst the 8 on paper but more like getting a revenge.
The man in charge of PSV is none other than Ronald Koeman, the man who plotted our exit from last season's Champions League with Benfica. He's reknown for his continental style tactics, tight defences and counter attacks. We've seen what he has done over at Benifca last season when he took them all the way to the quarter finals before getting dumped out by champions elect, Barcelona.
It's surprising how far Koeman have taken them to this season with players of inferior quality and even managed to gun down the Gunners. It just says a lot about Koeman and his team. They're hard to beat, disciplined and well drilled. It's certainly not an easy draw for us at all.
His continental style of coaching might just be a wee bit similar to Rafa's, as both teams are terribly hard to break down. It'll definitely be a close game but the advantage Liverpool have on their hands would be the fact that the second leg of the quarter finals will be at Anfield, the fortress of noise.
Quarter Finals Draw
AC Milan (Ita) vs Bayern Munich (Ger)
PSV Eindhoven (Hol) vs LIVERPOOL (Eng)
Roma (Ita) vs Man Utd (Eng)
Chelsea (Eng) vs Valencia (Esp)
Semi Finals:
AC Milan or Bayern Munich VS Roma or Man Utd.
PSV Eindhoven or LIVERPOOL VS Chelsea or Valencia
That actually means, we MIGHT see yet another Chelsea vs Liverpool semi finals. BRING IT ON.
There will be 8 teams in the hat for the draw tomorrow at ancient Athens, the venue for this year's Champions League final. Not much surprises when it comes to the composition of the quarter finals as all of the 8 teams have done well or just enough to squeeze through.
It has been a week of high drama. From Anfield to Mestalla. From Emirates to San Siro. Ever match provided entertainment of the highest class and not a minute of it gone down the drain.
Liverpool provided perhaps, the best result of the round despite the 1-0 defeat at Anfield. They managed to defy all critics and doubts about their credential by kicking out the defending champions with 2 excellent performances. The 2006 Kings of Europe were stymied and were perhaps, a little fortunate to escape Anfield with a win, just like their counterparts over the weekends, Man Utd.
As Riijkaard mentioned, with a bit of luck, the Reds could go all the way.
Arsenal Shocked At Home
Crashing out of the Champions League is pretty hard to take for a team that actually went all the way to the finals last season. But to crash out of all domestic cup competition in 11 days is pure heartbreaking.
The way they lost to PSV sums up their problems this season. Over-elaborating of plays and just like Liverpool, failure to put the final sword stroke. It's already an uphill task considering that pretty ridiculous defeat at Eindhoven a fortnight ago. Now with talisman, Thierry Henry, rumoured to be out for a couple of weeks, where will the Gunners go from here?
Is Wenger going to be oh so stubborn and stick to his 'beautiful football' philosophy? Or doing something pragmatic and get the right results?
French Champion Stunned
Lyon were in the driving seat after holding Roma at the Stadio Olimpico 2 weeks ago. They're always touted to be the black horse of the Champions League but never fulfilled their 'potential'. This time round, it was the Romans who dashed Gerard Houllier's dream. The Frenchman plotted their downfall back in 2001 with Liverpool and seemed like the men from the eternal city have gotten their revenge.
Especially with goal like this:
Milan Breaks Celtic Hearts
It took a brilliant individual goal from Brazilian, Kaka, to seal the win for the Rosseneri. Celtic did well to hold out for a draw at Celtic Park and they're undaunted by the former champions of Europe even at the intimidating San Siro. Goalkeeper, Arthur Boruc, put up a fine display and thwarted Milan's effort.
But when the magician weaves his magic, who's going to stop him?
Real Falters. Capello Under Pressure
Now, the Galacticos' policy of changing a manager every year seemed to be underway again after last night's result. How absurd was it to concede a goal 10 seconds into the game? Used to be known as one of the best left backs in the world, Roberto Carlos' first touch of a rapist let Hasan Salihamidzic intercept before placing the ball through the static Real defence and Roy Makaay to slam home.
As usual, Real Madrid's defence were again not present last night. Only Casillas bothered to turn up and the rest, like I've always said in a sarcastic tone, were scare crows.
Larsson Delight For United
His last game for United before moving back to his beloved Helsingborg, Henrik Larsson provided cheers for the United fans as they triumphed over the whiny French side, Lille, to advance to the next round. Nothing really interesting happened but I was quite amused to see how Mikael Silvestre got injured.
He headbutted the ground. Well, not so much of a loss, eh?
Portugese Provided Scare For Mourinho
His post match interview sounded as if he was the one who scored the winner for them. Self-important as usual, the man was nearly undone by a surprisingly good Porto side. Robben provided the equaliser after Ricardo Quaresma scored for Porto. Ballack was on hand to finish off the job with a brilliant 'volleyball' move.
Ugly News, Right At The Back
I've decided not to comment on anything Valencia and Inter after what happened post game. Just know that Valencia went through. Period.
Last 8:
LIVERPOOL (Eng) Man Utd (Eng) Chelsea (Eng) AC Milan (Ita) Roma (Ita) PSV Eindhoven (Hol) Bayern Munich (Ger) Valencia (Esp)
I quote Barcelona's Argie wonderkid, Lionel Messi after having the knowledge that his team are drawn against Liverpool 3 months back.
Barcelona winger Lionel Messi reckons Liverpool will be scared stiff going into their Champions League clash with the Spanish champions.
The 19-year-old, who is targeting the fixtures for his return from injury, believes his side are firm favourites to progress into the quarter-finals.
"Any rivals are dangerous in Europe at this time but Liverpool are a team that can be beaten by Barcelona. Lyon are the most difficult today," said Messi.
"I expect an open game because the English play without defensive caution and with a style similar to Barcelona.
"Sincerely, I believe Liverpool are worried about playing against us because we are the champions of Europe and that strikes fear in any rivals.
"I desire to travel to Liverpool with much work done and holding an advantage to qualify for the next round.
"A 2-0 or 3-0 score will be perfect for Barca.
"Always, we need to not concede a goal in Camp Nou to avoid problems at Anfield."
The Argentinean admits having a Spanish contingent could work in Liverpool's favour.
He said: "The Reds are a peculiar team. They play in England but the style of the coach and many of the players is nearly Spanish. This will be an extra problem for Barcelona."
Eat your words and have you enjoyed your time in Mr. Arbeloa's pockets? I was extremely bemused to see him saying English side play without defensive caution. And Liverpool actually managed to get past them with defensive steel and resilience.
How words can come back and bite your arse.
Oh, and where are those people who said we will stand no chance against Barcelona? Come out of your woodwork now!
Last night will yet again be in the long list of 'Great European Nights' as the Anfield faithful sang their hearts out, driving the home team to successfully repel the force and might of Barcelona.
'Football philistines' they called themselves, Tom Hicks and George Gillett, the new owners of Liverpool, were in for something last night. When the Kopites broke out in yet another rendition of 'You'll Never Walk Alone', you could see the awestruck face of the two American tycoons.
They might have went round the world watching different sports but no doubt, it will be the once in a lifetime experience for the duo. Never will they see such a huge crowd of passionate fans which exhibit such support and belief in their team. Even the hardest of hearts will be moved by the tenacity
Even the Barcelona fans joined in the song and started taking photos of the Kop End. The rare sight of a cult following at the Merseyside, something which is seldom seen in modern day football.
But other than the 12th men, it was the other 11 on the field that got the team this far. When the names were drawn from the pot, Barcelona and Liverpool, you could tell that many wouldn't fancy us against the reigning champions of Europe. But 3 months on, who could've thought of it.
The way in which Liverpool made the best club side in the world looked rather ordinary was perhaps down to Rafa's understanding of Barcelona, his tactical nous and ability to motivate the players for such a huge encounter.
Throughout the 180 minutes of football, you could tell who deservedly went through. It was Liverpool who kept things under control throughout the 2 legs and never did the Reds give in to the seduction of Ronaldinho & Co. They were closely watched by the patrolling midfielders and were stopped in their tracks by Carragher and his rear guards.
Beautiful football aside, they were not allowed to play in their usual flowing and flamboyant mode. They were devoid of spaces to move and routes for their passes were blocked. Supply lines cut, there was nothing the people from the front line could do.
Rijkaard will certainly look back at the first leg in which he went a step too far and underestimated Liverpool. He isolated his defenders and even when he knew a draw would be a good enough result for them, he decides to finish Liverpool off.
But how wrong was he to undermine Rafa's tactical brilliance. They're punished in the first leg and everybody will look back and say, Barcelona threw it away.
Even though those predictable tabloid newspaper tried to overturn the Liverpool vessel, through adversities, there were heroes. The two men in the headlines for the wrong reason, Bellamy and Riise, were to create such an impact in this last 16 clash. Although both were not on the score sheet last night, they did just enough to help Liverpool steer clear.
Riise's attacking instinct was never in doubt. He was often deployed as a left back in Premiership games but once Rafa gave him the permission to roam, he did it in style. He was a thorn in Barcelona's defence and could've scored more than one if lady luck was on his side.
Actually, lady luck haven't been smiling on Merseyside for the past 4 days as Liverpool succumbed to 2 very unfortunate defeats. But whatever, who needs her help when the 11 men on the pitch and the 12th off it were able to pull through.
The team showed great character and team work, running their heart out for each other. It was particularly pleasing to see players tracking back after losing possession and not stand around looking for others to blame. Gerrard running at full speed almost all the time and Sissoko getting stuck in at every possible moment although the Malian face consequences with a ban for the next quarter finals match.
Enough plaudits have been given to the rearguards and I don't think we could use words to thank the lot of them.
Most importantly, it was the air of belief in Anfield last night that enabled them to have that extra spring in their step. It was electrifying and all credit to the Anfield crowd, it was another fantastic experience despite sitting at home, watching by myself. As they sang 'You'll Never Walk Alone', I know I don't.
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