UEFA Champions’ League Final Preview: Liverpool vs. AC Milan

In the repeat of the 2005 Final in Istanbul, AC Milan and Liverpool will fight for their fate again in this year’s UEFA Champions’ League Final in Athens. It will fascinating to see how the match turned out, would it be in similar fashion or as dull as this years’ FA Cup Final? Would there be another 6 minutes of heartbreak into a classic game? Would it be Maldini’s 5th European Cup from 8 final games? Yes, this would be his 8th Champions’ League Final!

There’s no doubt that this is one of the most intriguing recent rivalry between European teams, although no one, I meant no one –except Liverpool own fans- would’ve even thought about Liverpool winning it 2 years ago, and again going all the way to the final this year. Having said that though, Milan is no favourite as well this year with their slow start to the Serie A, near-banned Champions’ League campaign, and all the after-effects of the match fixing allegations.

The key to Milan is as everyone knows, the speed and moments of brilliance from Kaka, and the disruptive play of Gattuso. I’d think though with Liverpool’s style of play where one touch football and rythm playing wasn’t quite their brand of football, Gattuso might not have the similar huge impact as to when they met Manchester United in the semifinals. where he pretty much messed up United flowing football. Pirlo, on the other hand though, might need to be clinical with the tricks and precise passing to break the crowded defensive scheme of Liverpool. For Liverpool, the key I guess is to look no further than their mercurial captain, Gerrard, although helps from Riise from the wing and Crouch ability to capitalize on his height and youthful against ageing Milan defense will prove crucial to their attempt on the 2nd European glory in 3 years.

As a Milan supporter watching the likes of van Basten, Gullit, Rijkaard, Baresi, Massaro, Savicevic, and of course Maldini, there’s no doubt I want Milan to win this –albeit the broke my dearly Manchester United heart at San Siro. Milan deserved to win this game, after what happened in Istanbul, and for the way they play their football and allowing the opponents to play their football, for the character that they have, for the fair play and good sportsmanship that they always show in every game, I just thought Maldini should lead this team to collect the winners’ medal when it’s all said and done in Athens tomorrow night.   LIVERPOOL 1 – AC MILAN 2 (After Extra Time).

Viva Rossoneri!!

Super Bowl XLI: Chicago Bears vs. Indianapolis Colts

Oh yeah, in a few hours time, it’s the Super Bowl time!!! The Bears will taking on Manning and co. of the Colts. There are so many stories of match-ups, history, rivalries, and what not that you could dig out out there in the Internet that I don’t need to repeat them here. But one thing for sure, for anyone to call his team-mates an idiot, in my opinion doesn’t really deserve my support –you know who I’m talking about if you’re an NFL fan. Nevertheless, I expect a great game, defense vs. offense, a star in the team vs. the team is the star, and from my tone it’s pretty obvious I’ll be rooting for the Bears! 22 years has gone from the great ‘85 Bears team, Walter Payton has left us, but his memories stayed alive with us, and all I can say is that this Bears team has all the spirit that makes a great team. Go Lovie Smith’s team!!!

mindcubes’ longtail: The Colts defense has played its unusual role for the past 3 games, I think they’re running out of ideas and will be under pressure to re-produce this role which are not really their personalities. BEARS 31 – COLTS 25

The FA Cup: MAN UTD vs. PORTSMOUTH

Coming off from a loss at Arsenal, I expect United will go all out against Portsmouth this evening in the FA Cup 4th round. Expect Solskjaer to play up front along with changes at goalie with Kusczak coming in for van der Sar. It would be interesting to see who would be given an day off at front, would it be Rooney or Larsson? My guess is that it would be Rooney as the long awaited goal has came last week, which was the reason why Ferguson kept playing him since the festive programme.

I expect Scholes and Carrick to drive the midfield once again, with there’s probability that Brown might come in for either Ferdinand or Gary Neville and Heinze coming in for Evra at the left back. Ji-Sung Park might be coming in for Giggs while I don’t think Ferguson would take any chance resting Ronaldo, who was taken out on the last minute of the Arsenal game, of which they scored the winning from the breakdown of the left side of Manchester United (where Evra looked so awkard playing in front of Heinze).

mindcubes’ longtail: United will be in for a real challenge from Portsmouth, but the sell-out crowd at Old Trafford do make it a difference as the 12th man for Sir Alex’s team. It’ll be over by the time the referee started the second half as United will improve on their finishing touch to capitalize on their high tempo game, especially on the first 20 minutes of the game. UNITED 4 – PORTSMOUTH 0

SFA to Launch Legal Action Against Smith

This is pretty interesting, Scottish Football Association (SFA) is preparing to launch a legal action against its own national team coach, Walter Smith, after Smith apparently has joined the Glasgow Rangers one day after SFA rejected his proposed move back to the club he managed for 12 years before departing in 1998.

This is quite disappointing especially that the Scotland national team has done so well in their preparation for Euro 2008 (with their impressive over France 1-0) and I do believe Smith could bring this blend of youth and experience team into something meaningful for the Scottish fans.

Too bad, for whatever reason this thing has come into this state with just a few weeks away from the crucial Euro 2008 qualification matches ahead. Who knows though maybe he can stay within these two jobs just like what Guus Hiddink did with PSV Eindhoven and the Australia national team setup during the WorldCup 2006 qualifications.

BENGALS 23 – BRONCOS 24 !!!

What a game!! As Kenard Lang of the Broncos said, this only happened on PlayStation game!! Who would imagined the Bengals would’ve missed the snap on the extra point that would’ve sent the game into overtime with psychological advantage for the Bengals. Nevertheless, at 9-7 a win against the 49ers at home on the final week of the regular season would ensure Broncos a wild-card spot at the number 5 seed.

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It was a great performance by Cutler, showing his strong arms and a better decision making, especially on when to take the sack. The defense also came up big with 2 interceptions, from both corners, Bailey who now leads the league in interceptions with 9 picks, and Darrent Williams who has his first pick of the season.

Awesome Broncos!! One more job to be done and we’re in the playoff!! Remember the Steelers last year!!!

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One Positive Game, Two More to Go

FINALLY!! The losing streak is gone after the Broncos finally found another “W” by beating the Cardinals in Arizona 37-20. It was by far probably the best offensive performance from the Broncos in the season. Cutler and Walker set the game in the right tone by combining with a huge play, a 54-yard TD after a play fake to left from Cutler, who demonstrated strong arms and potential for big plays.

The defense is not disappointing as well, with Bailey having two picks, making him a joint leader with Asante Samuel of NO with 8 picks. With KC losing at San Diego, and Jaguars losing to Titans, Broncos’ playoff hopes looks much better after this week. Their fate is back to their own hand. Having said that, the game against the Bengals next week at home will make or break Broncos’ season.

One down, two more to go, and we all remember how far the Steelers went from a near-playoff-elimination to the Big One. Oh yeah!! In the meantime, enjoy the game’s highlights.

UEFA Champions’ League Last 16 Draw

It’s official, the draw for the last 16 of the 2006/2007 UEFA Champions’ League is out. Manchester United will play Lille, who they failed to beat in both of last year’s meeting in group stage. Meanwhile, Liverpool will be facing a tough test being paired with Barcelona. Chelsea, will be playing Porto, in what would be an emotional return for Mourinho to Portugal. Arsenal will be playing a tricky encounter with PSV Eindhoven.

For the Italian sides, AC Milan will be facing the tough Celtics, while Roma (which Totti’s wish to be paired with Man Utd) will be playing Lyon in what would be an intriguing match, and Internazionale will be facing Valencia of Spain. The last fixtures would be between the two giants of Europe, Real Madrid and Bayern Muenchen.

5 British teams (4 English, 1 Scottish), 3 Italian, 3 Spanish, 2 French, 1 German, 1 Dutch, 1 Portuguese. This is just the beginning to the European glory!!

2006/07 UEFA Champions League First knockout round Team named first at home in first leg

FC Porto (POR) v Chelsea FC (ENG)

Celtic FC (SCO) v AC Milan (ITA)

PSV Eindhoven (NED) v Arsenal FC (ENG)

LOSC Lille Métropole (FRA) v Manchester United FC (ENG)

AS Roma (ITA) v Olympique Lyonnais (FRA)

FC Barcelona v Liverpool FC (ENG)

Real Madrid CF (ESP) v FC Bayern München (GER)

FC Internazionale Milano (ITA) v Valencia CF (ESP)

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A Derby You Can’t Miss

With United having the opportunity to be 9 points clear of Chelsea, who won’t be playing until the next day against Arsenal, this is a derby that you can’t miss. Manchester City during tha past few years somehow have been able to overcome United, although United is highly confident coming into this game knowing both Premiership and Champions’ League run are in a promising state.

Expect United to play fast and free flowing football at the yet again sell-out crowd. Heinze might come in for Evra with Fletcher playing some important part later in the game. Ronaldo might yet again be the key to the opening score with midfield controlled by Scholes and Carrick.

mindcubes’ long tail:
MAN UNITED 3 – MAN CITY 0

Trio Heads United into the Last 16

Three headers, three goals, and Manchester United came back from a goal behind –courtesy of a brilliant struck by Benfica– to claim a convincing 3-1 victory over Benfica at Old Trafford ensuring a place in the last 16 of the prestigious UEFA Champions League, as a group winner (with Celtics losing at FC Copenhagen). Vidic, Giggs, and Saha scored the goals for United with Vidic scoring at the stroke of half-time providing the key moment to the game. With Henrik Larsson joining United in January, I’m thrilled with United’s chance this year in the Champions’ League. In the meantime, check out the highlights below from the Benfica game.

Manchester United 1 – Chelsea 1

It’s the final whistle after a 3 minutes added time, and two giants, Manchester United and Chelsea, shared a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford. United led through a brilliant goal from Saha, although Ronaldo could’ve sealed the victory early in the second half, only to snatch at it. The miss along with another half-chance from Heinze’s cross on the left apparently came to haunt United when Ricardo Carvalho headed an equalizer on the 70th minute. United clearly dictated the play from the width of the field throughout the first half although Chelsea clearly taken the initiatives from the midfield throughout the second half.

A couple of notes from the game :

+ I would’ve hoped that Ferguson made a substitution midway through the 2nd half when Chelsea clearly were controlling the midfield while United is up 1-0. Putting Fletcher for Saha would put another body in the midfield, and Giggs could be playing in a withdrawn role, while that would give Saha a breather for the next game.

+ Did Saha somehow headed the ball into his own net? The replay TV somehow suggested that might be the case although it could’ve been just a slight touch.

As a United fan, I’m clearly disappointed that we are not leading by 6 points at the end, although as a football fan, it was an impressive game for both sides, high tempo, frenetic, full of passion and energy with an absolutely amazing atmosphere. As one football commentators indicated, at the end, the winner is football. I couldn’t agree more.