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!!

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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Super Scholes Kept United at the Summit

A magnificent goal from Scholes midway through the second half ensured United a victory at Villa Park, before a late second goal from Cristiano Ronaldo (his brace) kept United at the summit of the Premiership with a 3-0 win against a spirited Aston Villa. Scholes’ goal could go down as the goal of the season. It was a Gigg’s corner head-cleared by Villa’s defense before it fell to Scholes on 30 yards out, which was volleyed home magnificently by the midfielder.

It was not, however, the prettiest performance by United, especially in the first half where Park Ji-Sung is pretty much not effective, considered his lengthy lay-off due to injury and a surprise start at the right wing, in place of Ronaldo, who was shifted to the left, of which Giggs was playing up-front in place of Rooney., who was given a breather by Ferguson. United, though were lucky to escape the early break where Villa could’be been 1-0 up had it not for the crossbar to denied the header, and for van der Sar to make a great save off the line from the following effort.

The second half though is a different story, especially after another magnificent goal from United, this time it was the Man-of-the-Match Ronaldo who danced from the halfway line against no less than 5 defenders before a sublime effort blocked by Villa’s defender at the edge of the penalty box, though it fell back to Ronaldo who smashed home a thunder to the left corner of Kiraly’s goal. That goal, changed the course of the game, and United were in full control afterwards.

The third goal is classic United. It started all the way in the left of the defense sending through beautiful passes involving Ronaldo, Giggs, Neville, and finished coolly by Ronaldo, who was denied earlier with an offside from a similar play. Three goals up, and United were not to be denied this season going into the festive’ season leading the Premiership for the first time in three years with 2 points advantage over Chelsea.

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Race to the AFC Wild Card (UPDATED)

After the Colts’ convincing 34-16 victory in Monday Night Football (under a magnificent performance from Peyton Manning with 4 TDs, of which 3 of them went to the marvellous Marvin Harrison), the Bengals found themselves being one of the 4 AFC teams with 8-6, and throwing into the mix are the back into contention Steelers, Titans, Bills, and Chiefs at 7-7. This is one of the most interesting race in the recent years with teams in the contention have remaining games playing each other.

Again, Jets and the Broncos (the key game will be at Invesco at Mile High against the Bengals on Dec 24th) should’ve led the packs looking at the opponents’ records, but this is the NFL, and going into the last 2 weeks of the season with playoff at stake, only the spiral will do the talking. Let’s the game begins!!

WILD CARD AT A GLANCE

Bengals (8-6 overall, 6-3 in AFC, 4-3 at home, 4-2 on road)
Dec. 24 at Denver (8-6 overall, 7-4 in AFC, 3-3 at home)
Dec. 31 Pittsburgh (7-7 overall, 4-6 in AFC, 2-5 on road)
FOES: 15-13

Denver (8-6 overall, 7-4 in AFC, 3-3 at home, 5-3 on road)
Dec. 24 Cincinnati (8-6, 6-3 in AFC, 4-2 on road)
Dec. 31 San Francisco (6-8, 2-5 on road)
FOES: 14-14

Jets (8-6 overall, 5-5 in AFC, 3-4 at home, 5-2 on road)
Dec. 25 at Miami (6-8, 3-7 in AFC, 4-3 at home)
Dec. 31 Raiders (2-12, 1-9 in AFC, 0-7 on road)
FOES: 8-20

Jacksonville (8-6 overall, 5-5 in AFC, 6-1 at home, 2-5 on road
Dec. 24 New England (10-4, 6-4 in AFC, 5-1 on road)
Dec. 31 at Kansas City (7-7, 3-7 in AFC, 5-2 at home)
FOES: 17-11

Kansas City (7-7 overall, 3-7 in AFC, 5-2 at home, 2-5 on road)
Dec. 23 at Oakland (2-12 overall, 1-9 in AFC, 2-5 at home)
Dec. 31 Jacksonville (8-6 overall, 5-5 in AFC, 2-5 on road)
FOES: 10-18

Pittsburgh (7-7 overall, 4-6 in AFC, 5-2 at home, 2-5 on road)
Dec. 24 Baltimore (11-3 overall, 8-2 in AFC, 5-2 on road)
Dec. 31 at Cincinnati (8-5 overall, 6-3 in AFC, 4-3 at home)
FOES: 19-8

Buffalo (7-7 overall, 5-5 in AFC, 4-3 at home, 3-4 on road)
Dec. 24 Tennessee (7-7 overall, 4-6 in AFC, 3-4 on road)
Dec. 31 at Baltimore (11-3 overall, 8-2 in AFC, 6-1 at home)
FOES: 18-10

Tennessee (7-7 overall, 4-6 in AFC, 4-3 at home, 3-4 on road)
Dec. 24 at Buffalo (7-7 overall, 5-5 in AFC, 4-3 at home)
Dec. 31 New England (10-4 overall, 6-4 in AFC, 5-1 on road)
FOES: 17-11

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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.

Disappointed United dropped back to ordinary

It was a disappointing match at Upton Park where United were defeated 0-1 to West Ham United, who were ignited by the arrival of Alan Curbishley.  United had more possessions although it was clear from the beginning they didn’t resume service as usual.  Robert Green, West Ham’s goalie, made a few good saves, notably from Ronaldo’s chance midway through the second half.

It was interesting though to see why Sir Alex substituted Giggs for Solskjaer, AND put Ole on the right wing while United clearly needed more presense in the middle of the attack.  Later on, O’Shea coming in for Carrick raised even more eyebrows, and seeing Heinze, who could’ve been easily Man Utd man of the match were later substituted for Park Ji-Sung.  Sometimes, I just can’t understand Sir Alex’s decision on certain substitutions.  Why not Fletcher for Giggs, and Solskjaer could’ve come in for Rooney, who were ineffective all day.

At the end of the day, Mourinho with his big mouth has the last laugh this week.  It’s a game to forget, possibly one of the worst game they played this season.  I guess, Henrik Larsson, who was in attendance for his new team before heading back to Sweden for Christmas, has work cut out for him as the new year poses a tight race for United … will they stand strong, or will they falter to the pressure of Chelski?  Only character will tell …

It’s 9 ahead of Chelsea

Yes!!! 3-1 victory over Manchester City in the just an-hour-passed derby ensured Manchester United of a 9 points clear of Chelsea, the biggest lead they’ve had since their last crown in 2001.  Chelsea, though with two games on hand, will be playing Arsenal tomorrow at Stamford Bridge in a game where two teams badly needed a win.

United started the game brightly where Rooney’s first touch is a goal, courtesy of a delightful cross from Ronaldo, helped by deflection from Distin provided Rooney the golden touch that kept United in control from the very beginning, exactly as what they’d like to do.  It was an entertaining derby where City did provide a number of half-chances although United clearly were the better side with flowing football, anchored mainly by Scholes and Carrick in the middle of the park with another dazzling display by Ronaldo.  Another defensive mistake at the stroke of the half, where pressure from Heinze and Giggs provided Heinze to shot the ball from the edge of the area towards Saha who converted it from close range to bring United to a comfortable 2-0 lead at the half.

The second half started in the same manner as the first half, although City this time provided more possessions and a first fantastic strike from Ireland, which was parried away brilliantly by van der Sar.  United should have gone 3 goals up had not it for Isaksson (who came in for the injured Weaver) to absolutely brilliantly save from Rooney’s flick from a very close range.  Midway through the second half, O’Shea came in for Saha, although it was rather interesting why Fletcher, with his good form lately, did not make the call instead.  Nevertheless, the idea was to put an extra man to curb the extra man that City put in the midfield.  The tactic though seems to backfired as United sit back a little and conceded a goal from a superb strike from Trabelsi, which put a nervy end to the game where City could’ve scored the equiliser had it not for a fully concentrated United team, especially Vidic and van der Sar to keep the game in check, before Ronaldo break an offside to ensure a crucial derby win for United in the 84th minute.

It was an entertaining derby with United showed why teams playing them couldn’t afford to make any defensive errors.  Efficient and clinical.  UNITED 3 – CITY 1.  Watch out Chelsea!!

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

Bitter Sweet Symphony

Only in a span of a few days on the celebrations of the 20 years in charge, yes, it’s no joke that in today’s age, especially in the world of football motivated by money and arguably abused by the power of the rich, Sir Alex Ferguson tasted two sides of football that were the very reason why that game is the most popular in this planet, ecstasy and despair.

Ecstasy when Manchester United played one of the best game they’ve played in a very long time, a free flowing full of beautiful passes against a Sol Campbell-less Portsmouth team, winning 3-0 in the way, in a game where United could’ve scored 6 or 7 easily. Brilliant, and with the addition of Chelsea surprisingly lost to Hotspors, United is now at the summit of the Premiership table with 3 points clear and huge goal difference.

Despair, when in a span of two days, they also made another headlines, not for a very good reason when Southend, yes, it’s Southend, the other side of the summit of the other side of the league, the Championship has thrown one of the biggest surprise this season by de-throning them from the League Cup, with Rooney, Ronaldo, Heinze, O’Shea and Silvestre –5 full-internationals all in the starting line-ups from the very first minute. What a difference a couple of days made to the dressing room and the whole 20-years thing, although having said that, Sir Alex did show his class by praising highly the spirited Southend side that landed themselves in the last eight of the competition.

Two games, two results, two sides of the world of emotions, all for nothing but one world, it’s the passion of football.

Rooney, Denver, and kernel …

You might’ve wondered what does Rooney has to do with Denver, and what the heck are those related to kernel? Have I gone out of my mind? Oh, well you’ll find out!!

The Rooney Show

By far, Manchester United 4-0 performance against Bolton away at Reebok stadium last Saturday is the best team performance this season, led by the tenacious birthday boy Rooney’s brilliant hat-trick. Everyone is involved in the game, from van der Sar, who made an important save just before half-time to keep the score 2-0 to Carrick who showed why he is worth over 19 million pounds. Two assists including a magnificent inch perfect long pass to Saha who setup the third goal for Cristiano Ronaldo. The scoreline might’ve been a little unfair to Bolton who showed their resiliency midway through the first half and showed some promises in the beginning of the second half, although at the end of the day Manchester United fully deserved to win, and not only winning, but winning with style, a flowing football style that was the characteristic of the Cantona-led team during the 90s that ignited the English football. Brilliant!!

The defense finally leaked

In a game where Peyton Manning showed the world why he got picked first before Ryan Leaf –oh yeah if anyone still remembers this guy — Denver defense finally leaked, and not only leaked out but is sent back from immortality that was hyped after an inspiring start to the season. It didn’t surprise to me that they finally gave up the TD, but to give up over 30+ points playing at home against a team that has lost their running game is a little too disappointed. The Broncos offense finally contributed positively, with Plummer’s ratings above 100, but it’s the same story that keeps repeating in each of every Broncos’ lost to the Colts, a weak secondary that is overly exposed by Manning’s perfection in reading coverage and adjusting the play at scrimmage. This time, it wasn’t Lenny Walls, but it’s Darrent Williams, who prior to this game hasn’t been that much exposed and contributed hugely to the Denver’s defense from the successful secondary focused draft class.

It’s a disappointing loss, especially when it happened at home, breaking up a streak, but losing this game early on is much better than rollin’ high only to lost like this in the playoff. I’m speaking with the assumption that the Broncos will make it to the playoff, and I do believe they will, although competition is now tight with both Chargers and your truly Broncos sitting altogether at the summit of AFC West at 5-2.

Next stop: @ Pittsburgh!!

Kernel

These few days I’ve been busy with recompiling my Linux 2.6 kernel to include support for DRI, of which I need to have my brand new 1440×900 widescreen LCD to show-up nicely. It’s been quite a while since I last messing around with the kernel, and I need to refresh some of my memory, especially on changing the Makefile and where to find my config file! I’ll post more on this later on.

Oh and back to the beginning of the story, well, that’s it folks. It’s almost Wednesday here in Singapore, have a good the rest of the week!