THE FOOTBALL THREAD Vol 2
- Thread starter fgl
- Start date
fgl
Well-known member
:mrgreen:
good! Ihaveent signed up, probably wont
so..
can I come ovver to watch at your houe?
I bring the keropok :mrgreen:
good! Ihaveent signed up, probably wont
so..
can I come ovver to watch at your houe?
I bring the keropok :mrgreen:
jeepers
New member
fgl: Depends on which team you support! 
wylde: I think it's still $10.70 now. I signed up when it was still $10.70. 6th May was the last day but they extended again. Not sure till when though.
Portsmouth leading by a solitary goal now, but I actually think Cardiff could nick it by a goal. 2-1 to Cardiff!
wylde: I think it's still $10.70 now. I signed up when it was still $10.70. 6th May was the last day but they extended again. Not sure till when though.
Portsmouth leading by a solitary goal now, but I actually think Cardiff could nick it by a goal. 2-1 to Cardiff!
fgl
Well-known member
Internationals: Countries call on Gunners stars
Arsenal.com's International Watch reports back to base on those who have temporarily swapped the red of Arsenal for the colours of their national sides. Read on for the latest news on how they all got on. Arsenal.com will have the latest injury news from Arsène Wenger's press conference on Friday.
William Gallas, Mathieu Flamini
France v Ecuador, May 27, France v Paraguay, 31 May, France v Columbia, June 3
Gunners captain William Gallas has been chosen for France's upcoming international friendlies against Ecuador, Paraguay and Colombia between May 27 and June 3. Mathieu Flamini is also included.
Cesc Fabregas
Euro 2008
Midfielder Cesc Fabregas is in Spain's squad for this summer's European Championships in Austria and Switzerland.
Gilberto
Brazil v Canada, May 31, Brazil v Venezuela, June 6, Paraguay v Brazil, June 15, Brazil v Argentina, June 18
Gilberto has been included in Brazil's friendly fixtures against Canada, Venezuela and the World Cup 2010 qualifiers against Paraguay and Argentina.
Kolo Toure, Emmanuel Eboue
Kirin Cup
Both Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Eboue will join up with the Ivory Coast for the Kirin Cup in Japan, and the subsequent World Cup qualifiers.
Jens Lehmann
Germany v Belarus, May 27, Germany v Serbia, May 31
Jens Lehmann is in the German squad for the matches against Belarus and Serbia on May 27 and 31.
Lukasz Fabianski
Bosnia-Herzegovina v Poland, May 27, Poland v Denmark, June 1
Lukasz Fabianski will join up with the Polish squad for fixtures against Bosnia-Herzegovina on May 27 and then Denmark on June 1.
Emmanuel Adebayor
Togo v Libya, May 22, Togo v Zambia, May 31, Swaziland v Togo, June 8
Emmanuel Adebayor has been selected for Togo's World Cup qualifying fixtures against Libya on May 22, Zambia on May 31 and Swaziland on June 8
Arsenal.com's International Watch reports back to base on those who have temporarily swapped the red of Arsenal for the colours of their national sides. Read on for the latest news on how they all got on. Arsenal.com will have the latest injury news from Arsène Wenger's press conference on Friday.
William Gallas, Mathieu Flamini
France v Ecuador, May 27, France v Paraguay, 31 May, France v Columbia, June 3
Gunners captain William Gallas has been chosen for France's upcoming international friendlies against Ecuador, Paraguay and Colombia between May 27 and June 3. Mathieu Flamini is also included.
Cesc Fabregas
Euro 2008
Midfielder Cesc Fabregas is in Spain's squad for this summer's European Championships in Austria and Switzerland.
Gilberto
Brazil v Canada, May 31, Brazil v Venezuela, June 6, Paraguay v Brazil, June 15, Brazil v Argentina, June 18
Gilberto has been included in Brazil's friendly fixtures against Canada, Venezuela and the World Cup 2010 qualifiers against Paraguay and Argentina.
Kolo Toure, Emmanuel Eboue
Kirin Cup
Both Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Eboue will join up with the Ivory Coast for the Kirin Cup in Japan, and the subsequent World Cup qualifiers.
Jens Lehmann
Germany v Belarus, May 27, Germany v Serbia, May 31
Jens Lehmann is in the German squad for the matches against Belarus and Serbia on May 27 and 31.
Lukasz Fabianski
Bosnia-Herzegovina v Poland, May 27, Poland v Denmark, June 1
Lukasz Fabianski will join up with the Polish squad for fixtures against Bosnia-Herzegovina on May 27 and then Denmark on June 1.
Emmanuel Adebayor
Togo v Libya, May 22, Togo v Zambia, May 31, Swaziland v Togo, June 8
Emmanuel Adebayor has been selected for Togo's World Cup qualifying fixtures against Libya on May 22, Zambia on May 31 and Swaziland on June 8
fgl
Well-known member
SEASON REVIEW WEEK
Season Review Week: The keepers and the defenders
Season Review Week continues today on Arsenal.com with a positional look back at the campaign just gone.
Arsenal.com Editor Richard Clarke starts with men who aim to stop the goals going in, from the goalkeepers to the back four.
Thursday: the midfielders and strikers
GOALKEEPERS
The tale of Arsenal’s goalkeepers starts and ends with Jens Lehmann. Just 52 seconds into the season, his error allowed David Healy to put Fulham ahead and a blooper against Blackburn would follow a couple of weeks later. Certainly those mistakes were to colour Lehmann’s campaign, however the Arsenal fans are no fools. That’s why the final few minutes of the final home game belonged to the 38-year-old.
He was afforded a 17-minute cameo at the end of the Everton game and, at full time, stood in the centre circle bowing to all four stands of Emirates Stadium. They responded with a rousing respect. It was Lehmann’s 199th appearance for Arsenal. He leaves in the summer with a legacy of quality, consistency plus a dash of eccentricity.
But, remember, those errors did not see him lose his place. It was actually an Achilles injury that forced Lehmann out of the side and, when he came back, he immediately picked up an elbow problem playing for Germany. By time he was back and fully fit, Manuel Almunia was established.
The Spaniard came into the side against table-topping Manchester City and made a crucial save from Emile Mpenza in a tight 1-0 win. In November he played every minute and in December made the crucial contribution to Arsenal’s 2-1 win over Tottenham at Emirates Stadium when he stopped Robbie Keane’s penalty.
It was probably his save of the season. The only other real contender is the sprawling effort from a Gary Cahill header at Bolton. It prevented the home side going 3-0 up against 10-men Arsenal and, with it, heralded the comeback of the season. Despite securing his No 1 place, Almunia made way for Lukasz Fabianski at the end of the season. The 23-year-old Polish international had burst onto the scene with stirring displays in the Carling Cup. However the 5-1 defeat at Tottenham was surely a big blow. Still, his part in the victories over Derby, Everton and Sunderland suggest there is more to come from Fabianski. As Wenger has already said, he'll be No 2 to Almunia next season. Vito Mannone and Wojciech Szczesny wait in the wings.
DEFENDERS
It’s official - Arsenal have the best full backs in the Premier League. Bacary Sagna and Gael Clichy both made it into the division’s Team of the Year. Given that the award reflects the views of fellow professionals it is worthy of the highest respect.
You could argue both were starting rookie years. Clichy had never started a campaign as first-choice left back; remember he was injured at the start of last season and missed a couple of months. In fact Arsene Wenger later said the biggest achievement of Clichy’s season had not been his form - fine though it was - but his fitness throughout the campaign. The Frenchman was the only player to figure in all 38 Premiership games - and I challenge you to remember one that was less than excellent. In fact here’s another question - can you name a better uncapped player in the Premier League right now?
Sagna was comparable. Save from Patrick Vieira, no foreign signing has settled so quickly at Arsenal. Powerful, quick, direct, he hit the opposition byline more often than you thought a full back ever could. In November, the 24-year-old put in three assists in four games and, in March at Chelsea, scored his first goal as a professional. His skyward celebration made it clear who the goal was dedicated to. It seems Sagna’s internal strength is as great as his physical power. The ankle injury he suffered at Stamford Bridge seemed to unbalance the Arsenal defence in that game and in the crucial ones that followed. Along with the draw at Birmingham, it was perhaps the pivotal moment of the season.
As for centre backs, the mainstays were Kolo Toure and William Gallas once again. The latter had been a surprise choice as captain at the start of the campaign but he responded well. Certain question marks were raised towards the end of the season about this position but, in October/November, this duo and Philippe Senderos combined to give Arsenal seven clean sheets in eight games.
Gallas also popped up with crucial goals against Chelsea and Manchester United at Emirates Stadium late in the year. Toure hit only two goals, the second secured a late point at home to Middlesbrough in April.
That was in the decisive period of Arsenal’s season; the six weeks when a five-point lead turned into an unassailable deficit. Undoubtedly Sagna’s absence was a factor. Football is a game full of interdependent factors so it is often far too simplistic to suggest A led to B led to C. However the loss of the Frenchman was felt immediately and - by the time it was accounted for - Arsenal’s title aspirations were all but over.
Arsène Wenger has said that Arsenal’s goals conceded tally must be improved next season. They let in 31 Premier League strikes last term. That is the worst of the top four and nine more than champions Manchester United. Meanwhile their record of 15 clean-sheets does not even put them in their leading quartet. But, as with the rest of Arsenal's campaign, it will take tweaking, not surgery, to put it right.
Season Review Week: The keepers and the defenders
Season Review Week continues today on Arsenal.com with a positional look back at the campaign just gone.
Arsenal.com Editor Richard Clarke starts with men who aim to stop the goals going in, from the goalkeepers to the back four.
Thursday: the midfielders and strikers
GOALKEEPERS
The tale of Arsenal’s goalkeepers starts and ends with Jens Lehmann. Just 52 seconds into the season, his error allowed David Healy to put Fulham ahead and a blooper against Blackburn would follow a couple of weeks later. Certainly those mistakes were to colour Lehmann’s campaign, however the Arsenal fans are no fools. That’s why the final few minutes of the final home game belonged to the 38-year-old.
He was afforded a 17-minute cameo at the end of the Everton game and, at full time, stood in the centre circle bowing to all four stands of Emirates Stadium. They responded with a rousing respect. It was Lehmann’s 199th appearance for Arsenal. He leaves in the summer with a legacy of quality, consistency plus a dash of eccentricity.
But, remember, those errors did not see him lose his place. It was actually an Achilles injury that forced Lehmann out of the side and, when he came back, he immediately picked up an elbow problem playing for Germany. By time he was back and fully fit, Manuel Almunia was established.
The Spaniard came into the side against table-topping Manchester City and made a crucial save from Emile Mpenza in a tight 1-0 win. In November he played every minute and in December made the crucial contribution to Arsenal’s 2-1 win over Tottenham at Emirates Stadium when he stopped Robbie Keane’s penalty.
It was probably his save of the season. The only other real contender is the sprawling effort from a Gary Cahill header at Bolton. It prevented the home side going 3-0 up against 10-men Arsenal and, with it, heralded the comeback of the season. Despite securing his No 1 place, Almunia made way for Lukasz Fabianski at the end of the season. The 23-year-old Polish international had burst onto the scene with stirring displays in the Carling Cup. However the 5-1 defeat at Tottenham was surely a big blow. Still, his part in the victories over Derby, Everton and Sunderland suggest there is more to come from Fabianski. As Wenger has already said, he'll be No 2 to Almunia next season. Vito Mannone and Wojciech Szczesny wait in the wings.
DEFENDERS
It’s official - Arsenal have the best full backs in the Premier League. Bacary Sagna and Gael Clichy both made it into the division’s Team of the Year. Given that the award reflects the views of fellow professionals it is worthy of the highest respect.
You could argue both were starting rookie years. Clichy had never started a campaign as first-choice left back; remember he was injured at the start of last season and missed a couple of months. In fact Arsene Wenger later said the biggest achievement of Clichy’s season had not been his form - fine though it was - but his fitness throughout the campaign. The Frenchman was the only player to figure in all 38 Premiership games - and I challenge you to remember one that was less than excellent. In fact here’s another question - can you name a better uncapped player in the Premier League right now?
Sagna was comparable. Save from Patrick Vieira, no foreign signing has settled so quickly at Arsenal. Powerful, quick, direct, he hit the opposition byline more often than you thought a full back ever could. In November, the 24-year-old put in three assists in four games and, in March at Chelsea, scored his first goal as a professional. His skyward celebration made it clear who the goal was dedicated to. It seems Sagna’s internal strength is as great as his physical power. The ankle injury he suffered at Stamford Bridge seemed to unbalance the Arsenal defence in that game and in the crucial ones that followed. Along with the draw at Birmingham, it was perhaps the pivotal moment of the season.
As for centre backs, the mainstays were Kolo Toure and William Gallas once again. The latter had been a surprise choice as captain at the start of the campaign but he responded well. Certain question marks were raised towards the end of the season about this position but, in October/November, this duo and Philippe Senderos combined to give Arsenal seven clean sheets in eight games.
Gallas also popped up with crucial goals against Chelsea and Manchester United at Emirates Stadium late in the year. Toure hit only two goals, the second secured a late point at home to Middlesbrough in April.
That was in the decisive period of Arsenal’s season; the six weeks when a five-point lead turned into an unassailable deficit. Undoubtedly Sagna’s absence was a factor. Football is a game full of interdependent factors so it is often far too simplistic to suggest A led to B led to C. However the loss of the Frenchman was felt immediately and - by the time it was accounted for - Arsenal’s title aspirations were all but over.
Arsène Wenger has said that Arsenal’s goals conceded tally must be improved next season. They let in 31 Premier League strikes last term. That is the worst of the top four and nine more than champions Manchester United. Meanwhile their record of 15 clean-sheets does not even put them in their leading quartet. But, as with the rest of Arsenal's campaign, it will take tweaking, not surgery, to put it right.
Deanz
New member
Kings of Europe
United: Kings of Europe!
Edwin van der Sar was the hero as United were crowned champions of Europe for the third time after a dramatic penalty shoot-out victory over Chelsea at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow.
Forty years after first winning the European Cup at Wembley in 1968, and 50 years since the Munich tragedy, fate played a big part as a dramatic Champions League final went to penalties.
After Cristiano Ronaldo had missed his kick for United, John Terry had the chance to win the cup for Chelsea, but the Blues skipper slipped on the run up and his penalty hit the post. After Anderson and Giggs, plus Kalou for Chelsea, then converted, Nicolas Anelka's sudden death shot was finally saved by van der Sar, sparking jubilant scenes among United’s rain-soaked travelling contingent.
Cristiano Ronaldo had given United a 26th minute lead with a header from Wes Brown’s cross in a first half which the Reds dominated. Carlos Tevez had two clear chances to put United 2-0 ahead, but his efforts were well saved by Chelsea keeper Petr Cech, who also denied Michael Carrick.
Chelsea gained a foothold in the game in the final few minutes of the first half, and equalised with almost the last kick of the half, when a deflected Michael Essien shot fell kindly for Frank Lampard, who beat Rio Ferdinand and Van der Sar.
The Londoners dominated the second half and Didier Drogba struck the post, before Frank Lampard did likewise in extra time. Ryan Giggs, making a club-record breaking 759th appearance for the Reds, spurned United’s best chance.
In the second period of extra time, Drogba was red carded for a slap on Nemanja Vidic, but despite the one man advantage, the Reds couldn’t
United: Kings of Europe!
Edwin van der Sar was the hero as United were crowned champions of Europe for the third time after a dramatic penalty shoot-out victory over Chelsea at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow.
Forty years after first winning the European Cup at Wembley in 1968, and 50 years since the Munich tragedy, fate played a big part as a dramatic Champions League final went to penalties.
After Cristiano Ronaldo had missed his kick for United, John Terry had the chance to win the cup for Chelsea, but the Blues skipper slipped on the run up and his penalty hit the post. After Anderson and Giggs, plus Kalou for Chelsea, then converted, Nicolas Anelka's sudden death shot was finally saved by van der Sar, sparking jubilant scenes among United’s rain-soaked travelling contingent.
Cristiano Ronaldo had given United a 26th minute lead with a header from Wes Brown’s cross in a first half which the Reds dominated. Carlos Tevez had two clear chances to put United 2-0 ahead, but his efforts were well saved by Chelsea keeper Petr Cech, who also denied Michael Carrick.
Chelsea gained a foothold in the game in the final few minutes of the first half, and equalised with almost the last kick of the half, when a deflected Michael Essien shot fell kindly for Frank Lampard, who beat Rio Ferdinand and Van der Sar.
The Londoners dominated the second half and Didier Drogba struck the post, before Frank Lampard did likewise in extra time. Ryan Giggs, making a club-record breaking 759th appearance for the Reds, spurned United’s best chance.
In the second period of extra time, Drogba was red carded for a slap on Nemanja Vidic, but despite the one man advantage, the Reds couldn’t
Deanz
New member
Double Winners
22/05/2008 03:50, Report by Gemma Thompson in MoscowPAGE: 1 2
Reds overjoyed at double glory
The Reds were overjoyed after claiming a Champions League final victory over Chelsea in dramatic fashion in Moscow on Wednesday night.
Edwin van der Sar's penalty shoot-out save from Nicolas Anelka handed United only their third ever European Cup and ensured the Reds finished the season as double winners.
Here's what the lads had to say to ManUtd.com afterwards...
Cristiano Ronaldo
We showed this season that we are the best team in Europe and in England and it’s a great feeling. Next season we will try to do the same. I feel very proud. It means everything to me - it is the happiest day of my life.
Nemanja Vidic
The game against Manchester City [which marked the 50th anniversary of the Munich air crash] was very disappointing and we still remember that. But I think we made up for it in Moscow and by winning the league and gave the fans what they wanted.
Edwin van der Sar
Of course, nights like this are what you dream of. It’s been 13 years – a long time – since I last won the competition and it feels fantastic, especially in the way we won it. It was the last penalty – saving it - I don't have any words for it. What can I say? It's great.
Rio Ferdinand
I said before the game that you’re only really considered a great player at this club when you win the Champions League. There have been a lot of top players to play for the club, but to be revered by the fans and everyone associated with United by becoming a European champion sets you apart from others.
Wayne Rooney
I hope we can win it again. Doing it this year has given us a taste for it and we want to do well again next season. We’ve got some great young players in the squad mixed with experience, so hopefully we can do well again.
Michael Carrick
When you take a penalty you’ve got to have the belief in yourself that you’re going to score and obviously hope for the best! You know there is always someone who’s going to have to miss and you pray it’s not you.
22/05/2008 03:50, Report by Gemma Thompson in MoscowPAGE: 1 2
Reds overjoyed at double glory
The Reds were overjoyed after claiming a Champions League final victory over Chelsea in dramatic fashion in Moscow on Wednesday night.
Edwin van der Sar's penalty shoot-out save from Nicolas Anelka handed United only their third ever European Cup and ensured the Reds finished the season as double winners.
Here's what the lads had to say to ManUtd.com afterwards...
Cristiano Ronaldo
We showed this season that we are the best team in Europe and in England and it’s a great feeling. Next season we will try to do the same. I feel very proud. It means everything to me - it is the happiest day of my life.
Nemanja Vidic
The game against Manchester City [which marked the 50th anniversary of the Munich air crash] was very disappointing and we still remember that. But I think we made up for it in Moscow and by winning the league and gave the fans what they wanted.
Edwin van der Sar
Of course, nights like this are what you dream of. It’s been 13 years – a long time – since I last won the competition and it feels fantastic, especially in the way we won it. It was the last penalty – saving it - I don't have any words for it. What can I say? It's great.
Rio Ferdinand
I said before the game that you’re only really considered a great player at this club when you win the Champions League. There have been a lot of top players to play for the club, but to be revered by the fans and everyone associated with United by becoming a European champion sets you apart from others.
Wayne Rooney
I hope we can win it again. Doing it this year has given us a taste for it and we want to do well again next season. We’ve got some great young players in the squad mixed with experience, so hopefully we can do well again.
Michael Carrick
When you take a penalty you’ve got to have the belief in yourself that you’re going to score and obviously hope for the best! You know there is always someone who’s going to have to miss and you pray it’s not you.
Deanz
New member
Proud Boss
21/05/2008 22:30, Report by Jon Crampin
Boss proud of his Moscow marvels
Sir Alex Ferguson paid tribute to his newly-crowned European champions, claiming that his current side could become the greatest in the club's history.
“I think this has got the makings of our best ever team,” Sir Alex told TV reporters after the final penalty kick confirmed United's glorious victory.
“This is an amazing achievement, it’s fantastic. As a club, we started the sojourn into Europe in 1955. And we deserve to get this trophy now.”
Sir Alex also felt his side’s third European triumph was written in the stars, coming 50 years after the Munich air disaster and 40 years after the Reds first lifted the European Cup at Wembley in 1968.
“I think there was a sense of fate about it. It was also my first penalty shoot out win in a big game. I’ve won Charity Shields, European Cups, Scottish Cups, but this is the first one in a big game.”
“I think we deserved to win the game,” he continued. “In the first half we were fantastic and we should have been 3-0 up. But they scored right on half time, they got a lucky break there, and I thought Chelsea were the better side in the second half.
“But in extra time we got better and I’m just delighted for all the people here and my players. I’m very proud of my team.”
21/05/2008 22:30, Report by Jon Crampin
Boss proud of his Moscow marvels
Sir Alex Ferguson paid tribute to his newly-crowned European champions, claiming that his current side could become the greatest in the club's history.
“I think this has got the makings of our best ever team,” Sir Alex told TV reporters after the final penalty kick confirmed United's glorious victory.
“This is an amazing achievement, it’s fantastic. As a club, we started the sojourn into Europe in 1955. And we deserve to get this trophy now.”
Sir Alex also felt his side’s third European triumph was written in the stars, coming 50 years after the Munich air disaster and 40 years after the Reds first lifted the European Cup at Wembley in 1968.
“I think there was a sense of fate about it. It was also my first penalty shoot out win in a big game. I’ve won Charity Shields, European Cups, Scottish Cups, but this is the first one in a big game.”
“I think we deserved to win the game,” he continued. “In the first half we were fantastic and we should have been 3-0 up. But they scored right on half time, they got a lucky break there, and I thought Chelsea were the better side in the second half.
“But in extra time we got better and I’m just delighted for all the people here and my players. I’m very proud of my team.”
Deanz
New member
Moscow Gold Rush
United strike gold in shoot-out
Wednesday 21 May 2008
Match report by Andrew Haslam from Luzhniki Stadium
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United's players enjoy the taste of victory (©Getty Images)
Photos/Wallpapers »
Almost ten months after launching their season with a shoot-out victory over Chelsea FC, Manchester United FC repeated the feat in the UEFA Champions League final with Edwin van der Sar saving from Nicolas Anelka to take the trophy to Old Trafford for a third time.
High drama
Sir Alex Ferguson's team had prevailed 3-0 on penalties in the FA Community Shield on 5 August after a 1-1 draw but the prospect of a repeat looked distant when Cristiano Ronaldo headed them into a deserved 26th-minute lead. Chelsea equalised 19 minutes later through Frank Lampard, however, and they appeared more likely winners thereafter, Didier Drogba and Lampard both striking the woodwork.
Dreamland
Despite Drogba's dismissal for slapping Nemanja Vidić deep into extra time, the ten men had the ultimate prize within reach after Petr Čech's save from Ronaldo's penalty but John Terry fired wide at 4-4 when his kick would have clinched victory. Three conversions later, Van der Sar outwitted Anelka and United were in dreamland.
Ronaldo delight
Given this final featured the best two defences in the Premier League it was perhaps little surprise both sides began cautiously. Owen Hargreaves, making a lively start down United's right, gave an early test to Ashley Cole - fully recovered from an ankle injury suffered in training on Tuesday - by delivering two dangerous balls into the area and almost getting on the end of Ronaldo's left-wing centre. From the Portuguese international's second significant contribution, United were ahead. Wes Brown played a one-two with Paul Scholes on the right touchline and cut inside to deliver a deep cross to the far post, where Ronaldo peeled away from Michael Essien to nod his first goal against Chelsea, netting just inside Čech's right-hand post.
Tempo rising
Michael Ballack drove over from the edge of the box as Chelsea sought an instant response, but at the half-hour Avram Grant's men had managed just 38 per cent of possession. For all that, United's lead might have disappeared but for the reflexes of the 37-year-old Van der Sar, the Dutchman making an instinctive save at point-blank range to keep out Rio Ferdinand's inadvertent header under pressure from Ballack. The tempo was rising and within seconds, Chelsea could have fallen two behind at the other end. Wayne Rooney's fabulous long pass launched a counterattack from which Čech made stops to deny first Carlos Tévez's header then Michael Carrick's follow-up shot.
Lampard leveller
Tévez next passed up another presentable opening from Rooney's low right-wing centre and Chelsea took advantage of this profligacy on the stroke of half-time. Lampard reacted quickest to slip the ball beyond Van der Sar after Essien's speculative long-range effort had struck both Vidić and Ferdinand. Having got back into the game, Chelsea were eager to build on their equaliser and might have been in front within ten minutes of the restart. Florent Malouda sent Essien away down the right and the Ghanaian turned away from two defenders on the edge of the area, only to direct a left-foot attempt too high. Ballack then sliced wide as the United defence parted invitingly.
Drogba denied
Before kick-off, the United end of the ground had displayed a series of cards spelling out one simple message: Believe. With Ballack and midfield partner Lampard growing in influence, however, that conviction now seemed exclusively Chelsea's and they came closer than ever to a second goal with 12 minutes left when Drogba, out of nothing, curled a shot from 25 metres beyond Van der Sar but off the goalkeeper's left-hand upright. Ryan Giggs came on after 87 minutes to make a record-breaking 759th United appearance, yet with tension setting in neither side were willing to risk defeat and commit men forward.
Overtime tension
Still, Chelsea continued to look more enterprising and early in extra time they rattled the woodwork again as Ashley Cole and Ballack set up Lampard for an improvised shot that came back off the bar with Van der Sar beaten. Terry then blocked Giggs's goalbound strike after Patrice Evra's low centre had taken Čech out of the game. The ebb and flow of attacks continued, with the only advantage gained being United's after Drogba was dismissed for raising a hand to Vidić. That seemed not to matter when Ronaldo missed United's third kick of the shoot-out, but Chelsea's moment passed with Terry's slip and Van der Sar's subsequent glory-grabbing save.
©uefa.com 1998-2008. All rights reserved.
United strike gold in shoot-out
Wednesday 21 May 2008
Match report by Andrew Haslam from Luzhniki Stadium
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United's players enjoy the taste of victory (©Getty Images)
Photos/Wallpapers »
Almost ten months after launching their season with a shoot-out victory over Chelsea FC, Manchester United FC repeated the feat in the UEFA Champions League final with Edwin van der Sar saving from Nicolas Anelka to take the trophy to Old Trafford for a third time.
High drama
Sir Alex Ferguson's team had prevailed 3-0 on penalties in the FA Community Shield on 5 August after a 1-1 draw but the prospect of a repeat looked distant when Cristiano Ronaldo headed them into a deserved 26th-minute lead. Chelsea equalised 19 minutes later through Frank Lampard, however, and they appeared more likely winners thereafter, Didier Drogba and Lampard both striking the woodwork.
Dreamland
Despite Drogba's dismissal for slapping Nemanja Vidić deep into extra time, the ten men had the ultimate prize within reach after Petr Čech's save from Ronaldo's penalty but John Terry fired wide at 4-4 when his kick would have clinched victory. Three conversions later, Van der Sar outwitted Anelka and United were in dreamland.
Ronaldo delight
Given this final featured the best two defences in the Premier League it was perhaps little surprise both sides began cautiously. Owen Hargreaves, making a lively start down United's right, gave an early test to Ashley Cole - fully recovered from an ankle injury suffered in training on Tuesday - by delivering two dangerous balls into the area and almost getting on the end of Ronaldo's left-wing centre. From the Portuguese international's second significant contribution, United were ahead. Wes Brown played a one-two with Paul Scholes on the right touchline and cut inside to deliver a deep cross to the far post, where Ronaldo peeled away from Michael Essien to nod his first goal against Chelsea, netting just inside Čech's right-hand post.
Tempo rising
Michael Ballack drove over from the edge of the box as Chelsea sought an instant response, but at the half-hour Avram Grant's men had managed just 38 per cent of possession. For all that, United's lead might have disappeared but for the reflexes of the 37-year-old Van der Sar, the Dutchman making an instinctive save at point-blank range to keep out Rio Ferdinand's inadvertent header under pressure from Ballack. The tempo was rising and within seconds, Chelsea could have fallen two behind at the other end. Wayne Rooney's fabulous long pass launched a counterattack from which Čech made stops to deny first Carlos Tévez's header then Michael Carrick's follow-up shot.
Lampard leveller
Tévez next passed up another presentable opening from Rooney's low right-wing centre and Chelsea took advantage of this profligacy on the stroke of half-time. Lampard reacted quickest to slip the ball beyond Van der Sar after Essien's speculative long-range effort had struck both Vidić and Ferdinand. Having got back into the game, Chelsea were eager to build on their equaliser and might have been in front within ten minutes of the restart. Florent Malouda sent Essien away down the right and the Ghanaian turned away from two defenders on the edge of the area, only to direct a left-foot attempt too high. Ballack then sliced wide as the United defence parted invitingly.
Drogba denied
Before kick-off, the United end of the ground had displayed a series of cards spelling out one simple message: Believe. With Ballack and midfield partner Lampard growing in influence, however, that conviction now seemed exclusively Chelsea's and they came closer than ever to a second goal with 12 minutes left when Drogba, out of nothing, curled a shot from 25 metres beyond Van der Sar but off the goalkeeper's left-hand upright. Ryan Giggs came on after 87 minutes to make a record-breaking 759th United appearance, yet with tension setting in neither side were willing to risk defeat and commit men forward.
Overtime tension
Still, Chelsea continued to look more enterprising and early in extra time they rattled the woodwork again as Ashley Cole and Ballack set up Lampard for an improvised shot that came back off the bar with Van der Sar beaten. Terry then blocked Giggs's goalbound strike after Patrice Evra's low centre had taken Čech out of the game. The ebb and flow of attacks continued, with the only advantage gained being United's after Drogba was dismissed for raising a hand to Vidić. That seemed not to matter when Ronaldo missed United's third kick of the shoot-out, but Chelsea's moment passed with Terry's slip and Van der Sar's subsequent glory-grabbing save.
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wylde
New member
Blame it on Drogba,Chelsea fans..if he was not sent off,he would have maybe taken a penalty instead of Terry..
another idiot is Nicholas Anelka..gd thing he`s not in Arsenal anymore..haha
Chelsea have to wake up from this defeat and move on..wonder what Roman must be thinking now?
As for Man u..congraulations...a well deserverd win.Ronaldo is one lucky son of a gun as far as his missed penalty goes..
another idiot is Nicholas Anelka..gd thing he`s not in Arsenal anymore..haha
Chelsea have to wake up from this defeat and move on..wonder what Roman must be thinking now?
As for Man u..congraulations...a well deserverd win.Ronaldo is one lucky son of a gun as far as his missed penalty goes..
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