On Tuesday Liverpool went out of the Champions League at the hands of Chelsea yet again. Last year was the semi-finals but we met them this time in the quarters. It was somewhat of an expected result as we went into that match down 3-1 and needed a score line like 3-0, 3-1 or 4-2 at Chelsea to stay alive. It seemed possible after a 2-0 start before the Chels pulled back to 2-2 and then 3-2. I was about to throw in the towel but we then pulled back 2 quick goals to be ahead 4-3.... we only needed one more goal. At this point we had pulled 2 defenders in favor of attacking players and Frank Lampard (thankfully it wasn't Drogba) put the nail in to bring the match to 4-4 and the entire tie to 7-5 for the Londoners. That's the summary but here are my thoughts....
-Unlike last year, we are likely to finish ahead of the Blues in the league... small consolation unless we can catch United and win it all.
-I know that I'm supposed to hate Everton and Man U above all but I think I speak for many Reds when I say that I now hate Chelsea because...
-Ditier Drogba was an absolute disgrace to the concept of sports. Though he was the biggest guy on the field he was constantly falling around and whining like the petulant baby that I always suspected he was. Once, he was 'injured' near the sideline, laying off the pitch - which meant play could continue. Unhappy with a lack of attention he actually ROLLED out onto the pitch to obstruct play and force the official to stop the match. I think he should have been carded but I don't know the exact rules on this.
-Drogs also goaded and antagonized the visiting Reds all game... technically a bookable offense as well.
-Ashley (AKA Cashly) Cole. There was a clear replay of him purposely heading a ball over the end line while SIMULTANEOUSLY raising his hand to claim that it was Chelsea ball. He meant to knock it out... he knew that he alone was making contact... and yet he still cheated Liverpool out of corner. Disgraceful.
Also...
Wednesday was Man U-Porto and Arsenal-Villareal. Nothing really interesting to add on the games themselves (England 2 - Iberian Peninsula 0) however I did have an epiphany.
Wayne Rooney should play for us. Ignoring the fact that while he's from Liverpool, he's actually an Evertonian, he is made for LFC. Man U is the shiniest, sexiest football brand in the world. Beckham, Ronaldo, Berbatov... their goal is to get that red jersey on every woman on the planet.
Rooney looks like Shrek. I'm not being insulting... lots of people have mentioned this fact. Even his ears are right.... very weird. But last night I saw him get his ankle rolled over on a tackle from behind and his knees never hit turf. He lost the ball and limped around until he could run again. Amazing skill, absolute toughness. I love Dirk Kuyt for many of these some attributes but he isn't in Rooney's class. Never going to happen but I can dream.
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Have you seen the video where Rio Ferdinand punks Wayne Rooney at the dog shelter? Pretty funny.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, he looks exactly like Shrek. Anyone who says differently hasn't seen the movie.
I have been accused of being schizophrenic this week, so add another footy follower to your list in lieu of my alternate personality.
I'm surprised I haven't heard much about Shakhtar. They and Dynamo Kiev are both now in the semis of the UEFA Cup!
ReplyDeleteThe Liverpool Chelsea game was sure entertaining for a neutral observer though. I really don't care who wins this thing now, as long as it isn't Arsenal. I would be happy with United in the final against either Chelsea or Barca. Both of those games would be a good matchup (best in the world imo going at it or a re-match up last year's epic final!) Anyone but the scum!
Sadly, the only Liverpool I've been able to catch was the 1st half of the 1st leg, as I was either asleep (working nights) or at work. However, I have been able to catch most of Barca's dismanteling of tht team from Muchen - and I have to say I'm pretty darn impressed with their attacking front.
ReplyDeleteSince I don't really have a horse in the race, I'll be chearing for Barca - as much as that may pain others. I would also agree about the Shrek-like features of Rooney. Even in his post match interview suit - hilarious!
Oh, and thanks for the shout out for the .5 - my goal is to give him a strong appreciation of the art of game (as opposed to the art of the dive).
On that note, did you guys catch the Brazilian debacle with that coach punching the ref - oh, South American footy - just import your greater players to europe and wash your hands of it all...