Champions' League semi-finals - II

Chelsea - Liverpool

How fitting that around the same time Quentin Tarantino releases his movie called Grindhouse, its literal footballing equivalent will play itself out in the Champions' League. Step up Liverpool and Chelsea.

Chelsea have been in the odd position of not leading this season. Trailing to United all season in the league, they've had to ensure their consistency is maintained under pressure not normally present. This pressure may be finally getting to them. This past weekend was a classic case in point. Having been given a glimmer of hope with Boro's halting of United, Chelsea themselves fired blanks in a misfiring performance at Newcastle. Jose Mourinho may, for once, have a bit of a point about penalties and United, but it did little to deflect criticism from a rather anaemic performance from his men. If they had won they would have been one point behind United. Having squandered their chance, will their sterility carry over to the Champions League ?

Liverpool on the other hand have been clicking into top gear and coming into form. Rafa Benitez's rotation may have resulted in some of their inconsistency in the league but it has been crucial in their run to another Champions' League semifinal. His safety first attitude has been built on a solid defence with a blend of workmanlike and inspirational attackers in front of them. It all works very well in Europe where Liverpool have been very good churning out wins over PSV, Bordeaux, Galatassaray, Barcelona and PSV again. Without being imperious, they've never quite looked beatable. The question though, is, how will they fare against Chelsea, who are a much more powerful version of themselves.

Liverpool prioritise defence over attack, performance over entertainment. Chelsea do all the same and are masters at getting the whole team to play as a unit from the back forwards. Ominously they have added an element of power to their grinding style. The most notable of these powerhouses, Michael Essien will miss the first leg. But in his stead they ever improving Jon Obi Mikel will probably suit up. As good as Jamie Carragher and Dan Agger have been in the heart of defence for Liverpool, Ricardo Carvalho and John Terry have been more impressive. Their last meeting ended in a a comprehensive win for Liverpool, but more tellingly the last time they met at full strength, Chelsea edged it 1 - 0 back in the germinal stages of the season. Herein lies the greatest irony, Liverpool have been Chelsea's best imitators as far as style goes, yet have somehow managed to be better at it. Chelsea crush other opponents better than Liverpool but against Rafa's men get out-defended.

Chelsea played their best game of the season in their come-from-behind 2-1 win over Valencia in the last round. This might prove telling as Liverpool had a virtual walkover PSV in the second leg. Once again Rafa's deployment of Steven Gerrard may be important but Chelsea's ability to shackle Alonso will be crucial. With their first choice central defensive pairing available, Didier Drogba present and Andriy Shevchenko (finally) coming into some form, Chelsea's threat may be more ominous. On the other hand, Peter Crouch may be Liverpool's most potent attacker, his gangly style producing the goods time and again.

I doubt Jermaine Pennant will make much headway against ex-teammate Ashley Cole down the right and with Carvalho a much better defender positionally than Essien, long balls to Crouch and Kuyt will be dealt with efficiently. Chelsea are still moaning, as usual, about Liverpool's goal that knocked them out 2 seasons ago. This tie will be very close, but it should give the moneyed upstarts from Fulham plenty of opportunity for redemption. Chelsea might be favourites, but only by a bit. This is as watertight as they come.

Champions' League semi-finals - I

Manchester United - Milan

Looking at the upcoming semi-finals of the UEFA Champions' League, it's easy to think it's just another round of the Premiership. With 3 teams hailing from there, there is a definitive English club feel to the round.

Limping into the final stretch of the season, with defenders seemingly falling by the wayside every game, Manchester United have had to rely on outstanding performances from the rest of their playing corps to stay in contention for another possible treble. A generous slice of luck by way of refereeing decisions has helped as well. Whereas Michael Carrick's step up from quiet midfield maestro to goalscoring hero has been timely, the lack of penalties awarded to the opposition in their last 2 premiership outings is every bit as significant. The decision (to not award a penalty) at Sheffield United when Gabriel Heinze took out Luton Shelton may have had no outcome on the game but Darren Fletcher's upending of Dong Lee in their latest game against Middlesborough should have denied them even a point. Contrast those two games with their elimination of said same opponents over two legs in the FA Cup. Whereas the penalty given for Jonathan Woodgate's challenge on Ronaldo in the second leg was arguable, the spot-kick awarded for George Boateng's handball in the first leg was farcical. Make no mistake, as good as United have been this season, their treble charge should really have been contention for a league and Champions' League double.

Still, United have shown that their resilience and mental strength is second to none. At this late stage of the season, the machine that Ferguson has had running smoothly all season is well oiled and gelling fantastically. His two biggest matchwinners in Wayne Rooney and Ronaldo are fit and everyone on the team knows how to compensate for the lack of key personnel. They might be missing three of their first choice back four but they are still favourites over their opponents Milan.

If UEFA were stronger they would have prevented Milan from contesting this year's Champions' League. Having been found guilty of cheating domestically and docked points, it beggars belief that they were allowed to compete in Europe. Money, not merit, runs the modern game. One can only hope the dark influence of the G-14 is quelled somewhat by the new maverick that is Michel Platini.

On the football field, away from the politics, Milan have done well. They've never been overpowering and all conquering but have been quiet and steady. Benefiting from not being one the favourites for the title has played into their hands as they have gone about their business with quiet efficiency. A moderate, if tricky, opening group stage was dealt with minimum fuss. in the round of 16, Celtic were edged in true Milanese fashion. This Milan team under Carlo Ancellotti, has a history of doing just enough to progress in the knockout stages in Europe and they did just that against the Scottish team who ran them very close. Since Ancelotti took them to the top prize in 2003, Milan have been the Champions' League's most consistent team. This is their 3rd straight semifinal appearance and their 4th in 5 years. If it weren't for a spectacular comeback from Deportivo in 2004, Milan would have made 5 consecutive semis.

Their previously injured central defensive rock Alessandro Nesta is back and their 2 attacking aces Kaka and Andrea Pirlo are both fit. With Ronaldo chipping in with crucial goals of late and Rino Gattusso still his imperious midfield self, Milan's prospects, despite being underdogs, seem good. If they let United come on to them, Milan's lack of pace at the back will be telling, but if they attack United from the off and create havoc amongst United's makeshift rearguard, the tie will be interestingly poised. United are favorites, but Milan have a few tricks up their sleeves.

United crush Roma, Liverpool ease past PSV

Manchester United 8 - 3 Roma (on aggregate)

Comprehensive wins for Liverpool and Manchester United along with composed performances by Chelsea and Milan have ensured progression for the quartet to the final four.

United's emphatic win at Old Trafford annihilated whatever advantage Roma had built up in the first leg. Now on, Alexander Doni will probably always move a little to his left after he was beaten on that side five times by United. Given that Roma's centre backs forgot all their positioning and were generally calamitous in their marking, the additional two goals will add further pain to the Roma custodian's memories of this encounter.

One was expecting a home win that built on the away goal. When United scored first you sensed that win might be secured with a degree of comfort not previously imagined. However, once Michael Carrick scored off a quite brilliantly taken shot from just outside the area, the floodgates opened and the ensuing deluge all but swept Roma away.

At the end of it all Roma didn't play that badly, United simply played really well. Whereas most of Roma's shots were off target, even their only goal being an optimistic one-timed volley from De Rossi, almost all of United's shots were bang on the money. An eighth goal was narrowly missed when United hit the post.

Ronaldo's running with the ball, Alan Smith's and Wayne Rooney's running off it and United's long passing onto the wings stretched Roma's rearguard every which way. With both Phillipe Mexes and Christian Chivu completely clueless as to where they should stand, whom to mark and which avenue to cut out, it was left to David Pizzaro and Daniele De Rossi to track back and cut the angles and space out. With the latter two more devoted to game upfield and seemingly unable to prevent the ball from being sprayed diagonally sideways and then back in, there was way too much space just in front of the area. Balls crossed in from the flanks were left to fall to United players running in to tap them home. No one was closed down when they found themselves with the ball just outside the box.

Luciano Spaletti is a brave man, going for the jugular in the away leg, yet in retrospect defending deeper and having his twin midfield anchors protect the back four would have seemed saner and safer. Without taking anything away from the comprehensive United performance, you have to say though that most of their strikes were very opportunistic. Basically all of United's attempted shots went in, every flick on found its way to the right place or person and every cross was met at the right time by a a runner with the right amount of space. Not that this should take anything away from the performance but United should remember that days like this, when just about everything goes your way, do not come regularly. Carrick may try more shots from distance in the future and will fancy going for the top right corner more often, but I doubt he will score many more like that. Even Smith must have been astounded at his good fortune when the ball not only found its way to him, after some typically slack defending from Roma, but his first time shot left Doni rooted. For Roma, nothing came off. After a bright start in which they narrowly missed the far post with some long range drives, and other than Francesco Totti's close control and back pass, everything failed. Even Doni's strike was a lucky, first time, volley that I'm sure he doubted would go in. But on a night in which almost every optimistic strike happened to find the back of the net, it duly obliged.

Still, United showed that for all your technique, skill and artistry, the basics of the game, if done well, will serve you immeasurably even on the grandest stage. Their running was dedicated and their passing simple. Other than Ronaldo who threatened to singlehandedly take Roma apart, no one really displayed individual brilliance. But off every attack, there were runners accelerating into avenues and0 balls was always played into space. And whenever United got a chance, they decided to shoot.

On this performance, United should be the most feared team left in Europe. No one will want to visit Old Trafford now.

Liverpool 4 - 0 PSV (on aggregate)

Liverpool had done most of the hard work in the away leg and barring a miracle were set to go through after the home leg. Peter Crouch ensured that his recent purple patch continued and scored the game-winner but there was little really to write home about.

PSV were decimated by injuries themselves and came out to limit the damage. Phillip Cocu and Jefferson Farfan were the only players on the Dutch side who threatened to score a goal. Watching the body language of both teams you sensed PSV knew they had no chance and Liverpool ensured they did just enough to keep PSV at bay.

Jermaine Pennant sparkled on the right wing and his constant harrying of Carlos Salcido will go a long way towards convincing his biggest critics that he indeed does have a future at a top club. If Pennant does go on to win the Champions' League this year, it will be vindication for his supporters after indiscipline and a lack of focus and motivation threatened to derail his early career.

For all his juggling and rotation Rafa Benitez has instilled a defensive solidity to this Liverpool side. Now that they are coming together on the opposite side of the pitch, their play is more balanced and structured. Balls are quickly played out of defence and onto the wings or a runner moving towards the middle. They are clinical without being spectacular and while keeping things simple have managed to add a degree of poise to their style. However their approach often takes time. Against teams with more effort and discipline (read next opponents Chelsea) it may run aground.

Despite their lead, it took debutant Dirk Marcellis' dismissal to finally breach PSV's net. In fact throughout this tie PSV have not tried as hard as they could have (or should have) and the onus has been completely on Liverpool to find a way through. Whereas being 4-0 up on aggregate should have given Liverpool license to attack more freely, Rafa's approach has meant they will simply lock down and grind away till the end. Liverpool may have rested best players in Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher while pacey threat Craig Bellamy may have hobbled off with an injury early, but they should still have won with greater aplomb.

No matter, they are arguably one of the toughest sides to beat in a knockout tie and thoroughly deserved their progression against a very poor PSV. The latter should really question their approach. 4 years ago Deportivo La Coruna lost a first leg 4 - 1 to Milan and then triumphed 4 - 0 in the reverse to go through in the Champions' League. Although a 3 goal win in this fixture was unlikely it was not impossible. The defeatism emanating from the Dutch camp was disgusting and on this performance purely denigrating to the Champions' League. Top competition demands total effort, no matter the situation, the professional approach demands nothing less. How fitting then that there is only one remaining domestic champion left.

Premiership Fans Revealed

The Classic Fan at the Bar:

The Arsenal man: Goes for the exotic looking ones. Discards the generally good looking ones. Smooth talking with a slight accent, lots of charming conversation, best looking dance moves... but at the end he still leaves alone. Lad just can't score.

Chelsea: Finds the ugliest looking girl. Goes up, hits her over the head and carries her off over his shoulder.

Liverpool: Goes for the simple types. Talks about the past, throws in the odd joke about pedigree, patriotism and bushy moustaches with a local twist. Does the robot on the dance floor. Very successful in local bars close to home. Usually less so, in remote bars in other towns.

Man United: Spots the easiest looking lass in the joint. Pushes her from behind. After she falls, he picks her up and dusts her down - all the while blaming the Arsenal man a few feet away for knocking her over while drawing attention to the latter's foreign accent. After the knight in shining armour routine, asks if she has any kids, or better yet any grandkids.

Aston Villa: Quiet at first, girls are drawn to his shy yet promising looks. As the conversation goes on, the girl gets bored and it becomes painfully aware he's never going to score.

Tottenham: Watches the moves of the Arsenal man very closely. After the former moves on, goes for the girl Arsenal failed with or discarded. And promptly fails to make an impression himself.

Bolton: Same as Tottenham except he picks United's leftovers... and uses Chelsea's approach.

Blackburn: Goes for the nearest girl he sees and asks her for sex straight out. After she slaps him he moves onto the next girl. Repeat till done.

West Ham: Enters the bar feeling very clever as he has roped in two latin fellows as wingmen. They score, he doesn't and realises he's about to be thrown out of the bar for being too drunk.

Charlton: Does nothing. Sits and stands near the back. Occasionally smiles at the odd girl. Never even threatens to make an impact.

Fulham: Very moody. On the odd day capable of talking to and walking away with the hottest girl in the bar. On other days to be found at one of the back tables sharing a pint with Charlton, Tottenham and Middlesborough.

Middlesborough: Very boring, most girls run the moment he approaches. Despite claiming multiple cultured influences he drinks only the local bitter. Plenty of. Scores with the girls who are semi conscious themselves.

Everton: Watches Liverpool very closely. Tries to hit on 'the friend' while trying to outdo Liverpool. Easy to spot as he's usually bald and slightly mean looking.

Reading: Excitable and young. Rushes in to talk to the gaggle of girls near the dance floor despite warnings from the older folk to bide ones' time. Rejection hasn't affected this man yet.

Wigan: like Reading, except jaded by all the rejection over time. It's been a year....

Watford: Knows he's not going to get anywhere. Sits down next to Charlton and turns on the TV to catch up on the sports news before the place closes.

Man City: Penchant for trying very hard but not getting very far. Usually starts well but an ill timed gaffe or faux pas usually puts paid to his chances of hooking up for the night. Keep off the pickles and the beans.

Portsmouth: Nervous head twitches and neck twists keep from having a normal conversation with a girl. That and his preoccupation with talking to every single girl in the bar. Not only are they distracted but so is he.

Sheffield United: Comes in sweaty, wearing a dull sweater and musty smell. Repellent to anything female. Usually can be heard swearing loudly at the telly with Watford. Extremely likely to get into a fight with Blackburn when the latter propositions his sister.

Newcastle: At home, injured. Watching Rugby with no shirt on.

Semifinals First Leg Roundup

Milan 2 - 2 Bayern

Daniel Van Buyten has had an interesting season so far. Marked more by leaden footedness at the heart of Bayern Munich's often schizophrenic defence, than his normal air of authority, it would be one he would not look back too fondly on. However, with Bayern mounting a furious late charge for honours, Van Buyten served up a timely reminder of his worth in the Champions' League Quarterfinal first leg at Milan. Not only did he salvage a precious draw, but his late brace allowed Bayern to come from behind and go back to Bavaria in the driving seat knowing that Milan have to do all the attacking on the road. With two pricless away goals, the advantage i very much in the German team's favour.

Milan arguably deserved to win this game as they had dominated the proceedings till Van Buyten pulled one back. They were probably hard done by when the big Belgian's last minute strike ensured a late share of the spoils. However, for all their domination Milan wasted several chances and were lucky to go ahead the second time when a very spurious penalty was given when Lucio cleared the ball from Kaka's feet. Footballing Karma is circular and in this case it was paid in full as Milan were pegged back at the very end.

The recurring theme to Milan's season has been a plethora of chances despite their often dysfunctional playing style. As careless as they have been at the back, at the front they continue to possess two attacking gems of the very highest quality. In the Champions' League Kaka and Andrea Pirlo have been at the forefront of all things good. Here they continued to singlehandedly ensure Milan go as far as they can despite having an underwhelming season. Despite their sloppiness, they have been able to come this far with a mixture of individual brilliance, a plucky midfield and a slice of luck. One wonders, however, if they have used up all footballing fortune. Furthermore, how many more games can Kaka and Pirlo win for them.

Bayern showed once again that you can never count them out. Seemingly out of the domestic title race, they served a timely reminder of their class on the weekend with a defeat of leaders Schalke. In the earlier round in the Champions' League, they went behind to Real but hung in with 2 late goals before ensuring they progressed on away goals with a tight but composed in the home-leg. Oddly, and for Milan, worrying parallels with this tie as well. Never count the Germans out.

PSV 0 - 3 Liverpool

Liverpool produced a solid, efficient and classy performance to emphatically beat PSV in Eindohoven. PSV's anemic display will cause embarrassment and anger in equal measure across parts of North London, as they folded in juvenile fashion against a rampant Liverpool team. This was definitely a big game for Liverpool and they ensured they put one leg in the semi-final by crushing their opponents on the night. Overall a good week for Liverpool so far. How coincidental that PSV's victims in the earlier round were also the side Liverpool beat one game earlier.

Rafa Benitez''s claim that Liverpool are better this year than they were in 2005 would seem true as they are better placed domestically and have been more consistent on the road. They are still unbeaten in Europe and are coming together nicely. Surely they were never this well placed during their victorious campaign in 2005. How fitting would it be for their new American owners if they are crowned champions of Europe again. Rafa Benitez's policy of rotation is loudly mocked after an away loss but there is clearly a method to his madness.

Sadly for PSV, their season seems to be coming apart. Despite playing as a good solid unit for the better part of the season, it seems the loss of talismanic central defender Alex, has reduced them to a motley crew of journeymen footballers. Are they really a one man team with their strength coming from the back ? It's hard to argue for that notion but the sad truth is that they have been a different side since his injury. This defeat followed a crushing 5-1 defeat domestically to rivals Ajax. Have the wind finally gone out of PSV's sails ? Did they peak too early in that tight win over Arsenal ? The fact of the matter is that Liverpool play a simple direct style and ensure they put their chances away. Clearly they are incapable of mounting a consistent challenge in the Premiership, but since the ascension of their Spanish coach, have become something of Champions' League specialists.

It's hard to see PSV coming back from this - there were simply no positives. Liverpool should be proud. PSV should be ashamed.

Roma 2 - 1 Manchester United

Italian hacks will no doubt play up this win. Roma dominated from start to finish and their win was a small reward for their thoroughly efficient performance. But the away goal will rankle. United fans will point to the lucky deflection for Roma's second goal but deep inside they know that it was every much Roma deserved. And given that United's season have been littered with the odd lucky goal and penalty decision, it would be hard for them to complain. Cue United fans writing in to dispute that claim.

Still they cannot feel too hard done by. Their loss was minimal, given that they played the better part of the game with 10 men. And Wayne Rooney's goal ensured they have an away goal to take back to Old Trafford. As predicted by many United missed Gary Neville and Nemanja Vidic at the back. Roma's convoluted midfield, meanwhile, posed a hydra like threat that was never quite nullified by the Premiership leader's defence. Roma's formation and tactics play off their lead man in Francesco Totti and in Rodrigo Taddei and Mancini, have two players capable of unsettling almost any defence on their day. United's star, Cristiano Ronaldo, was conspicuous by his absence, both during the game and from the deck.

The fact of the matter is that this result, though deserved, cannot be read into too much. United have had a stellar season. Consistent, strong and balanced. Everyone has a bad game or a game in which they are thoroughly outplayed by their opponents. It happens. There is still too much momentum on the United juggernaut for them to be derailed yet. Even a steady 1 - 0 win in the return leg will see them through on away goals. Luciano Spaletti knows this and will guard against complacency from his players. Still, Roma having the lead and United having to attack them on home turf will pose an enticing matchup that the neutrals will be salivating at.

For Roma a job well done. For United a (potentially) minor hiccup. Watch for more mind games from Alex Ferguson as he seeks to unsettle Totti and Roma some more.

Having talked about the result there are two minor points that must be touched upon.

Firstly, this was the second game in which visiting United fans were heckled and engaged. With finger pointing to start and the anti-English backlash being readied by the Italian press, one wonders just how easy it is to rile United supporters. At Lille they protested their innocence and high-handed treatment by the French Police. If there is, indeed, an agenda against traveling United fans, one would have expected them to not get provoked easily. Sometimes actions speak louder than words, in this case stoic silence (as impossible as it would seem), for as long as possible would serve to add ballast to their claims. On this evidence however, they are no better or worse than any other set of ultras.

Secondly, watching Paul Scholes getting dismissed so early for two terrible stone cast fouls, the case of English players getting preferential treatment at home is once again highlighted. It is quite possible that Scholes, and other English players, have escaped similar censure in the premiership where such challenges are often glossed over, especially when the offender is local. With such a nurturing atmosphere of domestic double standards small wonder that the English national team performs so poorly abroad.

Chelsea 1 – 1 Valencia

Ever since Jose Mourinho took over the reins at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea have become this inevitable unstoppable force. A machine that, more often than not, just keeps on rolling. Whereas the performance have remained mechanical, this season Chelsea have been lucky to be home to a certain Didier Drogba maturing into Europe’s most complete forward. On the other hand, Valencia have made workmanlike performances into an art form. They are a very well drilled unit, balanced, experienced, tactically aware and garnished with the world class skill of David Villa up front.

This match had tactical draw written all over it. And it contained a goal of truly sumptuous quality from David Silva. His strike from the left channel, a good distance outside the box while running with the ball, was truly spectacular. Yet somehow you sensed that inexorably Chelsea would score. That Drogba, their player of the year and marquee star, hit the equalizer, was only fitting.

However, other than those 2 goals though you sensed a certain stalemate brewing. The 2 teams canceled each other out with Valencia’s reactive style matching Chelsea’s safety first approach.

Valencia have been odd this season, equally capable of scaling giddy heights as of plumbing dark depths. They play excellently against top billing but sometimes get caught out and tied up by the lesser lights. However in this, the late stages of Europe’s premier contest, they should have no problem finding top teams to beat. With a precious away goal and masters of away goal progression, Valencia will be heading back to the Mestella feeling pretty confident.

Chelsea have seemed more fallible this season than any other in their short time in the sun under Mourinho. Yet, they seem better placed and more imperious in the Champions’ League this time than ever before. If Jose does leave at the end of the season, this may present Chelsea’s best chance of winning the Champions’ League. Whereas Abramovich’s billions may attract the best managerial talent from across the globe, the poisoned chalice that is his obsession with Europe’s top prize may keep them away. And if Chelsea do fall here, unable to force a favourable result in Spain, Chelsea’s fall back to the mediocrity whence they came may be as meteoric as their rise.

Euro 2008 Qualifying March 26 2007

Wrap up of Saturday's games.

Upset of the round:

Kazakhstan 2 - 1 Serbia

One would have thought Yugoslavia's defeat to Azerbaijan during qualification for Euro 2004 was an all time low, never to be repeated. One was also obviously wrong as Javier Clemente ensured Serbia sunk to a new low. It made sense to rest first choice defenders, Ivica Dragutinovic and Mladen Krstaljic, as Borat's boys would obviously be Serbia's weakest opponents; but not in view of the performance their understudies delivered. 23 shots, zero goals on offence. Meanwhile, two goals conceded off defensive lapses. Serbia, are you Arsenal in disguise ? Oh and by the way - Azerbaijan still have to be played and Zigic will be suspended for two games.

Lame result of the round:

Israel 0 - 0 England

Here's a thought, maybe, just maybe, England's players aren't really that good. Away from the cushioning and refereeing nepotism of the domestic league, England's stars are a rudderless ship, one bad steer away from the craggy rocks of non-qualification. Mclaren may be the most unsuitable coach in International football right now, but the complete inability of any of the English 'stars' to rise to the occasion and lift the team is the more damning indictment of England's chances of winning Euro 2008. Sorry Frank. It had to be said.

Terrific results of the round:

Greece 1 - 4 Turkey

Turkey were playing their biggest rivals away at their home. It was a top of the table clash between two teams who were 100% going into the game. Then even went a goal behind. Massive, massive result. Much will be made of Germany and Croatia going clear in their groups, but Turkey have taken the biggest step towards Austria-Switzerland.

Czech Republic 1 - 2 Germany

Again, top of the table clash between two unbeaten teams - both talented, skilled and well drilled as a team. Germany were playing in the Czech Republic, went a goal down but came back to trump their strongest opposition in the group. Roll on Austria-Switzerland. Injuries aside, this result should go a long way towards tying up the group for the mighty Mannschaft.

Norway 1 - 2 Bosnia

Bosnia pulled off a plucky away result against a more pedigreed side. Neither country may make the Euro finals but are trying to stay in the slipstream of the top two. With this result Bosnia have gotten the upper hand in the jostling for third place. Oh and Muslimovic's goal was a real beauty.

Good International Derby result of the round:

Croatia 2 - 1 Macedonia

They may have left it late, and required another goal from their Brazilian import, but Croatia avoided a potential banana skin and have gone clear in Group E. For Macedonia - file under plucky, tricky, erstwhile Yugoslav republic (see also, Bosnia).

Good but Ultimately Irrelevent International Derby Result of the round:

(Stephen) Ireland 1 - 0 Wales

Steve Staunton staved off further slagging along with Simon Davies. Wales is so far removed from their victories in the runup to Euro 2004.

Big win over decent opposition result:

Portugal 4 - 0 Belgium

Europe's two best wingers combined to tear Belgium to shreds. Ronaldo's purple run continues and this time he didn't need to dive. Ricardo Quaresma on the other hand is the best player in Portugal right now. Belgium aren't going anywhere - not with leaden footed Daniel Van Buyten at the back.

Big win over less then decent opposition:

Poland 5 - 0 Azerbaijan

The Poles have replaced Serbia as Portugal's main challengers in Group A. Azerbaijan meanwhile, have games against Kazakhstan and local rivals Armenia to look forward to. Only interesting aside was Radoslaw Matusiak not turning out for the Poles.

'We're still around mate' results:

Liechtenstein 1 - 4 Northern Ireland

A facile win over minnow opposition perhaps, but it leaves Northern Ireland still in the running for second place. Hard to believe that David Healy is going to be relegated this season.

Scotland 2 - 1 Georgia

You have to beat the opposition on the day and Scotland ensured that they did the chasing pack of Ukraine and Italy no favours. Top of the group, they are now the best placed team from the British Isles and Ireland. Special mention to Shota Averladze who ensured that Jari Litmanen is not alone in being an againg, erstwhile, ex-Ajax striker to score internationally this season.

Onto the next set of games midweek.

Round of 16 Wrap Up

Then there were 8.

Aggregate Scores:
Valencia 2 - 2 Inter (away goals)
Liverpool 2 - 2 Barcelona (away goals)
Bayern 4 - 4 Real (away goals)
Man U 2 - 0 Lille
Arsenal 1 - 2 PSV
Lyon 0 - 2 Roma
Chelsea 2 - 1 Porto
Milan 1 - 0 Celtic

Revisiting predictions is often a very humbling experience as it reveals how wrong or how badly off you were about something. Picking over the deadwood following last night's second legs, one wonders if the cream of the crop has been knocked out, replaced instead by gritty veterans, savvy of the perils of the knockout stage.

After the streetwise Valencia knocked out the arguably more talented Inter in a stranglehold in the second leg, Liverpool, Europe's most enigmatic team, produced a throughly dominant performance to knockout defending champions Barcelona. Both ties were decided on away goals. Both winners performed better at home but got the result that mattered in the away leg.

Valencia's game with Inter finished scoreless but the Spanish team had more chances and could have put the tie away. Their late goals in Milan ensured progression but it was no less than they deserved. The only blemish on a thoroughly absorbing tie was the disgusting violence that broke out at the end. UEFA should ensure David Navarro gets banned for a ridiculous piece of on field thuggery. Nicolas Burdisso must be feeling doubly sore - the pain from a broken nose adding to the disappointment of getting knocked out. Europe will be poorer with Inter's absence - although predictably their exit will be greeted with jeers in Italy who regard this as proof that Inter are getting a free run in Serie A.

Liverpool outclassed Barcelona at Anfield with ample chances to bury their visitors early. Sadly, for the second time in a week, Liverpool ended up losing despite dominating an opponent at home. Good thing that they had beaten Barcelona in Spain as they too advanced on away goals. The 2-1 away win priceless for Benitez and his men. Liverpool may still be off the pace domestically, but they have developed an impressive pedigree in Europe. Barcelona, like Inter, haven't sparkled in Europe and their start stop performances have never really convinced.

Lyon, on a slide since the start of the year, ensured they tripped when presented with their best chance of going deep in the draw. After stuttering in Rome they were clinically beaten at home by Roma. Luciano Spaletti got his tactics spot on as he ensured Lyon paid for their defensive mistakes with some efficient finishing from decent chances - Arsenal are you watching yet ? Notoriously inconsistent, Roma ensured they held firm at a crucial stage of their season. Being off form is one thing but questions must be asked of Gerrard Houllier who has taken a championship outfit and made them distinctly midtable. If talismanic midfielder Juninho and attacking presence Florent Malouda leave over the summer, Lyon's era of dominance may be truly over.

Lille out-muscled Manchester United again in a good performance on the field that doesn't deserve their childish behavior off of it. United, though have ensured this season that they take points from games despite their performance on it. They deserved their win in the tie but were run very close by Lille. The benefit of experience in your side is the presence of mind they bring when the going gets tough. Witness Giggs' smartly taken free kick in the first leg and Larsson's composed strike here. Lille have done themselves proud on the field but have let themselves down off of it. United, on the other hand, have shown that grinding out wins is not below them if the situation demands it.

Chelsea, on the other hand are the epitome of grinding out wins. Of all people, passenger of the year, Michael Ballack scored the winner after Arjen Robben drew Chelsea level. Ricardo Quaresma had scored the opener to give Porto an early lead both in the game and tie. Chelsea have come back strongly and their resilience in the Champions' League is to be admired. Jose Mourinho may claim that he is unperturbed by events on the pitch vis-a-vis his future but make no mistake - he wants to leave with Europe's top prize his, once again.

Celtic took 2003 winners Milan all the way before Kaka finally made sure one of Milan's astonishing 38 shots finally went in. Throughout the match Milan thrust but Celtic parried. Having played better in the home leg, Celtic were always up against it in Milan but they kept their more illustrious opponents at bay for almost 120 minutes. In the end it was only a moment of brilliance from one of Milan's stars that separated the two sides. That's all.

I was extremely skeptical of the fare that Real Madrid and Bayern Munich would serve up but they proved me wrong as they ensured their tie was the most absorbing. Real won the first leg 3-2 but then Bayern triumphed 2-1 in the second to go though on away goals - the third team to do so in the round. 8 goals all round with even a scuffle thrown in. Bayern's favorite midfield nuisance Mark Van Bommel tussling with Real's new nuisance - Mahamaddou Diarra. Both promptly got sent off.

Finally, Arsenal ensured that once again, they would end their Champions' League campaign earlier than it should have with a classic combination of defensive lapses and offensive impotency. Few teams in the last decade would have lost this tie to PSV having created the number of chances Arsenal did. Results have rarely mirrored performance for Arsenal and this season that discrepancy has reached an all time gap. PSV, soldiered on without doing anything special, 3 real shots on goal in 120 minutes and they go into the draw for the last eight.

Stat Wrap Up.
There are no representatives from Group G (Porto, Arsenal) and Group E (Real, Lyon) left while Group C (Liverpool, PSV) and Group D (Valencia, Roma) still have both their representatives going strong. In the 16 games, 3 were scoreless, a further 5 were 1-0 affairs and only 2 games featured more than 3 goals. Chelsea, Bayern and PSV are the only domestic champions left. 3 ties were decided on away goals. Milan, Roma and Manchester United did not concede a goal. Meanwhile Lille, Lyon and Arsenal didn't have a single goalscorer in their ranks this round. Inter went out despite not losing. 29 goals were scored in 16 games - less than 2 a game - 8 of them came in the Real-Bayern tie. Arsenal and Lyon are the only group winners who didn't make it.

Goal of the round:
Mancini's 'step'over Lyon.

Team of the round over both legs:
4-4-1-1
Gomes; Riise, Albiol, Lucio, Carragher; Silva, Deco, Cambiasso, Robben; Totti; Raul

Gracious Loser: Gerrard Houllier - he knows when he's truly beaten.

Stupid Comment: Jamie "Best night in Europe" Carragher. What about that win over Milan 2 years ago ? Stick to letting your football do the talking Carra.

Moron Award: David Navarro

Special mention for consistent Dejavu: Arsenal. Stick. ball. in. net.

Do-nothing-but-still-notch-2-goals award: Ruud Van Nistelrooy. Scrappy to the very end.

Stop hating on Inter

In defence of Inter.

So apparently now Italian fans are claiming that Serie A is too weak. Evidentally the ONLY reason why Inter is dominating is because they are surrounded by overachieving mediocrity (Empoli, Palermo, Catania) and underachieving pedigree (Milan, Roma, Fiorentina). Inter are actually garbage, they are the evil incarnate who need to be put in their place by the return of erstwhile hero, ex-public enemy number one and conquering usurper Juventus. (sic)

This thought pattern can surely be attributed to the notoriously fickle Italian psyche - or is it a deeper malaise ? Was it not Juventus who were recently excommunicated from Serie A with relegation to the second division, roundly abused by everyone for being on the favourable end of decisions and all-round puppetry engineered by that modern day machiavellian devil in chief - Luciano Moggi ? Was Juventus not the same team that were stripped of their ill-gotten gains, one of which, the 2006 Serie A title, was then awarded to Inter. Was not Inter, riding on the crest of a wave of positive public opinion and support, coupled with an all conquering team displaying mindboggling consistency supposed to herald in a new era of transparency and competitiveness in Serie A ?

Why this sudden change in opinion ?

If anything, Inter should be lauded for keeping their heads, moulding together so many talents and superstars into one cohesive unit that has refused to blink when put in the spotlight, and blazed a trail of glory while running away with the Scudetto. If ever there was an example of all round domestic excellence - this year's imperious display by Inter is surely the best case. Why the need to compromise and discount such an achievement ?

Okay so Juventus was not there - big deal. Juventus did not deserve to be there to begin with. In any case, the same reason why they were thrown out, is probably why they seemed to beat Inter in the past - they cheated. End of story. So if anything, these remarks basically mean "Inter are rubbish, they haven't beaten a Juventus team that cheated over them in the past".

So Inter have to beat Juventus while the latter own the referees and replays. Don't make me laugh.

What of Milan, their crosstown rivals and fellow chequebook cowboys ? Milan's response has been effete, inconsistent and jaded. That's not Inter's fault. When the two teams met, Inter raced to a 4 - 1 lead before Milan made the margin respectable (Milan still lost 4 - 3 ). Inter dominated the better part of that match. Even without the points deduction (for that same reason - cheating), Milan are counties behind Inter.

What of Roma, whom Inter have beaten and left behind in their dust ? Admittedly the league may be a little weak, vis-a-vis Europe but only the Primera Liga boasts an appreciably deeper league. The Premiership, Portugese Campeonato and Eredivise are top heavy while the Bundesliga and Ligue 1 are arguably on the same level this season.

So, Valencia held Inter. Big deal. Valencia play in a tougher league and are actually not too bad themselves. Plus, they took their chances off plucky set-pieces. On another day Valencia could have played the same and lost 2 - 0 (or 4 - 0 for that matter). Inter mostly dominated that match. Inter's opponents have the advantage of playing slightly tougher opponents week in, week out. Despite this, they were second best to a clearly superior Inter side. Valencia are made to cause teams like Inter problems with their dogged, reactive approach. Celta beat Valencia, does that make them better than Inter ? Absolutely not. I had written before how Valencia may be Inter's toughest opponents so far - and that match proved it. Yet it does not take anything away from the Nerrazzuri.

There's an oddly Byzantine hypocrisy that pervades the mentality of the average fan, that seems to despise Inter and put them down. Barely a year after lauding the coup that deposed Juventus, they are grumbling about the successor. Serie A fans should sit back and enjoy Inter's games - they've never had it so good. Let Juventus come up next year, the arrival of the likes of Zdenek Grygera and Hasan Salihamdzic shouldn't trouble this Inter side.