A footballing lesson for Liverpool, perhaps Manchester United or Chelsea would have better represented England?
AC Milan proved the old saying; form is temporary, class is permanent. Despite a plucky Liverpool managing to hold the game to 2 - 1 with a combination of hard work and passion, Milan never really got out of second gear and should still have won this game 3 - 0. The only reason they didn’t was an overzealous linesman mistakenly giving Kaka offside whilst at the other end the linesman allowed Kuyt’s goal to stand even though he was standing in an offside position.
Liverpool played well enough and pushed forward from the off, but while Milan made several mistakes at the back, Liverpool never looked like capitalising on them, and even when Alonso went close Dida still had it covered and allowed it to drift out. In truth Milan never seemed worried, and it wasn’t too surprising to see Inzahgi score their first goal just before half time. Yet another foul by Alonso, this time just outside the box allowed Pirlo’s freekick to be deflected in by Inzaghi, a lucky goal perhaps, but it did seem that Agger had played Inzaghi onside by tracking his run instead of holding the line.
In the second half Liverpool kept doggedly plugging away but with little effect, and were saved from further embarrassment when the linesman wrongly flagged Kaka offside when he was clear and through on goal with only Reina to beat.
Rafa, desperate to find something to unlock Milan’s defence, took off the ineffectual Zenden and bought on the even more ineffective Kewell. Kewell although having all the skills Liverpool were crying out for, seemed to have left his talents at home and never looked like getting involved with the game. Perhaps this could also be the story of his time at Liverpool.
Liverpool’s best chance then fell to Gerrard when Milan made yet another mistake at the back and allowed Liverpool’s most likely goal scorer through on goal. Just after you’d put your house on him to score, he hit a tame shot which Dida gathered up easily.
Rafa was getting ever more desperate and decided, at last, to bring on Crouch, but rather than take off the ineffective Kewell, he took off the excellent Mascherano, who had almost singlehandedly kept Liverpool in the game by denying Kaka and co. any space infront of Liverpool’s defence. A big gamble that failed when Kaka was allowed time and space to put through Inzaghi for his second and best goal of the evening.
Liverpool did manage to pull one back from a corner with minutes to go, even though Kuyt had wandered offside, but the team looked a shadow of the one that fought back two years ago, and this time there was no comeback, no penalties and no cigar.
The referee appeared to have ended the game several seconds early and Rafa then spent the next ten minutes remonstrating with officials about the early finish, but to be honest, Liverpool had 92 minutes to win this game and they couldn’t do it, so another 15 seconds would have made little difference.
So would Manchester United or Chelsea have been a better opponent for Milan in the final? Well its hard to say. Certainly if Milan tried to play in second gear against Man United or Chelsea then the greater firepower of Rooney or Drogba would have easily taken advantage, but on the other hand, its unlikely that Milan would have stayed in second gear against that class of opposition.
That’s not to say that Liverpool were not a threat, their form that carried them through to the final continued, but they were lacking the class that, in the end, won the game for Milan.
Shopping list for Rafa this Summer: two world class wingers for the club, one world class striker, and one new watch for match referee, Herbet Fandel.
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59 opinions for A footballing lesson for Liverpool, perhaps Manchester United or Chelsea would have better represented England?
curtis
May 24, 2007 at 8:51 am
that was the biggest amount of bs ive ever heard, liverpool dominated and should have done better with the chances
Milan got a lucky goal then hit us hard at the end when we took mascherano off to go forward…class my ass
Colin Mallia
May 24, 2007 at 9:00 am
What game did you watch mate? Its unbelievable how they accept to print such gargabe here. Milan werent left to get to 3rd and 4th gear because Liverpool closed them down immediately. Macherano was immense and never gave Kaka a sniff. First goal was pure luck although you have to admire Inzaghi for his instinct. And may I remind you that Man Utd played and were annihilated by Milan…so how can you suggest that they would have represented Milan better, and Chelsea were not good enough to beat the losing finalists. Your article is a bullshit piece of envious writing. Congratulation Milan. Class says that Real Madrid 9 Milan 7 Liverpool 5 Man Utd 2 Chelsea 0
Madnezz
May 24, 2007 at 9:02 am
YOU THE DUMBEST GUY ON EARTH. STOP WRITING STUPID STATEMENTS which makes people know you know nothing about football. You think Milan was on second gear because they didnt have classy opponents? I WILL GIVE YOU A GOOD PEICE OF ADVICE, stay away from football, you are too dumb to understand it! You thought they were on 2 nd gear becuase of that fact that liverpool never gave the space for them to shift gear.
Milan are a classy team but Liverpool deserved to reach the finals. Dont you fcuking think that someone else would have given them any better. You give any team space you let them change gear. Liverpool doesnt give that to them and that is the reason why all of a sudden when every team plays against liverpool they are never above there second gear!
Damian
May 24, 2007 at 9:03 am
Oh really? In case you’d forgotten, United had their chance against AC and got walloped, effectively losing the tie by conceding two away goals and then definitely losing the tie by getting walloped 3-0. And in case you’d forgotten, we beat Chelsea. We only lost by a goal. We had AC on the rack for the first 20 minutes, they were hanging on for the last 10, their first goal was a handball and the ref blew up early when we were looking like scoring. I guess it depends which slanted viewpoint you take.
By the way, when you say ‘though Kuyt had wondered offside’ do you mean that Kuyt was tryin gto understand the concept of offside, or was he considering getting into an offside position? Or maybe you just plain can’t spell ‘wandered’. I wonder? Or have I wandered off the point?
Dan Eborall
May 24, 2007 at 9:03 am
i completely disagree - liverpool shut milan down and were the better team throughout the match - the second half was a poor football match and kaka only did anything when mascherano was substituted!!! man united were swept aside 3-0 because they could not deal with milan’s midfield thus showing that they need a player like hargreaves to break the play up!!! Also, chelsea may have been better in defence but they would have made the final dull like the f.a.cup final and would not have contained milan. Liverpool were unlucky - they didn’t get the rub of the green like 2 years ago and milan got a bit of luck. overall, liverpool have beaten barcelona and chelsea to reach the final and were the better team in the final so i think they did themselves and england proud!!!
pete
May 24, 2007 at 9:04 am
Sorry, Liverpool BEAT Chelsea, and Milan HAMMERED the Mancs.Are you saying that a final in which AC Milan beat Man U 3.0 would have been a better representation for England.( And by the way wtf would we care about represnting England?)
Sure we need more firepower, and strength on the left.Milan were NOT in second gear - we just didn’t let them play, we had more possesion, more chances but as seems to be our downfall this season we didn’t take them.In that sense we deserved to lose. But to report this as a game that Milan won with ease (they created perhaps half the opportunities we did) is a gross misrepresentation - you simply show your ignorance. Bitter you weren’t there perhaps?
Colin
May 24, 2007 at 9:09 am
What a moronic article!
Forza Milan
May 24, 2007 at 9:17 am
Milan 54% Scousers 46% would suggest Milan had more of the ball. Check your stats before spouting off scouse fans. Make the Champions League for the champions only, livershite wouldn’t get a sniff then!
luke
May 24, 2007 at 9:18 am
You’re an idiot, did u even watch the game?
Mark Hobbs
May 24, 2007 at 9:24 am
Ha ha ha ha ha!!!!!
The bitter blue is at it again!! I bet you were made up weren’t you?
Everton get no respect from Liverpool anymore because of their bitter fans like you. I would have thought that as a scouser you would have wanted the win for the benefits it would have given the city, but no, you are too bitter.
I don’t have to comment on your ‘article’ because even you know it is a load of shite.
All I would like to say is how nice it is that the Liverpool players, management and fans were magnanimous in defeat. It makes a change from all the tantrums we’ve seen from the other Premiership sides this year.
But as you say…… class IS permanent!!!
Well done lads!
rich
May 24, 2007 at 9:25 am
Were you even watching this game?
From the off liverpool looked far from the “classless”, “long ball” side that everyone seems to label us with, instead playing fast and accurate distribution play, forcing defenders into making mistakes.
Milan were only in “second gear” because liverpool were in control throughout the first half and the majority of the second.
Kaka WAS offside, and if you’re complaining about kuyt’s goal, inzaghi’s first was a handball.
Saying this, despite liverpool’s control, they didn’t capitalize, and we were punished for it.
Congratulations to Milan.
Kaushik
May 24, 2007 at 9:30 am
Hahahahaa:
“Liverpool had 92 minutes to win this game and they couldn’t do it, so another 15 seconds would have made little difference.” –> VERY WELL SAID
Give them a second leg, they would still LOSE those robbers of YNWA Celtic song!!!! hahahahahaha…….
LIVERPOOL does not deserve to win the CHAMPIONS LEAGUE because it is reserved for CHAMPIONS, hahahahahaha….
mingymoo
May 24, 2007 at 9:31 am
This article is the biggest pile of BS I’ve read! What’s the point in suggesting that Man U or Chelsea would have fared better when both have been knocked out in the semis. Do everyone a favour and stick with what you are good at because you cannot write for neither money nor love!!!!!
Tony
May 24, 2007 at 9:33 am
You are a sack, the one which hangs!
MaureenO
May 24, 2007 at 9:34 am
Hahahahaa:
“Liverpool had 92 minutes to win this game and they couldn’t do it, so another 15 seconds would have made little difference.” –> VERY WELL SAID
Give them a second leg, they would still LOSE those robbers of YNWA Celtic song!!!! hahahahahaha…….
LIVERPOOL does not deserve to win the CHAMPIONS LEAGUE because it is reserved for CHAMPIONS, hahahahahaha….
sherif
May 24, 2007 at 9:35 am
what a tool you are.
man u had their chance to better represent england and look how they bottled it.
either you are a complete idiot or this whole article is actually a troll. anyone can wind people up on the net. what a waste of time you are.
Stephen
May 24, 2007 at 9:41 am
I thought it was spot on.
whats red and white and goes beep…….beep…..beep.
the lfc open top bus reversing back into the garage.
Stephen
May 24, 2007 at 9:43 am
adn the fact you did your best to end up killing people in a stadium (AGAIN)
It’s NEVER your fault though is it…
Mark Hobbs
May 24, 2007 at 9:46 am
Stephen, don’t worry about it mate.
In a couple of years time they will be able to offer you an operation to make your cock bigger on the NHS.
Stephen
May 24, 2007 at 9:48 am
HAHAHAHAH
NHS? I’d go private IF i needed to.
Your clearly just need a lobotomy. You might have to wait a while. Rumour has it the list is quite long for LFC fans.
As for the stadium problems. Look at all the FACTS from today. Check the times website., check the police reports, check UEFA’s site. One theme “LIverpool fans caused massive problems and people were nearly killed”
FACT
get over it
Rob
May 24, 2007 at 9:52 am
I think this is a well-written, measured article, that understands the limitations of Liverpool Football Club far better than its fans do.
Stephen
May 24, 2007 at 9:53 am
Spot on Rob.
At least someone else lives in the real world…
Stephen
May 24, 2007 at 9:55 am
Rich :-”Kaka WAS offside, and if you’re complaining about kuyt’s goal, inzaghi’s first was a handball.”
Nothing like a blinkered fan to fail to see the reality of the night. Onside and never handball
Sack the Juggler
May 24, 2007 at 10:00 am
Just with regards to Inzaghi’s first goal. That deflected goal is something they work on in training apparently, and it has worked for them before.
Mark Hobbs
May 24, 2007 at 10:15 am
Stephen - I’d go private if I were you too. You’d probably get a better job if you go private.
I’m not sure what they’ll do about your tiny balls though.
Stephen
May 24, 2007 at 10:20 am
lol..
Oh Mark.
Tiny balls? Ah well.. Probably cos i’ve got a really fit girlfriend and i fcuk her 10 times a day.
Better that than have elephant bollocks due to having to sit at home on your own, with no chance of ever sleeping with a woman due to your obvious lack of a social skillset.
Stephen
May 24, 2007 at 10:21 am
just for the record.
All you who blindly ’stick together’ with Liverpool’s ’cause’ just because they’re English, can you explain this:
Milan:
17,000 tickets allocated
15 detected forgeries
0 fans storming gates
Riot police not required
Liverpool:
17,000 tickets allocated
230 detected forgeries, British police estimate 5000+
1000+ fans storming gates
100+ arrests
Riot police required
Mark Hobbs
May 24, 2007 at 10:39 am
I can see you obviously cherish your girlfriend. And they say romance is dead.
Or do you actually mean the hole in the side of your mattress when you refer to your ‘girlfriend’?
I don’t know.
But at least you’re admitting to yourself that you need a cock extension and you’re concerned about your tiny balls.
Well done. I’m proud of you.
Enough of the banter though, I’d prefer to talk about football matters (I know - I started it).
As for your issue of Liverpool fans causing massive problems, it would appear that some got in without tickets and some did rush the fences.
But rather than wholly blaming Liverpool fans, do you not think that UEFA should shoulder some of the blame?
Hairy Buttocks
May 24, 2007 at 12:39 pm
Excellent article, Sack The Juggler. Well measured, honest, and balanced.
It’s a pity some of my fellow kopites on here aren’t big enough to admit our limitations. We have had a poor season and, unless we bring in a manager who isn’t completely clueless, we will have an even worse season next time.
Let’s not forget, the only trophies Rafa has won have been won on penalties. As far as I’m concerned, those games were drawn and the trophy should have been shared.
So we’ve won nothing yet.
Stephen
May 24, 2007 at 12:47 pm
Mark,
good effort. I never admitted i needed a cock extension . Check the “IF” i needed to and have explained the small balls. They just need replenishing.
As for the hole in the duvet. Sure moves around a bit more than one of my ex girlfriends….
Anyway as you say back to football (even though the banter was fun ;o) )
I’ll be honest. I’m a Man Utd fan so will try to be non-biased on the off field issue. I do think UEFA could have done a lot of things better. As someone else said to me. “If it’s UEFA’s fault why did the problems occur with only one set of fans?”
I’m not actually trying to be anti liverpool (for once) here, just asking.
Mark Hobbs
May 24, 2007 at 1:47 pm
Since you admit that you are biased, and I won’t admit it but probably am biased, I think it’s best if we let a neutral eye witness give his verdict. The following is by Gordon Farquhar who is a BBC Five Live Sports News Correspondent who was at the match:
Q. Who is ultimately responsible (for the problems at last night’s match)?
“It is Uefa’s competition. It decides where the finals are played, co-ordinates the ticketing arrangements and liaises with the hosts over how to make the game work at all levels.”
“It is Uefa’s property to protect and it has been asked to provide answers for why things went wrong.”
“Uefa says it was the behaviour of the Liverpool fans that exacerbated the problem, but of course the reality is there were a combination of factors responsible.”
I think that should clear it up.
George
May 24, 2007 at 1:48 pm
Dear Whoever
I just do not get what you are trying to say. Liverpool was not playing the final by luck. They fought their way through and Man & Chelsea had the same opportunity to play the final. Twice for Man to defeat AC.
You do not make sence. Acknowledge Liverpools strenght and advise on their shortcomings. Or do not just mention the Man & Chelsea as they had the equal opportunity which they HAVE missed up because they were not competent enough.
Your comments does really makes sence to me. You must be anti-liverpool.
We Liverpool funs are happy with the achievement of the team to have reach the 2007 Champions league final. There were plenty of opportunities where we would have scored but we were unfortunate and is acceptable.
And for your sense, Liverpool plays better soccer than your both teams, ask Fergusson and Mourihno they will tell you. Man was just lucky that the scored the last minute goal in our last meeting. We outplayed Man.
Stephen
May 24, 2007 at 2:04 pm
I agree that the final should never have been staged there.
It still doesn’t address the fact that Milan fans didn not “charge” the entrances, climb over the walls and have a substantial number of fake tickets…..
Probably cos none of them turned up methinks.. damn i’ve answered my own question lol
Stephen
May 24, 2007 at 2:11 pm
Can’t believe he took Mascherano off though… Your best player by a mile. Also the player Ferguson should have tried to sign instead of Overated expensive Hargreaves……
Sack the Juggler
May 24, 2007 at 2:25 pm
Dear George, yes Liverpool did well to get the the final, I did acknowledge that, and I also advised Rafa of the areas where he needs to strengthen, although most people in the stadium could also have done that.
I do disagree however that Liverpool play better football than either of Man United or Chelsea, if they did then surely they would not have been 21 points off the pace….
Looks like some big changes for the summer, although Rafa’s rotation policy should mean that the players will be used to a change in the team, so its shouldn’t mean a bad start to the season.
Lets just hope Rafa doesn’t buy the best striker in Chile….
Stephen
May 24, 2007 at 2:32 pm
George
And for your sense, Liverpool plays better soccer than your both teams, ask Fergusson and Mourihno they will tell you
You are on seriously strong drugs if you actually REALLY believe that. Even most of the hardcore Liverpool fans admit Man Utd play far more attractive football than Liverpool.
Liverpool play very effective football rather than attractive football. Mind you Arsenal play great stuff but win fcuk all too…
The thing most modern Liverpool fans forget is that go back 20 years and most of your fans would be enraged that Liverpool, the team that was renowned for playing football the right way are playing these days.
Just to bait a few people.. 17 years 17 years 17 years…
Oh, it’s “football” NOT soccer.. That alone proves you know nothing about the sport…
Stephen
May 24, 2007 at 2:40 pm
One final point for thought.
How about we (Man U and Liverpool) swap managers for a year or two?
You get to finally win the league and we might win in Europe a few more times
;o)
Mark Hobbs
May 24, 2007 at 3:13 pm
The final last night was a much better match than the 3rd / 4th place playoff (sorry FA Cup Final). Chelski are horrible to watch. Man Ure are just as bad at times. We played them off the park at Anfield (although they did the same to us at Old Trafford).
Sack the Juggler’s argument that they must play better than us if they are higher than us in the league is simply ridiculous. If that was true then Everton would have finished below Watford because Watford play much more attractive football than those blue-nosed, donkey-like long ball merchants!!!
At the end of the day the league rewards the most consistent team, not the team that plays the best football. We are very close to the top two and with a few world class signings we can be even closer.
I think we showed last night that there is more to be optimistic about our future than there is about Milan’s.
Stephen
May 24, 2007 at 3:29 pm
Mark..
this is a first.. we agree.. Chelski are awful to watch. I’d rather watch you lot.
When we’re bad. we’re dire. Not usually any middle ground lol
I actually thought Liverpool would win before the game started, a lot of that due to Mascherano’s talents..
A winger, a striker and it looks like Hargreaves we’ll be more than ok for next season.
Let the battle commence .. man i cant wait for next season already lol
luke
May 24, 2007 at 3:49 pm
Kaushik, you said
‘LIVERPOOL does not deserve to win the CHAMPIONS LEAGUE because it is reserved for CHAMPIONS, hahahahahaha….’
If it was reserved for champions, Milan wouldnt have been in it, idiot.
Sack the Juggler
May 24, 2007 at 4:17 pm
Mark, stop being bitter, just because we played you off the park and beat you 3-0…. ;)
Mark Hobbs
May 24, 2007 at 4:24 pm
STJ - I know you did, I’ve got the dvd at home. I thought your small club could do with the money so I stumped up the £4.99. We’ve got to look after our not-so-fortunate local teams haven’t we?
The truth is, it’s very useful. Whenever I have unwanted guests round, I pretend I’m an evertonian and put the dvd on. They soon leave. Works a treat!!!
Squiddy
May 24, 2007 at 5:47 pm
100% accurate. Too dreadful to watch closely. Thank God it didn’t go to penalties. Not that it was likely. Men against naive little boys running around like chickens with no heads.
Sack the Juggler
May 25, 2007 at 8:16 am
Funily enough, we we have unwanted guests around I show them the 2007 Champions League final…. ;)
Mark Hobbs
May 25, 2007 at 10:03 am
Why?
You don’t need a dvd.
Tell them you’re an Evertonian, start talking about 1985 and that should do the trick!!
Sack the Juggler
May 25, 2007 at 11:19 am
but that wasn’t the last time we won the league - that was in 1987 - A long time I know, when did you last win it?…
Mark Hobbs
May 25, 2007 at 1:26 pm
Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(That’s me sleeping).
Don’t worry - I get the hint - I’ll close the door on the way out!!!!
Unobjective
May 25, 2007 at 8:52 pm
Not precisely getting what you mean by ‘football lesson’?
I favour the idea that Liverpool actually stifled Milan and their only real outlet was Kaka, NOT that they were strolling round in 2nd gear (although it could appear that way to a rival fan of a smaller club).
You can slate Benitez all you like. Moyes always gets it right doesn’t he (James Beattie) and his kick it in the air to Johnson (plan A no plan B) tactic works a treat - that’s sure to work well in the Uefa cup next season. But I’m hoping you have a good run to the detriment of your premiership form.
Just remember, Liverpool are the team who won that cup 5 times out of 7 finals. No other British Club can even get near that. Liverpool are part of the European elite regardless of the critics. Milan, Madrid, Ajax, Barca, Benfica, Bayern - we’re there with the rest of them. The place in history is guaranteed. And who would bet against Liverpool winning another very soon.
Let your sour grapes go!
Unobjective
May 25, 2007 at 8:53 pm
To everyone else reading this….. typically this guy stirs up a sh*t storm and then goes on to his next topic…. why can’t he write about his long ball Everton team I don’t know
Peter
May 26, 2007 at 10:25 pm
Stephen Says:
May 24th, 2007 at 9:43 am
adn the fact you did your best to end up killing people in a stadium (AGAIN)
It’s NEVER your fault though is it.
WHAT A TW4T!!!!!!!!
Scouse Billy
Jun 1, 2007 at 3:34 pm
Lest the ignorant forget, the primary reason why 4 English teams qualify is Liverpool’s history in Europe.
Seems Stephen the Manc thinks we’re all murderers too.
There’s no pleasing some people.
Sack the Juggler
Jun 1, 2007 at 3:38 pm
“There’s no pleasing some people.”
that’s just what Jesus said sir….
Scouse Billy
Jun 3, 2007 at 10:02 am
There’s only one JC in our team.
Kolt
Jun 17, 2007 at 4:50 am
Long story short:
The Article:
complete bullS#!7
The truth:
Milan Got lucky.
Liverpool is the best.
thats all there is to it.
Ciaran Mc Cormack
Jun 18, 2007 at 5:59 pm
Sack in my opinon you write these articles just to get a response. You find it funny, no hilarious to piss off fans of Liverpool F.C.
From what I know you are an Everton fan.
“There are two teams in Liverpool… Liverpool and the Liverpool Reserves” Bill Shankly.
Liverpool out weigh Everton as a team, full stop.
Liverpool’s best player (Gerarrd) vs Everton’s best player (Arteta)… Stevie wins hands down not saying Arteta is a particullarly bad player. Is definatly better than some Liverpool players like Arbelo or Bolo Zenden. Although Zenden is set to leave…
Lets face facts Liverpool the best English team in Europe…
Sack the Juggler
Jun 18, 2007 at 6:04 pm
Ciaran - I was giving an honest opinion of the final, you want to turn it into a blues v reds thats fair enough.
There is no arguing that on the results of last season Liverpool were definitely the best english team in Europe, just as Everton were definitely the best team on Merseyside….. ;)
Ciaran Mc Cormack
Jun 18, 2007 at 11:26 pm
The second statement is debatable… lol.
Your opinion is baised on you following Everton. Much the same way my view is baise on me being a Liverpool fan, lets leave it as, we lost regardless of who was better on the night. Us talking about it means nothing, just creates an arguement. I amn’t much of an arguementive person by I am opinionated, as you can probably tell!
Oh I think Everton deserve a medal for the way they em humilated us at Goodison earlier on in the season, that would shut you (Everton fans) up for at least another decade when you manage to beat us again!! lol
Ciaran Mc Cormack
Jun 18, 2007 at 11:30 pm
Oh I strongly agree to the unobjective guy…
“why can’t he write about his long ball Everton team I don’t know”
He being Sack, of course.
Ciaran Mc Cormack
Jun 18, 2007 at 11:37 pm
Thje most attractive type of football comes from Arsenel, but when we are on song we can play some good stuff.
Infact against Arsenel at home Crouch hat-trick for his third Maschnamero’s pass was delightfull over the full-back right onto Pennants right peg for the cross, Kuyt flicked it on and Peter Crouch should great composuer to take it between two possibly three players and hit it top corner. Fantasict.
Also against Chealse at Anfield (league match) we outclassed them for the first twenty mins and they never got into the game. Pennants goal was great and Kuyt’s goal showed great anticipation.
WE play great football at home…
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