and by the way, with L'pool losing to Crystal Palace?!!!, the game with Chel$ki just took on an added dimension. there's no way L'pool wont fight tooth n nail for that match.
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[EU] Champions League 04/05 (16 Viewers)
- Thread starter Roverbhoy
- Start date
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I'm not so convinced that Milan will dispense with PSV so easily. This is the kind of matchup that Milan tends to stumble on, given the sort of competitive "let down" that it represents to them.
Milan will probably dish out the punishment at the San Siro this week, but I expect PSV will make it interesting next week by catching an overconfident Milan off guard.
Milan will probably dish out the punishment at the San Siro this week, but I expect PSV will make it interesting next week by catching an overconfident Milan off guard.
I'd like Pool or PSV to win it to prevent Milan or Chel$ki getting their grubby hands on the trophy, but then I'd not want Pool to win it so that Everton can get a crack at the UCL dollars next season, that will only help spread the cash around a little, kinda like the blessed fact that we are seeing Sampdoria or Udinese (someone new at least, not Roma or Lazio) from Serie A or Betis, Sevilla or Espanol (not Valencia and Deportivo) from Spain. When such things happen, football is the winner.
Therefore, PSV for the trophy.
Therefore, PSV for the trophy.
++ [ originally posted by m_elayyan ] ++
this will never happen , chelsea easily can beat liverpool and will meet milan in the fina,l who no one can predict who will win it
this will never happen , chelsea easily can beat liverpool and will meet milan in the fina,l who no one can predict who will win it
It's hard to call. Liverpool can do it, don't count them out.
Personally I'd give my left testical for the pool to win it. I've waited too long.
Ancelotti expects experience to tell
Tuesday, 26 April 2005
By Ivan Carvalho in Milan
AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti believes the European experience his side have gained over recent seasons will prove crucial as newly-crowned Dutch champions PSV Eindhoven visit the San Siro for the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final.
Illustrious history
Ancelotti guided his team to victory in the competition two years ago, and is keen to highlight the importance of both Milan's recent continental successes and the club's illustrious history in the tournament as his team bid to reach a second final in three years. "We have always been in contention in this competition, it is in our DNA, and we want to be there at the end this year as well," said Ancelotti. "I think the Milan team of today is better than that of two years ago and now our squad has even more experience."
PSV problem
Ancelotti nevertheless remains aware of the problems that will be posed by PSV, with the Milan coach anticipating a difficult struggle despite his team being most people's favourites to reach the final in Istanbul on 25 May. "We know that this tie will not be decided here but in Eindhoven," Ancelotti said. "Although PSV are considered the underdogs, that could give them more motivation."
'Great results'
Guus Hiddink, who guided PSV to European Champion Clubs' Cup success in 1988, also believes his side's status could work in their favour, saying: "Our budget may be the smallest of the last 16 teams in this year's Champions League, but I think we have already achieved great results."
Title race
PSV clinched the Dutch Eredivisie title on Saturday while Milan maintained their neck-and-neck race for the Serie A crown with Juventus FC, but Hiddink expects the Italian side to be fully focused tonight. "Milan are a very professional side who don't pay attention to their critics even when they slip up," he said.
Courage required
PSV are expected to field a youthful starting XI in Milan, and Hiddink concedes that inexperience on the European stage may prove his side's undoing. "For many of my players it is their first time in a setting like the San Siro, and it will be important for them to control their nerves," he said. "We need courage when we take the pitch, must forget about everything around us and concentrate only on football."
Counterattacking caution
For his part, Ancelotti believes PSV will employ similar counterattacking tactics to those used by Hiddink's Korean Republic side to eliminate Italy from the 2002 FIFA World Cup. "PSV are aggressive in midfield, have dangerous wingers and are quick to get the ball downfield," observed Ancelotti, who also warned about the aerial prowess of PSV striker Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink.
Stam relief
Ancelotti is therefore relieved that Milan's former PSV defender Jaap Stam has recovered from a hamstring strain and will partner Paolo Maldini in central defence as Alessandro Nesta serves a one-match suspension, while Andrea Pirlo is also fit. Hiddink, meanwhile, must hope that his team keep their composure as five players are within a caution of missing the second leg next Wednesday, including captain Mark van Bommel and veteran midfield player Phillip Cocu.
Goalkeeping excellence
Another intriguing aspect to the tie is the comparison between the sides' two Brazilian goalkeepers, both at the top of their game. Milan's Dida has kept eight clean sheets in ten Champions League matches this season and has not conceded a goal in the competition for 526 minutes, while Heurelho Gomes saved two spot-kicks in PSV's quarter-final penalty shoot-out victory against Olympique Lyonnais
Tuesday, 26 April 2005
By Ivan Carvalho in Milan
AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti believes the European experience his side have gained over recent seasons will prove crucial as newly-crowned Dutch champions PSV Eindhoven visit the San Siro for the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final.
Illustrious history
Ancelotti guided his team to victory in the competition two years ago, and is keen to highlight the importance of both Milan's recent continental successes and the club's illustrious history in the tournament as his team bid to reach a second final in three years. "We have always been in contention in this competition, it is in our DNA, and we want to be there at the end this year as well," said Ancelotti. "I think the Milan team of today is better than that of two years ago and now our squad has even more experience."
PSV problem
Ancelotti nevertheless remains aware of the problems that will be posed by PSV, with the Milan coach anticipating a difficult struggle despite his team being most people's favourites to reach the final in Istanbul on 25 May. "We know that this tie will not be decided here but in Eindhoven," Ancelotti said. "Although PSV are considered the underdogs, that could give them more motivation."
'Great results'
Guus Hiddink, who guided PSV to European Champion Clubs' Cup success in 1988, also believes his side's status could work in their favour, saying: "Our budget may be the smallest of the last 16 teams in this year's Champions League, but I think we have already achieved great results."
Title race
PSV clinched the Dutch Eredivisie title on Saturday while Milan maintained their neck-and-neck race for the Serie A crown with Juventus FC, but Hiddink expects the Italian side to be fully focused tonight. "Milan are a very professional side who don't pay attention to their critics even when they slip up," he said.
Courage required
PSV are expected to field a youthful starting XI in Milan, and Hiddink concedes that inexperience on the European stage may prove his side's undoing. "For many of my players it is their first time in a setting like the San Siro, and it will be important for them to control their nerves," he said. "We need courage when we take the pitch, must forget about everything around us and concentrate only on football."
Counterattacking caution
For his part, Ancelotti believes PSV will employ similar counterattacking tactics to those used by Hiddink's Korean Republic side to eliminate Italy from the 2002 FIFA World Cup. "PSV are aggressive in midfield, have dangerous wingers and are quick to get the ball downfield," observed Ancelotti, who also warned about the aerial prowess of PSV striker Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink.
Stam relief
Ancelotti is therefore relieved that Milan's former PSV defender Jaap Stam has recovered from a hamstring strain and will partner Paolo Maldini in central defence as Alessandro Nesta serves a one-match suspension, while Andrea Pirlo is also fit. Hiddink, meanwhile, must hope that his team keep their composure as five players are within a caution of missing the second leg next Wednesday, including captain Mark van Bommel and veteran midfield player Phillip Cocu.
Goalkeeping excellence
Another intriguing aspect to the tie is the comparison between the sides' two Brazilian goalkeepers, both at the top of their game. Milan's Dida has kept eight clean sheets in ten Champions League matches this season and has not conceded a goal in the competition for 526 minutes, while Heurelho Gomes saved two spot-kicks in PSV's quarter-final penalty shoot-out victory against Olympique Lyonnais
Here is my preview:
Milan - PSV Eindhoven
Both of the semi-finals are a little flat and I am sure UEFA are disappointed by this. The main reason is the heavyweight clashes from earlier rounds; Chelsea-Barca, Milan-Man Utd, Real-Juve. Amongst this PSV have managed to draw two very winnable ties and is one of the reasons they are here at this stage. Nonetheless I am sure UEFA is hoping for a Milan-Chelsea final which will captivate the imagination of the whole of European football.
To achieve that final then surely Milan are in the best position. This is clearly their tie to lose. PSV know they are playing one of the best teams in Europe and are happy to be at this stage after many years of disappointment and possibly underachievement. However, just like Liverpool there are omens that indicate why they are here and will win this competition. 17 years ago current manager Guus Hiddink led them to European Cup victory with a 6-5 penalties win over Benfica. In this run from the QF onwards they didn't even win a single match. Having dispatched of Lyon in this years QF in the same style is this feat going to be replicated? Even more interesting the Champions the previous year 1986-1987 was FC Porto and of course we all know what happened last year with a certain Jose Mourinho in charge
So by that score both PSV and Liverpool are going to win this title. However, in predicting we can only look at the rational footballing reasons. These point to Milan. What can be said about this team that has not been said? I believe it is this teams destiny to win this competition as they with possibly only Real Madrid start the tournament with the belief and mentality of lifting this trophy - it is what their history demands. But the truth is Milan is one of the most complete European sides of recent times. In every department Milan are better than Chelsea who are the only side of comparable quality left. Don't be fooled by the latters defensive boast as Milan with their 'lesser' defensive names have kept an amazing 8/10 clean sheets in this years competition and no goals conceded in the knockouts to date.
That last stat must worry Guus Hiddink. His side are of course a very efficient team but he knows the value of an away goal as demonstrated very well against Lyon. But this is the already conformed Dutch champions, and Dutch Cup finalists. They have a winning mentality and domestically no other team comes close. They recently thrashed Ajax away 4-0. So with the league already won they will now be fresh and totally prepared for these two matches. Milan on the other hand are involved in one of the most intensive title chases in recent years. Whilst in my eyes conceding the Scudetto very early on now it will be a major disappointment if they do not achieve the double. Also it must be noticed that due to an Italian federation mess-up Serie A was expanded and that has meant 4 extra matches a season bringing the total number of games played equal to that of Spain and England. This has had an enormous effect and Juve are a fine example of this.
On the injury front Milan are affected in defence with Nesta suspended and Stam struggling to be fit against his old club. More importantly would be the absence of Andrea Pirlo who is at the heart of all Milan's attacks. It seem both players will be fit in a very strong Milan line-up. For PSV their main worry is Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink. He looks extremely doubtful and is expected to be replaced by either the super-light DeMarcus Beasley or Gerald Sibon.
Milan(probable): Dida; Cafu, Stam, Maldina, Kaladze; Pirlo; Gattuso, Seedorf; Kaka; Crespo, Shevchenko
PSV(probable) : Gomes; Ooijer, Alex, Bouma, Lee; Van Bommel, Vogel, Cocu; Farfan, Beasley, Park
PSV will look to keep the match tight and hope for a result which enables a 1-goal victory enough for progression at home. I don't believe the fact that PSV cannot score in Milan as they will look to capitalise on the smallest of errors or openings. For that reason they will be happy with any score such as 0-0, 1-0, 1-1 or 2-1. Milan will look to control this game in possession and be careful of quick attack from the Dutch with Farfan and Park. All depends on their attitude, fluency and clinicism of their play. Milan will look to bury this tie especially with the Juventus league match approaching.
Despite my enormous respect for PSV I belive Milan will be ruthless tonight:
My prediction: Milan 3-0 PSV Eindhoven
Milan - PSV Eindhoven
Both of the semi-finals are a little flat and I am sure UEFA are disappointed by this. The main reason is the heavyweight clashes from earlier rounds; Chelsea-Barca, Milan-Man Utd, Real-Juve. Amongst this PSV have managed to draw two very winnable ties and is one of the reasons they are here at this stage. Nonetheless I am sure UEFA is hoping for a Milan-Chelsea final which will captivate the imagination of the whole of European football.
To achieve that final then surely Milan are in the best position. This is clearly their tie to lose. PSV know they are playing one of the best teams in Europe and are happy to be at this stage after many years of disappointment and possibly underachievement. However, just like Liverpool there are omens that indicate why they are here and will win this competition. 17 years ago current manager Guus Hiddink led them to European Cup victory with a 6-5 penalties win over Benfica. In this run from the QF onwards they didn't even win a single match. Having dispatched of Lyon in this years QF in the same style is this feat going to be replicated? Even more interesting the Champions the previous year 1986-1987 was FC Porto and of course we all know what happened last year with a certain Jose Mourinho in charge
So by that score both PSV and Liverpool are going to win this title. However, in predicting we can only look at the rational footballing reasons. These point to Milan. What can be said about this team that has not been said? I believe it is this teams destiny to win this competition as they with possibly only Real Madrid start the tournament with the belief and mentality of lifting this trophy - it is what their history demands. But the truth is Milan is one of the most complete European sides of recent times. In every department Milan are better than Chelsea who are the only side of comparable quality left. Don't be fooled by the latters defensive boast as Milan with their 'lesser' defensive names have kept an amazing 8/10 clean sheets in this years competition and no goals conceded in the knockouts to date.
That last stat must worry Guus Hiddink. His side are of course a very efficient team but he knows the value of an away goal as demonstrated very well against Lyon. But this is the already conformed Dutch champions, and Dutch Cup finalists. They have a winning mentality and domestically no other team comes close. They recently thrashed Ajax away 4-0. So with the league already won they will now be fresh and totally prepared for these two matches. Milan on the other hand are involved in one of the most intensive title chases in recent years. Whilst in my eyes conceding the Scudetto very early on now it will be a major disappointment if they do not achieve the double. Also it must be noticed that due to an Italian federation mess-up Serie A was expanded and that has meant 4 extra matches a season bringing the total number of games played equal to that of Spain and England. This has had an enormous effect and Juve are a fine example of this.
On the injury front Milan are affected in defence with Nesta suspended and Stam struggling to be fit against his old club. More importantly would be the absence of Andrea Pirlo who is at the heart of all Milan's attacks. It seem both players will be fit in a very strong Milan line-up. For PSV their main worry is Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink. He looks extremely doubtful and is expected to be replaced by either the super-light DeMarcus Beasley or Gerald Sibon.
Milan(probable): Dida; Cafu, Stam, Maldina, Kaladze; Pirlo; Gattuso, Seedorf; Kaka; Crespo, Shevchenko
PSV(probable) : Gomes; Ooijer, Alex, Bouma, Lee; Van Bommel, Vogel, Cocu; Farfan, Beasley, Park
PSV will look to keep the match tight and hope for a result which enables a 1-goal victory enough for progression at home. I don't believe the fact that PSV cannot score in Milan as they will look to capitalise on the smallest of errors or openings. For that reason they will be happy with any score such as 0-0, 1-0, 1-1 or 2-1. Milan will look to control this game in possession and be careful of quick attack from the Dutch with Farfan and Park. All depends on their attitude, fluency and clinicism of their play. Milan will look to bury this tie especially with the Juventus league match approaching.
Despite my enormous respect for PSV I belive Milan will be ruthless tonight:
My prediction: Milan 3-0 PSV Eindhoven
