Category: Sports

Valencia defeated Arsenal with the scoreline of 2 -1 while Ajax, striking a first minute goal failed to hold on to their lead. Nevertheless, Ajax, for the first time since 1997 is through to the UEFA Champions’ League quarterfinal. Roma is indeed disappointed by the result as now, they don’t have any cup to win. In order for them to catch up with Serie A leader, they will have to relay on luck excessively.

Meanwhile, as predicted Arsenal lost in Valencia. I am a little bit upset with my own prediction but the important thing is, Ajax made it through. Being in the CL’s Group of Death, it is a miracle that Ajax didn’t even lose a game.

Well, what is done is done. This week, P$V will be up against Ajax. Although I would imagine that the Eresdivie’s crown is now unofficially P$V’s property, a victory over the farmer folks would be the next sweetest thing after this qualification.

For Ajax, we have outshot our goal. Whatever happens after this, winning or losing in the quarterfinal, three hurrah for Ajax. Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah!

Don’t let my Ajax go away…

AJAX SCORED IN THE FIRST MINUTE.

The first goal was scored by Andy van der Meyde, assisted by Van der Vaart. It only took Ajax 36 seconds to take the lead in Rome.

Today is the crucial day for all members of UEFA’s CL Group B. Ajax will be up against Roma in Rome while Arsenal is paying Valencia a visit Spain.

The speculative results are complicated to calculate relatively to the other groups. First case scenario asserts that Arsenal and Ajax will be joining Barcelona, Inter, AC Milan, Madrid, Manchester and Juventus if both teams win or draw against their respective opponent. This will result with Ajax on top of the group.

Second case says that Ajax and Valencia will be through into the next stage if Arsenal loses. If this is the case, it doesn’t matter what will happen to Ajax as long as, if Ajax lost, losing with the deficit of only one goal.

Thirdly, Arsenal and Roma case. Arsenal must not lose and Roma must win big-time.

Finally, Valencia and Roma. Both must win in order for this combination to be true.

Ronald Koeman might not field Van der Vaart. He suffered a minor hamstring injury during the 2 – 1 victory against Excelsior last week. On the other hand, Roma will be missing Francesco Totti and Walter Samuel.

Earlier this morning, I received a good luck bid from a friend in the Netherlands. He is a PSV supporter staying in Brabant. One thing to note though, the much hyped Ajax – PSV match will be held this upcoming Sunday. Steven, you no good P$V.

More update to come up as the match progresses.

Years since we long this day,
For it has been awhile since that victorious May,
But no more shall we tarry,
For today the serving is sweat and victory.

The important game in Amsterdam ended in another draw. Unlike Ajax’s first encounter of Valencia, this match was not controlled by any side. Both teams could have won the game. Ronald Koeman had pointed out before the game that Ajax was out for a win. A win for Ajax would have guaranteed Holland a berth in the quarterfinal since 1997.

The game started positively for both sides but the F-Side was later silenced by Valencia. Valencia won a penalty kick in the 27th minutes and the penalty was converted smartly by Kily Gonzalez . Ajax however equalized early in the second half, returning the ArenA to its noisy state. Petri Pesanen headed the ball passed Valencia goalie and thus putting Ajax’s future in their own hands.

After all that, there was something ironic about the game. Ajax was wearing their famous white-red jersey while Valencia was wearing their away jersey, which was orange in color. To put it bluntly, the impressive Amsterdam ArenA looked very much Dutch.
Furthermore, lately, Ajax’s European goals were not scored Zlatan, Van der Vaart or Mido but instead, some unlikely players. Maybe this is a sign that Ronald Koeman still believes in Ajax’s Total Football philosophy.

While hearts were pumping in the Amsterdam ArenA, Arsenal had to contain Roma in Highbury, London. Surprising enough, Roma could have robbed full point at Highbury and left Arsenal to die. From what I’ve heard from the commentary, Arsenal failed to secure Roma’s tactics. What’s more embarrassing, Arsenal failed to outrun a 10-men-Roma at their own homeground. Although Totti was sent off by the referee after a fight with Martin Keown but Roma continued to cause Arsenal trouble at the back.

As a result of Match Day 11, Group B is left very much as it was after Match Day 10. Ajax still holds the crown but the differences between teams are so small that Roma could steal Ajax’s throne if they managed to deny Ajax of point. So, unlike the other three groups, Match Day 12 will be the most important day ever for Ajax, Arsenal, Valencia and Roma.
For the next battle, Ajax has two good news. First of all, Ajax will again be playing with a full squad and number two, Roma will be without Francesco Totti. Despite that, knowing both the Dutch and the Italian, I predict another draw for Ajax. For the Spain match, I must say Valencia will win. I am suddenly losing confidence in the Gunners. I hope both Ajax and Arsenal will manage a draw.

I am currently so hyped with Ajax.

They didn’t have five key players and still managed to fight off Arsenal at Highbury. Furthermore, Ajax is relatively the youngest team in the whole 16 teams with an average 23 years old. This also means that they are the most inexperience team in the whole tournament.

The next three games will be somewhat in Ajax favor, assuming that Roma will not make a sudden comeback. The tough match against Arsenal and Valencia will be held at the Amsterdam Arena. The fanatical F-Side will certainly have a good time intimidating the visiting team.

Visiting the last match, I am starting to agree to what I have read in the Ajax-USA forum. Wiltord’s goal should not have gone in. Lobont have the tendency to fall asleep while guarding the post!

Nevertheless, the young De Jong saved the Dutch and made it one all. From there on, from what I saw from the match highlight, both teams started to play a game of tuck-of-war. Arsenal did have a few scoring chances but Logont somehow became what Didulica to Valencia, the impenetrable custodian. As the full time loomed closer, Ronald Koeman, substituted a lot of players with the most notable one was Sparta Rotterdam explayer, Nourdin Boukhari almost made it 2 – 1 for Ajax. Unfortunately, he applied to much force on the ball and it flew by a mere centimeter off to the right of Arsenal’s post.

For the next match, I hope the keys players, van der Vaart (hail as the young Dennis Bergkamp), Mido (the Egyptian magic), Litmanen (the Finnish terror), van der Meyde (treasure of the youth system) and O’Brien (the American hero) will be available for Arsenal. If they will be available, then the English and the Spanish will experience what the others, especially PSV and Feyenoord are experiencing – an Ajax with full strength.

On the other hand, I feel bad for Arsenal. Later stage of their group match will be tough with two away matches against Ajax and Valencia. Valencia in particular will be looking for English blood on Spanish soil.

The Valencia – Roma match was dominated by Valencia but the winning goal by the Norwegians John Carew was, as was described by the commentator, a bizarre goal. The Italian and even the Spanish team did not expect the goal. Imagine how Pelizzoli feels when the ball when passed by him. If Lobont was asleep during his game, then I guess Pelizzoli was snoring.

The result of the matches left Group B in a very tight situation. All three teams are on top of the group with five points and the only thing that separated these teams are goal differences. Arsenal has four goals for two against, Ajax four against three and Valencia two against one.

The best is yet to come.

Moving on to local scene, I expect Ajax to cling on to the second spot while closely staying behind PSV. Feyenoord in the mean time will be staying at the third rung. The next match will be at FC Utrecht and I believe Ajax, after considering everything will win this game. The Eresdivie now looks more like what I had been in the long Dutch history – Ajax, Feyenoord and PSV dominating the local football scene.

Jumping across the English Channel, Arsenal will be up against Manchester City and I hope Arsenal will win this one. I hate to go against Lada but for the sake of English football, let Arsenal win because the Devil is right behind the Gunners. Also, one bad news for Arsenal. Seaman is injured.

And of course, I think Asier will be more than delighted after seeing Barca screwed up Inter with three goals.

De Magish van de Meer!