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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.