"In perfect isolation,
Here behind my wall,
Waiting for the worms to come." -- Pink Floyd, 'Waiting for the Worms.'
The one-time invincible Arsenal, 13 league titles....17 points adrift of the top of the EPL. (No. 9 on your 2005/06 World Football Rich List.)
Mighty FC Bayern. The giants of Baveria...fourth place in the Bundesliga, 13 points behind FC Schalke. (No. 8 richest.)
Five-time champions of Europe, Liverpool...out of the FA Cup, third place in the league. (No. 10 on the Rich List.)
AC Milan and its Milanistas. Thanks to match-fixing debacle, 22 points behind bitter rivals Internazionale in Serie-A. (Fifth wealthiest)
Real Madrid. The Real Madrid. The most storied club in Europe, three years without a trophy and languishing in fourth place in La Liga, but only four out of first. (No. 1 richest club worldwide, again.)
For some of the tried-and-true giants of Europe, the return of the long-dormant Champions League may be their best chance to win anything this campaign.
Since eight Round of 16 ties, we'll break it down the old USA Today NFL style, 1-5 stars. Not that it matters to most US-based views...unless you have ESPN Deportes. Our Stateswide over-the-air games are Tuesday: Arsenal/PSV followed by Wednesay Porto/Chelsea, both begin at 2:30 EST. (Meanwhile Deportes gets Real Madrid/Bayern and Liverpool/Barca, brilliant...at least it airs on ESPN Classic on tape delay at 5 p.m., but still.)
We'll be aided in our analysis by Pro Soccer Evolution 2007 on PS2. For those unfamiliar with PES, it's the oddest sports game out there. Well, maybe odd isn't the word. At first glance it looks like a red-headed, step-child with so-so graphics, unlicensed teams, awful music, poor menus, etc. Then you play it...and play it...and play it...and you realize it's the most true-to-life sports sim on a console, making FIFA 07 seem like a childish arcade game, at best.
Anyway, we've played out most of these pairing, with as accurate lineups and formations as possible, as a nice little virtual guide. Hell, if it can be used as the driving plot device for 'Rocky Balboa' which made $70 million, we can do it on a stupid little blog.
Also, this might be the year of the central/defensive midfielder, which could lend to some very very very dull and scoreless 180 minutes of soccer. Witness:
Arsenal: Gilberto Silva, Cesc Fabregas
Barcelona: Edmilson, Xavi
Bayern Munich: Owen Hargreaves, MartÃn Demichelis
Chelsea: Claude Makelele
Inter: Patrick Viera & Esteban Cambiasso
Liverpool: Xabi Alonso, Momo Sissoko
Milan: Andrea Pirlo
Real Madrid: Mamadou Diarra, Emerson
Roma: Daniele De Rossi, Simone Perotta
Valencia: David Albelda
Also, I noted how many of these teams use players from the club's country of origin. Thought it might be interesting ... and here's a wikischedule.
Cue the weird the opera music.
Manchester United v. OSC Lille.
Talking points: Does United have the depth for an extended campaign into Europe, while taking care of business in the EPL? ... Can a team with the minor-pedrigee of Lille stand a chance against one of the most storied in the world? ... Will United avenge thier group-stage loss from last season which was a main reason they crashed out of Europe in the group stage.
Randomness: Lille advanced thanks to a 2-0 win at AC Milan in November. Granted, Milan had already clinched the group -- which also included AEK Athens and Anderlecht. ... Since Lille's stadium capcity is only 18,185 it's likely their home game is moved to Paris or a bigger venue. ... Lille striker Peter Odemwingie ought to avoid Borat at all costs. The dude is half Uzbek, half Nigerian. If someone throws a rock from the stands at Old Trafford, we can guess who it is. ...
Domestic-based players in senior team: MU: 9/24; L: 15/30
Prediction: Unless they drink too much wine on the away leg in Northeast France, this one looks academic, though Lille will put some a decent fight, belying their French heritage. Manchester United 3, OSC Lille 1, aggregate.
Arsenal v. PSV Eindhoven
Talking points: Will Arsenal, a finalist last season, put the pedal to the metal in Europe? They are still techincally alive in the league, League Cup and FA Cup. ... Is this PSV's last gasp, in its current incarnation, in Europe?
Randomness: PSV might use it's second American in the Champions League, youngster Lee Nguyen. Sadly, with teammate Carlos Salcido, Mexico has double the players in the Champions League when you factor in Rafa Marquez at Barca. Dammit.
Domestic based players: Arse: 4/27; PSV: 8/24
Prediction: The marrow of PSV's successful runs from the past few seasons seemed to finally be sucked dry. (Think Van Bommel, Vennegoor of Hesselink, Arjen Robben, J.S. Park, etc.) Arsenal won't win by simply setting foot on the pitch, but it shouldn't be very difficult, either. Patrick Kluivert...umm, no thanks. No disrespect to the Dutch, whom I'm usually all roses about. But sorry to the guy in the Netherlands that subscribes to this feed, it aint happening here. Arsenal 5, PSV 1 aggregate.
Olympique Lyonnais v. AS Roma
Talking points: Is this the year Lyon breaksthrough in Europe. They've done just about everything they can in Ligue and appear getting bored.
Randomness: Fred. How does a Brasilian one-named striker get off with a name that dull? How?
Domestic based players: OL: 20/29; Roma: 14/26
Prediction: By off loading Michael Essien to Chelsea and Mamadou Diarra to Real, Lyon is absolutely flush with cash. It's a matter of when, not if, when some hungry club makes a bid on Malou or Abidal (think Arsenal, maybe?) so in that regard this might be Lyon's last chance with it's 'core' team to win in Europe. With its superior talent Lyon can pretty much run over most teams in France. Roma should be ready for a defensive match, they play in Italy afterall. And if they can manage with Kaka, they should be able to handle Juninho. As much as I dislike Totti, he's one of the few players in the world that can really put a team on his back at this level...if he's interested. Not really a game ESPN will air, but it has some potential for afficianatos of the game. Lyon 2, Roma 2 (Lyon wins on away goals.)
___________
Inter Milan v. Valencia
Talking points: No matter how you slice it, Inter's eventual Serie A win this year gets a big giant asterik. If they show their class in Europe there is nothing the naysayers can say. ... How many players will be healthy for Valencia? ... How can the core of the Spanish National Team fair against the South American All-Stars of Inter?
Randomness: You gotta respect David Villa for having all of "David Villa" written on the back of his jersey. That's balls.
Dometic based players: Inter: 6/33; Val: 19/26
Prediction: Valencia has as much first-class talent as almost any team in the world. But with all their injuries and such, they can't seem to get it going at top-speed, though they did defeat Barca this weekend. Inter is rolling in Italy and should be well ready for an opponent that will likely try to clamp down on the midfield and pack in. Inter 2, Valencia 1
______________
FC Porto v. Chelsea
Talking points: Only one: Jose Mourihno vs. the team he led to the Champions League title in 2004 and how with the Estadio do Dragao react to the scarf-wearer? ... Ok, one more: can Chelsea find goals from anyone besides Frank Lampard or Didier Drogba, and will it matter?
Randomness: Remember 'Super' Joe Cole. As much as the addition of square pegs into round holes (Michael Ballack, cough cough) have made Chelsea an abomination to watch, from a nuetral standpoint, the lack of Cole might mean more. ... Quaresma, what a great name. ... Porto only has three players remains from its starting XI that beat Monaco 3-1 in the 2004 final at Gelsenkirchen -- keeper Vitor Baia and defenders Jorge Costa and Pedro Emmanuel. Chelsea has two -- Richardo Carvalho and Pablo Fererria. Moral of the story, cash in when you can. Porto probably set itself up for a decade with the transfers from that team.
Domestic based players: FCP: 11/25; CFC: 7/27
Prediction: Porto is going to play it tough and should thrive in a defensive-tinged 180 minutes, but if John Terry is fully back to fitness cracking through Chelsea's defense will be near impossible. Porto 1, Chelsea 2 aggregate
AC Milan v. Celtic
Talking points: Where is this game going to be played? Will UEFA allow the San Siro to hold a European match?. ... Can Celtic surprise just about everyone and make the quarterfinals? ... How many rosarys will each set a fans pray during the 180 minutes of the tie? ... Can a team that is absolutely running away with a second-tier league like Celtic validate its season, in a sense, against a titan like Milan?
Randomness: Neil Lennon need not to worry about burning in effigy, as he did against Glasgow Rangers, paired with the pro-Catholic Milanistas. ... There's a bit of a gulf in quality here. Celtic has some very good imports (Nakamura, Jirosik, Graveson etc...well maybe not Graveson) but compared to the likes of Kaka, Seedorf, etc. it's like comparing 'Cadddyshack 2' with the original. Well, maybe not. ... And if we're taking stars, who's had a quicker fall from grace Brittney Spears or Ronaldo? (Who likely won't feature in this tie since he played with Real Madrid already this season.)
Domestic-based players: Celt: 17/32' ACM: 15/28
Prediction: Celtic will have its hands full trying to crack the Milan backline. Their best bet is probably a Nakamura freekick. Meanwhile, Milan probably won't do much, but look for Pipo Inzaghi to poach a goal and break the hearts of the Hoops fans across the globe, from Rod Stewart to yours truly.Celtic 1, Milan 2 on aggregate. Celtic 2, Milan 2, Celtic wins on penalty kicks.
Real Madrid v. Bayern Munich
Talking points: How much pressure will be on the field during these games? It should be enough for the players to feel it, with the fans, coaches and boards of directors on edge. ... Will Ruud van Nistelrooy bury the club that also courted him in the summer? ... By the same token, where are the goals going to come from for Bayern? Roy Makaay? That's asking a lot. ... Will either coach be fired during the two weeks between games?
Randomness: Bayern midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger is, apparently, the spokesman for Slim Jim's German cousin -- Bifi.
Domestic based players: RM: 14/26; Bayern: 12/25
Prediction: In any other year this is a 5-star spectuclar, but give Bayern's recent form we knock it down just a peg. Say what you will about Beckham, but he's got a flair for the dramatic and part of me thinks that he'll ride off into the sunset, errr sunlight, of Los Angeles after helping Madrid win its record 10th European Cup. And since Real was my preseason pick to win it all, I'll stick with them. Real Mardid 3, Bayern Munich 0
Liverpool v. Barcelona
Talking points: Ummm...let's see? The holders, Barca, vs. the previous year's winner, Liverpool. Juicy enough for you? Let's throw in the current drama around Barca striker Samuel Eto'o and the world class players across the pitch and you should have enough. ... Will John Arne Riise play after meeting with Craig Bellamy's nine-iron?
Randomness: I must have played this one out in PES a half-dozen times at least, and every time it was a cracker. Feel free to mock me. I even saved the replay of a Gerrard extra-time winner. Mock even more.
Domestic based players: LFC: 11/32 (five Spaniards, too); FCB: 8/24
Prediction: Liverpool boss Rafa Benetiz seems to know how to field a team capable of 'contintental' football. Still, they are going to need an inspirational performance from Gerrard, naturally, and a striker or two, think Dirk Kuyt to step up and score a goal or two.
Barca should be able to shread the Liverpool defense with Jamie Carragher and Sammi Hyypia a step or two slow. If Eto'o decides to show up, it might be a romp for Barca.
This is still a game for romantics and hopefully will live up to the hype. Liverpool 3, Barca 4 on aggregate
Here behind my wall,
Waiting for the worms to come." -- Pink Floyd, 'Waiting for the Worms.'
The one-time invincible Arsenal, 13 league titles....17 points adrift of the top of the EPL. (No. 9 on your 2005/06 World Football Rich List.)
Mighty FC Bayern. The giants of Baveria...fourth place in the Bundesliga, 13 points behind FC Schalke. (No. 8 richest.)
Five-time champions of Europe, Liverpool...out of the FA Cup, third place in the league. (No. 10 on the Rich List.)
AC Milan and its Milanistas. Thanks to match-fixing debacle, 22 points behind bitter rivals Internazionale in Serie-A. (Fifth wealthiest)
Real Madrid. The Real Madrid. The most storied club in Europe, three years without a trophy and languishing in fourth place in La Liga, but only four out of first. (No. 1 richest club worldwide, again.)
For some of the tried-and-true giants of Europe, the return of the long-dormant Champions League may be their best chance to win anything this campaign.
Since eight Round of 16 ties, we'll break it down the old USA Today NFL style, 1-5 stars. Not that it matters to most US-based views...unless you have ESPN Deportes. Our Stateswide over-the-air games are Tuesday: Arsenal/PSV followed by Wednesay Porto/Chelsea, both begin at 2:30 EST. (Meanwhile Deportes gets Real Madrid/Bayern and Liverpool/Barca, brilliant...at least it airs on ESPN Classic on tape delay at 5 p.m., but still.)
We'll be aided in our analysis by Pro Soccer Evolution 2007 on PS2. For those unfamiliar with PES, it's the oddest sports game out there. Well, maybe odd isn't the word. At first glance it looks like a red-headed, step-child with so-so graphics, unlicensed teams, awful music, poor menus, etc. Then you play it...and play it...and play it...and you realize it's the most true-to-life sports sim on a console, making FIFA 07 seem like a childish arcade game, at best.
Anyway, we've played out most of these pairing, with as accurate lineups and formations as possible, as a nice little virtual guide. Hell, if it can be used as the driving plot device for 'Rocky Balboa' which made $70 million, we can do it on a stupid little blog.
Also, this might be the year of the central/defensive midfielder, which could lend to some very very very dull and scoreless 180 minutes of soccer. Witness:
Arsenal: Gilberto Silva, Cesc Fabregas
Barcelona: Edmilson, Xavi
Bayern Munich: Owen Hargreaves, MartÃn Demichelis
Chelsea: Claude Makelele
Inter: Patrick Viera & Esteban Cambiasso
Liverpool: Xabi Alonso, Momo Sissoko
Milan: Andrea Pirlo
Real Madrid: Mamadou Diarra, Emerson
Roma: Daniele De Rossi, Simone Perotta
Valencia: David Albelda
Also, I noted how many of these teams use players from the club's country of origin. Thought it might be interesting ... and here's a wikischedule.
Cue the weird the opera music.
Manchester United v. OSC Lille.
Talking points: Does United have the depth for an extended campaign into Europe, while taking care of business in the EPL? ... Can a team with the minor-pedrigee of Lille stand a chance against one of the most storied in the world? ... Will United avenge thier group-stage loss from last season which was a main reason they crashed out of Europe in the group stage.
Randomness: Lille advanced thanks to a 2-0 win at AC Milan in November. Granted, Milan had already clinched the group -- which also included AEK Athens and Anderlecht. ... Since Lille's stadium capcity is only 18,185 it's likely their home game is moved to Paris or a bigger venue. ... Lille striker Peter Odemwingie ought to avoid Borat at all costs. The dude is half Uzbek, half Nigerian. If someone throws a rock from the stands at Old Trafford, we can guess who it is. ...
Domestic-based players in senior team: MU: 9/24; L: 15/30
Prediction: Unless they drink too much wine on the away leg in Northeast France, this one looks academic, though Lille will put some a decent fight, belying their French heritage. Manchester United 3, OSC Lille 1, aggregate.
Arsenal v. PSV Eindhoven
Talking points: Will Arsenal, a finalist last season, put the pedal to the metal in Europe? They are still techincally alive in the league, League Cup and FA Cup. ... Is this PSV's last gasp, in its current incarnation, in Europe?
Randomness: PSV might use it's second American in the Champions League, youngster Lee Nguyen. Sadly, with teammate Carlos Salcido, Mexico has double the players in the Champions League when you factor in Rafa Marquez at Barca. Dammit.
Domestic based players: Arse: 4/27; PSV: 8/24
Prediction: The marrow of PSV's successful runs from the past few seasons seemed to finally be sucked dry. (Think Van Bommel, Vennegoor of Hesselink, Arjen Robben, J.S. Park, etc.) Arsenal won't win by simply setting foot on the pitch, but it shouldn't be very difficult, either. Patrick Kluivert...umm, no thanks. No disrespect to the Dutch, whom I'm usually all roses about. But sorry to the guy in the Netherlands that subscribes to this feed, it aint happening here. Arsenal 5, PSV 1 aggregate.
Olympique Lyonnais v. AS Roma
Talking points: Is this the year Lyon breaksthrough in Europe. They've done just about everything they can in Ligue and appear getting bored.
Randomness: Fred. How does a Brasilian one-named striker get off with a name that dull? How?
Domestic based players: OL: 20/29; Roma: 14/26
Prediction: By off loading Michael Essien to Chelsea and Mamadou Diarra to Real, Lyon is absolutely flush with cash. It's a matter of when, not if, when some hungry club makes a bid on Malou or Abidal (think Arsenal, maybe?) so in that regard this might be Lyon's last chance with it's 'core' team to win in Europe. With its superior talent Lyon can pretty much run over most teams in France. Roma should be ready for a defensive match, they play in Italy afterall. And if they can manage with Kaka, they should be able to handle Juninho. As much as I dislike Totti, he's one of the few players in the world that can really put a team on his back at this level...if he's interested. Not really a game ESPN will air, but it has some potential for afficianatos of the game. Lyon 2, Roma 2 (Lyon wins on away goals.)
Inter Milan v. Valencia
Talking points: No matter how you slice it, Inter's eventual Serie A win this year gets a big giant asterik. If they show their class in Europe there is nothing the naysayers can say. ... How many players will be healthy for Valencia? ... How can the core of the Spanish National Team fair against the South American All-Stars of Inter?
Randomness: You gotta respect David Villa for having all of "David Villa" written on the back of his jersey. That's balls.
Dometic based players: Inter: 6/33; Val: 19/26
Prediction: Valencia has as much first-class talent as almost any team in the world. But with all their injuries and such, they can't seem to get it going at top-speed, though they did defeat Barca this weekend. Inter is rolling in Italy and should be well ready for an opponent that will likely try to clamp down on the midfield and pack in. Inter 2, Valencia 1
FC Porto v. Chelsea
Talking points: Only one: Jose Mourihno vs. the team he led to the Champions League title in 2004 and how with the Estadio do Dragao react to the scarf-wearer? ... Ok, one more: can Chelsea find goals from anyone besides Frank Lampard or Didier Drogba, and will it matter?
Randomness: Remember 'Super' Joe Cole. As much as the addition of square pegs into round holes (Michael Ballack, cough cough) have made Chelsea an abomination to watch, from a nuetral standpoint, the lack of Cole might mean more. ... Quaresma, what a great name. ... Porto only has three players remains from its starting XI that beat Monaco 3-1 in the 2004 final at Gelsenkirchen -- keeper Vitor Baia and defenders Jorge Costa and Pedro Emmanuel. Chelsea has two -- Richardo Carvalho and Pablo Fererria. Moral of the story, cash in when you can. Porto probably set itself up for a decade with the transfers from that team.
Domestic based players: FCP: 11/25; CFC: 7/27
Prediction: Porto is going to play it tough and should thrive in a defensive-tinged 180 minutes, but if John Terry is fully back to fitness cracking through Chelsea's defense will be near impossible. Porto 1, Chelsea 2 aggregate
AC Milan v. Celtic
Talking points: Where is this game going to be played? Will UEFA allow the San Siro to hold a European match?. ... Can Celtic surprise just about everyone and make the quarterfinals? ... How many rosarys will each set a fans pray during the 180 minutes of the tie? ... Can a team that is absolutely running away with a second-tier league like Celtic validate its season, in a sense, against a titan like Milan?
Randomness: Neil Lennon need not to worry about burning in effigy, as he did against Glasgow Rangers, paired with the pro-Catholic Milanistas. ... There's a bit of a gulf in quality here. Celtic has some very good imports (Nakamura, Jirosik, Graveson etc...well maybe not Graveson) but compared to the likes of Kaka, Seedorf, etc. it's like comparing 'Cadddyshack 2' with the original. Well, maybe not. ... And if we're taking stars, who's had a quicker fall from grace Brittney Spears or Ronaldo? (Who likely won't feature in this tie since he played with Real Madrid already this season.)
Domestic-based players: Celt: 17/32' ACM: 15/28
Prediction: Celtic will have its hands full trying to crack the Milan backline. Their best bet is probably a Nakamura freekick. Meanwhile, Milan probably won't do much, but look for Pipo Inzaghi to poach a goal and break the hearts of the Hoops fans across the globe, from Rod Stewart to yours truly.
Real Madrid v. Bayern Munich
Talking points: How much pressure will be on the field during these games? It should be enough for the players to feel it, with the fans, coaches and boards of directors on edge. ... Will Ruud van Nistelrooy bury the club that also courted him in the summer? ... By the same token, where are the goals going to come from for Bayern? Roy Makaay? That's asking a lot. ... Will either coach be fired during the two weeks between games?
Randomness: Bayern midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger is, apparently, the spokesman for Slim Jim's German cousin -- Bifi.
Domestic based players: RM: 14/26; Bayern: 12/25
Prediction: In any other year this is a 5-star spectuclar, but give Bayern's recent form we knock it down just a peg. Say what you will about Beckham, but he's got a flair for the dramatic and part of me thinks that he'll ride off into the sunset, errr sunlight, of Los Angeles after helping Madrid win its record 10th European Cup. And since Real was my preseason pick to win it all, I'll stick with them. Real Mardid 3, Bayern Munich 0
Liverpool v. Barcelona
Talking points: Ummm...let's see? The holders, Barca, vs. the previous year's winner, Liverpool. Juicy enough for you? Let's throw in the current drama around Barca striker Samuel Eto'o and the world class players across the pitch and you should have enough. ... Will John Arne Riise play after meeting with Craig Bellamy's nine-iron?
Randomness: I must have played this one out in PES a half-dozen times at least, and every time it was a cracker. Feel free to mock me. I even saved the replay of a Gerrard extra-time winner. Mock even more.
Domestic based players: LFC: 11/32 (five Spaniards, too); FCB: 8/24
Prediction: Liverpool boss Rafa Benetiz seems to know how to field a team capable of 'contintental' football. Still, they are going to need an inspirational performance from Gerrard, naturally, and a striker or two, think Dirk Kuyt to step up and score a goal or two.
Barca should be able to shread the Liverpool defense with Jamie Carragher and Sammi Hyypia a step or two slow. If Eto'o decides to show up, it might be a romp for Barca.
This is still a game for romantics and hopefully will live up to the hype. Liverpool 3, Barca 4 on aggregate
Labels: champions league, Soccer
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