UEFA Champions' League: Post-2nd round

WHO WOULD YOU RATHER MEET IN THE QUARTER-FINALS?


So, now the 2nd round ties are (almost all) dusted and done, with Arsenal completing the most sensational victory among all the 2nd round victors (how dramatic: the Italian press is mourning the symbolic demise of Italian football and the just-as-symbolic hailing of a resurgent youthful English team), and United completing the job with "ruthless efficiency" (quoting TNP).

(well, almost all. Wondering what's the excuse of delaying the InterMilan-Liverpool tie)

And the quarter-finalists' list is out:

• Manchester United
• Arsenal
• Chelsea
• Inter-Milan (or maybe Liverpool?)
• Roma
• Barcelona
• Schalke
• Fenerbahce

Poser:
Would you, a United fan, prefer us to meet with a so-called lesser opponent?

Or should United showcase its prowess by eliminating the bigger teams on the way to European glory?

(No disrespect to any of the quarter-finalists, given any team at this stage must be taken seriously by now)


Again, with due respect to Schalke and Fenerbahce (for knocking out two teams of fine footballing pedigree, Porto and Sevilla respectively - albeit by penalty shootouts), I am tempted to prefer United face either of them at this stage, so that we can build our momentum of form towards the semis and then finals. Knowing the "luck" of the damn draw, we'd most likely face another tough opponent ...

Oh well, we did face toughies ALL the way during the Treble season: Group of Death (Barce, Bayern), Inter, Juve and then Bayern again. And we were still champions, no one could get in the way of destiny. So ... bring 'em on!


And if Pool manages to dump the Italian champion-designate Inter-Milan - a fine side, in my opinion - especially given their impressive 2-0 win at Anfield, I'd say:

BRING 'EM ON!!!

I certainly wouldn't mind bringing Pool on, better to knock them out of their European fantasy and bring their senses back to reality. How sweet would another humbling of Pool be man...




(These avatars appeared in December in the forum before and after we beat Liverpool 1-0 at Anfield *grin*)

Plus, they'd benefit from taking a retreat in order to put their houses back in order *grin*

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Well, will be eagerly anticipating for the outcome of the quarter-final draw! So, who would you prefer to meet?

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Manchester United 1 - 0 Olympique Lyonnais

WOOOO HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! Treble II task done, WE'RE ON OUR WAY!!!

Manchester United 1 - 0 Lyon
(Aggregate: 2-1)

Won't go into the details of the game, was watching with a little daze (only 1 hour sleep) and match-anxiety at the same time. But what a high to watch Ronaldo squeeze the ball in at the tightest angle (Coupet couldn't even find the time to muster a low-dive save!)


Scorer:



Of course, what a shocker to find AC Milan down 0-2 when the coffeeshop uncle (or rather, the enterprising ang mor guy) switching channel. Kudos to Arsenal (congrats again Kev), hope we will meet in Moscow and not before that. That'll cap a wonderful season (no better rival fans to have than the wonderful Elizabeth hotel bunch of Kev, Steve, Siren, Shai, Tiong, Jin, Pete, DJ, Al etc etc etc... why can't any Pool fans be as sporting?? Well, except that one friendly guy at the Holland V coffeeshop 2 weeks ago.)


Will post highlights as it comes up, cheers!

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Showcase: UEFA European Cup / Champions' League jerseys

In light of the fact that part of our Treble II dream hinges on tonight's (or rather, tomorrow morning's) 2nd round decider against Lyon at Old Trafford, I bring to you:

The UEFA European Cup / Champions' League jerseys

Noticed the significance of the three shirts showcased?

European Cup roll of honours (reference)

- European Cup 1968

(The old United crest)

So glad to say I got another one of this classic shirt for a wonderful friend (who, let's just say, you won't believe that he is chosen to be among the country's elite to be commissioned as a guardian of honour in the Armed Forces *LOL*). Bro, hope you love it, it puts a smile on my face if you're glad to hold a classic in your hands.

(PS. my photography really sucks, but then again, I've no love for photography/lighting etc.)


- UEFA Champions' League 1999 (the "Treble" season)
(as showcased earlier)





See the watermarks? (Quite classic)




Crest taken with and without flash. The shininess does make the crest stand out. As I mentioned in my earlier post, I won't be rushing to get the 2-star version ... coz I'd be getting next season's 3-star! *cross fingers*

(I had to control the flash and lighting this time, otherwise the whole crest would be just a shiny bald patch like Zidane and Brazilian Ronaldo *grin* ... no disrespect to them, they're great footballers),


- Conqueror of Europe 2008??




It's a pity I didn't get to take the pictures of the UCL ball patch in greater detail, but the patch has a 3D effect with its embossed design. Quite nice (if not expensive :\ ). Oh, and the number 7 has United crest on it, thought that was like coolness man!

Nevertheless, I truly believe Ronaldo, along with Rooney's inspirational drive, are the key to our Treble II dream. As long as young men dream of greatness, they are destined for it. (You may not believe this, but when I was deciding between ROONEY or RONALDO, I decided that 7 is a great and Godly number, so I printed RONALDO lor, hahahahahahahaha)

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I understand United has another European triumph - the European Cup Winners' Cup 1991 (after our wonderful FA Cup 1990 final replay victory over Crystal Palace), that 2-1 victory against Barcelona basically immortalized Mark Hughes and Steve Bruce, as well as provided the spark for our 90s greatness.

Well, getting this: (Credit: OldFootballShirts.com)

will remain a VERY long-term goal (I will wait VERY patiently for a good deal to come along). Meanwhile, I'm just happy to hold onto a collection of United jerseys from 1991/92 season onwards, when I first started getting mesmerized (and suffering heartache from Leed's title win) by United. Still, it'll be significant to hold the ECWC 1991 final shirt.

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Will be staying awake to silently (yes, TRY at least to be silently *Heh heH*, don't wanna wake the neighbourhood with my cheers) cheer United on in her continual quest for European supremacy. Olympique Lyon won't be easy, especially with Karim Benzema's deadly striker's instinct (Old Trafford-bound, hopefully? As long as that money-grubbing pieface isn't so unreasonable and ruin Benz's future), Juninho Pernambucano's wide array of free kicks (damn, had to keep googling to spell his name), Ben Arfa (not on good terms with Benz??) and the lot.

Speaking of Juninho, he has sounded our boys a warning against complacency against Lyon. Just as well, I have full confidence our lads will rise up to the occasion to achieve for United what she is destined for: GREATNESS.

Look out for post-match! :)

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Ronaldo 07/08 - Video compilations

Not that I'm a very big fan of Cristiano Ronaldo, but I highly appreciate great football skills when I see it! Especially performed in the red of United.

So, this is a little personal tribute to the genius of




All 29 goals (as of 4th March 2007) in 2007/08 season thus far:

Cristiano Ronaldo 2007/08 Goals for Manchester Utd (so far)
by Vidic15

The trickeries!

Cristiano ronaldo Manchester United 07 08
by cristiano94

Of course, including last Saturday against Fulham *grin*

Rabona Ronaldo vs Fulham
by united78

What can you do about that?! *lol*

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Fulham 0 - 3 Manchester United

Out of the euphoria of a weekend dose of football ... (yes, I waited until the conclusion of Poo-Bolton & Toffees-Pompey Sunday matches, as well as when match highlights become available, before posting. Late hor?)

Fulham 0 - 3 Manchester United

Fulham - Manchester United (PL Gameweek 28) (Highlights)
by IPod-KING

Nani puts on a show ... again! *grin*

Nani vs fulham
by anjovingador

Ronaldo's turn!

Rabona Ronaldo vs Fulham
by united78

Hope you enjoyed these particular highlights, and more showboating football demonstration by Nani & Ronaldo. Looks like Portugal's twin wings are the highlights to watch at Euro 08!
(wasn't really a Portugal fan, more a closet Holland fan... but looks like I'd be on a lookout for Portugal now: Bosingwa, Moutinho etc etc :)

An aside:
Is Queiroz building his team at Old Trafford? (You must sign up as a member on the forum to view the discussion.)


Other match highlights:

Arsenal 1 - 1 Aston Villa

Arsenalfc v Aston Villa
by sparta3000

(Kudos to the Gunners for fighting back to snatch the needed, though undeserved point from a fighting Villa. (Yes, the ManUtdSG Reds were cheering after switching the channel... only to groan when Bendtner volleyed home the equalizer *slaps forehead*)

Nevertheless, we're glad to catch up to within one point. Exciting EPL title race ahead! :)


West Ham 0 - 4 Chelsea

West Ham United v Chelsea fc
by sparta3000

Terrible West Ham. Is reported dressing room unrest at Stamford Bridge gonna check their resurgence?


Bolton 1 - 3 Liverpool

Bolton Wanderers v Liverpool
by sparta3000

Everton 3 - 1 Portsmouth

(highlights to come)

Great reply from the Toffees, exciting race for UCL places next season! (Of course, we're rooting for the Toffees, just so to stem the boasting of PAST glories *slap forehead again*)


Well, 'til Wednesday morning (3:30am) for more football action! Will feature another round of wonderful United jerseys soon, cheers! *thumbs up!*