Category Archive
The following is a list of all entries from the when the Reds go marching in category.
Ballack hanya terpana melihat lautan merah itu
Yah akhirnya kelar juga Euro 2008 dengan Spanyol sebagai juaranya [big thanks to Senor Aragones]. Dari lubuk hati, gue puas dengan final Euro kali ini. Nggak ngebosenin (kayak euro 2004) dan cukup fair (nggak kayak world cup 2006).
Terlepas dari fakta gue fans-nya Casillas, menurut gue Spanyol pantes memenangkan turnamen ini. Mereka konsisten, bahkan cleansweep 6 pertandingan tanpa kalah. Hanya 1 pertandingan dimana mereka bermain sampai lebih dari 90 menit [lawan Italia]. Lainnya mereka bagai menang straight set tanpa deuce.
Di final ini, Jerman-lah yang berinisiatif menyerang lebih dulu. Tadinya gue uda seneng, wah Jerman udah nggak lambat panas lagi. Beberapa menit kemudian, banteng-banteng Spanyol ikutan panas dan justru merekalah yang aktif menyerang ke jantung pertahanan Jerman.
Skor akhir Jerman 0-1 Spanyol. Meskipun tipis, tapi tidak berarti kemenangan ini diraih karena untung-untungan. Sang pencetak gol tunggal ini adalah Fernando Torres (hore! Liverpool!). Golnya cantik, menurut gue. Dia berduel dengan Philip Lahm, melepaskan tendangan yang nggak keras tapi akurat, melewati Lehmann, dan bola bergulir dengan manis ke gawang Jerman. Swiheey!
To be honest, gue mengharapkan ada gol balasan dari pihak Jerman, jadi kita bisa melihat kebangkitan Jerman dan reaksi Spanyol. Katanya kan mental juara baru bisa dibuktikan setelah tertinggal. Yah tapi overall, great match.
Sepanjang pertandingan gue ketar-ketir sendiri setiap ada serangan. Gue nggak rela gawang Iker ditembus tapi gue juga gamau Jerman kalah…hahahaha…ya jelas nggak ada yang ketemu.
Match ini cukup fair, dalam arti mereka nggak mencoba untuk menipu wasit. Okelah pelanggaran masih sering dilakukan. Namanya juga cowok dan sepakbola kan keras, kadang-kadang kelepasan juga. Ohya beberapa menit sebelum half time Iker & Ballack sempet berdebat dan dua-duanya dikasi kartu kuning. Gue nggak gitu jelas kenapa…mesti cari nanti.
Supporter Spanyol udah heboh sejak sekitar menit 84, begitu pula orang-orang di bench udah pada berdiri. Gue sih masih deg-degan. Belom berani bilang kalau Spanyol pasti juara [inget final CL ‘99]. Tapi untungnya para pemain Spanyol tetep mempertahankan konsentrasi mereka sampai final whistle.
Seneng banget [dan bangga...apa coba] melihat Iker akhirnya mengangkat piala itu. Akhirnya Spanyol juara lagi setelah 44 tahun. [Ohya ini juga faktor kenapa gue milih Spanyol. Jerman kan udah juara dunia 3 kali + juara Euro 3 kali juga. Spanyol baru juara Euro sekali. Ya tahun ini buat Spanyol ajalah 
]
Rada memelas pas dikasi liat close-up Ballack. Dia cuma bengong pas para pemain Spanyol celebrating their victory. Mungkin ini Euro terakhirnya (dia udah 31 kan? Cmiiw). Beberapa kali juga ada close-up nya Schweinsteiger. Dia tampak kecewa sekali…bahkan sedikit berkaca-kaca (iya nggak sih?). Pemain Jerman yang lain juga cuma terdiam setelah dikasi medali. Nggak ada yang nangis, tapi jelas mereka kecewa dan sedih banget…cupcupcup…2 tahun lagi ada world cup kok…gue yakin mereka bisa berprestasi.
Saat ini, marilah kita larut dalam lautan merah itu…
Viva España!
P.S: Kata Steffanie, boneka ber-sweater Jerman (dinamain Mikhael Casillack) yang gue kasih ke dia meneteskan air mata…cupcupcup…
Beberapa menit menjelang kick off, gue akhirnya memutuskan untuk sedikit lebih memihak Spanyol. Kenapa? Soalnya kalau dihitung-hitung berdasarkan pemain yang gue suka dan gue sebel, hasilnya lebih plus di Spanyol. Nih coba lihat hitungannya:
Jerman:
1. Arne Friedrich +2.5
2. Michael Ballack +2
3. Michael Ballack -1.5 (main di Chelsh*t…menurut gue itu keputusan bodoh)
4. Miroslav Klose +1
5. Lukas Podolski -1
6. Per Metresacker +.5
Spanyol:
1. Iker Casillas +3
2. Fernando Torres +1 (Liverpool)
3. Xabi Alonso +1 (Liverpool)
4. Pepe Reina +.5 (Liverpool tp gaperna main di timnas)
No more catenaccio this Euro
Sampe di Jerman tepat pada waktunya untuk nonton Spanyol versus Italia (ini masih cerita tanggal 22juni sambungan dari Louvre). Selama Euro 2008 ini gue belom pernah nonton Spanyol, padahal gue juga mendukung mereka karena Iker Casillas dan pemain-pemain Liverpool disitu. Sebabnya, waktu yang nggak pernah pas. Pertandingan pertama Spanyol itu pas gue mau exam Prancis. Pertandingan kedua pas gue jetlag parah di Amsterdam. Malam ketika pertandingan ketiga gue harus tidur cepet soalnya mau berangkat pagi-pagi ke Brussel.
Agak kaget melihat Iker jadi kapten (walaupun dari 2 tahun lalu dia udah jadi kapten kedua). Yah meskipun gue fans-nya, tapi menurut gue dia nggak se-karismatik itu untuk jadi kapten timnas. Dia kiper jago dan cukup bisa diandalkan, pemain-pemain ngerasa tenang kalo di goalpost ada dia. Still, menurut gue dia nggak se-karismatik itu. Yasudahlah.
Gue agak khawatir dengan pertandingan lawan Italia ini. Soalnya kan Spanyol masih selalu punya masalah dengan kekompakan tim karena rasa nasionalis yang masih bersifat kedaerahan. Sebaliknya, orang Italia tampaknya punya rasa nasionalis yang tinggi. Nggak lupa Buffon kan juga jago banget, pasti susah untuk ditembus apalagi kalau kerjasama timnya nggak optimal.
Seperti biasa, gue sebel banget tiap kali Italia tanding. Sori buat yang nggak sependapat, tapi menurut gue Italia cuma menghancurkan keindahan sepakbola dengan catenaccio-nya yang terkenal itu. Bener-bener bikin kesel deh. Salut gue sama tim Spanyol yang nggak putus-putusnya nyerang dengan susah payah selama 120 menit meskipun nggak membuahkan gol.
Yah, akhirnya penalti lagi deh. Masa dari 4 pertandingan perempatfinal, 2 diantaranya diakhiri dengan penalti? Buset dah. Jantungan gue. Gue tau Iker punya rekor bagus dengan penalti. Tapi ya lawannya, Buffon, juga tangguh, dan takutnya ya ada aja pemain Spanyol yang berbuat kesalahan karena terlalu tegang atau apalah.
Rasanya lega sekali ketika penaltinya kelar. Iker kembali membuktikan kualitasnya sebagai penalty-stopper yang sulit ditembus, dan Italia tersingkir. Seneng rasanya, jadi nggak perlu liat catenaccio lagi di Euro ini.
samen zijn we oranje
~ Together we are the Oranje ~
Netherlands vs Italy was the best match so far in the Euro 2008. The tempo was high all the time, both teams shoot a lot (Ned 18, Ita 16), the attacks came over another and overall, the match was exciting.
I always amazed by how the Dutch play total football, how each and everyone of them can play every part. Nice. Van Basten did a great job.
On the other hand, Italy’s defense was simply a mess without their captain, Cannavaro. The Dutch’s attacks were very smooth. They quickly lead by van Nistelrooy’s goal in 26th minute then Sneijder’s in 31st minute.
Italy was very aggressive on the 2nd half, but the Dutch was very discipline on guarding their territory, and also van der Sar was brilliant today. Italy made many attempts for goal but at the end, it is the Dutch who struck one more goal on Buffon’s post, by van Bronckhorst.
Nice match by the Oranje.
Their only problem, at least for me, was their socks! Oh my, they wore orange jersey with light blue socks!! What an awful combination. Take a look at this pic when Sneijder scored.
His socks were a disaster. Why didn’t they wear the usual orange socks like this one? This was a lot better.
PS: the title is just words from Netherland’s bus. I’m not that fanatic to them
Germany has played its first match in Euro 2008 (versus Poland). They won 2-0 quite comfortably, with two goals from Podolski. They played well, but they wasted so many chances. They shoot a lot but barely on target. In the following matches, especially in the next rounds, they probably won’t get so many chances like this.
But I still put my hope on them. After all, they are Die Panser, they took a long time for warm up 
Next match: Netherlands vs Italy!!
PS: I almost forget. Congrats to Rafael Nadal for winning French Open for the 4th consecutive time!! And congrats also to Roger Federer for collecting the 2nd place trophy for the 3rd consecutive time . You are a brilliant player, Roger, but you just can’t beat the king in his land .
Euro 2008 has begun!
Well finally UEFA Euro 2008 officially started yesterday. As we all know, Euro is just like World Cup without Brazil & Argentina. It has almost the same prestige and the same tension. This year I’ll still support Deutschland (Germany), and also countries which has Liverpool players, such as Spain (Xabi Alonso, Pepe Reina, Fernando Torres, Albeloa), and Netherlands (Dirk Kuyt). Too bad England didn’t make the cut, but on the other hand, it’s good so FA finally realize that McClaren wasn’t competent enough. [How come he put Lampard first and not Gerrard?!? Silly.]. Hope Capello will make a better team out of those brilliant players.
But it seems that NTU people don’t really give a shit about this event. Last night TV rooms were empty, nobody watched it. I was going to watch at TV room block 32 but I cannot turn on the TV. Okay fine then, I watched using TVU (streaming).
The opening match was Switzerland vs Czech Republic. I support Czech Republic because of Petr Cech, and because I barely know Swiss players… 
. Poor Swiss…their captain (Frei) injured. They barely have good strikers and even if they had one, Cech is not that easy to beat. The final score is 1-0 for Czech. But I must say, the match was quite far from exciting. Rather disappointed, but quite acceptable, since that was the first match.
Dimas told me to watch a world cup qualification match between Australia and Iraq. Nah THAT was exciting. Iraq players simply bombarded Aussie’s. [I personally think that Aussie's decision to move its football federation to Asia is a stupid one. Their chance for world cup is obviously smaller. Asia teams maybe are not the best ones, but they are good.]
The second match was Portugal vs Turkey. This one was better, methinks. I didn’t choose a side for this one, since both countries has no Liverpool players. I was already sleepy at that moment, so I was half asleep and only awoke when there’s a goal 
Today’s [or tomorrow morning] match will be Germany vs Poland!!
*excited, before realizing that there are only 3 days left before exam >.< *
Deutschland – ein Team – ein Ziel
so that’s it for CL 07-08
Well, first of all, I cannot write a review or analysis because I cannot watch the match. Damn it! The streaming thing didn’t work and the tv room downstairs only provides local channels, and that means no ESPN. Crap!
In some moments I just wished that I’m still in hall 2 so I can watch the match with Stephen, Adi and others. I mean, even that the tv in hall 2 is not big enough, at least they can watch it. Stephen was really sweet, he offer to pick me up from hall 14 to hall 2 because I’m afraid to go there alone after midnight. Thanks beyb, you’re a true friend 
. I said that was not necessary, because then he would miss at least 30 minutes.
However, thanks to Stephen and uefa’s live text, I still know roughly what’s going on the field.
Final score: Chelsea 3-2 Liverpool
[Drogba (2), Lampard (pen), Torres, Babel]
I think the game is quite good, judging from the live text and Stephen’s opinion. Chelsea took advantages of being the host.
The game initially end with 1-1 tie after 90 mins (aggregate 2-2) so the winner cannot be decided yet. The extra time held soon, and just 8 minutes later, Chelsea got a penalty and Lampard set the goal. On 15th mins Drogba (oh yes that diving guy) scores the 3rd goal for Chelsea.
3-1. Seems like a dead end for Liverpool. But remembering Istanbul 2005…I still believe that they will catch up somehow. I believe that they will keep the effort and spirit…keep trying until the final whistle blows.
And turns out I’m right. Ryan Babel brought the 2nd goal at minute 27. But it seems like Chelsea deserve a final after like…forever. And so it ended with 3-2.
What can I say? Nothing. Nothing to regret, nothing to scold, no one to blame. It’s a game, and that’s how it ends. Just like in today’s Exam Prayer Meeting, which topic is about how to accept His plan even if it was not ours. If Liverpool made through final once again, it will be their third final in four years. A fantastic record. Maybe it will make us (players, staffs, supporters) feel superior and arrogant. This is the time when we have to rebuild the team, rebuild our love for the team, be humble and more careful.
You’ll Never Walk Alone
in Rafa we trust
Yes, I am. I truly believe in him. One more thing that makes me so sure is the article below from www.liverpoolfc.tv (official LFC website). I really admire Rafa for backing Riise. I mean, Riise is a great player, but unfortunately he was careless and created that own goal against Chelsea in Champions League. I saw some people (who supported LFC) scolded him…I think he didn’t deserve it, because of what he’s done for the past few years in Liverpool. It must be hard for Riise, and I’m really glad Rafa backed him. I think that’s what a good leader (coach) should do.
| RAFA: RIISE DESPERATE TO BOUNCE BACK Paul Eaton 26 April 2008 |
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Rafael Benitez has revealed John Arne Riise is desperate to make amends for his own goal howler against Chelsea in midweek. |
| The Norwegian full back’s injury time header into his own net has given Chelsea the advantage going into the second leg of the Champions League semi-final on Wednesday night, but Benitez has backed the 27-year-old to bounce back.”I have spoken to John and he is desperate to play,” said the Reds’ boss. “You cannot change anything just by talking. It’s best he comes straight back in. The main thing is that he scores at Stamford Bridge – in the right goal!”
Riise is likely to start at St Andrews today as Liverpool go in search of the one point which will guarantee Champions League football once again next season. With Fabio Aurelio sidelined, Riise is likely to be one of a number of changes to the side which faced Chelsea as Benitez rests his key men ahead of the second leg. “I can only think about my team and their needs,” he added. “I know there has been criticism of what we did at Fulham, but that is of no concern to me. “You are responsible for your own luck, and you cannot say we must play a certain team because you are in trouble. Other sides have different situations. Those in mid-table may choose to blood young players and nobody will criticise that. “I will use the players I believe will be good enough to win. I did that at Fulham and we won. Everybody wants to play every game. I was talking with two or three big names and they said: ‘I want to play, I want to play’, but I will have to analyse each one and then decide. “The most important thing is the team and the club so I cannot say yes to everyone as it will mean I am taking risks. “There are some players who know that they need to show quality and character if they want to stay at a top club like Liverpool. “That means the last few games are a challenge for them and they need to take what opportunities come their way. “We still need a point to be fourth. I cannot see Everton winning all three of their games, but we need to make sure for ourselves as quickly as possible.” Damien Plessis is likely to be involved today after an impressive debut at Arsenal while Emiliano Insua could also taste first team action for the first time this season. |
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Liverpool 1-1 Chelsea (CL semi final 1st leg)
[this post was written while the match still in progress]
Final score: Liverpool 1-1 Chelsea
goals: Kuyt 43′, Riise (og) 90+5′
The match was not as good as I predicted. Maybe there’s too much pressure on the boys’ shoulders. The first half was quite okay…Liverpool got the ball most of the time, but they just cannot create enough chances. On the other hand, Chelsea was quite screwed. Drogba dived every 5 minutes or less, as usual. The others just cannot get their rhythm. Only Petr Cech was good. Damn.
The first goal was scored by Dirk Kuyt. It all started from Torres‘ attack which caused a riot in Chelsea’s goalpost. Lampard was not in the right position and there Kuyt goes and strike. The goal created quite a tension for Chelsea as they tend to foul after that.
Second half was better for Chelsea (or was it because Liverpool play worse?). Drogba still dived everytime he can (what is wrong with him? can’t he just play in Italy and not England?), and the others foul Liverpool players on every contact but their attacks are more organized now. Oh thank God for Reina and Liverpool defenders! Ooh I just hope that Cech will make a blunder, which is quite unlikely…he even made brilliant saves…too bad he’s playing for Chelsea 
WHAT’S WRONG WITH CHELSEA PLAYERS? Why they really like to hurt?
OWWW SHITT…Riise made an own goal…poor poor John Arne…he must be really broke. I’m sure that the fans will still love him…but there are plenty who will not…
Not a good game for Liverpool, hope Rafa can fix it for the 2nd leg.
2nd leg will be in Stamford Bridge. Liverpool will go to the final, I still believe. Keep the faith!
full-time report
Ahh…just how active I am in writing! Hahaha…
But I’m not gonna make it a football report…I want to share what I feel throughout this match.
After 1-1 half time score, both teams were pushing harder. But Liverpool has the advantages of being the host. They dominate the midfield section and attack regularly to Arsenal’s goalpost, but for some time it didn’t work a goal. Fortunately the players were patient enough to wait while fighting in the field.
Finally, the magic kid, Fernando Torres, make it worth in 72th minute when he make a goal by turning and fire the shot. Brilliant…brilliant…what a talent he got there.
One thing I notice, people (in general) tend to make mistakes when they’re in extreme high or low condition…For example, students after graduating are so happy sometimes they make disturbing noises and party like s**t..
And just like what I observe in this match. After Theo Walcott make an impressive yet amazing run across almost a field and Adebayor make it a goal in 86th minute, Arsenal was on top of the world. The score was 2-2 and they’ll win because of away goals. But then, they became careless. Toure dragged Babel down in the penalty box and the referee point the spot. Wew, just imagining how much he’ll regret his careless move. The penalty brought to goal by Stevie G in 88th minute. Just after two minutes, a mistake makes the world turn upside down for the gunners. The penalty is rather controversial, by the way. But a goal is a goal. For this time, it won’t change.
Moral of the story: better keep calm and stable. Moreover, keep the hope.
3-2 scores and 4-3 aggregate seems good enough for Liverpool. They play it rather defensive this time, replacing Torres with Riise and play it in the back. But then, the magic happens again. This time through Ryan Babel, another young star in Liverpool. He made a long run to Arsenal’s goalpost, fighting with Fabregas before set the goal. 4-2!! 
The goal really will shut the gunners up. This time they cannot blame the penalty (although I’m sure Wenger will blame the ref and the pen…yeah we all know him, rite?)
Game over for Arsenal, while Liverpool will face Chelsea (again) in the semi-final. The Champions League become more and more English this season.
