Hi all,
Chew Jia Hao, yes, we've checked and there was a slight oversight in the records.
But I'm reminding all bloggers. Please do us a favour. Don't expect us to remember everyone here and trawl through the records (of hundreds of names) to figure if Mani-Kam Mani-Go is V. Sundramoorthy, and so on.
Each time you post, and want your letters to be considered as publishable material, it's only common courtesy to e-mail us your particulars. (Do not leave your phone numbers here or you might get unwanted calls).
Very few people except Phua Tzai Wei and Ashvin and a few others follow the guidelines all the time. For next season, we'll figure out better mechanics but for now, please follow our guidelines.
Q-S, each time you step on your own foot, you're falling 10km behind the rest. Like I said, get over it. Just because something happened to you, doesn't mean you should wish it for people like Haley. Again, get over it now.
As for the rest, it's time to reflect on the Champs League results, once the outcome of the Milan-Man U game is known...
200 words please in each post. No one wants to scroll till their wrists hurt. For a visual guide, scrolling twice thru each post equals "enough already".
Cheers,
Ernest Luis
The Postman
The New Paper
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About Me
- Ernest Luis
- We cover sports for The New Paper, a Singapore daily which is best known for its sports coverage. Interested in views from Singaporeans and others around the world on world and local football, as well as other sports as they write to The Postman? Welcome! (Readers' views here do not necessarily represent the views of, and should not be attributed to, The New Paper)
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25 comments:
Hi,
Before the talk for the Champion's League begin, I would like to thank Ernest for his excellent job in controlling whatever is going on in this blog.
On top of writing articles for TNP, going for seminars, checking out some major regional sporting events, he still has to contend with this blog.
So, I feel that we should be considerate and let him have an easy time when it comes to this blog.
Anyway, kudos to Ernest for settling the disputes thus far, and once again, many thanks. =)
Ernest,
going back for a minute to the "young guns" question, how could you write in the New Paper that "there were 105 votes, with about 40 per cent voting for Kaka, the top choice among readers"??!!
The results were:
Messi: 41 votes
Kaka: 36
Ronaldo: 25
Rooney: 4
Total: 106 votes
You completely misread the results!
Could you please explain to all of us voters what happened?
Thanks,
Pablo
I would like to thank Ernest for his excellent job in controlling whatever is going on in this blog.
Boot licking isn't gg to get u anywhere.
The best teams over the 2 leg affair in the Champion League Final.No doubt about it.
1 goal is all that need to destroy the Devils treble dream but 3 that is.Perhaps chasing glory on 3 front is taking its toll finally,just like Chelsea who was beaten by the Reds the other night.Milan came into the game knowing that just a goal will be enough and with only this trophy up for grab for them,they took the destiny into their hands with devasting effect.Once Kaka scored the first one,you know Man U is in trouble.In fact Man U shot themselves in their foot gifting Milan the 2nd goal.With the experienced figures of Scholes and Giggs almost non-existance and both Rooney and Ronaldo subdued,you know that smash and grab game will not be on show tonight.A bit harsh to bow out of the competition this way but thats the way it is.
Well Reds beats the Blues once again with the help of the deafening cheers from their Special Ones - The Fans.Absence of Carvalho certainly didn't help Jose much.He can rant and whine all he want but Liverpool is the better team.The Reds might have problems with Calamity Goalie but they sure know how to save penalties.First was Dudek and now Reina.
Stage is set in Greece.Replay of the Milan's Istanbul Tragedy and Liverpool's Turkish Delight.Who will prevail?Tough call.
Treble dream over, eh? Shame, but you have to be honest, Milan was the better team throughout the tie.
Now, I think it will be fair if Milan win the Champions League. Then it'll be ironic, amidst all the scandal, the Italians win the biggest cup prizes.
AC Milan 3 Manchester United 0.
I don't like AC Milan because of their scandal.
I don't like Liverpool because of many reasons. One of them is they killed their 'passing game' tradition.
I don't give a damn about this year's Champions League. I'm more interested in Chelsea beating Manchester United at the FA Cup final.
Manchester United, if you got no good defenders bring your broke...behind...home.
No more Treble for Man U, no more Quadruple for Chelsea! (Realistically, we'll now see who gets to win the "Double" for either of them now)
Man U's defence was in shambles this morning. Or perhaps, it was just that Milan were too good. Vidic (a half-fit one I assume) struggled to keep up with Kaka, and I wondered where on earth everyone was when the ball was played to Gilardino. But Milan players like Kaka, Seedorf and Gattuso really stood out for me this morning, and prejudice against Man U aside, I think I still have to say Milan deserved to win over the two legs. Not many teams find that easy to score against Man U, and they could have scored more in fact.
Now the stage is set in Athens for a replay of the final 2 years ago. I kept telling myself I wouldn't mind if we really lose to Milan, and it won't be the end of the world (now losing to Man U will really make me die though). I was prepared to lose to Milan 2 years ago at half-time because they were truly the better team, but they went home empty-handed. Come May 23rd though, I think I won't be singing quite the same tune.
Just to give you guy the accurate information:
An offside offence is when:
any part of the head, body or feet( is nearer to the opponents' goal line than both the ball and the second last opponent. (Does not include the hand - means you can have your body inline while your hand out-scretch and still consider onside)
In case of Kuyt, is really debatable because video evidence is not clear when the ball was struck. the ball shown on tv was appx. 50cm off the feet when we see that Kuyt's head and half body was "offside" - his leg is still onside. could he be on when the ball just left the leg? answer, yes. In most case, the striker is given the benefit of a doubt.
Solution? They need a High-Def Video Cam and I need a HDTV. cheer =)
When was the last time we saw the Red Devils being played off the field like what we saw yesterday? In all fairness, the Milan team made football look so easy. From the 1st minute to the 93rd minute, it was simply a case of Men against Boys. I just have to simply applaud the experience of the Milan team and the tactics of Ancelotti. The midfield of Man U was totally dominated by the Italians. Not being sour grapes but i would rather they won the EPL because after leading almost throughout the season, losing it could have serious repurcussions.
What's worse after a semifinal defeat like this? Well, a bruising derby to M.City with hardly anytime to prepare.
The other semifinal was more cagey with both teams relying more on long balls. But the moment it reached penalties, i knew that Liverpool would triumph. Nothing agaist Chelsea but i was happy that Liverpool won. Well, as usual, the Moaner moaned again.
Perhaps the only consolation for Utd would be that Chelsea suffered a heartbreaking defeat too. Tired limbs and broken hearts. A five point lead with three games to go. The team with the stronger mentality and perhaps luck would nick it. But it will be close.
Cheers,
kel
With the semi-finals done and dusted, the 2 teams left standing are deserving finalists. Milan showed their class with a masterful display and was the better team throughout both legs. The Devils’s make-shift defence was finally found out and Milan aptly took advantage. Led by the world’s best player at the moment in Kaka, Milan will be the favorites in the final.
It was always going to be a tactical battle between Chelsea and Liverpool. Chelsea should have killed off the tie at the Bridge when they had the chance. However, Liverpool rode their luck and took their chances when they needed to. Backed by the Anfield faithful, the Reds made count home advantage with a thoroughly organized and solid display to send the Blues packing. A sixth European title for the Reds? Rafa will like his chances.
A repeat of that epic 2005 thriller in Istanbul is in store and if it all goes to plan, we should expect another cracking match. Milan will be determined not to have a repeat of 2005’s Greek tragedy but Liverpool will be a tough nut to crack.
Hence, it’s a battle of the Irresistible Force against the Immovable Object.
Good Tidings Come Twice but not Thrice.I'm a believer and kept it in my heart knowing there won't be 3rd time European Trophy for Manchester United in 2007
Alex Ferguson, as Manchester United manager having won 2 European Trophies with his current club in 8-year gap - 1991 and 1999, won't be 3rd Time Lucky to win another European Trophy with Red Devils.
Many People think Liverpool will win 2007 Champions League in the repeat Final against AC MIlan.Like 2005 Semi-Finals, Liverpool eliminated Chelsea again just like AC Milan eliminated Manchester United and only this time in the Semi-Finals.
Since Benitez's rule with Liverpool in 2005 onwards, Anfield outfit has been winning 1 trophy per year.2005 Champions League and 2006 FA Cup while beating Chelsea in Semi-Finals in both competitions.
Therefore it will be another trophy won 3rd consecutive year for Benitez because defeating Chelsea in Champions League Semi-Finals result in winning Champions League.IT WON'T HAPPEN.
With The Exception Of Alex Ferguson, no other managers are lucky to win 3 consecutive EPL Titles.Therefore Benitez won't be lucky to 3rd annual consecutive trophy with Liverpool.
Now Chelsea factor is the best indicator that Liverpool won't 2007 Champions League with AC Milan.
With Starting Point As 2004.My LWWL method shows AC Milan are the winners of 2007 Champions League.
L Stands For Losing Finalists While W Stands For Eventual Winners Champions League Of That Season.
2004 Champions League Semi-Finals, Chelsea lost to Losing Finalists Monaco.
2005 Champions League Semi-Finals, Chelsea lost to Liverpool - Winners
2006 Champions League Last 16 Knock-Out Stage, Chelsea lost to Barcelona - Eventual Winners Of That Season.
2007 Champions League Semi-Finals, Chelsea lost to Liverpool - LOSING FINALISTS IN 2007 CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL.
Like Manchester United Fans who Sang Praises On Kaka As World Greatest Player Who Went To Do Their Team In.Liverpool Fans Will Suffer The Same Fate Due To Their Praises On Kaka Who Will Score Winning Goals Against Liverpool.
From: Chester Low
Liverpool's manager and players outwitted, outsmart and outstanding over Mourningho and Stooges.Therefore Liverpool deserves to be in the final.
Manchester United played like Bravehearts in the 1st leg and deservingly won 3-2 at home, suddenly behave like My Fair Lady in the 2nd leg and left the competition as demure and refine damsels in distress with 0-3 defeat.AC Milan's performance, like Visogoths or Huns who are on Sacking Spree Cities After Cities, deserves to be in this season's Champions League Final.
From: Chester Low
Hi Pablo,
That extra vote for Rooney came in after the deadline. So we had 105 votes. Thanks
Cheers,
The Postman
DeJavu isn't it?
Any early predictions for the finals in Athens yet?
Many people always say that Liverpool is 'tyco', 'kelong' or just lucky. I beg to differ. How many times have Liverpool prove us all wrong, being the underdogs everytime against a higher rated team. The 2005 Champions League is one of the best examples, beating Juventus, Bayern, Chelsea and lastly Milan.
I think the Reds deserve some credit too. They have always been looked down or underestimated.
This morning semi-final tie has also prove something. I remember one of the writers ever said that Ronaldo is always quiet during BIG games. And well, that was proved during this morning's tie.
Yes, no doubt he's good. But that has always been shown only against the lousier teams. If Ronaldo were to really compete against the cream of the crop, he's nothing.
hey yo QS!! Where the heck are you!! You left us just like that!! We didn't even get to say goodbye to you man!! We miss you "jokes"!!
c176, I am deferred from Temasek Polytechnic for a year. I get constant headaches during lessons. I'm working at Juiceworks at IMH soon for 2 or 3 months and use the money to visit my 'wife' overseas. I still like you c176 people with the cool guys and pretty girls but a man's gotta do what a man's gotta do.
I may be making cameo appearances here and then at Temasek Poly to see you guys. Just ask Mr.Simon and he will arrange a meeting for you all and me.
Please don't fail the first year course so that you can be in the same class as me next year.
c176, IF you ever cry for me, just call me and we will meet outside.
GO CLASS 176 OF TEMASEK POLYTECHNIC!!!
Yeah right Chester. "I'm a believer and kept it in my heart knowing there won't be 3rd time European Trophy for Manchester United in 2007
Alex Ferguson, as Manchester United manager having won 2 European Trophies with his current club in 8-year gap - 1991 and 1999, won't be 3rd Time Lucky to win another European Trophy with Red Devils."
After bragging ever so often on how your team is gonna win the Champions League.. don't bother trying to cover it up eh.
Man United or Divided?
This morning match ended Man Utd’s hope of crowning the champion league title. Everything seem perfect for AC Milan but disaster to Man Utd. Poor defending by Vidic which allow both Kaka and Seedorf to score before half time. In fact, during the 2nd min, kaka ran past Vidic and had a good opportunity to score but could not finish it. No teamwork between Scholes and Carrick. Star player Cristiano Ronaldo could not perform well either. Unlike kaka, he lack experience in a match like this. Man Utd dream are crashed this morning (Singapore time) and their next focus has to be the English Permier League title, hoping Aresnal to beat Chelsea this weekend.
Milan can have their revenge against Liverpool which denied their chance of winning the Champion League Title 2 years ago. Although they are against all odds, they crashed Man Utd by 3 goal. They played well and demonstrate great teamwork between each other especially Gattuso and Ambrosini. Kaka outshine everyone and scored the first goal and boasted the morale of the team. After the half time whistle, victory is obvious to Milan. The Milan players are hungry for revenge.
As a United fan, I admit it was a horrible 93 minutes of inept performance and Milan deservedly played their way into the final. It was a great lesson in football and one, which they can learn since the team still averages about 27 years of age. Gattuso as I had pointed out last week was definitely the man that made them tick and it showed with his man-of-the-match performance last night, one that even Roy Keane would be proud of.
So where do we go from here??? The Premiership is still the one we're aiming for and have one hand on it. With 3 games to go, a win against City and a draw at Stamford Bridge will be enough to bring it home. The FA Cup will be an added bonus but I'm not one to hope and crave for something that can backfire on me (read Chester - no offence man but I have to agree with CFCfan).
As for the CL Finals, I always believe the team that knocks United out deserves to be European Champions, no matter if their opponents are our greatest rivals or if it's a team like Slovan Liberec. And in Milan, I see all the attributes of a deserving champion. C'mon we all can see who amongst the finalists play more attractive and intelligent football, don't we???
Yea I agree. Man Utd lack conviction in their play yesterday. They just looked uncomfortable and out-of-sorts at the San Siro.
Kudos to Milan, they took the game to Man Utd and effectively killed the game off with their second goal. They never allowed Man Utd to ease back into the game and advanced to the finals as deserving winners.
With revenge definitely in their mind, AC Milan will be taking on Liverpool in the finals. I guess that the match will be won by the tactics put out by either manager.
Good luck to you Malam! Hope Man Utd do the double.
Though its hard to admit, Bolton future look kind of bleak as I am worried what will be the new direction of the club under Sammy Lee.
Ernest, please! I'm not talking about the total count. I'm talking about MESSI being the most voted player!! NOT Kaka. That was the whole point of the poll, wasn't it? To know who was the player with more votes.
I know that right now, with Milan in the League's final, Kaka is in the spotlight more than what Messi is. But out of respect to all voters in your poll, please admit that you distorted the results to support your argument.
Pablo
Come to think of it...if Chelsea beat Arsenal at Emirates Stadium and Manchester City beats Manchester United, Chelsea will cut the lead by two points. The following week Chelsea beats Manchester United at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea will go 1 point clear of Manchester United. Chelsea will beat Everton at the final day. And Manchester United will struggle against West Ham.
And if any Manchester United fans have a problem with that, they will find out why I'm also called 'the write off'.
While naturally disappointed and saddened by the results against them, United and Chelsea fans should take heart that they have teams which look capable of dominating and winning the tournament in seasons to come.
United are a few players short of being a great team and in Rooney and Ronaldo, the Devils have 2 of the best talents in world football. If Fergie is able to strengthen the squad further in the summer, United has the potential to add to their 2 European titles in future. I feel Fergie won't retire until he adds another European triumph to his legacy so expect more swashbuckling performances from United next season.
It has to be said Chelsea has come desperately close to making the finals over the past 3 seasons. Roman should keep Mourinho at the helm, retain the players that they have now and open his wallet by buying some world-class defenders and a striker to complement Drogba. Who knows, next season could finally be their year.
Thus, it's all not doom and gloom for both clubs. Rather than dwell on the past, they should look forward to a bright future. There are still trophies to play for this season so may the best team win. :)
Hi Pablo,
Our poll takes the total tally fm online and via e-mail.
At the deadline, Kaka, not Messi, had the most votes, as what was printed in The New Paper.
Cheers,
The Postman
Point taken.
Best,
Pablo
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