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Last chance for Liverpool!

April 29th, 2008 | By: Jan | 5 Comments »

This is the first and last time Riise features in a post here with a pic.

Tomorrow we’ll know how costly John Arne Riise’s own goal was… Chelsea and Liverpool will meet at Stamford Bridge, both hoping to qualify for the CL finals in Moscow.

Deep in stoppage time last week, the Norwegian left back headed the ball behind Pepe Reyna, equalizing for the Blues. And that goal could end Pool’s aspirations for a successful season. In the EPL, Liverpool is fourth, at a fair distance from the top 3, in the FA Cup the Reds were ousted by Barnsley and the League Cup was out of sight last year already.

Dirk Kuyt had scored the 1-0 last week at Anfield. He knows how tough it will be. “We are very disappointed, but not defeated. The 1-1 is tough, but we shouldn’t sob or sulk. We need to move on. We still have good chances of reaching the finals.”

The former Feyenoord star is still waiting for some European silverware. Last season he did score in the CL finals against AC Milan, but his goal didn’t change a thing for his new employer, losing 2-1. This year, Kuyt was instrumental with his seven goals in the CL. He scored the away goal against Arsenal and scored the first at home against Internationale.

To go to the finals, Liverpool will need to score away at Chelsea. Something the Reds haven’t been able to do for eight matches in a row.

But, Kuyt has faith. “They haven’t lost at home for a long time. So, statistically, it will need to happen one of these days. And records are there to be broken. We’ll forget the first match and go to London to win.”

Chelsea is on the verge of scoring a place in the CL finals for the first time in the history of the club. If Chelsea would win it, they’d be the first London-based club to ever win the most coveted club prize in Europe. Henk ten Cate won the CL two years back with Barcelona against Arsenal.

From Mourinho to Grant… Ten Cate said if everything fails against Liverpool we can always bring Grant on the pitch to scare the ‘Pool players… A journo said: but won’t he scare the Chelsea players as well? Ten Cate: Darn it! Hadn’t thought of that….

Tags: Chelsea, CL and UEFA, Dirk Kuyt, Henk ten Cate, Liverpool, Ryan Babel

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Comments

By goose | April 30th, 2008 at 3:47 am

Im sorry to say but dont really think Pool have a change… looks like a Man-Chelski final to me…hope im wrong

GO DIRK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted from Netherlands

By shyam | April 30th, 2008 at 5:39 am

Yup…I fancy Chelsea will go through too…

Posted from India

By shyam | April 30th, 2008 at 6:16 am

Guys,
A quick intro for those of you wondering who wrote this stray comment.

Jan,
I’ve been reading this blog for a month, and it has been a priceless source of information, warmth and optimism regarding Dutch Football. At the callow, impressionable age of seven, my father brainwashed me with tales of the famous trio (Basten, Gullit and Rijkaard). I grew up in awe, firmly believing that they were no less than comic book superheroes. Ardent support for the Dutch football team has been a ritual in the family, and I have immersed myself into it fully since Euro’92.
I’m 23 now and it’s been a delightful journey. I remember the post on the Fave Dutch player of all time, and though Cruyff may have been the favourite of those privileged to see him play, for my generation, no other player has given as much joy and sheer thrill as Dennis Bergkamp. I think that’s why he won this poll here. He was a genius, and most of us have seen him play.
And regarding the current players, I echo this blog’s sentiments completely. Van Persie is the man of the moment. So guys, Best of Luck for Euro 2008. Bring on those orange shirts in full view!

Posted from India

By Finnster01 | April 30th, 2008 at 7:37 am

Welcome onboard Shyam.

It is not often I disagree with Mr. Goose, but I actually think Chelsea will lose for the first time at home in, what is it now, 50 games and counting?

Chelsea can’t seem to close the deal this year, Avram Grant gets outcoached when it matters most, he is about as flexible as an old Dutch bicycle to make adjustments.

Pool 2 - Chelsea 1 . Kuyt with a header(25th min) and Torres on the volley with the back to the goal(82nd min). Chelsea gets an early equalizer in overtime in the first half through another spectacular own goal from my absolutely useless fellow country man, John “Ginger” Riise.

Ok, Ok, so I am a little biased… Just would love to see Man U-Pool in Moscow. I wonder if the Russians know what is about to happen? The fans may manage to do what Napoleon couldn’t and burn the whole town down…

Posted from United States

By goose | April 30th, 2008 at 10:48 am

welcome shyam

hope you got it right mr. finnster…the only thing wich might work in Liverpools favour is the fact that Chelsea still has a two front war with the EPL still ‘open’…

i so hope that Kuijt will make the differnce and will work his way back in Oranje

Posted from Netherlands

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