Tuesday, March 11, 2003
147
The important game in Amsterdam ended in another draw. Unlike Ajax’s first encounter of Valencia, this match was not controlled by any side. Both teams could have won the game. Ronald Koeman had pointed out before the game that Ajax was out for a win. A win for Ajax would have guaranteed Holland a berth in the quarterfinal since 1997.
The game started positively for both sides but the F-Side was later silenced by Valencia. Valencia won a penalty kick in the 27th minutes and the penalty was converted smartly by Kily Gonzalez . Ajax however equalized early in the second half, returning the ArenA to its noisy state. Petri Pesanen headed the ball passed Valencia goalie and thus putting Ajax's future in their own hands.
After all that, there was something ironic about the game. Ajax was wearing their famous white-red jersey while Valencia was wearing their away jersey, which was orange in color. To put it bluntly, the impressive Amsterdam ArenA looked very much Dutch.
Furthermore, lately, Ajax’s European goals were not scored Zlatan, Van der Vaart or Mido but instead, some unlikely players. Maybe this is a sign that Ronald Koeman still believes in Ajax’s Total Football philosophy.
While hearts were pumping in the Amsterdam ArenA, Arsenal had to contain Roma in Highbury, London. Surprising enough, Roma could have robbed full point at Highbury and left Arsenal to die. From what I’ve heard from the commentary, Arsenal failed to secure Roma’s tactics. What’s more embarrassing, Arsenal failed to outrun a 10-men-Roma at their own homeground. Although Totti was sent off by the referee after a fight with Martin Keown but Roma continued to cause Arsenal trouble at the back.
As a result of Match Day 11, Group B is left very much as it was after Match Day 10. Ajax still holds the crown but the differences between teams are so small that Roma could steal Ajax’s throne if they managed to deny Ajax of point. So, unlike the other three groups, Match Day 12 will be the most important day ever for Ajax, Arsenal, Valencia and Roma.
For the next battle, Ajax has two good news. First of all, Ajax will again be playing with a full squad and number two, Roma will be without Francesco Totti. Despite that, knowing both the Dutch and the Italian, I predict another draw for Ajax. For the Spain match, I must say Valencia will win. I am suddenly losing confidence in the Gunners. I hope both Ajax and Arsenal will manage a draw.
The important game in Amsterdam ended in another draw. Unlike Ajax’s first encounter of Valencia, this match was not controlled by any side. Both teams could have won the game. Ronald Koeman had pointed out before the game that Ajax was out for a win. A win for Ajax would have guaranteed Holland a berth in the quarterfinal since 1997.
The game started positively for both sides but the F-Side was later silenced by Valencia. Valencia won a penalty kick in the 27th minutes and the penalty was converted smartly by Kily Gonzalez . Ajax however equalized early in the second half, returning the ArenA to its noisy state. Petri Pesanen headed the ball passed Valencia goalie and thus putting Ajax's future in their own hands.
After all that, there was something ironic about the game. Ajax was wearing their famous white-red jersey while Valencia was wearing their away jersey, which was orange in color. To put it bluntly, the impressive Amsterdam ArenA looked very much Dutch.
Furthermore, lately, Ajax’s European goals were not scored Zlatan, Van der Vaart or Mido but instead, some unlikely players. Maybe this is a sign that Ronald Koeman still believes in Ajax’s Total Football philosophy.
While hearts were pumping in the Amsterdam ArenA, Arsenal had to contain Roma in Highbury, London. Surprising enough, Roma could have robbed full point at Highbury and left Arsenal to die. From what I’ve heard from the commentary, Arsenal failed to secure Roma’s tactics. What’s more embarrassing, Arsenal failed to outrun a 10-men-Roma at their own homeground. Although Totti was sent off by the referee after a fight with Martin Keown but Roma continued to cause Arsenal trouble at the back.
As a result of Match Day 11, Group B is left very much as it was after Match Day 10. Ajax still holds the crown but the differences between teams are so small that Roma could steal Ajax’s throne if they managed to deny Ajax of point. So, unlike the other three groups, Match Day 12 will be the most important day ever for Ajax, Arsenal, Valencia and Roma.
For the next battle, Ajax has two good news. First of all, Ajax will again be playing with a full squad and number two, Roma will be without Francesco Totti. Despite that, knowing both the Dutch and the Italian, I predict another draw for Ajax. For the Spain match, I must say Valencia will win. I am suddenly losing confidence in the Gunners. I hope both Ajax and Arsenal will manage a draw.
