Celtic went out of the Champions League to a Midtjylland team that found it difficult to keep the ball and struggled to create chances. What they were was more clinical than Celtic up front and sufficiently more secure at the back. The contrast with our experience last night was stark.
For much of the game there was little between Celtic and AZ Alkmaar. The visitors enjoyed the slight majority of possession, completed more passes, came within inches of opening the scoring and really should have narrowed Celtic’s two goal margin with a shot from six yards.
As we found out to our cost in Denmark, all that counts for nought. Football is about two things: putting the ball in the net and stopping your opponents from doing the same. Celtic’s upgrade between the posts, in defence and attack, since facing Midtylland last month, makes them a potent opponent.
After having a shaky start to both halves, Stephen Welsh made it his mission to win every ball in the air. As AZ tried to find a way back into the game, Stephen’s timing and lift repeatedly blocked their progress. Anthony Ralston appeared to arrive from nowhere to clear decisively inside his own six-yard box, then, in the closing moments, humbled his opponent to win a corner kick. Both defenders performed above expectation.
Yet another European qualifier, yet another goal from James Forrest. His deflected shot tilted the balance in Celtic’s favour. Even before Celtic’s 12th minute opener, Joe Hart demonstrated why Celtic agreed to his spectacular wages by extending a foot to turn a shot against the inside of the post. At the time, it felt like a crucial moment in the tie.
I expected AZ to tire going into the latter stages but with around 20 minutes to go they clearly had the upper hand, pressing Celtic back into a tight defensive formation. Having already introduced Odsonne Edouard, Ange Postecoglou introduced Adam Montgomery and James McCarthy to close the game out.
Not only did this work, but it resulted in a chance that really should have put the tie to bed. Another Ralston rake down the right saw Edouard lunge to head a loose ball that was cleared off the line by a defender, only as far as Montgomery, who also saw his header cleared off the line.
A 3-0 margin would have flattered Celtic but not their new idol. Kyogo Furuhashi’s opening goal could not have been scored by any other player at the club. His speed, flight and control made an already good cross from Tom Rogic into a spectacular goal. Three weeks after his arrival, Kyogo looks like the deal of the decade.
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For those who were at the game on Wednesday, any observations on JK and Strachan? Does Ange talk to them / confer with them?
On TV I could see Strachan briefing the subs with the ipad so he’s obviously still got a job to do.
Whatabout JK? Does he look involved?
A pal just got his PPV money refunded from Wednesday night, he got an email apologising and saying he could watch the game again, he said no thanks ,it’s not good enough, he got his money back.
Bada Bing
I have sent two emails about a refund and have been refused
They said I can watch it again on their site
I would be interested how your friend was successful.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1428412399376388104
fanadpatriot- he said it was easy,no questions asked?
Bada Bing
Will send another email ,thanks
HOT SMOKED on 20TH AUGUST 2021 9:17 AM
He maybe wasn’t a great novelist, but he was definitely a great writer.
And he certainly wasn’t a phony.
Like any call centre depends who picks up the call, Johnny Pedantic or Johnny couldn’t give a shit!!!
Hot Smoked…I’m sure you have your reasons, so, why do you consider GO to be a phony?
ERNIE LYNCH on 20TH AUGUST 2021 10:33 AM
HOT SMOKED on 20TH AUGUST 2021 9:17 AM
I agree with Ernie.
HS ~Down and Out in Paris and London is in two parts on the theme of poverty in the two cities. Its target audience was the middle- and upper-class members of society—those who were more likely to be well educated—and exposes the poverty existing in two prosperous cities: Paris and London. The first part is an account of living in near-extreme poverty destitution in Paris and the experience of casual labour in restaurant kitchens. The second part is a travelogue of life on the road in and around London from the tramp’s perspective, with descriptions of the types of hostel accommodation available and some of the characters to be found living on the margins.
THE BATTERED BUNNET on 20TH AUGUST 2021 9:41 AM
I’d like to nominate Tony Ralston for this year’s Bobby Petta award.
Steady on,this is a family site.
:))))))))))))))))))
Boaby Petta?
PRESTONPANS BHOYS on 20TH AUGUST 2021 10:35 AM
Like any call centre depends who picks up the call, Johnny Pedantic or Johnny couldn’t give a shit!!!
Or Johnny Foreigner.
AngryToryfromMayfair,
Haw TB………….get yersel back in the Aegean pronto.
We’re off to Dingle for the weekend, lets compare water temps!
HH
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B09D2J74V2/ref=ox_sc_act_image_1?smid=A1QPTLO5R36GM3&psc=1
Fill yer boots
This is very reassuring
https://thecelticstar.com/the-fans-have-been-brilliant-says-celtic-star-theyre-pushing-us-on-until-the-final-whistle-and-its-great/
Bada Bing @10.24
I have just had a email from the company re ., my complaint.
They say that as I didnt contact them during the broadcast ,asking for help,I was not due a refund .
Do you know if your friend did this .HH
Haven’t read back ,does anyone know if we are signing the Greek striker or not , could it be another dragging out of the deal by Celtic until it’s too late , no surprise really .
BANKIEBHOY1 on 20TH AUGUST 2021 10:54 AM
Haw TB………….get yersel back in the Aegean pronto.
We’re off to Dingle for the weekend, lets compare water temps!
HH
H,mm,the Aegean has to win.At the moment you come out it sweating.Enjoy Dingle.
JIMTIM on 20TH AUGUST 2021 11:53 AM
Haven’t read back ,does anyone know if we are signing the Greek striker or not , could it be another dragging out of the deal by Celtic until it’s too late , no surprise really.
Going by reports,it seems we are favorites.Never sure until he gets his pics taken,at Celtic Park.
Talking about Pics.Anyone see the Pics of Abadas wench?Phwoarrrr.Looks like an Angel.
new article posted.
Just had a text saying I can come for my 4th Vaccine anytime.Brilliant Vaccine programme ongoing here,yet UK still has Turkey on their Red List.
Meantime,India,and China,and a great many African countries,on Amber.Wuhan in total lockdown again,and we all saw what India was like around a month ago.
Aye,right Boris.Trade deals,you say?