Celtic went into the home first leg of their European Cup semi-final against Dukla Prague at 1-1. Two second half goals from Willie Wallace added to Jimmy Johnstone’s opener were enough to ensure a British team would eventually reach the final of Europe’s premier tournament. The return leg finished goalless.
The clubs met 14 years later in the Feyenoord Tournament, when two first half goals from Murdo McLeod secured a 2-1 win. Since then, European football has been robbed of its meritocratic principles, which allowed talented clubs a route to the top, no matter how rich or poor their domestic TV contract was. Nowhere has been so brutally robbed as east/central Europe.
The 1960s-through-80s saw teams from Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Romania, Yugoslavia and Poland regularly dominate clubs from Scandinavia, south-eastern Europe, France, and occasionally, all comers. Eastern Europe remains one of the world’s most productive areas for developing talented footballers, but even the average ones are stolen for a pittance while still in their teens.
In the 60s, Dukla were a genuine leading light in the game, producing seven of the Czech team who collected runners-up medals to Pele’s Brazil in the 1962 World Cup, with peerless midfielder, Josef Masopust, picking up the European Player of the Year award that year. They would have fancied their chances against Celtic in ’67.
Where great tradition and sporting affection exists, so too does commercial opportunity. The people of east/central Europe just need to figure out how to harness it. Uefa are Europe’s maker of competitions. Their job is to establish the structures which allows great and successful sport to take place. A modern-day Jules Rimet is needed.
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Hampden Park looking good as an athletics stadium tonight onBBC2.
No doubt CP will look great for the opening ceremony.
Ipox ???? Rugby.
Petec
She was a diamond. Fought it for six years.
Fr lamb gave a great service for her.
Heading off before I blubber .
No way would Celtic splash out the sort of cash Wanyama would cost. Pure fantasy.
Have Southampton any players left?
Tom McLaughlin
Correct…one problem…WAGES.
delaneys dunky
20:35 on 11 July, 2014
HT
Ma bhoy just texted me that. It is a rumour sweeping T in Balado. I would welcome a FF VW swap.
No doubt the sun and atmosphere may have got to them.
TBJ there also I think.
Can we gave thg(2) back with big Vic
BT
Father lamb still at St Josephs?An excellent priest.Loved to listen to his homily’s on a Sunday evening.
Blubber as much as you want mate.
Tom,
I can handle that sort of fantasy :-)
Personally think it would a step in right direction for Celtic
Hail Hail
blantyretim,
Delaneys D didnae see me getting emotional last week and it wasn’t when the Mary’s Meals guy was speaking, to be totally honest I don’t know why I didn’t burst into tears, I know I wanted to.
Take care m8ty and God Bless ye.
BT
No drinkin wae you again…thought you were ard as nails.
BT
Sounds even better, big Artur & Vic for FF :-)
While I agree that tonight was simply about getting match fit, I feel that too many of the old guard won’t be up to the change in style our manager is looking for. The young lhads made a far better stab at it earlier in the week.
Tgcw
Yes mate.
Great church with a great priest. See u soon I hope
KTF
Ha Ha
http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/2655984
LOve
Boruc played very well last season …unless he’s moving on ..why do Southampton want to spend a lot of money on a keeper
Southampton are not a good move IMO …depending on the price I may back them to get relegated
Pochettino was extremely influential in their success and they’ve sold most if their good player…and Koeman …hmm,
VP
Jesus wept…
Can’t say more than that.
I greet like a wean. Gets rid of the pent up grief…
Get it out of the system
CALLING THE CQNERS GOING TO THE AYRSHIRE HOOTENANNY TOMORROW!
Is it a 1400 hours start at the pub which was mentioned in BMCUW’s email?
I have contacted a couple of you by text, but not received a reply!
:-((
Ya bassas!
HH!!
rwe
20:35 on 11 July, 2014
Thomthetim
I look forward to your grand entrance at a CQN hootenanny resplendent in your tablecloth & curtains gear. Broon socks & brogues are mandatory.
Selling tickets would be great fundraiser. :o)
HH
*******
So you saw my daughter’s Wedding photos, then!
BT
You know I’m kiddin bud,God bless you.
Have you heard about a big strong man….
petec
Does he do removals ?
delaneys dunky
20:35 on 11 July, 2014
HT
Ma bhoy just texted me that. It is a rumour sweeping T in Balado. I would welcome a FF VW swap.
———–
My stepdaughter’s there with her pals. I’ll text and see if PL is there and she can ask him directly. She’ll prob be glad of an excuse to move him oot the way so she can see the stage better!!!
;-)
HH jamesgang
The Spirit of Arthur Lee
20:56 on 11 July, 2014
petec
Does he do removals ?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Not too sure, not sure he has a contact number either, it’s a conspiracy.
Petec
Aye, You!
The Rock(San Pedro) fae The ancient Scottish Capital. The Rock-Dumbarton.
Rebel toon like Clydebank. Nice. :)
Jobo
You about or aff oot?
HH jamesgang
Some haunting dancefloor music for The Spirit of Arthur Lee.
Here we go again, we’re on the road again
For anyone who’s interested
Rory Gallagher on Sky 129
Tallybhoy
That’s my understanding
The curry lunch fell by the way side …..various reasons were given
Stella is nice at the venue …however you’ll probably be on the G&Ts
FGF
Give me a nod when he sings
Crest Of A Wave
Love
Delaneys Dunky,
Batten down the hatches and start Thomas Brolin because this Wan is Spooky.
PFAYR
Thanks for that.
See you there.
Mine’s a Guiness.
G n Ts later.
Shame about the curry!
HH!!
Parkheadcumsalford
18:40 on
11 July, 2014
It’s like watching Celtic for the last few seasons. Square passes and to no one, while the passer stands and admires his handiwork.
What I have been saying.Same old,same old.A horrendous team selection,and performance.Derk,!!!!!!FFS,how long does it take someone to know a player is a tit?.To waste 70 mins on this trumpet to the detriment of someone elses match fitness is nothing short of criminal.Kayal.Will do what he does.Revert to a liability.More game time wasted.
I had hoped that JC would have informed Ronnie of the duds.Seems not.
Steinreignedsupreme told me the other night I was moaning.Well tonight he is bang on the money.We have our most important game of the season on Wednesday.Does anyone really think we look prepared?.By all means have a look at the youngsters,but when this tie is put to bed.Play them in the League cup,easier games in the SPL,but not,FFS when there is £20 odd million at stake
Totally fekin fed up with this bullsh!t.Every season the same.A gamble.
If anyone accuses me of moaning.Fekin right I am.
I thought the game was on Tuesday.
?
HH!!
Jamesgang
When Ryan left last night wi 10 fellow Tims to Balado. I felt a wee bit envious. My favourite band the noo, Chvrches are playing. Scotlands 2nd best to Biffy Clyro. :)
jamesgang – back in. Mrs Baldie’s proposed film was rubbish,,, ;-)
Turkeybhoy,
I was keeping my powder dry but I have to say after watching that tonight, you’re no for off the mark!
AR
Jamesgang
It is !