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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Gordon J surely if Scotland votes Yes all parties are free to contest the subsequent elections in Scotland. We will get the Government the people vote for be it Labour Socialist Tory LibDem Monster Raving Loony Green SNP or a combination of any of them. Our vote,our choice. Hail Hail Hebcelt
Neustadt-Braw Sorry to hear your sad news. KTF Hail Hail Hebcelt
gordon_j backing neil lennon
12:47 on 12 July, 2014
Post independence If Scotland wants a socialist it will vote for one and get one
Currently we rarely get the government we vote for
Nuestadt-Braw
Deep condolences for your loss
HH
Neustadt-Braw,
Sorry to hear your awful news
neustadt-braw
So sorry to hear of your loss. Thoughts and prayers with you and yours.
HH jamesgang
Who is this ‘we’ the nats keep talking about?
Is it the same ‘we’ as in ‘we didn’t mind the economic side so much’?
NB
Sincere condolences.
May your father’s soul, rest in peace.
That’s it Tims
Off oot, bye.
Newstadt-Braw: Condolences on your sad loss. Will pray for your dad at Vigil Mass this evening. RIP.
Neuustadt-braw
Deepest condolonces on the sad passing of your father.
ernie lynch
12:38 on 12 July, 2014
67Heaven … I am Neil Lennon ….The angels are with Wee Oscar in Heaven.. Ibrox belongs to the creditors
12:27 on 12 July, 2014
And you believe them?
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
I can only ‘ live in hope and pray’ …… \o/
hebcelt
12:59 on 12 July, 2014
Gordon J surely if Scotland votes Yes all parties are free to contest the subsequent elections in Scotland. We will get the Government the people vote for be it Labour Socialist Tory LibDem Monster Raving Loony Green SNP or a combination of any of them. Our vote,our choice. Hail Hail Hebcelt
…………………………………………………………………..
Well said Hebcelt
As Joe Millers shorts also points outin an indy Scotland we can ahave any goverment and political system we vote for. Why not a republic or any other flavour. Point is, it will be the choice of people living in Scotland.
HH
Neustadt-Braw
Condolences on the loss of your father
Thst is a tydore
Sorry that should read
Sore one
KevJ mind and follow the rules while you are oot – Ooops forgot!! Hail Hail Hebcelt
neustadt-braw
My sincerest condolences on your sad loss
RIP. James Griffin
neustadt-braw
12:53 on 12 July, 2014
—
Very sorry for your loss
Thoughts and prayers with you and your family.
Take care
Neustadt-braw, god bless your dad and may he rest in peace.
James Griffin RIP
Neustadt-Braw
Condolences on your loss.
neustadt-braw
12:53 on 12 July, 2014
My dad passed away this morning …. Rest in Peace James Griffin…..
Thoughts and prayers for not only James, but his entire family, which includes neustadt, at this time.
I will light a candle in his memory, at Scared Heart Cowie tomorrow
NEUSTADT-BRAW
Sorry to hear that your Dad,James,has died.
Stay strong and think of the good times,bud.
R I P
Off to Hamilton races tonight with my limited knowledge of horse flesh would be grateful for some hints from those with more knowledge.Thanks in advance
castlebhoy,
what is the stars gave Never Forever in the 8-45.
He posted it last night.
Thanks every little helps
Neustadt
So so sorry to hear of your loss i celebrated my dads birthday with him last night
I will cherish him while i can
Hail Hail bud you’ll never walk alone
hebcelt
13:08 on 12 July, 2014
You’re wrong about anarchists and rules.
Anarchists (and they’re an eclectic bunch) reject the concept of the state, not rules.
neustadt-braw
Condolences on your sad loss.
RIP James Griffin.
HH
Neustadt-Braw
sorry to hear of your loss
RIP James Griffin
neustadt-braw-condolences HH
Neustadt-Braw – Condolences and RIP
Neustadt-Braw
Sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. I’ll keep you and the family in my thoughts today.
TBB
Neuustadt-braw
Condolences YNWA
Nuestadt-Braw
May his soul Rest in Peace.
Neustadt-Braw
Sorry to hear your news.
Ticket just arrived for Murrayfield on 22nd v Reykjavik.
Area West 30 : Row OO : Seat 11
Seems from a look at Murrayfield Stadium seat layout a similar seat location to my ST in WS2
Nuestadt-Braw –
Very sorry to read of your loss. May your father rest in peace.
Joe
Neustadt-Braw,
So sorry to hear of your loss. May your father enjoy eternal rest.