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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David Luiz looks as though he’s had a hair transplant from his nether regions.
hoopy-do
Tickets available from what used to be called Legends and selling fast….
HT
Sideshow Boaby?
;)
HT,
Certainly curly, but not sure about the “short and” bit.
Bankiebhoy
:-))))
The Ref should have sent a Dutch player off……………..
just to even the game up!
GGH
I believe they’re commonly referred to as ‘extensions’ :-)
Jobo
Who qualifies as a legend in this sort of fixture these days?
Brazil have conceded 12 goals at World Cup 2014 – the most number of goals they have ever conceded at a single World Cup.
Legneds now Bar Borocco Jobo
HT
Might be interesting when he sees the nit nurse.
“Mrs Luis, we’re no quite sure whether yer boy has head lice or crabs”
Kelvinbhoy
All good my side me old son . Hope E&B and the rest of your family in good health also.
Hope to catch up sometime when we get back to Paradise.!
Dontcha just love the Hoops big fella ;) Hail Hail.
Seen iit for 1st time ,must be a red card if he gives the penalty
Things that were embarrassing in the World Cup………………..Ian Wright’s unneccessary continual reference to ‘the Gaffer’
Advert on STV, Spec Savers 2 pairs for £69, just saying like:-)
Wits
cheers that and Mr Maynard 1st night of World cup have just about covered a whole world cup of losing bets
Ps anyone reading dont bet Garay to score 1st or any time tomorrow bound to lose
BSR, things that were embarrassing during the World Cup……………
Ian Wright
May I also extend my thanks to the earlier poster who suggested a wee horse in Hamilton, Would be faster. It was. Many thanks to you sir.
So, is it worth risking my 120 bob elsewhere?
P
Bsr
Yep, that was excrutiating to watch
Tube of a man
garygillespieshamstring –
No, it’s not a ‘Legends’ game; the tickets are on sale in an EK pub that’s recently changed its name from legends to Bar Borocco (cheers Bada). That bar is one of EKFCs sponsors and quite a few of their players were in there this evening, some a bit worse for wear (allegedly)!
BSR
Somebody should get some Gaffa and use it appropriately for ‘Wrighty’.
Adrian Chiles.
A list?
Doc / bhoylo
Ian Wright finks Brazil are not even the fird or forf best team in the World Cup.
Doc
pushing SFA referee sponsors I see. Tut Tut :-)
CTRL + rules CSC
So as the 2nd half starts I’m reminded that my bets include Holland to win 3-1 (22/1), Holland to win with Brazil to score (9/2), Holland to win*(11/5), 4 or more goals in the game*(13/8)
Jobo
* – part of a double with tomorrow night’s game….
Seems as if a lot of posters on this site are losing parents lately. I lost my Dad when in my mid teens. I lost it for a bit and went off the rails, dogging school and generally causing my Mum heartache
I was fortunate enough to meet my wife Isobel at an early age, she showed me that doing the right thing wasn’t difficult, it was a choice we all have. I chose to love Isobel and follow her lead. Life hasn’t been to bad as a result.
It’s weird, I still think of him, my Dad, and even find myself talking to him at times. A long drive alone usually brings his memory back, he never answers me when I ask him things, he’s became the strong silent type since his passing, but you know something? After our talks I usually have a different outlook on thinks.
Grief and loss are terrible things to deal with, I’ve been fortunate that at times when I was at my lowest, strangers who I barely knew. reinforced my belief in the goodness of ordinary people.
I have no doubt that those who are grieving at the moment will expierence extraordinary kindness from people who are strangers to them over the comming days. The remarkable kindness of the human spirit will shine on your darkest moments allowing you to focus on your loved ones and the life you shared together.
My condolences to all that have lost a loved one.
He also seems to think Hoddle worthy of the Title Gaffer.
Plank.
eddie, well said mhate.
Players looking at themselves on the big screen is another one
Eddie.
Never a truer word…
Superb post
GGH
That length?
Lobsters, surely?!
eddieinkirkmichael
lovely words
Jobo
Thanks, might present me with a wee opperchancity to have a wee look at the celts of the future.
I think Vlaar may have a few bigger clubs lookin at him after the world cup hes had
Awe_Naw, just being helpful to those in denial that old age approaches.
eddieinkirkmichael –
lovely sentiments and something I can relate to. My own dad was knocked down and killed when I was only 21.A great regret of mine is that my wonderful wife never met him.
Marspapa
Glad all is well with you good self and family. We are all fine and “d” must be ok as she never stops moaning. Lol. Wish she would go back on the fags. Hahaha. Will get in touch later next week. Ok? :-))
Weefra HH praying to Wee Oscar.
I wouldn’t wish harm on any player in the World Cup, but wouldn’t mind if someone could foul Arjen’s Robben properly before it finishes.