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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eddieinkirkmichael
Eddie, I’ll get mocked no doubt but my belief is that those strangers we meet when we’re at our lowest are our guardian angels.
No wings or halos but an incredible ability to guide and lead.
Eddie – nice
Now only 122 needed
timabhouy
18:44 on 12 July, 2014
https://www.change.org/en-GB/petitions/scottish-government-ban-all-sectarian-marches-in-scotland
Thanks to all who have signed the petition and more importantly passed it on , only 181 more signature needed
eddieinkirkmichael
Great stuff mate, not a day goes by I don’t think of something the old man passed on…
Neustadt-Braw
God bless your da…….thoughts and prayers mate. Take care.
Neustadt
Please accept the condolences of a complete stranger.
I’ve been there and understand how you will be feeling.
The happy
The happy memories will replace the sadness in time.
David Luiz (£50m) cost more than last season’s Atlético Madrid starting Line up.
‘Give it the laces….”
eddieinkirkmichael
Lovely post!
Hamiltontim
A stranger is just a friend you’ve yet to meet! (copywrite our poster from Jersey!)
131 signatures now needed….
toffeetim
21:54 on 12 July, 2014
Cheers T – both doing OK. B still pounding the Main Street on a daily basis so God is being good to her. Look forward to seeing you at Paradise in the new season or even Chapmans for a few afterwards and we can share a trip home on the old 18 bus.
Gaun yersel Paisley’s finest Tally Tim Paolo. Magic set at Balado. :)
What price a red card in the remainder of this game.
More embarrassing highlights of the World Cup …. Glenn Hoddle referring to Algeria as Al Jazeera
Weefrathetim
Mibbie when the boys on here are finished with the gaffa tape you could ….. Naw scrub that idea just incase she’s goat ma address lol , catchye next week ;))
News just in…..Jobo Baldie signs up as weather reporter for EK Quick News! C’mon Jobo, when the Hoops are playing theirs only one team you can support……..
DD
I dropped daughter and friends of in Stirling at 12.15 the day, for T in park, going to see Paulo,
She’s been upstairs in her bed for aboot 2 hrs now, what is it wae young yins and drink :-)
Nae wonder I gave it up
Ref certainly isnt a homer
Yellow card for Oscar there and correct in my opinion as he dragged his leg in order to make contact, mind you Robben does it every tackle.
FFS had the next goal as a pen 12/1, a stonewaller as well
Brave ref.
Not a homer…….so far.
Good on him.
Whether the decision was right or wrong.
Cheers,Boyhlo.
Petition signed
130 needed now.
HH
Guardian angels would’ve been busy in Brazil last Tuesday night!
Kelvinbhoy –
you are entirely correct of course. Although I’d be quite happy watching a 5-5 draw ;-)
Imagine, Celtic playing a match less than a mile from our houses!
Brazil
R. Scheidt
Cowie
Ma Ryan is up front at Paolo the noo. Trying to see ma bhoy on the telly. :))
Good night all
HT
On our/MY journey in life there are times when certain people come into our lifes in the most unexpected circumstances and we are given an opportunity to appreciate just what we have or change the course we are on for the better.
Our wee hero Oscar Knox is the latest to have a profound affect on me and how I nlook at things.
Kelvinbhoy ;) that would be Gr8 m8 assuming L lets me oot :)
Eddie
Struck a chord m8 fabulous piece and so so true ! Still miss ma auld fella particularly in my quieter moments !
Miss him more now than I ever did before suspect it’s the legacy an old man leaves us with God Bless them All.
Mrs Doc just pipped up to say, “He’s a cheatin’ Robben Bassa”
I laughed anyway.
eddieinkirkmichael
You’re some Bhoy with the stuff you write on here at times. CQN is blessed with some folk of huge simple wisdom and kindness.
HH jamesgang
David Luiz is running out of time to make the last of the wee Brazillian weans to greet.
Doc
Shining yer halo big stuff? Check it at the airport of carry on? Dunno. Never had myself!
HH jamesgang
leftclicktic we are all neil lennon
21:35 on 12 July, 2014
Vmhan – YNWA Wee Oscar
I spent all morning in Coatbrige today and only seen one and she was about 10floors up in a tower block waving a butchers apron oooot the windae while trying to hide :)))))))))))))).
It may still take a while but their days of intimidation in the Brig are well over:))
………….
Think that lassie 10 floors up!,…… Has been standin there for many a year.
They’ll be jumping oot the windaes ✊
Leftclicktic
Yep that’s just what I’m talking about.
Brilliant photo today mate!
CollusionIsNotAnIllusionCSC
Jobo…..Strange indeed mate. I am unable to be there as I have to take young kelvinbhoys team to a tournament next weekend. Unfortunately it is being organised by Sevco but will be sure to have the hoops on under the official team clobber.
Enjoyed mass tonight – though you may have a rival as kelvinghirl now plays Ave Maria on her keyboard :-) no bad for a 7 year old.
Options.
Watch a bunch of fitba shiesters play for a meaningless 3rd or wee Paolo?
Option B for me!
HH jamesgang
toffeetim
22:33 on 12 July, 2014
Loved your da too – one of life’s true gents. Sure he will be proud of you and L and the bhoys.