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.
1,546 Comments- Pages:
- «
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
- 9
- ...
- 41
- »
Everyone gets a clean slate when a new manager comes in.
Derk, I hope you make people eat their words, and I know most would happily do so if it means Celtic are strengthened.
What channel is the game on?
Auldheid
Most Celtic fans will have seen Derk in the flesh much more often than Ronny, – he has to find out, and judge his players on his own opinion. Maybe Boeriggter will get second season syndrome *with some luck *
Commons is No oan His Game…
He needs tae Get with the Program..
So Far..it is a Ding dong Struggle..
We are Spinnin oor Wheels… Dukla ur the Mair Dangerous..although , they are not getting much of the ball.
We bettah .. get Act together..
otherwise…
Kojo
15 mins gone and Dukla had a good break thru on FF – put wide,
Some sharp passing but also some wayward passes. Izzy to the fore but Derk (again) anonymous wide right
Very atmospheric/rural/family setting for a game. Surely not D.P’s ground? This venue, reminds me of August 24, 1983 in a League Cup tie away to Brechin City. Celtic won that match 1-0, with Jim Melrose scoring the only goal of the game.
Saw derk in his first game for Celtic and i was impressed.
Are the hoops too heavy for him to carry? Maybe so because i think he can play. So too do many ajax fans.
Petec
Unfortunately not bro. Earning my beer money for Benidorm next week, wi a shift in Stevenson tomorrow. Mr Winklepicker has assured me that the Ayrshire wrong wans will all be in the North of Ireland tomorrow. Will therefore, wear emerald green and white to work. :)
This team will pose a good test of how the players are settling in to Ronny’s style.
Nice to win but just smooth out the wrinkles Celtic.
Botox CSC
Delaneys Dunky,
Yer an Olde Rebel.
Some serious pyros in this little ditty.
RobertTressell
17:34 on
11 July, 2014
What channel is the game on?
—–==============
RT If you are good at quizzes you are a …….
what letter does iPad begin with……
Gordon Smith wears a …….
Boeriggter is Playing
OOTSIDE RIGHT…
..he jist pit in a Failry Good Cross..
He is Doing Fine.. so far…
Like Ah said.. Ronny Needs a RIGHT WINGER..
So.. Today it appears that Boerrigter is being givin a Chance tae Fulfill that Need..
Yes.. We Certainly Need a RIGHT WINGER…
Kojo
Wouldn’t it be great if Celtic played every third day….forever. I’m getting used to this!
24 mins – Stokes shot from 16 yards stopped by keeper
Izzy best player by a street – KC playing false CF role – and a bit sluggish too
Just got a link to the game, is this a fans phone? :))
Dukla should have scored after poor midfield pass by Mulgrew.
This gemme at the pubbie park?
Petec
Hoi! Less of the Olde. ;)))
27 mins – Dukla almost on target as Celtic defence exposed near 6 yard box
Still 0-0 … and still no Derk !!
Fans walking in front of camera for goodness sake.
Celtic ,ur Pushin thur Luck..
Fraser ,is Daeing Great in keepin that Luck Goin..
But..
Like Ah said..
We ur no getting that Final Pass tae wan o oor Ain guys..
It is galln..
Stokes, keeps .. Breakin up Oor Attacks.. because of his Cavalier Mis ..PASSES.
Kojo
Flats down one side of the pitch and some lads are getting skooshed hinging oot on the ground floor flat porch/veranda – nae hoops amongst them.
This is eerie with no commentary
roberttressell
17:37 on 11 July, 2014
………….
rt,
Hope yir right sir, it’s naw gonnae happen I’d say.
Make me wrong Derk!
V
What time did the game start?
Lennybhoy
Are ye looking in?
This is the clubs own camera bod..
Game probably wouldn’t have been on CTV otherwise.
Cuttingthemsomeslack CSC
This is the least enjoyable of the bounce games so far, nothing at all to recommend it.
Bhoylo83
17:48 on 11 July, 2014
This is eerie with no commentary
Aye there is…..
33 minutes gone.
Delaneys Dunky
17:45 on 11 July, 2014
Petec
Hoi! Less of the Olde. ;)))
___________________________
Ok, next time I use the, Wise, word and that will seem a lot older when you start to think deeply about it. Olde stays, unless you insist on me using Wise. Your choice G thang. :))
30 mins – play stopped as Kayal down holding leg. Limps off but back on again
Sound of Music playing in the background.
Get yir heid oot the road!
They are nice windows in those houses.
5.15
Young O’Connell,is Playing very Well.
He is a Real Steady Eddie..
Yes, this Kid is a Real find..
Kayal.is playing a very steady game ,tae..
None of oor Players ur Hitting the Highlights..though
Ah know it is Jist a Practice game..
But.. Ah hope oor Final Pass.. gets Bettah..
That is Why oor Attacks ur Breaking Doon…
Celtic, hiv Hid the Bulk of the Game..’
But…if ye asked me..
Ah wid tell ye that Dukla.. Look the Far Mair Dangerous In front of Goal..
Fraser, Has Saved oor Blushes . a Few Times..
Kojo
The cameraman would get a joab in Scotland.