If you caught Leigh Griffiths’ post-match Radio Scotland interview you’ll have noticed the profuse support offered to Brendan Rodgers. We’ll discuss that in more detail tomorrow, but what was clear to Leigh and the rest of us last night, was the Celtic dug out an excellent result from a position which would likely have seen them eliminated a year earlier.
We were well on top early on against Legia, Maribor and Malmo but crumbled when the going got tough. Not anymore.
It’s hard to know what’s gotten into James Forrest, one of six Scots in the starting lineup, but I suspect the arrival of Scott Sinclair has had as big an impact on him than that of Brendan. Wide players are always subject to fluctuations in effectiveness levels, but in James and Scott we’ve a standard which is clearly higher than we’ve had for years.
There was a moment late in the game when James was easily robbed attempting a take-on in the final third, but this was a symptom of having run himself into the ground over the previous 80-odd minutes. He played a big part in the result and left nothing on the field.
One of James’ more important contributions was the dinked cross for Leigh’s header which made it 2-0. The goal was technically difficult, but was eclipsed by Leigh’s second. That free kick was in a perfect position to whip at the far post, allowing players to attack the ball, with the keeper not knowing if he should stay on his line to defend the shot, or come out to block a header.
That was the play we all expected, including the Hapoel keeper. Instead, Leigh played an incredibly difficult free kick into the top near post. Brendan Rodgers must have had no idea the player was capable of work like this when he arrived in June.
Scott Brown has been transformed from the player we watched end last season, quite probably because he’s now fully fit. His goal was a worthy acknowledgement of his best game in a year.
Brendan was right to express concern after the game that we let a halftime winning position slip so easily. There were mistakes throughout the team leading to the first Hapoel goal, but I suspect experience will tighten things up.
Kolo Toure was immense. His rampaging run setup the second goal, but when he was caught ahead of the ball on the 55th minute, the defence behind him didn’t have the organisation to prevent a goal. We’ll not see this happen often from now on.
The second half arrivals of Nir Bitton and Moussa Dembele proved decisive. Nir brought a calmness to central midfield as Callum McGregor tired, while Moussa outjumped defence and keeper to score what was a priceless goal.
Craig Gordon’s been under pressure in recent weeks. There was little he could do about Hapoel’ second, a fabulous shot which nicked between Brown and Toure, but he’ll be annoyed their first nipped in at his near post.
This tie, however, turned the moment he made a point-blank save to stop the score going to 4-3. We’ll be able to look back later this season and say that was the moment we secured our Champions League adventure.
Feeling good about last night, but if only we’d a player like Patrick Roberts, or Erik Sviatchenko to come in and take things up a notch……
1,147 Comments- Pages:
- «
- 1
- ...
- 24
- 25
- 26
- 27
- 28
- 29
- 30
- 31
- »
Do UEFA still do them Solidarity (sic) Payments if Celtic qualify for the group stages???
If so, I have prepared the following statement:
“There we go again, Celtic keeping Sevco afloat. Shocking”
:)
TheOriginalSadiesBhoy
I concurr albeit I as a non trust or GB member have not once disagreed with the sentiment behind any one of their Tifo’s. I’m just an individual cancer. :-]
MWD
GreenPinata
As you know…my love for Celtic will never die.
However, if i attended the £49 bigot con, my conscience would insist that i jump off the highest building i could find.
If i ever see that poison mob of bigots at the Holy Ground, i would not be responsible for my actions, seriously.
When that day comes shortly…..I will need to be straight-jacketed to prevent me going gaga.
I believe my family have a plan…..lock me up that day:)
Cant do it.
Wouldnt be wise.
HH
TINY TIM
I understand the next Glasgow Hootenanny has been penciled in for Ist October.
Bear that in mind when you are looking for a date early October for the Pool Tournie.
Philbhoy
I’ll catch you up for a man hug on the first. Hope you are well my friend.
MWD
Davidopoulos on 19th August 2016 9:42 am
I think that is also true – it definitely dipped again after MON left. It was around 2008 we started seeing the odd empty seats dotted around. When you know there’ll be a buzz around the ground as created by the Green Brigade, people are more likely to go along. Look at Borussia Dortmund, who sell out regardless of the opponent and I believe they sold their stadium out for Europa League ties that we would have struggled to a few years ago. I remember under Lenny we played Athletico Madrid at home and such was the disappointment at not making the CL there was a lot of empty seats.
I think all modern stadiums have seen the same drop off in atmosphere – when the new CP was built it was buzzing under Tommy Burns and was a gradual decline(on a week to week basis) right up until relatively recently, with the notable exception of European nights and fixtures vs the dead club.
HH
Mats Nilloc 856am
I find you referring to any group of Celtic fans as a cancer as grossly offensive.
I lost my old man, who was a dyed in the wool Celtic man, to cancer earlier this year. The physical tribulations that people afflicted by this terrible disease go through, the psychological horrors that their friends and family go through as they watch the disease take it’s toll and the inevitable end near are unspeakable.
And can’t be compared in any shape or form to the flag waving activities and japes of a few hundred football fans.
Whatever name you call yourself on any given day on here- be it pastry, Quimby horrid Henry etc- one thing is constant – you are a curmudgeonly self-important walloper whose continued presence greatly reduces the site.
I wish you would do one.
Now that’s good news on a Friday from Broonie.
http://www.celticfc.net/news/11116
MWD
You will never meet any Celtic supporters like Pastry….there arent any.
He isnt a Celtic supporter…..he is a jumped up wretch with nothing good to say about Celtic supporters.
Closet fascist….and panty wetting, flag counting curtain twitcher, social darwinist….and all round hun…..and thats me being generous:)
HH
MWD
Looking forward to that !
All well here thanks and hope you are all well too!
Take care.
The much maligned Ronny, especially these days. One thing he did well was dig out results off the back of Euro matches. We have already shown we can do it after Astana with a good win at Hearts. Including tomorrow we will face this situation at least 7 times more. 21 points up for grabs. It’s really important we get as many points as possible, SJ will fancy it and other teams will be watching closely tomorrow. I would start with Brown , Griff and Sinclair even though I’m concerned about their physical style. Luckily we have Erik and a few others who can come in and step up. No messing Celtic.
Scott Brown announces international retirement
traditionalist88
The success of the German clubs in terms of attendances is remarkable. On Tuesday night I watch Young Boys vs BMG. The commentator mentioned that they had 50k fans at their last pre-season friendly against Lazio, that is incredible.
From what I hear the success is down to the pricing strategies and regulations. Affordable football? It’ll never catch on.
Moonbeamswd
The GB can occasionally annoy me. Don’t ask for specifics :-)) However, I usually get over it pretty quickly but, generally, I love a lot of things that they do and they contribute hugely to the entertainment on European nights and games v The Huns as well as during many other games. In my opinion, Celtic Park would be a poorer place without them.
Scott Brown announces his international retirement
Friday, 19 August 2016
Scott Brown believes Gordon Strachan can lead Scotland to World Cup 2018 in Russia after the Celtic midfielder announced his retirement from the international arena.
The former captain has taken the decision to prolong his club career after recovering from injury.
Yesterday….Pastry was calling Celtic fans ‘Parasites’, and today Celtic fans are a ‘Cancer’
That sounds like a hun to me….no doubt.
HH
TinyTim,
Another Pool thang would be Great.
Aidan will be turning 16 about then.
He is a reason to stay in check.
He is a Pool potter, not tactical.. I could only dream to be. Not played for ages though.
Him seeing the crazy cqners……. thunder road and yer good self would be acceptable…. the bhoy J he is Legend.
Mad squad on the Dr.Ink. hmmmmmm
He ended up @ the front of the Stone Roses gig I got lost from him and his Mum that Night.
I told yous many moons ago that Mr Pastry was never a Celtic supporter, his post today seems to have confirmed it for a few more posters.
I may well be a twat, but at least my hundar is working.
Davidopolous, Philbhoy ,
Thank’s .
Petec .
Hopefully we will see you on the day (:-)
TT
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/37129198
Makes sense .
TET
‘Hundar’:-)) Excellent!
I think it should be installed at Celtic Park.
Scott Brown has been immense since he has been fully fit.
I’m glad he is concentrating on Celtic.
These next 2 or 3 years can make him a HUNSKELPING Celtic legend.
TT
So Aston Villa will waive any fee and pay half of Lescotts wages?
For every fiver they spend we have to spend a tenner.
How is that fair? The Villa contribution amounts to a subsidy. I appreciate loans like this help reduce a clubs wage bill but should there not be limits imposed or some control mechanisms?
TET
Stone cold cert.
His mind is poison
Anybody with views like his, needs help.
Which id be only to willing to administer.
His scabrous invective is a huge glowing beacon…..classic hun troll.
Might be wrong, but i doubt it.
I recall Hebcelt offered to meet him…he declined
Hope i bump into him.
Hh
Yeah good decision Broony, he looks great this season so far. If we get though on Tuesday he’ll be getting a mega star midfield mate. Who will it be, hmmm can’t wait.
Davidopoulos on 19th August 2016 9:58 am
Yes, pricing is a huge factor. But also treating their fans as human beings and not potential criminals helps. The great atmosphere in their grounds is a huge factor in young kids developing an emotional attachment to their clubs. I have a mate who attends matches in the 4th and 5th tier in Germany and the attendances and atmosphere at those games is unreal!
Here, we still haven’t worked out how to manage big crowds and to harness support for what is our national sport. Incredible!
And only last night I heard news that due to Celtic having sold out our allocation for Saturday, St Johnstone can no longer sell tickets to their OWN supporters thanks to the intervention of Police Scotland, in a move designed to stop Celtic fans purchasing tickets for home sections!
We just get so many things wrong.
HH
In the ultimate mark of respect to Joey Barton, Scott Brown retires from international football.
There – you don’t need to buy any papers now!
AULDHEID on 19TH AUGUST 2016 10:07 AM
We are not paying all of Roberts 40k a week wages.
Anyway I’m surprised Keith Wyness agreed to that deal, did he not push us all the way for Sinclair. Maybe that’s how desperate Villa were to get rid of Lescott.
I know I sound ungrateful.
You put on an excellent event last time.
God Bless.
Gary67 on 19th August 2016 9:57 am
Scott Brown announces international retirement
———————————————————-
Excellent news!
http://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/teams/st-johnstone/st-johnstone-halt-home-ticket-sales-after-celtic-sell-out-1-4207181
That will stop me posting about getting Broonie to retire from that mob ……
Anyhoo, back tae the fitba’ on the Fleg wavers Forum:
Looking at how the games *seem* to be going in the Qualifying Matches, Celtic have a real chance of being in Pot 3. Porto look likely to drop out, pushing Basel into Pot 2. This will put Roma in Pot 3 alongside Spurs, Kiev, Lyon, PSV and Brugge; Borrusia Monchengladbach look very likely to qualify (3-1 ahead with a home tie coming up) and will move into Pot 3. If (as looks likely) Monaco beat Villareal and Rostov beat Ajax, this will leave one space available in Pot 3. Celtic have the next highest co-efficient, ahead of Monaco, Salzburg and Sporting.
So unless the coefficients on UEFA.com are wrong, Celtic are pretty likely to be in Pot 3 with those teams lifted above.
Best Chance Group: Benfica, Basel, Celtic, Apoel.
Dream Group: Barcelona, Roma, Celtic, Legia.
KTF
I worry for Brendan.
Folk talk about a Celtic roller coaster of a ride – under Brendan’s watch.
We had a roller coaster ride under Tommy Burns(RIP)’s watch.
After 3 years and some amazing football – all we had to show was a Scottish Cup trophy – won in what was probably the worst SCF that that I’ve ever been at.
I think it was 14 games vs the huns with only, 2 wins to show.
Folk will say that the huns cheated during the TB-era but, has there ‘ever’ been an era were the huns didny cheat ?
TB had what I would call, the best squad of Celtic players available to a Celtic manager since the, Mr Stein era.
And yet, we played a style of football that could be described as – easily mugged.
Hopefully what we saw the other night with, HBS 2 goals was a blip ?
Hopefully Brendan was being ruthless when he replaced CM who – imho – was caught sleeping by not, getting back to mark his player twice in as many minutes – subbing CM was a guid sign.
Get rid of the weak links – on the spot.
Trying to recall correctly but, did Gus Hiddink not try to play the Brendan-Way when he was manager of Korea ?
It was guid to watch but – easily mugged – by cutey teams.
Anyway, Wednesday night was a guid Celtic night. Even Broony looks like he’s been re-tuned under Brendan’s watch – that’s guid. It’ll continue to be guid for Broony and us, if, Broony dizny let the ‘old’ Broony come oot tae play. The old Broony got involved in cheap rucks and put himself before the team – that’s not on. I’ve called him a hun on here a few times – that’s because he puts on a kid-on hard man aura, leaning with his chin that makes him look like a hun – imho.
Hopefully, Brendan will change that in him cause, there’s a cracking player in there – imho.
Stuff that I’ve missed – sorry ;(
JOBO BALDIE – Congratulations to yer daughter and her hubby – Steve Martin CSC :-)
BLANTYRETIM – Wish a belated Happy Hoopy Birthday to, John Fallon – Lisbon Lion Legend YNWA.
Not had time to read back for a week so, thought and prayers for the CQN-Celts.
Flags of the Jungle – CSC
…..off-oot-zzzzz…..
Tony Donnelly
Unreal, although St Johnstone not maintaining a database of their own fans is strange.
Can’t believe they agreed to that though, its not a high risk fixture and Celtic fans won’t exactly be able to go up today en masse to pick up tickets!
HH
reading back through the posts, there seems to be an undercurrent of hatred/severe dislike and given of the offensive nature of some of the posts, is there no way of temporarily suspending poster? normally i like cqn for its varied and informative nature but it can be truly horrific at times with posters becoming enraged over the slightest thing and responding with posts that seem designed to hurt/offend rather than support their own view.
on a football note, as long as we dont get ac milan or barca in the CL i’ll be happy.
Whilst accepting that I’m likely to be lo the minority may I just put on record that I’m disappointed with Scott Browns decision to stop playing for my 2nd favourite football team. I do however realise the rationale behind his decision, give his injury problems in recent years. If is already leading my ‘played me the year’ race.
AULDHEID on 19TH AUGUST 2016 10:07 AM
Lescott’s so bad that Celtic should have offered to pay half his wages if Villa didn’t.
Saw him a couple of times last season when I went to Villa games whilst working down in West Mids. He was stand out awful in a dreadful Villa team. Villa supporters booed his name when teams were read out.