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……
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The Green Man…
I only wear glasses for reading…my 68 year old eyes are now deteriorating to the point that at evening games it has sometimes become difficult to distinguish players…eg. at the Astana game I didn’t realise McGregor was playing until my son said, “ffs Callum” :-) I will eventually consider contact lenses but not yet. I was refused laser surgery last year because of an old injury to one of my eyes…
See you Jimmy…aye–naw–kinda…
it’s why I haven’t been to CQN corner…I can never find it… :-)
Tiny Tim is correct.
He’s watched them build since the chubmeister got the heave-ho.
Most on here are laughing at a club, who lie and cheat like the old one did, whilst ignoring reality of what they are doing. Rubbishing players you have little or no knowledge of isn’t too clever. Despite the mantra,
Warburton has proven he’s a capable guy. That might go against the grain on CQN, but ignoring them “tooling-up”, is likely to lead to jelly and ice cream on our collective faces.
TRADITIONALIST88 –
No. They wait for the official observer’s report. If we hear anything, it is likely to be early next week.
Dubai seems like a nice place:
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-37114401
Well Broonie retiring from International football should be good for Celtic over a season he plays a lot of games for the hoops without adding Internationals.I think the Bhoys who are picking who they would like to see us play in the Champions league are being disrespectful to Beer Sheeva as it is only half-time in the tie.I like at the moment how Celtic are quietly going after players in the transfer market while over at the other side of the City the Magic twat and his tribute act are banging the big drum constantly about who will join them at Ibrokes. H.H.
Timaloy
The worst possible draw Celtic could get would be Bayern Munich, Athletico Madrid and Tottenham Hotspur.
Got to get past beer shavers first but I think we will hammer those Bedouin camel shaggers and then I would dearly love to have that fantastic draw of Bayern, Athletico and Spurs. What a year that would be.
BIG-CUP-WINNERS
You and TinyTim may be correct about the threat. Sevco have re-entered the arms race.
However, a company with no credit line, no retail revenue and makes a loss year on year. How long can the cash burn go on for?
BCW –
You warn against “ignoring” Sevco as they build a squad.
What would you suggest we do? There is nothing we can do about who they employ and how good their manager may or may not be.
We have a top class manager, have made excellent signings and are playing some smashing football.
Why should I as a Celtic supporter worry about that mob?
not counting my chickens but i would like to meet teams we havnt met before at this level, and obvioulsy depending which pot we are in.
Real Madrid or Leicester City.
Dortmund or Leverkusen or Man City
Eindhoven or Brugge
Apoel
timaloy29 on 19th August 2016 10:53 am
Just looking at the seeding pots for the CL. I think Pot 1 is now set in stone and is made up of the defending champions and the champions of the top 7 leagues
________________________________________________________
I have been looking at this in detail; Pot 1 is for the CL Holders (Real Madrid) and the league champions of the 7 top nations (Spain, Germany, Italy, France, Portugal, Russia and England). I posted some info on this earlier and include it below:
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 listed above.
Pot 1Real Madrid CF, FC Bayern München, FC Barcelona, Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain, SL Benfica, PFC CSKA Moskva, Liecester
Pot 2Club Atlético de Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Sevilla FC, Arsenal FC, Manchester City FC, Bayer 04 Leverkusen, SSC Napoli, FC Basel 1893 (based upon Porto losing to Roma and FC Basel moving into Pot 2)
Pot 3Tottenham Hotspur FC, FC Dynamo Kyiv, Olympique Lyonnais, PSV Eindhoven, VfL Borussia Mönchengladbach, AS Roma, Club Brugge KV, Celtic FC (based upon Mönchengladbach, Roma and Celtic winning their ties and Porto, Villareal and Ajax losing their)
Pot 4 AS Monaco FC, FC Salzburg, Sporting Clube de Portugal, Besiktas, Ludogrets, Legia Warsaw, Apoel, Rostov (based upon Monaco, Salzburg, Ludogrets, Legia, Apoel and Rostov winning their ties)
Best Chance Group: Benfica, Basel, Celtic, Apoel.
Dream Group: Barcelona, Roma, Celtic, Legia.
KTF
JFH –
I did append my comment with the words “All assuming we dispose of Hapoel of course”.
I assume you didn’t get that far.
Auld Tam…
Way back in ’67…on the bus from Lisbon airport to the stadium, a young guy jumped on at traffic lights…he couldn’t speak any English, however, he got a huge roar of approval when he shouted, “Portugal catolico, Celtic catolico”…Until recently I still had his name, ‘Carlos’and address, but as it was written in pencil, it had faded to almost invisibility…
Sipsini
How you J? Hope to see you at the Hootenanny on 1st Oct. We can buy Matts Pastry a pint. lol
From Celticfc.net.
I know that every quote for such an announcement is going to be positive but their coach is effusive in his assessment of the Celtic Academy.
CELTIC Soccer Academy is delighted to announce that Elkhorn Soccer Club (ESC) from Nebraska, USA has joined the ever-growing International Club Partnership Programme.
This long-term partnership with ESC will involve the sharing of club methodologies, coach education, coaching camps and will also present ESC players (boys and girls) with the opportunity to visit Scotland to experience what life is like for an Academy player at Celtic Football Club.
ESC coaches will have the chance to come to Glasgow and attend the renowned Celtic Soccer Academy’s International Coaches’ Convention and get a behind-the-scenes look at how Celtic develop young players to reach their potential.
Rob Herringer, Executive Director of Elkhorn Soccer Club is excited about kicking off the partnership: He said: “When our coaching staff visited Glasgow in March 2016 we were blown away by Celtic’s Youth Academy structure, training methods, players, coaches and their staff.
“I’ve visited some of the top youth academies in the world, and Celtic is by far the best I’ve seen. We are thrilled to be associated with the club, their amazing people, their culture of excellence and ‘The Celtic Way’.”
Celtic Soccer Academy Manager, Willie McNab added: “We are delighted to add Elkhorn Soccer Club to our International Club Partnership Programme, and it again emphasises our commitment to building relationships across the globe.
“ESC is a very ambitious and progressive club, and we are looking forward to a long and prosperous partnership with them.”
ESC is the second-largest youth soccer club in the state of Nebraska with over 1,500 registered players. Founded in 1972, the club is well-known for its commitment to providing children of all ages and abilities the opportunity to develop to their full potential, as people and soccer players.
The club philosophy of developing players and people fits well with the ethos of the Celtic Soccer Academy and we are looking forward to a bright and successful partnership.
Celtic Soccer Academy now has over 60 partners across 22 different countries and we are delighted to have Elkhorn Soccer Club become part of the Celtic Family.
If you would like more information on our Club Partnership Programme in North America, please contact International Soccer Academy Manager Willie McNab on +44 (0) 141 551 4335 or wmcnab@celticfc.co.uk
DAVIDOPOULOS on 19TH AUGUST 2016 11:28 AM…
That’s why it is so important to find out as much information as possible re laws, culture etc. before visiting certain countries…
ROBERTTRESSELL 1040
John McTernan writes regular columns for The Telegraph.
Usually attacking the current Labour leadership.
He’s a former advisor to various high-profile,usually Blairite,New Labour types. Like a lot of them,he has a lot of time on his hands-and hatred in his soul.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_McTernan
Hope that clears it up!
Auld Tam on 19th August 2016 11:27 am
Cheers, just wishful thinking on my part that we may avoid any punishment and the inevitable fallout
HH
Paddy Roberts in with a chance of featuring in the game tomorrow, apparently.
Could do with him on Tuesday as well.
HH!!
AULD TAM I remember well a match I went to back in the 60s I think it was in the old Fairs City cup Kilmarnock v. Eintracht the Germans had a 3-0 lead from the first leg and at Rugby Park Eintracht scored early in the game to make it 4-0.Well everyone of the 15000 in the crowd that night thought well thats Kilmarnock out except for the Kilmarnock players who went on to win the game 5-1 and go through to the next round 5-4 it is one of the best games I have been at.Ever since then I have been very wary of counting chickens after the first leg as it can leave you with egg on your face. H.H.
weebobbycollins
Indeed! Never been to Dubai myself, can’t say I’m particularly attracted…
DAVIDOPOULOS 1128
It’s not that easy to organise over here either,as I’m currently finding out. Especially if the aim is to fund an overseas cause.
Lescott turns down move to Zombies. Pity.
Lescott knocks back the hun!!!
BOBBY MURDOCH’S CURLED-UP WINKLEPICKERS
I can well imagine! At least you won’t be jailed for your efforts (hopefully). If there is anything I can contribute to what you are organising please let me know.
DAVIDOPOULOS on 19TH AUGUST 2016 11:31 AM
BIG-CUP-WINNERS
You and TinyTim may be correct about the threat. Sevco have re-entered the arms race.
However, a company with no credit line, no retail revenue and makes a loss year on year. How long can the cash burn go on for?
For as long as an unidentifiable source keeps supplying it.
WeeBobbyCollins
Get you.
My eyes arent too clever either…these days i need binoculars:)
Can still just about see with my glasses on….when i take them off, its a different world.
Hopefully, if we keep hanging on for the next few years, probably be able to buy new ones in Boots:)
HH
Lescott says he has unfinished business at Villa. He knows he was very poor last season and let the fans down badly.
He wants them to know-you ain’t seen nothing yet!
JFH
J…how are your hands healing bud?
HH
Aw there big signing that the magic twat flew down to see appears not to be happening.The player and his agent did not fall for there hype.H.H.
Senderos it is then
HAHAHA
HH
Would anyone swap Rodgers for Warburton?
Anyone swap our last handful of signing for theirs?
Swap euro football after Christmas for challenge cup?
Aye we’re standing still as they tool up right enough.
HH
quonno
For as long as an unsustainable model is sustained?
Was G&SL’s use of terminology regarding revenue (“recycle”) telling? A washing machines drum cycles…when it does it repeatedly would you say it recycles?
THE GREEN MAN.Thanks for asking fella two weeks today the casts are due to come off I cant wait.Although my wife says they sometimes put on lighter ones I certainly hope not. H.H.
DAVIDOPOULOS
I will do,mate. Thanks.
It’s “legitimising” it that’s causing the problem. I thought I could do so via my company’s charity arm. They were sympathetic even at the appeal stage,but it goes against their stated policy of local causes. Two months wasted,but I’ve arranged a call with an advisor from BT’s charity page on Wednesday to get further advice.
VFR800A8 on 19TH AUGUST 2016 11:33 AM
I was looking at this last night and maybe I’m wrong, but I think there is virtually no chance we will be in pot 3 if we qualify.
The way I’m looking at it, we need 5 teams seeded above us to drop out of the competition. City are through. It doesn’t matter who wins between Porto and Roma as the winner is seeded above us anyway.
So by my reckoning we need all 5 of Ajax, Villareal, Viktoria Plzen, Salzburg and Borussia Monchengladback to get knocked out.
The first 3 are in real danger, Salzburg go home with a 1-1, but BM are virtually through all ready.
ps i don’t think many fans would want Barca again
BOBBY MURDOCH’S CURLED-UP WINKLEPICKERS
Best of luck, hopefully they can help you move forward with it.
JFH
J…you will have ‘Hands of Steel’, just in time for the zombie onslaught:)
Ive still got my Milbro sling:)
HH
Lescott knocks back move to the Huns.
Absolutely love it. Joeleon’s standards may have slipped in recent seasons due to injury but there is a limit to how low a person is prepared to stoop.