Where do we start discussing last night? Perhaps the end of the night. There was joy in abundance, not only inside Celtic Park, but in the streets surrounding the game and in a hundred thousand homes across the world. This joy manifest itself into a great sense of community. That performance brought tears, hugs, spontaneous jumping up and down, and not only from Celtic fans. Messages have poured in from fans of other SPL clubs and beyond.
This is what great sport can do for people.
Brother Walfrid has excellent timing. He managed to arrange our kick-off meeting to coincide with match day four of the Champions League group stage. Those of us who attended the anniversary celebrations on Tuesday were reminded what Celtic is all about, the best team in the world were in Glasgow waiting to play, the fairy tale script was written, but could it be delivered?
It’s the details which are most impressive. Mikael Lustig looked like he could play in any team in any league. He was comfortable and composed throughout. Adam Matthews, deputising for an injured former Player of the Year, played out of position flawlessly. I watched him struggle at left back on his Celtic Park debut in a friendly against Wolves last year; it defies explanation how far he has progressed.
Please forget about Victor’s goal, it will only detract from his incredible midfield performance. His composure, skill and assertiveness troubled Iniesta and Messi all game. This was all the more impressive given the absence of captain, Scott Brown.
Georgios Samaras was crucial for most of the evening. He was the one player Barca seemed afraid of, although a lack of training caught up with him before he was subbed.
I’ll not burden Tony Watt publicly with the comparison I made of him earlier in the season but he possesses an impressive array of attributes: upper body strength, pace-with-the-ball and a nose for goal. I’m tempted to say he will continue to improve but, to what level? Without injuries to Hooper, Lassad and Forrest it’s unlikely he would have enjoyed as much time last night. Sometimes Fortune Favours the Celtic.
All of Europe would have been impressed with Fraser Forster last night, dubbed La Grand Muralla, the Big Wall, by a Spanish newspaper. He will play for England, so too with Kelvin Wilson if he maintains this season’s form.
The only man with a problem today is Neil Lennon. Tactically the two games against Barcelona have been as accomplished as any I have witnessed. Neil needs to know how to follow that in Lisbon. I’ve no idea.
Happy Birthday Celtic!
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Zbyszek
I live in Scotland and English is my foreign language.
From what you say , they wont be much of a team when
they get here.
Maybe Celtic will meet Legia in CL next season. :-)
Walfrid even…
Awe_Naw_No_Annoni_Oan_Anaw_Noo
21:37 on
8 November, 2012
Magnificent7
Messi put them ahead until Victor equalised as we had an away goal. 1 min in nou camp and when did vic equalise ?
HH
you know that was not the point being made awkward bu..er as always :-)
with your logic the 10 seconds doesn’t work either
BT
Any KFC vouchers left?
Croppybhoy…re barca warm up .i said exact same thing to my son about how intense it was hh
Cheers Jobo,
That would be nice.
Catch up with you soon – 12.45 here and I am golfing at 08.30 tomorrow :0)
Love to all the Baldies,
jt
Thanks to the Green Brigade for all their efforts in general and in particular to arranging the crowd display last night …… absolutely breathtaking !
You have helped raise the profile of our club to a new level and given countless people memories which will last for ever – thank you
Timabhouy
21:38 on
8 November, 2012
Johann Murdoch
Note to your self Timabhouy and Timbhoy2 two completely different posters !
Johann….don’t get them confused with the other different posters like Kojo and singing defective
they are NOT the same person :-)
jtsTICks –
watch out for the sand ;-)
THE EXILED TIM
They payed 5m for him , but guy on tv said he had a 40m sell on clause.
Mag7
Awe Naw is just being a smart erse as usual :>)))
He canny handle his drink !!!!
Just seen the Samaras interview. Talking sense like an experienced pro.
soal
no chickened out of it..
thetimrieper
That scenario would be good. We played in UEFA League last year but in the different group, later unlucky to be knocked back by Sporting Lisbon (2:2 and 0:1). Most of the people see us the champions after 1/3 games. Top of the table and I hope this continues.
Magnificent7
Sorry mate I am a mess today. As just confirmed by my wife.
I actually thought this thought last night. I.e that Barca were only ahead for say 10mins in a 90min game.
And then I thought it can FINALLY be decided and if the jamboes and the huns go bust this year AND if I am true to my past utterances then its the priesthood for me.
HH
thetimrieper
That makes our result all the more outstanding.
BT
Where can i get a cheap pork pie hat for saturday
TET
Agreed.
Those who got dirty looks from me regarding my foot will,also testify as will the bar roon staff and I now know what time that pub closes on a Wednesday night. 2.00AM
HH
Just replayed the game………. again and noticed
On 60 minutes (approx) Sammi plays a one two with Fraser from 10yards INSIDE the barca half and on receiving ball back brings down with a touch of the chest to confound the wee Spaniards.
Basically, any haufwit can pass the ba’ 5 yards but it takes real skill to play 60 yrd one twos with yer keeper.
Stick that in yer tippy tappy.
HH
Jobo,
Good advice! :0)
sTICks
Awe_Naw
Nights like last night don’t come around very often.
I would be well able for an amply sufficiency, but I even surpassed masel last night, well worth it mi amigo, well worth it.
THE EXILED TIM
If you count that 40m, a 100m worth of subs came on.
Undone by an £80,000 striker
a wee Jura Superstition to help me nod off…
I have only one last thing to say (well tonight anyway) about last night: my thanks to the Green Brigade for organising that “demonstration” before the game. I’ve taken part in anything like that. Where do they get the monies or the time or the manpower to arrange such a thing? Quite brilliant.
Awe_Naw_No_Annoni_Oan_Anaw_Noo
21:47 on
8 November, 2012
Magnificent7
Sorry mate I am a mess today. As just confirmed by my wife.
no worries…. what a night to let go…..pity about work today or I would have done the same
Miku developing the habit of beating Barca. Can we keep him?
croppybhoy-A report today said Jim McGuinness was coming over next week to work on a part time basis.
Zbyszek
I keep my eye on them for betting purposes, 4 pts clear i think.
Deliasmith@18.11
What a great commentary from the Dutch commentator.
“what a feast, what an advert for football”
That’s another one overwhelmed by the Celtic show.
I really hope Jim Baantyne enjoyed last nights goal from a bhoy we got from Airdrie for 80 grand:)
of for the night bhoys, think i’ll have a few CQN’s free days or maybe not
hail hail
Bizarre I know, but couldn’t get this song (Grace Jones version) out of my head before (eventually) falling asleep last night. Even stranger I’ve not heard it for years before last night. And I still feel like I’m flying :)))))))
I was on the first ship to Peru,
Charted all the courses like all sailors do,
First to cross the Mason-Dixon line,
Overseeing wetbacks for good Californian wine.
And I’ve done it again, done it again, done it again,
And I’ve done it again, done it again, done it again.
I was there when Jenny Lind first sang,
First to feel the cold Alaskan white man,
First to take a trip on LSD,
First to vote for Roosevelt back in ’33.
And I’ve done it again, done it again, done it again,
And I’ve done it again, done it again, done it again.
Yes Ive seen it, yes Ive seen it,
And if you’re feeling great, you know I feel it.
Yes I feel it.
And I’ve done it again, done it again, done it again,
And I’ve done it again, done it again, done it again.
Bookies
It’s not ragers demise that is likely to cause HMFC to fold, it was their existence and their cheating, their spend, spend, spend policy (with other peoples money) that has brought every club to their financial knees.
___________________________________________________________________________
Bloody amazing, They caused HMFC to fold and damn near caused HMRC to fold also.
thetimrieper
Not betting man myself. Never have tried. Yes, we are four points clear, not beaten for all ten league games this season.
TET
I was well up for it. I had to apologise as I shouted out Song you black sheep bastard. As soon as I blurted it out I thought ffs calm doon punters will think yer a racist. I explained to my Immediate company what a black sheep meant and got I sure it is kind of looks.
And I almost blurted okay screamed it out again….when he brought Watt down.
Next game I stay safely at home.
HH
Zbyszek
The only tip I could give you is dont start. I will be willing you to win
the league.
Awe_Naw
You must have been wasted…..
It was Mascherano who took young Tony out…..
But I get the picture :>)))
Tony watt tony tony watt
Now immortal