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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Rascar Capac
Hail Hail m8ty, it is good to see you on the ole blog.
Great night Wednesday.
petec
didn’t know the odds were sooooooo huge
not a betting man but worth a punt surely
we dream
I am lovin it
This is an update to a post I placed earlier about a blogger on the scotsman forum who is being terrorised by some very sysnister huns.
I’ve put *** where bogger names are mentioned + the sweary words.
“Morn ****,Some night las night.F**k me I have been through every single emotion this weeks let me tell ye.
Spoke wae plod this morning,They have traced one batch of emails tae an address in northern ireland.Sent on a contract mobile,But hes claiming we was at a party and one of his mates must have did it as a joke ( some f***ing joke , and the c***s stupid enough tae do it on a contract phone,truely shows the stupidity of these people).He has a dozen alibies that back up his claim,Not one women/girl there so these b**tards are sticking together tae protect a mate.Must all be light on the loafers,whats the point of a party without women.
The rest are from “trolls” from far and wide some are uk based but these have all been shrewd enough tae use payg mobiles,What the police have said is it is down to the individual at the scotsman as they set the ball rolling.SO WHOEVER STARTED IT WELL F***ING DONE YOU HAVE LEFT PARENTS FEARING THEYRE OWN AND THEYRE CHILDRENS SAFETY.Police are trying to get the detail from them who it was that actually started posting my personnel detail.If and charges Iit will be for incitement.
The actual content of the email was horrifying in that they all had the theme of peopl/person coming to my house and doing things to my wife and kids( I CANNOT EVEN BRING MYSELF TO ACTUALLY TYPE THE WORDS),Actual threats to me included beating/stabing/slashing/acid in my face.Car tampered with.The only reassuring thing is the old bill have been great,Im the first tae rip into them so its quite ironic the situation im in now.
We havent said anything to the kids on the basis of the old bills advice,There have been extra patrols at her school at break times and extra ones past the house.Fotunately I have a nearly new alarmsystem that is monitored so ok there.The police had said theyre is little change of anything happening as these sick c**t trolls only like tae instill the fear in people.
Like I said the other day I will sneek a peek now and then and when the dust settles and the wifes cool with it I might rejoin.Let the guys know the messages meant so much and that I will hopefully see them again sometime in the future.Ye can share this wae them if ye want,Maybe some could might come out of this and that people stop making it personnal.I certainly know that I pushed the bounderies quite often and I do realise there will be elements that say this is my just reward,To them I say cracking wife/mum jokes is a laugh and that is how the vast majority take it.To go to these extremes shows that you are seriously messed as no decent member of society would threaten 3 young girls with indecent acts to theyre person..
All the best and Hail Hail”
Huns really do make you want to throw up at times.
Rascar Capac
Celtic – up and downs a given.
But this new high is registering big on the crack cocaine scale !
Hoarse and crazy and sleepless and joyful.
A Ceiler Gonof Rust
I was Very Impressed by Celtic when they played Benfica, and after we dropped 2 points at home, especially as I know we are geared to counter attack, that the odds would be astronomical and so they were.
If we get to the Final I will be laughing and will be able to go against Celtic to soften the Blow of losing a Big Final. Tony Watt has just showed how good he is and put Barca right behind the 8 ball.
Amazing scenes.
.
Lionel Messi admitted he had suffered extra disappointment as Celtic wrecked his baby celebrations.
The Argentine magician became a father for the first time last Friday, and had hoped to dedicate a Barcelona victory to newborn son Thiago.
But Barcelona lost for the first time this season as Celtic enjoyed a sensational win, thanks to Victor Wanyama and Tony Watt’s goals.
Messi managed an injury-time consolation, and performed a muted thumb-sucking celebration in his baby’s honour.
He admitted: “My goal did not help matters at all. At least there are plenty of games left for me to be able to dedicate goals to Thiago.
“We played all the football. Celtic just arrived in our penalty area twice, and scored two goals – from a corner and a long clearance by their keeper.
“In the end the ball played tricks on us, and refused to go in. We got into the danger area, but couldn’t put it away.
“The problem is Celtic’s players are bigger than ours, and that is why they scored from a corner. But we tried our best. They had no problems with the idea of getting into our area and waiting for counter-attacks or fouls.
“It was the same story when we played Celtic at the Nou Camp. They played defensively, and waited to hit us on the break. We wanted to win to ensure our place in the last 16. But we are fine, as we are top of our group and we have two games left to qualify. I am calm about it.”
Barca’s ex-Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas lamented: “Almost every team plays this way against us. But we still manage to get plenty of wins. We have to keep on playing our way, and moving forward.
“We have no excuses. We controlled possession, but we lacked depth. We did not have many clearcut chances. We knew Celtic could score from corners and counter-attacks, and that is what happened. We had chances, but they took theirs and we did not take ours. But we have two games left, and we will try to win them.”
Defender Jordi Alba said: “We keep coming up against sides like Celtic, who close ranks. We’re finding it hard to get into opposing penalty areas, but we have no cause for concern. Celtic created chances from set pieces as they know we are not a tall team. We also made lots of chances, but their keeper Fraser Forster was superb.”
Playmaker Xavi added: “I was amazed by the atmosphere at the game. It was an example for any club. As for the result, the main thing is that our destiny lies in our own hands.”
Summa
Petec
Didnt really enjoy watching the game, but revelled in it later.
Neil seems to have tactical nous, and a decent bunch of lads.
And…. we can add another cracker in January.
pigalle
1000/1 for me and it is ridiculous Celtic are above 50/1. They don’t realise things, important things.
Petec, call me an auld dafty, but I think my stake will ride through to the next game and I might just take a couple of quid on those fairy tale odds. I know, I know……..but I once bet on the cow jumping over the moon in a treble when airdrie played the hun in a cup final. I lost that day!!!
Just started the game again. How magnificent was the GB organised display?
I hope we have a similar one on sunday:-)
A Ceiler Gonof Rust
DestinyLabs have a new Creationist Rap Album coming out soon. I will post the best ones when they are online.
Xavi is a legend. The pic of him messi and iniesti holding celtic jerseys is priceless. He looks genuinely happy.
He loves us
Proper football player.
first time post….sleeping pattern’s oot the windae. have spent many a month just lurking and laughing(sometimes uncontrolably)this blog imho keeps me sane(some may argue) just remember lisbon and was at most of the other great euro nights.i think that gave me sufficient kudos to doubt the capabilities of NFL as manager of my(our)beloved celtic.I feel the time has come to admit that i was wrong mr lennon im truly sorry that i have missjudged you and i only hope that all the CL managers do the same,the difference being,i hope they dont realise this till after wembley
Has anyone had a go at looking at the mega phot on the club website yet?
It says in the match program that you have to do it via facebook and that every supporter in the ground should be able to identify themselves on this picture.
I love the digital age, young ACGR is up to speed in superimposing a handsome face oan ma ugly coupon.
We Are Celtic
Welcome Charliebhoy!
proudbhoy
Xavi, I hope will join Celtic at some point IMO.
Xavi is an enhanced Paul McStay.
Paul stayed when he should have left to become even better.
Xavi will join Celtic in some capacity at some point IMO and it is likely to be at the really important levels, the Grass Roots.
An app to identify everyone at Celtic Park…
Hmm…
We are all doomed anyway due to them tracking our youtube choices.
No hiding places now, just people.
Hope this democracy melarky holds out.
A ceiler…,
So are the board saving the polis resources, I mean no long ago we were condemning the polis for filming the green brigade, now they don’t need to, the board are doing it for them, dress it up as a pr exercise when in actual fact it is the board imposing big brother tactics.
Rascar…,
Glad I’m no along in thinking this
Rascar Capac
I warned everyone not to go up browser levels, the control gets stiffer and the adverts are more prevalent.
The common courtesy is to apologise for adverts inconveniencing the banging link that one has just posted.
It’s a hammer being slammed down hard. Ideological?
Petec
What would have become of McStay at Juventus?
I don’t know, he seems a shy man, and it could have gone either way.
Like Leighton at Man U.
Paul could have been more, in my opinion, but would maybe needed to have lucked out with a brilliant manager.
What he was … was my favourite Celt of all time.
In a poor team (90s) he shone like a beacon for us.
They might as well just take our pic at the turnstile, when we swipe in, oh wait that might make people uneasy, better idea, let the idiots think its a favour.
canamalar
It will be outrageous if ANY Celtic person is harrassed on Sunday.
petec
02:29 on
9 November, 2012
proudbhoy
Xavi, I hope will join Celtic at some point IMO.
Xavi is an enhanced Paul McStay.
Paul stayed when he should have left to become even better.
Xavi will join Celtic in some capacity at some point IMO and it is likely to be at the really important levels, the Grass Roots.
Really hope so, someone mentioned on here that it would be good idea to bring in some spanish coaches to help with our underage teams. Best idea iv heard in long time.
Still cant believe we train few hrs less everyday than top european teams. Those extra few hrs would help surely, even if it was simple 1 touch ball work.
Evening fholks !
Still on a high :))
charliebhoy,
Welcome Amigo. The nights can be quiet here so if you restrict your posts to between 1am and 5am, I’ll be your CQN pal forever :))
Was it a good idea to let Nike produce this?:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qs1A9kNET4U
Heh heh heh heh heh…….repeat ad infintum.
petec,
The polis were on their best behaviour, playing the Dr Jekyll for the European night, it will be back to Mr Hyde, normal service resumed at the weekend. And our idiot lock tugging chattering classes in the Celtic support will go back to slavering about politics being left at the gate. Their cognitive dissonance will again be ignored while they watch a politically motivated polis/board harass the green brigade.
Malcolm Gladwell writes some interesting books.
He sites 10,000 hours practice, in anything really, as the genius point.
And offers no short cuts.
I heard 10,000 hours mentioned a few years ago in a Celtic context, so I am hoping that we are about to produce or own crop of brilliant midgets.
Ahhh,
We are gifted with some fantastic people on CQN , including many wordsmiths, a joy to read. But we all know that words alone can never describe what Celtic FC is and always will be.
After the Lisbon Lions, we now have players from all corners of the globe getting that – Victor from Kenya, Kelvin from England (love the close up of his face – he get’s it, and it shows in how he plays now), Miku all the way from Venezuela in South America, Efe from the beautiful country of Nigeria, and Henke from Sweden. – Nakamura from Japan, Hartson and Joe Wales, Sammy from Greece, and wee Jimmy F and Broonie from Scotland – we are indeed the most special Club in the world, and as much as I love Barca, they know it’s one thing they can’t quite match – the passion and the heart :)))
I can see Tommy sitting on a cloud smiling down on us all, and I hope he allows himself to feel pride at something of which he was a major part.
Rascar Capac
He Shone like a Beacon in the whole history of Celtic.
He wiz selfless.
Celtic were always winning Massive tournaments even before they got to Lisbon.
War always happens at the most inappropriate times.
The Hungarian/ Újpesti Dózsa story is special.
Willie went out there but the times they have really changed.
Canamalar,
Aye, would be nice if we could include the public-friendly good-spirited polis in the good times. Sadly, they prefer no. Muppets.
canamalar
I’m raging my Son seen a person being harrassed by the Cops at the last game. It is not on, it just means I have to explain earlier to the wee guy that there are a lot of bad things out there.
Black/White.csc
FFM,
They’re only doing their job, aye right.
Time for baw baws
Night night n
Hail hail
Petec,
You just have to tell him the truth, he cannot trust the polis, sad but true.
Nytol
He is Ireland’s James Bond. Cool, calm and he is a handsome man. A handsome man I tell ye. And I can say that without fear of contradiction or the accusation of being gay.
This man is cool as ice.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YMvBnEvuBuA&feature=related
Fortunes Favour Mibbes
BTW, I had emailed you back yesterday and you were saying, and I am paraphrasing, I had to get with the program or something along those lines.
You were just up ALL night and I had a clear head when I woke up. heheheh and my first thought was to email my Drunken Friend because I am that Drunken person normally!!!!
I hope you had a fantastic night.
Canamalar,
“he cannot trust the polis”.
Just ask anyone that works for them. Tims STILL being excluded.
Doesnae fit the agenda of control for the future. Never did.
At least its not Strathy’s finest Chief that’s being given control of the new national fascist force. DOH!!!
FFS. Revolution anyone?
Just heard a knock on the door. It’s 20 armed a-holes using the anti-terrorism act to shut me up. My God, these boys are fast when they want to be.
petec
:)) I am!
But I would ever suggest any of us get with any “program”.
No suree. Feck that.
Fight the program tis my motto !!
Always !!
I do believe I get my inspiration from a certain Lurgan gaffer who should be respected :)))
I love this video (the Nike one below), but Sky did a great wee Celtic intro yesterday from supporter interviews. Anyone know if it’s online??
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qs1A9kNET4U
Facial recognition software… scanning Celtic Park… monitoring web searches…secret societies in our establishment…
Just as well I’m a useless numpty.