Space inside the box when you have the ball at your feet is at premium and whatever you have, closes quickly. The ancient part of our brains kicks in at this point. We become alert to the dangers of the shrinking space.
This reaction is biologically evidenced. The associated rush of adrenaline flushes the muscles with energy but it also obscures peripheral vision. You will know this yourself if you’ve been in possession of a football for as much as a second with defenders closing a loop around you. This is why, from the stands, we can often see a pass, but the player in possession fires off a shot that is easily blocked.
Watch Odsonne Edouard before he passes to Ryan Christie for the equaliser. Running towards goal with the ball, he has to fight against all of these biological factors to suppress the urge to panic into a premature shot.
His presence in the box induces the same adrenaline rush in the Lazio defenders’ brains and limbs: they focus on Odsonne, but the Celtic striker is winning the fight against nature. He maintains enough peripheral vision to spot the slenderest gap at 90 degrees to his right. Ryan Christie is in space and while all others panic, Odsonne pings a pass into Ryan’s path.
You can give players all the benefits sports science allows, train them until they are built like supermen, but the game is played in the mind. That ability to defy the natural instinct and control your body is where greatness lives.
I was troubled at halftime. Celtic did not deserve to be behind but Lazio scored an excellent goal and were clearly a very good team, while Cluj were ahead in Rennes, the result we did not want. The opening 15 minutes of the second half were controlled by the visitors, with Celtic unable to hold possession.
We needed energy from somewhere and Ryan Christie stepped forward. He covers 20 yards with great speed and regularity. His run to the corner around the hour, which created our first chance of the second half, looked like he was propelled forward in a pinball machine. His sprint forward, drop back, then repeat action, change the flow of the game.
It is not just Celtic who seldom score from corner kicks, such goals are the Hen’s Teeth of the modern game. Defenders mark the main threats, while others attack the space most likely to produce a goal. With the inevitable numerical defensive overload and set plays video analysed to within an inch of indecency, corners are the football equivalent of a Brexit deadlock.
But still, when Scott Brown’s shot from outside the box was deflected wide with two minutes remaining, we could dream. Christopher Jullien is as commanding in the air as any Celtic player since Bobo Balde. His sheer upper body bulk make a challenge from lesser mortals futile. His leap and glancing header inside the far post were like a great cruise liner gracefully launching down the slip. We were going to win this, or so we thought.
Fraser Forster had already made an incredible block with the score at 1-1, but in the final minute of added time, his leap to stop the unstoppable volley from Cataldi was the best save I have ever seen.
Crowds react to great save with cheers, or applause on lesser occasions. This save was met with an audible gasp. Shock from the ancient part of our brains was articulated an instant before the subsequent joy, not to mention respect. We were not to be denied.
When Hatem Elhamed went down injured inside the last 10 minutes, Moritz Bauer, a straight replacement at right back, was told to get stripped, but Neil Lennon quickly changed his mind. Instead, there was an Israeli shuffle, with Nir Bitton replacing Elhamed. Celtic went to a back three and two minutes later, Neil replaced Boli Bolingoli with Jonny Hayes. Coming so late in the game, Lazio had no time to react; Celtic were setup to control the middle of the park.
Goodness. In the dying minutes of a game against the top seed with the score at 1-1, we change tactical formation, going three at the back against two strikers. You have to hand it to Neil Lennon. Without this change, Scott Brown is nowhere near the Lazio box to be able to latch onto a loose ball and shoot to secure the corner that produced the winning goal.
It was an absolute masterstroke. Well done, boss.
For most of us, our days are full of small joys and trials. Spontaneous, shared, exhilaration is in rare supply. But, here we are.
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I think they do sing about Res. 12, F*ck the SFA, I think is on that topic, at least for some, and is sung regularly.
Most supporters do know about the corruption, maybe not the specifics, but they know the SFA are not our friends, and know about the five way agreement, perhaps not in detail, they know about Refs and their cheating, they know Sevco aren’t Rangers, and going for 55 is a myth built on a lie, they know the Huns died, and are a good way down that path again, they know the Media are just Huns with laptops, and are loyal, they know the Huns were cheats then, are cheats now and will be cheats forever, and they know the SFA will facilitate such, they know we are not liked in the country we have to play our domestic game in, they know we are unlikely to be allowed to play elsewhere, they know plenty.
I feel a list coming on!
TheyknowCSC
Canalamar 11.30pm
We are “arguing” about the same thing, I totally agree with your point but I think the majority of Celtic fans have wrote 2011/12 off … I think the bams were cheating in the 80s & 90s my point is … far too many Celtic fans have accepted their cheating and now want to run it in their noses that we are now winning …. I can assure you my thoughts are not dissimilar to yours …am looking in it I real life right here right now … and maybe the board are doing the same … for the record I have never liked any Celtic board from the Kelly’s to now
Hello there Dermot ,I see it is yourself
Have you heard the thing that’s going round
Called resolution twelve.
Sure ,yes I’ve heard about it ,And all the things they found.
But I know that my man Peter ,will park it on the shelve.
Doc 11.32pm
The Huns sing “f the SFA” more than Celtic …
Don’t Shelve Resolution 12
GFTB
Perhaps educating all these folks you talk to about the issue might be useful , rather than saying that they don’t know or care? Might get a few more onside – every little helps! Practically everyone on our supporters bus (Arbroath Emerald CSC) is well up on the issue. Anyway, that’s me heading for shut eye after a long day, thanks for the chat.
HH
GFTB, I don’t get the relevance of that point.
If the Huns do sing that more(how do you know that for a fact?) why does that affect my point?
Friesdorfor 11.49pm
Do you think for one second I don’t ..
These are punters who follow Celtic everywhere … am delighted the Arbroath Emerald is on the ball I can assure you there are a few supporters buses fae Coatbrig who are more interested in 2019 and only 9 & 10
I don’t think anybody answered my question why any Celtic fan who thinks we are going for 9 … if the Huns were already found guilty of improperly registered players why are we not on more than the 8 just now ?
To the same tune as f the SFA
Resolution 12 got stuck on the shelf
Resolution 12 got stuck on the shelf by the Celtic board
Doc 11.54pm
Obviously I don’t …
Likewise
11.32pm
How do you know that’s why the Celtic fans are singing it about Res 12 ?
Huge respect as always to the res12 guys and Celtic (even temporarily indirectly) must let fans know a good reason why they can’t or won’t pursue this…. If not, it’s not good enough…
BRTH….. the earlier posts from you were among your best…. A credit to the site
Think Bitton might start tomorrow in a 433.
Tough game 2-1 win
GFTB, On the last part of your answer to Friesdorfer, that is a lot to do with the corruption in general, Nimmo-Smith etc.
Titles should have been stripped from the original Rangers.
The fact all those titles were then endowed to Sevco is astonishing.
We should be on 21 in a row.
Canalamar 11.58pm
Now I understand with the no rhyming thing :-)
Doc 12.01am
So why are we all itching for 9 and then 10 ?
GFTB, why would we not?
GFTB,
Likely because they don’t expect the board to represent the club and likely expect nothing or less from a selfserving quango who think nothing of vilifying Celtic supporters in public before getting the facts. Sending police to their door at five in the morning. I see what you mean, why would the support ask for or expect anything from that shower.
Doc 12.08am
As your previous post 12.01am
21 @ row (ish)
Canalamar 12.11am
I have no interest in any Celtic board, and never have … before CQN I was oblivious to agms and any balance sheet … the stuff on here has opened my eyes but has never changed my opinion … I never trusted the Kelly’s & Whites so don’t trust the Lawells & Desmonds …
Seriously don’t understand why only 21 considered, the whole of the Murray tenure was crooked, paid most of the players cash under the counter.
Canalamar 12.18am
David Murray was Craig Whyte without the internet …
Murray spent other people’s money
Mo Johnston … came back fae Nantes and didn’t realise if he came back within 12months he had to fill in a P86… Bill McMurdo said Celtic won’t pay your tax and Dodgy Dave the 1st covered it … the Huns were cheating since Souness … in 1986
Met a taxi driver who was dispatched from ibrox every Sunday evening with brown envelopes to deliver.
Long time lurker here, I care about resolution 12 there must be a way to get to the core support and make this a live issue
Steph 53 12.53am
Welcome to the blog
I wonder if a printing company exists, with a Celtic supporting chief exec., that would be willing to print a summary of the Res 12 saga, as articulated by Auldheid and BRHT, to be distributed to all fans at one of our home games? It would be educational, and would facilitate possible future crowd funding for exploration of a lawsuit.
IniquitousIV
PRAISE FOR THE STAR LENNY ‘JUST CAN’T LEAVE OUT’
———— Was he at the game? it was Ebouie Kaoussi that got injured in the first half, not Olivier Ncham – we complain about BBC / SMSN accuracy ffs !!!
—————-
Been out – just reading about Board recommendation re: Resolution 12. Sickening.
Does Paul67 have any comment to make?
HH
BGFC
INIQUITOUSIV on 27TH OCTOBER 2019 1:49 AM
Any CQN er you had in mind ?
:-)
Given what’s been said by the judicial panel…why the fuk has there not been a vote of *no confidence* in the SFA by a member club?
Soz…call for a vote
‘…The Glasgow club’s legal team has successfully argued that the issues surrounding the licence for the 2011-12 season would need to be dealt with by the Swiss-based court under the terms of the five-way agreement, which allowed Rangers to continue playing in 2012…’
See – this is the thing that does my head in more than anything. Everybody in Scottish football openly talks about this ‘…five way agreement…’.
So, there is apparently some agreement that exists that overrules he existing rules of Scottish football – BUT NO-ONE IS ALLOWED TO SEE IT !!!!
Why the fek is this not the focus of enquiry – everyone tippy-toes around this agreement.
What is it?
What does it say?
IS IT LEGAL????????
Does it override legal / membership agreements already in place between member clubs of the SFA – if so, did the the members agree that the SFA could put aside the pre-existing agreements????
NAW – did thae fek!!!!!
I cannot understand why this fekin mythical 5-fekin-way-feking-a-feking-agreement is notmore fo a focus!!!!!
Scottish football – member clubs, fans who contribute to the game, sponsors, etc. – NEED to see this mythical ‘…agreement…’ that seems to hold so much sway over our senior football competition.
I DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHY THIS IS NOT THE FOCUS.
So much of the other questions seem to hinge on this vague, unpublished secret agreement – how can we have a fekin SECRET AGREEMENT that rules our football???!!!!! It is Freemasonry in person!!!!
HH
BGFC
Big Jimmy…see, that’s what happens wen you gie up the drink…speedy recovery mate :-))
H.H.
Good morning CQN from a cold and dark Garngad
11am start for the pub for me today bhoys and Ghirls for some pre match tactic/team talks.😂🍺😂🍺
Let’s get a win, any win and keep the feel good factor going, it will be tough though. So I will say 3-1 to the Timaloys.
On the Res12 issue, I believe that most fans do know and care about it, it’s just that with the TOTAL corruption and sectarian bigotry shown from the governing body (SFA) they feel as if our club are not giving a flying feck and feel beat down by it all.
Our board should be standing shoulder to shoulder with our fans and fighting against any form of corruption, in a way that saw our glorious club formed many years ago and in the same way the bonnet took on Farry.
To say that people under 45-50 don’t know or care about it, and we should just accept the cheating and accept Sevco as the same club is a horrendous statement.
So do we not teach anyone about history, how do we learn from the mistakes of our forefathers or just keep letting shit happen.. Ffs
Hunbeileivable
Come on tic
HH
D. :)
Re resolution 12.
Unfortunately time is the crucial factor.
I reluctantly agree with GFTB, most Celtic supporters care much more about a winning team on the park. Either through ignorance or apathy.
Despite the valient efforts of the resolutioners and certain internet forums, the message did not get through to the masses.
HH to all and COYBIG.
Good Morning, Chilly Morning In The Chilterns…
Good to see BRT&H and Canamalar on in response to Celtic PLC’s despicable response to Res12.
Now whether you feel Res12 has merit or not, the key question is this…
Is right that the Celtic Board led the resolutioners, the shareholders that backed them and the wider stakeholders who supported them down the garden path?
If Celtic PLC didn’t believe in 2013 that this was not in their best interests why didn’t they say so at the time?
It’s reprehensible that good fholk have spent huge amounts of their time and large sums of money to get this “over the line”. It’s a disgrace that all this time they were being strung along.
And the argument that it was along time ago and is now water under the bridge doesn’t wash. They could have gone with this anytime. Yes they were “excuses” but we can see them for exactly what they are, now that they’ve run out of them.
And the argument that case hasn’t been made doesn’t wash. It is said that PL wanted a silver bullet. Well, look at what the ghuys produced, the documentation they collated, every “defence” refuted – Auldheid pulled this altogether and presented it to us all and it’s damning.
The evidence is all there, professionally collated and backed by legal opinion.
The case has not been totally proved only by one small omission. Did Rangers receive a letter from HMRC that would could conclusively prove they did not have an outstanding debt.
There are reams of documentation that prove they had an outstanding debt, six barrels of silver bullets worth of evidence. So if this letter exsisted…
Why wouldn’t Rangers produce it?
Why wouldn’t Rangers submit it at the SFA JPDT as evidence?
If they could, they would, the only conclusion, it has never exsisted.
So what of the Celtic Board, it proves one thing.
THE NEVER HAD ANY INTENTION TO ACT!!
The fact that they had Celtic supporters with a moral compass determined to see action in this regard and distracted them to ensure they didn’t use their considerable energies and resources to “damage” the SFA tells you something, it tells you they’re all in it together.
Hail Hail
Ha!!!!
Three attempts to post do not compute so let’s keep it simple.
The Resolution 12 litmus paper is finally emerging from the sewer…. No surprise.
But just before it does…
King Kenny Dalglish is referred to as Sir Kenny on CQN… Telling us to know our place.
(Knights of the Realm giving advice to Scottish Fitba… Aye that works.)
To Sum Up the Litmus Test…
It’s not personal, it’s business.
Scrub that…
It’s not personal, it’s long term unregulated monopoly capitalism beautifully captured as family traditions, reinforced by state divide and rule. Easy dividends for the initiated.
Feck honour and integrity, that’s for Romantic mugs…. Rational Human Beings.
Chairbhoy – well said sir.
Greenpinata – most Celtic supporters care about a winning team on the park???
Ffs. Of course they do. That is a stupid statement.
All that’s All…. Celtic supporters care about winning irrespective of the cheating going on around them.
The message did get through, it sounds as if you are blaming the resolutioners for not hitting a wider market, when your frustration/anger should be at the board for stringing every Celtic minded person along all these years.
HH
D. :)
PJBHOYNYC on 27TH OCTOBER 2019 6:51 AM – Your post is All the more reason to call out the injustice.
HH
D. :)
Hello again all you young rebels.
Thought i would be able to see my aul buddy and CSC presi. today
but no visitors allowed at this time.
Paddy now has Pneumonia and heart abnormalities to contend with
besides whatever feckin virus caused it all in the first place.
Besides an oxygen mask and delerium through the various drugs
being administered he still managed to ask when the Celtic game was
on.
The big mhan is a fighter and always has been since his days in the bare
knuckle bouts when he first arrived in Oz.
He’s been told of all the goodwill coming from CQN and Sentinal.
He’ll beat this.
H.H . Mick
CHAIRBHOY
Another fantastic post, take a bow mister.
PJBHOYNY
Thought it was only me that felt a bit irked that Kenny king of the
realm should give us a warning, who the feck writes these CQN
sidebar snippets and why do they think it interests us,
Ach.. maybe i’m just pissed off.
H.H . Mick