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angelito
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posted October 11, 2009 09:48 AM |
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Edited by angelito at 09:52, 11 Oct 2009.
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Football is more politics than most people know
I have to admit, Serbia an Bosnia-Herzegowina are playing the best football currently, out of the former yugoslavian country.
What I think is a bit sad, is the FIFA decisicion, to NOT make a simple draw for the play offs for the 8 left teams, but make a seeding list for the best 4 teams, who then can't eleminate themselves.
The 4 best (refering to the world ranking) "runner ups" are:
Russia (safe)
France (safe)
Greece (could reach first spot and let Switzerland going on 2nd spot)
Portugal (could go down on third spot behind Sweden if they don't manage to win vs Malta in last game)
The other 4 teams currently (could change on wednesday) are:
Ireland (safe)
Ukraine (99,9% safe; only if they manage to NOT win vs Andorra, who currently have zero points out of 9 games, and 3-30 goal )
Bosnia-Herzegovina (safe)
Slovenia (could reach 1st spot if Slovakia doesn't win vs Poland in last game; if so, Slovakia will be set on 2nd spot)
So how about the following play off schedule:
Russia vs Ukraine
France vs Bosnia-Herzegovina
Greece vs Slovenia
Portugal vs Ireland
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ihor
Supreme Hero
Accidental Hero
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posted October 11, 2009 10:38 AM |
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Quote: What I think is a bit sad, is the FIFA decisicion, to NOT make a simple draw for the play offs for the 8 left teams, but make a seeding list for the best 4 teams, who then can't eleminate themselves.
That is really sad. I didn't know about that. Could someone give a link to that decision about draw options and when will draw take place?
Quote: So how about the following play off schedule:
Russia vs Ukraine
France vs Bosnia-Herzegovina
Greece vs Slovenia
Portugal vs Ireland
hmm, thats interesting
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angelito
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posted October 11, 2009 11:37 AM |
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Edited by angelito at 11:39, 11 Oct 2009.
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here is a quote from FIFA.com and the explanation of rules refering to Europe 8 best runner ups:
Quote: Determining Europe's runners-up
When the group phase of European Zone qualifying reaches its conclusion on 14 October 2009, the nine section winners will be guaranteed a place at the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™. Thereafter, the eight best runners-up will compete in two-legged play-offs, with the continent's four remaining tickets to the world finals at stake.
Group 9 consists of five teams, one less than the other pools. When calculating the best runners-up, therefore, matches played against the sixth-placed finishers in Groups 1 to 8 will not be taken into consideration. The criteria will be as follows;
- Total points
- Goal difference
- Goals scored
- Goals scored away from home
- Disciplinary record *
- Drawing of lots
* Yellow card, -1 point; two yellow cards in the same match, -3 points; red card, -3 points; yellow card followed by a direct red card in the same match, -4 points.
Play-off dates confirmed
The dates for the play-off matches for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ have been confirmed.
Teams will be seeded on the basis of the next FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking, which will be published on 16 October. A draw will also be conducted to determine the home teams for the first legs.
The play-offs will be played over two legs on 14 and 18 November 2009. The draw for these matches will be conducted on Monday 19 October 2009 in the Home of FIFA in Zurich.
Source: http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/preliminaries/europe/secondplace.html
Current world ranking in football:
http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/ranking/lastranking/gender=m/fullranking.html
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zamfir
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Allez allez allez
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posted October 11, 2009 11:44 AM |
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Drakon-Deus
Undefeatable Hero
Qapla'
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posted October 11, 2009 05:26 PM |
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Quote:
Last night we experienced the most crunching defeat since 1967. I miss Hagi, Munteanu, Petrescu, Popescu, Stoica, Lacatus...
Serbia is a better team anyway,but we played really,really bad,the match was a complete disaster.5-0...I couldn't believe it.I don't remember a game when we played so poorly. Also,Romania U21 lost 1:5 against Latvia U21...
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angelito
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posted October 16, 2009 09:46 AM |
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Edited by angelito at 09:50, 16 Oct 2009.
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Quote: So how about the following play off schedule:
Russia vs Ukraine
France vs Bosnia-Herzegovina
Greece vs Slovenia
Portugal vs Ireland
As predicted, these are the 8 teams which are doing the play offs. The drawing will be on monday, oct 19th.
Currently qualified for the WC 2010 in Southafrica:
Europe:
- Denmark
- Switzerland
- Slovakia
- Germany
- Spain
- England
- Serbia
- Italy
- Netherlands
Portugal, Greece, Slovenia, Russia, Bosnia-Hercegovina, Ukraine, France, Republik of Ireland will do the play offs. The 4 winners will be qualified.
North- and Central America (CONCACAF)
- USA
- Mexico
- Honduras
Costa Rica has play offs vs Uruguay, who finished 5th in South America group. Winner will be qualified
South America
- Brazil
- Paraguay
- Chile
- Argentina
Uruguay has play offs vs Costa Rica, who finished 4th in CONCACAF group. Winner will be qualified.
Asia
- Australia*
- Japan
- South Korea
- North Korea
Bahrain has play offs vs New Zealand, who were the winner of the Oceanian group. Winner will be qualified (First game in Bahrain already happened. Score: 0-0)
* Australia belongs to the Asian group for the first time, it was a former member of the Oceanian group. But due to the reason, Australia was too strong for the Oceanian group, but always had to face the 5th of the South America group in play offs, which mostly was their end, they have been spoted in the Asia group, and now the winner of the Oceanian group faces the 5th of the Asia group (instead of South America) in play offs for the last spot.
Africa
- South Africa (automatically qualified because they host the WC 2010)
- Ivory Coast
- Ghana
There is one more round to play in the african qualifiers. 3 more teams will make it to South Africa. In one group, it will be between Cameroon and Gabun, in the other group, it will be between Nigeria and Tunesia and in the 3rd group between Egypt and Algeria.
These games will take place on nov 14th.
The european play offs take place on nov 14th and nov 18th.
The drawing for the groups in Southafrica will take place on dec. 4th.
32 teams will take part, 8 groups consisting of 4 teams each.
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zamfir
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posted October 16, 2009 02:35 PM |
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Edited by zamfir at 15:12, 16 Oct 2009.
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- South Africa (automatically qualified because they host the WC 2010)
Europe
I think that Ireland, Bosnia and Slovenia are dead meat, no matter who they will face (tough Greece might lose against them). Unless Ukraine gets France or Portugal, they have a decent chance.
So:
1) France (95% chances to qualify; they don't have 100% because they might face Ukraine)
2) Portugal (95% chances; like France)
3) Russia (60% if they face Ukraine, 80-85% chances against the other teams)
4) Greece (35% chances against Ukraine, 60% against the rest; they suck)
5) Ukraine (they are better than Greece, and come as favorites should they meet them; they would have an equilibrated game against Russia, and little chances against Portugal or France)
I'd be quite shocked if either Bosnia, Slovenia or Ireland will make it through, but I personally hope Ireland will do it. If I were to choose the qualified teams based on preferences, I'd pick France, Portugal, Greece and Ireland.
North- and Central America (CONCACAF)
Not much to comment here, but it's a shame Honduras plays in the World Cup, while Croatia, Sweden or Romania() stay home.
Costa Rica has marginal chances against Uruguay. To be honest, this region sends WAY to many teams to the WC.
South America
Brazil and Argentina are natural participants. Paraguay have a decent team, but I doubt Chile will make even a draw. Uruguay are lucky to face Costa Rica, they should have no problems. Too bad Colombia didn't qualified, they have three very good players: Robinson Zapata, Juan Carlos Toja and Dayro Moreno ().
Asia
Not much to say, but I surely dislike FIFA's policy to help little teams reach the WC. How on Earth can North Korea be here?
I hope New Zealand will beat Bahrain, but both are terrible teams.
Africa
It would be funny to see Egypt, winners of the last two African Cup of Nations, to miss yet again the WC. I hope Nigeria makes it through.
If I were to choose how many teams each continent sends to the WC, I'd give Europe 28, South America 3, Africa 2, Asia 1 and CONACAF 1 (and I'm pretty sure that team would be Mexico, not USA).
EDIT: Angelito, can you please tell me what the lyrics of song mean? I don't want a translation (tough it would be great), I only want to know the idea.
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pei
Famous Hero
Fresh Air.
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posted October 16, 2009 04:12 PM |
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Actually, im argentinian and saw all the south american matches and can tell you something:
Chile has assembled an amazing football team, the manager is Bielsa, the one responsable for argentina going to the world cup on 2004. Also won the Best national manager of the world in 2001, won second prize on 2004 and third prize on 2008.
He also won the gold medal in Athenas 2004.
I wont say Chile its the best south-american team cause Brazil never displays its true strengh in the qualifiications.
Argentina has history on its back but i can certainly vomit with its football style. Wont reach too far if it doesnt change. Below average without doubts. People in here think that Messi is angry at maradona or either he is injured cause he plays just like i do.
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Drakon-Deus
Undefeatable Hero
Qapla'
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posted October 19, 2009 04:48 PM |
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The Europe playoff schedule:
Rep.Ireland vs. France
Portugal vs.Bosnia-Herzegovina
Greece vs. Ukraine
Russia vs. Slovenia
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angelito
Honorable
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posted October 19, 2009 06:12 PM |
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Quote: EDIT: Angelito, can you please tell me what the lyrics of song mean? I don't want a translation (tough it would be great), I only want to know the idea.
That's the team anthem of Hertha BSC Berlin. A song made by Frank Zander.
It doesn't tell any special things than the normal "we are here to help our team....it is so exciting...we only have one goal: to win!....our boys in blue and white...blabla...
Most memorable is the refrain of course:
Nur nach Hause,nur nach Hause
nur nach Hause geh`n wir nicht
It's not too easy to translate, but it means something like:
(We will do everything)...but one thing we won't do for sure: Going home!
Google translation:
Quote: Just go home, only home
only home we did not go `s
Lmaoooo
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angelito
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proud father of a princess
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posted October 19, 2009 06:34 PM |
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Edited by angelito at 18:36, 19 Oct 2009.
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Quote: - South Africa (automatically qualified because they host the WC 2010)
Europe
I think that Ireland, Bosnia and Slovenia are dead meat, no matter who they will face (tough Greece might lose against them). Unless Ukraine gets France or Portugal, they have a decent chance.
So:
1) France (95% chances to qualify; they don't have 100% because they might face Ukraine)
2) Portugal (95% chances; like France)
3) Russia (60% if they face Ukraine, 80-85% chances against the other teams)
4) Greece (35% chances against Ukraine, 60% against the rest; they suck)
5) Ukraine (they are better than Greece, and come as favorites should they meet them; they would have an equilibrated game against Russia, and little chances against Portugal or France)
I'd be quite shocked if either Bosnia, Slovenia or Ireland will make it through, but I personally hope Ireland will do it. If I were to choose the qualified teams based on preferences, I'd pick France, Portugal, Greece and Ireland. I think you underestimate Bosnia and Slovenia. Bosnia has a great offense, while the offense of France has had its best time in the past.
- Irleand will give France a very hard time, like they did in the group against Italy!
- Slovenia qualified and there have been Tchechia AND Poland in same group. But Russia could be too strong.
- Greece won't have a chance vs Ukraine, I agree with you here.
- If Christiano Ronaldo won't get in good shape (he is injured for the next 3 weeks..at least!) until those play offs, Portugal will get eleminated by Bosnia, I'm pretty sure.
Quote: North- and Central America (CONCACAF)
Not much to comment here, but it's a shame Honduras plays in the World Cup, while Croatia, Sweden or Romania() stay home.
Teams like Honduras (or Jamaica 8 years ago) is what makes the WC so attractive. We don't see the same 32 teams all the time.
And don't forget....the CONCACAF starts with 32 teams...only 3 of them qualify directly...that's 10% !!....and a 4th team has a second chance in play offs.
Quote: South America
Brazil and Argentina are natural participants. Paraguay have a decent team, but I doubt Chile will make even a draw. Uruguay are lucky to face Costa Rica, they should have no problems.
Argentina plays horrible football since Maradona is their coach. They need very much luck in the draw to even make it in 2nd round. Paraguay and Chile play a very good football. They will be good for a surprise next year. Uruguay won't have an easy go vs Costa Rica
Quote: Asia
Not much to say, but I surely dislike FIFA's policy to help little teams reach the WC. How on Earth can North Korea be here?
Asia started with 43 teams and only 4 will qualify directly (again only 10% !!). New Zealand as the winner of Oceania (started with 10 teams...again only 10% !!) faces the the 5th placed asian team.
Quote: If I were to choose how many teams each continent sends to the WC, I'd give Europe 28, South America 3, Africa 2, Asia 1 and CONACAF 1 (and I'm pretty sure that team would be Mexico, not USA).
The numbers of teams each continent sends depends on their seedings in the world ranking and their succes in the former WCs. That's why Africa sends more teams since 1990, when Cameroon reached the quarter finals. Asia (south korea) reached the semi finals in 2002. Australia reached the last 16 (unlucky loss vs Italy in extra time due to a penalty in last minute!!). And if Ivory Coast wouldn't have had such a bad luck in the draw for first round (Argentina, Netherlands, Serbia!!!), they would have been good for the quarter finals for sure.
Africa is the continent with the most countries (participants in the qualifying) besides Europe. They start with 51...and send 5...again 10%.
Only Europe, which starts with 53 teams sends 13 teams...that's 25%...I think that's more than fair.
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Drakon-Deus
Undefeatable Hero
Qapla'
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posted October 19, 2009 10:08 PM |
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I agree with angelito about Bosnia and Ireland.Portugal and France won't have easy matches with them,that's for sure.I wouldn't be surprised if Bosnia will knock out Portugal.
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Protos
Known Hero
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posted October 19, 2009 10:38 PM |
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Edited by Protos at 22:44, 19 Oct 2009.
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Rep.Ireland (55%) vs. France (45%)
Portugal (40%) vs.Bosnia-Herzegovina (60%)
Greece (55%) vs. Ukraine (45%)
Russia (70%) vs. Slovenia (30%)
Just a view form neutral observer.
P.S. I hope Argentina will finally make it. Past few World Cup's they had great team but they never did it. They don't look good now, but a lot of things can happen in 8 months.
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ihor
Supreme Hero
Accidental Hero
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posted October 20, 2009 08:02 AM |
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Edited by ihor at 08:05, 20 Oct 2009.
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Quote: Rep.Ireland (55%) vs. France (45%)
Portugal (40%) vs.Bosnia-Herzegovina (60%)
Greece (55%) vs. Ukraine (45%)
Russia (70%) vs. Slovenia (30%)
Just a view form neutral observer.
P.S. I hope Argentina will finally make it. Past few World Cup's they had great team but they never did it. They don't look good now, but a lot of things can happen in 8 months.
I am shocked Do you really believe that? Both Ireland and Bosnia have more chances? You must be kidding. They do have good chances but so big? Nope.
My predictions:
Rep.Ireland (15%) vs. France (85%)
Portugal (80%) vs.Bosnia-Herzegovina (20%)
Greece (50%) vs. Ukraine (50%)
Russia (95%) vs. Slovenia (5%)
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angelito
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posted October 20, 2009 08:43 AM |
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Edited by angelito at 08:48, 20 Oct 2009.
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My offical picks for the play offs:
Rep.of Ireland vs France 0-0
France vs Rep.Ireland 1-1
Rep. of Ireland will procede
Portugal vs Bosnia-Herzegovina 2-1
Bosnia-Herzegovina vs Portugal 2-0
Bosnia-Herzegovina will procede
Greece vs Ukraine 0-1
Ukraine vs Greece 2-0
Ukraine will procede
Russia vs Slovenia 3-0
Slovenia vs Russia 1-1
Russia will procede
Any takers?
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ihor
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posted October 20, 2009 09:18 AM |
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Edited by ihor at 09:21, 20 Oct 2009.
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Ok let's play in predictions game
Rep.of Ireland vs France 0-1
France vs Rep.Ireland 2-0
France will procede
Portugal vs Bosnia-Herzegovina 3-2
Bosnia-Herzegovina vs Portugal 2-2
Portugal will procede
Greece vs Ukraine 2-1
Ukraine vs Greece 1-1
Greece will procede
Russia vs Slovenia 2-0
Slovenia vs Russia 1-2
Russia will procede
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Protos
Known Hero
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posted October 20, 2009 06:05 PM |
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Rep.of Ireland vs France 3-0
France vs Rep.Ireland 1-1
Ireland
Portugal vs Bosnia-Herzegovina 1-3
Bosnia-Herzegovina vs Portugal 2-2
Bosnia-Herzegovina
Greece vs Ukraine 0-0
Ukraine vs Greece 0-0 (2-4 on penalties)
Greece
Russia vs Slovenia 1-0
Slovenia vs Russia 0-0
Russia
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VokialBG
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Legendary Hero
First in line
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posted October 20, 2009 07:52 PM |
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Edited by VokialBG at 19:57, 20 Oct 2009.
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And you all missed Bulgaria - Cyprus 1:4? Boy, that's so face palm :-/ Anad after that Bulgaria - Georgia 6:2 WoW!
About Ireland -France, France is the winner (my bet) with 0-1 or 0-2. Ireland are not strong at all.
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zamfir
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posted October 20, 2009 08:00 PM |
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Edited by zamfir at 20:01, 20 Oct 2009.
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No, I don't underestimate Bosnia and Slovenia, but, first of all, I didn't watched their games and I'm a little surprised they made it so far. Second, and most important, I just don't believe in surprise-packed teams. Their streak ends somewhere, and such an important play-off against a more mature team seems as good an end as any.
My predictions:
Ireland France 1-2
France Ireland 0-1
France proceeds.
Portugal Bosnia 0-1
Bosnia Portugal 1-3
Portugal advances.
Greece Ukraine 2-2
Ukraine Greece 3-1
Ukraine makes it.
Russia Slovenia 5-2
Slovenia Russia 0-2
Russia wins the cookie.
And to turn our attention to the Champions League, my picks for tonight:
Debreceni Fiorentina 1-4
Liverpool Ol. Lyonnais 3-2
FC Barcelona Rubin 3-1
Inter Dynamo Kiev 2-1
Rangers Unirea 1-1
Stuttgart Sevilla 0-2
Alkmaar Arsenal 0-2
Olympiacos Standard Liege 1-0
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Drakon-Deus
Undefeatable Hero
Qapla'
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posted October 20, 2009 10:50 PM |
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This night was the night of surprises:
Liverpool 1 - 2 Lyon
Barcelona 1 - 2 Rubin Kazan (really didn't expect this one)
Rangers 1 - 4 Unirea Urziceni (Ok,didn't expect this one either,but anyway...Go Needle United!!!)
Debrecen 3 - 4 Fiorentina
AZ Alkmaar 1 - 1 Arsenal
Olympiakos-Standard Liege 2-1
Stuttgart 1 - 3 Sevilla
Inter Milan 2 - 2 Dynamo Kyiv
Stuttgart 1 - 3 Sevilla
So,Unirea actually has a chance to progress to the knockout round.It would be a dream come true for Romanian football.
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