Shake EUR-OP-A!!

Oh crap. WhitesBhoy says, "thumb down."


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ocs8PFsp ... re=related

 

I've heard they have a definite homefield advantage. I've heard it's cold and teams don't like the travel as it's long...do we have the home tie first or second?

 

1st match at our place 2/18, 2nd at their's 2/25. That's quite possibly the worst draw we could have had.

Looks like if we win, we get the Ajax/Juventus winner.

 

Ha! Yeah, don't count on it!!

 

I'm on it....

 

One advantage for us is that they will be in their winter break without having played a competitive match yet in 2010.

 

If I have my way, BENFICA please, in the final.

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pf note: Moved this to 2010 match forum. Locked previous seasons matches forums.
My bad for not doing that sooner.

 

Hamburg v. FULHAM

Hamburg are talented all over the field with Boateng, Ze Roberto, Van Nistelrooy, the goal-scoring Petric, and the recently Bundesliga banned Guerrero. With the possibility of climbing the table and positioning themselves for Europe next season, you have to wonder how much of a consideration domestic ties will be in the run-up to the Europa League Semis. I say not as big a consideration as playing the inaugural Europa League Finale in their hometown, at their stadium, in front of their fans.

Fulham have all but written off challenging for anything in the Premiership this season, content to just stay out of the relegation muck. But being content to save his powder for Europa League may just backfire on England's next possible Manager. History tells us that losing becomes a nasty habit-forming practice if you let it continue. With matches at Liverpool and Everton (and one at home to a scrappy Wolves club), the in-form Europa League team could find themselves close to resting their chins on their chests.

SUMMARY: A much more difficult ask of Fulham than Hamburg, Woy the Wizard of Whites will have to continue waving his magic wand over Fulham if they are to have a chance.

Atletico Madrid v. Liverpool

Atletico find themselves in a similar situation as Fulham, but with the outside chance at Europa League qualification again. While there were many expectations for this squad at the beginning of the season, poor form and team chemistry had Atletico scrambling to keep themselves above the relegation fray. Now, finding good if not exciting form, they have something to play for. Four domestic matches prior to meeting Liverpool will present the opportunity for them to climb the table, but also open them up to injury. Individually, some very good players on this team, but maintaining a team-work ethos will be the trick.

Rafa's Liverpool has had one of its rockiest seasons with him at the helm. While fissures have surfaced in the club, recent better form seems to be patching up many of the exposed integrity weaknesses. Liverpool now find themselves in possible contention for the 4th spot in the Premiership. So yet again, where does Benitez focus? Is the possibility of 4th too much of a distraction in a season that seems to be one step forward, two steps back? You can bet that Rafa has his own theoretical approach, and if it is not correct (or possibly even if correct), his job depends on getting it right.

SUMMARY: Liverpool, like Hamburg, are favorites to win their semifinal match-up. But no team made it this far just on luck. Atletico have quality all over the pitch, and if they can play together as a team, can make this the more dramatic of the two semis. However, if the Reds take the momentum, this ties could be over before they get back to Anfield.

 

FULHAM, SHAKE EUR-O-PA!!

WE HAVE SHAKEN UP THE EUROPA LEAGUE TO ITS VERY FOUNDATIONS!

OUR LITTLE CLUB ON THE RIVER THAMES IS MAKING HISTORY, AND WE ARE LUCKY ENOUGH TO BE ALIVE WHILE THEY ARE DOING IT.

BRING ON ATLETICO!!!!!

"FULHAM SHAKE EUR-O-PA!!!"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-x9CRogsSfY

 

RE: FULHAM, SHAKE EUR-O-PA!!

I'm hugging you all right now...big effin' bear hugs!

 

Woot... Fulham did it. Unbelievable. Air high fives all around.

 

Holy mutha

 

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!!!!

 

This is so freaking beautiful. I'm absolutely stunned and grateful and so, so excited for May 12.

COYW!!!

 

I know, I'm sorry, been very delinquent in posting here. Still been updating the member map in the background as people request additions and changes.

This is territory our little team (remember there are high school football teams over here that have higher attendance!) has never been too in 131 years.

 

AmericanMike -- please, please, PLEASE, try and finagle a way to get this entire Europa League campaign, with every game, on DVD!!

I think we'd all buy it, two times over!!!