Official Ajax CL thread [Archive] - Soccer Fans Network Forums

soccer fanatic

10-30-2002, 10:58 PM

:D

Its great, I already posted a short summary of the match on the official group thread, but it is amazing. Please post on the other CL thread for Ajax to give Inter fans a couple of bad nights. :D

Now we can even advance if we loose.

Go Rosenborg BK go! :D

Great result accomplished with great workrate, I`m incredibly proud of our guys.

Well done!

Great thread BTW. Late? No way, we aren`t planning on going out of the CL soon, are we? :D
I will land in two weeks, right now I`m walking on the clouds, not planning on landing just yet. :)

FCBBarcaAjax

11-02-2002, 07:26 PM

I hope you´ll show this mercenaries, what young and talented team can do, on the other side, if your gonna be so sucessfull jou´ll porheaps wont hewto sell Chivu, and then CL watch for Ajax next year!

BLAUGRANA

11-02-2002, 11:42 PM

There's a CL thread in the European Club Competitions forum for every group.

soccer fanatic

11-15-2002, 11:16 AM

Our 2nd stage group is Valencia, Arsenal, AS Roma and us ofcourse.

I didn`t put this in the general thread but we are screwed. :D

FCBBarcaAjax

11-16-2002, 10:04 AM

Valencia and Roma are not so good, Arsenal in a crisis, everything is possible,...

soccer fanatic

11-16-2002, 10:37 AM

Originally posted by FCBBarcaAjax
Valencia and Roma are not so good, Arsenal in a crisis, everything is possible,...

Valencia is a very good aquad same goes for Arsenal, but English style is normally comfortable for Dutch teams.

Roma is IMO our biggest chance to gain vital points.

FCBBarcaAjax

11-18-2002, 10:40 AM

Roma without Totti, 2:0 for us, Arsenal has just come out of the crisis, but they´re not so good, as it seems,...

soccer fanatic

11-18-2002, 11:08 AM

Looks like Arsenal are getting back and we play against them in february I think. So no advantage for us. But perhaps we don`t need that. We just have to play good and score points in the home matches. :)

FCBBarcaAjax

11-23-2002, 07:16 PM

Valencia is in crisis, Arsenal playing on the hot-cold system as they did last year. So everthing is possible,...

soccer fanatic

11-23-2002, 08:55 PM

Valencia send a scout to watch Ajax today, Ajax played in Heerenveen and beat them 3-0. Ajax will play wednesday against Valencia in the CL.

PopA

11-26-2002, 07:10 PM

ha! my predictions: Roma and ajax pass, arsenal and valencia burn in hell

soccer fanatic

11-26-2002, 09:37 PM

Originally posted by PopA
ha! my predictions: Roma and ajax pass, arsenal and valencia burn in hell

sounds good to me, although Valencia and Arsenal don`t have to burn in hell if you ask me. :)

My prediction for the next match is quite negative, if we can keep a clean sheet until the second half, we have a small chance. Litmanen, VDV and chivu all can play, so there is some hope.

My prediction however is 2-0 for Valencia.
But I hope I`m wrong. :)

PopA

11-27-2002, 10:01 PM

well folks here's the group wrap up:
Roma scored first with cassano, then henry had a hat trick which pisses me off :mad: :mad: Final score 1 - 3 for arsenal
Ajax and valencia played a close game, zlatan gave ajax the lead in minute 89, and we almost got the victory until miguel Angulo equalised around minute 92:( soooooooo close to victory at mestalla!

soccer fanatic

11-27-2002, 10:04 PM

Originally posted by PopA
well folks here's the group wrap up:
Roma scored first with cassano, then henry had a hat trick which pisses me off :mad: :mad: Final score 1 - 3 for arsenal
Ajax and valencia played a close game, zlatan gave ajax the lead in minute 89, and we almost got the victory until miguel Angulo equalised around minute 92:( soooooooo close to victory at mestalla!

yes, it is too bad. :( I`m both happy and sad, but more happy. :)

BLAUGRANA

11-29-2002, 02:41 AM

A great result for Ajax that could have been even better. Considering how poorly they played, the draw was a nice result. Valencia are a strong side and to draw them away is great. Ajax should have held on to win though. Chivu was by far the best player for Ajax. Too bad he'll now miss the Roma match. No matter though. Roma are struggling and this Ajax squad has already played plenty of big CL games this season, including against Inter at the San Siro.

soccer fanatic

11-29-2002, 09:19 AM

I guess you can say we shuld have won, but that would have been very dishonest for Valencia. I`m happy with the draw, not at first, it is frustrating if you give it away in the final minutes, but that is a feeling Valencia had too, when Ibrahimovic scored the 0-1. If we want to count in this group, we should get a win in our home game against Roma, even wiithout Chivu and Galasek.

FCBBarcaAjax

11-30-2002, 12:13 PM

Cosidering what Carew missed. We should be happy with a draw. But on other hand, we coulda win this one. With who are we playing the next CL game?

Arsenal won thanks to Henry, but will see, Henry can have a bad day and cant do nothing, but on game vs. Roma he was superior. I red somewhere , it said: as roma 1:3 Thienry henry! By my gosh, that is totaly wright, Wiltord is on the end of this season getting worse, Roma asame, Batistuta is too old and so on,..

soccer fanatic

11-30-2002, 03:33 PM

Originally posted by FCBBarcaAjax
Cosidering what Carew missed. We should be happy with a draw. But on other hand, we coulda win this one. With who are we playing the next CL game?

Line up or opposition? Our opponent will be AS Roma at home. (Ajax at home) line up is not available yet and always difficult to predict since we almost never play in the same system. Certain is that Chivu and Galasek will be suspended.

Arsenal won thanks to Henry, but will see, Henry can have a bad day and cant do nothing, but on game vs. Roma he was superior. I red somewhere , it said: as roma 1:3 Thienry henry! By my gosh, that is totaly wright, Wiltord is on the end of this season getting worse, Roma asame, Batistuta is too old and so on,.. [/B]

Well, lets wait and see, Ajax isn`t in the position to count points in advance of the actual matches. In fact, matches against Valencia away and Lyon away proved Ajax need to go to a bigger league. It was clear the Ajax players aren`t used to the level of play because we don`t have that level in the Dutch League, it will not reach that level either. if we want to become serious contenders for the CL, we need to go to a league where this level of play is standard so players can grow to that level.

lili

12-10-2002, 12:02 PM

Good luck today for the Ajax team! ;)

soccer fanatic

12-10-2002, 02:29 PM

Nice of you. :)

Happy to see you here on the Ajax forum too. I couldn`t believe my eyes. :)

lili

12-10-2002, 04:31 PM

I don't like to discuss about matches I didn't see. But I did some last weeks and I'm going to watch the evening Roma catasthrope.:D ;)

soccer fanatic

12-10-2002, 04:37 PM

you are going to watch Ajax? :)
I`m not as confident as you on this subject.
I hope you are right.

Azerkid

12-11-2002, 01:08 AM

Woohooo !!!!!!!!!

Great victory 2-1 against the Romans. Zlatan and Litmanen put the Dutch ahead while Batigol scored a consilation. Great Game !!! :D

BLAUGRANA

12-11-2002, 02:21 AM

A great win for Ajax. We dominated them the first half and tactically beat them in the second with Litmanen's substitution. What a goal by Litmanen! Nice shot that one. We were inches from more goals IMO as we had the better chances all game long. Pienaar looked good as did the defense. Our CB's really shut down Cassano and Totti in the first half.

Two very important results for the second phase. We are in a very good position to advance out of this group. IMO the squad is gaining in confidence with every match and if we can have everyone fit when the CL resumes, we should be in very good shape.

Roberto Abrego

12-11-2002, 04:53 AM

yes a great win for ajax and great performances from Zlatan and Litmanen...

lili

12-11-2002, 06:54 AM

Guys, it was really funny to see Roma's superstars running over the pitch like sheep. After the first goal there was totally panic, Ajax had many good chances and they outplayed Roma's midfield and defense in an amazing way.

Will be hard against Arsenal, but I'm convinced a draw is possible, even a win - if Chivu, VDV and Didulica are back.
;) :smoking: :angel:

soccer fanatic

12-11-2002, 08:51 AM

It was a great win and now with time for players like Chivu and VDV to recover from injury, we can be back at more strenght in february, perhaps even O`Brien will be fit again. :D

PSV is next though, an extremely though match as well.

Still can`t believe what an easy victory we had on AS Roma. :)

PopA

12-11-2002, 11:04 PM

well well......... as the only ajax fan and romanista in the world i'm assuming, i don't know what to say!
ajax outclassed roma, it's true, but maybe if Batigol had started and VDV the scorelines woulda been very different on either sides
good to see zlatan scoring, as well as jari..... but i feel that if totti had been more into the game, and had chivu played, we coulda seen a much better match

anyways...... thank god valencia and arsenal tied!

BLAUGRANA

12-12-2002, 04:25 AM

Originally posted by PopA
but i feel that if totti had been more into the game,

He was too busy diving. He was a disgrace! :mad: I'm really getting tired of his antics. I don't dislike him as many others due, but he needs to stop with the playacting.

ilcapitano

12-12-2002, 08:21 AM

I'm very happy - and surprised - about Ajax's good performances. It will be a tough competition between Ajax, Arsenal and Valencia for those two places at the top, but Roma is likely out of the race.
I'm thrilled about Litmanen scoring again in the CL. It was such a beautiful goal!

soccer fanatic

12-12-2002, 05:33 PM

Originally posted by PopA

ajax outclassed roma, it's true, but maybe if Batigol had started and VDV the scorelines woulda been very different on either sides
good to see zlatan scoring, as well as jari..... but i feel that if totti had been more into the game, and had chivu played, we coulda seen a much better match

anyways...... thank god valencia and arsenal tied!

Well, Chivu is a great player but I must say Bergdolmo and Pasanen played very good in central defence, especially Bergdolmo. VDV same thing, sure we missed him, but we would give too many credit too Witschge and Pienaar for their performance.

I don`t like Totti at all, for this game and even more after this game, such a great player lowering himself to such actions. He really doesn`t need to make them. I was surprised Montella didn`t start, but then again I don`t see much of AS Roma.

soccer fanatic

12-12-2002, 05:39 PM

Originally posted by ilcapitano
I'm very happy - and surprised - about Ajax's good performances. It will be a tough competition between Ajax, Arsenal and Valencia for those two places at the top, but Roma is likely out of the race.
I'm thrilled about Litmanen scoring again in the CL. It was such a beautiful goal!

Same here, never could dream to go into the winter break with 4 points from 2 CL games. Team is doing great, most surprising too me is the few goals we get against, really changed fast, for a big part thanks to Koeman. I have no idea if we wil be able to keep up, but I`m already gratefull they are still in the race for the QF, gives me some extra excitement too watch the CL matches.

Litmanen showed his perfect control and good eye once again and scored his 25th(!) CL goal for Ajax, it was a real beauty. I`m very happy is back , he is meant to be in Amsterdam.

ilcapitano

12-12-2002, 06:54 PM

Originally posted by soccer fanatic

I don`t like Totti at all, for this game and even more after this game, such a great player lowering himself to such actions. He really doesn`t need to make them. I was surprised Montella didn`t start, but then again I don`t see much of AS Roma.

Montella hasn't played so well this season. He's going through a dry spell right now.
Totti has always been a diver. But it's just impossible to hate this guy after you've seen what he CAN do. I still say he's better than Del Piero.

25 for Litmanen - that's really impressive, considering that he isn't a striker type of player. I agree that Ajax Amsterdam is his right address, for some strange reason the bigger teams never appreciated his skills.

soccer fanatic

12-12-2002, 10:32 PM

Originally posted by ilcapitano

Montella hasn't played so well this season. He's going through a dry spell right now.
Totti has always been a diver. But it's just impossible to hate this guy after you've seen what he CAN do. I still say he's better than Del Piero.

Oh, I didn`t know that from Montella, that explains it a bit, I saw highlights from him from a year ago I think, he really impressed me.

Knowing what Totti can do makes his diving habit so bad. He doesn`t need it so he should just wise up and act like a man. Del Piero is also a diver BTW, but I agree Totti is better than Del Piero, although again I must say this is based on too less matches perhaps. I think diving is always a disgrace, no matter who does it, Machlas tries it too, I was against it just as much, it is not fair play and childish.

25 for Litmanen - that's really impressive, considering that he isn't a striker type of player. I agree that Ajax Amsterdam is his right address, for some strange reason the bigger teams never appreciated his skills.

Yes he is more a player who plays behind them, but he scored also a few from the penalty spot. Still he was the Ajax player of the nineties, incredible prestation for a player, his populairty is amazing too, considering he is not Dutch, Ajax fans really fall in love with his playing style, and on and off field manners, really exceptional.
Now he is back where he should be, his style perfectly matches Ajax playing style, because he learned a lot in Amsterdam, but also because his natural style fits Ajax. This is I think the reason bigger clubs couldn`t use him, because he simply is meant for the Ajax system, that makes his legend here even bigger.

ilcapitano

02-20-2003, 09:10 AM

Superb performance by a very young Ajax team to tie Arsenal at Highbury...I thought the game was over after that quick Wiltord strike, but Ajax played very cool.
If they can continue like this, qualification seems very likely.

soccer fanatic

02-20-2003, 09:17 AM

Originally posted by ilcapitano
Superb performance by a very young Ajax team to tie Arsenal at Highbury...I thought the game was over after that quick Wiltord strike, but Ajax played very cool.
If they can continue like this, qualification seems very likely.

I hope you are right, but one time Arsenal and Valencia will find a system too outplay us, we only could compete because we are on tactics better than Arsenal. Their squads are superior too ours, but with VDV and O`Brien perhaps both back, as well as Mido we might surprise.

I`m happy already with what we did until now, although ofcourse I want more now. Football is unpredicatable ofcourse, everything is possible. if we win the next two (home) matches we are through. We have everything in our own hands, I must say I don`t fear Arsenal anymore.

PopA

02-27-2003, 04:31 AM

so what, we drew at the arena?

so i heard..... details on the match anyone?

soccer fanatic

02-27-2003, 09:57 AM

Well, I don`t think I`m the one too give it too you since reading the morning papers and reading internet reviews of the match I realised I had a totally different view on the match.

Ok, there werent much chances, both teams played with certainty in their defence too make sure they wouldn`t loose, because for both teams that would have been disastrous.

I think the first lets say 15 minutes were clearly for Arsenal, they had more possesion and were clearly better, without creating any open chances. Ajax played bad when they had posession but played good when they didn`t have it, the scout of Ajax did his work great as ever and found Arsenal out which made it fairly easy for us too make them harmless in attack. Ajax though also wasn`t really able too create much, mostly because of the very weak play of Van der Meyde on the ball, without ball he was pretty good, he work hard, but on the ball he again disappointed.

The first half was overall I think for Arsneal but not in a convincing too get scared of way. The 2nd half was different, Ajax were the better side and got better in possesion. We were able too play the ball around, Trabelsi, De Jong, Pienaar en perhaps mostly, together with Trabelsi, Witschge looked more in controll.
Arsenal seemed like Ajax content with a 0-0 draw, even though for Arsenal it is much worse than for Ajax, seeing it goes in the CL on home awasy results if two teams end equal on points, which would mean we have an advatage over Arsenal.

Biggest chances were a free kick of Chivu headed of the line, a open goal chance for Zlatan just deflected by a defender, a shot from a high cross of an unmarked Vieira (I think) and a distant shot from a tight angle of Henry.

All in all a fair result, Ajax were better in the 2nd, Arsenal in the 1st half. Both stay on top and Ajax remains unbeaten in the 2nd groupstage.

Would never have thought that when we started. :)

Biggest profits off this match were that we stood defensively and tactically very good, and that we have a advantage over Arsenal for if we end up equal in points.

This all with the knowledge that for the match against Valencia O`Brien and VDV will be back. :)
Future is looking bright at this time, a win against Valencia in the Arena would see us through.

lili

02-27-2003, 11:26 AM

I think it was a tactical match, not very attractive, but still good to see, how the ajax youngsters blocked up Arsenals superstars. Arsenal dissapointed me, although Thiery Henry showed his great skills once again.
And the Chivu free kick was amazing, too bad, it didn't find the way into the net.
Zlatan didn't have his best day and Mido wasn't in long enough to turn the result. However, we should be satisfied over the result and over the fact, we are in advantage through the goal at Highbury. And thanks to Valencia our situation is even better.:) ;)

soccer fanatic

02-28-2003, 04:06 PM

Chivu wasn`t convincing in his passing, lately he is beginning too make me doubt if he really is ready too move too a bigtime team like Real Masdrid. He could handle it, but it could be better for him if he stayed with Ajax longer so he can learn more. He isn`t stretched too his full potential yet.

FCBBarcaAjax

03-01-2003, 11:56 AM

Next match is Roma vs. Aax? Am i right? What do you predict? I personly dont know, since totti is back, and roma with totti is totaly different team?

lili

03-01-2003, 01:37 PM

Originally posted by soccer fanatic
Chivu wasn`t convincing in his passing, lately he is beginning too make me doubt if he really is ready too move too a bigtime team like Real Masdrid. He could handle it, but it could be better for him if he stayed with Ajax longer so he can learn more. He isn`t stretched too his full potential yet.

I was talking just about the free kick in the 38. minute, which was really great done. He made some mistakes, but fortunately without consequences. ;)

lili

03-01-2003, 01:42 PM

Originally posted by FCBBarcaAjax
Next match is Roma vs. Aax? Am i right? What do you predict? I personly dont know, since totti is back, and roma with totti is totaly different team?

I think, we should go at least for a draw there. Won't be an easy match, but we already showed, we aren't scared about the favourites in our group.
About Totti: his performance is very variable. Sometimes Roma plays better without him. ;)

soccer fanatic

03-01-2003, 05:44 PM

Fiirst we meet Valencia at home, if we win we are through.

I predict a very though match but definetly not a loss for us.

2-1 victory for us and we go through too the QF, Zlatan scores twice and shouts "up yours" too MIdo who will be watching at home behind the TV. :angel:

lili

03-03-2003, 11:28 AM

Bimbo!!!:D

soccer fanatic

03-03-2003, 01:29 PM

Originally posted by lili
Bimbo!!!:D

You have no idea wath this does too me. ;)

lili

03-03-2003, 01:53 PM

I think I have, honey.:angel: ;)

soccer fanatic

03-03-2003, 02:03 PM

Originally posted by lili
I think I have, honey.:angel: ;)

:)

BLAUGRANA

03-12-2003, 02:03 AM

Now, if we can get to the topic at hand. A nice result for Ajax today. I really thought they could have won the game. The penalty for Valencia was a bit of a bad call. IMO, Rufete embellished it. VDV had a nice shot and came close. Pasanen's goal was pretty emphatic and was off my seat when it I saw it.

We're still in the driver's seat and control our own destiny. No matter what happens, it's nice to see us giving the "bigger" clubs a run for their money. I just hope we make the QF's.

ilcapitano

03-12-2003, 10:56 AM

Originally posted by BLAUGRANA
A nice result for Ajax today. I really thought they could have won the game. The penalty for Valencia was a bit of a bad call. IMO, Rufete embellished it. VDV had a nice shot and came close. Pasanen's goal was pretty emphatic and was off my seat when it I saw it.

That was some oscar material from Rufete...
Ajax controlled the game again, Valencia relied on counter attacks: counting out that strange penalty decision, they didn't create many goal opportunities (Carew should have scored though, when he was one-on-one with Lobont).
Van der Vaart and Pienaar were on good form. I also thought Zlatan had some good moments and was close to scoring.
Damnit why isn't Inter playing like this???

Trip to Rome will be a tough one, but Ajax just needs a draw.

lili

03-12-2003, 11:02 AM

ajax:valencia 1:1

Uff, what a match.
Valencia started very cautious and waited more then less for counter attacks, what was almost fatal for them, since ajax began ambitious with good chances already in the first 10 minutes played. Too bad, Zlatan's try didn't end in the net. all the 1.st half was more then less in a dominating ajax team, they won by far almost every duell in the mid, not allowing Valencia to come too cloose to their goal. Nevertheless, Valencia had some chances, the best was Carew's, when he run alone into the penality area, but Lobont saved his goal.
Penalty for Valencia was clear, no doubt and ajax had troubles to check the oposites's, which got new energy and showed some
smart and dangerous actions before halftime.
In the second half the power of both teams was almost equal, a luck ajax could tie with a great Pasanen headscore after a cornerball. And a second ajax goal was to smell in the air all the time. Valencia continued dangerous and fast, made some pressing. Before all, Rufette was almost unstopable for Trabelsi(?
). Ajax showed a small soccer lection in simple and efficient solutions, how to outplay the oposite defence, but unfortunately, Zlatan failed to score as well as Van der Wart and Van der Meyde, who came in in the 2nd half . The match became nervous by the end, both wanted to win and made a high number of fouls and mistakes. However, Lobont was great, also the defence and midfield, attack a bit unlucky.
As it looks like, Roma did us a big favour at Highbury and ajax won't have the oportunity to see their diving captain Totti , who got again a red card, btw.

lili

03-12-2003, 11:06 AM

Originally posted by ilcapitano
That was some oscar material from Rufete...
Ajax controlled the game again, Valencia relied on counter attacks: counting out that strange penalty decision, they didn't create many goal opportunities (Carew should have scored though, when he was one-on-one with Lobont).
Van der Vaart and Pienaar were on good form. I also thought Zlatan had some good moments and was close to scoring.
Damnit why isn't Inter playing like this???

Trip to Rome will be a tough one, but Ajax just needs a draw.

Ajax has to go for a win to Rome and i'm sure they will win there.
Good to see a non-favourite team playing with tough oponents such a way. I think they deserve to play quarters and I think the next CL season will be very interesting for ajax.:) ;)

soccer fanatic

03-12-2003, 03:47 PM

Originally posted by BLAUGRANA
Now, if we can get to the topic at hand. A nice result for Ajax today. I really thought they could have won the game. The penalty for Valencia was a bit of a bad call. IMO, Rufete embellished it.

That is what I said inmediatly too, seemed too me Galasek didn`t make the first foul, but Rufete pulled Galaseks shirt first.

Luckily like in the arsenal away match we fought back and got a deserved point, I think we deserved more, we had better chances, played too win and not with all men behind the ball and showed off fast combinations from time too time.

Especially the 2nd half was very pleasing too see, we looked like we should look, like the old Ajax of the old nineties, pressuring our game on our opponents, with as a difference that now opponents can get more resisting too the pressure, since the differences between the top and Ajax got bigger, none the less it is a great result and gives us a good shot at reaching the QF.

We proved we can play for a point so I suggest a 4-4-2 system with zlatan and VDV upfront, with a solid midfield and defense.

VDV had a nice shot and came close. Pasanen's goal was pretty emphatic and was off my seat when it I saw it.

Yes was unspected and very welcome, although I never thought we would loose for sure. But even when we were behind I said that I liked the match as lot, was of good quality and (for me for sure) very exciting.

Biggest applaud from my side goes too Maxwell, who played a superb match.

Good too finally see Lobont getting more secure in the goal, although still not confident enough. His reaction speed is incredible though.

BLAUGRANA

03-13-2003, 05:45 AM

Originally posted by soccer fanatic

Biggest applaud from my side goes too Maxwell, who played a superb match.

Other than the shot that he nearly sent outta the stadium.

03-13-2003, 10:11 AM

I only saw highlights but ajax looked sharp - great move through vdv and zlatan that eventually vdm smashed over the bar.
tough last game but roma's record at home this season is far from impressive and Totti will be suspended
at the beginning of the group if Koeman was offered the chance to go into the last game with a draw guaranteeing progression he would have definitely taken it!

BLAUGRANA

03-16-2003, 06:13 PM

Originally posted by JD

tough last game but roma's record at home this season is far from impressive and Totti will be suspended
at the beginning of the group if Koeman was offered the chance to go into the last game with a draw guaranteeing progression he would have definitely taken it!

Agreed. Our destiny is in our hands and we have to pull this one out.

ilcapitano

03-27-2003, 07:33 AM

Ajax will face AC Milan. Great draw IMO, two teams capable of playing very entertaining football...and let's not forget the history of previous meetings. Litmanen has celebrated in Milan before...

soccer fanatic

03-27-2003, 11:54 AM

It is a great match too look ahead too, but offers Ajax the thoughest task we could draw.

But for sure a good match could come out of this, for sure it will be good for the young teams development, but I expect a serious challenge for the semis from Ajax. In the beginning of the tournament I was thrilled if we could compete for the reaching of 2nd group stage. Now my expectations rose cause of the sudden huge improvements off some of our players, like Pienaar, De Jong, Maxwell and perhaps even the one with the most improvement, Petri Pasanen.