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Posted by: redbabies Dec 10 2007, 03:37 PM

Posted by: Tennie Dec 10 2007, 03:55 PM

Programming note for those in North America: the game will be shown LIVE on the Fox Soccer Channel in the US and Canada. Gametime is 5am Eastern.

Posted by: misha Dec 10 2007, 04:11 PM

Shouldn't be too hard.

Would be good to give players like Gourcuff, Brocchi, Bonera... to start in this game, and keep as much first 11 players as possible for the final. Gila should start in this one and Pippo in the final.

Posted by: whoarethepatriots Dec 10 2007, 04:32 PM

Oh man, its an early kickoff. Will be at college when this match is on

Posted by: Darunia Dec 10 2007, 07:24 PM

That's so early! Hopefully I'll make the rerun

Posted by: kaka_sheva Dec 11 2007, 12:29 AM

5 AM?? I think I just might be able to watch the whole game right before I have to head off for school. gotta get to the bus stop by 6:45...ooh, just in time!!

Posted by: Tennie Dec 11 2007, 03:40 AM

Just a quick note. I watched the replay of the Urawa-Sepahan game and there were a couple of shots of Billy Costacurta in the stands, all bundled up with gloves and a woolly cap. The commentators (god help us, Fox Soccer is using the guys who did the MLS commentary and they're really pretty dire) knew he was 'from the Milan staff' but couldn't identify him.

Posted by: Darunia Dec 11 2007, 03:57 AM

I watched part of the replay too.. the last 20 min or so. Urawa didn't look particularly impressive, they seem like a technical side like Milan, I really don't expect any problems although they are playing in front of a home crowd.

Forza Milan!

I can't wait...haven't seen Milan play in awhile

Posted by: bigmacmtl Dec 11 2007, 05:09 AM

i share ur pain, the soccer report is pretty bad. I'm constantly correcting all the mistakes they make.

Posted by: zdrossoneri Dec 11 2007, 06:05 PM

How couldn't they?! Billy is as much a symbol of Milan as Maldini. shame!

Posted by: Tennie Dec 11 2007, 06:13 PM

I sent a rant asking that very question, zd.

Posted by: zdrossoneri Dec 12 2007, 11:58 AM

Good

Posted by: Tennie Dec 12 2007, 12:00 PM

Wow! I think they must have read the email. I'm watching the Etoile-Boca game (still scoreless in the 30th) live and they just mentioned that 'Alessandro Costacurta, the Milan assistant coach' had scouted the Urawa game.

EDIT: Etoile 0 - 1 Boca. Goal Cardozo in the 36th.

Posted by: dst Dec 12 2007, 12:55 PM

Was wondering... do the Boca players feel any jet lag or did they just miss one day which they are going to earn back on their way home!??

Posted by: Tennie Dec 12 2007, 01:26 PM

No clue, dst. I'm not good on the rules when crossing the international date line.

FT Etoile 0 - 1 Boca.

Not the best performance by Boca -- I've seen them play far better -- and they even had a guy sent off. Etoile had chances, but just weren't able to finish.

Posted by: sansiro1708 Dec 13 2007, 07:38 AM

gila or pippo starting?

Posted by: Darunia Dec 13 2007, 07:52 AM

I don't think the lineup is out yet. My guess would Gila would start against Urawa while Pippo would start against Boca (if we advance)

Posted by: sansiro1708 Dec 13 2007, 08:20 AM

maybe pippo and r9 for the xeneises

Posted by: arivanjj Dec 13 2007, 10:27 AM

CWC Semi-Final Preview: AC Milan - Urawa Reds -- http://goal.com/en/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=511358

The champions of Europe and Asia meet on Thursday evening to decide which continent will be represented in the final of the Club World Cup on Sunday.

Milan Aiming To End Negative Sequence

Milan come into this edition of the FIFA Club World Cup having failed in their previous three attempts to become club champions of the world.

Four years ago, whilst the tournament was still known as the Intercontinental Cup they lost on penalties to Boca Juniors following a 1-1 draw after extra time.

The Argentine-giants and 2007 Copa Libertadores winners are the Rossoneri’s most likely opponents in Sunday’s final if, as expected, Milan beat Japanese-outfit Urawa Reds in Thursday’s semi-final.

Before this defeat to Boca Juniors, Milan also suffered losses in 1993 and 1994.

In the former they were beaten 3-2 by an outstanding Sao Paulo side containing the likes of Cerezo, Leonardo and Luiz Muller, while a year later they were defeated 2-0 by Jose Chilavert’s Velez Sarsfield.

Urawa's Chance For More Glory After Roller-Coaster Year

This is the game that the whole of Japan have been waiting for and while Urawa may not always be everyone’s favourite team in the Land of the Rising Sun, it is not only their famous fans that will be cheering them on tonight.

Urawa are the first Japanese club to appear at the competition. This year, FIFA decided to give Japan, the host nation, a place but Urawa qualified in their own right by lifting the Asian Champions League trophy.

It has been an amazing 12 months for the Saitama side. The Reds won the J-League for the first time last December, won the continental cup at their first attempt and are looking to round things off with the Club World Cup.

Despite a glorious year, Urawa entered the competition on the back of a terrible run of domestic form. Exhausted by their Asian exertions, Urawa collected a mere three points from their last five leagues allowing Kashima Antlers to overturn a massive 10-point deficit and claim the title by a margin of two points. An Emperor’s Cup exit at the hands of second division Ehime FC was another setback.

After the frantic last two months of the season, Urawa finally had time to recover before comfortably defeating Sepahan of Iran in Monday's quarter-final.

Previous Successes

Milan first appeared in the final in the competition’s very original two-legged format back in 1963. Nereo Rocco’s men were involved in a legendary match with Pele’s Santos, which finished 6-6 on aggregate, and was settled by a 1-0 playoff win for the Brazilians.

The Rossoneri then won their next three outings, beating the infamously violent Independiente in 1969, Atletico Nacional 20 years later, and finally Olimpia Asuncion in 1990.

All in all Milan have a record of won three and lost four in previous ‘Club World Cup’ appearances. European Jinx

Since the FIFA Club World Cup officially replaced the Intercontinental Cup in 2005, a European team has yet to win. Liverpool lost 1-0 to Sao Paulo in 2005, while Barcelona lost by the same scoreline to Internacional last year.

Milan Vice-President Adriano Galliani has declared the FIFA Club World Cup as Milan’s “number one objective” for the season so surely Milan will break this European hoodoo?

Asian teams have yet to set the competition alight.

Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ittihad defeated African champions Al-Ahly in 2005 before losing 3-2 to eventual winners Sao Paulo in the semi-final. South Korea’s Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors eased past Auckland City in 2006 before losing 1-0 to Club America in the quarter-final.

FORM GUIDE

Milan

Milan – Celtic 1-0 (Champions League)

Milan – Juventus 0-0

Benfica – Milan 1-1

Cagliari – Milan 1-2

Shakhtar Donetsk – Milan 0-3 (Champions League)

Milan – Torino 0-0

Urawa

Urawa – Sepahan 3-1 (CWC)

Yokohama FC – Urawa 1-0

Ehime – Urawa 1-0 (Emperor’s Cup)

Urawa – Kashima 0-1

Kawasaki – Urawa 1-1

TEAM NEWS

Milan

Milan have been boosted by the return to training of Ronaldo and Marek Jankulovski. While the latter could be set to play, ‘El Fenomeno’ will not be risked, although it is speculated that he will be fit for Sunday’s final should the Rossoneri make it there.

Reports coming out of Italy suggest that Coach Carlo Ancelotti will field a strong line-up and will not fall into the trap that many European teams have done in this competition in the past in under-estimating their opposition.

Urawa

The ligament injury suffered by Brazilian playmaker Robson Ponte in the final game of the season is a big blow to boss Holger Osieck. Captain Nobuhisa Yamada and striker Tatsuya Tanaka are also doubts.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Kaka (Milan)

The newly-crowned Ballon d’Or winner was mobbed by theatrical fans when Milan landed at Tokyo International Airport last week. The brilliant Brazilian should have too much class for the Japanese-side to handle.

Marcos Tulio Tanaka (Urawa)

The Brazilian-born defender is a giant at the back for Urawa and was named J-League MVP in 2006. Tanaka is strong in the tackle, good on the ball and great in the air. He is a threat from set pieces but against a star-studded Milan, his defensive qualities are what the Reds need.

PREDICTION

Providing Milan go into this game in a professional manner there can surely be only one winner. It won’t be easy as some think however– backed by some of the most passionate fans in the world, Urawa were unbeaten in the Asian Champions League and are fired up.

Milan 2-0 Urawa Red Diamonds

Posted by: arivanjj Dec 13 2007, 10:28 AM

1 hour to go ... we should have the official line-up soon.


FORZA MILAN

Posted by: arivanjj Dec 13 2007, 10:50 AM

Official Line-up

Dida;
Oddo, Nesta, Kaladze, Jankulovski;
Gattuso, Pirlo, Ambrosini;
Kakà, Seedorf;
Gilardino.


wat a sexy line-up

Posted by: han2503 Dec 13 2007, 10:54 AM

Janku's back

Posted by: jefri91 Dec 13 2007, 11:08 AM

lets hope this is a turning point to our season

Posted by: fresh_prince7 Dec 13 2007, 11:10 AM

Please tell me the milan site has the audio running for this...

JANKU! Good to see him back.

Posted by: han2503 Dec 13 2007, 11:18 AM

When you access the live audio page does it still say Cetic vs Milan or has it switched to urawa vs milan?

Posted by: dst Dec 13 2007, 11:19 AM

Ha-ha!!! This one is on a normal evening time for you huh? Finally...

Go Milan!!!

Posted by: fresh_prince7 Dec 13 2007, 11:20 AM

Is it just me or is there no live audio section any more...

This is sh*t..

Posted by: Tennie Dec 13 2007, 11:21 AM

I don't see a live audio section either.

Posted by: fresh_prince7 Dec 13 2007, 11:22 AM

Now this site is terrible. The one good feature this site had. Anywhere else you can hear audio from, cause my internet is terrible.

Posted by: arivanjj Dec 13 2007, 11:23 AM

yep 9:30 ... first time i'll be watching a Milan game not half-asleep.

Posted by: jefri91 Dec 13 2007, 11:23 AM

were playin in white and with some gold letters on our jersey

Posted by: jefri91 Dec 13 2007, 11:24 AM

anyone know what it says?

Posted by: dst Dec 13 2007, 11:25 AM

It reads 'Thank You Jefri' and all of our players have number 91 on the back.

Posted by: jefri91 Dec 13 2007, 11:27 AM

Ofcourse

Posted by: han2503 Dec 13 2007, 11:29 AM

It was working on the last 2 games, Serie A and CL. But I don't think they have live English coverage of the CWC neither the Coppa

We'll try to keep you as updated as we can

Posted by: fresh_prince7 Dec 13 2007, 11:29 AM

Got no attacking options on the bench..

16 Zeljko Kalac
29 Valerio Fiori
2 Cafu
3 Paolo Maldini
25 Daniele Bonera
17 Dario Simic
19 Giuseppe Favalli

Posted by: Tennie Dec 13 2007, 11:30 AM

(Or maybe it says 'Club World Cup 2007').

Posted by: han2503 Dec 13 2007, 11:31 AM

Al those are defenders!!!

Why didn't he put atleast Yoann, Brocchi and Pippo???

Posted by: dst Dec 13 2007, 11:31 AM

Gourcuff not even on the bench!


Nah...

Posted by: zdrossoneri Dec 13 2007, 11:31 AM

Where's Inzaghi !!?

Posted by: fresh_prince7 Dec 13 2007, 11:31 AM

Appreciated han.

Just for anyone interested, there is a matchcast for the the game on the official fifa world club cup site.

LETS GO ROSSONERI! LETS GO RICKY!

Posted by: Tennie Dec 13 2007, 11:32 AM

Eurosport is doing live text commentary if you want to follow that.

http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/fifa-world-club-cup/2007/urawa-reds-milan-221581.html

Posted by: arivanjj Dec 13 2007, 11:32 AM

our subs:

Zeljko Kalac
Valerio Fiori
Cafu
Paolo Maldini
Dario Simic
Giuseppe Favalli
Daniele Bonera
Serginho
Emerson
Yoann Gourcuff
Cristian Brocchi
Filippo Inzaghi

Posted by: jefri91 Dec 13 2007, 11:33 AM

its too long for club world cup.
btw urawa fans are amazing, very loud and nice chants

Posted by: han2503 Dec 13 2007, 11:33 AM

Yep it's very detailed and updated constanly

Reds on the attack atm

Posted by: milanista1899 Dec 13 2007, 11:34 AM

http://4.livefooty.doctor-serv.com/thu13.12/Urawa_Milan2.html

Posted by: zdrossoneri Dec 13 2007, 11:34 AM

I think Carlo's underestimating this match. this is ridiculous; all defenders and 'keepers.

We cannot afford o lose this game, can we?

Posted by: fresh_prince7 Dec 13 2007, 11:35 AM

http://soccerstand.enetpulse.com/livestats/?id=231571

Posted by: Tennie Dec 13 2007, 11:36 AM

Yikes. Yellow to Nesta who was waaaaay up in the midfield.

Posted by: zdrossoneri Dec 13 2007, 11:36 AM

Which one is it finally!?

Posted by: zdrossoneri Dec 13 2007, 11:38 AM

No play by play on acmilan.com?!

Posted by: han2503 Dec 13 2007, 11:39 AM

Nesta Yellow

Posted by: dst Dec 13 2007, 11:40 AM

No matter the continent, we still can't exchange a couple of passes...

Posted by: fresh_prince7 Dec 13 2007, 11:42 AM

So whats the atmosphere like?

Is the game free flowing? Is there space?

Posted by: Tennie Dec 13 2007, 11:42 AM

Pippo and Gourcuff ARE on the bench, btw. So is Il Capitano.

Posted by: Tennie Dec 13 2007, 11:44 AM

Pirlo free kick pushed over the bar. Resultant corner kick almost headed in by Ambrosini.

(The Fox commentators say that Milan are good at set pieces.)

Posted by: dst Dec 13 2007, 11:44 AM

Great atmosphere. The stadium is big. Milan get heavily booed whenever we have the ball. Urawa are better set up though...

Posted by: han2503 Dec 13 2007, 11:45 AM

Ohy Pirlo and Ambro close

Posted by: han2503 Dec 13 2007, 11:46 AM

Turning up a gear

Posted by: Jack Sparrow Dec 13 2007, 11:48 AM

Ahh so that's what our tifosi were doing back in the league at the Siro. They were training our players for Japan. I knew they still loved the team

Posted by: Tennie Dec 13 2007, 11:48 AM

The passing is...not as good as it could be for Milan. So far at least.

Posted by: dst Dec 13 2007, 11:48 AM

This is like a Serie A game, Urawa are waiting for us in their own half.

Posted by: dst Dec 13 2007, 11:50 AM

Everyone is trying to make a clever pass, why aren't they trying the normal for a change?

The way this game goes we better not concede cause we're not scoring twice!

Posted by: han2503 Dec 13 2007, 11:51 AM

Yep

Posted by: dst Dec 13 2007, 11:52 AM

Oddo's crosses have been annoyingly bad. It seems like he can find some space from that side unlike Janku. Too bad cause Marek is much better in crossing.

Posted by: zdrossoneri Dec 13 2007, 11:52 AM

The passing 'has not' been as good as it 'should' be for Milan for a while now

Posted by: Jack Sparrow Dec 13 2007, 11:52 AM

^^^
oooooh...the secret's out. Darn...someone is Serie A sold us out.

Posted by: fresh_prince7 Dec 13 2007, 11:53 AM

This is going to be ugly..

Can see us losing 1-0!

Whats mr european player of the year doing..

Posted by: dst Dec 13 2007, 11:55 AM

I was going to post 'not much' but he made a really great run just when I was typing! He passed to Seedorf inside the box but the Dutch shot straight to the keeper.

Posted by: fresh_prince7 Dec 13 2007, 11:57 AM

Has a habit of happening like that..

Was my master plan to get him in the game!

Posted by: Tennie Dec 13 2007, 11:57 AM

Pirlo free kick...into the wall. In the play that follows Gila had a chance but...couldn't finish.

Posted by: dst Dec 13 2007, 11:57 AM

Pirlo wins himself a free-kick... let's see.

Posted by: Tennie Dec 13 2007, 11:59 AM

The Japanese players keep fouling Pirlo in free kick range. I have a feeling they're going to regret that. This is the third free kick so far.

Sadly, it went way over the bar.

In general, Milan's game is picking up though.

Posted by: dst Dec 13 2007, 12:00 PM

The stadium is great!

Posted by: Jack Sparrow Dec 13 2007, 12:02 PM

Yeah...they're probably all misty eyed..and saying, this is like being back in the San Siro...being back home.

Posted by: arivanjj Dec 13 2007, 12:04 PM

oohhhh Gila, why is he still playing for this team?

Posted by: Jack Sparrow Dec 13 2007, 12:04 PM

@dst: Generally the quality of stadiums which have had the WC recently has been really great!!

Posted by: arivanjj Dec 13 2007, 12:06 PM

63% possession... Milan dominating

Posted by: fresh_prince7 Dec 13 2007, 12:07 PM

Possession doesn't mean alot..

Are we creating anything?

Posted by: han2503 Dec 13 2007, 12:08 PM

Doing pretty good, seem to have upped a gear.

We've created the better chances, urawa's only chances came from long range shots that haven't been on target

Posted by: arivanjj Dec 13 2007, 12:09 PM

there has been a couple of good chances, especially the one for Seedorf

Posted by: Jack Sparrow Dec 13 2007, 12:13 PM

They're a Japanese team, who've just finished a long season, including the Asian CL. If they don't score in the first half, they're in trouble. They're only gonna tire as the game drags on.

Posted by: zdrossoneri Dec 13 2007, 12:18 PM

HT. 0:0

The result speaks for itself. we should do better than this.

Posted by: jefri91 Dec 13 2007, 12:20 PM

we should be atleasst 2-0 from the way we were playing

Posted by: zdrossoneri Dec 13 2007, 12:21 PM

Just looks at the names: Pirlo Kaka Gattuso Nesta Seedorf etc.
We have some of the world's best stars but we don't play like we should. maybe something's wrong with Carlo?...

Posted by: arivanjj Dec 13 2007, 12:23 PM

Urawa are no threat wat so ever. all we need to do is get a goal. maybe put on pippo sometime in the second half

Posted by: han2503 Dec 13 2007, 12:24 PM

I think we're doing good, Urawa have camped in their half and we've barely been given space to muve. They are smart they have done their homework, but they will tire out, we're the ones passing the ball around they are the ones running after it. I can't see them keeping this up for too much longer. As Jack said they are coming from a long league season they will tire out by the 60th minute max.

And despite them being camped in their half we've still managed to create the better chances.

Cafu needs to come on for Oddo at some point though. He's been allowed to constantly stroll through their wing and feed cross after another, too bad they were all bad crosses. Cafu would use that space much better.

Posted by: zdrossoneri Dec 13 2007, 12:26 PM

The Japanese [and Korean] teams are always a threat. have you forgotten 2002 WC?

Posted by: dst Dec 13 2007, 12:26 PM

Our passing in the first half was at best miserable. I don't think a single pass longer than 4m was made right...

If this is the motivated Milan then we've never had a motivation problem.

I hope for a better second half. Forza Rossoneri!!!!!!!!!!!!

Indeed. It puzzles me why Gila still wants to play for a team that lets him alone with 5 defenders only to get bashed by the media afterwards.

Posted by: jefri91 Dec 13 2007, 12:27 PM

id like to see Serginho in - Janku out
and Pippo in for Gilardino 10 mins into the second half

Posted by: Rossoneri7 Dec 13 2007, 12:29 PM

Positive half .. Milan started off by getting a better understanding of Urawa's movements. Then, implemented their own game plan. Which dominated in the first half.

There is nothing to worry about Urawa are weaker than I thought. They are bound to concede at least 2 goals by the end of this game.

Posted by: dst Dec 13 2007, 12:30 PM

Janku is doing great and we need him to gain match fitness. Why should he be substituted for a former professional player anyway!??

Posted by: han2503 Dec 13 2007, 12:31 PM

Exactly

Posted by: jefri91 Dec 13 2007, 12:32 PM

Janku just got back from an injury, i dont think he should play a full game imo

Posted by: han2503 Dec 13 2007, 12:33 PM

He can take it.

And Oddo should be the one to come off imo.

Cafu is in great form atm. And Sergio is not.

Posted by: zdrossoneri Dec 13 2007, 12:34 PM

You only play good when you score goals. that's it; that's football. football is not about meaningless passes; the only thing that truly and firstly matters in football is to score goals. we have problem in that.

Posted by: han2503 Dec 13 2007, 12:34 PM

Pippo might be coming on

Posted by: han2503 Dec 13 2007, 12:36 PM

I don't see it that was. Sometimes you can play p!ss poor and still score a goal and win. And sometimes you can play an amazing game of footbal and still can't score.

Look at last season's Arsenal

Posted by: jefri91 Dec 13 2007, 12:36 PM

nvm KKEEEP HIM IN LOL

Posted by: Rossoneri7 Dec 13 2007, 12:36 PM

Janku almost!!!!!

Posted by: han2503 Dec 13 2007, 12:38 PM

If that had gone in I would have laughed

Posted by: han2503 Dec 13 2007, 12:41 PM

AH!!!!

Seedorf so close!!!

Posted by: han2503 Dec 13 2007, 12:41 PM

Bad foul on Pirlo

Posted by: zdrossoneri Dec 13 2007, 12:41 PM

Which one matters most at the end of the day?!
Besides, we don't play 'amazing' football. at least I don't feel like we do.

Posted by: Tennie Dec 13 2007, 12:42 PM

Pippo warming up! Bonera warming up too.

Posted by: han2503 Dec 13 2007, 12:43 PM

I'm not saying that we don, just trying to make a point

Posted by: Rossoneri7 Dec 13 2007, 12:45 PM

Clarence almost !!!!

Posted by: zdrossoneri Dec 13 2007, 12:46 PM

Is that "do" or "dont"!?

Posted by: Rossoneri7 Dec 13 2007, 12:47 PM

OMG Gila

Posted by: han2503 Dec 13 2007, 12:47 PM

Seedorf!!!

Again so close

Posted by: han2503 Dec 13 2007, 12:48 PM

Who knows?

It's a do, btw

Posted by: fresh_prince7 Dec 13 2007, 12:48 PM

Pressing hard.. gotta convert..

LETS GO BOYS!

Posted by: arivanjj Dec 13 2007, 12:50 PM

Gila is still on the field

Posted by: armisse Dec 13 2007, 12:50 PM

I dont like 30' extra time !

Posted by: Tennie Dec 13 2007, 12:51 PM

Pippo on for Gila.

Posted by: han2503 Dec 13 2007, 12:51 PM

Let's see if Pippo can con a coule of defenders

Posted by: IoRDanCHo Dec 13 2007, 12:53 PM

Carlo pisses me off!!! That son of a *****! We are smashing those shity diamonds and Ambrosini is not needed, Courcuff should play insted of Ambro!

Posted by: fresh_prince7 Dec 13 2007, 12:53 PM

SUPER PIPPO TIME!

Posted by: arivanjj Dec 13 2007, 12:53 PM

finally....

Posted by: Tennie Dec 13 2007, 12:57 PM

TURTLE POWER!

Seedorf goal.

Posted by: Rossoneri7 Dec 13 2007, 12:57 PM

FORZA MILAN

Forza Clarence Seedorf

Posted by: jefri91 Dec 13 2007, 12:57 PM

Seedorf

Posted by: han2503 Dec 13 2007, 12:57 PM

GOOALLLLLLLL!!!!!!!

Posted by: fresh_prince7 Dec 13 2007, 12:58 PM

Thank god for that.

SEEDORF!

Run down of the goal please..

Posted by: Tennie Dec 13 2007, 12:59 PM

From Eurosport:

Milan break, long ball to Kaka now on the left and he slips it across to Seedorf who drills it low into the bottom right with his left foot for 1-0.

I'll add that Pippo had drawn 2-3 defenders out so Seedorf had the space. Kaka was great weaving through the other defenders. There were 5-6 Urawa players back.

Posted by: dst Dec 13 2007, 01:00 PM

Kaka gets the ball on the left hand side with some space in front of him, gets close to his opponent suddenly bursts forward and crosses low to hand Seedorf one of the easier goals of his entire career.

Posted by: fresh_prince7 Dec 13 2007, 01:02 PM

Nice. Kaka' about time he got in the game.

Posted by: dst Dec 13 2007, 01:02 PM

But Urawa are not as tired as some thought. They were the ones creating chances before Milan's goal and they could have scored.

Posted by: dst Dec 13 2007, 01:04 PM

He's playing very well but he's closed down smartly and effectively most of the times he gets the ball. But only most of the times...

Posted by: Tennie Dec 13 2007, 01:05 PM

Yikes. Urawa almost. Deflected for a corner. Nasty looks between Dida and Rino.

Posted by: Rossoneri7 Dec 13 2007, 01:06 PM

Yeah, seems as though the beast is only awaken when he feels threatened .. Whatever that means

Posted by: fresh_prince7 Dec 13 2007, 01:07 PM

Kaka' really gets hard time.. tight marking, 2-3 players..

Guess it comes with territory.

Surely won't conceed now.. gotta score again on the counter.

Posted by: Rossoneri7 Dec 13 2007, 01:08 PM

Captain Paolo is about to come one

Posted by: dst Dec 13 2007, 01:08 PM

Yeah what was that all about!??


Something like that!

Posted by: Tennie Dec 13 2007, 01:08 PM

Il Capitano on for Janku. Nice ovation for Il Capitano from the crowd.

Janku did well for his first game back.

Posted by: dst Dec 13 2007, 01:09 PM

PAOLO MALDINI PAOLO OLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh God...

Posted by: dst Dec 13 2007, 01:12 PM

Only Hiro Nakamura can save them now!

Posted by: Tennie Dec 13 2007, 01:13 PM

Nice build up play down the pitch, Kaka pass to Pirlo who barely hits wide. Corner for Milan, kick too far for Pippo.

Posted by: Tennie Dec 13 2007, 01:15 PM

Seedorf almost again. Hits the side netting.

Posted by: Rossoneri7 Dec 13 2007, 01:15 PM

I think u mean Kakha Kaladze


OMG what a play

Posted by: Tennie Dec 13 2007, 01:17 PM

Yeah, to be fair, there haven't been any Kaladzities tonight. Both Milan centerbacks have had a good game.

Posted by: Tennie Dec 13 2007, 01:21 PM

Brocchi on for Turtle.

Nice game for the Turtle. He really could've had 2-3 more goals.

Posted by: Tennie Dec 13 2007, 01:22 PM

FT Urawa 0 - 1 Milan.

Well done, ragazzi.

Posted by: fresh_prince7 Dec 13 2007, 01:24 PM

Got the result. At least the final is on TV.

So which team in serie a or prem would urawa be equivalent to..

Hopefully just like istanbul we'll make amends against boca as well.

Posted by: dst Dec 13 2007, 01:25 PM

Bravo Milan!!!

Hard to tell... this was an end-of-the-season game for them but they did look weak especially in attack.

Posted by: Jack Sparrow Dec 13 2007, 01:28 PM

I'd put them on par with a Palermo or so, on average.

Posted by: arivanjj Dec 13 2007, 01:29 PM

FORZA MILAN!! :king

fresh_prince, SBS is showing the final

Posted by: Tennie Dec 13 2007, 01:29 PM

Urawa did play well. They were, I believe, missing a couple of regular starters in attack. They're a good side.

Posted by: redbabies Dec 13 2007, 01:29 PM

again Mr. d'Or is the one who makes the difference.

Very difficult match IMO, although we had a lot of chances.

Lets hope the players are not tired for Sunday.

Posted by: Jack Sparrow Dec 13 2007, 01:34 PM

The Japanese clubs are always good opponents. They're fearless and want to win. But they're not 'stupid' fearless.

And they're coached by a German, so there'll be a lot of method involved in their game play.

I always knew we were never gonna dominate over them. Especially not on their home ground. Maybe if this was a two legged match yes. But not when it's a single shot affair.

Posted by: Rossoneri7 Dec 13 2007, 01:50 PM

Overall, Milan dominated this fixture ... Urawa had little chances and even with their chances, they didn't cause Dida much headache. Hell, even Washington's attempt at Dida wasn't as dangerous as what Milan have seen in Serie A or CL.

I expected a much stronger opponent from the ones we faced today. But I guess it was a good run from Milan ... Especially before the final, as this game could be counted as a practice match.


The score line doesn't define the type of game that Milan played IMO, I think the possession would be the better indicator of how the team performed.



I like watching Milan play their game, at their tempo and at their classy tactical game.

Inshallah on Sunday, Milan will be even more sharper against Boca to deliver the trophy


Forza Milan !!

Posted by: Tennie Dec 13 2007, 07:57 PM

For those interested, here are datasport's ratings for the rossoneri for today's game. I'm at work so don't have time to translate them now; if folks would like, I can make a stab at it when I get home.

Dida 6 Difetta solo in un paio di respinte che, come al solito, rimangono in zona pericolosa. I tiri dalla distanza dei giapponesi non lo impensieriscono

Jankulovski 6 Al rientro dopo l`infortunio si rimette a correre su e giu` sulla sinistra. Potrebbe anche trovare il gol: una volta colpisce male il pallone e una volta trova un cross velenoso che spaventa Tsuzuki

Nesta 7 Lucido per tutta la partita, compie interventi perfetti; in spaccata, tuffo o scivolata, arriva sempre per primo sul pallone.

Kaladze 6.5 L`altra meta` della difesa perfetta di oggi. Se Washington e Nagai non hanno occasioni e` anche merito suo.

Maldini s.v. - Solo dieci minuti per assaporare il campo.

Oddo 5.5 Ci mette del tempo per calibrare i cross dalla destra; scende con facilita` ma difetta in precisione. Sono pochi i palloni recapitati sulla testa del `Gila`

Brocchi s.v. Ingiudicabile.

Ambrosini 6.5 Si vede subito che e` il piu` vivo in mezzo al campo. Un colpo di testa di poco alto, alcuni inserimenti pericolosi e alla fine innesca Kaka` sul gol del vantaggio. Un vero capitano.

Pirlo 6.5 Non perde mai un pallone. Costruisce gioco a destra e sinistra con grande eleganza e sempre con i tempi giusti. Le sue punizioni sono un`arma in piu` per questo Milan.

Seedorf 6.5 Insufficiente nel primo tempo; non trova mai la giocata, si muove poco e non sembra in serata. Si sveglia nella ripresa segnando il gol vittoria e mettendo in mostra tutto il suo repertorio.

Gattuso 6 In mezzo al campo uno come lui ci vuole sempre, anche se le partite da `Gattuso` sono altre. Tanta sostanza e un lancio millimetrico per Jankulovski che sfiora il gol.

Kaka` 7 E` lui l`uomo partita. Soffre in avvio la marcatura degli avversari ma quando trova spazi e` inarrestabile. Il gol di Seedorf e` in gran parte merito suo; e` solo uno dei tanti duetti provati e trovati con l`olandese.

Gilardino 5.5 Voto negativo perche` un grande attaccante deve sfruttare al massimo ogni occasione e lui non lo fa. In compenso si sacrifica tanto per la squadra, molte volte si trova la` davanti a lottare da solo.

Inzaghi s.v. Nessuna vera occasione da gol per SuperPippo.

Posted by: bigmacmtl Dec 13 2007, 08:44 PM

i must say i'm pretty happy we're in the final not cuz i care @ all about this trophy but because certain members of the team really wanna win it (whether or not it's there main objective i strongly disagree) for me the only trophy less important than the CWC that we could win is the italian super cup. also i'll be happy to get this over with and focus on more important things. my only worry is if we win it that galliani will consider the season a success (which is highly likely ), but what happens if we dont? i wonder how they will react... because in the end this is a glorified friendly.

Posted by: Tennie Dec 14 2007, 12:41 AM

Here are some of the post-game comments from some of the players. It's acmilan.com's translation, but even so it's mostly understandable. http://www.acmilan.com/NewsDetail.aspx?idNews=58266

CLARENCE SEEDORF

"I have to thank the team for playing such a good match, I missed a few goalscoring chances at the beginning and I got angry at myself. On the second chance I had, they did well to defend it and on the third occasion I touched the ball with my chin and lost my coordination. Unfortunately at the end the goal did come!

Before the match, the coach asked me how I was doing and whether I was going to score a goal for him, and indeed I did! Perhaps I should have scored two, but it's OK like this.

This new ball is a little difficult to control, but when you hit it well it's even more difficult for the keeper to grab it."

FILIPPO INZAGHI

"Even though I did not manage to score, this evening I'm very happy because the most important thing was getting into the final which allows us to bring home this Cup.

On the move of the goal I managed to go to the near post, bringing along a few defenders to free up Clarence who had no problems scoring. The match wasn't easy and we knew it, it became a bit difficult in the first half, but in the second half we did well to maintain our concentration.

I was happy to see this great affection shown towards me, it would be nice to lift this cup in front of the Japanese crowd which always shows me a lot of respect."

PAOLO MALDINI

"Just before the match Clarence told me it was a match we needed to win at all costs, and after he scored he ran straight to me, but at the time I was warming up on the sidelines with my back to the goal.

Seedorf did brilliantly today, he was the most dangerous man on the pitch.
I'm happy for him, and I'm happy we will be playing this Cup final against Boca Juniors. We had the chance to prepare well for these two games, it doesn't happen a lot that a team gets so much time to prepare for a mini-tournament like this, and it certainly helped us.

I think that on Sunday Boca will try to slow the game down with their ball possession, we'll have to avoid falling into this trap. I think the start of the game will be crucial."

RICKY KAKA'

'Today, as always, I tried to give my best for the team, even though my foot hurt. It wasn't easy today, on the contrary, but we did well, very well. In the first half I played in a more withdrawn role, while in the second half I acted more as a second striker.

I'm truly very happy: this year everything was different compared to 2003. I came here as a Golden Ball winner, we met many fans, there was a party atmosphere at the stadium, as always happens when there's a European team coming to play in Europe. Until now it's been a very positive experience. Now we have to confirm ourselves on Sunday, we want this trophy. Next Monday there's also the verdict on the Fifa World Player, but before that we have the Final on Sunday. It's a special match, a true World final.'

Posted by: kurtsimonw Dec 14 2007, 12:51 AM

Thanks Tennie.

He scored, how unfortunate.

Posted by: Rossoneri7 Dec 14 2007, 01:02 AM

Blame the translator ... He was one of our best players

Posted by: Tennie Dec 14 2007, 01:14 AM

Awwww, the acmilan.com translators DO try.

But yeah, that was a pretty bad typo.

Posted by: Warchant Dec 14 2007, 04:04 AM

does anyone know what gattuso and dida got in an argument about.

dida was all up in gattuso's face...i think it took gattuso by surprise, lol, he's not use to people yelling back

Posted by: Tennie Dec 14 2007, 04:18 AM

It was just after Dida almost flubbed a clearance he wasn't expecting to come his way. I suspect there was probably some miscommunication. The Gattuso-Angry-Face is a little intimidating!

Posted by: Jack Sparrow Dec 14 2007, 05:27 AM

But not to Dida...noooo...who's your daddy Rino??

Posted by: Darunia Dec 14 2007, 08:10 AM

Milan played pretty well, defensively it was really easy for the most part. Oddo's crosses were waaaaaaaaay off and the x-mas tree, as usual, doesn't give our lone striker any space.