Wednesday, January 31, 2007

Happy Birthday Crouchy!

30 Jan 2007 West Ham 1-2 Liverpool - EPL

BBC - Dirk Kuyt fired Liverpool ahead with a spectacular 25-yard finish only 10 seconds after half-time. And Peter Crouch's measured drive from the edge of the penalty area doubled Liverpool's lead seven minutes later. West Ham debut boy Kepa Blanco, on as a substitute, scored with his first touch after 76 minutes, but Liverpool survived for a deserved victory.



Did you notice one of headlines on the official site before the game? It reads: 'BENITEZ: DON'T SLIP UP TONIGHT'. Someone has foreseen this?? lol Sorry boss, I can't help laughing!

Tuesday, January 30, 2007

Hi There

Hey how are you guys? I was back to Taiwan for two weeks for holiday and just arrived back here in Newcastle. Going home is great, meeting friends and family, and of course, food! British food is quite...boring, to be honest. What else can you expect apart from sausage rolls and fish and chips...? Plus I can't cook myself.

Anyway, I was in a small bar running by a british guy in Taipei, and with about 20, 30 or so Reds watching Liverpool vs Chelsea. When we started to sing You'll Never Walk Alone, I felt so warm! It was Taiwan, my own country! And these people are so special! We gathered because of a Liverpool message board. Some of them I've knew for some time before I left for a half of year and some of them are new friends joining us. The small place was filled up with people came for Liverpool. Of course, no Blues or other color are allowed to be in becasue the boss is a Red and this bar is known as a secret place for Liverpool fans in Taipei. We feel safe there.

Obviously I enjoyed watching the game with them, especially we beat that Chelsea. Perfect! That's the second Anfield to me! Back in Newcastle, February will be a wonderful month for me. On my schedule, I'm supposed to be in England's international friendly against Spain in Old Trafford, Newcastle vs Liverpool in St.James Park, and Liverpool vs Sheffield Utd in Anfield. I just can't wait for these! Seems that I'm addicted. lol (But that also means I have to save up money...)

Friday, January 26, 2007

They Are From Taiwan!

BBC - Cara Black and Liezel Huber ended the hopes of Taiwan's Chuang Chia-jung and Chan Yung-jan by winning the women's doubles title at the Australian Open. Chuang and Chan made history when they became the first players from Taiwan to reach a Grand Slam final, but they fell short against the third seeds. Zimbabwean Black and South African Huber came through 6-4 6-7 (4-7) 6-1.

Despite losing, I'm really proud of them. Taiwan is now crazy about them. Hopefully since now there will be more attention and support to these players who keep fighting for us. Well done girls!

Thursday, January 25, 2007

Photo Of The Week

Australian Open 2007, 22 Jan,
Andy Murray vs Rafael Nadal: 7-6 4-6 6-4 3-6 1-6
All Murray needs is to keep his form constantly. I was amazed, how smart and talented he is! There is no doubt he will soon be in the top 10 of the world.

Saturday, January 20, 2007

A Free Kick Says It All

20 Jan 2007 Liverpool 2-0 Chelsea - EPL

BBC - Dirk Kuyt took advantage of Peter Crouch's touch to put the skids under injury-hit Chelsea after three minutes. Jermaine Pennant's brilliant dipping volley effectively sealed the points for Liverpool after 17 minutes in boss Rafa Benitez's 100th league game. Chelsea staged a minor recovery after the break, but Liverpool could have added a third as John Arne Riise struck the bar with a long-range drive.


You must know which free kick I'm talking about. lol Top top top top one this season! Well done Chelsea!

Wednesday, January 17, 2007

'For anybody that doubts him, I predict Becks will probably have the last laugh'

Hargreaves on Beckham in [Owen Hargreaves column]

David Beckham's decision to leave Real Madrid for America caused a bit of shock in some quarters. However, it was not a surprise to me at all. If you look at Becks and what he has achieved at Manchester United and Real Madrid I think this is a good step for him. I have played with him for a number of years and one thing about him is he loves a challenge. He showed that when he left Manchester United for Real Madrid. He went to Spain to experience how football is abroad. I think it is commendable that people take on these new challenges rather than sticking with a comfortable situation. Becks still wants to achieve a lot in his career and has set himself goals - this is probably one of them.

I am close to Becks but it is not something we have discussed before - he had a contract with Real after all. But what he brings to a league that is not that popular at the moment is a big name and he is going to be hugely influential. It also opens the door for others to go over there and play and I am sure you will see some other star players commit their future to MLS. There are a lot of players who have gone to play in Qatar or Dubai but personally I think it would be more interesting to be a part of something potentially big being built. There is a lot of potential there, it just needs people like Becks to promote it.

He is going to be a massive figure, not only in football circles over there but the sporting world. I think he will create a lot of excitement that will be good for the league. He already has that profile in the rest of the world. A lot of people in North America - like my parents who went to Canada from England - have moved there from around the world, like the Italians, Spanish or South Americans. They are football fans because they grew up with it, so there is an audience there for football.

Everyone knows Becks, whether they are a football fan or not. So he is going to bring a lot more people to the games and a bigger fan base, not just the football enthusiasts or the kids but being global he will appeal for a lot of people. The league has a lot to offer but at the moment it cannot compete with the European leagues financially, but when that changes it will be very interesting to other players. Towards the end of my career I could definitely see myself playing over there. It would be interesting especially as I grew up in North America and certainly something to think about.

Becks has had his share of ups and downs over the years but in sports there has never been a player that has constantly gone up and up. What is so commendable is how he has come back from difficult times - there are a lot of people who have not. People will be saying that this is the end of his England career but in football anything is possible. It was only a few months ago that he was at the World Cup. But it comes down to what the team needs or what the manager picks. Everyone knows when they watch Becks he still has a lot to offer, but it is difficult because there is such a great group of young talents coming through like Aaron Lennon - competition for places is so tough.

It has been different not having Becks around the England squad since the World Cup because he was part of the set-up for so long. He was such an influential figure, but now he is not there and the team needs to move on. In football you do not always play with the same team. Injuries and suspensions happen so you get used to not having the same team and a good side needs to adapt.
John Terry has stepped up to be the captain and has done a good job so far.

I was a bit surprised by Real's announcement that Becks will not play for them again. A contract is a contract - it is their decision what they want to do but it is possibly the first time I have heard of such a move. Players coming to the end of their contract are allowed to sign a contract with any club in January - that is the rule. At Bayern, Hasan Salihamidzic has just signed a deal with Juventus and I am sure he will play some games for us for the rest of the season. So only Real know the reasons for that but it seems a bit spiteful.

For Becks this is a new challenge and a new chapter. For anybody that doubts him, I predict Becks will probably have the last laugh. I admire him for everything he has achieved and the way he has handled it - not many people could have withstood what he has gone through. It takes a unique person and that is why he is a good example for people to look up to. I have had nothing but great experiences with him.

Sunday, January 14, 2007

Another 3-0 Win!

13 Jan 2007 Watford 0-3 Liverpool - EPL

BBC - After two cup exits at home to Arsenal, the under-pressure Reds responded with a fine display, Craig Bellamy scoring the first from Steve Finnan's cross. Peter Crouch got the next, nodding into an empty net after Ben Foster pulled off a stunning save to deny Bellamy. Crouch made it 3-0 by slotting home from 12 yards after more good work from Bellamy, while Jordan Stewart hit the bar from 30 yards for a poor Watford.

Tuesday, January 09, 2007

What the......

9 Jan 2006 Liverpool 3-6 Arsenal - Carling Cup 1/4 Final

BBC - Jeremie Aliadiere ran on to Kolo Toure's pass to score the first, before Robbie Fowler flicked in to level. But a Baptista free-kick and tap-in either side of Alex Song Billong's smart finish made it 4-1 at half-time. Two more from Baptista, the first from 20 yards, sealed it after he had missed a penalty, though Steven Gerrard and Sami Hyypia notched late consolations.

What just happened?? Look at the starting lineup! I'm confused, Rafa. Isn't it the competition that we are most likely to win this season? I felt sorry for Dudek, Paletta, and other young lads. On the other hand, credits to Gunners' young players. It was a weird and shocking game. Heads up lads, get the Champions League this year shall we? By the way, what a beauty that goal by Gerrard!!!! [watch it]

Liverpool: Dudek, Peltier, Hyypia, Paletta, Warnock (Alonso 58), Guthrie, Gerrard, Aurelio, Gonzalez (Luis Garcia 11) (Carragher 75), Fowler, Bellamy.

Arsenal: Almunia, Hoyte, Toure, Djourou, Traore (Connolly 88), Walcott (Diaby 74), Fabregas, Song Billong, Denilson, Julio Baptista, Aliadiere.Subs Not Used: Poom, Lansbury, Randall.

Liverpoolfc.tv - Gonzalez was stretchered off with a shin injury in the first half and was replaced by Garcia who also left the field on a stretcher with a knee injury after 70 minutes. Full back Warnock suffered bruised ribs during the second period but an x-ray after the game has confirmed no damage. Luis Garcia won't play again this season. Mark Gonzalez, meanwhile, faces up to three weeks on the sidelines with the shin injury.

Oh come on, NOT AGAIN! I wonder if Liverpool's left side of pitch is cursed. When Kewell will be back, huh?

Monday, January 08, 2007

Photo Of The Week

About Hillsborough disaster, Boycott the Sun
About RTK Justice campaign, more Anfield photos

Sunday, January 07, 2007

FA Cup Exit And 96 Justice

6 Jan 2007 Liverpool 1-3 Arsenal - FA Cup 3rd Round

BBC - Tomas Rosicky curled a sublime strike and squeezed in a shot from the edge of the box to put the visitors 2-0 ahead. Liverpool hit back when Dirk Kuyt glanced in from point-blank range. But Thierry Henry ended hopes of a Reds comeback when he robbed Jamie Carragher and slotted home to book Arsenal's place in Monday's fourth round draw.

Why Dudek?
Rafa: "At the start of the season I told Jerzy that Pepe was the number one goalkeeper but I made a promise to him that he would play in the Carling Cup and FA Cup. Once you make a promise you don't go back on your word."


Disappointed
Stevie: "For the first 30 minutes we played well and looked like the team who would score the first goal but I think unfortunately their goals came from our mistakes. Arsenal are a very good side with some fantastic players and they defended well in the second half but from our point of view we are very disappointed to go out of the FA Cup."

Kuyt: "I'd have preferred not to have scored a goal and us won the game. We played well as a team and we deserved more. Now we just have to keep on going in the Premiership, the Champions League and the Carling Cup."

Justice for the 96

Liverpoolfc.tv - The opening six minutes of the tie were played against a backdrop of incessant chanting of "Justice for the 96" as fans on the Kop held up a mosaic spelling 'The Truth' and sang their hearts out in an appeal for the justice they feel those who lost their lives at Hillsborough have never received.

Wenger: "You can only admire the Liverpool fans. They kicked every ball for the team for the whole 90 minutes and were just fabulous. The club has a great support here."

Henry: "I'm not sure what the fans were singing at the start of the game but when it stopped the noise they made meant no-one could hear what was going on on the pitch. I have such respect for this ground and these supporters. What a place this is to play football."

[The six minutes protest]
Listen to the fans!! Dosen't that just make you so proud of being a Liverpool Red? I missed it as I was watching the game on online TV streaming. The quality was too bad that I didn't hear anything, and the Chinese commentators knew nothing about it. Now I'm so touched watching this. It was a great campaign, and we all witnessed how people of the city are united and brought together because of human natures of sympathy and a sense of justice. You know how strong it was and how determined they were just listening to their loud chants for 6 minutes. My favorite so far this season, apart from the Bolton game. I say we have the best fans around the world in Anfield.

Thursday, January 04, 2007

Thank You Anfield

Hey I'm back. I just want to shout loudly that I WAS THERE!! When Crouchy did that brilliant over-head kick, when Stevie hit the great volley, and when Kuyt made it 3-0! I WAS THERE, jumped up with all the reds in Anfield, clapping, shouting, singing.... I was one of those who booed Diouf every time he touched the ball and also the keeper Jaaskelainen who kept wasting time. And of course, when Faye should have been given a second yellow, we were shouting: Send him off, send him off, send him off, OFF, OFF, OFF, OFF!!!

Listen to me guys, YOU'VE GOT TO GO TO ANFIELD ONCE IN YOUR LIFE!! It was so amazing! The first thought came to me when I walked into the ground was: OH MY FUCKING GOD! I was shivering when the game was about to kick off, don't know if it's because it's freezing out there or the excitement got me. Bolo Zenden walked past me to the ground but I couldn't react quickly enough to ask for photo or autograph.

Maybe all stadiums are like this, but I have to say that I love all the chants for players and Rafa. There is always someone shouts something from somewhere, whatever it is and make people laugh or starts a chant that people follow. 'Come on lads!' 'Come on Stevie!' 'Well done Jamie!' 'Go Semi!' 'Go Crouchy!' .....It's like a routine, like a faith, like some kind of power in the ground when the crowds singing You'll Never Walk Alone. And it seems everyone knows after a goal it comes the tune of Ring of Fire! I knew it, though it was my first time there! Still now I want to hear it again so much!! Now I understand why players enjoy listening to fans singing their names. I used to think they say so because they have to, but no, no, no, not the case, it feels so good to hear those chants in Anfield.

Another thing surprised me was the class of Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher. Well I'm not saying I thought they're not that good before. It's just...only when you sit in the stadium you can't help being amazed. Stevie was everywhere attacking and Carra was so solid at the back. (Now, seriously I believe Stevie should play in the centre rather than right.) And Kuyt, well what can you say about him, he's always running, tracing the ball, never gets tired. Finnan was the unsung hero, like always. Gonzalez was kind of frustrating, giving the ball away too much. Pennant, highly rated for this game, wasn't he. Oh, Crouchy, outstanding goal!

I know of course there are bad days for Liverpool and I'm lucky to be in one of those games that they do really well. But it's been a perfect new year for me. I'll never forget this in my life. Thank you Anfield. I didn't take many photos not only becasue I wasn't in a good seat but I believe I'll be there again soon. Trust me, I will! That's what I told myself when I left Anfield and Liverpool! [more
photos]

I WAS THERE

1 Jan 2007 Liverpool 3-0 Bolton - EPL

BBC - Liverpool climbed above Bolton to third in the Premiership after a superb second-half performance at Anfield. Peter Crouch grabbed the first, the striker majestically volleying in from eight yards after fine approach play from Dirk Kuyt and Jermaine Pennant. Kuyt was again involved two minutes later as Steven Gerrard brilliantly volleyed in the Dutchman's cross. After Jussi Jaaskelainen saved well from Sami Hyypia, Kuyt got his goal by drilling under the Bolton goalkeeper.