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November 25, 2004
UEFA Champions League: PSV (1) 1 - 1 (1) Arsenal
On the trip from Eindhoven back to Amsterdam last night, the train stopped and all the Gooners onboard were forced to exit the train -- into a disgusting haze of white smoke.
No, it's not some 'shroom-induced hallucination. In fact, we came to find out that the problem was a simple brake fire. A new train was dispatched, we piled on and within 15 minutes we were on our way to Amsterdam.
Still, it's a good metaphor for the game we'd just seen. It was fiery at times, looked bleak here and there, but in the end it could've been much, much worse.
We caught a train from Amsterdam to Eindhoven at about 5 o'clock and wandered around the city center for a few minutes before we heard the first chant from the traveling supporters. By following the chorus, we made it to an Arsenal-friendly pub for a pint.
All the chanting seemed innocent enough -- even got a joint chorus of "There's only one Dennis Bergkamp" from both the PSV and Arsenal supporters. But, when a few shaven-headed Dutchman in bomber jackets with the Dutch flag on the sleeve showed up, we decided to make our way to another location.
Ended up in a quiet bar with mostly old-timer PSV fans who welcomed us in. We talked football, shared a few beers and shots and then headed to the stadium.
The Arsenal support in the stadium was excellent. I heard there were anything from 1,600 to 2,000 on hand. The Gunners were attacking coming towards us in the first half, so I think we all had a good feeling about it.
That ended quickly, with PSV scoring first from -- what else -- a set piece. But, about 20 minutes later, Henry and Freddie linked up on a nice one-two with a Freddie backheel putting Henry clear. A great finish and it was 1-1.
In the second half, the singing continued strong and the attitude in the crowd around me was pretty positive. That is, until the cards started coming out. After Lauren was sent off for a second bookable offense, the Gunners still looked more likely to score with a few good chances falling to Henry, Freddie and Van Persie.
(Side note: I just read that Lauren's first card was for "encouraging the referee to book an opponent" -- what a load of crap... maybe the ornery gooner next to me who kept yelling at the ref "wanking German c*nt" was on to something.)
It was down to 9-men after Vieira was sent off in the 78th, but credit to Flamini and Hoyte who both came on and made strong tackles in the box to keep the scoreline level.
All in all, it's a good result and leaves it all in Arsenal's hands in two weeks' time.
Man of the Match: Freddie. He's looking good again and his backheel to set up the goal was brilliant. Honorable mention to Cesc and Sol Campbell, who played well on his return. And Jens, who made a big save after Cole had let a player in on the left.
MIA of the Match: This is a tough one... all things considered, the team played pretty well. If Vieira times his second tackle better, it might've been 2-1 by the end.
Brilliant Security Idea of the Match: Upon exiting the stadium, an Amsterdam-bound train was sitting right there waiting for us. We didn't have to walk back to the Eindhoven train station or anything. The exit from the ground was the train platform. My mate Rob told the police officer what a great idea it is and the officer replied, in the understated way on the dutch can, "It's nice, yeah."
Bevvy Report: Hit the pubs in Amsterdam for a few before heading to Eindhoven, had a few prior to the match and then hit the bars when the train got back to the 'dam after 1am. All in all, I'd say about 10-12 pints.
Quote of the Week: My English friend Chris, without a hint of irony, says: "English people are fuckin' scum."
Thanks for reading this far... I'll do my best to find a pub in Berlin to watch the Liverpool match and give a report from there.... One thing I can tell you for sure, though -- no one will be screaming "wanking German c*nt" every few minutes.
Signing off...
EVG
Posted by gcurtis at November 25, 2004 07:03 AM