Jump to content

Canadians abroad: August 18-24, 2006


DJT

Recommended Posts

  • Replies 60
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Copenhagen stun Ajax to reach Champions League

By Theo Ruizenaar

AMSTERDAM, Aug 23 (Reuters) - FC Copenhagen struck twice in the second half to score a stunning 2-0 win at Ajax Amsterdam on Wednesday and qualify for the Champions League for the first time with a shock 3-2 aggregate win.

Ajax, the four-time European champions, won the first leg 2-1 in Denmark two weeks ago and expected a relatively easy night with a place in the group phase there for the taking, but they squandered chances and were hit by two late goals from the Danish champions.

"Tonight we had the luck we missed out on in the first game," Copenhagen coach Stale Solbakken said afterwards.

"After our first goal they started to hand the long pass to our big central defenders, and that made it easier for us."

"Over two games it was an even contest. We were better in Copenhagen and I think they were better tonight but I don't think our qualification is completely undeserved."

Ajax coach Henk ten Cate told NOS-TV afterwards: "The immaturity of some of my players let us down.

"We created several chances in the first half and got nothing. Being a goal down was no problem but we failed to keep it simple."

Although Ajax dominated the first half and went close after eight minutes when Ryan Babel's deflected shot hit a post, they squandered a hatful of chances.

Spaniard Gabri twice headed wide from close range, while a fierce strike from the edge of the penalty area was saved by goalkeeper Jesper Christiansen.

But just as in Copenhagen a fortnight earlier the Ajax defence proved vulnerable at set pieces. A 59th minute free kick from the left flank was netted at the far post by the unmarked Michael Silberbauer.

Ajax defender Thomas Vermaelen then put through his own net after 77 minutes when he changed the direction of a cross from the right flank to put Copenhagen 2-0 up on the night and 3-2 ahead over the two legs.

Ten minutes before time Klaas-Jan Huntelaar headed against the bar, but Ajax could not find the goal that would have taken the match into extra time and Copenhagen held on for a famous win.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

quote:Originally posted by canso

Attiba in the UCL!:D

Champions League:

-----------------

Group stage draw

-----------------

Group F

Manchester United (Eng)

Celtic (Sco)

Benfica (Por)

FC København (Den)

--

Great draw for FCK and Hutchinson.

.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Guest Jeffery S.

Klukowski came on at the start of the 2nd half as Bruges routed Suduva 5-2 (2-0 at the half) to go through in UEFA Cup action to the group stage.

Molde with Grande also has gone through after an away win at Skonto Riga 1-2. Believe he started and played the whole match.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.


×
×
  • Create New...