Disappointment for Stoke last night, whose exertions earnt only a 1-1 draw at Dynamo Kiev amidst mild chagrin caused by boss Tony Pulis, whose pre-match grumble about the travelling foisted on Stoke by the Europa League draw led him to muse “I didn’t realise Ukraine was in Europe”.
All this led to a gentle rebuke from Dynamomania.com’s Ievgeu Sidash, who felt this to be a reminder of the ‘perception among people that the English are a bit arrogant’ -a fair enough point on the face of it – although if we’re splitting hairs, Tony Pulis was born in Wales.
That aside, it was a typically spirited display from an under-strength Stoke side; stout resistance from Upson, Shawcross and Huth looked like it might contain an impressive Kiev side until that late equaliser. Their relative inexperience in Europe shouldn’t present too much of an issue given the quality of Pulis’ newer buys, and if Jonathan Woodgate was miffed at being left out, one can only say his boss’ concerns were justified!!
It wasn’t a great night overall for English, Irish, or Scottish teams. Against Braga, Birmingham came up against a more clinical threat than Kiev presented (yes, Shevchenko, that means you); ditto Celtic at Atletico Madrid who, it seemed, would always have too much in their locker. Fulham might be the happiest with their lot after a 1-1 at home to FC Twente.
Shamrock Rovers have surpassed themselves already in getting this far, and hats off to them even if – as is sadly likely – they come up short in the final reckoning. Any surprises they spring on more seasoned opposition will be less of a shock than old Twitchy Redknapp whining that Tottenham should have had a penalty in their 0-0 tie at PAOK Salonika. Never mind, ‘Arry – it was a triffic display. For sure.
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By Alex Hales
https://twitter.com/wailsofhales
