{"id":7531,"date":"2015-07-29T23:48:44","date_gmt":"2015-07-29T22:48:44","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/etims.net\/?p=7531"},"modified":"2015-07-30T10:21:08","modified_gmt":"2015-07-30T09:21:08","slug":"celtic-win-but-tie-in-balance","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/etims.net\/?p=7531","title":{"rendered":"Celtic win but tie in balance"},"content":{"rendered":"

Celtic 1-0 Qarabag<\/strong><\/p>\n

A Dedryck Boyata header ( had Ronnie been reading our guide to intimidating the CarrrierBag ( copyright G Lineker Leicester) keeper – Ed) from a late Kris Common corner allowed Celtic fans to celebrate a 1-0 win but in truth no-one will be over confident that the Hoops will progress over the 2 legs. \u00a0Qarabag were solid when needed, slow to rise when fouled and comfortable on the ball when in possession.<\/p>\n

Celtic are 1 up in the tie but the sides are on\u00a0the same level, despite some misplaced assumptions by some Celts regards our true place in the current footballing hierarchy.Granted Celtic won the game and granted Qarabag are no Barcelona but theyre no mugs and they will definitely make opportunities at home.<\/p>\n

This truly is only half time.<\/p>\n

In respect to the game itself, Celtic huffed and puffed but Qarabag were seldom truly troubled inside their box and despite a few half chances, the sides walked off at half time to a charitable round of applause from a crowd that were growing ever more realistic; this night didnt have glamorous exuberant victory written all over it, this was more grind it out and hope the fitness tells in the end.<\/p>\n

Thankfully it did, \u00a0A few substitutions helped ensure the momentum was ramped up with Celtic pushing on as the clock wore down alongside the Qarabag resolve. The patience and effort\u00a0eventually paid off when the new Belgian superstar striker, I\u00a0mean centre half, scored from a ball coming in from the corner flag and the Qarabag keeper sent out for the messages.( Did you get that gag Gary? – Ed)<\/p>\n

The second leg is going to really need a monumental effort from the Hoops.\u00a0Qarabag will test our back 4 and their patient confident passing game alongside their composure was pretty impressive at times, especially when bringing the ball out, apparently under pressure. Its likely we will need to score over there and with our forward situation still unclear, set pieces look our best bet for a goal , indeed big Virgil should have scored tonight with a bullet\u00a0header that the\u00a0keepers managed to palm away midway through the second half.<\/p>\n

Its going to a massive squad effort and hopefully any injuries to Biton, Izzy, Lustig and Boyata suffered during the game will soon desist, along with Chuck Mulgrews ailment from the Rennes friendly last weekend. The second leg will need 14 players giving it everything.<\/p>\n

So its fingers crossed, yes I know that its ours to lose but when was the last time you saw a Celtic side who knew how NOT<\/strong> to lose a game rather than try and\u00a0win it?<\/p>\n

Desimond<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Player ratings<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Gordon<\/em> – Made one save when needed from a free kick and other than that had hee-haw to worry about thanks to Qarabag holding men back and some good tackles by men in Hoops<\/p>\n

Izzy<\/em> – Put in a good shift and tried to get forward every chance he could. Anyone who slates him really doesnt appreciate the effort it takes to cover so much distance. Seemed to pull his hamstring late on and although he managed to finish the game after treatment, probably better he takes it easy for next few weeks. We will probably go with\u00a0\u00a0Mulgrew in the away tie as attack is not a needs must.<\/p>\n

Virgil<\/em> – Good game and should have scored. Couldnt help watching the game without constantly thinking “Is this gonna be it \u00a0for BVvD?” We should know soon enough.<\/p>\n

Boyata<\/em> – 2 European games at home, 2 goals. Read that and weep Tony Stokes. Excellent game and one tackle had the crowd on their feet. Still seems to be getting used to match pace after so many years on the bench\\sofa at Manchester so hopefully wont pull a bad injury during his re-adjustment period.<\/p>\n

\"CLHcT0yWwAA8P2X\"<\/p>\n

Mikel<\/em> – A decent game but couldnt get up the park as often as he hoped and the Qarabag winger will be hoping for some runs against Lustig back in Baku. Always has you fearing every tackle will result in a stretcher but thankfully came through relatively unscathed.<\/p>\n

Stuart,Stefan<\/em>, Craig<\/del><\/em> Gary- Where they playing? Honestly absent without leave.<\/p>\n