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Trivia
- Celtic allowed to travel abroad for money spinning friendly with Real Madrid.
- Match overshadowed by injury to McGeouch. The youngster stretched off the pitch in a neck brace following a heavy collision. Early reports are that it was a fractured jaw.
- Sevco/Zombie Rangers draw 2-2 in their first match with Peterhead!!!
- Celtic family paid tribute to Irish famine victims in Philadelphia at a memorial ceremony.
- Celtic drawn with Helsingborg (Sweden) in Champions League play-off qualifier (Henrik Larsson's other club)
- In Scotland, SPL matches were on, but we'd played last week. Supposedly a campaign for "Sell-out Saturday" to support Scottish football. Not close to a sell-out across the clubs but still crowds up and people happy.
Review
(George McClusky of KDS)
Brilliant day out overall, but given how exhausted I ended up–sweat-drenched, boozed up, and sun-blasted after doing nothing more than standing, singing, drinking and having a couple of fags at half-time–I don't know how our guys fulfilled that fixture. They gave a very decent account of themselves against a stacked Real side after a killer few days of travel. The injuries are a concern, obviously a serious one for McGeouch, but Rogne I thought was probably just dealing with cramp.
A word on the Real support–silent as the grave sitting there waiting for their goals to duly arrive. Spoilt glory hunters by the look of it, and decidedly hunnish in that aspect. We by contrast kept up a pretty steady stream of songs and general noisiness, including shouting them down after their goals and couple of choruses of 'You're a shampoo Barcelona.'
(Belgrano of KDS)
Lincoln Financial Field is a huge stadium. Even at 20ft x 35ft, the banner was always going to look small from a distance. But that probably defies the time, money and effort that went into creating it (I can take no credit whatsoever, by the way – that lies with a few others, and one member in particular, of the New York Fenian Bhoys).
Most of the paining was done in the Kearny CSC – in New Jersey, over the course of 4 or 5 nights. The inspiration for the design was based on the Republican Spanish Civil war poster above (with some obvious amendments – such as the use a baseball bat, rather than a sledgehammer, and the addition of a big, fat, zombie "The Big Hoose must stay open!" hun, rather than a fascist snake. 'No Volveran' roughly translates to 'They Shall Not Return'. The bit at the bottom was the last part to go on – there was some debate about what we'd put – but given the mainstream media's continued false message that Scotland needs a strong Rangers, we thought that message fitted best with the design of the banner.
Some good work by the boys getting the banner into the stadium early. Correspondence with stadium security, by email in the weeks running up to the game, had been good. They seemed fine with the idea of us bringing the banner in. And likewise, with the idea of surfing the banner a few minutes after kick-off (they had concerns that people would complain about their view being obstructed, but we'd assured them that it was taking part in the 'Celtic section' of the stadium, and no-one would mind. The baking heat contributed to the paint starting to stick to the banner, by the time we started unfurling it. But everyone done a good job at getting in position, and getting it unfurled.
Only slight downside – and completely predicted and expected beforehand – was the combination of Paul Blart Mall Cop-esque, jobsworth stadium stewards, and soccerball franchise soccerball fans. One steward in particular, a dead-ringer for Poncherello from CHiPs, was itching to pull us up about something. My experience of stewarding at any sporting event I've been to in the US is largely the same – they are complete and utter retards. So, no change here. No shortage of stewards dying to tell anyone with even a hand or a leg sticking out into the isles to get back into line. But despite the keenness of some to pull us up about something – we never actually done anything wrong, so at no point were we preventing from doing much of what we wanted. In fact, by the end of the match, quite a few of the stewards were shaking our hands, thanking us for the great atmosphere, and generally being sound about us. Dishonourable mentions, however, to some of the soccerball franchise fans amongst us. Everytime I go to a game in the US, these tools turn up and generally contribute absolutely nothing to the match, atmosphere or experience. In fact, they make me vomit a wee bit in my mouth. What is it about a Celtic versus Real Madrid match in Philadelphia that makes some cocknugget turn up wearing his full (including matching shorts and socks – are you effing 6-years-old ya effing manchild?), 4-years out-of-date, Arsenal away strip? Even thought I've been to enough games in the US to expect it by now – I think I must have counted about two dozen strips of other teams at the match. Here's a clue soccerball franchise soccerball fans – turn up, wear the jersey of one of the teams playing (or don't wear any jerseys, if you're genuinely a 'neutral'), sing, get involved in the game, and generally contribute towards the atmosphere. Needless to say, one or two of these soccerball types had a bit of a complaint about their view being obstructed while we unfurled the banner – and probably contributed to us only being able to surf it for a few moments. But, at least we did get the chance to display it again after the final whistle, and after the seats began emptying out.
So, all in all, it went well. Predictably, I don't think many of us remembered – or cared much – about the game. It was never much about that anyway. Celtic done a good job at maintaining, and raising, it's profile in North America, and made some money in the process. The fans got a chance to see their team in action, and one or two neutrals may even have developed a liking for us, that will hopefully last into the future. The supporters clubs got a chance to display their efforts, and raise the profile of their clubs, in an era when more and more clubs go to the wall, as online alternatives and the difficulty of maintaining financially-viable clubs continues to threaten many of them. We continued our sing-songs and our day out in a couple of bars in Philly afterwards (the proposal to take the banners to the Rocky statue for some photos was dropped, due to time restrictions), before we headed off back on the bus, back to New York. I'm sure a few of us have sore heads and sore throats this morning. But, as always, it was well worth it.
Teams
CELTIC (4-4-2)
Zaluska; Matthews, K. Wilson, Rogne, Izaguirre; McGeouch (Fraser 78), Kayal, Ledley, Mulgrew; Commons; Murphy (McGregor 33)
Not Used: Forster, Hooper
REAL MADRID (4-2-3-1)
Adan (Casillas 46); Arbeloa (Varane 57) Ramos (Nacho Fernadez 57), Albiol, Coentrao (Sahin 71); Khedira (Granero 46), Alonso (Diarra 57) Callejon (Di Maria 57) Kaka (Benzema 46) Ronaldo (Ozil 57) Higuain (Morata 71)
Not Used: Pepe, Fernandez Collado, Rodriguez, A. Fernandez
Goals: Callejon 22, Benzema 67
Stadium: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia USA
Referee:
Attendance: 40,000
Articles
- Match Report (see end of page below)
- Audio Report: Paradise Report
Pictures
Forum
Articles
Real too strong for Celts in Philadelphia
By: Mark Henderson on 11 Aug, 2012 21:20 Herbalife World Football Challenge 2012
Lincoln Financial Field
Saturday, August 11, 2012
Celticfc.net
CELTIC…0
REAL MADRID…2
Callejon 22, Benzema 67
SPANISH champions Real Madrid proved too strong for Celtic as they ran out 2-0 winners in the Herbalife World Football Challenge friendly encounter in Philadelphia.
Goals in each half from Jose Maria Callejon and Karim Benzema gave Jose Mourinho's star-studded outfit a deserved victory in the intense afternoon heat.
Despite the defeat, it was a commendable display from Neil Lennon's men against an in-form Real side who had routed AC Milan 5-1 in their previous match in North America.
However, a serious-looking head injury sustained by Dylan McGeouch late in the second-half overshadowed the final outcome. The youngster stretched off the pitch in a neck brace following a heavy collision.
The likes of Georgios Samaras, Scott Brown, Victor Wanyama, Mikael Lustig, Paddy McCourt and James Forrest hadn't travelled across the Atlantic following their exertions in the victory over HJK Helsinki.
And that handed an incredible opportunity to several of the club's young players to face some of the greatest stars in world football, with McGeouch starting in midfield, while fellow teenagers Callum McGregor and Marcus Fraser were among the substitutes.
Celtic supporters had flocked to the city of brotherly love from across North America and there was a tremendous turnout of Hoops fans inside the 68,000 capacity stadium, with a real carnival atmosphere on show.
Along with being an eagerly anticipated clash between two of the biggest names in football, the game also raised funds and awareness for the work of leading humanitarian organisation, Concern Worldwide.
All of the Celtic players' shirts were emblazoned with the Concern logo to encourage support for the charity.
And it was the Hoops who constructed the first attacking move inside the first 30 seconds as Adam Matthews' cross from the right was blocked by the hand of Sergio Ramos on the edge of the box. From the resultant free-kick, however, Real managed to head clear.
As the Spanish outfit began to dictate possession, Gonzalo Higuain, had their first effort on target with a snap-shot in the box which was easily gathered by Luksaz Zaluska.
However, the Hoops were not here to simply make up the numbers as Beram Kayal embarked a surging run through the middle towards the box. But with Kris Commons in acres of space, he elected to shoot and a defender got in the way of his effort.
The Spanish side, with their litany of attacking talent, soon responded with efforts from Ronaldo and Kaka, the latter which was saved by Zaluska.
That said, Celtic were more holding their own, with McGeouch in particular rising to the occasion with some wonderful pieces of trickery. However, in the 22nd minute they conceded the opening goal.
Xabi Alonso threaded a wonderful pass through the middle for Higuain, and although Rogne managed to block the striker's initial effort, Jose Maria Callejon was on hand to bundle the rebound home, despite the best efforts of Zaluska.
The ever-dangerous Ronaldo fired over and had another shot well-saved by Zaluska as Real threatened to add to increase their advantage. Celtic were then forced into a change as Daryl Murphy limped off. He was replaced by McGregor, the young midfielder making his top-team debut.
Higuain headed over from a free-kick before Commons struck the wall from a well-positioned set-piece from 25 yards at the other end. And the Hoops ended the half on a high as a Joe Ledley drove through the middle, skipped past one challenge and rifled a shot over.
Immediately after the restart, Fabio Contreao stung Zaluska's palms with a fizzing effort from an acute angle as Real began to stamp their superiority on proceedings.
Ronaldo skipped past Matthews and his cross would have been turned home by Karim Benzema had Kelvin Wilson not made a last-gasp intervention.
Helped by the introduction of fresh legs, following a raft of substitions, Real created a series of good opportunities with Benzema, Esteban Granero and Contreao all trying their luck.
And eventually they doubled their tally through Benzema, the French internationalist creating a yard of space before drilling a shot inside the far post.
After some impressive attacking moves in the opening 45 minutes, Celtic now found themselves firmly on the back foot, with their best chances restricted to deliveries from set-pieces.
Angel Di Maria, another second-half replacement for the Spaniards, saw a shot spin narrowly wide before play was halted for around five minutes to allow McGeouch receive treatment following a serious clash of heads with Nuri Sahin.
The teenager eventually left the fray on a stretcher, with Marcus Fraser taking his place for the closing stages.
Di Maria threatened to increase Real's advantage as the clock ticked down but Celtic held on until the final whistle. It may have been a defeat but this was certainly a valuable exercise for the Hoops who will now turn their attention to a series of crucial games at home and in Europe.
CELTIC (4-4-2) Zaluska; Matthews, K. Wilson, Rogne, Izaguirre; McGeouch (Fraser 78), Kayal, Ledley, Mulgrew; Commons; Murphy (McGregor 33)
Not Used: Forster, Hooper
REAL MADRID (4-2-3-1) Adan (Casillas 46); Arbeloa (Varane 57) Ramos (Nacho Fernadez 57), Albiol, Coentrao (Sahin 71); Khedira (Granero 46), Alonso (Diarra 57) Callejon (Di Maria 57) Kaka (Benzema 46) Ronaldo (Ozil 57) Higuain (Morata 71)
Not Used: Pepe, Fernandez Collado, Rodriguez, A. Fernandez
Website Man of the Match: Thomas Rogne
Real Madrid 2-0 Celtic: Weakened Celtic punch above weight in defeat
Scotland on Sunday
By KEN MCNIVEN
Published on Sunday 12 August 2012 03:10
IN WHAT was billed as their biggest glamour friendly in years, Celtic lost to Real Madrid in Philadelphia last night, but surely gained a huge confidence boost as their weakened team conceded just two goals and showed they could trouble a Spanish team full of superstars.
Scorers: Real Madrid – Callejón 21; Benzema 67
Injuries to Dylan McGeouch, Daryl Murphy and Anthony Stokes – who did not take part after a warm-up problem – will be more of a concern to Celtic than the loss, which was almost inevitable given the stellar quality of their opponents.
American Football surface markings on the Lincoln Financial Field may have confused all the players, but this match was about good football and, as friendlies go, this was a superior example of the genre.
Not that friendly – Celtic always maintain they play competitive matches, not feeble training exercises, and so it proved as Real Madrid more than matched the SPL champions in commitment with a few stinging tackles exchanged. Nor was this a mere cosmetic exercise for the American television market.
Jose Mourinho, who learned to respect Celtic when he managed Porto to beat the Glaswegian club in the 2003 UEFA Cup final in Seville, fielded the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Alberoa, Kaka, Xabi Alonso, Higuain, Sergio Ramos, Fabio Coentrao, Sami Khedira while the Spaniards even had Mesut Özil of Germany on the bench.
For various reasons, Celtic were missing half the first XI in captain Scott Brown, South Korean Olympic bronze medallist Ki Sung-yeung – he is now excused military service as a consequence of that achievement – Victor Wanyama, James Forrest and Georgios Samaras, so any claim that the Scottish champions were playing Real Madrid reserves is nonsense.
Indeed, after Stokes pulled out late and was replaced by Thomas Rogne, you could argue it was the other way around.
Both sides also played their ?second-string goalkeepers, Madrid starting with Antonio Adan and Celtic putting Lukas Zaluska between the sticks in place of ?Fraser Forster. It was Zaluska who had the busier first half. Celtic manager Neil Lennon sent his men out to play a pressing game but Real are past masters at coping with such tactics and though Celtic started well, with Kris Commons in excellent form, it was Real who ?produced the first serious threat.
Ronaldo – who else – shot just wide after 17 minutes, before Kaka’s angled shot produced an excellent save from Zaluska two minutes later.
The goal was only delayed, however. In the 22nd minute, Celtic’s defence fankled up after a superb through-ball from Alonso. Higaiun looked ready to score but the ball broke to Jose Maria Callejon who shot home despite the suspicion of offside. Xabi Alonso went on to dictate matters in midfield, despite the sterling efforts of Beram Kayal and Commons. Yet in the 29th minute Ronaldo nearly made it two with a superb curler that went just outside the post.
McGeouch’s corner was almost met by Joe Ledley before Callum McGregor came on for the injured Murphy.
Right at the end of the half, ?Ledley’s superb run and shot nearly shocked Real Madrid, but it may have also sprung the Spanish side into action.
They dominated the start of the second half, not least because Iker Casillas replaced Adan in goal. Real’s defence looked absolutely solid from then on and Celtic barely created a chance.
Rogne foiled replacement Karim Benzema and Kelvin Wilson ?managed to turn a goalbound ?Coentrao shot wide.
In the 72nd minute, there was one of those moments that makes every player and spectator worry. ?McGeouch, who had played well in midfield, rose to challenge Nuri Sahin and landed on the deck unconscious.
It appeared that the Celtic player swallowed his tongue, and the Madrid players went to his immediate aid.
He recovered consciousness but the teenager left the field on a stretcher six minutes later, his neck in a brace.
It was sickening to see, and the Celtic players were understandably upset.
Real Madrid’s players also seemed unsettled, but that did not stop them going further ahead, ?substiute Özil’s wonderful crossfield pass finding Benzema who shot low from an angle.
Celtic simply could not create any chances worthy of the name as the match neared its end, but Real Madrid were also unable to do much.
A fair result in the end, but Celtic may take the greater heart from this game in the long run.
TEAMS
Real Madrid: Adan; Arbeloa, Albiol, Sergio Ramos, Coentrao; Khedira, Xabi Alonso; Kaka, Callejon, Ronaldo; Higuain. Subs used: Granero Molina, Casillas, Benzema, Di Maria, Özil, Nacho, Sahin, Morata.
Celtic: Zaluska; Matthews, Wilson, Mulgrew, Izaguirre, Rogne; McGeouch, Kayal, Ledley, Commons; Murphy. Subs used: Rogne, McGregor, Fraser.
Celtic family pays tribute to Irish famine victims in Philadelphia
By: Mark Henderson in Philadelphia on 11 Aug, 2012 14:38 ANTHONY Stokes accepted a presentation from the Irish Famine Memorial Committee on behalf of Celtic following a poignant and moving ceremony in Philadelphia on Friday.
As Celtic supporters pour into the city of brotherly love for today´s glamour friendly with Real Madrid a group of fans held a rally and blessing at the city´s Irish memorial at Penn´s Landing.
The remarkable sculpture, which was built almost 10 years ago, vividly brings to life the tragic human history of An Gorta Mor.
While it commemorates the misery and suffering of the millions who died and were forced to flee their homeland, it also recognises the great contribution Irish immigrants have made in the new world.
After an opening speech by Celtic supporter and event organiser, Seamus Cummins, Marist Brother, Brice Byczynski, spoke about Celtic´s founder Brother Walfrid and offered a blessing.
John Donovanof the Irish Famine Committee then presented lithograph prints of the original design of the Philadelphia monument to Stokes, Brother Brice and journalist Phil Mac Giolla Bhain.
There were also speeches from Phil Mac Giolla Bhain, and Kevin Boyle, a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, before the event concluded with a rendetion of the Fields of Athenry.
Pictured above, from left, at Philadelphia´s Irish Memorial, are Seamus Cummins, Anthony Stokes and John Donovan.